Coast Community News 397

The NSW Government has been slammed for “despicable” and “shameful” actions in State Parliament to defer the ready-togo PEP-11 Bill.

On Thursday, June 29, the Government supported a Motion from Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich to refer the Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition Bill 2023) to the Standing Committee on Environment and Planning for scrutiny.

The Bill relates to PEP-11, an application for offshore oil and gas exploration over an 8,200sqm areas

stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said

the Bill could create legal risks for NSW and conflict with Commonwealth law, with unintended consequences. He said the NSW Government

supported the actions of Independent MP Alex Greenwich to ensure there was full scrutiny of the Bill and to avoid possible further legal action relating to PEP-11.

“Central Coast Labor MPs have opposed the PEP-11 proposal at both a state and federal level and have campaigned to stop the exploration going ahead,” Harris said.

“We want to see this offshore mining process ended but the action of the former Coalition government demonstrated that intervention must be lawful and consistent with state and federal laws. Continued

Some of the cast and crew from the film Bouddi Wild Swim | Photo: Marc Charette

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Be part of the plastic pollution solution

July is plastic-free month, a global campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution and ways we can minimise its use in our everyday lives.

The global campaign started in Australia in 2011 and is organised by the Plastic Free Foundation.

The movement stops about 300 million kilograms of plastic pollution entering waste sites and the environment each year in Australia.

not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines. Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

Editor: Ross Barry, David Abrahams (Digital Editor)

Journalists: Terry Collins, Sue Murray

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Phone: (02) 4325 7369

Email to: editorial@centralcoastnews.net

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ABOUT US

Central Coast Newspapers

Pty Ltd (CCN) is a locally owned and operated, independent news media business, providing local print and digital news to communities across the Central Coast.

CCN publishes the Coast Community News weekly with over 28,000 copies available via more than 250 distribution points all across the Central Coast.

Most stories can be viewed on coastcommunitynews. com.au

CCN seeks to uphold the core purpose of the free press,

that is, to provide real, publicinterest journalism without fear or prejudice, to keep communities informed about local issues and events and to ensure powerful interest groups, public and private, are held to account.

Our news content is originated through our own team of experienced, local journalists as well as external sources, including media releases and public notices. All our content is subject to strict editorial standards (available on the website).

Ross Barry, Publisher

Last year 3.3 million Australians and 140 million people worldwide were involved in the campaign.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and other Federal Members from across Australia have united to support the

campaign.

“I am passionate about reducing my plastic use and I know that a lot of people living

on the Central Coast are also looking for ways to reduce their plastic use,” Reid said.

“Simple steps can be taken to

reduce our plastic footprint, such as choosing to bring your own re-useable bags to the shopping centre or bringing a re-useable coffee cup to your local café instead of using a plastic cup”.

“Every effort to reduce plastic means less waste ending up in our waste management sites or natural environment.

“I encourage people living on the Central Coast to be mindful of their plastic use during July and help reduce its impact on our sensitive environment.”

To learn more about Plastic Free July and the Plastic Free Foundation, visit: https://www. plasticfreejuly.org

Source:

Federal Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid

Vandalism spree sees public toilets closed

A vandalism spree involving everything from deliberately lit fires to smears of faeces has forced the closure of several public toilets, with Central Coast Council calling for witnesses from the community.

Council Director of Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said community spaces and facilities were targeted by a senseless spree of vandalism over the weekend July 1-2, forcing the closure of some public and disabled toilets during the peak school holiday period and requiring expensive clean-up and repairs.

Bolgoff said seven public toilet amenities were vandalised, with three requiring temporary closure because of fire damage.

“Council staff have already assessed, cleaned-up and reopened some of the facilities, however, some public toilets at The Entrance and Long Jetty were so badly damaged that sections of the facilities will be

IN MEMORIAM MORRIS, Allan Geoffrey

02.08.1949 – 29.06.2023

Aged 73 years

Late of Cundletown, formerly of Narara

Loved husband of Leah. Father of Rodney and Michael (dec.). Step-father to Ailie.

Family and friends of Allan are respectfully advised that he passed away peacefully last Thursday. In accordance with his wishes a private cremation has taken place.

temporarily closed until the extensive repair work can be undertaken,” he said.

Vandalised public toilets which are temporarily closed due to fire damage are at Gladstan Ave, Long Jetty; Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty; and Picnic Point, The Entrance.

Other vandalised public toilet facilities, which have since been reopened, include: Wiles Ave, Wamberal Beach, where glass was broken and spread throughout the facility; BATO Yard skate park, Bateau Bay, which was littered with graffiti; Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi, where faeces were thrown; and Hot Water Outlet, San Remo, which was also subjected to graffiti.

“When Council’s facilities are targeted the community is disadvantaged, not only from the closure of the facility and reduced aesthetics of the area, but also from the diversion of Council funds from community projects to clean and repair the damage,” Bolgoff said.

“These mindless attacks cost ratepayers money, cost our staff time and disrupt the public and visitors during these school holidays from using our

facilities.

“We are calling on the community to help apprehend these vandals and report any witnessed anti-social behaviour or vandalism to police.”

Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact Police, Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online. Report any crimes in progress to Police by calling 000 (triple zero).

Community members can report to Council any damage to public toilets, sports facilities, community recreation spaces and facilities by calling customer service on 4306 7900, or via Council’s online customer service centre.

Administrator Rik Hart said vandalism and damage of this type cost Council a significant amount each year.

“The cost to Council to repair this latest damage is estimated to be $20,000,” he said.

“Vandalism is an issue of community concern that takes away much-needed financial support from other services that Council can deliver for the Central Coast community.

“We want to reduce the level of vandalism in our community so that money can be used as intended – to deliver projects and services that our community needs, wants and values.”

“Anyone with information of these incidents is encouraged to report it to the police”.

Source: Central Coast Council

IN MEMORIAM MAGUIRE, Kevin James

10.05.1932 – 04.07.2023

Aged 91 years

Late of Point Clare

Loved son of Elizabeth and James (both dec.) Dear friend of Ken and Marie and family.

Friends of Kevin are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the Rose Chapel at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, Palmdale, on Wednesday 12 July 2023 commencing at 10.00 am.

Fire damage to the disabled toilet at Saltwater Creek, Long Jetty

Simple steps can be taken to reduce plastic

Concern over offshore wind farm ramps up

regarding the proposed Hunter offshore wind zone”.

“We have hosted a 65-day consultation, which included community information sessions at Wamberal and Doyalson in the south, Swansea, Newcastle, Bar Beach and Nelson Bay and Hawks Nest to the north,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the concerns of the Norah Head community would be considered, along with the 1,916 submissions received, before a final offshore wind zone off the Hunter is declared.

“The community feedback has highlighted support for job opportunities, investment in local manufacturing in the region and the need for more affordable energy,” the spokesperson said.

“As well as issues around how marine life could be impacted by future infrastructure development and the visibility of turbines from the coast.

“After a zone is declared, project proponents must also bid for feasibility licences and adhere to strict environmental processes through the EPBC before a project can go ahead.”

Terry Collins

Say Yes to the Voice rally

A rally in support of the Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament referendum set for later this year will be held in Kibble Park, Gosford, from 1-2.30pm on Saturday, July 8.

It follows multiple rallies hosted by Yes23.com.au all over the nation on July 1.

Organiser Kim de Bruis said the rally would be a public show of support for the establishment of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and had been timed to take place during NAIDOC Week (July 2-9).

“I’m new to Central Coast, having relocated from Adelaide, but I’ve closely followed the initiative of The Uluru Statement from the Heart and the recommendation which became An Indigenous Voice to Parliament,” de Bruis said.

“And now the next stage is putting that recommendation to the vote.

“I am originally from New Zealand and the inclusion of Maori representation to parliament has profoundly benefited the national identity.

“A nation that identifies with its indigenous culture no longer tolerates systemic discrimination.”

Some First Nations people will share their very personal

stories, non-Indigenous supporters will also speak and Yes23 will be giving away information handouts, with representatives available to answer questions such as What is The Voice? Why does Australia need it? And What will it do?

“This vote will give all Australians the chance to come together and consider a change to our constitution that will honour and celebrate the rights, history, and ongoing relationship of Indigenous Australians with this land,” the Yes23 website says.

“It’s a rare chance to make a major positive impact now and for future generations.

“Australia has been considering constitutional

recognition for more than 15 years.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have asked that the form of recognition come through a Voice to Parliament, which will give advice on laws and policies that affect Indigenous people.

“This is what the Australian people are now being asked to decide: Should we recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the constitution, with a Voice?

“A Voice will provide advice to the Federal Parliament about laws and policies, through a consultative policy making process that delivers meaningful structural change.”

Source: Kim de Bruis

The rally will be held in Kibble Park on July 8

Public forum trial a “costly flop”

Community activist Kevin Brooks has labelled the now-cancelled public forum trial by Central Coast Council a “costly flop”.

The three-month trial, which saw the public forum traditionally held immediately prior to each Council general meeting moved to the evening before the meeting, was abandoned by Administrator Rik Hart at the June 27 meeting after just two months.

Brooks was one of eight community activists who put out a joint statement opposing the change in public forum timing when it was first announced.

“Mr Hart did not mention at the meeting that the trial was an expensive flop with each of the first two meetings convened to hear just one five-minute speech respectively,” he said.

“How much did this cost given the whole executive attended plus staff (many on overtime) and the building kept open?

“This trial, designed to undermine the effectiveness of the public forum by separating it from the Council meeting, has been a costly flop.

“We don’t know precisely how much the trial cost because the Administrator announced it without the usual accompanying report setting out financial implications.

“In fact, the change was introduced without any formal resolution or due process at all, and in breach of Council’s own policy.

“The Administrator now needs to be transparent about the cost of this trial and the lawful basis for such expenditure.”

Brooks said with Council still under administration, the public forum had been perhaps the “only authentic part of the Council meeting”.

“It demonstrated the importance of public scrutiny in

ensuring that those who govern us are accountable and answerable to the community,” he said.

“If Council executives are unable to respond effectively to forum speakers because they are not across their own reports and briefs, then they need to raise their game.

“That is what public scrutiny is about and why it is important in promoting improved performance and accountability.

“It is disappointing that the Administrator chose instead to undermine the public forum.”

But Administrator Rik Hart said the trial had been implemented to review the current public forum format before the return of councillors next year, and to ensure that Council is operating with the best model for the councillor decision-making process to take place.

“Various measures were implemented during the trial which increased the opportunity for community members to have their say and were trialled in line with Council policies,” he said “These measures included:

extended timeframe for registered public forum speakers from three minutes to five minutes; increased maximum number of speaker slots available from six to eight; increased flexibility to discuss Council-related matters not listed on the meeting agenda should time allow; more time for Council staff to consider their feedback and for the governing body to consider such feedback prior to making its decision at the following Council meeting; and increased flexibility with format, as speakers could address the Council in-person or online.” Hart said it was important to note that the public forum is not part of the Council meeting.

“This is a deliberate decision by the Office of Local Government (OLG) under their model Code of Conduct to separate the two functions (public forum and Council meeting) as they have different purposes,” he said.

“The public forum is about hearing community’s views, while Council meetings are about making governance decisions.

“The public forum is designed

to enable the governing body to hear the views of members of the community – not for Council staff to respond to their portfolios.

“Public forums at Central Coast Council have, in the past, been operating outside the bounds of their purpose, and even mimicked Question Time in Parliament.

“This format is not the intended purpose for a public forum in local government, nor does it display good governance.

“The trial change would allow the governing body to hear the comments of speakers, then have 24 hours to seek further information as required prior to the Council meeting, to ensure they can make best decision for the whole community.”

Hart said claims that the trial was expensive are unfounded.

“If cost was the defining factor for decision-making, public forums and Council meetings would be held during business hours,” he said. “Instead, they are held out of business hours to increase community access and participation.

“I have strongly encouraged

community participation and feedback from the outset and throughout the trial period.

“Council received early feedback on this trial change and I considered the opinions and comments made to me directly.

“Despite the intended benefits to the community and Council governance upon the return of councillors next year, the feedback I received informed my decision to cancel the remaining period of the trial.

“I have maintained that this was an opportunity to increase community participation and to ensure that we are well prepared for the return of councillors in just 14 months’ time.

“I also note that the incoming councillors will have the opportunity to review the public forum to determine a format that works best for them.

“However, the views of the community are important to me, which informed my decision to cancel the remainder of the trial at the June 2023 meeting.”

Terry Collins

Flag raising ceremony to mark NAIDOC Week

Central Coast Council held a community flag-raising ceremony and morning tea on Monday, July 3, to mark NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week is an important annual event held across Australia from July 2-9 with the aim of celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living culture on earth.

Elders are recognised for their leadership, knowledge, progression, advocacy, teaching and care for others.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services

Melanie Smith said that in addition to the official celebrations, local libraries would be hosting educational activities themed around Aboriginal experiences and knowledge.

“There is a rich history of First Nations culture on the Central Coast and these activities are always popular and book out fast during the July school holidays,” she said.

songs, legends and art through virtual reality and the Koori Kinnections school holiday workshop at Tuggerah and Erina libraries where kids can build their own canoes and play games.

“Umina will be hosting Dreamtime Story events with The Aunties from Mingaletta.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart acknowledged the importance of NAIDOC Week and said Council was working hard to develop strong relationships with local First Nations people.

Administrator Rik Hart receives a $320,000 annual wage

In 2023 the theme for the week is For Our Elders, which recognises the role that Elders play in First Nations communities and families.

“Activities this year include the Pamagirri group transporting viewers, in a full 360-degree view, to far north Queensland demonstrating

“NAIDOC Week is vitally important for community education and celebration,” he said.

Source: Central Coast Council Community event For Our Elders

Wages set for our next Central Coast councillors

When new councillors are finally elected for the Central Coast in September next year, they will each be looking at an annual salary of $34,330.

The new salaries were approved at Council’s general meeting on June 27, with the Mayor to receive $106,960 per annum and the Deputy Mayor to expect $9,980 (to be deducted from the Mayor’s wage) on top of his

councillor salary.

If the region were to retain 15 councillors (as it had prior to the sacking of Council) this would see a combined wages figure for elected representatives of $587,580.

