Coast Community News 407

Australian Reptile Park turns 75

Rally to protect sacred lands

See page 3

Out&About

Queer Jam to round out Coastal Twist Festival

See page 5

Seawall petition tabled in Parliament

NSW Greens MP and spokesperson for the Central Coast Abigail Boyd has tabled the Stop Wamberal Beach Seawall petition in NSW Parliament.

Tabled on September 12, the petition received 1,377 signatures in three weeks, and was instigated by Corinne Lamont from community group Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand (SOS).

The petition states that the Central Coast community objects to the proposed Wamberal seawall … which would “exacerbate the broader problem of coastal erosion in the long term and would have lasting catastrophic consequences on surrounding lagoon properties, sea flow, biodiversity and the climate”.

It calls for any action on a seawall to be stopped immediately, until a comprehensive State Government Environmental Impact Study (EIS) has

been completed and adequate consultation has occurred.

It also calls for Wamberal Beach to stay in public hands by stopping all public land transfers.

Boyd said a seawall was never the right solution to manage coastal erosion.

“It just shifts the problem further up the beach and on to nearby homes and businesses,” she said.

“A 2017 Government study made it clear that a seawall would be costly and dangerous, and that planned retreat was the only sensible option.

“It’s no doubt devastating for the

Business

owners of properties along that strip, but we just can’t put the broader community at risk just to save a few homes temporarily.

“There’s no point arguing with nature – we need a long-term solution that recognises the science and serves the whole community.”

SOS spokesperson Corinne Lamont said Labor campaigned locally on no seawall in the lead-up to the last election.

“The electorate responded with a massive swing to Labor,” she said.

“We call on all members of the Legislative Council to back this petition to save the beach and protect hundreds of families living around the lagoons who would cop increased flooding due to seawall end effects.”

Source:

NSW Greens spokesperson for Central Coast, Abigail Boyd

See page 17

Cranes are up on Archibald site

See page 21

Sport

David Smith takes out motorcycling Senior Cup

See page 32

Puzzles page 16

Corinne Lamont, Abigail Boyd and Mark Lamont outside Parliament House on September 12

The Ploddy Parade in 1996, when the giant mascot was moved from Wyoming to Somersby | Photo: Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is gearing up to celebrate its 75th birthday during the September school holidays.

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The Voice to Parliament referendum: a thriving local discourse

EDITORIAL

In the dynamic landscape of Australian politics, few issues have garnered as much attention and fervent discussion as the proposal for a Voice to Parliament.

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.

All contributions should be emailed to the above email address.

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 Publisher -

The ongoing debate surrounding this referendum, aimed at embedding an Indigenous advisory body in the Australian Constitution, stands as a pivotal moment in Australia’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation.

With various perspectives and arguments in circulation, it’s clear that the Voice to Parliament referendum represents a critical opportunity for the nation to engage in a rich and robust discourse about Indigenous recognition and empowerment.

The media, in its role as the fourth estate, has by and large played an instrumental part in fomenting this national dialogue.

Reputable news outlets across the country have provided a platform for

experts, advocates and sceptics to articulate their viewpoints, enriching the public’s understanding of this complex issue.

The multitude of op-eds, interviews, and televised debates has empowered Australians to make informed decisions regarding the referendum’s merits.

One of the most compelling arguments in favour of the Voice to Parliament is its potential to amplify Indigenous voices in the nation’s decision-making processes.

Indigenous communities have long been marginalized and their perspectives are often overlooked in the corridors of power.

Journalism has shed light on some of the personal stories and experiences that underpin this need for Indigenous representation.

It has attempted to humanise the issue, allowing everyday Australians to empathise with the struggles and aspirations of their Indigenous compatriots.

Critics have not been silent either and their concerns have been featured

prominently in media coverage.

Worries about the creation of a perceived “third chamber” of government, which could potentially hinder legislative efficiency, have been thoroughly debated.

Social media posts and debates have once again been shown to deliberately amplify outrage, low level debate and accusations in a blind algorithm-driven publishing form.

The responsible media’s coverage has largely served to illuminate these concerns and provide a platform for experts to discuss potential safeguards and mechanisms to address them.

Moreover, the debate around whether constitutional change is necessary to address Indigenous issues has been a central point of contention, well-documented by reputable news outlets.

Central Coast Newspapers has provided a space for discussions on alternative approaches and their potential pitfalls, offering a comprehensive view of the options at hand.

As we navigate this complex discourse, it’s important to remember that Australia’s path toward reconciliation is not linear.

It necessitates open, respectful and well-informed discussions such as the one surrounding the Voice to Parliament referendum.

This vibrant national conversation is indicative of a mature democracy actively engaging with a pressing issue that demands our attention.

Coast Community News has witnessed that the Voice to Parliament referendum has ignited a thriving local discourse, thanks to the efforts of many locals.

Reading the pages of our newspapers and the forum section online will offer all who are interested a broad view of both fears and aspirations of local residents. As Australians, we must value and celebrate this open debate, recognising that our nation’s progress towards reconciliation depends on it.

David Abrahams

Chatting about anything and everything

Nothing is off the table as far as the Wyong Tuesday Discussion Group is concerned.

The friendly, informative group meets every Tuesday from 10am-noon (except during school holidays) at the Woodbury Park Community Centre on Woodbury Park Dr, Mardi.

The group has been operating for approximately 40 years and has been a social event for many people.

Members are friendly and welcoming and love a “chat”.

“We talk about anything and

everything,” a spokesperson said.

“The group is a welcome outing for those who are wondering what to do with themselves on a Tuesday morning.

“We have the occasional outing in the school holidays, for morning tea at a local café.

“We regularly have a guest speaker and morning tea for a cost of $5.

“There are no joining fees, and you just pay for the morning tea.”

The group is looking to boost its numbers and welcomes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Proposed termination of Strata Scheme No SP20058 and SP20095 being property situated at 60 Showground Road, Gosford and 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 Australia Square, Level 14, 264-278 George Street, Sydney 2000, Attention: Anthony Jreige.

enquiries from prospective “chatters” on 4353 5177 (Anne) or 0421 799 239 (Cathy).

“The more that come along, the more interesting it will be” the spokesperson said.

“Come along and see what you think – it is not a major commitment, financially.”

Source: Wyong Tuesday Discussion Group

The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained. You are loved forever

The fight for Pippi Point

About 450 residents and dog owners gathered at Davistown’s Pippi Point on Sunday, September 10, to protest Central Coast Council’s proposal to cut down the size of the popular off-dog leash area.

Council’s latest draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan suggests a “compromise” for Pippi Point, which Council originally proposed to close altogether.

The latest proposal would see the dog off-leash area reduced, eliminating access to the beachfront.

Residents say Council is trying to cut down the dog park in a “misguided attempt to protect a bird which has never nested, roosted or bred at this site”.

“Three environmental reports have confirmed this,” a resident spokesperson said.

“Council has adjusted its position a little but still plans on taking away beach access for people and their dogs.

“This will have a profound effect on people who use the park on a daily basis.

“For many who access with wheelchairs and mobility aids these changes mean they will no longer be able to access the beach at all and Council will be indirectly discriminating against people with disabilities and the elderly as a result.”

One of those residents is

Rosemary Street, who said Pippi Point was one of few places she could access with her dog.

If the area is reduced she won’t be able to get onto the small sandy area, as it’s impossible for her to access it.

“I love walking that Point and have for many years now and I, along with others, will be restricted,” she said.

“I go down there nearly every day – it helps my mental attitude to walk along the beach and I’ll be very sad if I can’t access it.”

The rally at Illoura Reserve on September 10 was arranged by the Save Pippi Point OLA campaign team.

The proposed fence line was mocked up to show people the extent of the proposed changes.

Children used to being able to splash in the shallow waters, fishermen and people with mobility issues, who can only access the beach from Pippi Point, all attended to show their disapproval of the proposed changes.

Speakers included spokesperson Johny Row, long-time park visitor Jim Splatt and Rosalind Bonser (CCBARC, who outlined what

Rally to protect sacred lands

Dozens of women from local community groups came together on Friday, September 8, outside the office of Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch to gain support for protecting what is known as Kariong Sacred Lands.

A proposed development by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) could see 70 houses built on culturally and ecologically sensitive land currently zoned C2 – the highest environmental protection private land can receive.

Representatives from Coast Environmental Alliance (CEA), The Indigenous Party of Australia, the Animal Justice Party, Central Coast Regional Group and the Central Coast Environmental Advocacy Committee (CCEAC) attended with placards.

Gosford Men’s Shed is set to go more high-tech thanks to a $4,800 grant from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program and $4,500 from the 2022-23 Volunteer Grants scheme. With a total of $9,300, the shed is set to buy a 3D printer and new computers.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said Gosford Men’s Shed is an industrious work hub, with many members working on outstanding

CEA spokesperson Emma French said there was a great turnout of passionate women from diverse backgrounds who all shared one common vision to protect and care for our precious wilderness areas on the Central Coast.

“We are hoping that by

coming together as women to appeal to our State Member, we might inspire Liesl to support protecting Kariong Sacred Lands over the wants and need of a private land developer,” she said.

Darkinoong/Yuin Elder Aunty Colleen Fuller said it was

heartening to see such an amazing line-up of inspirational women speaking at the event.

“As someone with cultural ties to the Central Coast, to know that we have the support of the broader community makes me feel hopeful for the future,” she said.

the current Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan draft is proposing for Davistown.

People were encouraged to ask questions on the proposed changes and were told how all would be affected by the complete fencing of Pippi Point and the loss of the popular beach area on Lintern Channel side.

Attendees were encouraged to sign an online petition, which currently has more than 3,120 signatures.

They were shown how to access the Council site for online submissions.

Long-time local dog owners George and Bets Conway of Central Coast Ferries were thanked for funding a free barbecue for all to enjoy.

Organisers are urging residents to get their individual submissions in to Council before October 1.

The petition can be found at change.org

the problems of today couldn’t be solved using the same thinking that created them.

“Surely, with everything we know about the need for green spaces, for the planet’s health, and our own wellbeing, we can find creative solutions to address the need for housing instead of doing what we have always done and carve our way through more bushland,” she said.

“If DLALC is able to rezone and bulldoze this part of Kariong Sacred Lands with threatened species, endangered wetlands and cultural heritage, literally nowhere is safe.”

Kariong resident and CCEAC spokesperson Lisa Bellamy said

Gosford Men’s Shed goes high-tech

projects to support the community.

“The Federal Government assistance that has been provided will enable them to print tools, tool pieces and other equipment with a new 3D printer which will help members undertake and complete projects,” he said.

“The new computers will also ensure the shed is up to date with the latest office technology and can complete administrative tasks efficiently.”

Gosford Men’s Shed President Larry Lloyd said the shed has been in operation since 2009.

“The IT grant has enabled us to buy new computers for the first time (and) the 3D printer will encourage the older generation to keep up with technology,” he said.

“The Stronger Communities and the Volunteers grants enable not for profit communitybased organisations to grow and prosper.”

More information about the proposed development at Kariong and another local environmental issue – logging in Ourimbah State Forest – will be available at an event to be held by Community Voice Australia on Saturday, September 16, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

Source: Coast Environmental Alliance

Terry Collins

Around 450 residents attended the rally

Rosemary Street and her dog Josie with Peter Palmer and Jen White at the rally

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with members of Gosford Men’s Shed

Dozens of women attended the rally

Long Jetty rocket ship re-launches

The iconic red, yellow and blue rocket ship of Long Jetty has made a safe return to its launch pad in Lions Park, following an extensive overhaul, which included the addition of two new slides and a slick paint job.

The Long Jetty rocket ship is enshrined in the memories of generations of locals and tourists.

For decades, children have been climbing the stairs into the rocket then sliding down the gleaming metal slide, before growing up and then bringing their own children to the park.

The rocket has also been a familiar roadside landmark for cars driving along The Entrance Rd.

As one of the last of its types in NSW, it has a unique value to the Coast.

While the structure was still safe it needed a refresh to maintain its longevity for generations to come.

It was craned off-site where it was repainted in its original colours and had other work done to prolong its design life. A community survey was undertaken online, attracting more than 3,646 comments,

with an overwhelming 91 per cent voting to open up the top of the rocket for the first time in years, with the addition of two new slides for safety. The rocket ship was originally inspired by the space race in the 1960s.

When Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong made history as the first person to take “one

small step” onto the Moon’s surface in 1969, children were also stepping down from their very own rocket ships onto the grass and dirt of playgrounds around the world.

