Coast Community News 403

The Central Coast is united in its love of football, gripped by the FIFA Women’s

Love of football unites Coast

Fight continues to ban logging at Ourimbah

See page 8

Out&About

Residents say neglected watercourse a health hazard

Terrigal residents have been fighting to secure regular maintenance of a watercourse running beside a public reserve which they say is a health hazard for more than two decades.

Neil Keele said the watercourse, which runs beside a reserve between Canterbury Close and Norwich Close, has been “maintained” only twice since he moved to the area in 1997.

“The Norwich Close side has been maintained by persons on community service orders for a period of time but it is now residents who maintain it,” he said.

“The Canterbury Close side – where properties back onto the reserve –

was looked after in parts by residents.

“One resident had a ride-on mower and it was great until the mower broke down and was not replaced.

“Some residents now try to maintain the sides of the watercourse but it stinks, is a health hazard and could be a flood and fire risk in the right

conditions.”

Keele said some residents had tried to do something about the watercourse from Sheffield Dr to the fence of a nearby mobile home village but the task had proved too daunting.

“There is an oily coating on the water and the water is stagnant in parts,” he said.

“The rushes are about two metres tall and non-native trees and other non-indigenous plants have grown up.

“The amount of litter is also considerable.”

Continued page 3

Rock musical is fierce and funny migrant story

See page 17

Business

Aquafun Avoca Lake a Green Travel Leader

See page 25

Sport

Top cricketers visit Central Coast schools

See page 30

Puzzles page 16

Residents say there is an oily coating on the water, which is stagnant in parts

Mariners women’s coach Emily Husband (in grey) alongside Fran Hurndall (in pink) with ex-Matildas captain Julie Dolan (bottom right) and supporters in Gosford

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Love of football unifies the region

The Central Coast is currently in the grip of football fever, thanks to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and excitement over the Mariners’ coming season, with soccer taking hold in the hearts, minds and feet of locals.

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

Manager & Digital Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric

Email to: editorial@centralcoastnews.net

The Central Coast Mariners have in many ways come of age, with the club’s second Championship win in the men’s A-league competition last season now coupled with the club’s imminent entry into the National Women’s A-league competition.

The club has passionate, brave and inspired football management and ownership.

As a result the Mariners now fly the region’s flag higher than any other institution on the Coast.

It is no small wonder, given the fact that over 16,000 football (soccer) players are registered to play the game with the regional association Central Coast Football (CCF).

CCF has done a remarkable job in raising the profile of the popular sporting code in a region once traditionally known for other forms of ball sports.

The sweet irony of English footballers being at the head of our two Mariners teams

(Nick Montgomery and Emily Husband) and the English Lionesses being based at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium throughout the Women’s World Cup should be seen as a strength of the world game.

This football ecosystem, from grassroots to regional and state competitions and on to national and international arenas, is a perfect example of how to build the region’s capacity.

Mariners’ women’s coach

Emily Husband

A great example of football building community was when Mariners’ women’s team coach Emily Husband and fans gathered to support footballer Fran Hurndall as she passed through Gosford this week on her running journey from the Gold Coast to Sydney.

Hurndall was on a mission to make history as the first woman to run 1,000km from the Gold Coast to Sydney dribbling a soccer ball.

The Matildas’ historymaking run for the FIFA Women’s World Cup shows us all that football is so much more than football, it is about aspiration, diligent work, organisation, hope and unity. Policymakers and politicians could do well to look to football on the Central Coast to build other sectors of our community successfully.

David Abrahams

Matcham-Holgate RFS celebrates 65 years

DEATH NOTICE CAMERON,

Bubby (Babs) Veronica Nee Richards

Late of Killarney Vale Bub died peacefully on 08/02/23

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch with members and supporters of MatchamHolgate RFS

NEWS Matcham RFS P1

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has celebrated the success of Matcham Holgate RFS’s 65th anniversary as an important milestone for the brigade.

Started in the 1950s by a collective of citrus and vegetable farmers, the brigade has since grown into a wellestablished and active fire brigade.

Crouch said Matcham Holgate’s years of success was

testament to the strong commitment by both members and families of the RFS Brigade.

“It is fantastic to celebrate this great fire brigade’s success with their 65th anniversary celebration, showing once again that Matcham Holgate RFS is going from strength to strength,” he said.

“This brigade not only has a strong and committed volunteer base who are always ready to protect and serve the community, but also has strong backing from the volunteers’ families.”

Crouch also recognised the Brigade’s efforts in responding

to local incidents as well as their proactive engagement with the wider community.

“On average, the brigade responds to 70-80 callouts per year, but on top of this, the Brigade was also involved in responding to the 2019/20 Bushfire Season, supporting both local and regional efforts,” he said.

“The Brigade also continue to proactively engage with the community through education on bushfire hazards, as well as bushfire mitigation strategies.”

Source:

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, auntie, grandmother, great grandmother. A generous and loving person, a friend to many.

Loved beyond measure. A life well lived.

Celebration of her life with family and friends AT Bateau Bay Leagues Club, The Entrance Rd, Bateau Bay ON Sunday 20th August 12:00 Midday. PLEASE Bright colours only, she disliked black.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch gets a rundown on the brigade’s activities

Mariners women’s coach Emily Husband, ex-Matildas captain Julie Dolan and Fran Hurndall

Residents say neglected watercourse a health hazard

From page 1

Keele said the watercourse channel is lined with a border which is now overgrown in parts and the watercourse itself is full of sediment and other materials almost to the top of the channel and also about 30cm out into it.

“Many neighbours have asked central Coast Council to clear the watercourse many times to no avail,” he said.

“Potentially there are rats and other vermin, as well as native fauna struggling to compete with the state of the watercourse.”

Keele said residents would like to see a reasonable flow restored and action on the stench and the oil coating on the water.

“In times of heavy rain the

water level now comes up at least a metre higher than it used to and gets closer to the fences on the Canterbury Close side,” he said.

“A number of the residents on the Canterbury Close side are aged 70-90 and are pensioners.”

Keele said the reserve also has trees which are overshadowing properties, but Council maintains it is the responsibility of residents backing on to the reserve to deal with them.

“The rates paid by the Canterbury Close landholders are considerable and yet we get nothing done – it is not a priority,” he said.

A Council spokesperson said the site is on Council’s Urban Channel’s maintenance program.

“Council monitors 22 identified Urban Channels across the Local Government Area where specific works are

prioritised to maintain effective flow and mitigate flood risk,” the spokesperson said.

“As the works undertaken at

these locations are of a significant nature, typically only a few sites may be serviced in any given year, and cleaning frequency may typically occur at 5-10-year intervals.

“Council staff will, however, now inspect this particular location, prior to determining the final list of priority sites for maintenance, which is expected to occur later in the 2023/24 financial year.”

The spokesperson said Council staff attended the site on July 23 to remove litter and would revisit it to check priority weeds that may be present.

“However Council does not provide a level of service for the management of vermin, nor will Council undertake the removal or pruning of trees due to overshadowing concerns,” the spokesperson said.

Calling all Nashos on the Coast

The NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates is putting out the call for more members.

State President Greg Mawson, who is also president of the Gosford sub-branch, said the group works for all exAustralian or Commonwealth Nashos, called to serve Australia between 1951 and 1972 in the Navy, Air Force and Army.

“The Association also has members who served in the Citizens Military Forces, ARES Units and those who were members of the Australian Regional Forces and or Allied Forces,” he said.

“Full membership is open to any national servicemen, serving or ex-regular CMF or ARES persons of the armed forces, or persons who are like minded and support the NSW National Servicemen’s

Association and Affiliates.”

Mawson said Nashos served Australia in two eras: 19511959 and 1965-1972.

“Sub Branches extend right across the state of NSW but sadly, given the age of many of our former Nashos, a few are in decline,” he said.

“Many of our current membership are from the first scheme of Nashos, many in their eighties, some older.

“Unfortunately, Nashos from the second scheme are very few and are much needed for the Association to remain viable.

“Many Nashos hold duel memberships to ourAssociation and to the RSL and as subbranches close, members are encouraged to take up membership with their nearest RSL Sub Branch.”

Mawson said the Nasho Sub Branches were a semi formal

organisation, observing all the ex-service memorial days in addition to allowing Nashos to mix in social environments as well as contributing to local community events.

The Gosford sub-branch visits hospitals, retirement villages and the like as well as observing important days such as Easter and Christmas.

Nashos also can be seen

“The site is also not identified on Bush Fire Prone Lands mapping and is not actively maintained as a Bush Fire Asset Protection Zone or for aesthetic or recreational purposes, so as such no works are proposed to address bush fire concerns.

“Council will inspect the slicks referred to, however advises that the slick is a natural slick from iron reducing bacteria which forms in water bodies like this and is not a result of other pollution ingress.

“Regarding the reported odour issue, odours emanating from waterways like this are not uncommon and may arise from sulphidic sediments or anerobic decomposition of organic matter.”

Terry Collins

call-out to the second scheme of Nashos to start to become involved,” Mawson said. “They are needed to keep the fading light of National Service alight.

“It is little known by many that Nashos are entitled to two medals: the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal and the Australian Defence Medal.

“These medals recognise all service Nashos gave to Australia in times of need and are great piece of memorabilia to pass on to the grandkids.”

World-renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Lama Choedak Rinpoche will lead a weekend of teachings for the community at Woy Woy and Umina Beach on August 25-26.

The Central Coast Meditation Centre will host the soughtafter speaker and meditation teacher.

Known around the world, he regularly teaches more than 1,000 people online through the Sakya Friends organisation.

Rinpoche is known for his deep wisdom, thoughtful insight and dedication to spreading the teachings of the Buddha to an international audience, making his brief visit

partaking in events like ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day and Remembrance Day where many march, representing their sub-branch.

“This is where we make the

Buddhist teacher bound for Coast

to the Central Coast an event not to be missed.

He will give a public talk entitled Buddhist Perspectives on Wealth at the Woy Woy Sea Scouts Hall on Friday evening, August 25.

Rinpoche will speak on the four types of material wealth, three of which are to be avoided, and reveal the one and only useful wealth to adopt.

On Saturday, August 26, Rinpoche will lead a one-day Tibetan Wealth Manifestation workshop at Umina Beach.

It will cover how to create a more generous and abundant mindset to bring more happiness and contentment in one’s everyday life.

“We are really lucky to have a teacher of Rinpoche’s calibre coming to visit and teach on the Central Coast,” Central Coast Meditation Centre teacher

Rachel O’Rourke said.

“Rinpoche is able to explain the profound teachings of meditation and Buddhism in a relevant, authentic and often

humorous way.

“His teachings are offered from the heart, and draw on his extensive experience, dedication and realisation.”

Lama Choedak Rinpoche was born in a yak-hair tent in Tibet in 1954, and as a young boy made the perilous journey to Nepal with his family.

After formal training as a monk, he completed a threeand-a-half-year solitary meditation retreat sponsored by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

Rinpoche has lived in Australia now for over 35 years and is able to explain the timehonoured traditional Buddhist traditions for a contemporary audience in fluent English.

If you are interested in joining the NSW National Servicemen’s Affiliates Association, check the organisation’s website or email webmaster@nasho.asn. au for further information.

Source: Greg Mawson, President, NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates

He is the author of a number of books including Healing Relationships: Buddhist Insights for Enduring Happiness, Original Virtue and Lamdre: Dawn of Enlightenment.

All are welcome to attend the weekend of teachings, which will be relevant regardless of religion or upbringing as they speak to the universal human values of generosity, lovingkindness and compassion.

Further details can be found at www.centralcoastmeditation centre.com or by calling 0438 617 936.

Overgrown vegetation poses health, flood and fire risks, residents say

Members of the Gosford sub-branch distributed Easter eggs at Gosford Hospital earlier this year

Source: Central Coast Meditation Centre

Lama Choedak Rinpoche

Honouring our Vietnam vets

As the nation celebrates Vietnam Veterans Day on Friday, August 18, organisations across the Coast will pay tribute to those who served.

Terrigal-Wamberal RSL SubBranch President Scott Warr said this year marked the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s 10 year commitment to the war.

The sub-branch will hold a service outside Breakers Country Club at 11am on August 18, with a get-together in the club to follow.

“We will be remembering the Battle of Long Tan, which was the most significant conflict of the war, where we lost the most people,” Warr said.

“Just over a third of our

membership – 37 of our 107 active members – served in Vietnam.”

Past president of the subbranch and Vietnam vet Terry Saxby will share reflections on his time in Vietnam with the 104 Battery/12th Field Regiment.

Called up for national service in 1967 and trained as an artillery signaller, Saxby was posted to Vietnam in 1968, attached to a forward observation unit with V Company 4RAR/NZ (Anzac) Bn.

“We will be honouring veterans of any conflict –including Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor – on the day,” Warr said.

“Many of these veterans recount experiences of not

Dig deep for Daffodil Day

The Cancer Council’s most iconic event – Daffodil Day – is coming up on Thursday, August 31, with a stall at Erina Fair set to sell fresh daffodils on the day.

“Daffodils are the symbol of hope for cancer patients and we want to spread our message

far and wide on this very special day,” a Cancer Council spokesperson said.

“There will be lots of energy and excitement at Erina on the day.

“This is our only Daffodil Day site on the Central Coast this year so we’re going big, with

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lots of special guests appearing throughout the day and sharing on socials.

The site will run from 9.30am4pm.

“Our services ensure that nobody on the Central Coast will face a cancer journey alone,” the spokesperson said.

With more than 400 people diagnosed with cancer each day in Australia, the Cancer Council is hoping to top last year’s Daffodil Day total of $2.5M.

$2,399

being welcomed home as previous veterans, who served in Borneo, Korea and WWII, had been.

“Some of them were ridiculed and put down.

“A lot of vets still have a bad feeling about their return from service.

“The RSL didn’t do a very good job in those days and didn’t look after these younger vets, which led to the formation of groups such as the Vietnam Veterans’ Association.

“But we have been doing a lot of work trying to provide engagement and recognition within the RSL movement to recognise these more contemporary vets.

“A number of sub-branches are marking the day.”

Toukley Sub-Branch will hold a service at 11am on August 18 at the cenotaph, at Club Ary, Main Rd, Toukley.

The Vietnam Veterans’ Association will hold a service at 11am on Sunday, August 20, at the memorial on the Ettalong waterfront.

It will feature a piper playing Amazing Grace and cadets from 25 Australian Cadet Union (ACU) Erina.

Guest speaker will be Cadet captain from 25 ACU Erina Richard Douglas.

The service will be followed by a luncheon and show featuring Nathan Foley at Ettalong Diggers, with tickets available through the club.

