Coast Community News 399

13 Osprey pairs nesting on Coast

The coal-fired Vales Point Power Station at Mannering Park could stay open four years beyond its scheduled closure – now 2033 instead of 2029 – following a “reassessment” update issued by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Power station owner Delta Electricity informed the AEMO that an Electricity Statement of Opportunities technical life assessment of the existing generation equipment, ash dam capacity and general condition of the power plant showed that its operations could be extended to 2033 if needed.

By that time its two units would be well over 50 years old, but Interim CEO David Morris says Vales Point

has benefited from a “detailed and rigorous maintenance regime throughout its life” which could allow

it to continue beyond its normal 50year lifespan.

The power station currently generates about 10 per cent of NSW’s electricity needs and Delta says its closure date will be subject to market conditions and related commercial considerations.

“Vales Point Power Station continues to be a key asset in the transitioning energy market by providing essential firming capacity to support the growing integration of renewable energy and ensuring a reliable and secure source of electricity,” a Delta statement said.

Continued page 5

Ospreys | Photo :Linda Cuthbert

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Old friends united after decades

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When her friends from the Roving Rubies Red Hat Society of the Central Coast took her to a recent photography session, Edna Fowler of Woy Woy didn’t just collect some stunning pictures – she reconnected with a long-lost friend.

La Bella Vita Photography was offering free studio portraits for seniors who would share their life story.

Queen Lilimarlene, Marlene Klintworth, said Edna, affectionately known as the society’s own Dame Edna, was keen to have her photo taken.

“I arranged to take Edna there – she will turn 100 in January,” Klintworth said.

“Shannon the photographer was absolutely marvellous and took some lovely photos, which went up on Facebook.

“A comment was made on

that Facebook post about a woman named Ettie, who is 100 and came from the same country town as Edna and the wheels started turning.

“I made contact with Ettie, who will be 101 in November, and yes they did know each other, but hadn’t had contact for six decades.

“In fact Ettie’s older sister married a cousin of Edna’s.

“I arranged for them to meet up for a cuppa, and it was so good.

“They hugged and chatted away.

“One would start off a conversation about someone from Bombola and the other would finish.

“We have plans to help the two ladies meet up again soon.”

Shannon Smith of La Bella Vita Photography said her

Golden Age portrait sessions were completely free for people aged over 80.

“I don’t charge any money for these sessions, because I don’t want anyone to miss out on sharing their story because of financial circumstances,” she said.

“I buy dresses for them to wear and headpieces (along with) fresh flowers for them to hold.

“I do it because if you can give, then you should … the world needs more kindness, more love.

“We need to value what matters and honour those who paved the way for us.

“As a photographer, I love sessions that capture the essence of a story.

“The Golden Age portraits offer a unique opportunity to preserve the captivating stories

of a generation that was so resilient.

“Through my images, I aim to honour and celebrate our elderly, who have overcome adversity with limited resources, who were able to find joy amidst the challenges.

“Sadly, these stories often fade away as busy lives overshadow the chance to connect with loved ones.”

“I post the stories to my Facebook and Instagram so there is a physical record the family can see and share.”

To enquire about Golden Age portraits see the La Bella Vita Photography Facebook page. Meanwhile, Red Rubies will hold their next luncheon at Gosford RSL Club on August 3. For more details call 0412 760 725.

Controlled burns in Bouddi National Park

IN

MEMORIAM GIBSON, Vera Gertrude “Betty”

Passed away peacefully on 16th July 2023

Loving wife to Colin (dec). Cherished mother to Sharon and Craig.

Adored Grandma to her six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

From afternoon to evening on Saturday, July 15, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighters undertook controlled burning in Bouddi National Park.

The burn was conducted among knobbly, twisted Sydney red gums and rough-barked blackbutts.

Saturday’s burn was

undertaken on 9.8ha southwest of Mount Bouddi and was aimed at reducing bushland fuel loads to protect nearby homes in Bensville,MacMasters Beach and Killcare Heights.

The burn continued well into the evening with crews monitoring the fire.

Many fire trails and tracks remain closed due to safety

concerns and visitors should check the NPWS website for closed areas.

NPWS firefighters, in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service, continue rolling out hazard reduction burns across NSW to help protect parks and communities ahead of summer.

Source: NPWS

A service will be held to celebrate Vera’s life on Monday, 24th July 2023 at the Rose Chapel, Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park Palmdale Road, Palmdale, commencing at 1.00pm

Terry Collins

Edna Fowler (left) and old friend Ettie; Edna Fowler as photographed by La Bella Vita Photography

The controlled burn included the Turkey Track in Brisbane Water National Park | Photo: Doug Beckers, NPWS

The Wamberal Beach Save

Our Sand (SOS) group held an emergency rally on Tuesday, July 18, as equipment rolled in to begin geotechnical investigations in preparation for an application for a seawall along the beach.

Beachfront landowners are expected to lodge a Development Application (DA) with Central Coast Council for the seawall in coming months, with consultant engineers engaged to explore the underlying geomorphology of the area.

But SOS, which has been campaigning for two years and has attracted more than 2,000 signatures on a petition opposing a seawall, says the move is premature, with other options to solve Wamberal’s ongoing erosion issues not yet fully explored.

In September last year, more than 1,000 people attended a protest on the beach.

Tuesday’s rally, organised at short notice, saw around 30 people gather to reinforce opposition to the proposal. Participants, many in SOS

An SOS from Wamberal SOS

T-shirts, brandished a fresh batch of posters, chanted and delivered speeches calling on Council and the State Government to halt seawall DA preparations.

Spokesperson Corinne Lamont said the drilling had been “quietly organised” and could potentially continue for a week or two.

“We need to tell Council it’s not on,” she said.

Members are concerned over Council’s continued preference for a seawall option, reinforced last October when it adopted design requirements for seawall applications.

“It is irresponsible for Council to be preparing a seawall DA with others when they have not studied the ‘end effects’ of a seawall – that is, increased flooding of hundreds of lagoon homes and the lagoon environment when sea storm surges occur,” Lamont said.

“Hundreds of lagoon residents are rightly worried that Council is pressing on with a seawall DA co-application on an ‘apply now, ask questions later’ basis.

“(This is) leaving locals wondering what the end effect

impact on the lagoons will be, let alone the seawall’s impact on the beach itself.

“Council needs to get an end effects lagoon study done before it even thinks about a seawall DA.

“Council has an obligation to the entire community, not just beachfront property owners, (and) must stop leaving the wider community in the dark.

“Council needs to start asking the community what is best for the community (through)

proper consultation, not closed meetings.”

A Council spokesperson confirmed that consultant engineers engaged by the lead proponent in relation to a DA being prepared for a terminal protection structure at Wamberal Beach began geotechnical investigations this week.

“This basically involves a probe being pushed into the ground at various points along the beach to better understand

the underlying geomorphology,” the spokesperson said.

“It should be noted, Council has not engaged the geotechnical consultants for this work.

“No DA has yet been lodged that is associated with this project … and no approvals have yet been granted for this project to proceed.”

The spokesperson said the updated Engineering Design Requirements (EDR) adopted in October were for use by

Skill Engineer to launch Digi Van

The Skill Engineer is set to launch Digi Van, an empowering initiative aimed at helping young people create digital content that reflects their unique voices and community narratives.

The official launch event will take place at 1pm on July 26 at the Skillion, Terrigal.

Skill Engineer CEO Maggie MacFie said the exciting initiative would provide an opportunity for young creators to showcase their talents and make their voices heard.

Funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Investment Program, Digi Van will guide participants towards

creative digital pathways.

The van will visit various locations, including youth centres, community centres and high schools, directly engaging with young individuals and immersing them in the world of multimedia.

Through the initiative, young creators will have a platform to share their perspectives and stories, reaching a wide audience through The Skill Engineer’s multimedia platforms.

MacFie said multimedia plays a pivotal role in shaping youth’s self-perception and fostering active participation.

It is an essential component of modern culture,

entertainment and societal transformation, she said.

Digi Van has already made a special appearance at the 2023 Central Coast Community NAIDOC Celebrations, where teenagers worked alongside The Skill Engineer’s MobPod team to capture the wisdom and stories of elders.

In close collaboration with the community, Digi Van aims to serve as a dynamic and vibrant outlet for joy and creativity.

It is an opportunity to showcase exceptional local talent while empowering youth and making a positive impact.

landowners in preparing development applications, and for consideration in the assessment of development applications.

“The EDR has been developed to articulate specific design requirements for the seawall, including consideration of lagoon end termination points, and as part of that, potential interactions with lagoon and entrance processes,” the spokesperson said.

“Studies like this will help to ensure that if and when a DA is lodged, all appropriate considerations have been given in accordance with the EDR for a potential structure, and that any risks or concerns presented can be best mitigated.”

Further information on the background of the project, the planning and assessment process, and other relevant information is available on Council’s website at: https:// www.centralcoast.nsw.gov. au/environment/coastlines/ coastal-zone-management/ coastal-erosion

Terry Collins

of

Around 30 people attended Tuesday’s emergency rally

Source: The Skill Engineer

The Skill Engineer’s Digi van

Local ferry operator left high and dry

Central Coast Ferries, a family business which has been operating for more than 20 years on Brisbane Water, is fuming after Transport for NSW appointed a Sydney-based charter boat operator to provide emergency ferry services between Wagstaffe and Ettalong.

The contract for ferry services eventuated after operators of the Palm Beach Ferry Service suspended its Wagstaffe and Ettalong services last month due to shallow sands in the Ettalong Channel.

Central Coast Ferries say they were asked to provide a quote for a ferry shuttle at Wagstaffe – only to be ignored, and find out the tender had been given to a Sydney operator.

“We’ve been dealing with Transport for NSW for a long time and we have a good relationship with them,” Central Coast Ferries proprietor George Conway said.

“I don’t know why that department didn’t support us.”

Transport for NSW said it had contacted a range of companies which could provide an interim ferry service between

Gorokan firefighter off to help in Canada

Sean Davis of Gorokan is among 15 NPWS firefighters called up this week to help Canadian Emergency Services battle unprecedented wildfires.

Davis is part of the fourth deployment of NPWS specialist firefighters, with the group flying out from Friday, July 14, for a four-week stint.

The first call for assistance was in May, and the escalating emergency has now seen 48 NPWS firefighters deployed to Canada as part of the Australian/ New Zealand contingent.

International firefighting efforts are helping the Canadians battle wildfires across most provinces, with firefighters from the US, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, France, Spain, Chile, Mexico and Costa Rica joining forces.

“My role will be Aircraft

From page 1

Operations Manager, part of the Incident Management Team, working alongside NPWS lead planning officers, air crew,divisional commanders and Remote Area Fire Teams (RAFT),” Davis said.

NPWS has similar approaches

to wildfire management, so crews should be able to seamlessly step in to support the already stretched Canadian firefighters.

“Air Operations Manager is a comprehensive specialised role,” Davis said.

“We coordinate aircraft and ground crews, set up communications channels, need to know locations and timeframe, pilot hours, aircraft capabilities – many things.”

With 21 years’ firefighting experience, Davis has a solid operational sense, and a good

knowledge of fire behaviour and how weather can impact it.

Meanwhile Hunter Central Coast NPWS staff continue to plan and deliver a program of hazard reduction burns ahead of summer.

More than 2,000 hectares

Wagstaffe and Ettalong.

“The company we chose for this service offered the taxpayers of NSW the best value for money in terms of suitability of vessel, timeframes and costs,” the spokesperson said.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch was made aware of the situation.

“Why would you turn down the offer of a fantastic local company?” he said.

“I call on the government to fix this.”

have been treated in Hunter Central Coast parks and reserves in the past year, with further burns planned for winter and spring, weather permitting.

Power station could stay for another four years

“Given the uncertainties surrounding the capacity of electricity resources over the next 10 years and the urgent need to maintain system security throughout this period, Delta considers it a responsible step to advise AEMO of the availability of Vales Point Power Station’s capacity”.

The new closing date follows speculation that the closure of the country’s biggest power generator, Origin’s Eraring plant also on the southern shores of Lake Macquarie, might also be at least partially delayed.

It was due to be closed in August 2025, seven years ahead of its previous closure date, but one or two units could be kept open beyond 2025.

The news has been met with a sense of betrayal according to The Greens spokesperson for Climate Change Sue Higginson.

“If we let Vales Point and Eraring coal-fired power stations continue beyond their planned closures we lose hope of reducing our emissions and meeting our net zero targets,” she said.

“We need to make big, bold changes and we need to make them now.”

Spokesperson for local environmental group Future Sooner, Gary Blaschke, said:

“We were cynical when Treasurer Jim Chalmers approved the sale of Vales Point to Czech company Sev.en, owned by billionaire Pavel Tykac”.

“As if you’d buy a power station for hundreds of millions of dollars only to see it close in a couple of years,” he said.

“Under the Liberal Government Vales Point received an exemption licence to pollute over the NSW emission limits.

“Now with Labor it gets another four years or more to do the same.”

Future Sooner has been meeting regularly with United Nations representative Halida Nasdic, discussing health issues connected to emissions from the coal-fired power stations, prior to the arrival of the Special UN Rapporteur in August.

“Our meetings with the UN

have locked in a face-to-face meeting on the Central Coast – we made such an impact that the UN has also added an extra day to its NSW schedule,” Blaschke said.

“It’s ironic that Australia joins the Climate Club and just as the UN is in talks on toxic emissions, the NSW Government gives Vales Point another four years to pollute even more.