Rocket ships, like the one in Long Jetty, were first built in playgrounds from the USA to the then USSR.

Symbolic of the Cold War and

the race to reach the Moon, these rocket ships were also about inspiring the imagination of the next generation to reach for the stars.

Similar structures began to spring up worldwide, with the first Australian playground rocket built at Blackheath during the early 1960s.

John Yeaman, a town

engineer, was inspired to recreate the iconic climbing equipment and slide with the help of metal manufacturer, Dick West, after seeing them in playgrounds throughout the USA.

Almost 40 rocket ships were built in playgrounds across Australia in the following years, with the Long Jetty structure built in 1975.

While the Long Jetty rocket ship was not the first of its kind, it is one of the main examples remaining intact. Many rocket ships over the decades fell into disrepair and were removed, while others were re-built entirely.

Source: Central Coast Council Art Cotterell

The rocket ship in the 1970s | Photo: The Entrance Lions Club

The new-look rocket ship

The Australian Reptile Park is gearing up to celebrate its 75th birthday during the upcoming school holidays from September 23 to October 8.

The Park first opened in 1958 at Wyoming when naturalist Eric Worrell had the idea of combining snake venom production with tourism.

Worrell passed away in 1987, but his dream lived on in two passionate employees, John and Robyn Weigel, who financially invested in taking ownership of the Park and continue to run it today alongside fellow Directors Tim Faulkner and Liz Gabriel.

The Australian Reptile Park was a pioneer in the development of lifesaving antivenom which has helped tens-of-thousands of Australians survive venomous snake and funnel-web spider bites.

Prior to opening in the Wyoming location in 1958, Worrell opened the Ocean Beach Aquarium in 1949 at Umina Beach.

It was here, in 1951, that he first started supplying tiger snake venom to the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL) in Melbourne.

Taipan venom followed in

Australian Reptile Park turns 75

1952, followed later by venom from spiders such as the Sydney funnel-web and other Australian native snakes.

In 1996, the Australian Reptile Park relocated from Wyoming to Somersby, moving its 1,000 animals and 26m mascot Ploddy the dinosaur.

On July 17, 2000, a faulty electrical connection led to a devastating fire which consumed most of the main building with the future of the national tourism award winner thrown into doubt.

Nearly all of the many hundreds of reptiles, frogs and spiders that had been maintained in the building had died.

The option of not rebuilding was never considered, and within hours a makeshift command centre was established in the back of the Directors’ station wagon in the car park.

A day later, a relocatable office compound was set up within the Park grounds and plans were quickly advanced to get the Australian Reptile Park back on its feet.

There was an urgent need to somehow reinstate the Park’s venom production operations in order to avoid a life-threatening

shortfall of antivenom supplies in hospitals Australia-wide.

The Wyoming Veterinary Clinic provided laboratory space and equipment in order to kick-start the funnel-web spider venom program.

The NSW State Government provided a modular building structure to facilitate the snake venom program and CSL Limited (now Seqiris) provided critical financial and logistical support.

Many trained people Australiawide assisted in the collection of about 200 venomous snakes as required, and residents did what they could to provide the male funnel-web spiders required to restart the program.

A talented group of designers, sculptors, artists and tradespeople set about rebuilding the Park.

The ground-breaking Lost World of Reptiles bravely sought to do what possibly no zoo had done before – to provide an educational experience that was wrapped in adventure and fun.

Reconstruction of the main building began as soon as the rubble could be removed, and work on the Lost World of Reptiles was completed on schedule, in time for Christmas, five short months post-fire.

As a result, the Australian Reptile Park won the prestigious NSW Tourism Award in 2001 for

Best Tourism Development.

The final stage of redevelopment would take more than a year to complete, breaking new ground in the way zoos exhibit wildlife, with a grand re-opening held on April 8, 2002.

To start the ultimate birthday celebrations this year, 2.5m-high animatronic dinosaurs will be on the loose, roaming throughout the Park all weekend from September 2324.

Heading into the October long weekend, the ultimate birthday party will be held in celebration of the anniversary.

From Saturday, September 30, to Monday, October 2, each day will be filled with thrilling live shows, animal meet and greets with zookeepers, stilt walkers, free face painting and a massive jumping castle.

Park Director Tim Faulkner said the Park was out to make the coming school holidays at the Park the best ever.

“With action-packed shows, unveiling of a mini Ploddy, dinosaurs everywhere and celebrating 15 years of Elvis the crocodile, it’s all happening here at the Australian Reptile Park.

“These school holidays aren’t just for the kids to enjoy, but also

the adults who have been coming to the Park since they were little.

“For many adults, the Australian Reptile Park brings back fond memories of getting up close and snapping a photo with Ploddy the dinosaur when we were located at Wyoming.

“I can imagine there won’t just be kids lining up to get a selfie with our miniature statue of Ploddy; there will surely be adults too.”

To end the birthday extravaganza with a bang, the last weekend of the school holidays will see the Park celebrating 15 years of Australia’s crankiest crocodile, Elvis.

Visitors will also be able to witness the 500kg beast in action during the Elvis the Crocodile Show every day at 1.30pm.

“It’s amazing to see how far this beautiful wildlife park has come,” Faulkner said.

“It’s grown exponentially over the years, and it brings me so much joy that we’ve been able to continue to share our love and passion for wildlife with visitors from all over the world for 75 years.”

Terry Collins

Eric Worrell in the early years | Photo: Australian Reptile Park

UN report shows toxics encroach on human rights

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Dr Marcus Orellana, has made it clear that it’s time the NSW Government took action to protect the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

His End of Mission Statement released in Sydney on September 8 is the result of an official 10-day Australia-wide visit which included a community meeting on August 29 at Chain Valley Bay with Future Sooner and other environmental organisations.

“The UN draft statement singles out Vales Point coalfired power station as a major contributor to the health issues facing Central Coast residents and is a salvo aimed directly at the NSW government,” Future Sooner spokesperson Gary Blaschke said.

“In the report the UN says that while coal-fired power stations have enabled economic prosperity, it is our community that has paid the price with premature deaths, terminal illnesses, asthma and other serious health problems.

“The report also states that Australia’s air quality standards are less protective than the World Health Organisation standards and slams the government for allowing Vales Point coal-fired power station to still enjoy an exemption licence to pollute more.”

There were more than 100 people at the local meeting where Future Sooner outlined the 16 recommendations from the Government Coal Ash Inquiry into coal ash dams that, to date, have not been implemented.

The UN has been asked to pressure the government to take action now.

“We told the UN how the community has raised these environmental and human health issues with NSW Public Health Units, Environmental Protection Authority, local MPs and government authorities –all to no avail,” Blaschke said.

Speakers at the meeting included representatives of Future Sooner, Environmental Justice Australia, the Environmental Defenders Office and the Hunter

Community Environment Centre.

“The UN heard stories of the air pollution that was causing multiple asthma cases, cancers higher than anywhere else in the state, water pollution where signs warn residents not to eat the fish from the lake, fish kills, toxins in bird feathers and the millions of tonnes of coal ash sitting in unlined troughs, that they call dams,” Blaschke said.

“It’s time for the NSW government to deliver.

“The Coal Ash Inquiry Committee knows it; the

residents know it; now the UN knows it.

“Now let’s see the government’s plan to make it a reality for the people of the Central Coast to live in a toxicfree environment.

“This is not just an environmental issue but a human rights one – the right of everyone living on the Central Coast to live in a clean and healthy environment.”

Orellana and UN Human Rights Officer Halida Nasic met with federal, state and territory government authorities, non-

government and civil society organisations, academic experts and scientists, individuals and communities in the ACT, Canberra, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. They were examining the human rights situation related to the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste in the country.

In his End of Mission Statement, Orellana examines how toxic releases from coal mines and coal-fired power

New-look stairs for Soldiers Beach

The new and improved stairs at Soldiers Beach are open for use.

Located in front of the Surf Life Saving Club, the stairs have recently undergone works to enhance access with a new extension.

This is the first of four projects to be completed following the receipt of $2.44M in funding received from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.

Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said Council is pleased to have one of the four projects completed and looks forward to the progression of

the remaining three.

“While the stairs were still safe for the public to use, the funding from the Australian and NSW Governments has allowed us to enhance the integrity and improve beach access with the stair extension,” Howe said.

“The stair extension means the community can access the beach after coastal erosion events that decrease the amount of sand at the base of the stairs.

“The improved access also exhibits a new landing which extends to the left and the right to directly lead the public towards the varying location of beach safety flags in the summer season.

“I am pleased to advise that the remaining three projects are also progressing well and

are estimated to be completed by 2025.”

The remaining works include: replacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers Beach; replacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers Beach; and repair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs.

Minister for Central Coast David Harris welcomed completion of the first project, supporting the social recovery of communities impacted by the 2021 floods.

“The purpose of this state and federal co-funded program was to ensure that infrastructure

damaged in the floods would be repaired and restored for the enjoyment of the community and I am pleased to see this has happened at Soldiers Beach,” Harris said.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to working with all levels of government and communities to deliver the support our regions need to keep moving forward with recovery.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Central Coast is known for its natural beauty and maintaining access to our natural assets is a critical component of what we value as a community.

“Our local beaches are loved by visitors and residents alike and are a great way to experience our beautiful

Rail repair plan is on track

The NSW Government’s Rail Repair Plan is running full speed ahead, with more than 900 of 1900 targeted high priority rail defects completed.

Member for Gosford said she was committed to seeing improvements on the Central Coast line.

“Central Coast residents and rail commuters have long weathered significant interruptions to rail services due to longstanding rail network maintenance issues,”

she said.

“The problems with our rail network are the outcome of a long-term lack of repairs, and the low priority given to those repairs under the former Government.

“I strongly commend NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen for her commitment to the Rail Repair Plan, an accelerated maintenance program announced last month, which will improve passenger experiences by building a more reliable, resilient rail network.

“It is fantastic to see our rail network finally getting the attention it deserves (to) deliver real peace of mind to rail

network passengers.”

The $97M works program is being funded out of existing unspent budgets, due to the

plants, uranium mines and the spraying of highly hazardous pesticides are imposing heavy burdens on communities.

His report says that proposed petrochemical, offshore oil and gas, hydraulic fracking and waste incineration projects pose serious health, water, agricultural and climate concerns.

“Air quality standards in Australia are less protective than in other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and moreover, certain facilities have received exemptions from compliance with relevant standards and communities pay the price,” the report says.

Orellana’s End of Mission Statement on his Australia is available at https://www.un.org/en/ pacific-unic and his final report will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in September 2024.

Sue Murray

region,” he said.

“These projects are just four examples of how we are committed to increasing ease of access to our natural waterways.”

While these stair extension works are now complete, Jenny Dixon Beach access remains closed until further notice.

Council barricades and warning signs remain erected at Jenny Dixon Beach for community safety.

Residents are advised to stay away from the impacted area and stay up-to-date by checking Council’s website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or Facebook page for updates

Source: Central Coast Council

lack of access for maintenance in recent years.

Maintenance work is being prioritised during existing trackwork windows; on weekends, weeknights, during school holidays, or during weekday diversions when fewer people travel.

Positive Rail Repair Plan developments helping to reduce maintenance backlogs and deliver network improvements include the completion of almost 440 kilometres of rail grinding and

rail resurfacing, and 103 electrical backlog inspections.

Rail network passengers are encouraged to plan, using tools such as Trip Planner, travel apps, check travel alerts or subscribe to the weekly trackwork alert email for Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity services.

More information can be found at: https://transportnsw. info

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Visitors from the United Nations Halida Nasic (third from left) and Dr Marcus Orellana (fifth from left) with local environmentalists Grace Huang, Merlene Thrift, Dr Ian Charlton, Gary Blaschke, Ingrid Schraner, Tom Da Silva, Ally McAlpine, Jocelyn McGarity and Kirsty Ruddock

Repair of rail defects should make for a smoother ride for Central Coast passengers

The new and improved stairs are open for use

McBride addresses Parliament on suicide prevention

Member for Dobell Emma McBride, who is Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and for Regional and Regional Health, gave an impassioned address in Federal Parliament in the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

“For many people it may be just another day, but for the families and friends of the 3,000 Australians, who die by suicide each year it will be a day of reflection and remembering,” McBride said.

“Nine people, of whom six are men, die by suicide each day.

“Young people are most at risk with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age.

“First Nations Australians are twice as likely to die by suicide as non-Indigenous Australians.”