Terry Collins

Vietnam veteran Terry Saxby during his service

An official e-petition to stop the proposed Wamberal Beach seawall has gone live.

Terrigal resident Abigail Boyd MLC has followed the seawall issue for years, raising concerns about end effects undermining the beach and flooding hundreds of lagoon homes and the environs.

Standing with the Wamberal Save Our Sands (SOS) group and thousands of residents who oppose the seawall, Boyd will speak to the petition in parliament where the matter will be debated on the floor.

The petition calls on the NSW Government to halt Wamberal Beach seawall actions until an independent EIS (Environmental Impact Assessment) investigates possible lagoon flooding which residents say the seawall’s end effects would cause.

“No such study has ever been conducted and locals, especially at-risk lagoon residents, are furious that they have been overlooked by Central Coast Council,” an SOS spokesperson said.

The petition also calls for a review of how Council arrived at the current situation and aims to prevent the transfer of

Seawall e-petition goes live

Wamberal Beach public land to Council.

It insists that Council properly consults with the community and experts regarding alternative adaptive strategies to sustainably manage the beach and lagoon environments.

“Council’s last ‘public consultation’ was a farce, excluding non-wall options,” the spokesperson said.

The petition will be online for three weeks.

“We are grateful that Abigail Boyd has shown leadership on this important issue that concerns so many locals and threatens the coast we love,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage everyone to sign the e-petition.

“We hope to secure thousands of signatures to send a message to Parliament and Council that the Wamberal Beach seawall is not on.”

Boyd has long championed the opposition viewpoint.

On September 17, 2020, she told parliament: “The Wamberal Beach Management Options report, prepared for the Office of Environment and Heritage in 2017, considered a costbenefit analysis for eight options at Wamberal. It found

that none of the engineering options, including different types of seawalls, with or without beach enrichment, would provide a net public benefit for the local community and visitors.”

SOS volunteers met briefly with Council Administrator Rik Hart at Ourimbah last week to outline their concerns.

Delegates put it to Hart that if the seawall went ahead and hundreds of lagoon homes were flooded as a result,

Council would be held liable and would have no defence if it was found not to have acted in good faith, for example, if Council repeatedly refused to properly study seawall impacts on the lagoons before preparing a development application (DA).

They reminded Hart that studies and experts, including Sydney beach expert Professor Andrew Short, have signalled to Council the need to investigate seawall flanking of the lagoons, in addition to

pressing concerns about a seawall’s threat to the sustainability of the beach itself.

“Mr Hart listened to the SOS delegates and said he was acting on the advice of experts at Council and suggested that SOS delegates meet again with Council Director Environment and Planning Dr Alice Howe to further discuss the concerns,” the spokesperson said.

“We welcome Mr Hart’s invitation to meet Dr Howe.

“However, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch wrote to Dr Howe about our concerns and Dr Howe’s reply entirely sidestepped the pressing issue of seawall end effects driving increased flooding of the two lagoon neighbourhoods.

“Her reply made it clear that Council has no intention of studying seawall flooding impacts on the lagoons before lodging a seawall DA.

“Council is bulldozing.

“It is incredible that the community has no alternative but to take the matter to NSW Parliament because Council is willfully ignoring the proposed wall’s impacts on hundreds of lagoon properties and the environs.

“Council is relying on studies that specifically limit their scope to the 1500 metres of beach between the lagoons, excluding the vast lagoons that sit behind.”

For details for signing the petition see the Save our Sands Facebook page. It will remain live until August 31.

SOS will continue to update the community on its Facebook page.

Source: Wamberal Save Our Sands

Wamberal Save Our Sands has held numerous protests on the beach

In the wake of National Rail Safety Week (August 9-15), Sydney Trains is reminding Central Coast residents about the dangers of trespassing into the rail corridor.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said intruding in the rail corridor is not only illegal, it could be a matter of life and death.

“Over the past year, our camera network has captured 166 incidents of people trespassing in and around the live rail corridor across the Sydney Trains network,” Longland said.

“People trespassing in the rail corridor causes delays for

Don’t trespass on railway lines

trains and passengers.

“But even worse, if trains aren’t able to stop, it could cost someone their life.

“Rail safety is the responsibility of all and I urge everyone to please consider the impacts of their actions on our frontline staff.”

Head of Sydney Trains Security and Intelligence Jess Sharpe said when a person is detected in the tunnels, trains are ordered to stop.

“Anyone thinking about trespassing – think again,” Sharpe said.

“Not only do you risk your life, but it’s also a selfish act that can cause lengthy delays, impacting the journeys of hundreds of

thousands of passengers a.

“I’ve seen first-hand some terrifying incidents captured on our security cameras, with people putting themselves at serious risk of death or injury.

“It’s also concerning to see many cases of young people running into tunnels with seconds to spare for pranks or social media.

“Incidents are typically higher on weekends and during

school holiday periods.”

Sydney Trains driver Jenilyn Maniebo, who drives over the entire network including the Central Cast line, is making a powerful plea after witnessing countless incidents of reckless behaviour during her decade on the rail network.

“Each time I see a trespasser I have to quickly blow the horn, apply emergency braking, stop the train, and ensure the corridor is clear,” she said.

“These close calls and fatalities leave drivers and rail staff distraught.

“An incident like this has a ripple effect impacting so many people.”

Homelessness exhibition at The Entrance

Coast & Country Primary Care has joined with Central Coast Council to present an open exhibition in a shipping container at The Entrance offering a captivating walkthrough soundscape sharing the audio and visual stories of local rough sleepers.

Located in Memorial Park, the exhibition was launched during Homelessness Week (August 4-11) and will remain

open until August 24.

“Behind every statistic is a real person with a unique story for why they have become homeless,” a Council spokesperson said.

“We’ve been working to address homelessness on the Central Coast and have introduced a Transitional Housing Pilot, an initiative that aligns with our Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy (A&AHS).

“This pilot program utilises underused and vacant cottages owned by Council to provide a safe and supportive environment for formerly homeless individuals to get back on their feet while they apply for more secure housing.

“Furthermore, Our Assertive Outreach Partnership has been working to connect rough sleepers with specialty homelessness services, ensuring they have access to

Sydney Trains works closely with Police Transport Command to target and deter reckless behaviour.

The minimum fine for people caught trespassing is $400 but this can be as high as $5,500.

Rail Safety Week is an annual initiative of the TrackSAFE Foundation held in Australia and New Zealand to promote safe rail practices.

It unites the rail workforce, police, government, and community groups by encouraging commuters to be aware and alert while travelling on and around the rail network.

housing options and crisis relief.” Interested residents can learn more about the program at the open exhibition.

“This Homelessness Week let’s challenge stereotypes and embrace empathy,” the spokesperson said.

“Remember, everyone has a story.”

Source: Central Coast Council

Nominations open for Coast Australia Day Awards

Nominations for Central Coast Council’s 2024 Australia Day Awards are now open, providing an opportunity to recognise local individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the region.

Council Unit Manager Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said the awards are an opportunity to shine a light on Coasties who make a real difference in our community.

“For over nine years, Central Coast Council’s Australia Day Awards have acknowledged and celebrated the contributions and achievements of over 100 locals,” Cannard said.

“This year’s Australia Day Awards received 60 nominations with Ryan Wilson named Citizen of the Year for his work in starting the Free Trade Day initiative after attending a gentleman’s home in 2017.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the awards are important in celebrating diversity, achievements and community spirit across the Central Coast.

“Now is the time to recognise

someone who is doing extraordinary things in our community to ensure their efforts and achievements don’t go unnoticed,” he said.

“The different Australia Day Award categories means that a diverse range of people and their contributions will be recognised.

“Anyone can nominate, so I call on the community to put forward a local individual or group accomplishing great things or supporting those in our community.”

Award categories are: Community group; Community life; Volunteer; Young Person; Senior Citizen; and Citizen of the Year (overall winner).

Nominations are open until 5pm on Sunday, September 24. For further information, eligibility criteria and to make a nomination visit centralcoast. nsw.gov.au/ausday2024

Source: Central Coast Council

Free Trade Day founder Ryan Wilson was named as the Central Coast Citizen of the Year at this year’s awards

Source: Sydney Trains

Sydney Trains driver Jenilyn Maniebo

The exhibition encourages residents to challenge stereotypes and embrace empathy

Let’s build a detailed proposal and a campaign team for a standalone

In your email please indicate:

Are you:

a) a school student?

b) a young person on the Central Coast?

c) a university student? Which one?

Are you interested in:

i) CC-specific economic policy options [eg: de-Carbonising/transitioning to renewables?]

ii) CC-specific environmental policy options [eg: end native flora & fauna extinctions?]

iii) CC-specific social policy options [eg: social housing; women’s safety; roads/transport?]

The goal is: a Central Coast intellectual centre a multi-disciplinary CENTRAL COAST UNIVERSITY

The purpose is:

1. to provide inspiration, aspiration & higher expectations for Central Coast

2. to meet the multi-disciplinary educational & vocational needs of all Central Coast

3. to provide permanently available, up-to-date & multi-discipline data sets, analysis, and specifically on Central Coast social policy; interwoven with equity & fairness policy

Location: The University building, some student accommodation, the university grounds & urban forest with walk-ways, will extend over, and beside, the NSW Government-owned lands

entire CBD and Stadium, to the waterfront. The land is ‘free’; public transport infrastructure already exists; the now rail-divided city will be re-joined; the CBD from Hospital to waterfront will be ‘unified’; the eastern boundary of the CCU will interface with the commerce of the CBD for its entire length; it is an opportunity, atop the CCU, to provide a Gosford Cultural Centre with 1000-seat theatre and work/rehearsal and start-up spaces; also an opportunity to establish a European-style piazza for grand public occasions, outdoors aged/youth/child activities, Council-managed local agricultural produce markets.

Alternative: Ad hocery … not a real university … not a multi-disciplinary university for all qualifying Central Coast students. Just a mess of ‘out-hubs’ of an out-of-region University. There will be a University of Newcastle medical North of Gosford, a Law/Business out-hub across the railway line in the East of the CBD, and TAFE’s ad hoc siting is to be in the old Gosford Council building in the South, with restricted course offerings at the Ourimbah nothing like the multi-discipline universities which provide excellent support for Wollongong and Newcastle

The Central Coast beneficiaries will be:

1. all of us: integrated social, economic, environmental policy for our Central Coast

2. school kids: inspiration, aspiration & high expectations

3. youth: high-interest centres of learning & fun, rather than adult thrill-centres of gambling, alcohol, porn, smoking … and neglect

4. our ECONOMY: transition, de-Carbonise, innovative CC economy with super-fast internet

5. ENVIRONMENT: stop extinctions native flora/fauna; regen agric; ‘marrying’ econ with enviro

6. SOCIAL POLICY: issues like: women’s safety; region-wide Youth Policy; rights of traditional custodians; compulsory ‘salt-&-pepper’ emergency/social housing

And/or please indicate:

Who is skepital?

1. The Liberal Party are for out-hubs of an out-of-region parent university. The Liberals seek to introduce only narrow splinters: medicine, law and business. Sometimes I wonder just how far vested interests penetrate political parties.

2. The Greens are silent, asked me to shoot some film … did it … but it evaporated. I’m not sure what they think. Silent.

3. The Labor Party, on the Central Coast, is silent. Silence is often consent. Sometimes I wonder just how far vested interests penetrate political parties.

Who is for it? Lots of people, not limited to young people … if one speaks to them on the streets, beaches, in parks, around the place. The only political figure with an official responsibility for the social, economic, environmental, & governance health of the Central Coast region is the Administrator of the Central Coast Council. In his position as a region-wide analyst and leader, he is best placed to see the important missing elements on our Central Coast.

So, what does he think? After more than two years as the region’s Liberal-appointed, independent-of-party Administrator, Mr Hart has learned much about the Central Coast in his administrative work, but also in his advisory committees, his personal consultations with anyone who seeks to talk to him face-to-face, in his local community meetings, & so on. Given his preparedness to consult, it did not surprise me to receive recent correspondence from him:

I write to you confirming my general in-principle support for the idea of a Central Coast University, specifically built for this region. As I have shared with you during our meeting on this matter, I too believe this idea will help to drive positive social and economic outcomes for our residents and visitors to the region.

A Central Coast University would help bring Gosford to life. I can confirm with you that I have indeed advocated, on multiple occasions, for this concept during meetings and conversations with key stakeholders and decisionmakers of the Central Coast region. Most recently, I raised the concept with the Greater Cities Commission’s Commissioners at a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders, to which it received general support.

I will continue to advocate for the concept of a Central Coast University during my time as Administrator.

WHY THIS MATTERS?

It matters to have a Central Coast intellectual centre which will provide:

[a] inspiration, aspiration, & high expectations for Central Coast school students

[b] satisfying, productive [& joyful] education/lifestyle for all Central Coast youth

[c] economic data sets, analysis, & integrated policy options

[d] environmental data sets, analysis, & integrated policy options

COAST UNIVERSITY

Authorised and paid for by Dr Van Davy (JP)

Proposed site over the railway line

Shark net kills unacceptable

As pressure mounts for the NSW Government to scrap shark meshing on the Central Coast, latest figures from the Department of Primary Industries reveal some alarming statistics.

They reveal that in 2022-23, 65 per cent of wildlife caught in shark nets off Coast beaches were threatened or protected species and of these, 71 per cent were killed.

Eighty-five per cent of wildlife caught were non-target species ad 66 per cent of these were killed.

Marine Biologist and Campaigner at Humane Society International (HIS) Australia, Lawrence Chlebeck, said the numbers of non-target species and worse still, threatened or endangered species, caught was unacceptable.

“Those numbers include a dolphin, three endangered turtles, two seals, and 11 critically endangered grey nurse sharks,” he said.

“The nets are incapable of reducing the risk of shark bite, making this wildlife cost

unacceptable and undefendable.

“The nets must be ended immediately and entirely.”

HSI Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) define “threatened or protected” as any species listed as threatened under Australian State or Federal legislation, protected under State or Federal legislation, or listed under the international conservation appendices of CITES, CMS, and

the IUCN Redlist.

Four weeks out from the expected return of nets to Coast beaches for the Summer season, HSI and AMCS are urging the NSW Government to end the “obsolete and destructive” shark net program.

“These figures tell the same tragic story every year when the NSW shark net data is revealed, and it’s why coastal councils and residents are fed up with the nets,” Chlebeck said.

“Shark nets don’t discriminate.

“This season, 100 per cent of dolphins and 50 per cent of turtles caught in the nets were killed.

“How can we continue to justify a program so reckless with our precious marine life?