“It shows this government

cares little about trashing its own 2030 emission targets and even less about protecting the health of its citizens.

“It will be interesting to see how Special UN Rapporteur Dr Marcus A Orellina feels about that when we meet with him in September.”

Another local group, the Coalash Community Alliance, says any extension of Vales Point operation first requires significant reductions in ash dumping and air pollution.

“We remind the private owners and the NSW Government of the findings of the recent NSW Upper House Coal-ash Inquiry which required urgent action to address the ongoing problem of the more than 100 million tonnes of coal ash waste that is stored around Lake Macquarie,” spokesperson Kim Grierson said.

“Where is the investment

from the new owners to reduce the excessive air pollution from this plant?

“Where are their efforts to safely re-use the millions of tonnes of coal ash in the ash dumps around Vales Point?

“What are the State Government and the Environment Protection Authority doing about it?” Research Co-ordinator for Coal-ash Community Alliance, Dr Ingrid Schraner, said: “There is no social licence for an extension of the life of any power station without clear plans on how the new and the old coal ash, which is stored in unlined dumps that threaten our waterways, will be used-up in environmentally safe ways”.

The Alliance is calling for costed plans to empty the coalash dams and money to be allocated urgently.

Sue Murray

David Abrahams

Central Coast Ferries boat Saratoga | Photo: CCN

Source: NPWS

Sean Davis with other firefighters off to help out in Canada Gorokan firefighter Sean Davis

Vales Point Power Station at Mannering Park

Residents call for urgent sewer connection

to determine a prioritised list of works and suitable funding arrangements for providing water and/or sewerage services to existing unconnected properties across the region,” the spokesperson said.

“This is a large and complex planning process which will involve a number of stakeholders, including the community and IPART as Council’s pricing regulator.

“This work is planned for completion by mid-2025.

“Considering that any subsequent sewer scheme design and construction would take a further three-five years to roll out (depending on priority), residents are encouraged to find the most cost effective and lawful provider to maintain their onsite sewer management systems.”

The spokesperson said Council had provided householders with information on ways to improve water efficiency within the home to reduce the frequency of pump outs while the current system is in place.

Terry Collins

Community funding grants open soon

Community groups and not-for-profit organisations are being invited to apply for up to $30,000 in funding for community projects in Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park.

The Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program opens on August 1 and closes on August 31.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services

Melanie Smith said the funding program was a joint initiative between Central Coast Council, Delta Coal and local communities to build community capacity in selected suburbs.

“This year’s funding program has an allocation of $65,000 to support the communities of Summerland Point, Gwandalan, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park to deliver projects that improve community infrastructure and services,” Smith said.

“Community groups and notfor-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to help bring their big ideas to life.

“Projects that were funded in last year’s program include Mannering Park Public School P&C Association, the Colour Run initiative; Lions Club of Gwandalan Lioness refurbishment of history sign on Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan; and Road Safety Education Limited and RYDA Road Safety Programs for Lake Munmorah High School.”

Smith said free grant information sessions would also be available in coming weeks to support community members through the application process.

“I encourage anyone interested in applying and looking at ways to strengthen their application to register to attend an information session,” she said.

Central Coast Council

Administrator Rik Hart said the grants supported local groups to deliver valuable community programs.

“We have seen many beneficial projects funded and delivered throughout the years under this initiative, and I look forward to seeing what innovative projects will be funded this year,” he said.

An online information session will be held at 2pm-3.30pm on Wednesday, July 26, with a face-to-face session from 10am-11.30am on Thursday, August 27, in the Function Room at Council’s Wyong Administration Building.

For information on grant guidelines, how to apply or to register to attend a grant information session, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ grants

Source: Central Coast Council

Call for a halt to logging in Ourimbah State Forest

The Community Environment Network (CEN) has slammed Forestry Corp NSW (FCNSW) over the resumption of logging in Ourimbah State Forest.

The group says the move is evidence the NSW Government has “paid no more than lip service” to research revealing the threat of regional extinctions within 50 years if the clearing of native forests continues.

As a member of the Barrington to Hawkesbury Climate Corridors Alliance (B2H), the CEN last year called for an immediate moratorium on land clearing to avoid regional species extinctions by 2070.

“CEN felt confident during the March NSW election campaign that the then State Opposition understood the need to stop logging, protect native forests and create 22 climate refugia between Barrington Tops and the Hawkesbury River if we are to minimise native species

extinctions,” CEN Chair Gary Chestnut said.

“Right now one of those refugia on the Central Coast, Ourimbah State Forest, is being logged for low-quality salvage and pulpwood and we call upon Premier Chris Minns and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to immediately halt

NSW Forestry’s operations at Ourimbah.

“Bushland on the Central Coast is under immense pressure from urban development, agriculture and the intensifying impacts of global warming – native forest logging, for very little economic benefit, can no longer be tolerated.

“If the NSW Government does not permanently protect Ourimbah State Forest along with the other 21 climate refugia identified in the two B2H reports, this region is facing the extinction of up to 50 per cent of all native flora species and at least six native fauna species within 50 years.”

Chestnut said the research

for the B2H reports was based on habitat suitability modelling, completed by the Bionode of the NSW Adaptation Hub at Macquarie University, and on NSW Government climate corridor mapping.

“It assessed available habitat for local threatened populations under four future climate warming scenarios,” he said.

“The research identifies 22 climate refugia corridors that span the region and will be essential for the preservation of species in a warming world.

“Premier Minns and Minister Sharpe know that the clearing of native vegetation and destruction of habitat is the single greatest threat to biodiversity in NSW.

“They must act now to stop this threat.”

CEN said a cultural site within the Ourimbah State Forest has already been damaged because of logging activity.

“CEN is aware that koala

sightings in the forest in 2019 have not been followed up and FCNSW has made no changes to its harvest plans despite being presented with evidence from the community, scientists and Traditional Owners about flora, fauna and the heritage site,” Chestnut said.

“It appears FCNSW has ignored recent warnings about the likelihood of an early fire season this year.

“Ourimbah is a rainforest but if large log piles and other debris are left to dry in the forest the fire danger could be catastrophic.

“The risks created by FCNSW’s current ‘harvesting’ far outweigh the rewards.

“CEN and our B2H partners repeat our call for an immediate moratorium on land clearing. “State forest logging must cease.”

Source: CEN

Renewed call for free parking at Gosford Hospital

The cost of parking at the region’s public hospitals has long been a bone of contention for Central Coast residents, with some frequent visitors to longterm in-patients chalking up huge parking bills.

The issue figured in preelection promises from both major parties prior to the March State election, with both Labor and the Liberals pledging to abolish parking fees.

Four months after the election, there is free public parking at Wyong Hospital but paid parking is still in place at Gosford.

Member for Terrigal Adam

Crouch has called on the Government to provide answers to why the introduction of free parking at Gosford Hospital has been suspended.

“Prior to the state election, I was proud to announce that a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government would make parking free at both Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, which was also matched by the now State Government,” Crouch said.

He said, however, the Government has now suspended the introduction of free parking at regional hospitals.

“Now is the time for the Minns

Labor Government to put its money where its mouth is and commit to immediate free

parking at Gosford Hospital, which now appears to be another broken promise,” he said.

“It simply isn’t good enough for this government to backtrack on its promise, which the Minister for the Central Coast made in March.

“Patients, staff and visitors shouldn’t need to pay for parking at our hospitals, and the State Labor Government needs to honour the commitment to free parking at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.”

A spokesperson for Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said the Government would deliver on its commitment to make parking free for all patients, staff and visitors at all rural and regional NSW public hospitals.

Don’t put batteries in your bin

Central Coast Council is appealing to residents to be careful with what they put in their bins and bulk kerbside clean-ups, following several recent incidents where collected household waste has caught fire.

On Monday, July 10, a waste collection driver was forced to eject the truck’s load of yellow bin recycling in a carpark on Evans Rd, Toukley after he saw smoke within the collected waste inside the truck.

He was able to eject the waste safely and NSW fire fighters contained the area and helped to extinguish the fire. This followed a separate incident the previous week where a waste truck was forced to eject its load of bulk

kerbside waste collection at an oval in Kariong.

NSW Fire Brigade investigators identified the source of the fire coming from a box of discarded mobile phones with lithium batteries, wrongly placed inside the bulk kerbside waste.

Although there was minimal damage to the vehicles in both recent incidents, a third incident at Ettalong in late 2022 resulted in significant damage to the collection truck due to fire damage.

Council’s Waste and Resource Recovery Unit Manager Andrew Pearce said these incidents were consistently being identified by NSW Fire Bridge to have been caused by incorrectly discarded lithium batteries in household waste.

“Lithium batteries are commonly found in cordless rechargeable or batteryoperated devices such as toys, tools, laptop computers, vapes, mobile phones, appliances and solar-powered devices,” he said.

“The danger is that lithium batteries can spontaneously

ignite when overheated or damaged.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said these incidents were an important reminder to all residents that lithium batteries must never be thrown out with general waste or household recycling.

“Residents can safely drop off household batteries, mobile phones (and accessories) to Council libraries, Customer Service Centres, Buttonderry Community Recycling Centre (Buttonderry Waste Management facility) and Woy Woy Waste Management facility,” he said.

“If you cannot safely remove the battery from your item, please dispose of the whole item with the battery intact via drop-off at Council’s E Waste Recycling Program or Chemical Cleanouts.”

Other items that may combust include car batteries, gas bottles, flares, fuel cans, butane canisters, chemicals including acids and hot ashes (from fireplaces, barbecues and fire pits).

The spokesperson said free parking was currently available for staff in all public hospitals and was set to be extended to patients and family members as per the Government’s preelection commitment.

“We stand by this commitment and will have more to say about the extension in the coming weeks,” he said.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing access and delivering high-quality healthcare to patients in rural, regional and remote communities.”

Terry Collins

“We implore the community be careful, and to abide by what is allowed to be included in rubbish bins and kerbside rubbish for pick-up,” Hart said.

“While the recent incidents have been managed and contained with no damage to crews, and minimal damage to the vehicles – it could have been much worse, and I thank the Council staff and NSW Fire Brigade for their rapid response.”

Visit Council’s web page for the safe disposal of items classified as Hazardous Waste Disposing hazardous waste | Central Coast Council (nsw. gov.au)

Source: Central Coast Council

Piles of logs in Ourimbah State Forest

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch wants to know why free parking hasn’t been introduced at Gosford Hospital

A fire broke out in a recycling collection truck on July 10

Two members of the Barang Regional Alliance have urged Central Coast residents to vote yes in the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Barang Regional Alliance is a not-for-profit Aboriginal organisation supporting the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Darkinjung Land on the Central Coast.

It advocates to reform current thinking, systems and processes to deliver more effective service delivery outcomes and accountability to the Central Coast Aboriginal community.

The organisation’s Operations Manager Gary Field and Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Jacob Smeaton said the referendum was a once-in-ageneration opportunity to recognise First Nations people in our constitution to ensure there is lasting change.

“Constitutional enshrinement of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and embedding the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the foundations of this country’s law is nothing but a positive reform for the Australian community,” they said.

“Constitutional enshrinement rightfully recognises the history of this country and the oldest continuing culture and people from anywhere across the globe.

Local men appeal to Coasties to vote yes

“As young Aboriginal men who have been born and nurtured on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast we see this as an opportunity and obligation to raise awareness of what will be the most significant decision facing First Nations people since the 1967 referendum.

“When our parents were born less than a decade had passed since Aboriginal people were no longer flora and fauna and were counted as citizens in what is the most successful referendum in Australian history.

“In the second half of 2023, Australians eligible to vote will go to the ballot box and answer the following question, ‘A proposed law: To alter the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?’.

“This Voice will not have veto powers.

“It will not have the power to override policymakers’ decisions, nor will it be able to pass new legislation.

“However, it generously asks that First Nations people are consulted and advise on things that matter to us.”

The men said Barang Regional Alliance was made up of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, independent Aboriginal

community members and associate member organisations and works with all levels of government to propose initiatives and advise on matters relating to the needs of the Aboriginal community.

“We have been on a journey and faced many challenges over the past decade to bring together a unified voice and drive better outcomes for our community,” they said.

“It is now recognised that Barang has become a strong regional voice for our community.

“Barang has been responsible for key reforms that have led to the growth of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and better service of the Central Coast community.

“The success of Barang and other regional governance

structures are dependent on the ongoing commitment of government.

“As we have seen over the past decade, there have been various changes in leadership and with that comes new commitments, ministers, budgets, and policies.

“In the coming months you will heartermssuchasconstitutionalenshrinement and referendum.

“We invite you to respectfully engage in conversations, to weed out the mistruths and get advice from trusted sources.

“Don’t believe the myths around veto powers and third chambers in parliament; it simply isn’t true.

“This significant reform is about enshrining a First Nations voice into the constitution.

“The Australian Constitution is

the founding document of this nation, it sets out how we interact with legislation and government and who is responsible for it.

“First Nations people humbly request that our voices be heard and considered in that process.”

The men said the detail of what the Voice would look like is outlined in comprehensive reports produced by Professor Marcia Langton and Professor Tom Calma.

These include the Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Final Report, Final Report of the Referendum Council and Report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“The constitution serves as a fundamental framework for our nation, outlining our guiding principles and the structure of our government,” they said.

“What a perfect place to include First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“The constitution is not intended to delve into intricate details but rather provide a broad foundation for governance.

“Therefore, the constitution is not the ideal platform for addressing specific details of policies or programs, as those can be more effectively handled through legislation and regulations.”