If the number of councillors were to be reduced to nine, as it has been recommended by current Administrator Rik Hart, that wages package would reduce to $381,600.

The wages set are the highest

amount allowable under the recent annual determination of fees for 2023-24 made by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

Central Coast Council remains in the category of Major Strategic Area, with the tribunal determining a three per cent increase in the minimum and maximum fees applicable to each category.

The remuneration span for a Major Strategic Area is the

same as for a Major Regional City.

Submissions addressing fees sought an increase of 2.5 per cent or greater.

Among reasons cited for an increase were significant workload, responsibilities, capabilities, duties and expanding nature of mayor and councillor roles.

Some submissions also suggested that an increase in remuneration could assist in

improving the diversity of potential candidates.

As a point of interest, Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart is currently paid $320,000 per annum – just under three times the newly approved mayoral salary and only $61,600 shy of combined mayoral and councillor wages under a nine-councillor model.

Terry Collins

Community activist Kevin Brooks

Central Coast Council has adopted the Woy Woy Peninsula Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (FRMSP), setting out measures to prepare for future flooding events.

The plan will serve as a guide for priorities for Council, communities and the State Emergency Service (SES).

Prepared by DHI Pty Ltd, the plan encompasses the Woy Woy Peninsula including the Kahibah Creek catchment.

The FRMSP quantifies the nature and extent of existing flooding issues and recommends actions to better manage the existing, future, and continuing flood risk.

It also seeks to build community resilience to flooding and includes flood mitigation works, emergency management plans, flood warning processes, land-use planning and suitable design of infrastructure and buildings.

The draft documents were on public exhibition from January

Council adopts flood plan for Peninsula

18 to February 15, with submissions evaluated and proposed amendments for flood management made to the final FRMSP.

The final report said the area was impacted by flooding from Brisbane Water as a result of ocean storm surge events and tidal inundation and catchment flooding as a result of rainfall events.

“Ocean storm surge events result in the elevation of the Brisbane Water estuary levels and can lead to flooding of the low-lying areas of the peninsula,” it said.

“During Brisbane Water flooding events, flood levels typically rise and fall over several hours, with inundation occurring for approximately five hours in a one per cent AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) event.

“Flood depths can be up to 0.9m at the peak of the one per cent AEP flood event in the areas with the lowest elevations.”

The report found that risks

associated with tidal inundation were not as significant on the Woy Woy Peninsula as other mechanisms of flooding.

“However, in the future, as a result of sea level rise, a large proportion of the low-lying regions of the study area will be subjected to frequent inundation from high tides,” it said.

“For example, in 2100, the lowest areas of the Woy Woy CBD will experience daily tidal depths of approximately 0.4m and king tide depths of approximately 0.7m.

“This will compromise the liveability of some portions of the suburbs through flooding of roads, services and private properties.

“Flooding from Brisbane Water can also impact to capacity of the existing drainage system … with elevated flood levels restricting flow discharging from local catchment flooding.”

Measures suggested in the plan include the installation of six infiltration devices along low-lying streets with a history

of ponding and nuisance flooding due to lack of drainage or drainage capacity even in minor flood events.

It also suggests a review of evacuation centre locations and flood warning systems, the erection of more flood warning signage, flood education programs and recommendations on land use and development control planning.

The most significant issues raised in the submissions included: the fact sea level rise

predictions are not informed by the latest International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports; insufficient consideration with respect to evacuation routes and access to Gosford Hospital; and general concern about the degree of development on the Woy Woy Peninsula and the increase in impervious surfaces on private property.

A report to Council’s June 27 meeting said all submissions were considered by staff and consultants with minor amendments and clarifications made to the final version.

Now that it has been adopted, the recommended actions identified within the FRMSP are eligible for grant funding from various external departments including the DPE under the NSW Floodplain Risk Management Program.

Read the final report at www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/sites/def ault/files/2023-06/woywoyfrms _final2.1_mainvolume_r1.pdf

Terry Collins

Reid hosts Voice information session at Hardys Bay

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid held a Voice to Parliament information session on Friday, June 30, at Hardys Bay Club.

The small club was packed out to hear Reid’s reasoning for promoting the Yes campaign.

Reid, who has Aboriginal heritage himself, initiated the discussions by explaining the historical background for the coming referendum.

He first referred to numerous historical initiatives to acknowledge Indigenous Australians.

He emphasised the 1967

Australian referendum where Australians voted to change the constitution so that, like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population for constitutional purposes.

He went on to list the numerous acknowledgments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the Native Title Act of 1993 and the 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017 was what Reid called the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on a proposal for substantive

recognition in Australian history.

Local businesswoman Jody Deemer said the most significant takeaway from Reid’s information session was the clarity he brought to the referendum debate.

“Dr Reid was clear that the constitutional change proposed in the referendum is a vote for a body of principles as outlined in the constitution,” she said.

“He clearly explained the procedural functions and legal responsibilities of the government after any constitutional change.”

An open letter to David Mehan MP, David Harris MP, Liesl Tesch MP and Yasmin Catley MP

Congratulations on being elected! Now you must try to fix the mess from the previous mob. Good luck! Reinstating a school for the Coast’s school refusers may not be high on your agenda, but you might like to know that five qualified teachers worked hard over five months on an application to do just that. Put back the school for the Coast’s most vulnerable teenagers. With Council support we found a great spot for the new school near The Entrance. PCYC were thrilled at the prospect of helping these kids. So what happened? The NSW Education and Standards Authority, NESA, found too many problems with the application, so we withdrew our application. So no school. Nothing for our school refusers.

Here’s why:

1. NESA wants school refusers to do the same curriculum as everyone else, even though many kids struggle with reading/writing. Our modified curriculum concentrated on improving the basics – reading and writing. NESA rejected this.

2. Helpful Council staff found great premises very likely to receive Council approval. NESA rejected them, saying others disapproved.

3. If we had pressed ahead ,NESA warned our application was likely to fail and falilng meant being banned for applying for five years. Banned for five years just for trying to help struggling teenagers on the Coast! So we

withdrew our application.

4. It costs thousands to apply, covering insurance etc to put together these applications. The teachers stumped up the money. But we all have had enough. Time to throw in the towel.

5. While ever the NSW Education and Standards Authority continues to dominate curriculum and what suits school refusers, Central Coast kids will never receive the help they truly need.

Gab McIntosh (retired Principal) Education Spokesperson

For the five experienced teachers who tried to help

Advertisement from the Indigenous Party of Australia

Flooding can be caused by tidal inundation and catchment overflow as a result of rainfall

David Abrahams Member for Robertson Gordon Reid addresses locals at a Voice to Parliament gathering in Hardys Bay

Putty Beach dune system regenerated

The Killcare Wagstaffe Trust has used a $10,000 grant through the Federal Government’s Planting Trees for The Queen’s Jubilee Program to rehabilitate the Putty Beach dune system.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid visited the site recently to check on the work.

“It is pleasing to see the outstanding work that has been achieved thanks to (this) funding,” Reid said.

“The dune system along Putty Beach and Killcare has been supported and rehabilitated through weed removal and re-planting works”.

“I commend and thank all the volunteers that have been involved with this project.

“A special thank you to David Legge and Gai Davies on all their work organising and ensuring this grant funding is put to good use.”

said the funding had been used to support a range of rehabilitation works.

“The site is part of the Putty Beach Reserve which is 25 hectares of bushland behind the dunes of Putty Beach, between the southern and northern sections of Bouddi National Park,” he said.

“It was sand mined in the 1960s and 70s and planted with bitou bush to stabilise the remains of the dunes.

“Bitou is an invasive weed which can take over healthy bush.

“Over the past 15 years a small group of local volunteers has worked to clear the bitou and encourage the regeneration of local species.

“Grants, such as The Queen’s Jubilee Program, help us

New van for Pacific Link thanks to Bendigo

Pacific Link Housing is the owner of a new Community Connect Van thanks to Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank.

The significant contribution will strengthen Pacific Link Housing’s ability to connect with tenants and the broader community through its events and activities.

Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch stressed the transformative power of community collaboration.

“When the community works together, great things happen,” he said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Bendigo Bank for their donation.

“Their support exemplifies the spirit of corporate social responsibility and highlights the positive change that can be achieved when businesses and community organisations come together for the benefit of the broader community.”

Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank

Call for accountability of Administrator role

The Central Coast Activists Collective is calling on the NSW Government for accountability on the current role of the Administrator of Central Coast Council.

Collective spokesperson Allen Slater said they wanted the Government to advise on the current tenure of the Administrator and his role and responsibilities and an up-todate assessment of his performance in the job and

accountability to the residents.

The Collective has written to Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris seeking answers.

“We’re taking this action because since 2015 the Central Coast has been subject to the decisions of three different Administrators,” Slater said.

“Also, despite the fact that

the Administrator claims that our Council finances are ‘back in the black’, the sale of our community assets continues.

“Further to that, there hasn’t been any assessment of the Administrator’s performance in his role, despite the change of government in NSW.

“The Central Coast community lost its local government democracy in October 2020 and since that time we have

employ contractors to deal with the more problematic areas that are beyond the scope of a group working for a couple of hours a week.

“Once rehabilitated, these areas can be managed as part of the weekly regeneration sessions.

“We are grateful to the Federal Government for supporting the work of local volunteers.”

If you would like to get involved with the Killcare Wagstaffe Trust email killcarewagstaffetrust@gmail. com or visit www.killcare wagstaffetrust.org.au

been hit with increased rates, reduced or no services and the ongoing sale of our assets.

“This situation is further exacerbated by the fact that there will be no local government elections until September 2024 and yet the new government has not seen fit to assess the situation to determine whether the current administration of our affairs is meeting our needs in any way.”

Branch Manager Pat Italiano said that as a community bank, Bendigo Bank saw immense value in supporting local initiatives that brought people together.

“It is heartwarming to know that this contribution will create positive experiences for Pacific Link Housing’s tenants and the wider community,” he said.

Source: Pacific Link Housing

Central Coast Activists Collective is a group “determined to make the Central Coast a better place”. Their meetings are held from 11.30am to 1pm on the first Wednesday of each month, except December and January, at Ourimbah Lisarow RSL Club, 20 Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah.

Source: Central Coast Activists Collective

Trust member David Legge

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with David Legge and Gai Davies at Killcare Beach

From left: Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank Chairman Mick Gage, Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch, Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank Director Kerry Watkins, Nicole Harvey of Pacific Link, Adelle Laing of Pacific Link and Ettalong Beach Bendigo Bank Branch Manager Pat Italiano

Crouch launches petition to save travel card

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, alongside the NSW Nationals and regional Liberals, has launched a petition to save the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Crouch said he hopes the petition will help to save the $250 card from being cut by the Labor Government in the upcoming NSW budget.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a lifeline for seniors in our community, with 47,000 seniors using the card on the Central Coast.” he said.

“Using this $250 prepaid card provides much needed support for our Central Coast seniors at

a time when the cost of living is sky high, and among those who feel it most are our seniors.

“This card is absolutely vital to supporting our seniors getting out and about in our

community, whether that be using the $250 prepaid card to go see family and friends, do

the shopping and attend doctor’s appointments.

“I hope we can get as many people as possible on the Coast to sign this petition to send a clear message to the Labor Government to keep funding this important cost of living measure.”

Since 2020, more than one million cards have been issued helping seniors maintain their independence by easing the cost of travel, with the Central Coast being one of the regions with the largest amount of card users, in NSW.

“Over the coming weeks I will be asking people to share this petition far and wide to save

Four community projects receive funding

Four organisations are to share in $12,683.85 of funding through the latest round of Central Coast Council’s Community Support Grant program.

Tuggerah Lakes Art Society will receive $2,655.55 for its Our Natural World Expo and Auspicious Arts Projects gets $2,841.30 for its CLIPPED Music Video and Karaoke projects.

Crommelin Native Arboretum

at Pearl Beach will use its $5,000 to fund the Ephemeral Art Trail and the 5 Lands Walk will receive $2,187 to pay for its banners.

Three of the seven applications in this round were not recommended for funding because they did not demonstrate a broader community benefit.

They were Terrigal Outrigger Canoe Club, Toukley District Cycle Club and Music NSW.

The Community Support Grant Program remains open throughout the year to provide assistance for community activities that require in-kind support through the provision of subsidised access to Council services and financial assistance for community activities that require a smaller amount of support.

Council’s grant programs are provided to support the community to deliver quality

our Regional Seniors Travel Card so seniors in our community can continue to do things they love and need to do,” Crouch said.

“I’ll also be calling on the four Central Coast Labor MPs to stand with me and support the petition to protect the Regional Seniors Travel Card, which is used by seniors across all of our electorates.”

Sign the petition at www. nswnationals.org.au/save-thetravel-card

programs, projects or events that build connections, celebrate the local community, align with the One-Central Coast Community Strategic Plan and build capacity across the entire region.

The Community Support Grant Program provides a combined budget of $300,000 annually.

Source: Central Coast Council meeting, Jun 27

More flexible access at libraries to suit users

Bateau Bay and Kariong libraries are next in line to offer extended hours access as part of the Library@yourtime program.

The extended library service follows the success of the initiative providing additional access at Toukley Library over the past year.

The innovative program uses technology to monitor selfaccess, self-service loans and returns, computers and printing as well as lighting, alarms, and public safety.

Central Coast Council Libraries and Education Unit Manager, Beth Burgess, said Library@yourtime at Toukley Library had been embraced enthusiastically by library members.

“Library@yourtime lets inducted library members have access to the library outside regular staffed hours and complements our services during staffed hours, where library members can receive help and guidance as required,” she said.

“As always, our extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, homework help, music streaming and more are also available 24/7 via Council’s website.”

Participants of Library@ yourtime must be over the age of 18 and meet the terms and conditions of the program, including completing a building and safety induction course. Access is via a swipe card and children under the age of

18 must be accompanied by an inducted adult.

Inductions for library@ yourtime, in the new locations at Bateau Bay and Kariong will be available from mid-June.

Patrons interested in this access can contact Kariong or Bateau Bay branches for session dates and times, or simply for more information.

Council Administrator Rik

Hart said this was a great example of how Council was creating better services to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community.