“Previous governments have viewed this issue through an outdated lens, which is why they blindly relied on 100-year old technology, in the form of nets.

“Modern solutions are already working and in place after decades of development, so it’s time for the new Minns government to bring swimmer safety into the 21st century and consign the nets to history.”

AMCS shark scientist Dr Leonardo Guida said communities want modernday beach safety standards that improve safety for people and wildlife alike, solutions like drones and the tagging and tracking of animals.

“Public sentiment and the science are in alignment— come September, the NSW Government should keep the nets out and the drones up,” he said.

“The return of shark nets is an abject failure in public safety policy, given that the NSW Government has modern-day solutions in place that improve beach safety for humans and wildlife alike.

“Political courage is needed for improvements to public safety for everyone at the beach.”

In 2021, all eight NSW local

Fight continues to ban logging

Camp Ourimbah will hold two community events each week indefinitely as it continues its fight to end Forestry Corporation’s logging operations in the Ourimbah State Forest.

The group holds a Tea for Trees gathering each Tuesday at the Palmdale exit of the Ourimbah roundabout from 10.30amnoon, with all invited to share their experiences of the forest.

Every Friday at 2pm, the group will rally outside the office of Member for Wyong David Harris in solidarity with the larger Fridays4Forests movement in an effort to enlist Harris’s support in putting an end to the logging.

The next rally takes place this Friday, August 18.

Spokesperson Ursula Da Silva

said community response had been “amazing”.

“Overall, people are supportive of ending native forest logging,” she said.

“We have worked hard to educate the public (on how) timber resources can be found in plantations and agroforestry and that we already have enough timber onshore; dismantling the myth that ending native forest logging will mean pillaging forests overseas.

“We are extremely concerned about the fire risk Forestry Corporation is currently leaving in the Ourimbah State Forest.

“Photos showing debris are emerging and it is not looking good at all.

“Leaving such catastrophic fire risk, whilst dehydrating the bush through logging processes,

means that Forestry Corporation and our elected officials are leading us into a disaster.

“Putting the 350,000 residents of the Central Coast at risk of fire, instead of properly managing the forest through cool/cultural burns etc, is appalling.

“We ask, will insurance premiums rise in the area due to this increased fire risk?

“To think our taxpayer money is funding this … is shameful and an embarrassment.”

The group has launched an email campaign on its Facebook

councils with shark nets officially voiced their opposition to shark nets through council motions or through submissions during a consultation process with the NSW Government.

HIS Australia and AMCA say shark incidents are rare, and nets don’t stop them from happening.

“Almost half of sharks – 40 per cent – are caught in the nets on their way out from the beach,” a spokesperson said.

“Additionally, by trapping wildlife right off metropolitan beaches, the nets could even be attracting sharks closer inshore.

“Modern, non-lethal mitigation measures such as drone surveillance, alert systems, personal shark deterrents, and Shark Smart behaviour are much more effective at keeping people safe without the cost to wildlife.”

Source: HIS Australia

and moisture levels and increasing the risk of crown fires; endangerment of animal life; threat to riparian vegetation along creek lines; unsubstantial buffers to protect Aboriginal cultural site from logging; possible effects of fish and platypus populations from runoff; and costs to taxpayers of logging operations.

page, urging concerned residents to email relevant MPs and officials outlining their concerns.

These include: the omission of a contemporary koala record from Forestry’s Harvest Plans; increased bushfire risk through altering vegetation structure

Gosford wharf reopens

Gosford Public Wharf has been re-opened following the completion of maintenance and safety works.

The wharf has been closed to the public and for mooring of vessels to enable the essential works to be carried out.

They included disconnection and removal of non-compliant electricity and water services, replacement of the connecting timber bridge and deteriorated decking, headstocks and girders, replacement of

handrails, painting and general maintenance.

While the wharf will be open for access, it should be noted that at this time electricity and water services are currently unavailable due to a heritage assessment being undertaken to allow trenching for the reinstatement of compliant services.

The pump-out facility remains operational.

Permits for the temporary mooring of vessels (maximum four days mooring) can be

The group says plantations can produce enough timber to meet Australia’s needs and Forestry Corporation transparency and data reporting of timber supply in NSW is elusive.

For more detailed information see the Camp Ourimbah Facebook page.

Source: Camp Ourimbah

obtained from Marine Rescue Central Coast 4337 9600 or via Marine Radio at Marine Rescue Central Coast.

The wharf is monitored and mooring without a valid permit or the obstruction of access is prohibited.

Central Coast Council will enforce penalties for noncompliance with temporary permits, including vessels overstaying.

Source: Central Coast Council

Dolphins are frequently caught and killed in the nets

Camp Ourimbah members at a recent rally

The wharf has reopened following maintenance works

George Krams’ remarkable life

words per minute for 35 hours and five minutes.

This was a huge achievement, and his record has never been broken.

Reg South and Krams were lifelong friends who met in the 1940s when they lived on the same street at Randwick.

South recalled the first time he saw Krams: “He was sitting in his front garden, on the grass, with calipers on his legs.

“I didn’t know what calipers were, so I said hello to him, and his aunty Annie explained them to me in the best way she could, in a way that a child could understand.

“George and I became mates very quickly.

“My sisters and I would see a lot of George and George soon got to know the other kids in Norton Street.

“We kids had little or no problem communicating with George, as we all spoke ‘kid language’ and that was all we needed.”

said.

“We were so pleased when George readily accepted and said he would be happy to be Deanne’s godfather.”

Deanne, along with her two sisters, Cassandra and Trisha, all learned sign language at TAFE so they could better communicate with Krams, and he remained close to the family, even walking Deanne down the aisle on her wedding day.

“I have always been enormously proud to have you as my friend,” South said in paying tribute to Krams.

“I am glad that we are still in touch after 74 years of friendship.

“You have had many challenges over the years, and you have shown strength in overcoming a lot of these issues.

“You have shown us all you have the stuff that great men are made of.

“You are a leader in your own right.

for 12 years and vice president for two years.

He was also employed as a public servant in the police department for 23 years – a job that he loved.

On his retirement, he received a presentation from the then NSW Police Commissioner.

In 1982, Krams set a Guinness World Record for maintaining sign language at or above 45

Decades later, in 1973, South and his wife asked George to be the godfather of their second daughter, Deanne.

“We knew George was a good Christian, with a strong religious upbringing,” South

“You are special to all who know you.”

Source: Alino Living

Coast families doing it tough

Almost half of financially disadvantaged households on the Central Coast were unable to pay their utility bills on time in the past 12 months, according to new research.

NSW Council of Social Service’s (NCOSS) latest Cost of Living in NSW 2023 research undertaken by the University of Technology Sydney, also revealed 65 per cent of those paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing reported being in housing stress. The survey was undertaken in April and May and involved a representative sample of 1,134 households living on low incomes and below the poverty line in regions across NSW.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said the survey revealed just how tough life was for low income and below the poverty line households on the Central Coast presently.

“These figures are stark and show the extent to which households are being hammered on multiple fronts,” Quilty said.

“These are households who, in the main, are working and who are doing everything they can to cut costs and keep their heads

“But the compounding effects of COVID-19, sky-high inflation, successive disasters and flatlining wages have had a

devastating impact, pushing many to breaking point.”

Key findings for Central Coast included 72 per cent reported having no money set aside for emergencies, 38 per cent reported using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services for essential goods three or more times in the last year, 31 per cent reported going without prescribed medication or healthcare, 27 per cent reported that they experience extreme housing stress, with more than 50 per cent of their income spent on housing in the last year and 26 per cent reported being unable to travel for essential reasons due to cost.

“We knew things were bad, but this is the worst we’ve seen in many years,” Quilty said.

“People are hanging on by a knife edge, savings have been eaten away and the use of Buy Now Pay Later is more prevalent and borrowing from family and friends is a growing necessity.

“Our members – community organisations on the frontline –consistently report that they cannot keep up with demand and that the needs of their communities are becoming more complex with new cohorts of people are appearing at their doors.”

“Our recommendations are aimed at tackling the underlying

causes of the cost-of-living crisis – most notably energy bills and housing affordability – and providing immediate relief.”

Some of the key recommendations put forward include improving the impact of NSW Government cost-of-living initiatives including permanently increasing EAPA vouchers to $2,000pa and making the Low Income Household Rebate a fixed percentage of a person’s energy bill.

NCOSS also recommends building an additional 5,000 social housing residences each year, targeting unmet needs such as overcrowding for culturally diverse communities and groups at greatest risk of homelessness.

They are urging limits on rental increases so they are fair and reasonable, addressing nogrounds evictions and eliminating rental bidding.

NCOSS wants the Government to strengthen the social service sector by developing a consistent approach to annual indexation covering the real cost of service provision and enhancing capacity of essential programs facing overwhelming demand.

For more information, and to read the full report, visit ncoss. org.au

Source: NCOSS

The remarkable George Krams

Man charged following pursuit

A man has been charged following an investigation into a pursuit on the Central Coast on Tuesday, August 8. About 8.30am police from Central Coast Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on The Entrance Rd, The Entrance.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated but was soon terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, emergency services were called to the Central Coast Hwy near Karalta

Road, Erina, following reports that the vehicle had allegedly crashed into several cars.

Police at the scene were told that the vehicle had crashed into the cars, before a man fled the scene on foot.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District, assisted by PolAir and Dog Squad, were unsuccessful in locating the man.

Following inquiries by the Brisbane Water Crime Prevention Unit, a 23-year-old

Man arrested at Umina Beach

male from Canada Bay was arrested on James Sea Dr, Green Point, at about 3.45pm yesterday.

He was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, two counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, and five counts of not give particulars to other driver.

He was refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on August 9.

Source: NSW Police

Fatal crash at Wadalba

A man has died after a multiple vehicle crash on the Central Coast on Tuesday, August 15.

At about 4.20pm emergency services responded to reports of a crash involving two cars and a truck along the Pacific Hwy at Wadalba.

The driver of a Ford Falcon, a 17-year-old man, died at the scene.

The truck driver – a 41-yearold man – was treated by NSW

Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment and mandatory testing.

The driver of a Mazda – a 46-year-old woman – was also treated NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District established a

crime scene and with the assistance of specialist officers commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. Anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Source: NSW Police

At about 10pm on Friday, August 11, officers from Brisbane Water Police District, Northern Region Operation Utah, Central Coast Highway Patrol, Police Transport Command and the Dog Unit attended a residence in Umina Beach.

A 24-year-old male was found hiding in a cupboard. He was arrested for warrants relating to firearms offences, drug supply offences and a revocation of Intensive Corrections Order.

During the arrest police allegedly found drugs and a knife on the man.

He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with the warrants and a number of new offences.

He was bail refused to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Saturday, August 12.

Source: Brisbane Water Police

Man charged after restaurant incident

A man has been arrested following an incident at Erina on Tuesday, August 15.

At around 6.30pm police were called to a restaurant on the Central Coast Hwy after reports of a male allegedly behaving offensively and disrupting service.

On arrival, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District located and spoke with

the man.

During a search of the 40-year-old man, officers allegedly located a knife and prohibited drugs.

He was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, use prohibited

weapon contrary to prohibition order, possess prohibited drug, behave in offensive manner in/ near public place/school.

The Neutral Bay man was refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court later that day.

Source: Brisbane Water Police

Police arrest the man

Time to get real over energy provision

I feel obliged to respond to the comments by your correspondent in Issue 402 about ethical and moral concerns relating to energy provision, mistaken assumptions about my position and the reality of the situation on carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere.

For a start, how is it ethical to flog millions of tonnes of coal overseas (where they will burn it) and at the same time claim to be clean and green in Australia?

Simple arithmetic will tell you that as some 0.4 per cent of the world’s population, whatever we do will have negligible impact on future CO2 in the atmosphere.

Australia’s position on this (we need the money from coal exports to maintain our standard of living) is both immoral and hypocritical.

It is all right if it is burned in your backyard but not in ours, if you pay us.

FORUM

blame for our extinction as a species.

Nuclear has its problems but (is) perhaps manageable.

To be very clear I have not advocated nuclear as mindlessly as we are doing with renewables.

I am advocating that we investigate its usefulness in all respects for our situation.

I thought I had made that clear in previous contributions to this paper.

A mix of generating types would appear to offer the best answer.

Society expects reliable, affordable and carbon free electricity.

Stand-alone renewables are not fit for this purpose.

MISSING LINK

I can’t think of anything more immoral.

Have they thought about the strategic consequences of being dependent on China for solar panels?

Have they thought about the environmental damage caused by the mining of silica and rare earth metals for the solar panels and windmills?

Many Australians, especially those well off, have no conception of the attitudes and experiences of those who live under primitive conditions in most of the rest of the world and I am sorry to say we have a very insular conception of the physical world.

I say we should consider whether what we are doing is really worthwhile if you consider that CO2 is a miscible gas and the critical thing is the global emissions are what should be contained.

Migrant viewpoint on the Voice

I would like express my feelings as a migrant of a minority group who took Australian citizenship 38 years ago and is patriotic and proud be a true blue Aussie.

I came to Australia as single mother of two children with no financial or family support except my education.

I worked hard, achieved further qualifications to the highest level, educated my children to the highest level, paid my taxes and remained true to my citizenship oath. We have become a true multicultural society and I have seen how the nation has prospered with migrants forming the backbone of this great nation.

Now, we are being told by the same elite white Australians that we are racist if we vote No to the Voice referendum.

We believe in equality for all Australians and a fair go for everyone.

We trusted in our hard work, loyalty and values to become successful.

Why should it be any different for a certain group of Australians?

If the white elites have some imagined guilt to be purged, why don’t they go to the settlements and regional Australia to do some real change instead of spouting their wisdom in the media?

where we would not have rights to any land and our GDP would be forcefully portioned out to certain groups even if they didn’t contribute to it, none of us would have wished to come to this so-called lucky country.

These white Australians who show such contempt to others better think twice before forcing us to follow them like mindless sheep.

The media have to stay neutral and objective and not jump on the Prime Minister’s band wagon.

He only wants his name made in history and does not truly care about cost of living or other concerns the majority of us face now.

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

If you believe the world will become unliveable soon due to atmospheric CO2 accumulation we must take our share of the

As to denying future generations access to parts of our country’s landscape – have the clean, green renewable stalwarts considered the useful agricultural land now being taken up by solar gardens and Quixotic windmills?

Have they also thought of the problem of disposal of spent solar panels which is now emerging?

Funding of health, education and reliable affordable carbon free electricity are of more use than solar gardens and Quixotic windmills and fantasy beliefs that we are good global citizens. We should get real.