Legacy torch relay passes through Gosford

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 journey passed through Gosford on Saturday, July 15, on its way across the world from Pozieres, France to end in October in Melbourne.

The Central Coast is one of the 55 regions in NSW to see the relay pass through before moving on through Victoria and Tasmania, to end on October 13 in Melbourne, where the first Legacy Club was established 100 years ago.

The worldwide campaign to honour and acknowledge veterans’ families began its journey in Pozières, France, on April 23 with an official opening ceremony, then travelled to Belgium, and on to London before arriving in Australia and passing through Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland before coming to NSW.

For the Gosford leg, Brisbane Water Legacy President Patrick Gallagher was the first torch bearer, joined by war widow Mary Flemming for part of his leg.

The relay started at Brisbane Water Legacy Club and then

proceeded over a 3.34km loop passing the Gosford War Memorial before returning to the starting point.

It featured 18 torch bearers including Legacy beneficiaries, legatees and Defence personnel.

Official torch bearers included former CEO of Legacy Australia Scott Warr and bearing the torch on its last Gosford leg was former Chairman of Legacy

Australia Rick Cranna.

“I first joined Legacy when I came back from Vietnam in 1970 – one of the first three returning Vietnam vets to join,” Cranna said.

“My father was a legatee prior to that, following WWII, and my mother was one of the wives of legatees who collected funds back then – they were known as torch bearers.

“As a stock and station agent

I was transferred to many towns in NSW over my career and would join the Legacy club in each town.

“I have been a member of around 10 clubs in NSW and one in Adelaide.”

Now retired at living at Terrigal, Cranna has been a member of Brisbane Water Legacy since 2007.

He was president of the club for two years and instrumental

The men said the Uluru Statement from the Heart was the final piece of what were years of work including regional dialogues with Aboriginal communities across Australia, ending in 2017 at the Constitutional Convention, with hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and young people involved.

“We have been fortunate enough to represent our community as Aboriginal young people in the Uluru Statement from the Heart Youth Dialogue, where our voices are listened to by leadership and our inputs included within the campaign,” they said.

“The Voice also plays an important role in including the voices of young people which has been embedded throughout the journey of the Uluru Statement and is key to ensuring that the future generations are included equally in decisionmaking and reform.

“As we face a once-in-ageneration opportunity to recognise First Nations people in our constitution and make lasting change, your own leadership and support for these issues will be critical.

“It is you who can make the change to improve Australia for all future generations.”

after his wife and children if he didn’t make it.

That soldier returned to Australia in 1923 and started the nation’s first Legacy club.

Cranna said the Gosford leg of the relay honoured 600-700 elderly widows currently under the care of Legacy on the Central Coast, as well as younger Vietnam and Afghanistan veterans and their families.

“There was some emotion on the day as the older ladies remembered their husbands,” he said.

“It is especially stirring to look after the children of veterans.

in setting up this year’s torch relay.

“To see it come to fruition was fantastic and we had great support from our military leaders,” he said.

“The idea of this inaugural relay was to see the torch visit every Legacy club in Australia.”

Cranna said Legacy had its beginnings on the battlefields of Pozieres, when a dying soldier asked a mate to look

“When Legacy started there were thousands of children whose fathers had been killed in WWI and Legacy offered them camps, activities and educational opportunities.

“The same thing happened again after WWII.”

With many veterans of action in Vietnam, Afghanistan and the Gulf War, Cranna said Legacy would be going “for a long time to come”.

Terry Collins

Source: Gary Field and Jacob Smeaton

Gary Field and Jacob Smeaton of the Barang Regional Alliance

Rick Cranna carried the torch for its final Gosford leg

Rick Cranna with the torch at Brisbane Water Legacy

The Central Coast has the highest number of breeding pairs of Osprey that it has ever had, with 13 pairs currently attending to nests.

Following a decline in the species, in the 1970s the Osprey population in northern NSW began to thrive and the birds have been breeding and expanding their range southwards ever since.

Initially scheduled as threatened fauna, they have now become the second most common raptor, after the White-breasted Sea-Eagle.

Allan Benson of the Central Coast Group of Birding NSW said there were no nesting attempts in the combined Wyong and Gosford local government areas until 1996

13 Osprey pairs nesting on Coast

when a pair was found nesting in Kincumber Meadows near Bensville, in a dead tree.

“The nest failed but nesting was attempted the following year again without success,”

Benson said.

“Nesting was then attempted in a dead tree near Lees Reserve, Chittaway, from 2002-2004 with some success but that tree eventually fell down and the birds then moved elsewhere.

“The first regular successful nesting site was at the Erina Works Depot’s Communications Tower.

“To prevent damage to the communications structures, staff constructed a special nesting platform, attached to the tower.

“The birds have nested there since and have been successful on many occasions.

“At one point a camera was attached to the nest site so staff could check on the nesting success but that camera has not been

operational for some years.

“A similar artificial nesting structure was erected at Industree Group Stadium, in a position where sticks and branches no longer fell on patrons watching football matches.”

The 13 nesting pairs have been recorded at Erina Works Depot, Kincumber Sewage Treatment Plant, Industree Group Stadium, Hylton Moore Oval, Mingara Athletics Field, The Entrance Bridge site in a Norfolk Island Pine closest to the bridge near the boat hire wharf, Harry Moore Oval at Toukley, Tunkawallin Oval at Gwandalan, Terrigal CBD, Communications Tower Ocean Dr in Woy Woy, Communications Tower at Lake Munmorah, Communications Tower at Halekelani, and Riley’s Island Nature Reserve.

The Terrigal nest is on the back of a private crane, with the birds active in bringing sticks to nest.

It is understood that NPWS has provided information to

the builder who owns/operates the crane.

But Benson warns that this does not mean there will be 13 successful nesting attempts, with the nests subject to predation.

“Wedge-tailed Eagles and or Sea-Eagles may take the young; Whistling Kites, ravens and crows may steal the eggs or take the small chicks or hassle the adults so much as to make them abandon the nest,” he said.

“Heavy rain and hail could damage eggs and/or kill the young but some young are sure to survive ensuring the increase of the Osprey population.”

Stunning photograph unveiled at Fighter World

Central Coast Aero Club member and aviation photographer Allan Cooper was recently invited to attend the unveiling of one of his photographs at the Fighter World Inc aviation museum in Newcastle.

The image of Australia’s new frontline fighter, the F-35 Lightning ll, was captured during the final closing display at the Warnervale Airshow in May 2022 and is now on display at Fighter World Inc, the RAAF’s Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre.

Cooper was joined at the unveiling by display pilot Flight Lieutenant Ross Bowman, call sign “Bunga“, who was flying the aircraft on the day, and senior management of Fighter World Inc.

Beside the photograph are technical details relating to the capture of the image and an outline of Cooper’s previous coverage of air shows.

Fighter World Inc operates Williamtown Aviation Heritage Centre and is entirely funded by admission fees.

The Aviation Heritage Centre first opened in a wartime hut on the site in the early 1980s.

“The hut held small items of memorabilia, aircraft parts, uniforms and photographs, but had no room for the historic aircraft, which had to be left out in the open,” Cooper said.

“It soon became obvious that exposure to the elements was not a suitable option so when the opportunity arose the administrators took advantage of a Federal Government project, the Steel Regions Assistance Program, and successfully secured a grant of $500,000 for construction of the main hangar where the aircraft and other interesting exhibits are housed today.

“Having secured the building, further progress was provided with generous financial support

from many corporate sponsors, the community and local RSLs.

“The centre, now a part of the RAAF, is self-supported by visitor entry fees and many volunteers.”

Information specifically provided by F-35 maker Lockheed Martin through is displayed next to the photograph and outlines the aircraft’s capabilities.

Allan Cooper’s stunning image

“The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defence Force’s first fifth-generation air combat capability,” the information says.

“It is a highly advanced multirole, supersonic, stealth fighter which brings a decisive advantage to the battlespace to defeat current and emerging threats.

“The F-35 is the world’s only fifth generation multi-role stealth fighter.

“Fifth generation capability is defined by the combination of very low observable stealth,

New president for Brisbane Water Rotary

Manager of Central Coast Antiques & Collectables, Mitchell Gordon, has been elected president of Rotary Brisbane Water.

Mitchell joined Rotary International in 2011, has served on the boards of three Rotary clubs and was one of the youngest-ever club presidents in 2013.

He received a Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2021.

Mitchell was a director of ACON from 2011-2012 and is also a former director of the Illawarra Historical Society and member of Wollongong City Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

He was a delegate of the

largest private sector trade union in Australia for several years and is a volunteer at Henry Kendall Cottage and Historical Museum.

He won Central Coast Council’s Business Connecting Communities Award in 2021 for his work as manager of Central Coast Antiques & Collectables.

Mitchell organises trivia nights for local charities with his friend Troy Dove, which have raised tens of thousands of dollars.

The fifth of these, raising funds for WIRES Central Coast, will be held on Thursday, September 21, with bookings now open.

The evening will be hosted by

Rotary Brisbane Water at Ettalong Diggers.

Doors will open at 6pm and four rounds of 10 rock ‘n’ roll questions will start at 7pm, with scores updated after each round.

The event will also include market stalls, live auctions, raffles, giveaways, entertainment and a photo booth.

Light refreshments will be provided and there will be a cash bar.

Tickets are $20 each.

To book a table, phone Troy Dove on 0424 602 290 or visit Central Coast Antiques and Collectables in Gosford.

advanced sensors, information fusion and network connectivity – all packaged within in a supersonic, long range, highly manoeuvrable fighter.

“More than a fighter jet, the F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share data is a powerful force multiplier that enhances all airborne, surface and groundbased assets in the battlespace.”

Cooper joined the many museum visitors on the elevated viewing deck to watch RAAF aircraft and F-35 jets depart for flight training and exercises, then return.

“It’s a sobering thought that the thrill for the crowd could be quickly overshadowed by a call on these highly trained pilots to place their lives in harm’s way to defend the freedoms and democracy we enjoy here at home and in other countries around this currently troubled world,” he said.

Terry Collins

Source: Allan Benson

The nest atop the tower at Industree Group Stadium following last year’s breeding season

Photographer Allan Cooper with Flt Lt Ross “Bunga” Bowman at the unveiling

Terry Collins

Mitchell Gordon with fellow Rotarians Cherie Simpson and Sue O’Neill

It won’t be so tough for pharmacists

I refer to CCN398, where a chemist says patients will be worse off under innovative arrangements being put in place by the Federal Government.

Do not believe this scaremongering by the Pharmacy Guild; the sky’s gonna fall in; “We’ll all be rooned”, said Hanrahan.

FORUM

Meanwhile, the government is reinvesting $1.2B in these pharmacies on top of the additional work they picked up as a result of COVID-19.

We all need to shoulder the load in tough times.

We elected this government

Cost of renewables needs to be considered

to do good and look after our local community and that is what they have done so far; I applaud their work to date.

If the Pharmacy Guild is not up to it, maybe the government could look at alternative dispensing arrangements.

Email, Jul 15 James Power, Narara

Asking is not directing FORUM

I read with some concern the recent letter from Dave Horsfall titled Whose priorities should the Voice reflect? (CCN 398).

He seems clearly critical of Linda Burney saying she will “ask the Voice to consider” four main priority areas.

Linda intends to ask, not direct, the Voice.

As the responsible Minister for Indigenous Australians, as well as being a descendant of the original inhabitants of this land, I am sure she will have consulted widely regarding the major issues confronting our First Nations people.

I therefore believe it is reasonable for her to point out the priorities she has identified and ask the Voice to consider them.

I have been reading an excellent book on the problems experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people due to our different cultures and language: Why Warriors lie down and Die by Richard Trudgen.

He lived amongst the Yolnu peoples in Arnhem Land for 20 years and learnt their culture

customs and language.

The book gained excellent reviews from well-known media personality Ray Martin and Phillip Carson (Director of General Surgery at Royal Darwin Hospital).

Richard Trudgen clearly indicates the major issues for our First Nations Peoples are communication-related in health and education.

These are the first two of the four mentioned by Linda Burney in her Address to the Press Club.

Email, Jul 16 Graham Donald, Erina

Society expects reliable and affordable electricity and now carbon free.

Demand for electricity varies with time.

Fossil and nuclear are able to adjust output to meet demand. Solar and wind are subject to the vagaries of the weather and cannot adjust to demand.

Consequently stand-alone renewable electricity generating systems need to either incorporate storage, consist of a number of different renewable generating types in parallel or a mixture of storage and generating types.

This is conceptually simple, but the costs of storage and having a number of generators in parallel have huge potential for rendering electricity unreliable or unaffordable.

Estimating the costs and characteristics of these systems can best be done by pilot plant studies.

Installing full-scale facilities without probing for likely costs is a risky economic situation.

The battery of choice at this time is lithium-ion which has been used in small-scale

FORUM

applications for some time.

Costs are prohibitive as noone is claiming success.

So far batteries are only good for helping to stabilise the grid.

A highly significant cost issue that arises with having renewable generators in parallel (for example solar and wind together) is the low capacity utilisation factor due to the generators being on standby for a lot of the time, and given that a system must be designed to cope with peak load.

The construction cost of all the generators in the system, and not just those operating at a particular time, have to be taken into account in calculating the real cost of electricity.

Another significant cost is the transmission facilities required from the generating sites to that of demand given that the generation sites will vary with the vagaries of the weather over possibly long distances.