“Our libraries are continually reviewing their services and facilities to meet the changing needs of library users, including how people want to visit, borrow items and enjoy their library experience,” he said.

“Through Library@yourtime, library members can enjoy services at times that suit their lifestyles, whether that be commuters on their way to or from work, or students and families wishing to utilise the space and library services on weekends.”

These new services have been made possible through funding from a State Library of

Support to defer PEP-11 Bill “shameful”

From page 1

“Unlike the Liberal-National Party, we won’t jeopardise the process by playing politics with this issue.

“It is important we allow the proper process to play out because we have seen what happens when conservative

governments have gotten involved and caused delay in this area.”

But Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch says that if the Minns Labor Government was all for environmental protection as it says, it would be supporting the Bill instead of “kicking it down the road”.

“It is simply despicable that the Government has decided to kick this Bill, which would protect our pristine coastline from polluting offshore drilling and mining, down the road into committee,” he said. Crouch said the deferral of the Bill to the Environment and Planning Committee would

prevent any progress being made until November at the very earliest.

“It is shameful that this welldrafted and ready-to-go Bill will not see the light of day until November at the very earliest, which conveniently is at the end of the Parliamentary sittings for 2023,” he said.

“The actions taken by the Minns Labor Government leave the door open to proponents of PEP-11 to push ahead with projects.

“The unintended consequence of deferring this Bill is that it signals to companies wanting to undertake offshore drilling and

New South Wales Local Priority Grant.

Library@yourtime will extend the normal operational times so that inducted members can access the libraries every day between 7am and 7pm.

Contact Kariong Library 4325 8155 to become a Library@ yourtime member

Contact Bateau Bay Library 4350 1580 to become a Library@yourtime member

To access online library services, become a library member or sign up to the library e-news, visit libraries. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

The Central Coast Library Service app is also available to download for free from Apple iTunes or Google Play.

Source: Central Coast Council

mining that it’s acceptable to go ahead, as the Government would rather save its own face than take real steps to protect our environment.”

Sue Murray

Last year’s winning installation in the Ephemeral Art Trail, Which Super Wildflower are You? by Anna Westcott and Cecile Ferguson

Source: Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch with long-time Terrigal residents Margaret and Ray Shipley

Two more libraries extend opening hours

One of Coastlink’s most popular accommodation venues has been renamed Roberts Lodge in honour of the organisation’s longestserving board member, Helen Roberts.

The renaming was made official at a ceremony held at the venue on July 3, which was attended by Helen Roberts and her family, as well as Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, Coastlink Board Members, staff and residents and carers from the Lodge.

An organisational stalwart, Helen Roberts gave two decades of voluntary contribution to Coastlink, and was also recently honoured as the organisation’s first-ever Life Member.

Having been appointed to the Coastlink Board in 2003, she offered a wealth of experience in disability, aged care and transport services from her work as the CEO of Community Transport

New name for Coastlink Lodge

Central Coast, as well as her roles on the Community Transport State Peak Body Board and other local not-for-profit boards.

Coastlink Chair John Mouland said renaming the venue allowed the organisation to pay tribute to an individual who was so committed to improving the lives of people living with disability on the Central Coast.

“On behalf of Coastlink’s Board, our staff and our clients, I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Helen for her passion and dedication over the past two decades,” he said.

“Renaming our group home at Watanobbi Roberts Lodge is one way we are able to recognise her for her unfailing involvement, influence and input.

“Helen was instrumental in setting the direction of Coastlink during her tenure, and I believe this was a fitting way for us to honour her longstanding

contribution.”

Coastlink CEO John Davis said it was a privilege to be able to officially rename Coastlink Lodge to Roberts Lodge.

“People like Helen are the lifeblood of our organisation, and it’s only through this kind of

dedication and vision that we’re able to achieve our purpose: assisting individuals living with disability to live lives of choice, inclusion and opportunity,” he said.

“Each and every day, our Board, Senior Management Team and staff members work together to

ensure we can maintain our reputation as the Central Coast’s most trusted disability and aged care provider.

“On behalf of every member of the Coastlink community, I would like to thank Helen for all she has done to grow and strengthen our organisation.”

The newly renamed Roberts Lodge accommodation was first opened as Coastlink Lodge in 2019.

Residents living with disability are supported to live as independently as possible, with a dedicated team of support workers always on-hand to assist and support them every step of the way.

They are also able to access Coastlink’s wide range of social and community activities, including Day Programs, Individual Supports and Community Access outings. You can learn more about Coastlink’s wide range of disability, aged care and accommodation options at coastlink.org.au, or by following the organisation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Source: Coastlink

Hotel charged over alleged gaming breaches

The hotel licensee of Chittaway Bay Tavern will face charges in court over alleged breaches of NSW gaming laws following investigations by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The regulator found alleged breaches including: situating gaming machines in a manner whereby they were visible from outside the hotel; locating an ATM in an area where gaming machines were kept; and compelling patrons to pass

through the gaming room to access the ATM.

On November 22, 2022, Liquor & Gaming NSW conducted an inspection of the venue and allegedly identified that the gaming machines were positioned where they

could be seen from outside the hotel, breaching Clause 8(2)(e) of the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.

During that inspection, an ATM was allegedly found in the same area that gaming machines were kept, in breach

of NSW gaming laws.

A re-inspection on December 10, 2022 allegedly found that patrons were required to pass through the gaming room to access the ATM.

The licensee of Chittaway Bay

Tavern, Dianne Lee Walsh, is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court in relation to the charges on July 11.

Source: Liquor & Gaming NSW

From left: Coastlink Board Members Dr Brok Glenn, Nicole Redmond and Ainslie Whitburn, Helen Roberts, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Coastlink Chair, John Mouland

Tesch reflects on the government’s first 100 days

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has reflected on the achievements of the Minns Labor State Government during its first 100 days in office.

In what she described as “a busy couple of months”, Tesch said the new Government, elected in March, had delivered the biggest pay increase for NSW public sector workers in more than a decade; taken significant steps to reduce the impact of energy price increases; transferred thousands of temporary teachers and support staff to permanent contracts; begun the transition to safe staffing levels in our hospitals; and made renting fairer while delivering more affordable housing.

She said being appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion was “a huge privilege”.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with such an important portfolio; to say I am excited is an understatement,” she said.

“As Parliamentary Secretary, I will work to create a more accessible and inclusive state and continue to work on behalf

of vulnerable people and communities across NSW.”

On the local front, Tesch said a highlight had been joining Premier Chris Minns to confirm a funding pledge for the Wildlife Walkabout Sanctuary at Calga.

“Wildlife habitat in the Central Coast sanctuary will be better protected with the NSW Government fulfilling the $50,000 election commitment,” she said.

“Support from the NSW Government will go towards additional fencing and equipment to better protect animals on the Sanctuary site and accelerate recovery of degraded areas.

“The proposed program of work at the Sanctuary has been guided by the advice of ecologists, horticulturists, and the NSW Local Land Services (Greater Sydney) team.

“This is just the start of creating a sanctuary that will continue to provide education, conservation and protection of our native animals right here on the Central Coast.”

Tesch said the Government would deliver $3.7M to improve access to soccer facilities and programs on the Central Coast.

The commitment is in conjunction with the Central Coast Mariners who will cofund the investment to improve

grassroots, youth and female participation in Central Coast sport.

The commitment will go towards constructing a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah accessible to up to 17,000 local community sport members; contributing to the Central Coast Mariners’ community support programs for at-riskyouth and disadvantaged adults; and funding for modern training facilities for the new Central Coast A-League Women’s team.

“There are currently no local synthetic playing fields available for use by the

community,” Tesch said.

“This means that there are few pitches in the area that are available year-round with reliable quality, limiting the capacity for both community and professional teams to consistently train.

“In 2022, record rain in NSW caused havoc for sporting teams, games and training.

“The synthetic pitch will offer better drainage and also provide an essential facility for women’s football and sport on the Central Coast.”

Tesch said the extension of the 24-hour Commissioner to the Central Coast would see

Sign up for grants information

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid wants to make sure all community organisations, sporting clubs, P&Cs, not-for-profit organisations, and veterans groups are aware of government grants they could be eligible for.

He is urging organisations to sign up to his grant’s information list, through which he regularly notifies subscribers of open and upcoming grant opportunities.

At this stage, subscribers will be notified about Federal Government grants but in the long term Reid hopes the list

huge improvements to the region’s night life.

“The 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will lead a coordinated and collaborative effort with council, communities, industry, and creatives on the Central Coast to build a strong and vibrant night-time economy that prioritises live entertainment,” she said.

Tesch said she would continue to agitate for a permanent dredging solution for Ettalong channel and support the Mangrove Mountain and Mountain Districts community in opposing a feedlot development proposed on the mountain.

She counted a $4,600 grant to the Umina Beach Junior Rugby League Club to upgrade its webpage and communication channels and attending the recent University of Newcastle graduation ceremony as other highlights of her first 100 days as an MP with the governing party in NSW.

She urged residents with any concerns to contact her office on 4342 4122 or at gosford@ parliament.nsw.gov.au

will encompass State Government and private sector grants as well.

“Throughout the year there are Federal Government grant opportunities that organisations like sporting clubs and P&Cs can apply for,” Reid said.

“I want to ensure that people on the Central Coast are aware of these grant opportunities.

“By subscribing to my grants’ information list, you will regularly receive information about open and upcoming grant opportunities.

“Already there have been several grant opportunities, including the Federal

Government’s Stronger Communities Program and the Volunteer Grants.

“It is great to see government grants going to outstanding projects in the community that have huge social benefits.

“I look forward to being able to connect community organisations with grant opportunities that strengthen our region and support our people.”

To subscribe to Dr Reid’s grants information list, visit: www.drgordonreidmp.com.au/ community-support/grants

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary at Calga

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with recent nursing graduates at the University of Newcastle

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and

New high-tech equipment for firefighters

A new state-of-the-art aerial platform will be stationed on the Central Coast to assist Fire and Rescue teams tackle highrise emergencies.

The $2.5M high-tech appliance is one of four new Aerial Platforms purchased by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) – the others going to Hornsby, Sydney’s west and south.

Featuring Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology, the trucks use a mix of foam and water to extinguish fires faster than previous models, and thereby use less water.

The vehicles have three tanks, holding 1,650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam in total, and have the capacity to pump at 6,000 litres a minute, – the most powerful pump on any Fire and Rescue appliance.

The platform’s ladder and enclosed cage can extend 24m in height, have a lateral reach of 11m and can lower three metres below the appliance, allowing firefighters to fight blazes or carry out rescues at various heights and rise over factory roofs to get to the seats

of fires.

FRNSW is investing $38M in a 15-vehicle aerial fleet that includes four large, 45m Bronto ladder platforms already protecting Wollongong, Newcastle, Crows Nest and Parramatta.

Additional CAFS aerial platforms are stationed in Newcastle and Sydney’s

Investigation into fraudulent conduct

south-west.

FRNSW Acting Commissioner Megan Stiffler said the new aerial unit allowed FRNSW to improve existing measures to protect our growing skyline.

“Whether it’s a fire in a broad industrial complex or a highrise rescue, this appliance allows us to be prepared for anything,” she said.

Source: Fire and Rescue

A man has been charged with more than 20 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception after an allegedly stolen credit card was used at businesses across the Central Coast.

In June 2023, police from the Brisbane Water Proactive Crime Investigation Team commenced an investigation into several fraudulent

Many find comfort in visiting a Memorial Site, especially at special times of the year like Father’s Day. It is a place to remain symbolically, emotionally and spiritually connected to our loved ones.

Join us this Father’s Day for a complimentary morning tea in the tranquil surroundings of our beautiful gardens to reflect and remember.

transactions they believed were linked.

Following inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Karalta Rd, Erina, at about 1.40pm on Wednesday, June 28.

A 31-year-old man was arrested at the scene before

being taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with 21 counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception, two counts of larceny, and aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court.

Source: NSW Police

Animal rescued from forest

Crews from the Rural Fire Brigades at Ourimbah and Berkeley Vale Rural had a rescue of a very different kind on their hands last week.

On Tuesday, June 27, they were called on to assist with the rescue of a horse.

Due to rugged terrain and limited vehicle access to the area, crews made their way into Ourimbah State Forest on foot, where they had found a horse and owner stuck down a small trail.

Crews worked together to clear the surrounding

vegetation and, with encouragement from the

owner, the horse was able to safely walk out.

Source: Berkeley Vale RFS

Rescue of a different kind

The new high-tech appliance

In Forum (CCN 396) a prorenewables advocate wonders if proponents of nuclear have shares in the nuclear industry.

Equally one could ask whether he has shares in the renewables industry or makes money from construction.

I belong to neither and speak from a point of view of the interest of Australia.

He is right in that nuclear has a significant problem in dealing

Ignoring inconvenient truths and facts

with spent fuel and the end-oflife of the reactors.

This is not a reason to dismiss nuclear out of hand given that stand-alone renewables (solar and wind) are not fit for purpose for Australia’s electricity needs.

Nuclear needs to be assessed better, as do renewables.

This proponent of renewables states that renewables are free.

Any large-scale electricity generation facility is NOT free.

It is called capital cost. Those who do not understand that need to go back to school.

Sheep are forgiven as they do not go to primary school.

That solar and wind are dependent on the vagaries of the weather are not old cliches, they are inconvenient facts for prorenewable die-hards.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the metric used for comparison of electricity costs among different generation

methods (LCOE) is flawed (for the comparison).

Fossil and nuclear respond to demand whereas most renewables (solar and wind) do not and are dependent on the vagaries of the weather and not on demand for electricity.

This means that stand-by capacity of renewables will increase capital cost by a number of integers.

Another way of looking at it is that the capacity utilisation

Thank goodness for ICAC

I have a lot of respect for Liberal MP Matt Kean.

He has after all been front and centre in progressing NSW in terms of climate action whilst in government in this state.

However, I have to think he has been misguided in his reading of the mood of the electorate following the ICAC report on former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

NSW is thankful for her capable handling of the pandemic, but perhaps we should be thanking Daryl McGuire instead.

Apparently both he and Ms Berejiklian subscribed to the theory that (in her own words) “he was the boss”.