Email, Aug 10 Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy

Government not to blame over Regional Seniors Travel Card

I just read the story about the Regional Seniors Travel Card in CCN 402 and find it very hard that Adam Crouch can make the statements as per your paper.

When this card was introduced some years back, I rang the

Member for Terrigal’s office (when the Libs/Nats) were in Government and notified his secretary that a service station at Toukley was allowing patrons to purchase cigarettes on the above card.

We migrants faced racism and contempt from some elite white Australians, yet we have succeeded in all walks of life and are proud of our country.

Why do they think they can dictate to immigrants what and how we should think?

If this country had such constitutional change before the multicultural migration,

This has become just a distraction, (leading) away from focussing on major issues facing all Australians.

Email, Aug 13 Nalini Padmanabhan, Terrigal

I am an avid reader of this paper and do not write in. However reading the article on Gosford hospital parking (No free parking for Gosford Hospital) has caused me to write.

It is unfortunate that the broken promises this Government makes now

Did Mr Crouch phone me back to discuss this issue?

Certainly did not.

Fail to see how it falls on Member for The Entrance Mr David Meehan.

Email, Aug 11 Kim Newham, Noraville

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Also see the

online at CoastCommunityNews.com.au/puzzle-solutions or scan the QR code here

FORUM

affects me personally.

As a pensioner, parking fees at the Gosford hospital are extremely difficult to manage into my weekly budget and I was looking forward to free parking being implemented which is a no brainer.

Another broken promise No brainer or no brains?

Remember about 30 years ago when we were all proud owners of the Commonwealth Bank?

Then along came a clever politician who, without asking us, flogged it off for $2B. Over the past couple of weeks

I have been reading that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants $10B for a Futures Housing Fund.

Now I read that the

How is it fair for Wyong hospital to have free parking, but not Gosford, even though David Harris promised free parking?

Another lie for us and we all pay the price.

Email, Aug 11 Graham T. Robinson, East Gosford

Commonwealth Bank made a profit of $10B.

What a great idea that was. No brainer or no brains?

Email, Aug 11 Laurie Powell, Woy Woy

Proud Kalkadoon woman

Lacey Bilger recently graduated from NAISDA with an Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The arts training organisation was delighted to learn that Kalkadoon’s recent dance work, Low Level, has since been commissioned by Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub for Newcastle Art Gallery. Kalkadoon was engaged as

part of Catapult Dance’s Activate emerging artists program, supported by Create NSW Service Needs Funding.

The work will be presented on Saturday, August 26, as part of the closing weekend celebrations for the art gallery’s video work Dead Tongue by Dr Christian Thompson.

Adding to her accomplishments, Kalkadoon also recently wowed audiences in the world premiere of ATI: A Dance Reckoning of Truth, Place, and Belonging, a NAISDA

NAISDA graduate’s latest success

production presented at Carriageworks last month.

“The Advanced Diploma is about getting you ready to enter the professional dance industry,” she said.

“I found it a really independent course, which sets you up for whatever avenue you’d like to go down after your studies.”

NAISDA’s Advanced Diploma is tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance artists entering their final 18 months of study before embarking on a professional

dance career.

The comprehensive program also caters to practising industry artists looking to enhance their professional practice and entrepreneurial skills.

It addresses the evolving demands of the performing arts industry by providing retraining, skill enhancement, and diversification opportunities.

Applications for NAISDA’s 2024 program remain open until August 21, with

experienced dance practitioners encouraged to apply for next year’s Advanced Diploma to further their careers and expand their artistic horizons.

NAISDA’s flexible learning pathways also include an entry-level Certificate III in Dance Practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

This opens doors for high school students eager to explore the vibrant world of dance and performing arts.

Tickets go on sale for Rolling Sets

Bigger, better and armed with a new look and feel but in its same home at Memorial Park, The Entrance, the Rolling Sets festival has upgraded with a stack of exciting additions and is ready to dominate this December.

After smashing it out of the park last year, Rolling Sets will make a welcome return featuring Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane, The Jungle Giants, Sycco, The Dreggs plus more when they head to the Central Coast this summer.

With a sold-out first year under its belt and an overwhelming response from patrons and artists alike, Rolling Sets rolls into the Central Coast on Saturday, December 9, promising to bring all last year’s big vibes

and good times to its second instalment.

The perfect union of music, surfing and skating culture, coupled with the relaxed cruisy lifestyle synonymous with the coast, Rolling Sets is set to deliver the perfect summer festival experience.

Psychedelic surf-rock legends Ocean Alley will be serving up those salty sounds we have come to love, fresh off the back of their highly anticipated fourth album release Low Altitude Living.

Spacey Jane will make the east coast pilgrimage again after selling out their recent headline Central Coast show in minutes, cementing their spot in the hearts of Coast music lovers.

Also performing will be

festival favourites The Jungle Giants, producing all the party feels with their buoyant melodies and infectious choruses.

Rounding out an absolutely stacked day of sweet tunes and good times the full line-up for 2023 includes Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane, The Jungle Giants, Sycco, The Dreggs, The Terrys, DICE, Hope D, Big Twisty and the Funknasty, The Moving Stills, Dulcie, Butterknife, Deadshows, Rage, Stupid Baby, Soda Simulator, Shanarah, Voider and more.

Tickets go on sale August 10 at 10am.

For ticket information and access to pre-sale visit www. rollingsets.com.au

Audiences can see Kalkadoon’s work on Saturday, August 26, from 6pm at James Street Plaza in Hamilton as part of an evening of First Nations performance and music.

To apply to NAISDA, First Nations applicants aged 16 and over should visit www. naisda.com.au/apply and submit their application before August 21.

Lacey Bilger performing Low Level

Source: NAISDA

Bilger recently graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance

Source: Luna Creative Last year’s Rolling Sets was an outstanding success and is set to be repeated this year | Photo: Isaac Tseng

Classic cars at Canton Beach

This year’s Chrysler Wake Run car show will mark the 50th anniversary of the VJ Valiant

The show will be on at Canton Beach Holiday Park foreshore on Sunday, August 25-27.

Every year car enthusiasts mourn the loss of the Chrysler Australia factory which was based at Tonsley Park in South Australia and was closed down in August 1981.

Entry is open to all Chrysler, Valiant, Dodge, DeSoto, Plymouth and Hillman vehicles only.

The show kicks off from 4.30pm on Friday, August 25 and continues until 1.30pm on Sunday, August 27.

On the Saturday, the cars will leave the car park at the Canton Beach Holiday Park at around10.30am and cruise up to Swansea Workers Club on Rawson Rd for lunch around noon.

There will be a mini show ‘n’ shine in front of the club in the parking area with 50 cars in attendance.

On Sunday, more than 100 cars will compete for a Top 10 Trophy at the Canton Beach Holiday Park foreshore in Oleander St.

The gates will open at 7.30am and close at 10.30am to allow time for judging.

There will be a coffee van and Special Olympics Central Coast

will cook a barbecue breakfast and lunch with cold drinks for sale, a raffle and music by DJ Marty.

The trophy presentation will start at 12.30pm with trophies for Top 10, Best Modern Mopar, Best Modern Mopar runner-up, Best AP5, Best VJ, Police Choice and Longest Distance.

The show raises money for the Special Olympics Central Coast Region.

Entry is by pre-entry at www. hvcc.org.au and is $20 per car for the three days.

Entry on the day is $30. Entry is free for spectators.

Concerto competition highlights young talent

Symphony Central Coast continues to recognise and support emerging talent as it presents its Concerto Competition on Sunday, September 17, at Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre.

The competition is held every two years and is open to all musicians on the Central Coast under the age of 25. There are four performers in this year’s competition – Minjy Lee, Sophie Kelly, Matthew Ardern and Kaito Deed.

They have chosen works by Mozart, Carl Reinecke, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky and each will perform a movement or movements from a concerto up to 15 minutes in length.

Concertos are works for solo instrument and orchestra and are an opportunity for an outstanding player to show their artistry and virtuosity accompanied by a large orchestra.

These works require great dexterity and musical maturity, all of which will be in plentiful supply at this concert.

Phillip Shovk, from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, will adjudicate for the first prize of $1,500, sponsored by Rotary Club of North Gosford and audience members are encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice award of $500, also sponsored by the Rotary club.

Both prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the concert and the winners will be invited to perform with Symphony Central Coast in 2024.

Minjy Lee will perform Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G major.

The 15-year-old Gosford High

student started her musical journey aged the age of six.

She is currently working towards her AMusA diploma under the supervision of Karina Hollands.

Minjy has participated in concerts are the Principal Second Violin of Regional Youth Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House.

She was an Allen Family Scholarship finalist in 2022, a Junior Instrumental finalist in 2020, the Pearl Beach (Senior) People’s Choice winner in 2022 and, in 2023, a Pearl Beach (Senior) finalist.

Sophie Kelly will perform Carl

Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major.

Sophie is in her second year of a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, under the tutelage of James Kortum.

Through her degree, Sophie has performed as a member of the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Wind Ensemble, on both flute and piccolo.

Previously she has held the position of principal flute with the Central Coast Youth Orchestra and Regional Orchestra NSW, where she had

the opportunity to work alongside musicians from Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra and Staatskapelle Berlin Orchestra.

Matthew Ardern will perform Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

Matthew, from Terrigal, is currently studying a Master of Music under the tutelage of Ludmila Beliaviskia at Excelsia College.

His musical journey began with piano lessons at the age of six and, over the next decade, his piano skills quietly flourished, although he paused AMEB exams after Grade 4.

Ashes to Ashes, the David Bowie experience comes to Gosford

Australia’s premier David Bowie tribute show is making its way to Laycock St Community Theatre on Saturday, September 9.

Performing faithful versions of the songs that span Bowie’s stellar career, Ashes to Ashes: The David Bowie Experience, is a stunning two-hour concert production.

The Adelaide band, all huge fans of Bowie in their own right, is fronted by vividly artistic Paul

Matthews who has been described as having a “beautiful voice that is so similar to Bowie himself, it’s eerie”.

With a band featuring Marco Giardini, Guy Hunt, Dan Irizzary, Mark Hudson and Matt Carter, Ashes to Ashes brings to the stage a seasoned professionalism that has often been described as fabulous, brilliant and unbelievable.

“We create a show that replicates the studio produced

songs and capture the dynamism of live shows reminiscent of the Reality Tour period of Bowie’s career,” Hunt said.

“We deliver a show that incorporates all the radio friendly hits that one would expect, but we also throw in a few deep-cuts, songs that stray from the mainstream a bit.”

Die-hard Bowie fans can expect performances of all his hits including Heroes, Let’s

Dance, Rebel Rebel, Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust, Life on Mars, Young Americans, Modern Love and more.

The Gosford performance is part of a tour taking in Queensland, Victoria, and Sydney.

Tickets available from www. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ theatres

It wasn’t until he resumed piano studies at Excelsia College in 2019 that he recognised the piano as the pathway to his musical future. Kaito Deed will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major.

A 16 year old Year 11 student at Gosford High School, Kaito started learning the violin at age four and has been studying under Karina Hollands since he was eight. He is currently the concertmaster of the Central Coast Youth Orchestra and the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra under the baton of Patrick Brennan.

Kaito was the winner of the Allen Family Scholarship in 2022, the Pearl Beach Senior Scholarship and the People’s Choice Award in 2023. The concert on September 17 will be at 2.30pm. Tickets can be bought at auccgs.sales.ticketsearch. com/sales/salesevent/96331

Source: Symphony Central Coast

Minjy Lee Sophie Kelly Matthew Ardern Kaito Deed

Source: Chrysler Wake Run

This year’s show marks the 50th anniversary of the VJ Valiant

Source: AAA Entertainment Paul Matthews as David Bowie

7 DAYS OF FESTIVAL FUN!

7 DAYS OF FESTIVAL FUN!

CENTRAL COAST, NSW

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Burlinson sings Sinatra at The Art House

Don’t miss a 25th anniversary special event when Tom Burlinson Sings Sinatra at The Art House on September 2.

The star of stage and screen presents a sensational new show celebrating the music of the legendary crooner, 25 years after he created the hugely successful Frank – A Life in Song, which toured around Australia and was also presented in Toronto, Canada, and Las Vegas, USA.

Burlinson once again honours the musical legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century.

Accompanied by his Swinging

Big Band comprising some of the finest musicians in the country, Burlinson will sing all the hit songs from throughout Sinatra’s extraordinary career. These include Come Fly With Me, Lady is a Tramp, It Was a Very Good Year, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Strangers in the Night, That’s Life and, of course, the iconic My Way and New York, New York’ – one great song after another.

Burlinson is famous for his starring roles in the classic Australian movies The Man from Snowy River and Phar Lap, as well as numerous stage and TV appearances throughout his career of over 45 years.

In 1991 he was chosen by Tina Sinatra to sing the voice of her father in the Golden Globe Award-winning mini-series Sinatra.

This led to a whole new musical development in his professional life.

After the success of Frank – A Life in Song came the national tour of Now We’re Swingin’! in which Burlinson paid homage not only to Sinatra, but also to some of the other great stars of vocal swing.

The acclaimed shows Swing That Music and Swinging the Great Standards were also presented in prestigious venues around the country.

Burlinson has proven that he is one of the best in the world at Sinatra-inspired singing and is renowned for his smooth style and astonishing performance skills.

Don’t miss this wonderful new show as Burlinson once again does justice to the marvellous musical legacy of The Voice, The Chairman of the Board, Ol’ Blue Eyes – the incomparable Frank Sinatra.

Tom Burlinson Sings Sinatra will be performed at The Art House, Wyong, at 7.30pm on Saturday September 2.

Rock musical is fierce and funny migrant story

The latest production to be added to The Art House Presents program is The Hen House – a fierce and funny story set in Western Sydney.

The Hen House, by PYT Fairfield and In Wild Company, pays homage to the stories of European migration in the ’60s and ’70s and explores the dignity and comedy of the female working-class experience.

The musical comedy is based on very real experiences bringing to light an extraordinary, humorous, and tragic multi-lingual story with

Acclaimed artist calls

Central Coast home

Acclaimed artist Brian Hatch now calls the Central Coast home after relocating from Queensland to be closer to family.

Hatch, an imaginative painter and printmaker, began his career as a graphic artist and discovered painting during a trip to Europe.

He returned to Australia where he studied painting in Brisbane and later New York.

Over the years he has been awarded many art grants and held exhibitions in both Queensland and Sydney.

He is represented in the Queensland Art Gallery and various regional galleries in Queensland and has limited edition prints in the National Gallery in Canberra.

Hatch made the move to Hamlyn Terrace 12 months ago to be closer to his daughter and grandchild.