All costs have to be taken into account to know the real cost of electricity.

There is no clear evidence at the moment that stand-alone renewable electricity generating facilities are reasonable or affordable. Neither can their reliability, independent of the weather, be guaranteed.

It would make sense to consider a mixture of generating types where some components are independent of the weather and test on a pilot scale.

Committing to full-scale investment without prior investigation is risky as has been experienced in many industrial processes before. Australia is embarking on a very risky path that could adversely affect us for a generation.

Perhaps if future savings need to be made we could repurpose our future nuclear submarines to generate reliable electricity.

Email, Jul 9 Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy

Two car fires in two days

Returning to base after a Buttonderry hazard reduction on Saturday afternoon, July 15, both Wallarah and Wyee Rural Fire Brigades were diverted to a car fire after an accident.

On arrival at Summerhayes Rd, near Rodgers Rd at Wyee, the crews found a single vehicle crashed into a tree

and on fire.

The occupant was already out of the car and after initial treatment by Ambulance paramedics the driver was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Wyee and Warnervale RFS crews were out again on Sunday, July 16, for another

car fire – this time on Hue Hue Rd near Bushells Ridge Rd at Kiar.

Police co-ordinated traffic affected in both directions while the fire was extinguished and Ambulance medics treated the occupants of the vehicle before being transported to hospital.

Sue Murray

Targeting domestic violence offenders

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate several outstanding warrant offenders in the Brisbane Water Police District as part of Operation Amarok.

Benjamin Gray is wanted on offences including stalking and intimidation and breach of AVO.

A warrant out for Katrina Charge is for breach AVO and revocation order.

Three warrants have been issued for Dylan Clark – ABH assault (DV) x 2, and drug supply.

Daniel Kottaridis is wanted on two warrants including common assault (DV) and stealing.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or

https://nsw.crimestoppers. com.au

Since its launch in January this year, Operation Amarok has seen a total of 1,884 people arrested following high-impact operations across NSW in February, April and July.

The Operation involves officers from all police area commands and police districts in NSW as well as proactive and specialist units.

A truck fire on the M1 Pacific Motorway at about 4pm on Friday, July 14, caused northbound traffic to be banked-up for about 20km and major traffic delays into the night.

The B-double truck driver

MISSING

Fill

In the past week during Operation Amarok III, 139 people arrested were labelled by police as the “most dangerous domestic violence offenders”, while 103 had outstanding warrants for violent offences.

During the Operation 592 people were arrested, and in

addition to domestic violencerelated offences, various other serious offences were detected including prohibited firearm and weapon possession, drug possession and supply, with a total of 1,107 charges laid.

Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley, said that with more than 139,000 calls for police assistance and more than

33,000 actual domesticrelated assaults every year, the issue of domestic and family violence could not be understated.

“These figures show this is an epidemic,” she said.

“We know domestic and family violence is one of the most under-reported crime types.

“Operation Amarok sends a

strong message to offenders that they’re in the sights of police.

“You’ve been warned; your predatory behaviour will be policed to your door.”

NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said that with more than half the state’s murders being domestic violence related,

Driver escapes truck inferno

saw flames coming from the engine and pulled over on the approach to Mooney Mooney Bridge.

He escaped the inferno before

it took hold of the truck cabin.

The M1 was closed northbound and motorists were being advised to use the Old Pacific Hwy but it wasn’t long before traffic became extremely heavy along that route.

By 5.30pm the truck fire had been contained, as well as an area of nearby bush, and a Hazmat team moved in for fuel decanting.

Two northbound lanes opened, but traffic flow was still slow due to a motorcycle

accident at Mount White.

The rider was treated at the scene by Ambulance paramedics before being flown to Royal North Shore Hospital by Toll Rescue helicopter.

By 7pm both the truck fire and motorcycle accident scenes

Operation Amarok was a deliberate strategy targeting the most dangerous offenders. “While any form of domestic and family violence is unacceptable, those offenders who pose the greatest threat to victims, those who continue to offend, and those who commit serious criminal offences are firmly in our sights,” he said.

Sue Murray

were cleared and all lanes were open to northbound traffic although traffic was still slow from the Hawkesbury River Bridge.

Sue Murray

Benjamin Gray Katrina Charge

Dylan Clark Daniel Kottaridis

The car fire at Kiar

Waru – journey of the small turtle will transform The Art House Theatre into a beautiful beach on the Torres Strait when it opens this September.

The first dedicated children’s work from the critically acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre, Waru is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for three to seven year olds.

Bangarra Dance Theatre brings Waru to Art House

Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born.

The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the island will welcome a new generation of hatchlings – amongst them, our small turtle friend, Migi.

Recognising that children are conscious of the wider world around them and curious of their place within it, Waru aims

to inspire a sense of connection to Country and to foster an appreciation of the many cultures and people who make up Australia.

As a contemporary Torres Strait story, Waru is an opportunity for children to learn about the wonders of the natural world and what it can teach us through the eyes of one little turtle.

Featuring original dance, music, costuming, lighting and set design, Waru is a

contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle that follows little Migi on her journey of discovery and survival.

Created by Bangarra’s former Artistic Director Stephen Page, together with Hunter PageLochard and Bangarra alumni dancers and choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris, Waru provides teachers, parents and caregivers with a unique opportunity to open

LUCKY

conversations about climate change, caring for the environment and the traditional cultural values of respect and reciprocity.

“Waru, told by one of the Torres Strait Islands’ greatest storytellers Elma Kris, is about celebrating the connection of Torres Strait Island people to sea, ocean, land and sky,” Page said.

“Even though it’s a children’s show, it carries very old stories of the green turtle’s life cycle

that will connect to all people today.”

Waru will be performed at The Art House on Friday, September 22, at 10am and 12.30pm (school performance) and on Saturday, September 23, at 10am.

Book on the theatre website.

Source: The Art House

Pioneers of the Australian Rock ‘n’ Roll era join together for the first time in over 60 years in an exciting and memory riddled show

Sunday 27 August, 2023 2pm Matinee

The Art House, WYONG

19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong NSW

BOOK NOW: 02 4335 1485

or www.thearthousewyong.com.au

Waru examines the wonders of the natural world through the eyes of one little turtle | Photo: Daniel Boud

STARR * JADE HURLEY * LITTLE PATTIE * DIGGER REVELL * DINAH LEE

BOB McKINNON PRESENTS

The pint-sized stand-up comedian Randy Feltface is headed for the Laycock St Community Theatre on July 30.

With 1.8M followers on TikTok and 1.1M on YouTube, he’s a purple puppet viral comedy sensation.

After performing more than 100 shows in the US and Europe, Feltface is bringing his Feltopia show home.

Frequently seen on Netflix, the ABC and NBC, Feltface has spent the past 18 years winning awards and garnering critical praise while amassing a huge and devoted fan base globally.

Since beginning his comedy career in Melbourne, Feltface has written and performed 11

YIPA awards handed out

A presentation night celebrating the 32nd year of Youth In Performing Arts on the Central Coast was held at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Thursday, July 13.

YIPA Director Gary Jackson said 2023 was another successful year, with more than 800 young performers trying out to be part of the annual variety concert series.

In May, four YIPA variety concerts were held at the theatre with audiences enjoying concerts which included vocals, dance, instrumentals, bands, drama and much more.

The performers who were selected to perform in YIPA were then eligible to apply for a YIPA award.

These are aimed at supporting the performers in their development, training and achieving their goals in the performing arts.

Randy Feltface plays Laycock St

solo stand-up comedy shows and released six comedy specials.

He was nominated for best comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, played sold-out seasons in London and New York and featured several times at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival.

He made his US television debut as a crowd favourite on NBC’s Bring The Funny and his comedy specials have become pirated YouTube sensations. Politics seems like the natural next step.

From Wisconsin to Dublin to North Gosford, Feltface is taking over the world.

In 2019, he opened his show Modus Operandy at the Sydney

Opera House as part of the Just For Laughs Festival before shows in London, Amsterdam and an extensive North American tour.

In 2021 he managed to perform in every state and territory of Australia while releasing two specials: The Book of Randicus and Purple Privilege

His live show is a high-energy existential crisis, full of biting observations, razor-sharp crowd work and rapid arm movements.

Feltopia plays at Laycock St on Sunday, July 30, at 7.30pm.

Talk on sinking of Costa Concordia

A fascinating talk on the sinking of the Costa Concordia will feature at the next monthly meeting of the Central Coast Family History Society in August.

The talk will be presented by Noel Phelan, who has been a volunteer guide at the Maritime Museum in Sydney for 15 years.

He is also a volunteer at the Naval Historical Society, where he has developed three naval harbour cruises.

The Costa Concordia, built at a cost of $900,000, sank on January 13, 2012 off the Italian coast, 100 years after the Titanic sank, and in similar circumstances.

The ship had 3,229

passengers and 1,023 crew and 32 people lost their lives in the disaster.

The captain, Francesco

Schettino, was found guilty on multiple counts of manslaughter, causing a maritime accident and

abandoning his ship and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Operated by Costa Crociere, the ship was the first of her

A total of 17 YIPA awards, worth $14,500, were presented.

“These awards were made available through the generosity of local businesses, community groups, family groups and individuals who want to support for young talent on the Central Coast,” Jackson said.

Encouragement Award recipients were Tara Thompson, Jessica Hourn, Amelia Greeff, Bonnie Brown, Eve Pagacova, Olivia Zaia and Ella Spence. Scholarship recipients were Elana Sydenham and Emma Deed, Chloe Lockwood, Kiara Cotterill, Sophie Goodwin, Ryleigh Beggs, Chloe McWilliam, Elise Leonard, Lara Ell, Samuel Friend and Lilliana Davis.

Jackson congratulated all of this year’s recipients.

class, and one of the largest ships built in Italy until that time.

On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia struck a rock in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the eastern shore of Isola del Giglio.

This tore open a 50m gash on the port side of her hull, which soon flooded parts of the engine room, cutting power from the engines and ship services.

As water flooded in and the ship listed, she drifted back towards the island and grounded near shore, then rolled onto her starboard side, lying in an unsteady position on a rocky underwater ledge.

The evacuation of Costa

Concordia took more than six hours.

Phelan will outline what really happened, the chain of events that led to the disaster and the brilliant engineering effort to salvage the ship which took two years and cost $2B.

The ship was eventually towed to the port of Genoa, where she was scrapped.

The Central Coast Family History Society meeting will be held from 1pm-3.30pm on August 5 at East Gosford.

For details email admin@ centralcoastfhs.org.au

Source: Central Coast Family History Society

The Costa Concordia sank in 2012

Source: Little Train Creative

Viral comedy sensation Randy Feltface

Source: YIPA

The 2023 YIPA award recipients

Two Weeks with the Queen at Red Tree Theatre

Wyong Drama Group and the Red Tree Theatre at Tuggerah are set to revive the beloved Australian Play Two Weeks With The Queen. Based on the popular novel by Morris Gleitzman and adapted for the stage by Mary Morris, the deeply moving production will be staged from August 1826.

Two Weeks With The Queen vividly brings to life the audacious journey of Colin, a

young boy who ventures to meet Queen Elizabeth II, nurturing the hope of finding a cure for his critically ill brother in Australia.

The multi-generational tale skilfully weaves themes of love, loss, resilience of the human spirit and the quintessential Australian spirit of perseverance amidst adversity.

Award-winning director Joshua Maxwell, who initially directed the show for Wyong

Drama Group in 2012, and later for a one-night engagement for Red Tree Theatre in 2022, returns at the helm of this production.

Scott Russell revisits his role as Colin, leading an energetic cast of 18 local and established performers including Stephen McLaren, Ruth Jordon, Gabrielle Brooks and Rose Noble.

“We are eager to bring Two Weeks With The Queen back to the main stage,” Maxwell said.

“Over the past decade I’ve evolved as a storyteller and the narrative of this play has adopted a new, even bolder significance.

“It’s an honour to revisit a work that undeniably propelled my career as a director.”

Tickets are now available at www.redtreetheatre.org.au or www.wyongdramagroup.com.

au

Sydney Symphony Orchestra returns to Art House

Sydney Symphony Orchestra will return to The Art House in August with its concert Britten’s Serenade.

Following its sold-out Beethoven concert in May, the orchestra will now take audiences on a journey through the complex and beautiful works of Benjamin Britten and Dimitri Shostakovich.

The concert comes to Wyong direct from its opening at Sydney City Recital Hall, with The Art House the only other venue to host it, delivering an exclusive offering to classical music lovers on the Central Coast.

One of the most influential British composers of last century, Britten’s music is lyrical, heartfelt, and highly charged.

With an extensive repertoire of film, opera and choral music, Britten is perhaps most celebrated for his chamber music, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra set to take on two of these remarkable works, Prelude and Fugue for 18 Solo Strings and Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.

Like Britten, Shostakovich is one of the most significant composers of the 20th century, revered for his chamber music.

The orchestra will perform his Tenth String Quartet, transcribed by Rudolf Barshai.

This immensely personal and powerful composition will combine the directness of the quartet with the richness of a larger ensemble and is revered for capturing the soulfulness of the Russian’s lyrical string quartet.

Concertmaster Andrew Haveron helms the production and in a rare treat the orchestra will be joined by Principal Horn of the Berlin Philharmonic Stefan Dohr and internationally acclaimed Australian tenor Andrew Goodwin. Together they will reveal

Britten’s compelling genius. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s flagship orchestra and performs up to 150 concerts a year to a combined annual audience of more than 350,000.