Matt Kean, in the meantime, has been exposed to the unfortunate Liberal malaise of believing rules that apply to everyone else don’t apply to them as Members of Parliament.

Even after a year from the preliminary hearings, Ms Berejiklian told the investigation that if she had her time over, she still wouldn’t declare that she was in a personal relationship with McGuire.

Yet, they had discussed marriage and children.

Seriously!

Thank goodness for ICAC is what I think.

It’s no good carrying on about how long they took over

their investigation.

They must be scrupulously thorough in their investigation so outcomes can be without question.

I too would have liked to have seen this report handed down before the last State election in March.

However, in order to do their thorough, comprehensive and good work, they need to be funded appropriately.

Instead of bagging the ICAC on how slow they are, perhaps the question we should be asking is how much more funding is urgently required.

There’s little more demeaning to women than the boys

defending Ms Berejiklian by saying she’s a good woman who was taken in by a cad.

Would we be having this conversation is the Ms was a Mr?

I am quite sure that Ms Berejiklian was as capable of making an ethical decision as anyone else … male, female or intersex.

She chose not to do so.

It is on her head and her head alone.

Where is Simon Longstaff when you need him?

Time to ramp up the lessons in ethics in every parliament across this country.

factors for renewables is subject to the vagaries of the weather and not demand for electricity, thus raising the capital cost for the installation of renewables.

The proponent in issue CCN 396 also claims that we have proven technologies for storage.

Water storage yes, but economic large-scale storage for solar and wind NO.

Another inconvenient truth for advocates of renewables; lithium-ion batteries are not new

technology, as used in iPhones, but to do it on a large scale is a problem that has not been economically solved as the proponent should know.

Another inconvenient truth. There is no guarantee that the problem will ever be solved.

How do you keep large quantities of energies in a box?

Email, June 29

Government should move with the times

As people are now required to work until they are 67 years old before they qualify for the age pension, why aren’t other agetriggered requirements moved to match?

Instead of 75-year-olds being required to see an optometrist and a doctor to get their licence renewed, why isn’t that moved

to people aged 77?

Think of all the GP appointments that would save.

And why not move the driving test requirement for 85 to 87?

Everyone knows we are living longer so why doesn’t the government move with the times?

Email, Jun 21 Margaret Bevege, Kanwal

FORUM

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper

Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy

NAISDA Dance College hosted a memorable graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 27, honouring the achievements of the talented First Nations graduates from the class of 2022.

The event brought together Elders, community leaders, industry professionals, and distinguished guests who shared their congratulations with the graduates.

Notable figures including the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke sent video messages to express their support.

NAISDA Class of 2022 showcases dancing talent

In his congratulations, the Premier reflected that for almost 50 years, the college has promoted First Nations creativity, connection and culture, playing a pivotal role in promoting Indigenous Australian dance traditions.

“I know NAISDA graduates will emerge as skilled and confident performers and look forward to them being recognised in Australia and around the world,’’ he said.

Among the exceptional graduates, Lacey Bilger stood out for her outstanding commitment and perseverance.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 disruptions and

other obstacles, her hard work, determination and passion paid off with Bilger completing her training at NAISDA after an extended six-year learning journey.

Reflecting on her time at NAISDA, Bilger said visiting community in Nyinyikay, North East Arnhem Land on the college’s unique cultural residency, and the ongoing support of NAISDA trainers helped shape her as a dancer and connected her to her Indigenous Knowings.

“The Advanced Diploma has been about getting ready to go out into the professional world, I found that it is a really

independent course which sets you up for whatever avenue you’d like to go down afterwards,” she said.

NAISDA graduation celebrates the achievements of students across four accredited curriculum courses.

The Advanced Diploma, which Bilger recently completed, focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills and offers retraining, skill enhancement, and diversification to meet the evolving demands of the performing arts industry.

As applications for next year’s cohort are now open, NAISDA encourages experienced dance

practitioners to consider applying for next year’s Advanced Diploma.

NAISDA’s flexible learning streams ensure that qualifications are tailored to the individual’s experience and practice, so high school students seeking an exciting journey into the world of dance and performing arts can also apply to NAISDA through its entry-level qualifications.

The graduation ceremony, hosted by Master of Ceremonies Regional Manager for Aboriginal Affairs, Wiradjuri woman Jodi Shannon, included a keynote speech from Peta Strachan, a descendant of the Darug

people of the Boorooberongal clan of NSW, and Artistic Director of Jannawi Dance Clan.

The ceremony also featured captivating performances, showcasing cultural and contemporary dance works. NAISDA students will soon take to the professional stage in an upcoming production, ATI, directed by Head of Dance Deon Hastie, which will grace Carriageworks in a few weeks’ time.

Source: NAISDA

NAISDA students performing at the graduation ceremony | Photo: Lisa Haymes

Enter ORRCA’s photo competition

The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) is now accepting entries in its 2023 Photo Calendar Competition, to be judged by multi-awardwinning international wildlife photographer, Rita Kluge.

The 12 winning pictures will be published in ORRCA’s much anticipated 2024 Calendar which will be available for purchase from September.

Photographers of all abilities are invited to enter photos, with the profits from all calendar sales going directly into funding the ever-growing number of rescues of Australia’s whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs that ORRCA responds to across Australia each year.

Go to the movies – and take your knitting

Many people enjoy knitting as they watch TV, but knitting at the movies has been a no-go.

All that is about to change, with Avoca Beach Theatre set to give a special showing of the film The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry particularly catering for knitters and crocheters.

President of Knitters’ Guild NSW and Central Coast resident, Sally Ogilvie, said members have had to leave their needles and hooks behind for a visit to the cinema until now.

“The theatre lights won’t be turned right down, so that we can see what we’re doing, and

nobody will complain that the clicking of our needles is disturbing them,” she said.

“We can work on our latest creation, enjoy a film and meet people who love to create with yarn.”

This special session will be at 10am on Tuesday, July 18, with tickets $12 each.

INVITE FOR TENDER

GRNSW (Greyhound Racing NSW) is seeking suitably qualified and experienced Principal Contractors to participate in the tender process for the construction of four dog kennel buildings and a reception building in Wyee, NSW.

Project Overview: The proposed project involves the redevelopment of an existing dog boarding facility. This development includes the demolition of existing kennels, as well as the removal of certain existing buildings. The project encompasses the construction of an administration building, four kennel blocks, and associated outdoor runs including associated civil and services works.

Key Information:

1. Tender Opening Date: 5th July 2023

2. Submission Deadline: 4th August 2023

Tender Requirements: Interested parties must meet the following criteria to be considered for this tender:

• A proven track record in the construction industry, with experience in similar project scope and size

• Relevant licenses and certifications

• Demonstrable experience in delivering high-quality projects within set budgets and timelines

• Compliance with all regulatory requirements and building standards

• Ability to provide comprehensive project management and communication to ensure the successful completion of the project

Contact Information: For further details and to request the tender documentation, please contact: Amitkumar Patel apatel@grnsw.com.au | 0408 392 866.

We look forward to receiving your proposal and partnering with a qualified contractor to successfully execute this important project

ORRCA is the only volunteer group licensed in NSW to rescue, rehabilitate and release whales, dolphins, seals, and dugongs.

Its network of trained rescuers on the Central Coast are wellequipped and ready to spring into action at any given time and location.

The organisation relies on the generosity of communities and businesses to sustain its conservation efforts by supporting and promoting fundraising events.

With the busiest ever migration in full swing, more than 60,000 Humpback whales are expected to make their way north in Western Australia and along the eastern coastline to subtropical breeding grounds in

Queensland over the coming months.

This year, an unprecedented number of entanglements have been reported via ORRCA’s 24/7 rescue hotline.

Soon the whales will return south, with many mums and calves negotiating a complex obstacle course of hazards as they return to the feeding grounds of Antarctica.

Entries for the photo competition close on July 9.

To enter go to www.orrca.org.

au/new-page

Meanwhile, ORRCA has reminded Coasties to report all injured, stranded, or entangled marine mammals to the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 9415 3333.

Source: ORRCA

Bookings can be made at avocabeachtheatre.com.au

Further sessions for knitters and crocheters are planned, with the next being on Sunday, September 17.

Source: Knitters’ Guild NSW

Sustainable Future Festival planned for October

1Coast (a Central Coast Council and Cleanaway partnership) is inviting performers, vendors, schools, and community members who are passionate about sustainability and reducing waste, to submit expressions of interest for participation in the Central Coast Sustainable Future Festival.

The festival will inspire and

assist the Central Coast community to live more sustainably through a series of engaging workshops, demonstrations, speakers, performances and marketstyle stalls aimed at avoiding and reducing waste, resource management, and recycling more.

The 2023 Sustainable Future Festival will be held at the University of Newcastle Ourimbah campus on the traditional lands of the

Darkinjung people and is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15, with a day set aside exclusively for the local school community on Friday, October 13. For further information and to be involved in the festival go to www.sustainablefuturefestival .com.au or contact info@ sustainablefuturefestival.com. au

Source: 1Coast

Humpback whale image by Rita Kluge

The festival will include workshops, demonstrations, speakers, performances and market style stalls

Central Coast libraries have a huge lineup of fun activities these school holidays.

Children can celebrate NAIDOC Week and be transported with virtual reality to far north Queensland where the Pamagirri group will demonstrate songs, legends and art.

They can join in a Koori Kinnections workshop and build their own hand-held canoe, hear stories and play traditional Aboriginal games. A range of art activities includes stamp making, skateboard deck art, digital illustration workshops and creative rock painting.

The children can get crafty and learn to knit, create a beaded bookmark or even a steampunk hat.

The popular glow room activities return with sensory fun, glow games, Mario Kart, glow construction and a new galaxy glow art session.

For the STEAM lovers there is a sensational STEAM challenge, electronics fun or creating motion animation.

Cristy Burne, co-author of the Wednesday Weeks series, will her passion for science and put minds to the test to break her

Library fun during school holidays

codes in a special online session.

There will also be an enchanting puppet show on offer featuring timeless classics such as Hansel and Gretel and the Gingerbread Man.

There will also be a special visit to Laycock Street Theatre with a tour and a special storytime.

Check out the full range of activities and book at https:// libraries.centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/

Meanwhile, Bateau Bay and Kariong libraries are now offering extended hours access as part of the Library@ yourtime program.

The extended library service follows the success of the initiative providing additional access at Toukley Library over the past year.

The innovative program uses technology to monitor selfaccess, self-service loans and returns, computers and printing as well as lighting, alarms, and public safety.

Central Coast Council Libraries and Education Unit Manager, Beth Burgess, said Library@yourtime at Toukley Library had been embraced enthusiastically by

library members.

“Library@yourtime lets inducted library members have access to the library outside regular staffed hours and complements our services during staffed hours, where library members can receive help and guidance as required,” she said.

“As always, our extensive range of free online resources and services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, homework help, music streaming and more are also available 24/7 via

Council’s website.”

Participants of Library@ yourtime must be over the age of 18 and meet the terms and conditions of the program, including completing a building and safety induction course.

Access is via a swipe card and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an inducted adult.

Inductions for library@ yourtime, in the new locations at Bateau Bay and Kariong will be available from mid-June.

Patrons interested in this access can contact Kariong or

Bateau Bay branches for session dates and times, or simply for more information.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said this was a great example of how Council was creating better services to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community.

“Our libraries are continually reviewing their services and facilities to meet the changing needs of library users, including how people want to visit, borrow items and enjoy their library experience,” he said.

“Through Library@yourtime, library members can enjoy services at times that suit their lifestyles, whether that be commuters on their way to or from work, or students and families wishing to utilise the space and library services on weekends.”

These new services have been made possible through funding from a State Library of New South Wales Local Priority Grant.

Library@yourtime will extend the normal operational times so that inducted members can access the libraries every day between 7am and 7pm.

Contact Kariong Library 4325 8155 to become a Library@ yourtime member

Contact Bateau Bay Library 4350 1580 to become a Library@yourtime member

To access online library services, become a library member or sign up to the library e-news, visit libraries. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

The Central Coast Library Service app is also available to download for free from Apple iTunes or Google Play.

Sue Murray and Terry Collins

The popular glow room activities return

PUZZLES

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TIKKA TOURS, your local Central Coast tour operator and India destination specialist, announces the release of their new 2023/24 brochure, showcasing the best that India, Sri Lanka & Nepal has to offer!

Scan the QR code for the TIKKA TOURS Brochure

Ask about our EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT DEALS for all of our small group journey departures.

To celebrate the release of the new TIKKA TOURS India, Sri Lanka and Nepal brochure, we invite you to an evening of wonder and enlightenment, to hear about the exciting range of fully escorted small group journey's and private travel options that TIKKA TOURS features in their new brochure- all done in luxury and style!

Join Claudia from TIKKA TOURS on MONDAY 31 July at 6.00 pm in the Journeys Room at THE TRAVELLERS HUT

Special Guest speaker: Mohan Narayanaswamy, our TIKKA TOURS ground operator visiting from New Delhi, India to be with you for this brochure release LUXURY YOUR WAY...

Call and reserve your place today...

Mark Shelley will bring his show, The Roy Orbison Story, to Laycock St Community Theatre on Sunday, August 27.

The ‘Big O’ stood head and shoulders above the rest; his vocals were peerless, his range extraordinary.

His songs were unique, impassioned and personal.

Orbison was enigmatic, driven, shy, funny, quietly charismatic.

From his initial success in the 1960s to the resurgence of his career in the 80s, his voice remained remarkable, communicating an emotional intensity not experienced in popular music before or since.

Roy Orbison show comes to Laycock

His songs conveyed vulnerability, love, loss and fun and his performances were unique and powerful.

Orbison’s life was littered with personal tragedy and career highs & lows.

His wonderful resurgence in popularity in the late 80s through his Black and White Night concert, his solo album Mystery Girl and the formation of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys was a fitting final chapter for a creative genius.

Mark Shelley is brilliant in this theatrical portrayal of the man, his music, his voice and his life.

Shelley has the vocal range

and tone to honour the songs, but also the sensitivity and artistic ability to become Roy Orbison.

Songs will include Only the Lonely, Running Scared, Anything You Want, Candyman, Blue, Bayou, Crying, Working for the Man and Pretty Woman.