McBride told Parliament that reality was front of mind when she thought about why we needed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

“Our best chance to overcome the distress from intergenerational trauma faced by First Nations Australians is through listening and real action,” she said.

“For my colleagues and I, Sunday is a reminder that we must take every action we can

to better understand and address the factors that lead to suicide.

“Its impacts are devastating and far-reaching through families, friends, first responders, schools and communities.

“In this chamber, and in the other place, suicide and suicide prevention is a non-partisan issue.

“Because our actions and our words matter.”

McBride said while the reason for an individual’s suicide were personal and often complex, overall peaks and troughs in rates and number of deaths by suicide historically coincided more or less with social and economic events.

“Because of that, we cannot separate the distress that many people across the world are facing, including here in Australia, from the experience of the global pandemic,” she said.

“We all know stories of distress, loneliness and isolation.

“They are the stories of family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and strangers.

“We must also acknowledge that like many catastrophic events, the trauma that follows will often have a long tail, and the impact will be felt most heavily by the most vulnerable.

“There are strong links

between mental ill health and suicide which is why we are determined to provide compassionate and effective support and care to people who need them.

“We are boosting support in communities by rolling out new Head to Health clinics, which provide free mental health information, support and care to adults, and strengthening the network of more than 150 headspace centres across the country for young people.

“We are also working with states and territories to introduce Kids Hubs to address mental ill-health through prevention and early intervention.

“We are strengthening our primary care to make it easier and more affordable see a GP.

“From November 1, we are indexing of the Medicare Rebate and a tripling the Bulk Billing Incentive.

“And this is important because a GP is often the front door to mental health care.”

McBride said people who died by suicide typically had three or four risk factors, or drivers of distress, including unemployment, financial insecurity, domestic and family violence, and past or compounded trauma.

“That’s why we need to focus on addressing the drivers of distress, through a whole of government, whole of society, approach to suicide prevention,” she said.

“What this means is responding through mental health supports, and at the

same time working to reduce the underlying pressures in people’s lives.

“Right at the top of that list, is reducing financial pressure through cost of living relief.”

She outlined that increases in the base rates of working-age and student payments such as Youth Allowance and parenting payments would increase, including Job Seeker, to take effect from September 20.

“We are providing more funding to address housing insecurity and homelessness so that every Australian has the dignity of a home, working in close partnership with state and territory governments to boost supply and provide certainty to individuals and families,” she said.

To address domestic, family and sexual violence, the Government is implementing the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children and better equipping health care workers to earlier identify and care for those at risk, McBride said.

“We also need to make sure communities are buffered from the impact of the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters.

“Which is why we have introduced the National Disaster Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework, giving our first responders the very best of support while they

support us.”

McBride said despite increasing expenditure on mental health services and suicide prevention, Australia had not seen a significant decrease in the number of lives lost to suicide in more than two decades.

“We also know that around 40 per cent of people who die by suicide have no diagnosed mental or behavioural disorders,” she said.

“We need to improve not just our systems of care, but our laws, structures and policies that often trap people in cycles of disadvantage,” she said.

McBride said the recently introduced Measuring What Matters Statement was a step in the right direction, recognising that economic indicators could only tell so much.

“While suicide is an individual act, rates of suicide reflect communities and we all have a role to play,” she said.

“This year the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day is Creating Hope Through Action – a reminder that we can all take action to respond compassionately to people experiencing distress.

“Together, we can make sure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.”

Distinguished vet fascinated by military history

With a distinguished career of service for both the Australian Navy and the US Army, Jim Ryan spends much of his time making and sourcing models as he pursues his interest in military history.

Now 90 and living at the Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel at Noraville, Ryan recently donated a statue of prisoners of war in Sandakan to the hostel, which is working towards displaying a collection of Vietnam and other war memorabilia.

Born in Australia in 1933, he moved to the US at the age of 18, becoming a US citizen but returned to serve with the Australian Navy during the Korean War.

Ryan was on board the HMAS Condamine when he and his crew were tasked with rescuing a downed Australian pilot.

They were strafed by a Russian MIG during the rescue attempt but were all able to make it back safely.

He was awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his actions in Korea.

After Korea, Ryan returned to

the US and continued his service in the Army.

He was an Honorary Major for the US during the Gulf War, where he was responsible for commissioning air conditioning, water treatment, sewage and aviation turbine fuel tankage.

“I learned a lot about teamwork and leadership during my time in the Army,” he said.

“I also learned the importance of never giving up, no matter

how tough things get.”

After the Gulf War, Ryan retired from the Army and travelled all over the world.

He lived in the US, the UK, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia before moving back to Australia in 1987 where, as an engineer for Bechtel Corporation, he worked on numerous major projects, including the Amoco refinery in Brisbane, the Portland Aluminium Smelter in Victoria and Queensland

Alumina Limited.

Jim and his wife Gloria had two daughters and one son.

Sadly, their daughters have passed away but they continue to value family, and are particularly close to their supportive grandson, Michael.

“Our grandson Michael is our rock,” Ryan said.

“He is a testament to the goodness of people.

“He’s always willing to help

out, no matter what.”

The couple owned a lovely home at The Entrance before moving into care at Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel in 2020.

They made the decision with Gloria needing full-time care and the couple not wanting to be separated.

They have rooms next to each other and continue loving to spend time with each other.

“We are exceptionally happy with our lives here at Vietnam Veterans,” Ryan said.

“The staff are friendly and caring, the activities are always varied and interesting, and the facilities are top-notch.

“We feel safe and secure here and know that we are in good hands.”

These days, Ryan spends his time on the computer as he buys and creates models.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with the community,” he said.

“I hope that my experiences can inspire others to make a difference in the world.”

A hostel spokesperson said Ryan’s story was an inspiration to all.

“He is a true patriot who has dedicated his life to service and sacrifice,” the spokesperson said.

“We are grateful for his willingness to share his stories with us, and we are proud to call him a member of our community.”

Source: Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel

Jim Ryan spends much of his time on the computer

The statue donated to the hostel by Jim Ryan

Source: Member for Dobell Emma McBride

Member for Dobell Emma McBride speaks in Federal Parliament

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Those interested in embarking on the world’s best ocean, river, or expedition voyage with no kids, no casinos, and everything you need included. Whether you’re new to cruising, an experienced cruise lover who’s never travelled with Viking, or you’ve sailed with us before and would like to discover new itineraries and destinations to explore.

WHAT TO EXPECT: This session will run for approximately 75 minutes and includes a presentation followed by a short question-and-answer session. A Viking expert will be on hand following the session to answer any further questions you might have.

WHEN TO ARRIVE: We recommend you arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time to enjoy either complimentary morning tea or drinks and canapés plus meet some fellow like-minded travellers.

Crouch’s budget wish list

With the NSW 2023-2024 State Budget set to be handed down on September 19, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has listed a number of Central Coast projects he is advocating for inclusion.

Crouch said the Budget would be a crucial test of the Labor Government’s commitment to the region.

“Under the previous LiberalNational Government, our region benefited from massive investment in our infrastructure, education and health,” he said.

“Whether that be the half-abillion-dollar redevelopment of Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, or massive investments in our road networks such as the development of the Kincumber and Ettalong roundabouts, the Liberal-National Government’s budgets always delivered for the people of the Central Coast.

“On September 19, the Minns Government will face a crucial

test with regards to its commitment to the Central Coast – there can be no cuts of any kind to our infrastructure projects, health and education.”

Crouch said there were numerous local projects and programs needing to be fully funded in the upcoming Budget, and that he had written to the Premier and Treasurer to advocate for these local projects and programs.

“What we need to see is a renewed commitment to funding programs such as Stronger Country Communities Fund and Community Building Partnership Fund, as well as fully funding vital programs like the Regional Seniors Travel Card and the Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card,” he said.

“Alongside these, Labor needs to fully fund all the

election commitments in this upcoming budget; however, as we’ve recently seen with Gosford Hospital parking, this government is prepared to abandon its promises at the drop of a hat.”

Some of the projects on Crouch’s list are: $30M for the upgrade of Avoca Dr at Kincumber; $9.7M for the acquisition of a PET-CT Scanner for Central Coast Local Health

District; $1.2M for a road traffic study into the Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr intersection; $400,000 in funding for Community Building Partnerships for local community-based projects; $800,000 for an upgrade of the Lintern Street Wharf at Davistown; $100,000 for resurfacing of tennis courts at the Empire Bay Tennis Club; $60,000 for the upgrade of Wamberal Memorial Hall’s Park; and $10,000 for upgrades to Macmasters, Avoca, North Avoca and Wamberal Boardrider Clubs.

He is also calling for continued funding for the construction and delivery of the Kincumber Ambulance Station and for the installation of additional air conditioning units at Terrigal High School.

He wants to see a commitment of funding to Crown Lands for the rebuilding of the Empire Bay Boatshed and new recurrent funding for the Breast

Care Nurses Program for three additional breast care nurses on the Central Coast.

Also on his hit list is funding for the continuation of works on the Central Coast Hwy upgrade, the redevelopment of the Macmasters Beach Rural Fire Service Station and the Regional Job Creation Fund.

Crouch is also calling for funding for the development of a new TAFE in Mann St, Gosford, on the site of the former Gosford Council chambers.

That project was announced by the then Liberal State Government in December, 2021, but little has been heard of it since, apart from vague comments that “negotiations are continuing” between Central Coast Council and the Government over buying the site.

RFS to hold Get Ready sessions this weekend

With a hot, dry Summer predicted, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging Coasties to be prepared by joining local Rural Fire Brigades at a Get Ready Weekend event this weekend, September 1617.

Get Ready Weekend is held each September ahead of the official start of the NSW bushfire danger period on October 1, with RFS members hosting community events across NSW to encourage residents and landowners to plan and prepare for the coming bushfire season. Tesch said it was a perfect time to remind the community that bushfire preparedness was everybody’s business.

“We are expecting a very hot and dry summer this year and it is important that community members plan ahead so that you know your risk and what to

do in the event of a bushfire,” she said.

“Get Ready Weekend is a great, family fun opportunity for locals to get out and meet our local RFS teams, with plenty of activities to entertain the kids, while educating the whole family on bushfire safety.

“In the face of increasingly extreme weather events, it is important that we work together to decrease our communities’ risk.

“Getting ready for the bushfire season by creating a bushfire survival plan with experienced RFS team members is a fantastic way to do this.”

Following several years of wet weather, grass and scrub has grown across NSW and many areas are seeing substantial new growth, which significantly increases the risk of fire as these areas dry out.

Coasties are reminded that

our emergency services are conducting frequent hazard reduction burns during this time and that increased smoke during burns is common.

“Backburning is a super important way to prepare for our coming hot, dry fire season and I would like to thank our RFS teams for the work they do

across the year to keep our community safe,” Tesch said. Get Ready Weekend events will be held by the following RFS brigades on September 16: Erina, 9am-3pm, Gosford Boat Ramp, Dane Dr; Narara, 10am-2pm, 2 Manns Rd; Somersby, 9.30am-11am, Hensons Rd, and 11.30am-

1pm at Reeves St; The Bays, 10am-2pm, Deepwater Plaza, Gloria Jeans entry; Berkeley Vale, 10am-3pm, 78B Shannon Pde; Ourimbah, 10am-3pm, 12 Ourimbah Creek Pde; Lake Munmorah, 11am-4pm, 10 Alister Ave; Wadalba, 9am2pm, 155 Louisiana Rd/ Wahroonga Rd; Charmhaven,

Major boost for surf life saving clubs

Two surf life saving clubs on the Central Coast have received significant funding from the Federal Government as they head into the coming Summer beach season.

Umina SLSC has received $12,500 through the Stronger Communities Program and $5,000 through the 2022-23 Volunteer Grants, while Terrigal SLSC has received $19,300 and $4,900 through the respective programs.

Each club will use the money to buy a rescue boat trailer and invest in first aid training for

volunteers.

Umina SLSC Director of Education & Training, Damon Somerfield, said the funding would benefit 200 volunteer life savers.

“Umina SLSC is undertaking Surf Life Saving Australia’s requirement to have all patrolling members complete a full upgraded first aid course,” he said.

“(The club), with the financial assistance from the Federal Government, will cover the costs involved with the first aid training at a cost of $70 per person.

“This is to be phased in and completed by 2024.”

Somerfield said part of the grant money would also be put towards fuel card assistance for volunteers who travel to a number of nipper carnivals to provide voluntary assistance in water safety, officiating and coaching.