This year also marks 85 years of regional touring by the orchestra.

The Sydney Symphony Performs Britten’s Serenade will be at The Art House at 7.30pm on Friday, August 25.

Source: The Art House

Source: Red Tree Theatre Joshua Maxwell

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

CROSSWORD

SEE PAGE 12 FOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Could you care for a future Seeing Eye Dog?

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs are recruiting volunteer carers in Central Coast and surrounds.

Volunteer and change the life of someone who is blind or has low vision by caring for a pup or dog in training.

There is no cost to you, just your time and a loving and safe home.

Come and talk to Seeing Eye Dogs staff and find out more about this rewarding experience and meet our special pups and dogs in the program.

Date and time: Monday July 24, 2023 at 12pm - 1pm Location: Vision Australia, G02/40 Mann St, Gosford

Ireland’s most celebrated stage production, The Rhythms of Ireland, features an elite company of Irish dancers portraying the nation’s spirit and cultural heritage through music and dance.

Highly successful and critically acclaimed, The Rhythms of Ireland is choreographed by two-time world Irish dance champion Michael Donnelan and set to captivate audiences young and old with heart pounding music, spectacular dance routines and vibrant costumes.

Rhythms of Ireland in music and dance

With a cast of talented musicians and world class dancers, this show blends traditional Irish step dancing with contemporary choreography, creating a thrilling and unique experience for all ages.

The show features male lead Kevin Goble, who joined the Griffin Lynch School of Irish Dance under the tutorship of Maggie Lynch and worldrenowned choreographer Richard Griffin.

Goble pursued a career in professional Irish Dance and as his career progressed, he

danced in several top-flight shows including Celtic Nights, Fusion Fighters and lead male in Dance Masters – performing for thousands of people worldwide.

In 2017, he was nominated for Best Live Performance at the Dublin Industry Awards for his own original routine.

The Rhythms of Ireland will be on stage at The Art House Wyong on Tuesday, August 8 and Laycock Street Community Theatre at North Gosford on Friday, August 18.

Billy Joel tribute at The Art House

Internationally acclaimed tribute artist Jimmy Mann will faithfully recreate Billy Joel’s greatest hits in a high energy interactive live show at The Art House in August.

Mann has been performing Joel’s music for many years.

“I’ve been performing for most of my life, playing all kinds of music,” he said.

“But I’ve always have loved the music of Billy Joel; the fact that he has written all the lyrics and music to his amazing

songs is a phenomenal thing in itself.

“On top of that, Billy Joel is a great singer and live performer.

“The passion I have for his talent has led me to play his music in my own way and present a tribute in my own personal manner.

Mann was last seen on The Art House stage alongside Elton Jack in the Rocket Man vs Piano Man show but this will be his first solo show at the venue.

“I was asked to team up with Elton Jack, well known for his

Elton John tributes, many years ago,” he said.

“We have been performing together for about 15 years

now and have been good mates – in fact we’ll be back at the Art House next year.

“But we also perform our

individual shows separately because of the huge amount of great song content from each artist.”

In the show, Mann will perform Joel’s greatest hits along with a couple of surprises.

Backed by a great band of highly experienced musicians and singers, he will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles.

The song list will include such classics as Just The Way You Are, It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me, River of Dreams and You May Be Right.

Billy Joel himself performed in Melbourne last year. In possibly his last ever show in this country he sold out 75,000 seat audience.

“This just goes to show the longevity of these great songs,” Mann said.

Jimmy Mann Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel will be at The Art House, Wyong, at 8pm pm Saturday, August 26. Book on the theatre website.

Terry Collins

Jimmy Mann performs his Billy Joel tribute

Sue Murray

Music and dance of Ireland comes to the Coast

Rachel Ward presents a new film at Avoca Beach

Film director and actress Rachel Ward is not the first person you’d expect to join a farming revolution.

But in her new film, coming to Avoca Beach on July 27, Ward 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.

Rachel’s Farm will play at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre on July 27 and will include a Q&A session with Ward and special guests Maree Lowes and Cheralyn Darcey.

Rachel’s Farm sees director and actress Ward, who owns a farm in NSW with her husband Bryan Brown, move from ecological despair to finding hope in the soil beneath her feet through regenerative agriculture.

“My inspiration for Rachel’s Farm came from reading Charles Massy’s book, Call of

the Reed Warbler, which details the challenges and accomplishments of many early adopters of the regenerative way of farming,” Ward said.

“I was galvanised by the heroics of these farmers’ stories, many of whom had gone bust from farming conventionally in ever degenerating soils and increasing droughts.

“I too hit a wall in the summer of 2019-20 when, after a three-year drought which forced me to buy feed, then sell half my herd, I was surrounded by Black Summer fire.

“I lost all my fencing and my faith in any miracle arriving to save our country from destruction.

“With the very pressing realities of climate change

and a new grandson I, too, was galvanised to take meaningful action with not only the way I farmed but, as a filmmaker, how I could employ my skills to spread the word about the most hopeful response to climate change that I had ever encountered.

“I see this documentary as a personal account of one woman’s journey in the transition from conventional/

industrial to regenerative farming as a very real response to climate catastrophe.

“I will serve the role of someone in search of answers to the world of regenerating and rehydrating landscapes and sequestering carbon.

“I see the fight to address climate change as the most pressing concern of my lifetime and will engage every

Stunning new exhibit houses unique reptile

The Australian Reptile Park has unveiled its latest-new exhibit, housing the world’s most unique reptile – the Tuatara.

In August last year, three female Tuatara, considered living dinosaurs, arrived in Australia from Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom.

One of the reptiles was sent to Taronga Zoo, with the other two now calling the Reptile Park home.

The new display, located in the Park’s famous themed exhibit, Lost World of Reptiles, was officially opened on July 7 by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.

The stunning display features a pouwhenua, an ornate carved wooden pole representing the cultural heritage of New Zealand.

Although the reptilian duo arrived from the UK, the Tuatara originate from a special island

in New Zealand called Takapourewa.

They are both five-years-old and have the names Hinemoa and Arona which have significant Maori meanings: Hinemoa means the lady of the lake and Arona means colourful.

After going through a strict biosecurity process during their arrival at Sydney Airport in August, 2022, the Tuatara

made the trip up the M1 to the Australian Reptile Park where they headed straight into a purpose-built quarantine facility.

As Tuatara are from New Zealand, they require a cold climate of 16-17°C to ensure they are healthy and happy. Since their arrival, they have been kept in a coolroom, and have now transitioned to their

new exhibit, specially built to maintain this cooler environment.

Operations Manager Bill Collett said there was much excitement over the reptiles’ arrival.

“Our team had been waiting seven years to welcome this beautiful species to the Park,” he said.

ounce of my ability and time I have left to help spread the word on the extraordinary potential of building back soils to their former stable, biodiverse, complex selves.

“Rachel’s Farm is informative and educational but, as a filmmaker, I also understand the value of an entertaining yarn.

“This film is one woman’s story as she tries to undo the damage she has done to her farm through ignorance, leading her to a journey of education leading to repair and regeneration, as well as a little bit of frustration and impatience.”

Once the film has finished its cinema release in late August it will be available for community, educational, and corporate screenings and engagement activities.

Rachel’s Farm will screen at Avoca Beach Theatre at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 27.

Source: Regen Studios

blowing to think that our visitors can now enjoy looking at these creatures well into the future.”

The Tuatara are the only surviving members of the order Sphenodontia.

This order was well represented by many species during the age of the dinosaurs, some 200 million years ago. All species except the Tuatara declined and eventually became extinct about 60 million years ago.

“Now, we get to share these critters with visitors, who get to witness how unique and special they are.

“It is incredible to think that these animals have the potential to be here at the Australian Reptile Park for the next 100 years.

“They are one of the most long-lived reptiles on the face of the earth, so it’s mind-

Because of this, Tuatara are of huge international interest to biologists.

They are recognised internationally, and within New Zealand, as species in need of active conservation management with their biggest threat being the introduced rat.

Source: Australian Reptile Park

One of the Tuatara

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch checks out the new exhibit

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

Rachel’s Farm comes to Avoca Beach on July 27

Business & Property

Booth’s Motors winds up after 83 years

After more than 80 years, one of the Central Coast’s oldest businesses is changing hands.

Booth’s Motor Group has closed its doors and has been bought by Central Auto Group.

Fred and Evelyn Booth started Booth’s 83 years ago, buying a small mechanical workshop in Gosford.

The couple grew the business to become a larger workshop and petrol station before son Kevin took over, with the company becoming a Rootes Group new car dealer in the 1940s and moving into car sales.

Chrysler took over the brand in 1964 and Booth’s remained a Chrysler dealer until Mitsubishi took over in 1981.

In the 1980s the next generation joined the business,

when Kevin and Nancye Booth’s sons David and Col and daughter Sandie came on board.

They initially took on the Proton and Great Wall franchises, before acquiring Peter Robert Hyundai.

This was followed by expansion to Tuggerah with the purchase of Wyong Mitsubishi in 2005.

Hyundai was added to this business and then began construction of a number of new showrooms and service departments across the group.

After another period of stabilisation, Booth’s bought the Central Coast Ford business in 2018.

“We have survived through wars, recessions, financial crises and pandemics, growing and satisfying Central Coast

motorists with new and used cars, finance, parts and service,” David Booth said.

“We have all enjoyed the ups and downs, and every member of the extended families has had an involvement in the business over the years.”

Booth’s has been a family business from the outset.

Following in the footsteps of their parents, David and Kate Booth, Col and Jacquie Booth and Sandie and Rob Parry, fourth generation members of the family Jake, Emily, Matt, Kelly, Sophie, Hamish and Hannah have all enjoyed being involved in the business over the years.

But the family has decided that now is the time to finish up and move into retirement.

The company has been sold to Central Auto Group with

franchise names of Central Coast Mitsubishi, Central Coast Hyundai, Tuggerah Mitsubishi, Tuggerah Hyundai and Coast Ford.

“Sam Elabbasi, his family and his teams will continue to provide the same sort of family service that Booth’s has provided over the past 83 years,” David Booth said.

“We are all sad to be bringing this chapter of our family history, and Gosford history, to a close (but) nothing lasts forever.

“It is bittersweet but we are pleased that we can pass on a solid business to the new owners.”

Booth thanked the many employees who contributed to making the business strong and grew with it over the years, some of them committing more

than 30-40 years to the company.

“Most are staying on with the new business and we wish them well and thank them for their input to our business over the years,” he said.

“For those who are moving on; we are sorry to see you go and wish you the best in pursuit of another position, or in your retirement.”

Booth’s Motor Group recently received a Ford President’s Award as one of the top performing Ford dealers in Australia, and a Mitsubishi Diamond Award for excellence in Sales for Mitsubishi dealers, having previously won Hyundai Dealer Performance awards.

“We are very proud of these achievements to add to the trophy cabinet,” Booth said.

“We would also like to thank

the many suppliers we have worked with over the years.

“They have been extremely supportive and worked with us to make our customers happy.”

Booth said the company had enjoyed long-term repeat relationships with many Central Coast families over the years.

“People love telling us stories about what they remember Fred or Evelyn or Kevin doing for them to help them out of a difficult motoring situation,” he said.

“We have mixed emotions about our decision, but by selling now, we will have more time to spend with our parents and families.

“Thank you, Central Coast motorists; it has been a pleasure to serve you over the past 83 years.”

Terry Collins

Clockwise from top left: Kevin and Nancye Booth took over the business from Kevin’s parents; The early years; Booth’s Motor Group is changing hands after 83 years

Six Cities commissioners gather on Coast

Senior leaders from the Greater Cities Commission gathered on the Central Coast recently for a meeting of the Commission’s Strategic Planning and Finance and Governance Committees, highlighting the region’s important role in the development of Australia’s first global multi-city region.

City Commissioner for the Central Coast City Robyn Parker noted the importance of connecting the Commission’s senior leaders to local partners and communities to ensure the Central Coast’s needs and aspirations were front and centre of the Region and City Plans.

“Having our leadership team here provides an opportunity for the priorities of the Central Coast to be at the forefront for the soon to be updated Region and City Plans,” she said.

“In the conversations I’ve had

Central Coast retailers are being urged to nominate to havetheirentrepreneurialism, innovation and diversity celebrated at the 2023 National Retail Awards, hosted by the National Retail Association.

This year’s awards have expanded by seven categories to recognise the growing online retail sector.

Last year’s Medium Retailer of the Year Award was won by Melissa Wilkinson for her online gift range, Personalised Favours, based out of West Gosford.

“Winning the award was a major milestone for the business and a huge morale boost for our staff,’’ Wilkinson said.

“It was great to be recognised not only for our growth but our customer experience, innovation and company culture.

since becoming City Commissioner, people have talked to me about where housing for the future will be located, the need for a variety of housing around transport hubs like rail stations (and)

making sure services like schools and hospitals are easy to access for everyone.

“The Commission is involved in planning for key infrastructure projects to benefit Central Coast communities, such as

improved transport connections, digital connectivity and investment into economic precincts, which will give people more job options (so they) can spend more time with their families.”

Parker said the decision to meet on the Central Coast reflected the Commission’s commitment to ongoing engagement with communities in the lead-up to the release of the draft Region and City Plans later this year.

Entries open for National Retail Awards

“The award placed us as a leader in the gift-giving industry.

“I really encourage other regional retailers to enter the National Retail Awards as the benefits are huge.

“We will definitely be nominating again.’’