Brian Hatch

“My daughter lives here and we decided we needed to catch up more with her and our grandchild, which is great,” he said.

On September 16, an exhibition featuring Land and Sea Scapes will open at the Red Tree Theatre at Tuggerah.

Open from 10am to noon daily, the exhibition will continue until October 1.

Source: CCN

distinctly live and loud original music played by an electrifying all-female rock band.

Created and performed by sisters Josipa Draisma (Founder/Creative Director, In Wild Company) and Mara Knezevic (Playlist, PYT Fairfield), The Hen House is set in 1976.

Sherbet’s Howzat is No.1 on the charts and industries are booming, with migrant women cashing in.

The show tells the stories of best friends Pavica and Mila.

These two women are living their new Australian lives working on a production line at

a chicken factory.

Divided by their feelings surrounding their factory employment, they soon realise that they ultimately need each other to survive their strange feathery world.

PYT Fairfield has made a reputation as a brave and transformative theatre company which makes urgent work exploring the critical issues of our time, asserting and celebratings Australia as a culturally diverse nation.

PYT is the only professional theatre company in Western Sydney focused on the development and engagement

of local young and engaging artists as core practice.

The Art House Presents program brings to the Central Coast productions that might not normally perform in regional areas.

These shows are deemed of particular importance, calibre and excitement.

The Hen House is the latest musical to be presented by The Art House following hits such as Hair, Rent, and Godspell.

The Hen House will be at The Art House Wyong at 8pm on Wednesday, September 20.

Charming Family Home on 1100sqm block

This property is more than just a house; it's a place where you can create lasting memories and build your dream lifestyle. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone who values space and convenience, this home has something special to offer.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience the charm of this Wyee gem for yourself.

• Situated on a generous 1100 square meter block

• Potential subdivision - subject to council approval

• Oversized garage with convenient side access

• 3 bedrooms provide ample space for the whole family

• Nestled conveniently to nearby Wyee Train Station and arterial roads

• The stunning Lake Macquarie is just a stone’s throw away

AUCTION – Saturday

9th September at 3pm

Source: The Art House

A scene from The Hen House

CCN

Tom Burlinson

Voted one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world by Conde Nast 2023, Saddles at Mount White will have new management from October 14.

Patrons can expect the same iconic charm, while embracing

New management for Saddles

exciting changes.

Nestled on 25-acres of land, Saddles boasts a charming homestead building and wraparound deck, overlooking the restaurant’s signature dam.

The idyllic setting that has attracted people from all over

the world will remain unchanged.

Complementing the essence of Saddles, the new management team will be expanding the restaurant’s offering with a reinvigorated menu, alongside site

enhancements that will be revealed soon.

Owner of Saddles, John Singleton, previously described the venue as an “accidental success” but says the new improvements being brought to the venue are far from an

accident.

“It will all be the same, just even more bloody beautiful,” he said.

renowned for its signature architectural and interior style. Five years on, Leslie has been welcomed back by the new management to refresh the venue.

Coast law firm a finalist in Business Champion awards

Erina-based female-led firm Law Team has been named a finalist in the Legal Services category of the prestigious Australian Women’s Business Champion Awards.

Law Team founder and lawyer Erin Vassallo said she was elated to be recognised among so many trail-blazing women in business.

“It’s a huge honour to have our work recognised at a national level,” she said.

“And a testament to my team’s dedication to futureproofing our clients’ dreams with simple, proactive legal

solutions.

“The legal system can be very complex.

“So we make every effort to break it down and give our clients a clear plan of action to protect their business and personal assets and dreams.”

The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards is a comprehensive program celebrating the tenacity, leadership and achievements of female-led businesses across the country.

Law Team’s inclusion as a finalist highlights its preventative approach to the legal landscape, particularly in

business, property and future planning.

“As women running businesses, we juggle so many balls and wear so many hats,” Vassallo said.

“So it’s really wonderful to have an award that honours our hard work, vision and initiatives.”

Law Team provides proactive legal solutions in areas from property and business law to future planning and wills.

With legal roots in property and commercial law in Australia and Canada, and over 18 years’ experience practising business and property law in her own

firm, Vassallo has a passion for helping small and medium enterprises to grow and evolve by supporting them with effective policies, procedures and documents to prevent, or quickly and effectively resolve any legal issues that may arise.

She also advises not for profits on a pro bono basis.

The awards will be presented on September 23.

For more information visit: www.lawteam.com.au

Law Team

• Purchase & Sale of Property • Refinancing Mortgages • Purchase & Sale of Business • Retirement Villages APPEARANCES • AVO Matters

•

Source:

The Law Team staff

Saddles at Mount White

Gambling signs come down at the Bayview

External gambling related signage is being stripped from venues across the Central Coast and the state, fulfilling the NSW Government’s election commitment to ban all external gambling signage by September 1.

The ban, announced in May, is a key plank in the Government’s commitment to reduce gambling harm in NSW. Minister for Gaming and Racing and Central Coast David Harris and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch were on hand at the Bayview Hotel in Woy Woy as its VIP lounge signage was removed on Thursday, August 10.

“We announced these changes back in May as a staged approach to ensure pubs and clubs were given the appropriate amount of time to conceal, remove and switch off any gambling promoting signage,” Harris said.

“It’s great to see venues like the Bayview Hotel moving quickly to fulfill their obligations and being willing to play such a positive role in gambling reform in NSW.

“I encourage other venues to get on board, as it is now less

than a month till all these signs must be down.”

Venues must remove, alter or conceal all external gamblingrelated signs, including fixed unilluminated awning signs and digital video displays.

Names such as VIP Room/VIP

Lounge, Golden Room/Lounge and Players’ Room/Lounge are among the names banned, as well as images of dragons, coins or lightning motifs. The maximum penalty attributable for those who fail to remove their signs and

breach the Act is $11,000 per offence.

Tesch said the Government was committed to working together with all stakeholders to reduce gambling harm in the community through comprehensive reform.

“I appreciated the opportunity to join Minister Harris at the Bayview Hotel to see firsthand the Government’s evidencebased reforms in action,” she said.

Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan said hotels were working with the Government on its gaming reform plan.

“There is no need for gaming machines to be advertised to the public,” he said.

“It’s pleasing to see so many hotels, like the Bayview, taking action to remove these signs before the September 1 deadline.”

Since being elected in March,

the NSW Government has reduced the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new EGMs from July 1, capped the number of gaming machine entitlements in circulation, banned all external gambling signage in venues from September 1, banned political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines; and provided an additional $10M to the Responsible Gambling Fund to develop and deliver harm reduction initiatives.

The gaming reform plan also includes introducing responsible gaming officers at venues with more than 20 machines and introducing state-wide and third-party exclusions for people with gambling problems.

Tough times saw drøm take to the open road

When tough times hit following COVID-19 lockdowns, one Central Coast business decided to take its clothing brand on the road.

Sheryle and Gary Berman, both in their late 50s, packed up their home and business to hit the road with their drøm clothing range.

Meaning dream in Danish, drøm was created several years ago when the Bermans, ex hospitality executives, were forced to make a drastic career change after losing everything.

With no retail, fashion or design experience, they built a surf, skate and streetwear clothing brand which they designed and printed themselves in the back room of a small shop in Woy Woy.

With the attitude that you are never too old to start again, and hoping to encourage others to do the same, they persevered

and against all odds in a very competitive market, had just passed $1M in sales when COVID hit.

After two difficult years, when COVID forced their business to go 100 per cent online, they decided to do something completely outside the box.

‘We bought a small caravan and hit the road taking drøm to

new regions,” Gary Berman said.

“In March 2022 we closed our store, packed up our house and boxed enough stock to see us through the first month on the road trading at markets and festivals.

“COVID was tough on everybody and a change was needed, so we jumped into

unfamiliar territory.

“We realised we were in the fortunate position of having a business which could be operated from anywhere.

“With a few adjustments we could follow our own dreams of travelling Australia and be able to introduce our clothing brand to a wider market.

“The lifestyle changes and

mental health benefits alone have made the decision worthwhile.

“The response we have received to drøm and our story has been amazing.

“We have introduced the brand to thousands of new customers who we hope will continue to follow us and be inspired by our journey.”

Every aspect of the business has been conducted on the road in a caravan, from printing the shirts to creating new designs to suit various locations, processing and packaging online orders or conducting background marketing and sales.

“We will be heading home soon from a journey that will stay with us forever,” Berman said.

“As we do, we continue to push the message that you never know what’s around the corner, so whatever the age, get out there and follow your dreams before it’s too late.”

Planning to return to the Central Coast in September, the Bermans will then decide which direction to take next with the business.

For more details on drøm email yes@drom.com.au

Source:

Minister for Gambling and Racing David Harris

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris with Bayview Hotel owner Christopher Mills and John Green from AHA

Source: Sheryle Berman

Gary Berman keeps up with the marketing from Woolgoolga

Gary Berman at a market stall in Mareeba

Terrigal mother a true Mumpreneur

Janna Martin of Terrigal has been named a finalist for the AusMumpreneur Awards in the Personal Services and Women’s Champion categories.

Martin, who was also a judge in the awards this year placed second for Emerging AusMumpreneur of the year last year for her Mums2Mums Home Service.

The AusMumpreneur Awards, presented by The Women’s Business School, celebrate and recognise Australian mums in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as

Janna Martin

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.

“I’m a busy Mumpreneur who has two daughters aged nine and five,” Martin said.

“My life is full of family activities, which I love.

“I enjoy going to the beach, travelling to new places and seeing new things.

“I love that my business fits into my family life and the best part is chatting/planning/ networking with my franchisees and other women in the industry.

“Mums2Mums was started to help solve two problems we have today; needing more time to maintain our homes and a lack of jobs with flexible hours and days for mums returning to work.”

Martin said she also recognised that only a handful of cleaners provided highquality house cleaning services at a reasonable price.

“I am delighted to be named as a finalist and am proud of my achievements, still growing in harsh conditions, monitoring and moving with the market and perfecting our quality

control as we gain most clients from word of mouth,” she said.

“There are many benefits to balancing business and motherhood.

“It has taught me that being resilient and having support is important.

“I believe the women supporting women in our business is important and helps everyone achieve goals they may not have without it.”

Martin advises others thinking about starting their own enterprise to “give it a go”.

“Business is much easier if you are doing something you

New pro shop for Everglades

Everglades Country Club at Woy Woy is to have a new pro shop and bowls office following approval of a development application for the work at a meeting of the Local Planning Panel on August 10.

The existing cart and bag storages sheds and existing green keepers’ sheds are to be demolished to make way for a new golf pro shop with larger cart and bag storage areas,

along with a new bowls office and amenities.

The application was lodged on August 11, 2022, with a Request for Further Information (RFI) provided to the applicant on January 31, 2023.

The applicant was requested to provide further information in regard to: hours of operation for the golf club; preliminary site contamination reports; acid sulfate soils assessment; acoustic report; and erosion and sediment control plan.

The extra information was provided on May 25.

Central Coast Council recommended approval, saying the development was compatible with the existing recreational activities and a compatible land use that would have a positive social and economic benefit for the community and the club.

The club has existed on the site for many decades, with the first liquor licence issued in 1957.

“The proposal aims to replace outdated facilities with similar facilities and the new facilities are unlikely to generate additional parking demand,” a report to the panel said.

“The use of the golf course and pro shop is considered complimentary to the use of the registered club on the site and peak periods of use generally do not overlap,” it said.

The panel approved the application with some minor

conditions.

The design of the pro-shop is to be amended to relocate entry doors from the southern elevation to the eastern elevation.

“A window may replace the relocated doors from the southern elevation,” the panel said.

“In order to provide some further weather protection an awning or similar may be erected and extended over the revised eastern entry, while

enjoy doing,” she said.

“Also, make sure you have support.

“You will need it – just someone or a group where you can bounce ideas and vent.”

Winners of the AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced at the AusMumpreneur Awards Gala Dinner in September.

For more information on the awards go to www. ausmumpreneur.com or contact awards@ ausmumpreneur.com

Source: AusMumpreneur Awards

retaining the southern portecochere (awning).”

The reason for the amendment was to minimise acoustic impacts to close neighbours.

The full length of the western wall is also to be acoustically treated.

The panel found granting consent would be in the wider public interest.

Source: Central Coast Local Planning Panel minutes, August 10

Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2024 Proposed housing development for seniors and disabled knocked back

Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards are your chance to acknowledge the achievements and actions of community members on the Central Coast.

The awards span six categories:

• Community Group

• Community Life

• Volunteer

• Young Person

• Senior Citizen

• Citizen of the Year - Overall winner

For more information or to nominate go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ ausday2024

Refer to the website for nomination eligibility criteria.

The Local Planning Panel has upheld a recommendation from Central Coast Council to refuse an application for a three-storey 45-unit housing development for seniors and disabled residents at North Gosford.

The proposed development, at 40 Bradys Gully Rd, sought to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a threestorey residential flat building comprising 40 two-bedroom self-care seniors units and five one-bedroom units.

It was also to include a rooftop communal open space terrace and ground level courtyards and landscaping.

Meals, cleaning services and personal and nursing care were to have been available on a “user pays” basis.

A report to the panel said 19 submissions of objection to the proposal were received, along with a petition containing 21 signatures.

Objections included a proposed 100 per cent departure from the single-

storey development standard for the rear 25 per cent of the site and a 10 per cent departure from the Floor Space Ratio development standard.

“It is noted that the applicant has received multiple requests for withdrawal based on significant issues and there has been ongoing delay in the submission of amended plans and supporting reports,” the report said.

Other key issues identified included non-compliance with the Maximum Building Height control and Apartment Design Guide setback controls.

There was also limited solar access to communal open space, lack of information on landscape plans, reliance on

lightwells to provide amenity to a number of bedrooms and no provision for a staff room.

Insufficient information had been provided in regard to: access; engineering; traffic; stormwater; waste; sewer provision; retention, removal and protection of trees on site; landscape plans; and ecology.

The panel also found the proposed access to basement parking was inadequate and unsuitable for aged and disabled residents.

The decision for refusal was unanimous.

Source: Central Coast Local Planning Panel minutes, August 10

A map showing the location of the proposed development

Five ways to future-proof your job in a changing world

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR

Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

This is a good time to be a job seeker: with global record low unemployment rates and the dearth supply of talent, never have your transferable skills been so highly coveted.

No matter the economic climate, they remain your golden ticket, even in a world possessed by artificial intelligence and ChatGPT.

Future-proof skills are those talents and attributes that are portable to different jobs, industries and even careers.

Here are my top five transferable skills to acquire, muster and master.