You will find yourself, believing you are in Orbison’s presence, transported back in time and reliving the emotion of every song.

The show will be performed at 2pm on August 27.

For bookings see the theatre website.

Coastal Surge film festival highlights local talent

The inaugural Central Coast Surge Film Festival was held at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on Thursday, June 29, to the great pleasure of local filmgoers.

The sold-out red-carpet event featured three Central Coastproduced films between 30 and 50 minutes long: Kaye Harrison’s documentary Music Central; Toni Houston and Sarah Beard’s documentary Bouddi Wild Swim; and Amelia Foxton and Glenn Fraser’s comedic-horror film Mother Tongue.

All the films were written, directed, shot and produced on the Central Coast using local talent.

Experienced documentary makers Toni Houston and Sarah Beard premiered their open-water opus Bouddi Wild Swim.

“Both Toni and I have made

films all around the world for the past 30 years but it was an utter and complete delight to make a film here on the Central Coast, where we live,” Beard said.

Kaye Harrison’s film Music Central presents the creativity and humanity of the Central

Coast’s burgeoning musical community.

Harrison was excited to share that the film would be screened to a national audience on ABC TV in the Compass slot, on July 23 at 6.30pm.

Star power was offered by Stephen Hunter –

internationally-renowned character actor and star of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit Trilogy. Hunter travelled to the Coast for the event and congratulated the filmmakers on the quality of a brilliant festival.

After each film, a fun Q&A session was held with the

filmmakers, cast and crew.

“It’s amazing to have crowds from Sydney and the Central Coast here to see the three wonderful films we have on,” Director Glenn Fraser said. Writer/producer Amelia Foxton said they all worked on really low budgets but all pulled

together some amazing talent to make it happen.

“Ideally, we’d love to see this concept picked up by Stan or the like as a limited-run series and even more, we’re confident we could shoot it all right here on the Coast,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to have a collaboration from so many wonderful filmmakers on the Central Coast coming together to show our masterpieces.”

The festival and films were made possible through the Creative Art Central 2022 creative arts commissions administered by Central Coast Council.

Creative Art Central has been designed to inspire local creatives to deliver new and contemporary creative works that demonstrate a solid connection to the community and opportunities for participation.

CCN

Mark Shelley as Roy Orbison

David Abrahams

A sold out crowd attended the event | Photo: Marc Charette

The Waifs still up after 20 years of Up All Night

The Waifs set out on their extensive Australia tour in June and they’ll be calling in to The Art House Wyong in August for an unforgettable performance before they move on and wrap-up the tour in September.

It’s a celebration of the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking album Up All Night.

The band will play the album in full as well as a sprinkling of fan favourites and they’ll be joined by special guest musicians Josh Pyke, Mick Thomas, Jeff Lang, Liz Stringer and Felicity Urquhart who each have had their own impact on The Waifs’ career over the

years.

It all started in 1992 when sisters Vikki Thorn (harmonica, guitar, vocals) and Donna Simpson (guitar, vocals) teamed up with Josh Cunningham (guitar, vocals).

They traversed Australia playing every small town with a local paper, a local radio station, a pub or hall that would host live music, and anyone willing to listen to their folk rock.

Constant touring laid a broad foundation, musical chemistry, and an approachable relatability through their lyrics, which built a solid lifelong and dedicated fan base.

The Waifs, original independent avant-garde folk

heroes, released three LPs –self-titled The Waifs in 1996, Shelter Me in 1998 and Sink or Swim in 2000.

In July 2002 everything changed thanks to their breakthrough single London Still which caught the ears of

mainstream and youth radio triple J who threw it on to high rotation and paved the way for the following singles, Fisherman’ Daughter, Lighthouse, Highway One and ultimately their 2003 LP Up All Night.

It debuted at number 3 on the ARIA charts and won four ARIA awards for Best Blues and Roots Album, Best Independent Album, Engineer of the Year and Producer of the Year for Chris Thompson.

The single London Still was voted number 3 on the triple J Hottest 100 and the album Up All Night reached double platinum certification.

2003 was an unforgettable year for the band with sold-out

Twelfth Night at The Art House

Bell Shakespeare returns to The Art House Wyong on August 5 with a fresh retelling of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night as it embarks on a national tour.

Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the play’s publication as part of Shakespeare’s First Folio, this new production is an innovative reiteration of the original, offering a dark collision of love – requited and unrequited.

The performance follows Bell Shakespeare’s bright, bold 70s-inspired rendition of The Comedy of Errors that played at The Art House in September 2022.

Twelfth Night tells the tale of Viola, who arrives in the city of Illyria following a shipwreck that she believes claimed the life of her identical twin Sebastian.

Disguised as a man, Viola goes to work for Duke Orsino and falls in love with him.

The Duke, however, is in love with Countess Olivia; but unbeknown to them both, Olivia has found herself smitten with the disguised Viola.

Things only get more complicated when Sebastian miraculously reappears amid some matchmaking and hijinks from Olivia’s servants. Exploring obsession, longing, disguise and cruelty, at its core

Twelfth Night is a play about love and how it affects us. Written around 1601–1602, it

is one of Shakespeare’s most notably musical plays, an aspect amplified in this new

work from Bell Shakespeare, through original music by Sarah Blasko.

Leaning into the gender fluid antics of the plot, Director Heather Fairbairn said a diverse and talented cast had been assembled to bring Twelfth Night to life.

“I’m delighted to be working with such a stellar cast of actors, who each bring something unique to their role,” Fairbairn said.

“The production will subvert standard casting approaches in regard to gender, with the character of Malvolio transformed to Malvolia, played by the wonderful Jane Montgomery Griffiths, and the

Fun holiday workshops at Westfield

Westfield Tuggerah is set to host two fun activities during the second week of the school holidays.

Kids Science Lab Workshops will be held from Monday to Thursday, July 10-13.

This will be an exciting and educational event that will take children’s love for science to the next level.

The school holiday Kids Science Lab Workshops are the perfect way to engage your children in the fascinating world of science.

The 45-minute sessions will be held between 10am and

2pm daily.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16, children will have the chance to make their own sushi rolls at the Sushi Making Classes.

The 45-minute sessions will be held between 10am and 3pm each day.

The children will create the rolls using fresh ingredients including seaweed, sushi rice, cucumber, chicken and more. For more information, go to www.westfield.com.au/ tuggerah

Source: Westfield

The Central Coast Weekday Walkers have a schedule of interesting adventures lined-up throughout July and August.

On Tuesday, July 11, they’ll be venturing into Wyrrabalong National Park North to explore

international headline tours, being the first Australian band to play New Orleans Jazz Festival, touring with Bob Dylan in Australia and the USA, and being named in Rolling Stone’s ‘Moments that Changed the History of Rock and Roll’ story that cited their independence and mainstream success as a game-changer for musicians in the future.

The Waifs continue to forge a proudly independent path 30 years on and show no sign of slowing down.

The Waifs’ Up All Night concert will be on stage at The Art HouseWyong onWednesday, August 9.

Sue Murray

lead female role of Viola played by Alfie Gledhill; the result will offer a timely exploration of the fluidity of gender and sexuality.”

Keith Agius, Isabel Burton, Amy Hack, Garth Holcombe, Mike Howlett, Tomáš Kantor, Chrissy Mae and Ursula Mills star alongside Gledhill and Montgomery Griffiths.

Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company specialising in the works of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

It was founded in 1990 with the dream of sharing these plays in a way that was relevant and exciting to all Australians.

Kids Science Lab Workshops will instill a love of science in the children Sushi Making classes will be held on July 15 and 16

Exploring the Coast on foot

the Redgum Forest Walk. The meeting spot is Evans Rd, Toukley, near the Vietnam Veterans Hostel, before setting off at 9am for the 9km mediumlevel walk.

An easier trek on Tuesday, July 18, will be the 8km

Davistown Boat Builders Walk with walkers meeting at 9.30am on Carrick Rd, opposite the Kincumber Hotel, and there’ll be an optional lunch at the hotel afterwards.

On Tuesday, July 25, walkers will tackle the medium-hard

13.7km McPherson State Forest Loop, subject to permission from Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Meet at 9am at the end of Waratah Rd, Kulnura.

The first walk in August will be Mogo Camp, Mt Manning

Rock Shelter and Circuit Flat Bridge, an 11km medium-level walk.

Meet at 9am on Tuesday, August 1, at the intersection of George Downs Dr and Walkers Ridge Rd, Bucketty, in front of the National Parks depot.

Central Coast Weekday Walkers can be contacted for more information via email: centralcoastweekday walkers@gmail.com

The Waifs and their touring band members: Josh Cunningham, David Ross Macdonald, Vikki Thorn, Ben Franz and Donna Simpson

Source: The Art House Wyong

Jane Montgomery Griffiths plays Malvolia in Twelfth Night

Sue Murray

Three priorities of Central Coast Council’s 2023-24 Operational Plan are maintaining road networks, caring for community open space and improving response time for development applications.

The Plan was approved at Council’s meeting on June 27 and Administrator Rik Hart said the community would continue to see the benefit of Council’s well-planned and long-term capital works program with more than 200 works in the pipeline for the year ahead.

A comprehensive roads, drainage and pathways investment of $58M will include improvement projects such as road and drainage upgrades at Lakedge Ave, Berkeley Vale; Del Monte Pl, Copacabana; Virginia Rd and Warnervale Rd at Hamlyn Terrace; Magenta Shared Path, plus extensive road renewal

Business & Property Council approves Operational Plan for the next year

programs right across the region.

Key projects in the $84.15M water and sewer upgrade budget includes South Tacoma low pressure sewer system installation; an upgrade of Mardi Water Treatment Plant and ongoing sewer pump station and rising main upgrades across the region.

A significant investment of $24.14M in community and recreation facilities and programs includes start of Gosford Regional Library construction and Umina skate park upgrade; sportsground drainage and irrigation improvements; and playspace renewals right across the Central Coast.

An investment of $10.19M in other planned infrastructure projects for the community will support economic growth across the Coast including improvements at Council’s four holiday parks and the

renewal of beach access at Jenny Dixon and Soldiers Beach, Norah Head.

Additionally, a further $40.46M of infrastructure projects have been identified and are dependent on successfully obtaining available funding grants.

The community can view and keep up-to-date with 2023-24 capital works projects in their suburb and across the region on Council’s online interactive capital works map. Find project details and follow progress on the project status at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Farmer said the Operational Plan and Fees and Charges were a considered document which supported Council’s ongoing financial stability.

“Our key goal for this year’s Plan is a focus on improving service – namely customer responses, development

assessment, capital works delivery – as well implementing the newly endorsed Service Optimisation Framework, which aims to look at the what, why and how of a service and determines if it’s fit for purpose,” he said.

“Residents will notice slight variations to fees and charges with the majority of increases being below CPI.

“From July 1 this year the combined yearly bill for a typical household will increase by about $169, or $3.25 per week, for water, sewerage and stormwater rates.

“There is no increase in domestic waste charges with rates being frozen for a second consecutive year.

“It’s important to note that the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) determines how much councils can charge for rates, and the annual increase or ‘rate peg’ – which is 3.7 per cent for

2023-24.

“There is also an additional 0.1 per cent that is allowed for population growth, resulting in a total increase of 3.8 per cent.

“There is still increasing inflationary pressure on our budget, as the rising costs of materials shows no signs of slowing down.

“For the second year Council will be absorbing significant increases in some of its largest expenses, such as the huge increase in electricity costs and a 55 per cent increase in the emergency services levy set by the State Government.

“Central Coast average rates continue to compare favourably to nearby local government areas including some who have had significant special rate rises approved recently.”

Administrator Rik Hart said the community would continue to see the benefit of Council’s well-planned and long-term

capital works program with more than 200 works in the pipeline for the year ahead.

“Construction will commence on two marquee projects for the Coast, the long-anticipated Gosford Regional Library contributing to the revitalisation of Gosford and an upgrade to the Mardi Water Treatment Plant,” he said.

“This is an essential project to ensure future sustainability of the Coast’s water supply.

“The organisation is appropriately positioned in its long-term works program and financial strategy as it looks towards the return of an elected body of councillors in less than 18 months.”

View the 2023-24 Operational Plan or search for delivery and operational plan on Council’s website.

Mardi Water Treatment Plant

Source: Central Coast Council

Proposed Umina skatepark

Umina Beach business mentor and digital marketing coach Kate Toon’s latest book is aimed at those people trying to balance running a business with parenting.

Six Figures in School Hours: How to run a successful business and still be a good parent is a practical, realistic handbook for freelancers, solopreneurs and business owners who also parent small humans.

Most parents have asked themselves this question: “Can I have a successful business and still be a good parent?”

The truth is, while Australia has about 2.4 million small and medium-sized businesses and no shortage of businessowning parents, there’s precious little help out there.

According to the National Working Families Report 2019, 62 per cent of respondents said they were struggling to manage

How to parent while running a business

their physical and mental health as they juggled working and caring for their families.

About a third said this was contributing to stress in their relationships with their partners and children.

“Most parents don’t start a business to build a global empire, they just want to earn a decent income and have time to read their kids a bedtime story without having a meltdown in the process,” Toon said.

“We’re sold the pipedream of making millions while working in a hammock for a few hours a week.

“But the reality is that this isn’t possible for most parents.”

Toon has helped thousands of business parents through her courses, resources and communities.

She is the host of The Six Figures in School Hours podcast, The Clever Copy Chats podcast and The Recipe for SEO Success podcast, and has

previously been named Business Woman of the Year and Influential Woman of the Year in recognition of her business credentials. Her previous book, Confessions of a Misfit

Entrepreneur, helped many other founders understand how to build a successful business on their own terms.

Published by Major Street Publishing, Six Figures in School Hours covers everything

from how to get clear on the ‘why’ behind your business and uncovering your preferred parenting style, to managing your money, insourcing help from your family, and carving out self-care amidst the chaos.

“This is the book I wish I’d had when I was building my business and raising my family,” Toon said.

From her humble backyard shed here on the Central Coast, Toon masterminds an ambitious business universe, helping thousands of people to build their own version of success through digital marketing and business know-how.