“This funding will enable Umina SLSC to recognise our members who volunteer their time willingly, which they give for the common good,” he said.

Director of Lifesaving at Terrigal SLSC, Tim Pittolo, said the funding would allow the

club to continue to support the community through the provision of first aid training and a new trailer.

“Last summer, volunteer lifesavers at Terrigal performed over 330 first aid treatments and this new grant will support another 70 volunteers to be trained, meaning we will have more qualified first aiders on the beach,” he said.

Pittolo said a trailer upgrade would allow volunteers to transport rescue equipment more safely and efficiently when deployed away from Terrigal.

“For example, when involved in flood work, other emergency call outs, nipper competitions and IRB racing at state and national level,” he said.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the funding would help ensure volunteers have the most up-to-date training in first aid, ahead of the busy Summer patrol season.

“It is crucial that volunteer surf life savers have the skills to respond in emergency situations before first responders arrive,” he said.

“Ultimately, this will ensure greater safety on our beaches

10am-3pm, Lot 1 Parkside Dr.

On September 17 events will be at Patonga, 10am-2pm, 45 Patonga St; Spencer, 10am2pm at 4778 Wisemans Ferry Rd; Dooralong, 10am-2pm, Dittons Rd; Yarramalong, 1pm3pm, 1619 Yarramalong Rd.

Warnervale brigade’s event will be on September 24, 11.30am-3pm at The Dam Hotel and Gwandalan RFS will be on September 27, 7pm8.30pm at 120 Kanangra Dr. Mangrove Mountain Rural Fire Brigade will hold its event on October 21, 9am-3pm at Mangrove Mountain County Fair.

For more information and other Central Coast locations, search Get Ready Weekend at rfs.nsw.gov.au

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

and safer patrol seasons in the years ahead.”

The Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants provide notfor-profit organisations with funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to support the work of volunteers.

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants are now open, and organisations are encouraged to contact Reid’s office for an expressions of interest form.

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with members of the Patonga Rural Fire Brigade

Source: Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

Pictured at the 2021 announcement of the TAFE project (from left):

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer, Council Administrator Rik Hart, Landcom CEO John Brogden, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and then Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee

Gunderman is finally on the map

The tiny Central Coast community of Gunderman has come into its own, with new signage letting travellers know it is a township worth exploring.

River Cares President Robyn Downham said Gunderman was nestled between the towns of Spencer and Wisemans Ferry and had much to offer, catering to all age groups. She is urging Coasties to explore the tiny township on the southern fringe of their own local government area.

“You can go bushwalking, rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating or water skiing on the mighty Hawkesbury River (from Gunderman),” Downham said.

“You can enjoy a family picnic or dine at the local Wombat Café.

“Or just minutes away at Wisemans Ferry there is a famous historic pub, a bowling club, and the Heritage Valley Café – or you can go further down the Hawkesbury River to Spencer and enjoy the breathtaking views while dining at the Spencer Thai or the new Anchor Café.

“The Wombat Café is located 10 km from Wisemans Ferry on

Wisemans Ferry Rd or 14.6km from Spencer.

“It offers friendly country hospitality and delicious homestyle cooked meals made fresh daily.”

Downham said the café, which opened in August 2019, had a wide selection of classic meals and was renowned both locally and throughout Sydney for its homemade pies, sausage rolls, cakes and pizzas.

“This Summer the Wombat Café will be officially opening its new deck (seating up to 20 people comfortably) overlooking an amazing country vista with the backdrop of the Hawkesbury River and the distinct sandstone cliffs,” she said.

Downham said there was a plethora of airbnbs in

Gunderman as well as the Rosevale Caravan Park – a 20ha property with camp sites and cabins on the Hawkesbury River.

“Surrounded by national parks, horse studs and magnificent sandstone cliffs, this makes a great escape to unwind from the hustle and bustle of busy life,” she said.

“You can relax on the lush green grass and watch the beautiful sunsets, or stretch by the fire under the million stars and enjoy the serenity of the night.”

Downham said there was much of historic and cultural significance in the tiny community.

“This includes the Lower Hawkesbury Wesleyan Chapel site at 6445 Wisemans Ferry

Rd, (known for) its association with the development and practice of Wesleyan Methodism and also for its association with early European settlement along the Lower Hawkesbury,” she said.

“The stone chapel built in 1855 is a rare example of a place of worship for the Wesleyans in this area during the 19th century, not to mention the fact that this is the oldest intact usable stone chapel of this era in the Lower Hawkesbury.

“The Chapel is now home to the Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society (DLHHS) formed in 1983.

“The major aim of the society is the research, collection, presentation and preservation of the history of Wiseman’s

Ferry and surrounding areas following initial settlement and the ongoing involvement and support of the local community in such tasks.

“The DLHHS holds meetings on the last Saturday of every second month (March, May, July, September, November) and excursions are arranged on alternate months including the world heritage-listed Convict Trail, Finch’s Line, the original crossing location of Wisemans Ferry, Half Moon Farm, and visits to the sites of local Aboriginal rock art and engravings.”

Gunderman adjoins the Dharug National Park with the national heritage listed Convict Trail/Great North Road built between 1826 and 1836 on its doorstep.

“The Convict Trail is a significant part of this region’s story and is currently used for many purposes including recreational activities, events and heritage tourism,” Downham said.

“This is a great walk starting at Devines Hill with a mixture of historic remnants of the Old Great North Rd such as stone walling, culverts, quarries, buttresses, chiselled and blasted rockfaces and handhewn drains.

“These structures are all convict-built.

“Popular trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running includes the Finch’s Line via Settlers Rd, which is a 10.8km loop, taking an average three hours to complete and is beautiful any time of the year.

“Or there’s the 8.2km Mill Creek Circuit which begins and ends from the parking and picnic area at the end of Mill Creek camping ground.

“The Western Commission 23.8km Track near Gunderman is generally considered a challenging route.

“This trail is great for mountain biking and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.”

Downham said the area was home to an array of Aboriginal sites with a diverse display of archaeological evidence including extensive groups of rock art.

“This attests to the long occupation of the region by Aboriginal people and the complex Indigenous society with cultural connections to land that continues today,” she said.

Source: River Cares

From left: The Wombat Café is a popular eating spot, new signage has finally put Gunderman on the map

M1 crackdown on heavy vehicles

Fifteen Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers conducted a 48-hour blitz on heavy vehicles at the M1 Mount White checking station.

A total of 256 heavy vehicles were stopped as part of Operation Convoy from 5am on Tuesday, September 5, targeting heavy vehicle load and fatigue compliance as well as alcohol and drug testing.

During the 48-hour operation Northern Sydney Sector Traffic and Highway Patrol officers discovered two drivers who tested positive in oral drugs test; 108 penalty notices were issued; 33 cautions were issued; 46 defect notices were issued; 24 fatigue related offences were detected (exceed driving hours); three

work diaries were seized, to be subjected to further investigation of fatigue breaches and falsified entries; and 14 charges were laid for serious or critical fatigue breaches.

One driver was detected having driven for 37 hours in a 48-hour period and Police

issued the driver a notice directing him to rest for 24 hrs.

As he drove his vehicle from the inspection area to a parking bay he drove over a concrete island, rupturing a fuel tank, causing a large diesel spill requiring HAZMAT clean-up.

The driver was issued a Court Attendance Notice for a critical

Boy dies in crash

A boy has died following a single-vehicle crash at Norah Head on Sunday, September 10.

Shortly after 3am, emergency services were called to Bungary Rd following reports a blue Mazda 6 sedan had crashed into parked cars.

On arrival, a boy was found dead in the vehicle, and another was found injured on the roadway nearby.

old boy, was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

fatigue breach. Another driver was detected for serious fatigues breaches, 24 hours after having been grounded by South Australia authorities for fatigue breaches in that state.

Source: Traffic & Highway Patrol

Motorbike rider cops $3,100 fine

A 19-year-old Summerland Point man riding an unregistered motorbike and not wearing a helmet has been fined more than $3,100.

At about 9am on Saturday, September 9, Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol officers were patrolling the Pacific Hwy, Lake Munmorah, when they saw a blue Yamaha GSX motorcycle travelling at 70km/h and being ridden by a male not wearing a helmet of any kind.

The rider, a 19-year-old man

from Summerland Point, was stopped and produced a NSW heavy vehicle licence.

The motorcycle had been unregistered since December 2021.

The rider was subsequently issued $3,134 in infringements for not wearing an approved helmet, being unlicensed for class of vehicle; being unregistered and uninsured and using vehicle on road with tax unpaid.

Fill in each letter of the alphabet

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Highway Patrol

Fraud at Doyalson service station

Tuggerah Lakes Police

District are investigating a number of fraud related offences from a local service station at Doyalson in early July 2023.

Pictures obtained from CCTV footage depicts two people that police believe could assist with their inquiries.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident,

or knows the people depicted in the footage are to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Anyone with information should quote the Police report No. 96865486.

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

The deceased has since been identified as a 14-year-old boy.

The injured male, a 15-year-

As part of inquiries, police urge anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the Buff Point and Norah Head areas between 2am and 3am on Sunday, September 10, to contact Crime Stoppers.

Pedestrian hit by car

Tuggerah Lakes Police are appealing for information as they investigate an incident at Toukley involving a pedestrian hit by a car which allegedly failed to stop to assist.

At about 9.45am on Friday, August 18, a 37-year-old woman was crossing the roadway on Ray St at the intersection of Main Rd, Toukley, when she was hit by a car which left the scene without

stopping and rendering assistance.

The vehicle allegedly involved is described as a Silver Hatchback.

As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information about this incident, or potential dashcam footage, to contact Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information to assist should quote the Police Report No. E.80851489.

House fire death

A body has been located following a house fire at Lake Munmorah on Friday, September 8.

At about 10.25am, emergency services were called to Clarence St following reports of a house fire.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District arrived to find a house well alight.

The fire was extinguished by firefighters from NSW RFS and

Fire and Rescue NSW. Following a search of the home, the body of a woman was located.

She has not been formally identified but is believed to be aged in her 80s.

A crime scene has been established, and investigations are underway into the cause of the fire.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Heavy vehicles being checked at Mount White

Rider caught by Highway Patrol

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Police

Council should support its own greening strategy

The proposed destruction of 30-40 mature trees at Austin Butler Reserve would appear to run counter to the Central Coast Greener Places Strategy May 2021 which advocates retention of “existing trees, in particular, mature canopies … that have a high replacement value and tree retention should be given

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precedence over removal.”

As I am sure you are aware, removing mature trees also means the destruction of minieco systems that cannot be replaced by planting young trees elsewhere.

I believe there are a range of potential alternative solutions to Woolworths’ car park

Council can’t be trusted with community land

expansion plans that would generate the same income for the Council as the one proposed – and where those funds could be used to “green the peninsula”, a known heat island.

I look forward to hearing that the Council decides to support its own Greening Strategy.

Email, Aug 29

Sue-Anne Stanford, Woy Woy

My neighbours and I live adjacent Brisbane Water National Park.

Rik Hart has come out pretending that he wants what is best for the residents of the Peninsula (More consultation on proposed reserve classification CCN 404).

Please don’t be conned by his trickery with words or promises. We all know that this Council cannot be trusted with money or community land.

It sees dollar signs where we see mature irreplaceable trees and habitat.

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We have all witnessed the brutal destruction of street trees by the power companies who trim them often.

These street trees are not homes or feed for our animals and provide no shelter for the community.

GUST are already planting street trees and if they were supported more they could do more for the community.

promise will stand.

If we are not careful we will end up with nothing.

Rik Hart has already admitted that the deal could be changed with a new Council elected.

The new trees being offered by Rik Hart will be saplings and provide no shade nor shelter or food for many years to come.

The trees at Austin Butler are the last remaining shade trees in Woy Woy.

FORUM Keep those cats inside

Yet in the morning I’m commonly confronted by a black cat sitting beneath my bird bath out front, ready to “breakfast” and a white cat pushing though the rear shrubbery, on the hunt for perhaps smaller fare.

So I hate to think what happens among the stretches of trees up behind us.

Hence I am very pleased that Federal Minister for Environment and Water Tania Plibersek has taken on the task

of leading a change in our approach to domestic cats.

But I can’t see a curfew being adequate: telling Moggy to be home by dark is not going to do the trick.

Surely, if people want to keep a cat then that must involve permanent prevention from roaming.