1. Interpersonal skills

How well do you relate to people? Your interpersonal skills influence how others feel about you and respond to you in return.

Employers love hiring people with this gift because building relationships improves the

working environment and a manager's life.

People with great interpersonal skills are patient, listen intently, collaborate and know when to push and when to hold back.

Superior interpersonal skills are relied upon in all jobs, levels, industries and teams.

2. Communication

This is the bedrock of noteworthy people skills.

An adept communicator sees right to the core of a difficult scenario.

With increased remote and hybrid working models, and less face-to-face time, effective communication is relied upon even more.

Expert communicators help others to be visible, heard and seen - a critical factor in virtual and online teams.

Communication in its basic form is listening and speaking.

At a higher level, it correctly interprets situations, having

empathy, putting yourself in others' shoes and reading the cues and signals.

Those people who "read" your mind are great communicators, picking up on the silent messages that even you are not aware of sending.

It is a beneficial skill for negotiation, team dynamics and influencing.

3. Initiative

You get things done - ideas, innovations and the best of plans are all well and good but useless if not implemented.

Self-starters are highly organised, think ahead and use

How to buy an off-market property

By many accounts, 2023 has been a relatively quiet year in terms of activity on the property market - at least, so far.

A recent report published by PropTrack revealed that sellers weren't rushing to put their homes on the market at the start of winter.

For those looking to sell, a lack of supply can be beneficial

if there's buyer demand, but the opposite can be true for buyers. .

It's possible that some buyers are missing out on a number of homes that aren't - often by design - as visible as others: offmarket properties.

Rhett Dallwitz, the chief executive of Listing Loop, an online marketplace for offmarket properties, says that its research indicates that the off-

market category accounts for around 20% of available properties in the country.

"In Australia we have approximately 140,000-145,000 properties for sale right now on the market.

"What we're saying though is that there's another 30,000 or so right now that are being promoted off-market that a lot of consumers just aren't aware of."

critical thinking to foresee obstacles.

They have a back-up plan ready and then another onejust in case.

Typically, seasoned selfstarters are meticulous with planning.

A deadline is adhered to and taken seriously, and they are masters (due to their advanced interpersonal skills) at holding team members accountable for their part.

They do not procrastinate or get caught up in day-to-day detail.

Managers bestow

One of the reasons for this is simply that the process of marketing a property takes time, so homes that are intended to be advertised with a full campaign, but haven't yet hit the market, are known as premarket properties.

Then there are true off-market properties, which are for a variety of reasons not listed as publicly.

Having access to a larger pool of properties is likely to be a plus

responsibility on those they can trust to get a job done.

An employee deft at executing a project, plan or task adds exceptional value to a business.

4. Adaptability

As a result of the pandemic, everyone's adaptability has had to shine through.

If not, you had better be sure to focus on this quickly.

Our world is guaranteed to keep changing at an increasing rate and if you don't adapt you will be left behind.

5. Curiosity

The more you enquire, the more there is to know.

for many buyers, especially when supply is low.

Beyond that, another potential bonus comes with the prospect of less competition.

But less competition doesn't necessarily translate to bargain prices for off-market buyers.

There are a couple of ways that prospective buyers can tap into off-market properties.

One is employing a buyer's agent who has existing relationships with real estate

Curiosity and learning go hand in hand, and learning is foremost in keeping transferable skills relevant.

When curious, you investigate further, questioning assumptions and rethinking opinions that are potentially outdated - an essential quality to support fresh ideas.

Curiosity accelerates your learning and acquisition of knowledge.

The more you develop and increase your knowledge, the more you notice how much more you need to grow.

Striving for mastery and excellence takes you to the top of your field, making you highly employable.

The new working environment demands numerous adaptabilities and fortunately we have many transferable skills right at our fingertips.

They require constant development and awareness.

The right skills will lead you on the path towards career fulfilment, security and employability

ROXANNE CALDER, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SYDNEYBASED RECRUITMENT AGENCY EST10.

agents and perhaps even some vendors in a particular area.

Then there are online platforms like Listing Loop, which match buyers with sellers agents or vendors directly.

Buyers can also do the legwork themselves by reaching out and building relationships with selling agents in the area where they want to purchase.

TOM WATSON

Terrigal mum starts new business- with a little help

A Terrigal primary school teacher with 20 years’ experience in helping children learn and play but with limited knowledge of the business world turned to TAFE NSW’s Women in Business program to get a new sensory toys enterprise off the ground.

After using the Women in Business program to build up her skills in areas such as tax, brand awareness and social media marketing, Christine McDonald is now preparing to open Bring and Play, a business supplying parents and carers with toys that develop children’s sensory and fine motor skills while having fun.

Women in Business is a TAFE NSW and NSW Government initiative which provides free support and education to businesswomen across the state.

“Being a mum of two young

boys, having a job and starting a new small business means there is not much free time,” McDonald said.

“But having access to webinars when it suits you and being able to pick and choose topics relevant to your individual journey made starting my business more of a reality then a dream.

“It also helped keep the passion alive.”

About one third of Australian businesses are now operated by women, with the Women in Business program aiming to increase that rate by providing female entrepreneurs with feefree help.

General Manager of TAFE Digital, Lyn Rickard, said McDonald was among thousands of women across the state learning how to start or build enterprises through the program.

“TAFE NSW research tells us that women starting a new

business face some common challenges, such as not knowing how to get started, finding funding sources, or managing their work-life balance,” she said.

“This program helps by allowing women to choose topics that suit them in a flexible environment, so they can gain the practical and theoretical knowledge they need to succeed.”

McDonald will soon begin selling specially designed toys, craft kits and homemade playdough which will help children to become more dextrous with their hands while expanding their minds.

Aquafun Avoca Lake a Green Travel Leader

AquaFun Avoca Lake is one of 23 ECO certified tourism operators nationwide to be recognised as Green Travel Leaders by Ecotourism Australia for 10 years of certification.

Ecotourism Australia CEO

Elissa Keenan said Green Travel Leaders should be commended for their continuous commitment to global sustainability standards.

“With travellers increasingly seeking transformative and sustainable experiences that make a difference, these operators are at the forefront of world-class sustainability leadership,” she said.

Ecotourism Australia’s ECO certification program standard is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

The certification not only provides operators with key business development tools and

equips them to champion their dedication to sustainability in tourism,but it ensures continuous accountability towards longterm sustainability goals.

Ecotourism Australia has

certified more than 1,800 tours, attractions, accommodation providers and experiences across the country.

More than half have been certified for over 10 years, and

just over 60 businesses have reached over 20 years of certification, demonstrating a profound commitment to sustainability as a core component of nature tourism

businesses.

All operators certified by Ecotourism Australia are featured on the all-in-one sustainable travel platform, the Green Travel Guide, which allows travellers to find over 1,800 certified and sustainable experiences across Australia and book directly with operators.

Ecotourism Australia is a nongovernment, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1991, which promotes and supports the ecotourism industry in Australia through building capacity and actively promoting sustainable tourism operations and systems.

Its key program – ECO Certification – was the world’s first national ecotourism certification program.

Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs, including the new Sustainable Tourism Certification, are acknowledged globally.

“The portable toys help children to develop those fine motor skills, encourage openended imagination and provide an alternative to phones and iPads,” she said.

“The free resources from Women in Business have helped me to make it happen.

“It’s amazing – I’m so glad I found it.”

McDonald’s next step will be to access more help through Service NSW’s Business Connect, which provides support from independent advisors who have successfully run their own businesses. She plans to launch her products into the marketplace in Spring and has urged other women with dreams of working for themselves to tap into the Women in Business network and make their business dream come true.

Source: TAFE NSW

Launched late last year, the Sustainable Tourism program aims to support the broader tourism industry to demonstrate a commitment to, and be recognised for, the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, cultural, financial/business, and socio-economic.

Ecotourism Australia has global partnerships, working with GSTC, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Green Destinations (an international organisation for sustainable destination development) and key partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region including with WWFAustralia, Parks Australia and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

Source: Ecotourism Australia

Amelia’s presentation will cover property settlement, residence of children, defacto relationships, mediation and early settlement options so that you can consider your situation and plan where to from here, especially if you find yourself in the Family Court system.

The Seminar will be presented 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 next.

Christine McDonald is set to launch Bring and Play

Aquafun Avoca Lake has been named a Green Travel Leader

Radiation therapy pre-planning at Tuggerah Lakes

Cancer patients from the northern end of the Central Coast can now access radiation therapy pretreatment planning at Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital.

All Icon patients living in the area will be offered the choice to have this appointment at Tuggerah Lakes Private, saving them time and money on travel.

Icon is also offering consultation clinics for skin and breast cancer patients, with prostate consultations coming in September.

The service is a partnership between Icon Cancer Centre Gosford, Healthe Care Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital and I-MED Radiology.

Icon has invested in upgrading the existing I-MED CT scanner to a state-of-the-art CT simulator with the latest deepinspiration breath-holding equipment, positional laser beams and flat-bed carbonfibre technology.

“The planning appointment is an important part of preparing for radiation therapy treatment, but travelling for any appointment can be a burden for patients,´ Icon Cancer Centre radiation oncologist Professor John Boyages said.

“Patients in Wyong and surrounding areas can now choose to access this important part of their care closer to home.”

Boyages was instrumental in bringing the service to the region.

“Radiation therapy planning is the first step in radiation

treatment,” he said.

“It is a practice run for treatment without any radiation involved.

“At this appointment, our care team review the patients’ personal medical history to determine the most appropriate way for treatment.

“This may take two to four

Open to residents of the former Wyong Shire.

only 2 weeks to go

Entries close: 5pm Friday1st Sept 2022

Preliminary judging begins: Monday 4th Sept 2023

Final judging begins: Thursday 7th Sept 2023

Presentation Day: 2pm Wednesday 20th Sept 2023

Council Chambers Hely Street Wyong Open Gardens: 9am—4pm Sunday 24th Sept 2023

2023 Schedules are now available from:

• Website - www.wyongdistrictgardencompetition.com

• All nurseries and garden supply centres

• Email - fabill@bigpond.com

• Phone - 0419 277 928

hours and can sometimes involve multiple appointments.”

Wyee resident Sue Logan was the first patient to access the new service at Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital as she prepared for radiation therapy treatment at Icon Cancer Centre Gosford.

The 59-year-old was

diagnosed with breast cancer in March this year following a routine mammogram.

She started 15 sessions of radiation therapy in July.

“It’s been a daunting few months since I was diagnosed but I’m trying to remain positive and take it in my stride,” Logan said.

“I decided to have treatment at Icon Gosford because it’s closer to home.

“It’s still a two-hour round trip.

“I’m grateful I was able to have my planning appointment at Tuggerah Lakes.

“Having access to this service is a big win for our community.

“It takes a little bit of pressure off people who are already going through a difficult time as they deal with the stress of their diagnosis and upcoming treatment.”

Logan is looking forward to finishing treatment and celebrating her 60th birthday in September.

Plans to celebrate the milestone on a holiday to Vanuatu earlier in the year were put on hold due to her cancer diagnosis.

Icon Cancer Centre Gosford has provided the latest in

radiation therapy technology and techniques to the local community since opening in 1995.

It offers cutting-edge radiation therapy treatment for all cancer types, along with lymphoedema screening services.

For more information visit iconcancercentre.com.au/ centre/gosford

Opening in 2019, Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital provides access to three state of the art operating theatres, 20 single inpatient rooms, onsite consulting and medical imaging.

In the past 12 months

Tuggerah Lakes has increased its commitment to patients diagnosed with cancer.

In addition to radiation oncology consulting Tuggerah Lakes Private also offers medical oncology consulting and the latest technology in the surgical management of cancer.

For more information visit tuggerahlakesprivate.com.au

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital

Food and nutrition hotline aims to help seniors

The Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit Hotline at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is now live and Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid is encouraging Central Coast residents to make use of it.

Funded in the May Budget, the hotline allows older people, their families, aged care workers and providers to call the hotline with their concerns, complaints and questions relating to food, nutrition, and dining.

The hotline is now active, and callers will have access to experts in the areas of food,

nutrition, and dining, including dietitians and speech pathologists.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid welcomed the new service.

“A good meal with good nutrition is crucial to quality of life for everyone but especially older Australians,” Reid said.

“Australians were shocked when the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that 68 per cent of aged care residents were malnourished or at risk of malnourishment on the Coalition’s watch.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving the quality of life for

our older Australians.

“The establishment of this hotline is another important step in our government’s mission to make sure older Australians have access to nourishing food that improves their quality of life.”

The Food, Nutrition and Dining Unit Hotline is now live and can be contacted on 1800 844 044, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, visit: www. agedcarequality.gov.au

Source:

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Patient Sue Logan with Professor John Boyages

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

It’s Camellia Time!

Camellias are beloved by traditional gardeners as features or hedges and favoured by those who fall under the spell of their stunning cool-weather flowers and dense glossy green foliage.

There are now more than 30,000 cultivars, such is our love of camellias and they have been grown in this country for almost 200 years, with their first appearances as a garden plant over 5,000 years ago in China.

The plant genus Camellia is also home to ‘Camellia sinensis’, which is harvested to make tea.

Not a plant that you will find in the average backyard but not impossible if you did want to venture into making your own tea creation.

The camellias that are found in your local nursery and will grow well at your place are Sasanqua, Japonica and Reticulata.

Growing Camellias

Camellias like a moist, slightly

acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) that is high in organic matter and well drained.

To plant your new camellia, dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.

When planting, ensure that the top 5cm of the root ball is exposed above the surrounding soil.

Fill in with soil and press down firmly, making sure that your root ball top is still exposed.

Deeply water and add some seaweed emulsion to encourage root growth and mulch with a loose organic material but keep it well away from the root ball.

Once established camellias are almost set and forget when it comes to watering.

They need a good water every couple of weeks if there has been no rain but to test, feel into the root ball of the plant.

If it is dry down at about 6cm, then water.

Camellias are hungry plants and there are lots of commercial fertilisers on the market

created just for them that you can explore, and each has their own suggestions for use.

Some are organic based, but you can easily feed your camellias with well-rotted chicken manures or pellets.

For strength and general health seaweed emulsions like Seasol are also a good idea. Fed your camellias again about a month after planting and when buds appear and again once flowering has completed.

There is no need to prune camellias if you don’t want to but if you are looking to form yours into shape or tame one then the best time is after they have finished flowering but do not leave it too late because the hot weather can cause burning of areas that have been sheltered pre-pruning.

Perhaps one of the more common issues with camellia, particularly noticeable in young plants, is root rot diseases and these are caused by a lack of drainage.

Leaf-gall is a fungus that can appear on the underside of

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

camellia leaves and needs to be acted upon quickly.