A renowned speaker, mentor, educator and podcaster, she has been named Australia’s Most Influential Small Business Woman (2022), one of Australia’s Top 50 Small Business Leaders (2022), and Businesswoman of the Year and Training & Education Provider of the Year at the national My Business

Relief in sight for renters

Renters on the Central Coast could be in for some relief, with the State Government’s crucial rental reforms passing the NSW Parliament last week.

The passage of the Rental Fairness Bill means the Government has: closed existing loopholes and extended the ban on soliciting rental bids so it applies to thirdparty platforms and owners, not just real estate agents; empowered the NSW Rental Commissioner to gather pricing data from agents, allowing them to advocate for renters and provide quality advice to government; and introducing the powers needed to get on with designing and implementing a portable bond scheme that will deliver significant financial relief

to renters.

When designed and in place, a portable bonds scheme will deliver critical financial relief to renters by making sure they don’t have to pay twice.

Closing loopholes and providing the NSW Rental Commissioner with the powers needed to find solutions across government will pave the way for further action.

Aside from rental reforms, the Government is also taking steps to increase housing supply across the state and ease pressure on the rental market, including creating a pathway for faster planning decisions and incentives for developers to include affordable housing in their plans.

It has also begun an audit into surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing and will

establish a Building Commission to make sure NSW is building good quality, affordable homes.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David

Harris said housing affordability was a difficult challenge for Central Coast renters, who would benefit greatly from the initiatives.

Member for Gosford Liesl

Tesch said the legislation is very important.

“Protecting renters by leveling the playing field is key for our community,” she said.

“The Government has a comprehensive strategy to deliver a sustainable and equitable housing and rental market.

“This includes a series of rental reforms and increasing housing supply across NSW.

“The changes in this Bill are just the first tranche of creating a fairer and more just rental system, and the first steps in a series of rental reforms that we promised to deliver.”

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said the focus was on getting the balance right with responsible reforms that deliver better rights for

Stamp duty axed for first home buyers

Thousands of first home buyers will no longer pay stamp duty with the introduction of a fairer, simpler First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBS).

From July 1, the threshold for stamp duty exemptions will increase from $650,000 to $800,000 and the threshold for stamp duty concessions will rise from $800,000 to $1M.

It means first home buyers purchasing a property up to $800,000 will pay no stamp duty, saving up to $30,735 under the changes.

Based on the current housing

market, NSW Treasury expects about 8,600 first home buyers in the $650,000 to $800,000 range to pay no stamp duty over the next year, and about

4,400 first home buyers in the $800,000 to $1M range to pay a concessional rate of stamp duty.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the former government’s unfair “forever” land tax scheme gave people paying between $1M and

Awards (2020).

She is the founder of CopyCon and The Digital Marketing Collective Conference.

Six Figures in School Hours is a smart, honest business selfhelp book providing readers with the skills, the tools and the confidence to never again need to choose between a successful business and a happy family life.

It includes advice on: how to ditch the guilt around parenting and business; how to master productivity so that you’re working smarter, not harder; how to master your money and set realistic financial goals; how to communicate with your family and involve them in your business; and how to build the business of your dreams without sacrificing health and happiness.

You can order the book at sixfiguresinschoolhours.com

Source: Major Street Publishing

renters and changes to get new homes built to drive down rents.

“In the existing system, a renter paying $550 per week faces a bond cost of $2,200 if they want to move,” Chanthivong said.

“A portable bonds scheme will end the system that sees the average renter forced to spend the equivalent of 11 weeks’ groceries to move from home A to home B.

“(These) reforms are the first step, not the last.

“We’re already working on the next tranche of changes to deliver relief, including making it easier to have pets in rentals and ending no-grounds evictions.”

Source: NSW Government

$1.5M much larger stamp duty reductions than those able to afford homes up to $1M.

The former scheme closed on June 30, 2023.

Buyers who opted in will continue to pay property tax until they sell that property.

“July 1 was a great day for thousands of extra first home buyers who will now pay zero stamp duty on their first home purchase,” Mookhey said.

“These changes will help five out of every six first home buyers pay no stamp duty, or a concessional rate, and deliver a key election commitment.

“The changes implemented ensure first home buyer assistance in NSW is simpler and fairer, helping those who most need support.

“We know stamp duty can be a considerable barrier for first home buyers.

“The changes will allow thousands of first home buyers to enter the market sooner and give them a boost when competing with other buyers.”

Source: NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey

Crucial rent reforms have passed NSW Parliament

Kate Toon with her new book

No stamp duty on first homes up to $800,000

Small business can plug into power relief

Rising utility bills are putting profits under pressure for more than one in three small businesses, according to a 2023 survey by MYOB, the accounting software provider.

So, when the federal budget included energy savings of up to $650 for eligible small businesses from July 2023, their owners undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief.

As is often the case, though, the devil is in the detail.

The key words are “eligible” and “up to” – not every small business will share in the spoils.

The government will chip in $325 towards power bill relief for each small business nationally, though the savings could be far higher depending on your location.

In NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, the state/territory government will provide a co-contribution of $325.

Coupled with the federal

relief, this means a saving of $650 per business.

In the ACT, the government is lowering electricity tariffs for businesses through its large-scale feed-in tariff scheme, which will provide direct bill relief, with the savings expected to average around $624 annually per small business. This is on top of the Commonwealth’s $325.

In Victoria, small businesses can expect to receive only the federal government’s $325.

If your business is eligible, the savings will be automatically deducted from power bills from July 1, 2023.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the federal relief, your business must be separately metered, which will likely eliminate the multitude of home-based businesses operating across the country, though some may be eligible for household energy relief.

Eligibility also hinges on how

much power your business consumes each year.

The annual limits are: 40MWh in Victoria; 50MWh in WA; 100MWh in the ACT, NSW and Qld; 150MWh in Tasmania; 160MWh in the NT and SA.

These caps can be a good incentive for businesses to think about replacing outdated plant and equipment that may be power-hungry.

20% tax deduction

$50 million have 12 months to take advantage of a new tax break – the Small Business Energy Incentive.

This is a bonus 20% tax deduction available when your business invests in assets that support electrification and more efficient use of energy.

It’s only available until June 30, 2024 and a maximum spend of $100,000 applies, meaning the bonus tax deduction is capped at $20,000.

maximum bang for your buck, so a good starting point can be to identify the energy guzzlers in your business.

These will vary between enterprises but, as a rule, plant and equipment, heating/cooling and lighting tend to drain the most power.

Cut usage and cost

Fortunately, savings on energy can be made through two steps that cost nothing.

First, think about load shifting, which means switching energy-consuming activities to a time of day when tariffs are cheaper.

Where practical, use non-critical appliances (such as washing machines and dishwashers) out of peak times.

This assumes your business pays a time-of-use tariff – check your electricity plan to see if that’s the case.

Another option is to change behaviours, for example by encouraging employees to switch off lights and other appliances, including printers and computers, at the end of each day.

Given the brief life span of the incentive, it’s important to get

While a tax break is always welcome, the weak spot of the Small Business Energy Incentive is that enterprises need to spend money to save money – which, for some small operations, simply won’t be an option.

Tax refunds destined to be used to top up portfolios

Nearly one in two investors will look at the sharemarket as the destination for any tax refund they receive this year, research from investment platform Sharesies has revealed.

A survey of 1400 users found that 47% would deposit their tax refund into their savings,

46% would invest it and 30% would put it towards everyday expenses.

“Last year about two-thirds of Australians got a tax refund and the average was around $2800.

"This year it will be lower because of some offsets ending, so we’re probably looking at about $1500,” says Brendan

From July 2023, small businesses with annual turnover below Doggett, country manager of Sharesies Australia.

“That’s still a pretty sizeable amount, so it’s important for people, particularly now with inflation and the cost of living, to think about how they will use it.”

Doggett says that exchange traded funds tend to be the

most popular buys on the platform, as do familiar brands.

“Our investors are really about long-term investing, so it’s usually the household names,” he says.

“You see that with Walt Disney, which has recently attracted some interest from people taking advantage of its

And something as simple as dialling down the thermostat on your office air-conditioner can mean you’re not chewing through power (and cash) while still giving your team a comfortable work environment.

ANTHONY O’BRIEN

price being down a little bit. It’s also tangible to people, which they tend to like when the world is an uncertain place.

"We’ve seen that more of late as people moved away from tech companies and towards supermarkets, airlines and brands they’ve grown up with.”

TOM WATSON

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR

Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

Springfield set for new home building boom

Gosford-Springfield is one of NSW’s emerging hotspots according to the 2023 Housing Industry Association Population & Residential Building Hotspots Report.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) report identifies Australia’s fastest growing suburban regional hotspots based on population growth and high levels of building activity and therefore employment for the building industry.

HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion said nine areas of the Hunter region, which takes in the Central Coast, qualified as housing hotspots – with five in the Hunter Valley, three in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and GosfordSpringfield the only one on the Central Coast.

“An area qualifies as a hotspot in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast region if at least $50M worth of residential building work was approved during the 2021/22 financial year, and its rate of population growth is faster than the 1.2 per cent national average,” Jennion said.

“The report found that Australia’s population growth

improved after being constrained in previous years due to closed borders, whilst the value of building works approved and the growth rates of the local population has been very high locally.

“COVID-19 has also seen consumer preferences shift away from inner-city apartment-style living to detached housing in regional areas.

“This shift saw strong Hunter/ Central Coast-based areas in the 2023 edition of HIA’s Population and Building Hotspots Report.”

Gosford-Springfield was named on Australia’s Building Momentum Shortlist.

To make this list, an area must have more than $200M in residential building work approved over the 2022 calendar year and have increased by at least 10 per cent compared to the previous list.

In 2021 Springfield recorded $51,104,000 of residential buildings approved. In 2022 it was $253,613,000 – a percentage increase of 396 per cent.

The report showed that overall the Central Coast in 2020/21 had 1,358 new

housing approvals (valued at $440,241,000) compared to 1,398 in 2021/22 ($471,425,000) – a 2.9 per cent change.

There was a boost in alterations and additions approvals between 2020/21 ($118,998,000) and 2021/22 ($348,930,000).

Some of the notables in the long list of individual suburbs include Gorokan/Kanwal/ Charmhaven with a 132.6 per cent change in new housing

approvals from 46 valued at $9,626,000 in 2020/21 to 107 ($22,216,000) in 2021/22.

Umina/Booker Bay/Patonga recorded a 54.2 per cent change in new housing approvals from 107 valued at $31,934,000 in 2020/21 to 165 ($49,102,000) in 2021/22. The value of new housing approvals at Wamberal/ Forresters Beach more than doubled from the 2020/21 (31 approvals at $11,412,000) to 2021/22 (59 at $23,601,000).

At Summerland Point/ Gwandalan new housing approvals had dropped by 17.1 percent but there was only about $1.4M in value difference between 2020/21 ($12.298,000) and 2021/22 ($13,739,000).

Residents at Chittaway Bay/ Tumbi Umbi appeared to be putting their money into renovations and even though new housing approvals were down by 63.1 per cent the value of approvals for

alterations and additions jumped significantly from $4,979,000 in 2020/21 to $16,182,000 in 2021/22.

New housing approvals had dropped from 130 to 48; valued at $46,883,000 down to $16,650,000.

It was a similar story at Woy Woy/Blackwall with new housing approvals down 4.7 per cent but the value of approvals for alterations and additions jumped from $4,863,000 in 2020/21 to $14,271,000 in 2021/22.

And at Blue Haven/San Remo renovation approvals rose from $708,000 in 2020/21 to $11,459,000 in 2021/22 and new housing approvals were up by 52.9 per cent.

Despite having the Central Coast’s highest estimated resident population change of 3.7 per cent, Warnervale/ Wadalba took a big hit with new housing approvals falling from 349 to 157 (-55 per cent) with a value difference of $104,147,000 (2020/21) and $46,788,000 (2021/22).

However, the value of renovations jumped significantly from $4,034,000 to $20,950,000.

Sue Murray

New report analyses house building on the Central Coast

When Central Coast Council is not selling conservation land for less than its market value, it is supporting development applications that would result in the mass clearing of vegetation and destruction of habitat, according to the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group (CCCBPG).

CCCBPG Chair Gary Chestnut says the latest indicator of Council’s ongoing flouting of its obligations to consider ecological sustainability in its decision-making is a recommendation to the Local Planning Panel to grant consent to a development application that would result in the destruction of never-before cleared bushland at Niagara Park.

Chestnut has written to Chair of the Central Coast Local Planning Panel Kara Krason, and Council CEO David Farmer to draw their attention to major problems with the assessment of Development Application 60589/2020 for the proposed development of a new dwelling house at Niagara Park.

Council under fire over Niagara Park DA

The Panel called an extraordinary meeting for Friday, June 30, to consider the matter, but the meeting was abandoned due to technical difficulties.

“The issue of most immediate concern is that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) accompanying this application has not been signed off in accordance with the applicable Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000(EPA Reg 2000),” Chestnut said.

“According to clause 71(f) of the EPA Reg 2000, the signed declaration must include the name, address and professional qualifications of the EIS author but this information is missing from the copy of the EIS attached to the Supplementary Local Planning Panel Report.

“The declaration must state that the EIS has been prepared in accordance with clauses 72 and 73 of the EPA Reg 2000, that the EIS contains all the relevant environmental information and that the information therein is not false or misleading.

“I fail to see how this matter

can be determined by the Local Planning Panel or even how Council’s planning staff have assessed it without noticing the absence of the legally-

required signed declaration on the EIS.

“I believe this oversight means the Planning Panel cannot lawfully consider

this matter.”

Chestnut says it needs to be re-advertised with a signed copy of the declaration within the EIS exhibited to the public.

“How could Central Coast Council possibly recommend that the Local Planning Panel gives consent for this development on bushfireprone land which would require extensive clearing of mature previously undisturbed native vegetation?” he said.

“This steep and densely vegetated land should be conserved in its entirety.

“The clearing needed to comply with bushfire requirements would result in a substantial loss of flora and fauna habitat – this is a level of flora and habitat loss that cannot be justified, even with the proposed Vegetation and Bushfire Management Plan and a positive conservation covenant.”

The CCCBPG believes the missing signed declaration on the EIS along with Council’s recommendation that the Planning Panel grant consent for the mass destruction of previously uncleared native

flora, fauna and habitat, is the continuation of a disturbing trend within Council.