I’ve observed a family who keeps a cat continuously indoors and friends who’ve used a large outdoor cage, both successfully.

It can be done.

So please cat owners, regardless of the outcome of Minister Plibersek’s efforts, keep your cat where it belongs. Yes, cats make lovely pets, as do dogs.

And yes, they both can kill. But cats are the great destroyers of wildlife, not dogs. It is ironical then that one seldom sees a dog on the loose these days, yet cats at liberty continue as a feature of the landscape.

Notification of wild dog and fox control program

Greater Sydney Local Land Services will be leading an integrated wild dog and fox control program in the Central Coast with support from National Parks, Central Coast Council and the Forestry Corporation. This coordinated program is part of ongoing work to reduce pest animal numbers and their impact on primary production and native wildlife in these areas.

1080 wild dog and fox ground baits and Canid Pest Ejectors will be used on the listed properties below from Monday 18 September to Friday, 20 October. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Please restrain all domestic pets and working dogs and ensure they do not enter the baiting locations during this time. In the event of accidental poisoning of domestic pets seek immediate veterinary assistance.

60 Hitchcocks Lane Dooralong

277 Ravensdale Road Ravensdale

33 Dunks Lane Jilliby

3653 Wisemans Ferry Road, Greengrove

Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer

Dairy, 1897 South Tacoma Road, Tuggerah

707 Settlers Road Lower McDonald

916 Settlers Road Central McDonald

276 Ravensdale Road Ravensdale

304 Ravensdale Road Ravensdale

625 Ravensdale Road Ravensdale

602 Ravensdale Road Ravensdale

McPherson State Forest, Kulnura

Mangrove Creek Dam Catchment, Kulnura

Mangrove Creek Weir (Dubbo Gully), Mangrove Mountain

Moony Creek Dam Catchment, Somersby

1260 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby

13 Springs Road Kulnura

Broken Bay Sport and Recreation

Centre, Little Patonga Beach

1398 Wisemans Ferry Road Somersby

15 Murraba Road Kulnura

30 Berecry Road Mangrove Mountain

1 Darkinjung Road Calga

51 Brush Creek Road Cedar, Brush Creek

78 Wirrinda Road Somersby

26 Hershon Road Mangrove Mountain

60 Brush Creek Road Cedar, Brush Creek

60 Ingoola Road Spencer

50 Dittons Road Dooralong

If you would like to participate in a future program or have any questions, please contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on (02) 4724 2100.

It has shown us in the past that money can disappear without a trace.

Why would we in our right mind now believe that they will do the right thing by residents and our environment?

There are far more than 40 trees in the section shown by Council to be removed (in Austin Butler Reserve, Woy Woy) and no amount of planting trees will ever replace what we lost.

I much prefer to trust them with our native tree planting (rather) than Council.

Rik Hart is trying to manipulate the decision by promising (thousands of) trees over a 10year period. My mother always taught me if something sounds too good to be true it normally is.

Rik Hart will not be there when the new Council is elected and there is no guarantee his

We must save them and show Rik Hart and the Council that our environment matters and that we will defend it.

Council will do what is best for Council and Woolworths will do what is best for Woolworths. We have to make sure as residents of this beautiful community that we stand together and do what is best for the environment we live in.

Email, Aug 24 Joanne Roberts, Blackwall

Voice won’t ensure a fair go

Anne Brent is entitled to her view (CCN 405).

But there are several points that indicate she is somewhat naive about the Voice and its intentions.

Let’s start with the Voice document that Ms Brent seems to think is a single page document; it isn’t.

The single page being peddled by many, including our Prime Minister, is akin to a corporate policystatementthatsummarises the organisation’s position on a particular issue.

Behind the statement hangs the detail that sets out why, when, where and to what extent the policy applies and of course the penalties for non-compliance.

This is exactly the case with the Voice.

The 26 or so pages behind the

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one-pager contain critical information including intent and how it will be realised.

It is not a comforting read; this is Indigenous against nonIndigenous; it’s about pay-back and retribution for alleged sins of the past back as far as Captain Cook’s landing in 1770.

As Brent points out this is ‘the land of the fair go’, but the Voice does anything but ensure this is the case.

Indeed it’s the exact opposite; it’s being grossly unfair to nonIndigenous peoples.

The Voice is divisive, biased and discriminatory.

If the tables were turned and this was non-Indigenous people seeking greater recognition,

power and money (which is the Voice’s intent), there would be riots in the streets.

These days however discrimination is a one-way street.

Let me suggest that those who support the Voice will be the first to cry foul when the demands of the elitists and inner-city activists purporting to be Indigenous start to hit Government and the High Court, and we non-Indigenous people start to pay a price we don’t deserve.

Please take the time to read the pages, lift the blankets on the Prime Minister’s simplistic statements and the misleading and incomplete information to the electorate.

Email, Aug 31 John George, Terrigal

Let First Nations people guide decision making

As a migrant, Nalini in issue 403 (A migrants view) might have missed the fact that the First Nations people were massacred at worst and discriminated against at best.

Migrants’ languages weren’t banned, their children were not taken away to be made British, they were always counted as humans.

She might also have missed the Aussie spirit of looking after the disadvantaged and those in need of help.

FORUM

The Surf Life Savers, Rotary and the RFS are examples to us all.

The rest of us won’t miss out by giving the people whose children are more likely to end up in gaol than university a say in what is done for them.

Well-meaning governments have made so many mistakes in the past.

Let the First Nations people guide the decision makers to

improve their health,employment and education up to the standard that migrants take for granted.

“If you don’t know, vote no” is a call to ignorance.

They don’t want you to know the facts.

The people opposing this simple Voice also speak against migrants.

We should all give the custodians of this land for 60,000 years an Aussie fair go.

Email, Aug 22 David Casey, Bateau Bay

Email, Sep 9 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

Remy Faint wins Gosford Art Prize

Sydney artist Remy Faint has taken the major award in this year’s Gosford Art Prize with his work, Egress.

Central Coast Council announced the winners last week, with a $28,000 prize pool awarded to artists from across the Central Coast and beyond.

This year 948 entries were received from across Australia, with 146 selected as finalists – 40 per cent of them from the Central Coast.

Along with the prestigious title, Faint also won $15,000.

Council’s Director Community and Recreation Melanie Smith said the Gosford Art Prize was known for making a real difference to an artist’s career.

“The competition offers an exciting range of opportunities for visual artists working in any art form to showcase their work to a large audience and potentially become an acquisition of the Central Coast’s art collection,” she said.

“Once again the calibre of artists from around the country was extremely high – however it was fantastic to see 40 per cent of the finalists come from the Central Coast, showing the strength of the art scene on the Coast.”

Gosford Regional Gallery Director Tim Braham said the selection panel aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques with fierce competition amongst a range of artwork. He said events such as an

annual art prize provided opportunities for both local and national artists to bring quality contemporary art to the Central Coast.

Other category winners are: Second Prize $5,000 – Sophie Lampert with artwork Listen, the Trees are Whispering; Aboriginal Artist Prize $2,500 – Ethan-James Kotiau –Nagaya Marda; and Gosford Ceramics Prize $2,500 – Juz Kitson with artwork Alteration of incoming sensoria.

Three Highly Commended

prizes of $1,000 each were awarded to: Craig Handley –the show off 2; Tia Madden –Adversaria; and Mel Jhey –Thinking About My Ancestors.

The winner of the Viewer’s Choice Award of $500 will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the gallery had evolved from its humble beginnings in the ‘70s, with the Gosford Art Prize now recognised as a significant goal

for artists to aim for.

“I want to congratulate the major prize winner, Remy Faint, alongside the other division winners, and give my sincere thanks to all the artists who entered from across Australia,” he said.

The 2023 finalist exhibition runs until November 5 at Gosford Regional Gallery. It is open from 9.30am-4pm daily and entry is free.

From left: Winning artist Remy Faint with Council CEO David Farmer, the winning artwork, Egress by Remy Faint | Photo: Gosford Regional Gallery

Source: Central Coast Council

CROSSWORD

SEE PAGE 13 FOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

Queer Jam to round out Coastal Twist Festival

There will be lots of exciting events at this year’s Coastal Twist Festival and the Queer Jam End of Festival Recovery afternoon session on Monday, October 2, will be no exception.

Prepare to be blown away by an extraordinary line-up of music talent from across Australia including one of Australia’s most powerful voices.

Kira Puru’s dynamic live performances and genredefying writing style have earned her accolades and collaborations with artists such as Illy, Urthboy and Paul Kelly. Get ready to be mesmerized by her spellbinding vocals.

Straight from Melbourne,

bubble-gum pop-punk sensation Cry Club will ignite the stage with tracks from their recently released album, Spite Will Save Me.

Cry Club is one of Australia’s most vital and exciting bands.

Samara Marzola’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit, encapsulated by little black dresses and flying Vs, will have you humming along for days.

And if you grew up watching Australian Idol, there’s a good

chance you had a crush on Ben McKenzie.

The Coastie with the etheric voice, Benjamin Fraser McKenzie will captivate audiences with wild and outlandish stories.

Whether you’re ready to dance the afternoon away or prefer to unwind on a chaise lounge, this epic line-up of live music woven together by DJ Aaron Manhattan promises an unforgettable way to wrap up

Make your way to all-ages music festival

Make your way to the Make Way all-ages music festival at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre on Friday, September 29.

Featuring five big bands, the drug and alcohol-free event will also have food trucks including The German Grill Haus and Mr Goaty Gelato. On the bill will be Soda Simulator, Volume Knob, Voider, Jan and YE.

Entry will be just $5, with the first 100 ticket holders getting a free hot dog and gelato.

Presented by Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, Fixx Events and Central Coast Music

and Arts, Make Way is sponsored by Multicultural NSW and will also include cultural talks.

The event will continue whatever the weather, with parking available, a toilet on site and disabled facilities.

Soda Simulator is an enigmatic quartet consisting of mates Bryce Neal, Ebonee Nasa, Eden Webb and

Meagan Jane releases debut

Central Coast singer/ songwriter Meagan Jane released her debut EP –Guide Myself Home – on Friday August 25.

After previously releasing two successful singles off the EP –Born On The Coast and title track Guide Myself Home –Jane said she was finally ready to share the remainder of the stories on the five-track album.

Jane’s debut EP is a captivating musical journey which combines the heart-felt storytelling of country music with the energy and excitement of rock.

Her dedication to writing, recording and producing the EP over the course of a year demonstrates her commitment to creating a high-quality and meaningful musical experience for her listeners.

Jane said each song on the

EP

EP was close to her heart, generating a sincere authenticity which resonates strongly with her listeners.

The EP’s focus on storytelling invites the audience into Jane’s upbringing and adulthood, opening the door to the trials and tribulations she has faced in love, life and loss and adding a layer of relatability.

Jane’s EP Guide Myself

Mackenzie Hunter playing soulful synths, heavy riffs and surfy jams.

Voider is a five-piece post

your long weekend.

The doors will open at 1pm, with gourmet pies, nibbles, cocktails and mocktails setting the stage for the afternoon session to kick-off at 1.30pm.

The Queer Jam End of Festival Recovery Session will contain strong language, with possible strobe lighting and haze. Those aged over 15 and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

It will be held on Monday, October 2, from 1-5pm at the Fun House Factory, 124 Donnison St, Gosford.

For tickets go to https:// coastaltwist.org.au/event/ queerjam2023/

punk band local to the Central Coast.

It draws from arrange genre influences and brings high energy to live performances.

Volume Knob is a three-piece band inspired by shoegaze and garage punk.

Make Way will be held from 6-10pm on September 29 at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre’s youth hub, 20-22 Kincumber St, Kincumber.

Tickets are available at https://rb.gy/a4s2x

For more information email manager@kdnc.org.au

Source: Fixx Events

Home is a dynamic mix of upbeat country rock tracks with a diverse range of musical styles and emotions.

Jane said she hoped to inspire and make a positive impact on her listeners, making them curious about her musical evolution and future projects.

Busking comp set for The Entrance

The Central Coast regional heat of the National Busking Championships will take place at The Entrance on Sunday, September 24.

Buskers will be based around Marine Pde, spilling over to the pedestrian plaza and street corners.

A spokesperson said the stunning coastal location

would provide the perfect backdrop for a day filled with music, entertainment and fun.

Musicians of all ages, skill levels and musical genres will be judged in three groups, and there will be the opportunity for the public to choose their favourites who will be in the running for the Public Choice award.