Remove leaves and place in general rubbish bin, do not compost as the fugus will spread.

Make sure that all tools are disinfected and wash your hands and gloves after the work to stop cross contamination.

Disbudding also known as ‘balling’ or ‘bud drop’ occurs when sudden hot or cold spells occur, or the plant is under or over watered.

Sometimes it occurs due to frost damage.

Flowers will not open or only partly open and the petals will turn brown and fall off.

Protect from frost and keep plant evenly watered.

If the problem keeps occurring, try giving it a water with 2 teaspoons of Epson Salts in ten litres of water.

Japanese Camellia

I would venture to say that Japonica (Japanese Camellia) is the most recognisable to the public.

Trivia Night supporting Kariong Eco Garden - Saturday 19th August, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Kariong Eco Garden annual fundraising evening of trivia, pizza and silent auction is on again. Join us for a fun evening, invite your friends and support our local, hands-on sustainable living education space. The event will take place in person in Kariong Hall OR you can join us on zoom. Ron Dilger, one of the Founders of Kariong Eco Garden, is returning as our Quiz Master.

Join the twilight Eco Garden tour at 5.15pm! (Sunset is 5.28pm)

Info and tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/2023-trivia-night-supporting-kariong-eco-garden

Australian Native Plant Sale - 26th August – 6th September

Online at: www.austplants.com.au/central-coast-plant-sales

The time for growth is Spring and planting beautiful healthy natives give rewarding results for our gardens and the environment.The Central Coast District group of the Australian Plant Society is again holding its very successful online plant sale with the catalogue available and store opening from 9am Saturday 26th August.

Plants can be ordered at website above (or scan QR code) until 5pm Wednesday 6th September. Collection will be between 10am and 12pm at Phillip House, Kariong on Saturday 9th September.

If you have an event to share contact: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

GARDENING PLANNER

If you are planning to plant tomatoes this Spring then it’s time to prepare beds with lots of compost and chook manure pellets. Water in well and cover with a light mulch.

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 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

They are slow growers but long-lived and left to themselves, will become a small tree but can be easily formed into a hedge or trained to grow against a wall or even live happily in a pot.

Japonica do best in a position that affords them morning light and protection from the afternoon sun, or they will get sunburned.

Dappled light is best for most types.

In warmer areas, like the Central Coast or Sydney, it will be best to look out for earlier season blooming varieties as sudden hot spring days can burn the petals.

Sasanqua Camellia

These are the fast growers of the family and will quickly provide a hedge within a few years if cared for well.

Left to their own devices some can reach over 7 meters in height so choose well and be prepared to prune if need be.

Generally, Sasanqua flowers are smaller than Japonica, but they have the added advantage

of a more fragrant bloom as well as their fast growth.

They are autumn bloomers who prefer full sun to do their best but will cope with shade and can handle humidity well.

One downside is that Sasanqua are a bit frost wary and don’t like the wind so find a sheltered spot if need be.

Reticulata Camellia

Large full blooms that appear at the end of winter into spring are a feature of this camellia.

Some varieties have amazing flowers as large as 15cm in diameter.

Reticula have a very upright growing form, make a great feature tree or hedge but generally they do not like the cold so are more suitable for warmer gardens.

Shade loving ‘Camellia reticulata Flower Girl’ is breathtaking with its warm pink petals and bright golden centre and will work well in Coast gardens and other temperate areas.

Fast track to high school teaching

The University of Newcastle is offering a new Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) to help provide a much-needed solution to the state’s teacher shortage.

The graduate diploma provides a 12-month program for people who are looking to transition their careers and fast track their studies to become a high school teacher.

It is delivered online with focussed on-campus sessions and features two practical experiences in high school classrooms.

The university is the first in the country to realign the Masters of Teaching to provide a “front-loaded” opportunity which condenses two practical experiences into the 12-month study period, so students are prepared to be conditionally accredited in NSW schools.

NSW Government modelling in 2022 revealed that demand

for secondary teachers was set to outstrip graduates by about 4,100 students over the next three years, while it’s estimated that there is currently a shortage of more than 2100 high school teachers across the state.

Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Human and Social Futures, Professor John Fischetti, launched the program.

“We know that high schools are experiencing an acute

teacher shortage in NSW and undergraduate enrolments in education are down right across the country,” he said “That’s why we’re excited to introduce the graduate diploma.

“It’s designed to maintain high-quality with the flexibility people need to be able to work and study.

“Our educators are invaluable to our community and last year

our university saw more than 250 students graduate as high school teachers with either a Bachelor in Education or Master of Teaching degree.

“We know there are many more people with degrees in hand across NSW and Australia who are considering teaching but haven’t made that next step.

“We have changed that today and we’re incredibly proud to launch a sector leading solution

that we think can make a real difference for people who want to become high school teachers.

“We want anyone who has an existing degree and is considering moving into secondary teaching to know there’s a place for them at our university and they can achieve that dream in just 12 months.”

The new Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) will be open to anyone who has a bachelor degree aligned to an area of secondary teaching and is thinking of starting their high school teaching journey.

Following the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), students would go on to complete a Master of Teaching to become fully accredited. The additional three courses could be achieved within as little as six-months but also could also be spread over three years.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the university was committed to making a meaningful impact across the regions.

“I’m very proud that we have developed an innovative solution to help ease the current teacher shortage,” he said.

“The inclusion of two embedded face-to-face placements will ensure that our graduates are work-ready and prepared to thrive in a high school classroom.

“My thanks to Professor John Fischetti and the team on this innovative new program.”

Students can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) starting Trimester 1, 2024, at the University of Newcastle by visiting newcastle.edu.au/degrees/ graduate-diploma-in-teaching -secondary-education

Source: University of Newcastle

High hopes of representing Australia in vocation skills comp

TAFE NSW Newcastle cabinetmaking student Flynn Anastas will compete for a chance to represent Australia in the nation’s largest vocation skills competition in Melbourne this month.

Anastas, who works at Ourimbah and studied at TAFE NSW Newcastle, is one of nine students trained at TAFE NSW Newcastle to compete in the national competition.

WorldSkills hosts regional, national and international competitions which celebrate excellence and showcase vocational educational and training.

Winners from the nationals are in the running to be selected for the Australian Skillaroos team to compete against more than 75 countries.

The international championships have run every two years since 1950.

More than 500 vocational students will compete over three days with their eye on the gold medal and an opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage in France next year.

As part of the competition, Anastas will be tested on key workplace skills,demonstrating precision, problem-solving skills, teamwork and innovation in a highly competitive environment.

Anastas, 22, said he was proud to be representing cabinetmaking on the National WorldSkills stage.

“It’s very exciting and also daunting because I’ll be testing my skills in things like creating intricate joints, finishing-off and time management against talented competitors and all in front of spectators – but it’s fantastic to be able to test my skills at a national level,” he said.

“Not a lot of people get an

PUBLIC NOTICE

Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No 20058 being property situated at 62-64 Showground Road, Gosford

Notice is given of an intention to apply to the Registrar General for an order terminating the above Strata Scheme and the consequent winding up of the Owners Corporation, pursuant to section 142 of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 (NSW)

Any person having any claim against the Owners Corporation of the above Strata Scheme or any estate or interest in or claim against any of the lots comprised in the Strata Scheme is required, on or before (a date not less than 14 days after publication of the advertisement), to send particulars of the estate, interest or claim to is Level 14, Australia Square, 264-278 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

experience like this so I’m looking forward to doing my best for myself, my region and my boss, as well as my TAFE NSW teachers.”

TAFE NSW cabinetmaking teacher Dylan Walsh said Anastas was well placed

going into the competition.

“At TAFE NSW, we are focused on getting students job-ready, and they start their practical training in real-world settings early on in the course,” he said.

“This can be confronting for some students, so building

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Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club

these skills early builds confident and competent cabinetmakers who can hit the ground running in a workplace.”

Director of Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science, Andrew Reddan, said Anastas would test his skills against some of the best young cabinetmakers in the trade.

“The TAFE NSW finalists are representing some of the most in-demand industries from health to hairdressing, and everything in between,” he said.

“I’m proud to say Northern NSW is home to these industries’ future leaders.

“The ultimate goal for Flynn will be to win a gold medal, which could earn him a place on the Australian Skillaroos team to compete with the world’s best at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition finals to be held in France in 2024.

“WorldSkills competitions provide TAFE NSW students with amazing and potentially life-changing learning opportunities.”

In the leadup to the competition, Anastas said he was feeling quietly confident, thanks to the training and support he has received from his TAFE NSW teachers and in the workplace.

“Dylan Walsh and the TAFE team have been incredibly supportive, and my employers Affordable Wardrobes have also been amazing in helping me to fine tune my skills in solid timber work, precision and all the other factors I’ll be tested on in Melbourne,” he said.

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 17-19.

Source: TAFE NSW

Proposed Road Disposal Section 152D Roads Act 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Sunday 27th August 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)

WOY PENINSULA ENQ: 0478 959 895

Schedule 1:

Crown roads at Kulnura; within 484 Kyola Road.

(File Ref: 23/05099, Cluster: 641685)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 For the Manager, Business Centre Newcastle

For further enquiries please visit the website roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Tracey Ward by email at tracey.ward@crownland.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4904 2576 quoting file references above.

Professor John Fischetti launches the new graduate diploma

Flynn Anastas hard at work

Avoca Beach holds narrow lead as rugby finals approach

RUGBY

Avoca Beach has once again taken outright lead on the points table following Round 16 of the Central Coast rugby competition on August 12, with Terrigal just one point behind as the teams head into the penultimate round of the season this Saturday (August 19).

Avoca Beach hosted Warnervale at Heazlett Park and secured a 25-12 victory in a hard-fought battle.

Avoca Beach took an early lead with two penalty goals but Warnervale responded quickly with a converted try to take the lead by 7-6.

A try by Avoca Beach saw them go to half time with an 11-7 lead.

The home team managed to score two tries to one in the final 40 minutes, maintaining its unbeaten record this year.

Best players for Avoca Beach were hooker Brad Sheridan, halfback Charlie Crimmings, lock Michael Hobden, fiveeight Sam Evans and No.8 Matt Anderson.

Warnervale had several good players but none were better

than centre Ofa Siale, lock Alan Pene, and prop Veipueki Siale.

Gosford Rugby Field saw an exciting game of rugby between home team Gosford and visitors Terrigal resulting in a 37-all draw.

The match was even stevens for the entire 80 minutes as the two teams went point for point.

Half-time saw Terrigal with a 14-10 lead and looked set for a win with a 31-25 lead as the game drew to a close.

But a rush of points scoring in the final few minutes resulted in a 37-all finish.

Best players for Terrigal were prop Harry Gray, lock Zach Byrne and halfback Jye Cornish, while Gosford was best served by five-eight Josh McGlynn, flanker Hugo Pike, lock Nick Outram and centre Michael Jones.

The Lakes proved too strong for Woy Woy in their clash at Slade Park, running out victors

World title no obstacle for young Cody

by 56-12.

The Lakes took control from the very start and had scored five unconverted tries in the first 30 minutes before Woy Woy was able to respond.

The Lakes had the game secured at the half-time break with a 32-12 lead.

Woy Woy did cross for two late tries late in the first half when Casey Woodford was able to get a double, but a further 24 points posted by The

Lakes in the second half secured the win.

Best players for The Lakes were flanker Seth Olsen, centres Hayden Nykolyn and Iliese Cama and five-eight Braedyn Hutchinson-Walters.

Woy Woy was best served by flankers Nataniela Parker and Casey Woodford, and fullback Ulysses Fotofili.

Hornsby and Lake Macquarie met at Mark Taylor Oval, with Hornsby trouncing the visitors 78-5.

Hornsby went to the half time break leading by 52-0, having crossed for eight tries even at that stage.

They posted another 26 points in the second half, with Lake Macquarie crossing for one lone try.

A feature of the match was the 31 individual points scored by five-eight Hunter Bird.

Best players for Hornsby were No.8 Hamish Perring, lock Jayden Castleden and flanker Blake Davenport.

Lake Macquarie was best served by five-eight Mark De Vries, flanker Nathan Keogh and lock Luke Sumner.

The Premier 1 points table sees Avoca Beach on 62, just ahead of Terrigal on 61 and the

Razorbacks on 57.

Warnervale and Gosford are both sitting on 42, with Hornsby on 23, The Lakes on 18, Woy Woy on 7 and Lake Macquarie on 5.

The Women’s 10s competition saw significant wins for Terrigal, The Lakes and Avoca Beach.

In Round 17 on August 19, Avoca Beach will meet the Razorbacks at Heazlett Park. Gosford will travel to Woongarrah Oval to meet Warnervale, Terrigal will host Hornsby at The Haven Oval and The Lakes and Lake Macquarie will meet at Boolaroo.

In the President’s Cup, The Bay will travel to The Haven Oval to play Terrigal, Gosford/ Kariong will meet Warnervale at Woongarrah Oval and Avoca Beach will play the Razorbacks at Heazlett Park.

In the Women’s 10s competition, The Lakes will meetWarnervale atWoongarrah Oval, Terrigal will meet the Hornsby at The Haven Oval, and Avoca Beach and the Razorbacks will clash at Heazlett Park.

Expert criminal lawyers. Passionate advocates.

At just 11 years of age, Cody Bretherton is heading to Belgium at the end of September to represent Australia in the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) world championships.

Cody, of Blue Haven, will be the youngest member of the Australian team competing against 140 countries over the three-day event.

He is presently the current back-to-back Australian

Spartan age champion, qualifying for the world championships after competing in events at Melbourne and the Gold Coast earlier this year.

In Belgium he will compete in a 3km obstacle course race event, a 100m ninja line and a 6km obstacle course race team event.

Mum Jasmine Bretherton said Cody’s dedication and determination were admirable; he trains every day as well as

weekly with a coach at a gym in Tuggerah.

Starting when he was just five years old, Cody is now in contention for a world title.

The Belgium event will be the first overseas trip for mother and son.

“I’m very excited to be going to Belgium,” Bretherton said.

“Cody is excited too, he never gets nervous.”

Source: Denice Barnes

Cody Bretherton

Source: Central Coast Rugby

Avoca leads the competition ladder by one point after defeating Warnervale | Photo: David Lyon

NICK FAGAN I HEAD OF CRIMINAL LAW

Youngsters across the Central Coast will get to meet top cricketers NSW Blues players Ross Pawson and Hunar Verma and Breakers bowler Stella Campbell from August 2123.