Nominations – from online to shopfront, and individuals to national chains – close on August 31.

There is a free, simplified and streamlined entry process.

National Retail Association CEO Greg Griffith said the awards were the highest accolades in the Australian retail industry, celebrating the best of the best.

“The retail industry is one of the country’s largest employers and a significant contributor to Australia’s economic success,” Griffith said.

“It is also one of the most

innovative and evolving sectors and this year we’re excited to introduce seven new categories that recognise standout performers, from individuals

and small businesses to online retailers and major brands.”

Griffith said the awards, now in their 51st year, reward and showcase the service and

commitment retailers deliver to Australian consumers every day.

“I encourage retailers to nominate a standout colleague, or their own business, and access the recognition and extraordinary opportunities that the awards provide,’’ he said.

“The personal and professional rewards for winners are immense.

“Not only do they gain national recognition with PR and branding opportunities to raise their profile, but they also have an opportunity to attend a National Retail Association workshop of their choice to enhance their skills and experience.’’

This year’s 17 categories are: Small, Medium and Large Online Retailer of the Year; Innovation Retailer of the Year; Store Fitout/Improvement of

Challenging Wills Seminar

will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation

The Greater Cities Commission’s staff joined the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) on July 1 to bolster planning outcomes. Commissioners will remain in place to provide independent advice to the NSW Government and the responsibilities for strategic planning and economic precincts across the Six Cities Region remain the same.

“In this new phase, the work to make the Central Coast the best place to live, work and play as part of a global multicity region continues,” Parker said.

“As part of the Six Cities Region, the Central Coast is perfectly positioned to create more high-value jobs close to where people live, through the new University of Newcastle campus and our existing strengths in food manufacturing and innovation.”

Source: Six Cities Commission

the Year; Marketing or Sales Campaign of the Year; Franchisee of the Year; Retail Leader of the Year; Sustainable Retailer of the Year; Small, Medium and Large Shopfront Retailers of the Year; People and Culture Retailer; Emerging Retailer; HR Professional; Store Manager; and Young Retailer of the Year.

A panel of experienced industry leaders will judge the winners in each category.

The finalists will be announced on October 26 at the annual gala award dinner held in Brisbane.

For more information about the categories and eligibility criteria visit nationalretail awards.com.au

Source: National Retail Association

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.

The Six Cities commissioners on the Central Coast

Melissa Wilkinson at 2022 awards with business partner and brother-in-law Matthew Mosse-Robinson

Coast doctor a finalist in prestigious business awards

Central Coast doctor and businesswoman Kelly Needham of Coastal Goddess has been named as a finalist for the AusMumpreneur Awards in the Health Business category.

The AusMumpreneur Awards, presented by The Women’s Business School, celebrate and recognise Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.

The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women who successfully balance motherhood and business in a way that suits their life and family.

Kelly is a 45-year-old Dunghutti woman who has been practising medicine for 10 years.

Prior to studying medicine she worked as a radiographer and sonographer for a decade. She returned to university to study medicine in 2008 and graduated in 2013 as a single mum, with nine-year-old twins.

After completing her junior medical years at Gosford Hospital, Kelly spent three years as a radiation oncology

registrar at the Central Coast Cancer Centre, some of the best and most rewarding time of her career.

For a multitude of reasons, Kelly switched from specialty training to working as a medical officer and surgical assistant in the private sector.

She said despite loving those jobs, she was never completely satisfied.

“As a doctor who didn’t complete specialty training, I felt like a failure,” she said.

“I was always striving for something more; to be able to be more, to do more.

“Cosmetic medicine was always an area of interest, so I went about studying and learning everything I could in this field and I found my true passion.”

When setting up Coastal Goddess, a boutique women’s intimate health and cosmetic clinic, Kelly had the vision of providing women a place of empowerment and choice, to improve their self-confidence.

A clinic not just for the skin and face, but to address intimate health issues, including vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and vaginal laxity.

She also wanted to use her

past oncology experience to help women experiencing side effects of cancer and cancer treatment such as vaginal atrophy and dryness, to improve their intimate health.

In October 2021, as life was returning to normal after COVID lockdowns, Coastal Goddess was born.

Kelly said she was delighted to be named as a finalist and is proud of her achievements, particularly starting a business from scratch.

“Running a business is not something you are taught in medical school,” she said.

“It has been a very steep learning curve, lots of sleepless nights and hours learning how to run a business.

Who helps make Aged Care fair? Our advocates do.

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Feeling overwhelmed by the application process? An advocate can get you back on track.

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Aged Care Advocates are on your side during your Aged Care journey, providing support and making sure you’re being treated fairly.

“We need to start the conversation and keep it going.

“We can and we are changing and improving women’s quality of life.”

Kelly is also proud to be partnering with WomenCan, registered charity for ANZCOG, raising money for gyneacological cancer research.

Every year 2,000 women die form gynaecological cancer in Australia.

“Other cancers such as ovarian and endometrial cancer don’t have a screening test, and hence prognosis and survival rates are significantly worse.

“This is what we are aiming to change.”

Kelly said there were many benefits to balancing business and motherhood.

“I love being a mumpreneur,” she said.

“We have gone from zero patients to several hundred patients in less than two years.”

Coastal Goddess is trying to reduce the stigma and taboo around women’s intimate health issues.

“We are making the words vagina and sex become part of everyday conversations” Kelly said.

“Ladies, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

“Painful sex, or peeing when you laugh or sneeze, dry itchy vaginas are not something we just have to put up with.

“So many women hide these symptoms, but there are treatments available.

“WomenCan – Save The Box is our chosen charity, and we hold an annual Ladies Lunch to raise money,” she said.

“Our inaugural lunch in 2022 raised $18,500.”

The 2023 Ladies Lunch will take place on August 27 at Terrigal and with double the number of tickets, Kelly has set a fundraising target of $35,000.

“This charity partnership has become even more personal recently, as in May this year I was diagnosed with cervical cancer,” she said.

“I have recovered well from surgery and am going back to work next week.

“I feel very fortunate that my cancer was detected from a screening test, and hence was caught early, giving me an excellent prognosis.

“I feel like I am being a good role model for my children.

“It also gives me the flexibility to be there for my family, and not miss important events – a complete contrast to my earlier years working in the public hospital system.

“If starting your own business is something you are passionate about, do it.

“It will be hard, it will be long hours, there will be ups and downs, but the feeling of knowing that you have built something out of nothing is incredible.”

The winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in August.

Source: AusMumpreneur Awards

Our Aged Care Advocates are located across NSW, including right here on the Central Coast

Best of all, the help they provide is 100% confidential and free. You might be wondering how that’s possible? Well, it’s because they work for Seniors Rights Service - a not for profit organisation that believes in making Aged Care as easy as possible for people just like you.

If you need help getting the very best from your Aged Care services then give the experienced, committed and caring advocates at Seniors Rights Service a free call today on 1800 424 079.

Dr Kelly Needham of Coastal Goddess

Start planning now to keep the cheer in Christmas

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR

• Money magazine

This year is turning out to be difficult for many people.

I wish I could provide good news, but following several interest rate rises and record high inflation, the outlook isn’t great.

While Christmas in July is a thing, it’s important to start preparing now for the traditional Christmas in December.

I know it’s still almost six months away, but whether it’s of religious significance to you or not, invariably you will spend more money around Christmas.

Not only is it a time for celebrating and getting together with family, it’s also the beginning of holidays and leads into the start of the school year.

In 2022, Australians spent a record $74.5 billion – despite tougher economic times – and it’s easy to get caught up in the spending frenzy.

How to celebrate frugally?

The key is to be prepared. The more organised you are, the more

likely you will have enough cash to splash and the less likely you will need to go out and panic-buy on credit.

Here are a few of my top tips to save money at Christmas.

• Have the conversation.

Don’t wait until a week before Christmas to announce you want to cut back on presents; others may already have presents for you and your family.

Instead, get in early to suggest minimisation strategies, such as a Kris Kringle, a dollar limit or buying presents for kids only.

• Save for sales. Make a list and check it twice – then wait for the sales. Mid-year sales often include toys, and then there’s Amazon Prime Day (July 11-12 –hope you caught it), Singles Day (November 11) and Black Friday (late November).

Buying early can save you money, preserve your sanity and avoid presents arriving in January.

But remember young kids change interests rapidly, so if

they love Bluey now, chances are they might be into Paw Patrol by Christmas time.

• Special accounts. Start saving now into a Christmas account, which generally offers higher interest rates and measures to discourage you from withdrawing until close to the time.

Myer’s Christmas Club incentivises spending by providing $10 towards a Myer gift card for every $100 saved.

• Stake out stalls. Keep an eye on fetes, stalls and local

Claim a tax deduction on a work EV

If you have purchased an electric vehicle to replace an old petrol or diesel car for your small business, you might well be wondering how you claim tax deductions for the running costs.

In particular, you might be struggling to calculate the amount on your home electricity bills that applies to the cost of charging the car.

Well, the Australian Tax Office has made the process much simpler by introducing a standard home charging rate for EVs.

You simply multiply the EV home charging rate (4.20 cents per kilometre) by the total number of work or business kilometres travelled by the electric vehicle during the income tax year.

The calculation is per vehicle and applies for the whole income

year, though the method can be changed by the individual from year to year.

Electric vehicle owners can still calculate electricity use on an actual basis, but as many taxpayers find this too difficult, the cents per kilometre rate is bound to prove popular.

If you wish to rely on the EV home charging rate, you will need to keep odometer readings cover-

markets for things you could use or give as gifts.

Every year I bring out a cute Christmas-themed sugar and milk jug I picked up for 50 cents at a trash-and-treasure market more than 15 years ago.

Handcrafted items or those in original packaging make great gifts. Why buy new when you can be sustainable and savvy?

• When life gives you lemons ... and oranges. Winter is the perfect time to make homemade gifts, such as lemon ing the income year (the readings need to be kept at the start and end of the year).

In addition, you must have:

• A valid logbook for the

cordial, marmalade or (for the adults) limoncello.

Keep lemon and orange peels and store them in the freezer –you can make them into candied citrus rinds for gifts or homemade Christmas cake or pudding.

• Store rewards. Big retailers such as Woolworths and Coles have programs aimed at providing more funds for Christmas.

Everyday Rewards (linked to Woolworths, Big W, BWS, etc) enables customers to save points throughout the year and redeem

them at Christmas; Flybuys (Coles, Shell, Target, Kmart and Liquorland) is a similar program.

• Make your own hamper. Rather than splash out on a commercial version, create your own by buying non-perishable items on sale during the year.

I find Christmas food, such as cakes and puddings, come out by October and are on sale to convince people to buy early, and chocolates and other snacks are on sale semi-regularly.

Editor-in-Chief

Central Coast co-working concept set to expand

A co-working space with onsite childcare pioneered on the Central Coast has expanded to Sydney, with interstate locations the next major goal.

BubbaDesk launched in November last year at Erina with a second space recently opening at St Leonards and a third Sydney location likely to open in the next six months.

Then the company will look at interstate locations.

The concept was born when Lauren Perrett of Tumbi Umbi was trying to juggle childcare and work after her first child was born in September, 2021.

She and her husband Tom, who works in finance, started the business when they identified a “crying need” for a combined co-working space and childcare service, while Perrett was preparing to return to her fintech job following maternity leave.

“It was a struggle to find childcare for our baby and we juggled working from home for a few months, feeling guilty our son wasn’t getting the present, playful parents we wanted to be,” she said.

Central Coast Council’s Trainee and Apprentice Program (TrApp) is looking for eligible students to build their careers with a range of roles on offer in a variety of fields.

The program offers students an opportunity to complete a nationally recognised qualification as a full-time paid employee at Council in their chosen field – which this year includes new disciplines including landscape construction, horticulture and painting.

Other fields include electrical, mechanical, carpentry, childcare, civil construction, warehousing, water treatment, surveying, metal fabrication,

“I love my career and wanted to perform at the same level as pre-baby, but I also wanted to make sure I was being the best possible mum.

“The hybrid co-working/ childcare space concept is gathering pace overseas and there’s certainly a major need for it in Australia.

“The childcare sector is ripe for disruption – and this style of co-working provides greater flexibility.

“It really offers the best of both worlds.

“BubbaDesk is a place to get work done in a professional workspace while kids play and are well looked after.

“It brings the advantages of an office environment, giving users people to bounce ideas off, networks that advance their business, and enable them to make friends and access support.”

Perrett said the couple always planned for the company to expand.

“We had that intent from the beginning – there was a lot of outlay to set the business up,” she said.

“Our success at Erina has

been quite quick, giving us a faster momentum for expansion.”

She said not having to make separate arrangements for their children’s care saved working parents time, energy and the stress of co-ordinating multiple locations.

“It also provides peace of mind, knowing their little ones

are in a safe and nurturing environment while they focus on their work – and it allows parents to maintain a healthy work-life balance,” she said.

“Not only that, but it’s also great news for mums who want to return to work and continue to breastfeed their child on their terms, which is so important.”

BubbaDesk allows parents to book desk space and qualified childcare on a flexible pay-asyou-go basis or as part of a monthly membership.

It employs experienced and qualified childcare professionals and separate coworking and childcare areas.

“It’s ideal for freelancers, small business owners, remote

Council apprenticeships on offer

boilermaking and fitting.

Director of Corporate Services

Marissa Racomelara said this year’s program was the largest undergraduate and graduate drive Council had undertaken and aimed to develop students to become job ready.