Buskers will be judged in

three age groups; adult (18+ years), secondary (13-17 years) and primary (under 13 years).

The day will kick off at 9am with the music continuing until 4.30pm.

The spokesperson said response had been “fantastic” with about 20 entrants already registered.

Coast FM will conduct an

outside broadcast on the day. Organisers are looking for sponsorships for some categories and additional prizes.

Please make contact with your local Rotary club if you are interested in supporting a category or additional prize.

Source: Coastal Twist Festival

Cry Club Benjamin Fraser McKenzie

Last year’s winners the James Brothers went on to win the national competition

Volume Knob is inspired by shoegaze and garage punk Voider will be on the bill

Source: Meagan Jane Music Meagan Jane

Authorised by Adam Crouch MP, Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250, funded using

The collaborative production Get Free will premiere at Avoca Beach Theatre on September 14. The red carpet will roll out in style as the theatre hosts the theatrical premiere of the riveting fictional film, inspired by real events, which tackles the pervasive issue of human trafficking.

In 2017 the Australian Government reported the alarming fact that 4,500 people were in slavery – in 2023 Walk Free reported this has grown to a staggering 41,000 people.

Get Free to premiere at Avoca Beach

Get Free is a compelling narrative that transcends borders.

It unites the creative talents of numerous production companies from the Central Coast including Joos Productions, New Life Media, Awake Productions and Salt House Creative plus award winning 1906 Pictures from Penrith.

It is directed by Central Coast local, Daniel Widdowson, who has 34 directing credits.

He has been an Australian of the Year finalist and Australian Playwright finalist and received

the Best Director award at the Florence Film Awards. Writers/producers Craig and Amanda Giles were named

Regional Winner for Business NSW’s Microbusiness in 2022. In 2023, they were finalists for the same award.

Craig Giles is a finalist in the Outstanding Business Leader category of this year’s Central Coast business Awards, with winners to be announced in October.

The collaboration showcases not only the richness of the region’s artistic talent but also the power of cinema to raise awareness on critical global issues.

It is a global call to action, touching on universal themes of hope, resilience and the power of choice.

The film reveals 10 ways that

women and children are taken andseekstosparkaconversation.

Through the lens of survivors’ stories, it inspires individuals and communities to take action against the world’s fastest growing crime.

It will screen at 7pm on Thursday, September 14.

Tickets are available at www. avocabeachtheatre.com.au/ films-and-events/get-freescreening-and-qa/ or from the theatre box office.

Young artist out to help Riding for the Disabled

At the age of just 15, Courtney Cottle of Point Clare is already a seasoned fundraiser for charitable organisations.

With two sisters on the autism spectrum, she has already raised $3,500 for autism awareness groups through the sale of her own artworks.

And now Courtney has set her sights on boosting funds for Riding for the Disabled and will hold an exhibition and sale at The Entrance next month.

“I’ve been doing exhibitions since third grade, when I held my first and raised $500 for

Autism Awareness,” she said.

“I held another one when I was in sixth grade, this time raising more than $3,000 for another autism organisation.

“One of my sisters rides horses at Riding for the Disabled every Tuesday and I decided I wanted to raise some money for them.

“Riding for the Disabled has made the hugest difference in my sister’s life.

“She is so positive, always smiling and beaming.

“I see so many other people having positive experiences there.

“It is a non-profit organisation and every person there a volunteer.”

Courtney’s latest exhibition features artworks in different

Register now for Pooch Parade

As the Coastal Twist Festival approaches, organisers are encouraging entries in the popular Pupparazi Pooch Parade, to take place this year on Sunday, October 1.

“ As every dog-owner knows, our dogs are so much more than just pets,” festival organiser Glitta Supernova said.

“They’re our fur-kids, our family, and our best friends.

“So, it’s only fitting that we give our four-legged companions the runway they deserve at this year’s Coastal Twist Festival.

“With over 9,000 attendees as last year’s parade, this celebration of our furry-friends brings together dogs, dog owners and dog fans of all ages and abilities for a fabulous furry fashion frenzy of fun, activities, shows and prizes.”

Hosted by local fashion queen June Richards and TV personality Tim Dormer, the parade will take place on the main stage at the festival’s Fair Day.

Dog parents from across the coast are invited to sissy that walk and register their fur-baby in one of four categories.

Dogs Doing Drag is a gender bending dress up showcase of

Who Wore It Better will see owners and their pooches dress alike

stylish pooches. Who Wore It Better is a pooch and owner look-a-like showdown.

Turning Tricks will see the dogs show off their best tricks. And Hottest Twerker will search for the dog with the waggliest tail.

genres, all centred around relationships.

“The works are about the relationships we have with the with people around us, whether

they are friends, family or even strangers,” she said.

“It’s more of an installation of artworks.

“There are three-dimensional sculptures – some coming out of the walls.

“There are works in timber and paper-mache as well as paintings.”

A student at Palm Studios performing arts college, Courtney is involved in every aspect of the arts.

“I would eventually like to open an art/gallery café and start a foundation offering creative grants in a variety of

fields including dance and drama,” she said.

“I want to inspire others to get involved.

“My parents have sacrificed a lot for me to pursue my art and I’d like to show others how they can make the arts their career.”

Courtney’s exhibition, Relationships, will be at The Entrance Regional Gallery on the corner of Battley Ave and Oakland Ave from October 7-20.

September 2nd

September 9th

September 16th

Registration closes at 5pm on September 20 unless full numbers are reached prior to that date.

Register at www.coastaltwist. org.au

Source: Coastal Twist

September 23rd

September 30th

Terry Collins

Director Daniel Widdowson

Terry Collins

Courtney Cottle with some of her artworks

The cranes have moved in and work is well and truly underway on the longawaited Archibald development on the old Union Hotel site in Gosford.

Made by Raimondi, the cranes were imported by developer ALAND from Italy, specifically for the Archibald project, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

Buyer interest in the $375M mixed-use development has been very strong with twothirds of the apartments sold since designs for the project were unveiled to the public earlier this year.

Business & Property

Cranes are up on Archibald site

ALAND acquired the 5,656sqm site fronting Mann, Donnison and Baker Streets in June 2022 and plans to build 323 residential apartments and penthouses, plus a 130room hotel and multiple food and beverage offerings, including a SkyBar and Lounge on Level 28.

ALAND CEO George Tadrosse said the strong sales performance aligned with the company’s long-standing confidence in the future of Gosford, a regional hub that was benefitting from substantial investment in its educational, transport, medical

and tourism infrastructure.

“This development is without peer in Gosford, offering an unmatched level of amenity and potential for capital growth that would be impossible to find at this price in Sydney,” he said.

“Residents will enjoy a fivestar hotel lifestyle, with resortstyle facilities and will be just minutes from the waterfront, national parks and the Central Coast’s iconic beaches.”

Tadrosse said the specialist imported cranes used hydraulics rather than cables to raise and lower the jib.

“They are very safe, as well as being a lot more energy efficient,” he said.

“They are also capable of reaching up to 140m, which is 30m above Archibald’s highest point, so they are exceptionally tall.

“Until August, our local sales team concentrated on the Central Coast owner-occupier market, including first home buyers – and the response was immediate.

“First home buyers … are taking advantage of the various government housing schemes, such as transfer duty relief, now available.

“But once we started running sales events with our Sydney agents, we discovered a large demand from Sydney investors in this high-growth area.”

“Many of our Sydney buyers are investors who have purchased from ALAND before, capitalised on their investment and have confidence in ALAND as a trusted builder-developer.”

Tadrosse said ALAND was proud to be playing a part in the transformation of Gosford, set to be boosted by such projects as the new University of Newcastle campus, a new TAFE NSW campus and the

expansion of Gosford Hospital. He said ALAND would contribute much-needed employment to the growing local economy.

“When completed, this development will provide much-needed housing with up-scale hotel accommodation plus a vibrant bar and dining precinct, making Archibald the most sought-after lifestyle destination on the Central Coast,” he said.

For more information visit www.archibaldbyaland.com.au

Source: ALAND

An artist’s impression of the Archibald development

Janna Martin of Terrigal has taken out two major gongs at the 2023 AusMumpreneur Awards, announced this month.

The founder of Mums2Mums Home Services has received the Women’s Champion and Personal Services Business of the Year awards.

The Women’s Champion award recognises individuals who are championing other women through leadership, employment or empowerment.

The Personal Service Business award recognises personal service-based businesses that have achieved outstanding results in all aspects of business, including creativity, innovation and resilience.

The AusMumpreneur Awards, presented by The Women’s

Two major awards for Terrigal mum

Business School, celebrate and recognise mothers in business achieving outstanding success in areas such as business excellence, product development, customer service and digital innovation.

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

Mums2Mums Home Services is a premium cleaning and housekeeping company committed to delivering exceptional cleaning services at affordable rates.

“Our unique approach sets us apart from the competition by adding that special ‘Mum touch’ to every cleaning job,” Martin said.

“Beyond the standard

cleaning tasks, we go the extra mile; organising toys, making beds, folding clothes, and giving homes that personalised touch that most cleaning services simply can’t match.

“But we’re more than just a cleaning company.

“We’re on a mission to change the perception of working as a cleaner.

“We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling to accommodate school hours or daycare days, and comprehensive training to ensure our team members excel at their work.

“Our flexible employment options mean that our team includes mothers looking for work that suits their family schedules, individuals pursuing education, and even couples who prefer working together.

“With 18 franchises across NSW, we’re proud to serve communities with our topnotch cleaning services and employment opportunities.”

Martin said she was thrilled to receive recognition at the awards because she believes the cleaning industry is often overlooked.

“There are some really amazing cleaning companies

Jane’s a local business hero

Jane Fonti of Woy Woy, owner of Ruby’s Home Store, has been recognised as a Local Business Hero in the Australian Post Local Business Heroes program.

“It was great to be recognised as a local business hero,” Fonti said.

“It’s a tough job to do, from social media to tireless emails, so to receive some recognition was a welcome boost.

“For any local business thinking of applying – do it!”

Ruby’s Home Store specialises in British products and Australian designer brands that fit Fonti’s values.

The Local Business Heroes program recognises 100 local businesses from around Australia providing financial and marketing support.

Each of the winners receives

a Heroes Package valued at more than $5,000 to help them reach new customers and give their business a boost.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the award highlighted the

importance of local businesses. Tesch popped in to Ruby’s Home Store to congratulate Fonti.

“It’s amazing to have a Federal program that recognises our local businesses and allows businesses like

Erina Fair partners with Mariners

Erina Fair has announced a new partnership with the Central Coast Mariners Football Club for the 2023/24 season.

The partnership will provide the A-league club with a space to connect with the local community and supporters and further strengthen a shared goal of building healthy communities.

Established in 2004, the Mariners are known for investing heavily in grassroots community activity on the Central Coast, both through the Mariners Academy and its affiliation with local sporting clubs.

The national club now has a Central Coast member base of

more than 5,500 supporters and will soon be expanding into the Liberty A-League Women’s competition for the 2023/24 season.

Erina Fair has already been a

place for the Mariners to gather, connect and celebrate.

The centre welcomed the team home to the Central Coast after its grand final win in the A-League season in June,

drawing a crowd of more than 3,000 people at The Hive community space.

As a result of the official new partnership between Erina Fair and the Central Coast Mariners,

in the industry that I think deserve to be recognised,” she said.

She is also passionate about supporting women in business and the best part of business for her is witnessing her franchisees accomplish their goals and milestones.

“It can be challenging to be a successful businesswoman whilst raising a family.

“Give it a go; business is much easier if you are doing something you enjoy doing.

“ Also make sure you have support.

“I believe the women supporting women in our business is really important and helps everyone achieve their goals.”

Source: AusMumpreneur

Jane’s to thrive,” she said. “Local businesses are the backbone of our community and it’s fantastic to see such a deserving winner here on the Peninsula!”

Reid also offered his congratulations.

“A nurse of 40 years, Jane has given so much to supporting her community, it is so delightful to see her recognised by Australia Post with this business support,” he said.

Fonti said she was hopeful the award would boost her business.

Applications for the Australia Post Local Business Heroes will open again early in 2024. For more details go to www. auspost.com.au/localbusiness heroes for more information.

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

members and supporters can look forward to new promotions, giveaways and community events over the coming months in the centre, including the cobranding of the Mariners Kids MyClub membership launching later this month.

Erina Fair Manager Stephen Ross said the centre was proud to be on board as a community partner with the Mariners this season.