The players will visit seven schools at San Remo, Toukley, Erina, Warnervale, Wyoming and Ourimbah and Terrigal. The visit is a part of Country

Top cricketers visit Central Coast schools

Blitz, Cricket NSW’s annual three-day regional engagement tour, when players from the Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers and NSW Blues and Breakers teams travel far and wide encouraging youngsters to play and love cricket.

The Country Blitz this year will see 34 players travel to 85 schools in 74 NSW towns and speak to making the 2023/24 season one of the greatest summers of cricket the state of

NSW has ever experienced.

Breaker Stella Campbell, who has been a part of previous years’ Country Blitzes, said she loves visiting the regions for all the excitement and energy that each visit shows.

“Every time I go on a regional tour, children, parents and volunteers welcome us with open arms,” she said.

“People in the regions love their cricket and it is important

for young girls and boys from regional areas to be inspired to take up the sport and get the same opportunities as our young city players.

“I have made friends for life through cricket.

“The Country Blitz is an opportunity for these young players to see how much fun it is to play the game.”

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said cricket in the state’s

country areas represents the heart and soul of the sport.

“More and more of our youngsters who play cricket in our teams are coming from regional areas to represent NSW and Australia on the big stage,” he said.

“The Country Blitz is about inspiring children in the farthest corners of our state to take up cricket.

“We want every child and

young cricketer in NSW to be inspired by their cricketing heroes and pick up a bat and ball.

“We’re there to help them enjoy, love and learn the game. “Cricket is the lifeblood of our great Australian sporting tradition, and we want everyone to be inspired to play and love it.”

Source: Cricket NSW

Coast athletes shine at Commonwealth Youth Games

Australia has topped the medal tally at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, with Central Coast athletes George Wells and Liliya Tatarinoff scoring four medals between them.

Australia team of 76 athletes claimed 26 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze medals, with Wells taking gold in the men’s discus and Tatarinoff chalking up two golds and a bronze.

Wells took his gold on the first day of the Games, throwing 56.7m ahead of Hencu Lamberts of South Africa (53m) and Denzel Phillips of Saint Lucia (47.77m).

He said he was thrilled with the medal but had aspired for a

slightly bigger winning mark.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he said.

“I went into this without knowing what everyone was throwing, but I’ve come away

with the gold and that’s the main thing.

“I wasn’t expecting the experience to be as it’s been, in a good way.

“I was expecting delays and

other challenges with travel, but we’ve gone in quick, I’ve recovered well and was ready to throw today.

“I felt in control of the competition.

“I was hoping to crack 60 metres if I’m honest, but you can’t come away with everything.

“That’s the next target.”

Representing Mingara Athletics Club, with ties to Gosford Athletics Club, George started in athletics when he was five years old.

His most recent achievements include setting a State Little Athletics record in discus and winning the U18 Discus and Shot Put Australian titles.

Cyclst Tatarinoff claimed bronze in the women’s sprint on day six of the Games.

She then went on to claim her maiden gold medal of the campaign, clocking 36.023 in the Women’s 500m Time Trial and added another bronze in the Women’s Keirin to take her total medal count to three.

The Games bring nations together in a colourful celebration of sport and human performance, giving young athletes aged between 14 and 18 a platform to develop their skills and gain valuable experience on the international stage.

The event was first held in 2000 in Edinburgh, Scotland,

Budgewoi promoted to Premier League

Budgewoi Football Club is celebrating after being rewarded with a surprise early promotion to the Central Coast Men’s Premier League for the 2024 season.

The announcement came moments after the full time whistle at their 14th game of the regular season.

The Men’s Premier League is the most prized Central Coast Men’s division and after a nine year hiatus Budgewoi Football Club will return in 2024 on the back of an outstanding 2023 regular season campaign.

Football President and Wyong Leagues Group Director Anthony Newell said the energy around the team when it the announcement was made was “electrifying”.

“It has been a long road back to the Men’s Premier League but what these boys have achieved is something incredible and we are pumped for what’s to come,” he said.

Newell said to be promoted in any division is a great achievement but to do it in 14 games with 13 wins, one draw and four weeks left of the regular season is a tremendous

feat and testament to the dedication of the individuals and the comradery of the team.

Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan said it was great to see Budgewoi Football Club achieve its long-term goal with “class and dominance”.

The team is now preparing for the remainder of the season and setting its eyes on winning the Grand Final in September at Pluim Park to cap off a historical season.

Source: Wyong Leagues Group

and since then has been held an additional five times.

The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games saw more than 1000 athletes compete across seven sports from August 4-11.

The sports took place across Trinidad and Tobago, bringing a diverse perspective of the twin island country to the nations of the Commonwealth, as well as showcasing a festival of the country’s activities.

Seven sports were featured, with 94 different medal events.

Terry Collins

Breakers bowler Stella Campbell

NSW Blues player Ross Pawson in action

NSW Blues player Hunar Verma

Liliya Tatarinoff George Wells

The Budgewoi team

Water skiing selection trials roar into Gosford

Waterskiers took over the Gosford waterfront over the weekend of August 1213, activating the area with colour and pageantry rarely seen on the Central Coast shoreline.

The occasion was the Australian selection trials for the upcoming World Water Skiing Championships to be held over the same course on Brisbane Water in November this year.

One of the world championship organisers, Stewart Smith, told CCN he was pleased by the smooth way the Australian qualification rounds went on Brisbane Water.

“It was fantastic; we love

coming to the Central Coast and this waterway that we are operating on right now has made all the competitors very happy,” Smith said.

“(The water) has been smooth, it’s been rough and it’s been testing and it will test the world’s best in November.”

Smith said he expected larger crowds come the World Championships in November and is currently working with Central Coast Council on planning and facilities management.

The event was held over a 5km oblong course in the middle of Brisbane Water with the northern turning point about 200m off the newly reopened Gosford public wharf.

Council re-opened the wharf just in time for the event after it had been closed for a major cleanup and safety upgrade over the past eight months.

An estimated crowd of 5,000 attended the qualifying rounds over the weekend, pleasing local restaurants, clubs and pubs.

Local tourism operators are confident the World Water Skiing Championships will profile the Central Coast to a broad audience by showing off the region’s waterways.

The 2023 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships will be held in Gosford from November 9-19.

Grants for young sports champs

Several young Central Coast sports people have received up to $750 to help cover the costs involved with competing at state, national, or international sporting events.

The Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions Program Round 4 2022-23 provided funding to coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 to support their participation at state, national, or international championships.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid hosted some of the local grant recipients for an afternoon tea in his office in July.

“It is a great pleasure to host local sporting champions in my

office and hear all about their sporting endeavours,” Reid said.

“Two recipients have or will compete internationally in New Zealand, representing Australia in softball and the another in Denmark, representing Australia in floorball.

“These sporting champions are all phenomenal and I congratulate them on their achievements.

“I look forward to receiving updates on their progress and following their events.”

Local sporting champions who attended the afternoon tea included: Declan Moore, Booker Bay – Water Polo, Australian Youth Championships; Adrian

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT MOUNT WHITE

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 289 Pacific Highway, Mount White, NSW 2250 Lot 1 on DP563601 www.rfnsa.com.au/2250028

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of NR850 (5G) and LTE700 (4G) technologies at MOUNT WHITE locality and surrounds.

2. The proposed works at the above site include the removal of twelve (12) panel antennas, the installation of six (6) panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long) and the installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the proposed equipment shelter to be located at the base of the facility.

3. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Georgia Bergin, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Georgia.Bergin@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Georgia Bergin, Aurecon Australasia, Locked Bag 331 Brisbane QLD 4001 by 5pm on 31/08/2023.

Gnutzmann, Point Frederick –Softball, NZ Easter Classic; Casher Darwin, Umina Beach – Surf Lifesaving, Australian Open Surf Life Saving

Championships; India Darwin, Umina Beach – Surf Lifesaving, Australian Youth Surf Life Saving Championships 2023; Holly Parker, Umina Beach –

PANEL BEATER

We are looking for a fully qualified and experienced panel beater to join the team in a multi dealer approved shop that has stood the test of time in Hornsby.

You must be fully qualified with a NSW Trades Licence and have first class attention to detail with good organisational skills and a “quality only” approach to work standards.

Valuable skills and attributes include:

• Speed

• Quality

• A keen eye for detail and finish

• Work well under pressure

• Weekend work available

As you will have direct contact others in the team, it’s important that you have good communication skills and an approachable manner.

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Salary: Competitive salary

Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 to 4pm

Contact: info@srautobody.com.au

Phone: (02) 9476 2558

Archery Australia, World Archery Oceania Championships; Lily James, Pearl Beach – Surf Lifesaving, Australian Championships/

Titles; Brielle Dixon, Umina Beach – Water Polo, Australian Youth Water Polo Championships; Jacob Hunt, Narara – Floorball, Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships; Liv Manser, North Avoca –Canoeing, Paddle Australia Canoe Sprint Championships; and Rebecca Hall, Avoca Beach – Surf Lifesaving, Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles.

The Local Sporting Champions Program Round 2, 2023-24 is now open with applications closing on October 31. To apply, visit: https://www. sportaus.gov.au/grants_and_ funding/local_sporting_ champions

David Abrahams

The event saw some top water ski action

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with grant recipients

FOOTBALL

Big changes are afoot at the Central Coast Mariners, with two major players moving and an exciting new scholarship signing League Championship winning forward Matheus Moresche is to part with the Mariners to pursue other opportunities.

The 25-year-old leaves the club after two seasons, during which he played 37 matches and scored six goals including the Mariners’ sixth in the 2022/23 A-League Men’s Grand Final.

The striker appeared regularly for the club during his first season, before unfortunately tearing his ACL against Newcastle Jets in May 2022.

Nine months later he returned from injury, making his season debut against Perth Glory in February this year. He played 11 matches during the 2022/23 season, winning the grand final in his final appearance.

Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery wished Moresche well and thanked him for his time with the club.

Moresche thanked the club for the past two years and wished everyone the best for the future.

Also departing the club is A-League Championship winning defender James McGarry, who has signed with

Big changes afoot at Mariners

Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen FC for an undisclosed fee.

Joining the Mariners in February this season from F3 Derby rivals Newcastle Jets, the New Zealand international immediately hit the ground running on the Central Coast. Making his debut against Brisbane Roar just two days after signing for the club on deadline day, McGarry earned the starting left back role which he held for the remainder of the season.

The fullback got his scoring underway for the Mariners against former club Wellington Phoenix in his first home match at Industree Group Stadium, finding the back of the net with a wonderful volley.

From there McGarry went from strength to strength, becoming a beloved figure for fans as he continued to produce quality performances for the club.

The New Zealander scored two more spectacular goals for the Mariners in attack, while also holding some of the league’s best forwards quiet with his defence.

He played a key role in the Central Coast ultimately winning the A-League Championship including scoring a stunning long-range goal in the away leg of the semi-final against Adelaide United.

The defender leaves the

Mariners having featured for the Central Coast on 14 occasions, scoring three goals.

While sad to see McGarry depart the club, Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery said he was pleased to have helped the fullback find his way to a club of Aberdeen’s magnitude.

“Jimmy leaves with our full blessing and I have no doubt he will become an important player for Aberdeen and reclaim his spot back in the New Zealand national team,” he said.

McGarry thanked everyone at the Mariners for the past six months, with the defender extremely proud of what he achieved at the club.

“Monty and Sergio, your belief in me has meant the world,” he said.

“Your guidance and support have been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this championship team.”

He thanked staff, players and fans.

“Once a Mariner, always a Mariner,” he said.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen has signed a scholarship deal with the club.

The 17-year-old first joined the Mariners before the 2023 NPL season after catching the eye of the club during its preseason trip to Canberra last year.

Peraic-Cullen, who had just turned 16 at the time, featured

in the Capital All-Stars squad which faced the Mariners, showing his clear potential in that match.

The goalkeeper was soon brought to the Central Coast for a trial, finding his way into the Mariners Academy system.

He has since featured throughout the academy, making his NPL First Grade debut recently and being awarded a position in the NPL NSW Team of the Week for his performance against Rockdale Ilinden.

Peraic-Cullen was also selected in the Subway Joeys squad for a domestic training camp in May, unfortunately ultimately missing the AFC U-17 Asian Cup tournament due to injury.

The youngster has developed at a rapid rate under the watchful eye of A-League Men’s Goalkeeper Coach Miguel Miranda, going from strength to strength over the past 12 months.

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery said Peraic-Cullen was tall, explosive and possessing strong ball distribution skills.

“Dylan is an exceptional talent and has massive potential,” Montgomery said.

“When we first saw him in Canberra last season, the rest of the staff and I were blown away by his profile at 16 years of age.

“He is already training full time

with the A-League squad and is developing at a rapid rate.

“This has come under the guidance of Miguel Miranda –and what better mentor than Danny Vukovic for any young player.”

The Mariners are able to provide scholarship contracts as a result of the generous support of the TAG Foundation.

The organisation gives vital funds for promising young footballers to train full time with the first team helping them develop in their footballing careers.

The program has helped support the development of numerous current first team players and many who have moved overseas.

Former graduates include Josh Nisbet, Jacob Farrell, Lewis Miller, Gianni Stensness, Garang Kuol, Alou Kuol and Jing Reec with many of them currently plying their trade in top leagues across the world.

The club thanked the TAG Foundation for its continued support in the development of young footballers on the Central Coast.

Meanwhile, the Mariners have fallen out of their Australia Cup quest after losing on penalties to Sydney FC in the round of 32 held in Wollongong last weekend.

The Mariners side came back from 2-0 down in the first half to equalise with their A-League rivals after an incredible header

from Alou Kuol and then a successful penalty by Tulio after Theoharous was felled in the box.

After regular full-time, the scores were 2-all, forcing two extra time halves.

The Central Coast team lifted in their characteristic ‘won’t back down’ style of football and surpassed Sydney with a cracking goal by Steele to lead the match at the end of the first half of extra time.

Noah Smith nearly gave the Mariners a fourth, with only the post denying his header.

Things were looking grim for Sydney up until the dying minutes of the game when they scored to force the match into a penalty shootout.

In a remarkable mirror of the Matildas’ quarter-final against France, 11 penalty shots a side were required to decide the match, with Sydney goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne beating the Mariners’ substitute keeper Adrian Segecic in the sudden death shootout.

Sydney won the penalty decider 10-9 after every player on the field took one penalty kick each.

Coach Nick Montgomery congratulated Mikael Doka, Nathan Paull, Aydan Hammond and Jack Warshawsky, who all made their Mariners debuts on the night for the first team.

Clockwise from top left: James McGarry - off to Aberdeen FC, Matheus Moresche in action, Alou Kuol scored the first comeback goal for the Mariners, Goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen | Photos: CCM Media

CCN Football