“We are committed to supporting our residents studying at a vocational level with an opportunity to increase their chances of securing employment,” she said.

“Our TrApp Program aims to educate students, so they are qualified at a high industry standard by developing their practical and professional skills in a safe and supportive environment.

“Students who complete the

Traineeships

program are armed with workplace development and expert training, so they are more competitive in the job market, and they are also

exposed to career opportunities with Council.

“Local youth and mature-age students looking to start a career or wanting to gain new

skills in a range of fields are encouraged to apply for our 2023 program.”

Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s TrApp Program had been a success and continued to provide an exciting opportunity particularly for young people.

“This important program offers our community an opportunity to build their careers within local government and gain valuable training in their chosen path,” he said.

“Council has an important role to play in providing our youth with employment opportunities and supporting our residents with roles to live and work locally.

“I am proud that Council

workers and hybrid workers,” Perrett said.

“Being close to your child can help ease the stress of separation and anxiety pains for both child and parent.”

BubbaDesk presents an attractive solution for companies to support their employees and enhance their work experience, Perrett said.

“By partnering with BubbaDesk or subsidising memberships for their employees, companies demonstrate their commitment to promoting work-life balance and supporting working parents,” she said.

“This can improve employee satisfaction, retention and productivity.

“There’s also the tax deduction aspect, which would certainly be appealing to employers and employees.”

For more information or to inquire about membership options, visit www.BubbaDesk. com or contact hello@ BubbaDesk.com

Source: BubbaDesk

offers opportunities for our community to gain professional experience and become job ready in their chosen career.”

Applications for Council’s 2023 TrApp Program opened on July 15, just after this year’s World Youth Skills Day, which celebrates the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment.

Visit www.centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/council/about-council/ careers/apprenticeshipstraineeships-work-experience to view vacancies, additional information and tips on how to apply.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, August 13.

BubbaDesk was the brainchild of Central Coast mum Lauren Perrett

Source: Central Coast Council

and apprencticeships are available in a variety of fields

$38.5M

for children’s mental health care

A Head to Health Kids Hub to provide mental health care for young children will soon be located on the Central Coast.

It will be one of four Kids Hubs across NSW to be rolled out progressively and all four will be operational by 2027.

The Kids Hubs are a $35.8M joint investment by the Australian and NSW Governments to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary mental health and wellbeing care for children aged under 12 and their families.

Services will be fully government-funded and offer a range of specialist medical and allied health services provided by teams which could include psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, nurses, social workers, peer workers and Aboriginal Health Workers.

Federal Member for Dobell and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, said the Australian Government was partnering with NSW to fund Head to Health Kids Hubs so children and families could get the help

they needed when and where they needed it.

“The Kids Hubs will provide a welcoming environment to help children and their families discuss the concerns they have and give them the tools they need to deal with any issues,” she said.

“It’s about providing an accessible place and the right mental health and wellbeing services that will support them now and lay the groundwork for the future.”

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the increase in children experiencing mental

health challenges was a serious call to action for government.

“We want to make sure that vulnerable families are receiving the support they need and the Head to Health Kids Hubs are one way we are aiming to support children and their families to lead happier and healthier lives,” she said.

“The Kids Hubs will make it easier to access holistic, wraparound mental health and wellbeing care for our youngest community members.

“They are free services which are embedded in communities,

available when and where people need them.

“There is a lot of work to do to ensure we are providing the mental health support people need but this is a strong step in the right direction.”.

Other Kids Hubs will be located in Penrith, Wollongong with outreach to the Shoalhaven region, and Orange with outreach to Bathurst.

New appointee to improve Coast’s health care

Member for Gosford Liesl

Tesch has welcomed the appointment of a Deputy Secretary for Regional Health for the first time in NSW.

Tesch said the creation of the role fulfills an election commitment to ensure regional health issues remained front and centre of the decisionmaking process within the Ministry of Health.

Former Co-ordinator General, Regional Health Division at NSW Health, Luke Sloane, has been elevated to the new role.

“The new Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will work

closely with the Ministry of Health, regional Local Health Districts, including our own Central Coast Local Health District, and stakeholders to

progress initiatives already underway,” Tesch said.

“I welcome him to our region and look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Sloane to see improved health outcomes for the Central Coast.”

Sloane will be supported by the Regional Health Division, which was established in April 2022 and is working to strengthen and promote regionally-based, patientcentred approaches to the delivery of health services in regional NSW including on the Coast.

He will provide coverage to

Central Coast Local Health District as well as eight other regional Local Health Districts – Far West; Hunter New England; Illawarra Shoalhaven; Mid North Coast; Murrumbidgee; Northern NSW; Southern NSW; and Western NSW.

Sloane said the Regional Health Division had accomplished significant milestones, including the Regional Health Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and NSW Health’s commitment to the NSW Rural Health Inquiry.

“Over the past year, I’ve travelled to all parts of regional

NSW to see and hear the challenges faced by communities when it comes to accessing the quality health care they deserve,” he said.

“I’m confident as we continue to implement the recommendations of the NSW Rural Health Inquiry we will continue to see meaningful improvements in the provision of health care services to these important communities.”

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said he was determined to tackle some of the key healthcare issues facing regional communities, including

prioritising the regional health workforce.

“The Deputy Secretary for Regional Health will play an important role in this as a strong advocate for resources and staffing at the decision-making table,” Park said.

“Luke Sloane has demonstrated his dedication to improving health outcomes and access to health services for people living in regional, rural and remote NSW, while leading the Regional Health Division.”

PM signs special picture for Pretty Beach students

Pretty Beach Public School is now the proud owner of a photograph of students wearing Rabbitohs paraphernalia signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

It all began when Member for Robertson Gordon Reid popped into the school to announce Federal Government funding a few weeks ago.

“I noticed that there was quite a lot of support for the Rabbitohs in class 4P,” Reid said.

“I thought, wouldn’t it be great to take a photograph of the students holding Rabbitoh’s paraphernalia and to then present the photo to the Prime Minister.

“I took two photographs; the Prime Minister kept one and signed the other so I could take it back to the school.

“The Prime Minister is a huge Rabbitohs supporter and appreciated seeing students on the Central Coast backing the same team he does.

“It was great to visit Pretty

Beach Public School recently to present the signed photograph to Andy Podmore, the classroom teacher of 4P.

“Mr Podmore was incredibly stoked and said the students

will love knowing that the Prime Minister of Australia has seen that they support the Rabbitohs.”

Source: Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Member for Dobell Emma McBride

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid presents the photograph to 4P teacher Andy Podmore

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Deputy Secretary for Regional Health Luke Sloane

Call goes out for Seeing Eye Dog puppy carers

Vision Australia will hold a Puppy and Training Dog Carer information session in Gosford on Monday, July 24, as Seeing Eye Dogs calls for new puppy carers.

“At Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, we believe our puppies will one day give independence to people who are blind or have low vision,” a spokesperson said.

“Seeing Eye Dogs is inviting applications from the Central Coast and surrounds for volunteers to help care for pups or dogs in training along the path to becoming future working dogs.

“Seeing Eye Dogs cover the costs of raising a pup, including food, equipment and vet care; volunteers offer their home and heart.”

Puppy development trainers meet each volunteer carer to help teach basic puppy skills, such as lead-walking,socialising, appropriate feeding and toileting.

“By volunteering to care for a puppy, you’re helping more than you might think,” Seeing Eye Dogs puppy development trainer Jess McKenzie said.

“You’re not only giving a puppy a loving home; you’re helping our blind and low-vision community

by raising a future essential Seeing Eye Dog to aid their independence.”

From application to approval, the Seeing Eye Dogs team will support new carers throughout the process.

You can apply to be a carer whether you’re working, studying or retired, single or with family, already caring for a pet, living in an apartment or on an acreage.

The information session will be held from noon-1pm on Monday, July 24, at Vision

DAY

Australia, 40 Mann St, Gosford.

You can register at www. eventbrite.com.au/e/seeingeye-dogs-puppy-and-trainingdog-caring-info-session-gosford -nsw-tickets-662652580707

Prospective carers will also have the opportunity to have a chat with the team at Paws for a Cause, from 10am-noon on Saturday, August 5, at West Gosford Bunnings.

To apply to be a puppy carer, visit sed.visionaustralia.org/ puppy-caring/apply-now

Meanwhile, the Petbarn Foundation and Vision Australia’s Seeing Eye Dog Appeal running throughout July has set an ambitious target to raise $1M. Central Coast resident Rolf Geerlings says he can’t stress enough the profound impact his seeing-eye dogs have had on his life.

A passionate pastry chef crafting extraordinary wedding cakes, Geerlings’ world turned upside down when he received a heartbreaking diagnosis of an

eye condition destined to steal his sight.

“Echo was my first seeing-eye dog – she burst through the door and everyone who met her said she was one in a million,” he said.

“Echo was absolutely amazing and beautiful, she changed my life, and we were inseparable for 10 years; she was my rock.”

When Echo retired she remained with him and that’s when he met Stella, his current seeing-eye dog.

“I can’t stress enough the profound impact my seeing-eye dogs have had on my life,” he said.

“They helped me break free from my shell and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

“When you have a vision impairment you can be surrounded by a crowd and still feel utterly alone.

“But it takes a little lick from my faithful companion to reassure me that everything will be okay, and that I’ll never be alone.”

It takes $50,000 to teach a seeing-eye dog the skills it needs, so this year’s $1M target will help train 20 seeing-eye dogs to support Australians who are blind or have low-vision.

An estimated 453,000 Australians are blind or visually impaired, with about 12,500 additional people each year experiencing vision loss, and seeing-eye dogs are their lifeline for independence.

Donations can be made through Petbarn stores at Gosford, Tuggerah, Charmhaven or online at petbarn.com.au to teach these seeing-eye dog puppies the skills they need.

Research into heart

Sue Murray and Terry Collins

Rolf Geerlings and Echo

Puppy development trainer Jess McKenzie with a Seeing Eye Dogs pup in training

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Winter Pruning

Why Prune?

We are well and truly in the middle of winter now so that means that some of our garden trees and shrubs might be needing a good trim soon.

Don’t stop there because lots of other plant types can do with the winter snip!

While pruning can test the courage of the beginner gardener, who may be fearful of doing ‘the wrong thing’ and perhaps killing off their plants, following a few basic guidelines is all it takes to successfully get your garden into shape.

Why prune at all?

While it may seem rather romantic to hold back the pruning for the gardener who has visions of organic, wild rambling vistas, most plants grow stronger, healthier, and more abundantly with a good cut back every now and then.

Along with the removal of dead or diseased matter, pruning enables us to also guide a plant to the shape, direction and sometimes size that we may want.

Thinning out plants to increase air circulation and light or to slow the growth of fast-growing plants are other reasons to grab the secateurs.

It’s also an important task for those growing flowers and food, as pruning increases the production of both.

While there are plants that never require any pruning, others will need to be regularly maintained and some can easily get away with a careful trim every five to ten years.

Winter Pruning

As a rule of thumb, younger plants can usually tolerate pruning at any time. This is because they are in a

faster growth phase of their lives and can regenerating themselves quickly.

Older plants should be pruned in the time that’s advisable for them and to be safe?

Stick with these times for all your garden plant buddies.

If in any doubt, check with your local nursery or a reliable published resource.

Be careful when using books or online sites that advise you of the month you should be pruning instead of actual seasons as they might not be referring to Australia!

The following is a small selection that may require some trimming attention late winter.

Deciduous shrubs, apples, pears, European and Japanese plums, figs, persimmons, pomegranates, peaches, nectarines, cherries, quinces,

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

winter flowering natives and give overgrown trees and shrubs the once over as well.

When something has completed flowering or fruiting or is in a dormant state, it’s a good time to prune.

Pruning Tools

Bypass secateurs are an allrounder tool that will see you through with most small to medium pruning jobs. They are best suited however to soft materials, twigs, and small branches.

Moving up from there to thicker branches, anvil secateurs will be needed or a pruning saw, which will take you up to even bigger branches.

If you can only afford two pruning tools, pick the bypass pruners and the pruning saw.

Buy the best quality you can afford and look after your tools by always cleaning them after

Pat Collins Boost your Immune System - Sat, 22 Jul 2023 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

In this workshop, you will learn about many useful herbs that will boost your immune system along with other helpful information. We will cover a healthy diet, exercise, additives and lifestyle. We will enjoy together healthy treats to sample and create lots of useful items to take home.

www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pat-collins-boost-your-immune-system-tickets-634553325077

Gardens Hosts for Central Coast Edible Garden Trail 2023

Would you like to be a Garden Host for the 2023 Central Coast Edible Garden Trail on October 21+22? They would love to hear from you! Do you have friends you would like to put forward as Garden Hosts this year - we’re looking for more lovely gardens to join us.

Please send recommendations to: ediblegardentrail@permaculturecc.org.au

Rachel’s Farm Special Screening, Avoca Theatre, 27th 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

Cheralyn is a horticulture author and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM96.3

contact@cheralyndarcey.com cheralyn.darcey

cheralyn

use and storing safely.

Maintenance includes sharpening, perhaps oiling moving parts and replacing worn parts as needed. On that point, look out for tools with replaceable parts.

Safety First

Tools must be sharp and in good working condition and you must be familiar with the way they work.

Eye protection is important as sticks and branches have a habit of snapping in all directions.

Always work away from you and if using ladders to reach higher parts, make sure that you and your ladder are completely stable.