“The team has a central place in the local sporting community and their work with junior sporting organisations and schools shows their commitment to leaving a positive legacy,” he said.

“Building on the success of the champion celebration earlier this year, this partnership

at Erina Fair will provide our Central Coast community with more opportunities to connect with a local favourite team.”

Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said the collaboration was grounded in a shared commitment to giving back to the community.

“With Erina Fair as an official partner, we have the opportunity to further extend our outreach within the Central Coast community,” he said.

“We are delighted to welcome them into the Mariners Family, and we look forward to the positive impact we can create together.”

Source: Erina Fair

Janna Martin with AusMumpreneur Director Katy Garner at the awards

Erina Fair hosted a reception for the Mariners following their A-League win in June

Jane Fonti with Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Jane Fonti with Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Don’t extend Eraring’s life, say climate groups

Six leading climate action groups have united in urging the NSW Government to rule out extending the life of Eraring coal-fired power station on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

Climate Solutions, Parents for Climate Action, BZE, Farmers for Climate Action, Surfer for Climate and Bushfire Survivors say the Government is facing a major test on its commitment to meaningful climate and energy policy as Cabinet considers an extension.

Director of Solutions for Climate Australia, Dr Barry Traill, said the Government will lose credibility if it extends the station’s life.

“The Minns Government should follow on from the work of the previous government in decarbonising NSW’s energy sector and investing in clean, reliable energy infrastructure for the future,” he said.

“Instead, there is a suggestion the Labor Government will take the state backwards by providing billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies to burn coal and with it, all credibility that they are serious about reducing emissions.

“The previous Liberal government stood up to

pressure from the owner, Origin Energy, to buy or prop up operations of Eraring Power Station.

“I agree with former Energy Minister Matt Kean and the Opposition’s Shadow Energy and Climate Minister James Griffin that any move to prop up Eraring would dud taxpayers, harm the environment and put our transition to reliable, affordable clean energy behind.”

Beyond Zero Emission’s Hunter Engagement Lead, Sam Mella, said the Government cannot justify keeping Eraring open at taxpayers’ expense.

“Instead of investment in fossil fuels, we urgently need investment in distribution upgrades, energy storage, system security and microgrids to deliver low-cost renewable energy, sovereign supply chains and good quality jobs,” he said.

CEO of Australian Parents for Climate Action Nic Seton said parents across the country were already battling rising energy costs thanks to high coal and gas prices.

“It makes no sense to spend taxpayer money to increase our dependence on coal when clean renewable energy is inherently deflationary,” he said.

“NSW families expect the

Government to act in their best interests, not the interests of climate-polluting coal companies.”

Strategy Director for Farmers for Climate Action Kitty Walker said farmers need a stable climate to grow food.

“Using taxpayer money to extend coal fired power makes our climate less stable,” she said.

“We call on the NSW

Government to reject any extension of Eraring, and instead focus on ramping up renewables and batteries for farms and households.”

President of Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action, Jo Dodds, said regional residents were increasingly anxious about the coming bushfire season, with experts warning about the danger of the approaching El Niño.

“The State Government should not even consider extending the life of a coal fired power station, costing the taxpayer billions while further endangering regional people,” Dodds said.

Surfers for Climate CEO Josh Kirkman said extending Eraring would be a retrograde step.

“Australians don’t want to be taking a backwards step when it comes to reducing emissions – extending Eraring is going in the wrong direction,” he said.

“We need political leaders who are willing to take on the challenges and grasp the opportunities that a low-carbon future provides.”

Source: Combined media release

Climate action groups don’t want to see the life of Eraring power station extended

Meet our best bankers and insurers

WITH Michelle BALTAZAR

Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine

BANK OF THE YEAR – SAVERS

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores across products and features, customer service and digital among Money subscribers aged 35 to 45 years.

WINNER: UBANK

BANK OF THE YEAR – YOUNG PEOPLE

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores across products and features, customer service and digital among Money subscribers aged 18 to 34 years.

WINNER: ING BANK

MONEY MINDER OF THE YEAR

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores from Money subscribers for everyday savings accounts and term deposit products and features, customer service and digital experience.

WINNER: ING BANK

HOME LENDER OF THE YEAR

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores from Money subscribers for mortgage products and features, customer service and digital experience.

Money's 2023 Consumer Finance Awards are designed to recognise the country's leading banks and insurers. We strengthened our selection criteria this year by incorporating the results of a readership survey on banking preferances conducted in May and June. ALEX DUNNIN, from our research partner Rainmaker Information, explains how the winners were chosen.

BANK OF THE YEAR

The winner had the highest overall composite ratings scores across products and features, customer service and digital experience. Only national fullservice banks were eligible to win this premier award.

WINNER: MACQUARIE BANK

CUSTOMER-OWNED INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR

Similar to Bank of the Year, but only full-service customer-owned banks were eligible to win this premier award.

WINNER: HERITAGE BANK

BUSINESS BANK OF THE YEAR

There’s more to being a leading business bank than just offering a good deal on business accounts and loans. This is why this year

Rainmaker enhanced the methodology for this award category

to identify the leading national full-service business banks that offered the most comprehensive services across business accounts, loans, credit cards, term deposits, currency management, cyber risk protection, fraud protection, point-of-sale and ecommerce, international transactions and merchant support.

WINNER: SUNCORP BANK

NON-BANK LENDER OF THE YEAR

The winner is the non-bank lending institution judged by Rainmaker research to score highest across seven core dimensions: product range, business strength, ability to raise lending capital, innovation, corporate transparency, loan quality and customer depth.

WINNER: LA TROBE FINANCIAL

BANK OF THE YEAR – RETIREES

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores across products and features, customer service and digital among Money subscribers aged 55 years or older.

WINNER: MACQUARIE BANK

BANK OF THE YEAR – PRODUCT

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall ratings scores for products and features.

WINNER: BANK AUSTRALIA

BANK OF THE YEAR –CUSTOMER SERVICE

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall ratings scores for customer service.

WINNER: HERITAGE BANK

BANK OF THE YEAR – DIGITAL

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall ratings scores for digital experience.

WINNER: MACQUARIE BANK

WINNER: BANKWEST

CREDIT CARD ISSUER OF THE YEAR

The banking provider that achieved the highest overall composite ratings scores from Money subscribers for credit card products and features, customer service and digital experience.

WINNER: COMMONWEALTH BANK

MARGIN LENDER OF THE YEAR

The winner was judged by Rainmaker research to score highest across core dimensions spanning product and investment choice breadth, depth, research services, type of investment available, access to international markets and interest rates payable on loan products.

WINNER: LEVERAGED EQUITIES

INSURER OF THE YEAR

This category took into consideration an insurer’s home and contents and car insurance premium rates and holistic factors such as corporate strength, breadth of what they deliver and customer

support, customer engagement and reliability in paying claims.

WINNER: BUDGET DIRECT

LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

The winner is the life insurance product with the best overall scores across financial strength, product features, premium rates, service and market strength. Extra points were awarded if the product had low cancellation rates and had sustainable product features.

WINNER: NEOS

DIRECT LIFE INSURANCE

COVER OF THE YEAR

The winner is the best life insurance company across the key product sets of life insurance, funeral, trauma, income protection and accident insurance, where these products are marketed directly to consumers (over the internet). Products were assessed across the dimensions of financial strength, product features, premium rates, service and market strength.

WINNER: TAL LIFE

HEALTH AND WELLNESS COVER OF THE YEAR

The winner is the health and wellness life insurance product with the best overall scores across financial strength, product features, premium rates, service and market strength.

WINNER: MLC LIFE

LONGEVITY COVER OF THE YEAR

The winner is the best life insurance product designed to assist retirees in meeting the challenges of longevity (life expectancy) by providing flexible and reliable income stream solutions.

WINNER: CHALLENGER

INVESTMENT BOND PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

The winner is the best investment bond provider based on its financial strength, product features and benefits, customer service, and support for financial advisers.

WINNER: GENERATION LIFE

North Construction & Building, based on the Central Coast with its head office at Tuggerah, has taken out the National Business Excellence Award for Large Commercial Building Company at the 2023 National Business Excellence Awards, hosted by Master Builders Australia.

With 36 years in operation, the company has grown to become a significant regional construction player.

Established by Michael North and Warwick Mosman in 1987, the company’s core values and focus on regional NSW have remained steadfast through changes of ownership and expansion.

Having first established an office in Gosford in their early days, North moved its head office into the Tuggerah-based

Major accolade for North Construction

Mariner’s Centre of Excellence in 2016.

Since then, regional growth has occurred with a presence now established in Dubbo, Orange, Mudgee, Tamworth and Brisbane but the company retains its Central Coast focus.

In the beginning, North focused on delivering small to medium commercial projects mostly in the industrial sector.

Projects like the Helipad at Gosford Hospital in 1994 and the new Post Office at Woy Woy in 1995 began a diversification into other sectors.

In the mid to late ‘90s, education projects became a growing part of the business focus with St Edwards College East Gosford an early example.

Today, education projects are a key strength of the business with North having been involved in more than 120 separate school, early learning and

university projects.

In the late ‘90s a project for Woy Woy Aged Care began North’s heavy involvement in the aged care and seniors living sectors.

The company has contributed to many significant community projects on the Central Coast, including Gosford City Arts Centre (now the Regional Gallery), Terrigal Surf Club and The Art House at Wyong.

North also made an international contribution to the construction of the Yegeli Early Childhood Development Centre in Papua New Guinea with New Hope International in 2011.

It was recently awarded the contract to deliver the new Gosford Regional Library, with other major Central Coast projects including Toukley ARY, Coast Christian School, Bluewave Living Woy Woy, Norah Head Community Hall

and Play Space and Mangrove Creek Visitor Centre.

Managing Director Matthew Cook said receiving this latest award was an “awesome and proud moment” for the business.

“I want to give a massive thanks to the entire North team for their collective and relentless pursuit of continual improvement,” he said.

“This result is a culmination of the long-held recognition and focus within the business that personal and professional growth in our staff is what grows our business.

“Beyond such focus of training and developing our workforce, this growth also enables us to maintain an amazingly strong, positive culture and one which fundamentally underpins building with trust.

“Thank you also to our trade

contractors, consultants, partners and clients who support us in the journey.”

The 2023 National Business Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in financial management, operations, customer service, business improvement and corporate social responsibility within the building and construction industry.

They validate and celebrate the businesses which are leading the way in best practice and have instilled this objective into their long-term business strategy.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the organisation was dedicated to promoting best practices within the industry.

“Our commitment to promoting industry excellence is underscored by our recently released 2050 Sustainability

Community battery on its way for Narara

The Central Coast is the next cab off the rank following the first of six community batteries to be installed in and around the Sydney region now upand-running at Cabarita.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Ausgrid CEO Marc England joined local MP Sally Sitou and residents as the 412kWh battery was switched on. Five other batteries are set to be switched on at Bondi, Cammeray, Narara, North Epping and Warriewood over the coming months, with the Central Coast planned to be

next in line.

Community batteries are flexible and scalable energy solutions which benefit both the local communities they are built within and the wider energy system.

Batteries like this support power quality and voltage, enabling residents to install more solar and feed the solar energy into the grid, and support home electrification and electric vehicle charging.

The batteries will also support more intermittent renewable energy generation by bridging the gap between when that energy is generated and when

it is needed.

This means excess solar generated by homes can be stored locally during the day, reducing the need to buy more

expensive power from the grid when the sun isn’t shining. Community batteries can also help apply downward pressure on energy prices by avoiding

costly network upgrades to meet peak demand.

Ausgrid CEO Marc England said the benefits of community batteries were immense.

“We estimate NSW consumers could save up to $20B if community batteries replaced half the expected home batteries, with the added benefits of continuing to put downward pressure on peak energy prices while maintaining grid stability” he said.

“In addition, community batteries take advantage of our existing network infrastructure, speeding up installation time and reducing the need for

Goals, which outlines our determination to foster a more robust, viable, and sustainable industry,” Wawn said.

“By addressing critical issues affecting business performance, minimising risks and maximising opportunities through an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, we aim to shape a sustainable future for businesses, workers, and communities.”

This year’s competition featured 25 finalists across eight different categories.

“These awards do not merely acknowledge success; they also recognise the ability of businesses to thrive in challenging conditions, showcasing their adaptability, innovation and resourcefulness,” Wawn said.

Terry Collins

expensive network augmentation.

“By 2030, with the right regulatory arrangements, we could deliver more than one to two GW of storage, leading to increased electricity system security and reliability for our customers.