“During this latest period of administration, we have seen Council sell off high-value conservation land at Doyalson and withhold information about its ecological value,” Chestnut said.

“Now we have Council supporting a DA that fails to comply with EPA Reg 2000 and would result in indefensible loss of flora, fauna and habitat immediately adjacent to a gully rainforest.

“I believe the Local Planning Panel must defer its consideration of this matter.

“It must be re-advertised and the public given access to an EIS with the legally-required signed declaration.

“We sincerely hope both the Central Coast Local Planning Panel and Central Coast Council consider this matter with urgency and full adherence to NSW planning laws and regulations.”

Source: Central Coast Community Better Planning Group

Key players discuss development on the Coast

Regional Development

Australia Central Coast (RDACC) and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) have met for the fifth time in the Central Coast Developers Forum Series, to discuss development and economic outcomes for the region.

The forum featured keynote presentations by Minister for the Central Coast David Harris and Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer and attracted more than 60 attendees.

These included representatives from all levels of government, regional leaders and local developers.

“We are delighted to collaborate with RDACC to provide developers the

opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns, and discuss potential solutions to development challenges,”

UDIA Central Coast Chair Caine

King said.

“We are in the midst of a housing crisis on the Central Coast, and we have to find ways to work together

constructively to deliver the homes we need in our communities.”

RDACC Chair Lawrie McKinna said the popularity of the latest

FREE SEMINAR

CHALLENGING WILLS

This

deal with challenges.

event showed that both government and developers were keen to find a way to expedite more quality development across the Coast.

“Since we began these developer forums in 2021 we have seen a definite strengthening of the relationship between Central Coast Council, the NSW Government and our local developers here on the Coast,” he said.

Farmer outlined his vision for the LGA now that Council is back on sound financial footing.

Harris outlined the new Government’s priorities and initiatives, including the focus on affordable housing.

RDACC CEO and Director Regional Development, John

Mouland, said the forums were an important source of knowledge sharing and support to strengthen understanding for all participants about the constraints and opportunities that exist within the constantly evolving state of development on the Central Coast.

“The ever-increasing popularity of this series demonstrates the need for these conversations,” he said. “We’re looking to continue the momentum we’ve achieved regarding improved development conditions and better communication between all parties involved in the development process.”

Source: RDACC

WHERE: Gosford RSL Club

they stand in:

• Challenging a Will; or

• Defending a Will from Challenge

The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best

Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation

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

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

WHEN: 18 July 2023

TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm

WHERE: Breakers Country Club

WHEN: 8 August 2023

TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm

Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

Locality of the proposed dwelling and shed at Niagara Park

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris, Council CEO David Farmer Council Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe and Chair Caine King from UDIA Central Coast at the forum

free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where

Two Central Coast trainees have been recognised at the 2023 NSW Training Awards regional ceremony.

The awards, held in Newcastle on June 23, highlighted the most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students, businesses that champion training, trainers

Trainees named top of the class

Three Central Coast students have each won a $20,000 Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship to help them continue their studies.

The three were among more than 700 current Year 9 students who applied for the scholarships, which are for young women who are passionate about their studies, but who may lack opportunities to achieve their academic potential and dreams.

Through the scholarships, girls are supported in a variety of practical ways including with equipment, computers, internet connections, textbooks, tutoring and coaching, which they may otherwise not have access to.

The three Central Coast scholarship winners are Emily

and training organisations in the Central Coast and Hunter regions.

Zali Reynolds of Hamlyn Terrace was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

She is studying Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance,

employed by Central Coast Health District, and goes to Northlakes High School.

Regan Beaver of Wallarah attends MacKillop Catholic College and was named Schoolbased Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.

She is studying Certificate III in

Retail while still attending MacKillop Catholic College and working at KFC Lake Haven. Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said the finalists and winners at the awards showcased the world-class vocational education and training (VET) sector in the region

and demonstrated the breadth of rewarding career opportunities offered by VET, providing real skills for real careers.

“This year, on the 68th anniversary of these prestigious awards, we received a record number of entries showcasing the energy and enthusiasm around VET in NSW,” he said.

Scholarships for three Coast students

Yeseul Park (Gosford High School), Isabelle Morley (Kincumber High School) and Phuntsok Tentso (Harry Kendall High School).

The students said the scholarships would help them overcome potential obstacles to their future academic pursuits.

Harding Miller Foundation Executive Director, Cara Varian, said all recipients were talented and dedicated students who simply didn’t have access to the resources they needed to make the most of their education opportunities.

“These scholarships help individual girls to meet their high academic potential, at the same time helping to break what can be vicious cycles of poverty,” she said.

“Girls are more likely to

complete high school and go on to pursue further education when they are supported with equipment, money for resources, tutoring and

coaching, and a woman’s income will increase by up to 25 per cent for each additional year of education.

“That’s why we want to support high-potential young women to stay in school and give them every opportunity to go on to further study including university.”

In 2022, 90 per cent of Harding Miller scholarship recipients graduated with a plan to go on to university, compared to the national average of 60 per cent.

Harding Miller has been offering the scholarships since 2016, and this year celebrates awarding its 1,000th scholarship.

The Foundation aims to present 8,000 scholarships by 2035.

Varian said the Harding Miller Education Foundation focused on providing practical, tangible support to girls which was specific to their high school

“The awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the success of our training achievers in NSW.

“I congratulate all award winners and I wish them luck for the state finals later this year.”

Sue Murray

education needs.

“The scholarship funds devices and educational tools for the girls and provides them with a more level playing field with peers who are more socioeconomically advantaged,” she said.

“We get satellite dishes installed in homes to make sure that the girls can get access to the internet.

“We supply noise-cancelling headphones if they don’t have a dedicated study space.

“We send out supermarket gift cards if families are having trouble affording groceries.

“We take the steps needed to give young women a hand to complete their schooling and fulfil their potential.”

Source: Harding Miller

The three Coast scholarship winners

Zali Reynolds

Regan Beaver

Chemists help with script-free UTI treatment

Women across the Central Coast are now able to access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections as part of a statewide community pharmacy clinical trial.

Participating pharmacists –six on the Central Coast and 100 statewide – can provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women aged between 18 and 65.

Also, as part of phase two of the clinical trial, women aged 18 to 35 inclusive will be able to access a re-supply of their low-risk oral contraceptive pill as long as they’ve been prescribed the pill for contraceptive purposes in the past two years by a GP or nurse practitioner.

The University of Newcastle is

leading the NSW Health trial in association with the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, University of New England, Charles Sturt University, The George Institute for Global Health and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The trial will run until April 30, 2024.

Central Coast pharmacies participating in the trial are: Erina Fair Pharmacy; Chemist Outlet Lisarow; Chemist Outlet Tumbi Umbi; Toowoon Bay Amcal+ Pharmacy; Terry White Chemmart Lake Munmorah; and Blooms The Chemist Erina. Pharmacist-owner at Blooms

The Chemist Erina Luke Owen said that thanks to the trial women experiencing UTI symptoms could now consult directly with appropriately trained pharmacists for access to antibiotic treatment when a visit to a GP was not practical

or affordable.

“Urinary tract infections in women can be relatively

common and cause a lot of discomfort,” he said.

“It’s important that women can access the right treatment in a timely way, or be referred to a GP if there are suspected complications such as a kidney infection or a sexually transmitted infection.”

Owen said symptoms of UTIs to look out for included pain when urinating, more frequent urinating and the need to urinate urgently.

“Conventional treatments like urinary alkalisers, such as Ural can help to manage the symptoms of a UTI, however, prompt treatment with antibiotics can reduce the duration and the risk of the infection becoming a more complicated issue, like a kidney infection,” he said.

“Information will be provided

back to the person’s GP as part of the trial process, with doctors to be notified through either a letter, email or facsimile.

“This will ensure that a patient’s healthcare team is informed about current health conditions and familiar with treatment plans and recommendations put in place.

“We are thrilled to be part of this patient program and we hope that by doing our bit we can help to alleviate the pressure on general practice and potentially on hospital waiting rooms too.”

For more information about the trial, visit the NSW Health website (health.nsw.gov.au and search for NSW pharmacy trial).

Sue Murray

Students challenged to write parliamentary speech

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has joined the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick, in launching the My First Speech competition for Central Coast schools.

The national competition challenges students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and record a 90-second speech on video, focusing on a topic of their choosing.

The winners, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House and participate in an engaging program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.

The submission deadline for the competition is 5pm on August 11.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our local Central Coast students to shine a spotlight on the issues that matter most to them,” Reid said.

“The students participating in

this competition will be our local leaders of tomorrow, and I am excited to give them a head start on their futures with this program.”

Dick said one of his key priorities as Speaker had been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country.

“This is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” he said.

“This competition will provide high school students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy

works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them.”

To learn more about the competition and submit their entries, students can visit the dedicated competition website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech

For further information on the competition, email Gordon. Reid.MP@aph.gov.au or call 4322 2400.

Source:

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at Parliament House

Improvements for public health system

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has reaffirmed the NSW Government’s commitment to improving working conditions for healthcare staff and the overall public health system.

She said data recently revealed that the former Liberal National Government had left 1,112 nurses employed under a temporary contract, unfunded beyond the 2024-25 financial year.

“Rather than looking after the essential workers who power our state, the former government sought to undermine them,” Tesch said.

“As our nurses cried out for more government support, the Liberal National Government cut 57 nurses on the Central Coast from the budget, with those positions unfunded from June 20, 2024.

“Our nurses deserve so much better than this.”

Tesch said the new Labor Government was committed to

improving the lives of frontline workers, ensuring that NSW did not lose the healthcare workers who were thinking of leaving the state for better working conditions.

“We are investing in our health workers, rolling out safe staffing levels in our hospitals, boosting paramedic numbers, and scrapping the public sector wages cap,” she said.

“We are focused on recruiting and retaining more skilled health workers. We are determined to get on with the job and improve

the operation of our public health system.”

Tesch said in State Parliament Question Time on June 21, Minister for Health Ryan Park said that “in a time when the Shadow Health Minister was saying that he was recruiting 10,000-plus nursing workforce, he should have included an asterisk outlining that 1,100 of those were only temporary”.

Tesch outlined the Labor Government’s plan to repair and renew the health system including: $175M to recruit

1,200 nurses and midwives within the first four years of a Minns Government; reforming the current nurse rostering system and replacing it with an enforceable minimum shift-byshift staffing model; removing the public sector wage cap which limits pay increases for nurses, paramedics and health workers; and $150M to fund an additional 500 paramedics over four years.

Luke Owen with pharmacist Raz Badiyan at Blooms The Chemist Erina

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

Edible Garden Trails are a joyful event that help gardeners showcase their techniques, passions and skills while opening the way for budding and more experienced gardeners to find inspiration, knowledge, and friendship.

Usually held over a weekend in warmer weather, they are a relatively new and expanded form of the older ‘Open Garden’ format that instead focuses on growing your own food.

The emphasis is also on organic agricultural methods and often includes permaculture and sustainable practices.

These self-guided trails enable visitors to explore a variety of gardens, in different sizes, created by gardeners with various interests and levels of experience over a short period of time.

This gives the visitors an abundance of first-hand local knowledge that I’m not sure could be gained elsewhere in such a fun and engaging manner.

Plus, Edible Garden Trails are fun!

There is nothing quite like the vibe of these trails that are springing up not only here in Australia, but now around the world.

In 2018, Susanne Rixs, a life-long gardener who is passionate about homegrown organic food got 30 of her neighbours together in the Blue Mountains to open their edible gardens to the public.

You can find out more at: Ediblegardentrail.com

Her vision was for this event to grow, “I’m hoping this will become a global phenomenon with people all over the world opening their gardens not just for show, but for sharing intelligent, thoughtful, sustainable food production techniques.” That wish is being granted with the Sydney Edible Garden Trail beginning soon after contemporary artist and permaculture devotee Bridget Kennedy visited the inaugural Blue Mountains Trail.

Bridget was looking for a way to create an annual

fundraising garden trail to promote sustainable living and growing your own food. Now also a successful trail, this year the Sydney Edible Garden Trail is on the weekend of 4th and 5th November 2023 Vist: sydneyedible gardentrail.com for more.

The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd October 2023

Last year more than 650 visitors joined the inaugural Central Coast Edible Garden Trail comprising of 37 locations that included home gardens and community gardens covering much of The Coastfrom Killcare to Gwandalan, out to Jilliby, Wyong and Watanobbi.

Local Permaculturalists Anna Trigg and Sandi Eyles came together to create and manage our local trail to highlight Central Coast food gardeners who are working with the earth and sustainability.

Like all Edible Food Trails, the Central Coast Food Trail is a ticketed event run as a not-forprofit organisation.

GARDENING PLANNER

Get in there and give composts an extra turn or two during this colder weather to help it break down a bit quicker. It’s also the best month to prune your long-flowering roses. You can plant the following now: culinary herbs, artichoke suckers, asparagus crowns, beetroot, broad beans, cabbages, carrots, cress, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, rhubarb crowns, silverbeet, African marigold, delphinium, dianthus, English daisy, gloxinia, gypsophilia, mignonette, spider flower, statice.

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT & NATURE LOVERS

The Fungal Kingdom with Anna Durkin, 8th July 1:30pm for 2pm start, Philip House, 21 Old Penang Road, Kariong

The July meeting of the Australian Plants Society Central Coast Anna will share her work as a Citizen Scientist in this field, educating us with her skill and knowledge and answering our questions about the fungal kingdom of the Sydney region. Entry: $3 with lucky door prizes. Austplants.com.au/Central-Coast-Events for more details

Rachel’s Farm Special Screening, Avoca Theatre, 27th July Burbank at Saddles, Mt. White, 1pm, Sunday 2nd July

Be one of the first to see Rachels Farm at our special Q&A screening with Rachel Ward, Maree Lowes and Cheralyn Darcey.

In this triumphant film, Rachel voyages from wilful ignorance about the ecological impacts of conventional agriculture on her own rural property, to embracing a movement to restore the health of Australia’s farmland, food and climate.