Assume all plants are toxic so wear gloves for this purpose as well as cut protection, don’t touch your face while working and cover any open wounds you have with bandages.

Wash any cuts or scrapes you acquire while pruning immediately.

To keep plants safe, disinfect your tools as you move from plant to plant to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

How to Prune

Aim to make oblique cuts, on a downward angle, just above an outward facing node or bud. When cutting larger branches, do so in sections by taking off the weight of the branch from the outer most tip bit by bit.

Trying to cut a large heavy branch from a tree will usually end with the branch tearing once the weight falls.

This will open the tree up to infection and could topple you to the ground with it.

Your first course of action is to remove all dead, dying and diseased parts, then move on to shaping or thinning of the plant.

There are lots of different examples of exactly how to shape and prune your plant dependant on type to be found online or in publications.

Examples include rose winter pruning - aim to open the interior by removing any crossing branches and try to shape the bush to even length branches.

Deciduous fruit trees are usually pruned into a vase shape as this allows maximum light to fall into the middle of the tree.

GARDENING PLANNER

Start digging in composts mixed with well-rotted mature into beds in preparation for Spring.

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.

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

It’s been a big week for Central Coast elite sports stars with top level presentations in State of Origin, AFL and international athletics.

Last Wednesday’s State of Origin final saw former Woy Woy Roosters junior player Bradman Best scored two tries

Big week for Central Coast sports stars

Breakers Country Club has announced the continuation of its partnership with Central Coast Indoor Sports Stadium at Terrigal, securing its future for three years.

The Club has committed to significant sponsorship over the course of three years to support the development and growth of sport in the community.

President of Mounties Group John Dean said the commitment to Central Coast Basketball and Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium reflects Breakers Country Club’s ongoing dedication to supporting local organisations and fostering a love for sport within the community.

“By investing in the development of junior players

to stun the Queensland team in his debut Origin game.

Best, who plays with the Newcastle Knights, said he was humbled by the opportunity to play Origin football.

Knights coach Adam O’Brien said Best was motivated by his critics who questioned his readiness to play Origin

football, though he had now “shut a few up” with his performance.

In the AFL, the Greater Western Sydney Giants game against the Adelaide Crows in Adelaide over the weekend saw local former Killarney Vale Bomber forward Daniel Lloyd score the final goal in what the

club considers one of its greatest comeback victories.

GWS trailed the Crows for most of the game, but booted five goals in the last quarter to snatch the unlikely victory.

In international athletics over the weekend, former Point Clare local Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott) jumped a

record-breaking one meter and 98 centimetres at an international Diamond League athletics tournament in Poland.

The 26-year-old was one of three competitors to clear the bar, breaking the local meet record.

Olyslagers had to settle for second place on a count-back

Breakers continues to back local sport

and providing essential resources the Club, operated by Mounties Group, aims to create opportunities for athletes of all ages to thrive and reach their full potential,” he said.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Central Coast Basketball and the Indoor Sports Stadium as we strongly believe in the power of sports to bring people together, promote an active lifestyle, and instill valuable life skills in the individual.

“This is not a new partnership; it has been a longstanding and strong relationship between Breakers and the local sports stadium for over 20 years and we are proud to continue and enhance this for the next three years, under the stewardship of Mounties Group.

Car Boot Sale

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club WOY

Sunday 30th July 2023 7am to 1pm

Great variety of stalls, BBQ, Tea & Coffee

Vendors Welcome $25 per car

Dunban Road Car Park

NB stall sites not open until 6.30am

Cnr. Ocean Beach Road Woy Woy

Always last Sunday of the month

(no events in December)

ENQ: 0478 959 895

“An integral part of Mounties’ history and culture is supporting sub-clubs and sporting teams which dates back to when our original club was formed in the 1960s.

“Every dollar spent in our venues contributes to our core purpose of improving the lives of our members and Breakers’ support of the sports stadium is a wonderful example of this commitment.”

As part of this renewed partnership, Breakers Country Club has also provided additional funding to the partnership specifically designated for the replacement of basketball uniforms.

This funding will benefit more than 3,000 junior

players associated with Central Coast Basketball, ensuring that they have access to updated and highquality uniforms for their games and competitions.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous partnership and support provided by Mounties Group’s Breakers Country Club. Their commitment to our organisation and our facility will greatly contribute to our continued growth and success to allow more locals to play sport in an all-weather venue,” President of Central Coast Basketball Kellie Hassab said.

“With this ongoing partnership, we are confident in the future viability of our programs and initiatives,

behind Ukraine’s Iryna Geraschenko.

Olyslagers is now second in the world rankings and will compete in her next event in Monaco on Friday, July 21.

The jump officially qualified her for the Paris Olympics next year.

allowing us to provide even greater opportunities for our players and the broader sporting community to thrive.”

General Manager of Central Coast Basketball Matt Tredrea said the organisation looked forward to working closely with Mounties Group to further promote sport, nurture young talent and create a thriving sport culture in the Central Coast region.

The renewed partnership was celebrated at a special event on Sunday, July 9, in line with the First Nations Round of Basketball where the Central Coast Crusaders took on the Inner West Bulls.

Representatives from Mounties Group, the Breakers Committee and Central Coast

Basketball held a special presentation preceding the final game.

Breakers Country Club and Central Coast Basketball will collaborate closely over the next three years to ensure the effective implementation of the partnership initiatives. Both organisations are excited about the positive outcomes and opportunities that will arise from this shared commitment to promoting sport within the Central Coast community.

For more information on Central Coast Basketball and Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium visit ccbasketball. com.au.

Source: Breakers Country Club

The renewed partnership was announced on July 9

David Abrahams

Bradman Best of Woy Woy in his debut State of Origin jersey

Former Killarney Vale AFL player local Daniel Lloyd celebrates Nicola Olyslagers at the Diamond League Athletics event in Poland

Photo: NRL Media Photo: GWS Giants Media

Crusaders youth teams prepare for play-offs

BASKETBALL

The season is all but over for the NBL 1 East Central Coast Crusaders with only one round left for the year.

Both the men’s and women’s teams finished in a stronger position on the ladder than last year, with the men sitting at 12th on five wins and the women at 11th on seven wins.

For the Crusaders Waratah Youth League teams, however, the action is just about to begin as both the men’s and women’s teams have clinched a spot in the elimination at the very least – with a first-place finish still on the cards.

Three games remain in the regular season for the second placed Crusaders youth men, who have had an outstanding season thus far.

They are ahead of sixth place by five wins which means they have locked in their spot in the elimination final but will still need to win every game left for a shot at top spot.

They sit two wins behind the first-placed Hills Hornets, with whom they’ve split the season series 1-1, with the Crusaders taking the most recent victory 78-82 at Hills Basketball Stadium.

After a crushing loss to the

Penrith Panthers in last year’s semi-finals with the Crusaders, veteran Alex Bailey heeded the call of captaincy and has stepped into his role brilliantly putting in a very strong case for league MVP and recording multiple 30+ point performances this year including a 32-point game against the Hornets in their recent matchup.

The youth men will face the Penrith Panthers this Saturday, July 22, at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium, Terrigal at 3pm and it’s a must win if they want

to overthrow the Hornets for the minor premiership.

The Crusaders youth women’s squad’s journey hasn’t been all that different this year as they also sit in second place, two wins behind the Manly Sea Eagles.

The youth women suffered a similar fate to the youth men in last year’s semi-finals but have more than made up for it with their performance this season as they look to go all the way.

Led by newly anointed cocaptains, defensive anchor

Bronte Moore and sharpshooter Sammi McCubbin, the team has ushered in some rookies this season.

They have had stellar seasons so far, with Lucy Corke standing out and leading the team in points per game averaged.

The youth women have four games left until the play-offs start and although they sit in second spot with 14 wins, their place in the semi-finals is not secured.

Behind them in third and fourth spots, the Norths Bears

and the Sutherland Sharks sit only one win away and the Sydney Comets in fifth spot only two wins away.

With such a tight grouping in the top half of the ladder, these last four games are crucial must-wins if the youth women wish to retain their spot in the play-offs.

First up, the Crusaders will take on the Sydney Comets this Saturday, July 22, at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium, Terrigal, at 5pm.

The last time they matched up

was in Sydney, when the Crusaders won comfortably 4354 in front of the away crowd. The last two rounds hold exciting match-ups for the Crusaders, who will potentially defend their second spot against the Norths Bears in North Sydney on Saturday, August 5. This will be followed by the final round of the year where the youth women will potentially have a chance to steal top spot from the Sea Eagles in Manly on Sunday, August 20.

Maree cheers on Aussies at World Dwarf Games

Maree Jenner has long been a community advocate for people with disability on the Central Coast and now she is taking on a new challenge – leading the Aussie cheer squad at the World Dwarf Games in Germany from July 8-August 5.

Australia has been competing in the World Dwarf Games since they began in 1993 in Chicago.

The Games are the largest international sporting event held exclusively for shortstatured athletes.

They are held every four years – the Cologne tournament will be the eighth World Dwarf Games.

Around 40 Aussie athletes will compete in this year’s Games – the biggest contingent Australia has ever sent.

“I’m going there as a volunteer support person, part of the Short Statured People of Australia,” Jenner said.

“I’m providing administration and coordination support, but I have another important role –cheering for Australia from the stands.

“I wanted to go and be there when they win.”

Jenner is employed as a Local Area Coordinator by the not-for-profit organisation, Social Futures – an NDIS partner in the community.

In this role, she delivers the Different on the Outside Same on the Inside program to Central Coast Schools.

Jenner is a person of short stature, commonly referred to as dwarfism.

“The Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability,” she said.

“It helps educate children and teachers around how they can be more accepting and inclusive of all people.”

Jenner said she supports the World Dwarf Games because it gives short-statured people the chance to enjoy competing in sports equally.

There are team and individual sports: athletics and swimming and team sports like basketball, soccer, badminton and boccia.

Child athletes as young as 10 will also compete against athletes of a similar age.

“People with dwarfism are unable to compete equally against average sized people; we will always come last,” Jenner said.

“We love playing sport and participating, especially as Australia is so focused on sport and achieving, and young short-statured people want to feel that they belong and can be part of sport, but they need to compete on a level-playing field.

“There is a lot of pride in going to these games and being able to compete and represent Australia.

“We will compete against teams from America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Remember we are so rare; my condition affects only one in around every 25,000 births; some short-statured conditions are one in a million.

“It is important to be able to compete against people with the same abilities – that is competition!”

Jenner said she was also excited that Australia had been chosen to host the World Dwarf Games in 2027.

You can learn more about the World Dwarf Games on the official website.

Central Coast schools

interested in participating in the Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside Program should contact Social Futures

on 1800 522 679, or email lac@socialfutures.org.au

Source: Social Futures

Maree Jenner will be cheering on our athletes at the World Dwarf Games

Stefan Kataric

Crusaders youth captain Alex Bailey | Photo: Misch Bocska at LookPro Photography

Bronte Moore in action | Photo: Misch Bocska at LookPro Photography

Women carry the day in rugby comp

RUGBY

There were no men’s matches in the Central Coast rugby comp on July 15, but the weekend saw some top action in the Women’s 10s competition.

Six matches played on the day formed Rounds 21 and 22 of the competition.

Avoca Beach secured a 27-5 victory over Terrigal, only to then be defeated by The Lakes 26-17.

The win has more or less secured The Lakes a finals position.

Hornsby won both its matches, defeating Woy Woy 51-0 and Warnervale 40-5.

This has greatly increased Hornsby’s chances of making the finals, with a race underway between The Razorbacks, Hornsby and Warnervale for fourth spot on the points ladder.

Meanwhile, Terrigal has retained its first position on the competition ladder despite losing to Avoca Beach, with a 67-7 victory over Woy Woy later in the day keeping Terrigal in top spot.

This Saturday, June 22, will see The Lakes and Hornsby

clash at Gosford Showground, Avoca Beach host Woy Woy and Warnervale take Terrigal at Woongarrah Oval.

This Saturday will also see Round 3 of the Premier 1 comp.

The match of the day will see Warnervale and Terrigal clash at Woongarrah Sports Field.

Both teams are coming off big wins in their last outings two weeks ago so should be primed for a classic encounter.

Terrigal is currently placed in second spot on the ladder and is keen to keep in touch with leading team Avoca Beach.

Warnervale is in fifth position and will be hoping to keep clear of the teams behind and hopefully climb higher on the ladder.

Warnervale will be at home which is a huge plus.

The Lakes will travel to Gosford Rugby Field at the Showground to meet Gosford.

Despite having the home team advantage, Gosford hasn’t played for over two weeks with a bye and then the wet weather general bye last Saturday.

The Lakes have had a

frustrating season but are tough opponents and cannot be taken lightly.

Gosford will be keen to get the win and to maintain its fourth position on the competition ladder.

Woy Woy and Avoca Beach will meet at Heazlett Park in a match which should see the home team record a comfortable victory.

Avoca Beach remains undefeated in the competition and will also have the hometeam advantage, so things won’t be easy for the visitors.

Lake Macquarie will travel to Ourimbah Rugby Park to meet the Razorbacks, who are favoured for the win.

Lake Macquarie are yet to record a victory this season and going up against the thirdplaced team in the competition won’t be easy.

In the President’s Cup, The Bay will travel to meet Avoca Beach, Gosford/Kariong will host the Razorbacks and Warnervale and Terrigal will play at Woongarrah Oval.

Source: Central Coast Rugby

Avoca Beach scored a victory over Terrigal before going down to The Lakes