Tickets from Avoca Theatre: avocabeachtheatre.com.au

“We have been quite excited that we raised a lot of money from ticket sales, and it was much more than we expected from our first year and so it meant that we could donate a whole lot of money back to the community.” organiser Anna Trigg said. $400 was donated to each Community Garden across the Coast and money was also allocated to fund a hugely successful community outreach program designed by Sue Bradley of In8lygood and SWAMP Central Coast that brought together fifteen organisations across The Coast including You Connect, Options Disability, Synergy Permaculture and Permaculture Central Coast. The program educated those living with disability to learn gardening in nine Central Coast community gardens with facilitators Kerrie Anderson and Matt Silavant. So, what was the biggest take away from the inaugural Central Coast Edible Garden Trail?

Sandi Elyes, trail organiser said, “It’s so lovely to help build community.

We met so many amazing gardeners and visitors who helped create this beautiful warm and joyous community.” Both Anna and Sandi agreed that the event helped reinvigorate the permaculture

and general gardening community on The Central Coast as well.

To keep updated on Central Coast Edible Garden Trail happenings, hop on over to their website: centralcoast ediblegardentrail.org.au or facebook.com/CentralCoast EdibleGardenTrail

Along with lots more special features to be announced, Coastfm963, the official media partner of The Central Coast Garden Trail will have popular local home and garden program ‘Home with the Gardening Gang’ with me, your gardening writer Cheralyn Darcey and co-host Pete Little broadcasting live on the Saturday from one of the gardens.

Register Your Garden for the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail is looking for more gardens!

Would you and your garden like to be on the Trail?

It’s a wonderfully welcoming community of Central Coast gardeners who have a passion for sharing their experiences and love of all things botanical. Any sized garden, as long as it’s organic, and all skill levels are welcome, and you don’t have to be open both days, you can if you are keen but one day is ok with the team.

The Edible Garden Trail is not competitive, it’s about sharing time, thoughts, and the love

of plants.

If you want to know more email ediblegardentrail@ permaculturecc.org.au

Exploring Edible Garden Trails

While the following is my experience with the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail, much of my tips are relevant to other such trails as well. With the Central Coast being so vast in area, planning is of essence for trail explorers.

The organisers make it easy with maps being given to ticket holders in advance along with opening days and hours. The first thing to be aware of is that some gardens are open both days of the event while others only for one, so take that into careful account.

Short descriptions of each garden are given, and they are highlighted in the weeks leading up to the event on social media.

Make a note of techniques and plants that you want to see but also make sure you include visits to gardens similar in size and environment to yours.

With the Central Coast having so many different microclimates, from blustery seaside to frosty mountains, on to rich valleys and urban hot-zones, what can work in one area here might not in another.

To experience ways in which gardeners in conditions very similar to yours are doing to tackle challenges is an opportunity too good to pass up.

Pete Little, hosts

WITH CHERALYN DARCEY

Sport complex closed for World Cup training

As the Central Coast gears up to host Germany and England for their teambase training camps during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, a key sporting facility is unavailable for public use.

Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah is closed until Monday, August 21, so the German women’s team can have exclusive use for training and rehabilitation.

The team will be based locally for the duration of the tournament as they prepare for their Group H games against Morocco (July 24 in Melbourne), Columbia (July 30 in Sydney) and South Korea (August 3 in Brisbane).

Team England will also have exclusive use of Central Coast

Graham Davis of Terrigal –a 71-year-old cancer survivor – is fronting up again this year to defend his age group title in the Sydney Harbour 10km run.

He plans to win again this year, on July 23, but more

Stadium for training before taking on their Group D opponents Haiti (July 22 in Brisbane), Demark (July 28 in Sydney), and China (August 1 in Adelaide).

Due to the requirements of

the tournament, public access to the venue will be strictly controlled with enhanced security procedures.

The public is also reminded that personal drones are not be permitted to fly in the airspace

of the Tuggerah sporting complex during training days.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said that while it would be an imposition on the community the benefits of

hosting the German contingent could not be overstated.

“I understand that it will be an interruption to the community who regularly use the parklands to walk their dogs or to exercise,” she said.

“We recommend using the Council approved dog park which is about 800m down the road on Church St.

“There are many great walking tracks and beaches in the beautiful northern part of the Central Coast, and this is a great opportunity to explore the local area.

“This is truly a once-in-alifetime opportunity and the eyes of the world will be on the Central Coast.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart is counting down the days to the tournament.

“It’s been a huge few months for football on the Central Coast

Davis running to support cancer research

importantly wants to raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.

Davis has always been into sport, mainly football, and was a reasonable runner at school.

He took up running again in 1999 at the age of 47, running

four to five times a week, and has been a member of the Terrigal Trotters since 2000. They run together every Saturday at 6am, and Davis and some of his friends from the club will head out through the week too.

In May 2013 Davis’s world came tumbling down when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

He says it was a shock, although the week before he competed in an ironman triathlon event and wasn’t feeling well.

“I booked in for a routine endoscopy/colonoscopy check-up after competing in the ironman for which I’d been training for eight months,” he said.

“I had no symptoms, but did fail to finish the event, and just put it down to it not being my day.

“The cancer diagnoses was quite a shock.”

Davis had an operation to remove part of his colon in late July 2013 and then commenced six months of chemotherapy.

“I wasn’t able to work and it certainly wasn’t an enjoyable experience but with strong support from family and friends, and a positive mindset which you need to compete in marathons and ironman events, that certainly helped,” he said.

Once the chemo and recovery was over Davis was carrying an extra 16kg, so he set a goal to get fit again and try to complete another ironman in May 2015.

With support and determination he did complete the Ironman Australia and has continued his running, with the

with the decision of Germany and England to base themselves in our beautiful part of the world, the introduction of a Central Coast Mariners women’s team for next season, and of course, an amazing championship win by the Mariners in the A League,” he said.

“The Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex is an amazing worldclass venue and I believe it will greatly aid the German team in their preparations.

“I look forward to welcoming both teams to the Coast.” Match day information, news, and ticket sales is available at the official FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023TM website.

Source: Central Coast Council

new goal to complete the Big 6 major marathons – he has two left, for which he has already qualified and entered.

“Cancer does not discriminate, and even as a fitness-minded individual, we are not immune to this horrible disease, which is why research is so important,” Davis said.

“The most important thing anyone can do is get regular check-ups.

“If something’s not right, get checked, early detection is so

important, and always stay positive and enjoy life, you only get one chance.”

This year the Real Insurance Sydney Harbour 10km/5km has partnered with the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Davis will be testing himself on the 10km course to raise vital funds for research and as it is a flat course it’s a great warm-up for the Sydney Marathon.

Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah

RUGBY

Round 11 of the Central Coast Rugby competition on July 1 saw Terrigal hang on for a 25-23 win over the Razorbacks at The Haven in the match of the day.

The Razorbacks opened the scoring with a penalty goal with Terrigal crossing soon after for a converted try, with the match seesawing from one end of the field to the other.

Scoring three tries in the first half, Terrigal went to the break with a 19-8 lead, but the Razorbacks came back strongly in the second stanza.

The Razorbacks outscored Terrigal by 15-6 in the second half, crossing for two tries early and briefly taking the lead by scoring a penalty goal.

With the score at 23-22 in favour of the Razorbacks, Terrigal kicked a late penalty to take the match.

Terrigal hangs on to defeat Razorbacks

Best players for Terrigal were props Antonio Cunha and Harry Gray and centre Jayden Woolley, while the best performers for the Razorbacks were centre Owen Turner, Sam Kearney and Luke Redhead.

The win sees Terrigal leapfrog the Razorbacks into second position on the competition ladder in what is proving an intriguing race to the Premiership.

Hornsby outlasted The Lakes at Slade Park to record a 17-10 win.

Both teams had numerous opportunities to post points with play going from one end of the field to the other.

The first half was limited to a single try each with Hornsby going to the half-time break with a narrow lead of 7-5.

With each time crossing for another try, Hornsby held a narrow 12-10 lead for much of

Application for Appointment of Board Members

Patonga Public Hall And Bush Fire Brigade Land Manager

Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?

Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the benefit of the entire community.

Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless. We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.

Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.

The Patonga Public Hall And Bush Fire Brigade Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 88567 at Patonga notified on 21-Apr-1972 for Public Hall, Bush Fire Brigade Purposes. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.

Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au

All applications are required to be lodged by 7 August 2023.

For further information contact:

Joanne Muddle on (02) 4937 9364 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au

the second half, before securing the match with a try a couple minutes before the end.

This was an important victory for Hornsby, who still keep their slim hopes alive for the finals.

Best players for Hornsby were No.8 Hamish Perring, who crossed for two tries, centre Chris James, prop Aaron Duncan and five-eight Hunter Bird.

The Lakes had several good players but none were better than No.8 Geoff Hiku, fullback Damien Lawson and centre Ashton Hutchinson-Walters. Avoca Beach recorded a 53-7 victory over Lake Macquarie at Boolaroo.

The match began quite evenly with both teams giving their all, with Lake Macquarie showing several phases of attack early on.

But it wasn’t long before Avoca Beach took control on

the paddock and on the scoreboard, jumping to a 27-0 nil lead by half-time, after crossing for five tries, only one of which was converted.

Lake Macquarie scored their only try early in the second half but were no match for Avoca Beach, who cemented their spot at the top of the competition ladder.

Best players for Avoca Beach were locks Joel Delaney and Emile Thomas, No.8 Michael Hobden and flanker Matt Hurd while the best efforts for Lake Macquarie were put in by flanker Mark De Vries, fiveeight Brendan Holliday and centre Matt Youman.

In a totally one-sided match, Gosford trounced Woy Woy by 114-0 at Woy Woy Oval.

Gosford controlled the match from start to finish, leading by 55-0 at half-time and posting a further 59 points in the second half to take the victory.

Woy Woy had no answer to the Gosford attack.

Gosford crossed for 18 tries, of which Nathan Brown posted five plus three conversions for a total of 31 personal points.

Best players for Gosford were five-eight Josh McGlynn, lock Mitch Parker, hooker Joel Wagner and centre Nathan Brown.

Woy Woy was best served by centre Hugh Fotofili, hooker Tim Cook and No.8 Max Edwards.

The Premier 1 points table sees Avoca Beach in the lead on 44, followed by Terrigal on 39, the Razorbacks on 37 and Gosford on 34.

Warnervale is sitting on 26, Hornsby on 18, The Lakes on 13 and Woy Woy on 7.

The Women’s 10s competition matches saw The Lakes, Terrigal and Avoca Beach all record important victories.

A feature of the round was the great effort by Warnervale who played with greatly reduced numbers.

Round 12 on July 8 will see Hornsby and Avoca Beach meet in the match of the day at Mark Taylor Oval.

The Lakes will welcome the Razorbacks to Slade Park and Woy Woy will host Warnervale at Woy Woy Oval.

Terrigal will travel to Walters Park, Boolaroo to meet home team Lake Macquarie.

In the President’s Cup, The Bay will host Gosford/Kariong at Joseph Banks Oval.

In the Women’s 10s competition, the Razorbacks travel to Slade Park to play The Lakes, Avoca Beach will meet Hornsby at Waitara, and Woy Woy will play host at Woy Woy Oval to Warnervale.

Source: Central Coast Rugby

Terrigal scored a tight 25-23 win over the Razorbacks | Photo: Scott Gardiner Photography

Gosford trounced Woy Woy 114-0 | Photo: Nick Friend Photography

New jerseys for a special home game

BASKETBALL

As the basketball season comes to a close, the Central Coast Crusaders are gearing up for their final game at home for the year and it’s a special one.

This Sunday, July 9, at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium at Terrigal the Crusaders host in the Inner West Bulls in the NBL1 East First Nations Round where they’ll be donning their newly unveiled jerseys inspired by the artwork of Bundjalung woman Jenni McEwen.

Before the Crusaders host the Bulls, they’ll make their way to Bankstown to take on the

Bruins in this weekend’s double header.

Tipping things off first at 2pm are the women, who look to keep their post-season dreams alive in a must win matchup against the 10th placed Bruins and fortunately they’ve got momentum on their side after a convincing 73-47 win over the Hills Hornets.

It was Jasmine Forcadilla and Maddison Penn who got the job done against the Hornets, combining for 42 points with Penn sinking an impressive 6 of 10 from behind the arc.

The men take the court at 4pm in a favorable matchup themselves as it was roughly this time last year that the

Crusaders travelled to Bankstown and stole the win on the road off a Hammish Loader buzzer beater.

On to Sunday and the home portion of this weekend’s double header where the women start things off once again against the 13th placed Inner West Bulls at 1pm.

The last time these two teams faced off was at North Ryde, where the home side Bulls came away with a hard fought 73-66 victory over the Crusaders.

But it was the woman in the middle, Nicole Hutchins, who kept it close for the Crusaders, scoring 15 on an impressive 7 of 9 from the field and grabbing

13 rebounds.

Expect the Crusaders to call on her once again.

The situation for the women is a lot less dire but still far from ideal as they failed to gain any momentum after defeating the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles a few weeks ago.

The men have a tougher assignment, squaring off at 3pm against the 14-3 second placed Bulls, who look to close out their impressive season with a win on the road.

The men are looking to recreate Ajay Lawton’s performance last week after he scored 21 points and grabbed five steals in just the first half.

Unfortunately, his reign was abruptly cut short after an untimely hamstring sprain which made it difficult for the Crusaders to close out on the road, going down to the Hornets 73-71.

Lawton’s valiant performance should have breathed some life into the men’s squad as they look to take the win in this special First Nations matchup at home.

The special edition jerseys which the Crusaders will be sporting this Sunday are up for auction with the proceeds going to The Glen Rehab for women to help fund the construction of an outdoor multi-sport facility.

The artwork that inspired the jerseys represents the 12 team members coming together to compete on Darkinjung Country.

Jenni McEwen is a Bundjalung woman of the Northern Rivers in NSW living on Darkinjung country and her practice reflects the language, stories, art, song and dance of her ancestral Elders.

Bidding closes this Friday, July 7, at 4.59pm.

Check out the Central Coast Basketball Website or the Central Coast Crusaders Facebook page for instructions on how to place a bid.

Stefan Kataric

Ajay Lawton and Darneka Rowe sport the new jerseys |

Photo: Kristen Russell