“We are excited and ready to make electricity accessible to everyone as we drive a netzero future.”

For more information on community batteries, visit www.ausgrid.com.au/shared battery

Source: Ausgrid

Since 1983

Hospital & Home Visits

Linda Emery Lawyer

With the Cabarita battery up and running, the Central Coast will be next

The company was recently awarded the contract to deliver the Gosford Regional Library

Norah Head Community Hall and Play Space – another major project

Hunter and Central Coast GP clinics could benefit with the NSW Government announcing it will pause payroll tax audits for 12 months.

There will also be a 12 month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax debts incurred before and at the commencement of the 12-month period.

The move will ensure practices can continue to serve their community and will allow for ongoing consultation with

Audit freeze will help local GPs

GPs, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Australian Medical Association to find a long-term solution.

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley and Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris welcomed the plan which was announced by Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos.

They said local practices are already face rising costs due to the former Federal Liberal Government’s decision to

freeze rebates, with the NSW Government acknowledging further cost pressures could put

pressure on GPs and alreadystretched hospital emergency departments.

“Many of our GP practices are small, family-run businesses and our area already has one of the lowest bulk-billing rates in the state,” Catley said.

“This is an important announcement for local clinics and patients.

“Everyone knows there’s a crisis in retaining GPs in regional areas.

“This will help doctors in our region.”

MInister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley

Harris said the move was a win for the Coast.

Start a conversation about organ donation

Following on from Jersey Day on September, when Coasties were urged to don their favourite sporting jersey and start a conversation with friends and family about the importance of organ and tissue donation, residents are being encouraged to continue having important conversations around the topic.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Jersey Day was an opportunity to get talking about the life-saving nature of organ and tissue donation.

“On Jersey Day, all kinds of colourful jerseys dotted schoolyards, classrooms and workplaces right across the coast in honour of Jersey Day,” she said.

“Hopefully, as people get behind Jersey Day, there will be

hundreds of valuable conversations continuing to take place about how we can all, as individuals, start saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

“Many people don’t realise it takes just one minute to register online at donatelife.gov.au to become an organ and tissue donor.

“Anyone aged over 16 can register.

“On the Medicare app it takes just three taps.

“It’s as easy as discovering the facts about organ donation, deciding about becoming a donor, registering your decision online and – most importantly – discussing your decision with those closest to you so they are fully aware of your wishes.”

Tesch encouraged residents

“We can’t afford to lose our essential services and we can’t afford extra pressure on our hospital system,” he said.

“I know our community relies on affordable and accessible healthcare, that’s why rebuilding and restoring our essential services is a priority for this government.”

The pause to payroll tax audits will be implemented through an amendment to the Revenue, Fines and Other Legislation Bill.

Source: NSW Government

who have previously registered to become organ and tissue donors to go online and review their details.

“I’m sure there are many of us out there in the community who think they’ve registered…it only takes a minute to check,” she said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said families can find it hard to decide if they don’t know what their loved one wanted.

“If you want to become an organ or tissue donor, you need to tell your family,” he said. Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at the age 13.

Source: Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

New GPs for Terrigal Medical Centre

Two new General Practitioners and two new GP Registrars have started at Terrigal and Avoca Medical Centres.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch met the new doctors during a recent visit to the newly renovated Terrigal Medical centre.

“I was pleased to meet Dr Greene and Dr Rawlins who have recently joined the medical centre permanently, as well as the new GP Registrars in

training, Dr Kural and Dr Thomas,” Crouch said.

“These new doctors will provide the highest possible standard of healthcare for our community, and they will certainly be a great asset to the Terrigal and Avoca Medical Centres.”

Crouch also had the opportunity to view the newly renovated waiting area, which has been transformed into an over 75-year-old health assessment space as well as a space for telehealth consultations.

“Since COVID-19, the normal

way of doing consultations has evolved beyond what we could have ever imagined, and this great new space will build upon the change and progress that has been made since COVID,” he said.

Both Terrigal and Avoca Medical Centres are currently accepting new patients.

To enquire call on 4385 3150 or visit www.terrigalmedical centre.com.au

The Warnervale GP Clinic. Archive 2012

People all over the Coast donned jerseys on September 1 to encourage organ and tissue donation

Source: Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch with the staff at Terrigal Medical Centre

Anytime Fitness West Gosford, Wyoming and Lisarow are asking all club members and the local community to come together in support of R U OK?

People are being asked to sign-up to the Tread As One event at the gyms which are taking place from September 30 to October 7.

More than 200 Anytime Fitness clubs across Australia will be involved in the event, with the aim of raising more than $300,000 for public health

Tread as One to help save lives

promotion charity R U OK?

Ange Goldsworthy of Anytime Fitness West Gosford said members of the community were being encouraged to run (or walk) as many kilometres as possible to go towards the fundraising goal, with 65,000 Australians attempting to take their own life each year.

“Anytime Fitness is fundraising for R U OK? because we know that meaningful conversations and checking in with those around us can change a life,” Goldsworthy said.

“Tread As One is a way for the

community to come together and make a positive impact to raise awareness in a fun and supportive environment.

“Together let’s Tread As One for R U OK?, because a conversation could change a life.”

Anytime Fitness West Gosford, Wyoming and Lisarow hope to raise at least $20,000 to contribute to the overall target.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 18 and 44, with more Australians losing their lives to suicide each year than to road

accidents or skin cancer.

Research from R U OK? has found that more than four in five people who engaged in a meaningful conversation felt better about managing their situation after having talked it through and felt supported, heard, and safe during the conversation.

Tread As One is open to everyone, even if they are not Anytime Fitness members.

Registrations can be made at www.TreadAsOne.com.au

Shining a light on men’s health

A men’s health barbecue will be hosted on September 21 by Davistown RSL, in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and healthcare company Bayer Australia.

In Australia, 17,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, making the disease our nation’s second most diagnosed cancer for men. Aiming to raise greater awareness for prostate cancer,

the barbecue will be a relaxed opportunity for Central Coast men to enjoy light refreshments, socialise and hear from health professionals.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid encouraged local men to attend.

“As a local emergency doctor, I have noted that men often do not like to discuss their healthcare and because of this either do not receive the healthcare advice they may need or have a delay with

diagnosis,” he said.

“This barbecue will be an opportunity for men to come together in a supportive space to listen to health professionals about prostate cancer and other diseases that affect men.

“The event will allow men to meet with other men going through similar health challenges and to support each other.

“I look forward to attending.”

The Central Coast Big Aussie Barbie will take place on

Blender Bender to raise funds for R U OK?

Bateau Bay Square and Boost Juice have combined forces to host Blender Bender, a dynamic event raising funds and awareness for better mental health support.

Kickstarting on R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 14, and ending on Saturday, September 16, the initiative blends fitness, fun and charity support into one.

The event will see 144 participants registering with a $5 donation in return for a smoothie on the day. They will pledge to raise a minimum of $50 by reaching out to family, friends and

colleagues to cheer them on at the event.

On each of the three days, participants will jump on one of the exercise bikes provided between 10am and 2pm and blend as many smoothies as they can within 10 minutes.

Smoothies will be sold to spectators for a $2 donation with all funds split between R U OK? and ReachOut.

“With mental health challenges on the rise, impacting Australians nationwide, Bateau Bay Square is on a mission through the Blender Bender initiative to help those in need,” Bateau Bay Square Marketing Executive Elia Said said.

“Teaming up with tenant customer Boost Juice as well as R U OK? and ReachOut, Bateau Bay Square strives to nurture a stronger sense of

belonging in our communities.

“We’re here to assist in raising awareness of mental health challenges, igniting positive conversations and

FREE SEMINAR WILLS & ESTATES

creating a meaningful difference in the greater Bateau Bay area.

“You don’t need to be an athlete – everyone can get involved.

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation which encourages people to have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. By asking the question, “Are you OK?” and genuinely listening, individuals can provide support and potentially connect someone in need to appropriate resources or professional help.

ReachOut is the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young

PLANNING TRAPS

Thursday, September 21, at Davistown RSL from noon to 2pm.

Registration is required for entry and for catering purposes at https://drgordonreidmp. com.au/our-coast-community/ the-central-coast-big-aussiebarbie/, by calling Reid’s office on 4322 2400 or emailing Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au

Source:

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

people during tough times. Anonymous, free and 100 per cent online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. Register to take part in the Bleder Bender at https://www. eventbrite.com. au/ e/711623333547?aff=oddtdtc reator

People can participate without registering if there are vacant bikes on the day. Donations can be made at https://charterhall.grassrootz. com/r-u-ok-day-blenderbender-bateau-bay-square

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

As part of the 2023 Brazel

• Making a Will • Challenging a Will or defending a Will from challenge

• Making a Power of Attorney and

• Making an Appointment of Guardian

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 Estate Planning steps you need to take to properly plan for your own Will, Power of Attorney or Appointment of Guardian.

WHEN: 19 September 2023 TIME: 6.45pm to 8.00pm WHERE: Gosford RSL Club Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

The Big Aussie Barbie will shine a light on men’s health issues, including prostate cancer

Source:

Anytime Fitness West Gosford Member for Robertson Gordon Reid joined in last year’s event

The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them… alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian and how you should best deal with them. Geoff Brazel, Solicitor, will present the seminar on Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian to help you through the maze of legal regulation.

Moore Seminar

Source: Bateau Bay Square

The event will be held at Bateau Bay Square

Local surf clubs back mental health services

Two surf life saving clubs on the Central Coast have raised almost $15,000 for mental health services.

Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club raised $6,000 at its Gotcha4Life’s 24-Hour Row on Sunday, September 10.

The national event is organised by the Gotcha4Life Foundation, which is aimed at helping build mental fitness in communities across the country and saw teams rowing non-stop for 24 hours all over the country.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch got rowing with Team Macs to raise awareness and funds for mental fitness.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to participate alongside Team Macs in the 24-Hour Row, with fundraising going towards mental fitness

workshops in our schools, sports clubs and local organisations,” Crouch said.

“Team Macs rowed continuously throughout the

night to raise an astonishing $6,000 for mental fitness, smashing its $1,000 goal.”

Crouch said the recordbreaking rowing and

fundraising effort would not be possible without the strong support of the local community and volunteers of Macmasters Beach SLSC.

Tree of Hope nominated for national award

Green Point Christian College’s 2023 Wakakirri performance The Tree of Hope has been nominated to receive a national award following a performance at an Awards Showcase on September 7.

Following on from the State Award received at the 2023 Wakakirri Festival, students were invited to present their story-dance at the event hosted at the National Institute of

PRESENTATION DAY - Wednesday 20th September

Dramatic Art (NIDA).

Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools which provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance.

Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and

performance of captivating story-dances.

Established in 1992, the Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools.

Students at Green Point Christian College in Years 4 to 6 presented a story of sacrifice and hope through dance, with their moving performance at the Wakakirri Festival being awarded The Spirit of Wakakirri Award, which was the highest

OPEN GARDENS

“I want to express my profound thanks to the Team Macs rowers for participating in this year’s 24-Hour Row, as well as to all the many supporters who cheered on our rowers and donated to this worthy cause,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ocean Beach SLSC raised $8,965 at its 24Hour Row.

Club President Scott Hannell said the day was “fantastic”.

“Everyone is a little tired and a bit the worse for wear but we’ve got across the line,” he said.

Why

For more details, email fabill@bigpond.com

prizes available!!

Doors open at 1:30pm to view the Horticultural Competition entries. The Presentation will commence at 2pm with an afternoon tea at the conclusion.

honour on the night.

“These awards are a great credit to the many students involved, but especially to our staff for their dedication and hard work to prepare the students to perform at such a high level and with such enjoyment,” Green Point Christian College Principal Phillip Nash said.

Source: NSW Education Department

SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER

The following Gardens will be open for public viewing

Students perform Tree of Hope

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch joined Team Macs for the event MarieClare Pigott and Scott Hannell at Ocean Beach SLSC

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Growing Lettuce

No one likes paying double digits for a head of lettuce at any time and most of us can’t afford to but there are a couple of solutions.

First check out local suppliers and small farms as many already produce lettuce and some will, I’m sure, be adding this crop to their list shortly. You will not only be able to obtain cheaper lettuce but contribute to the local economy.

A few places to check include our local REKO Ring which is made up of small-scale producers specialising in organic produce.

Items change constantly but it’s a good place to track down lettuce and other local yummy produce: openfoodnetwork. org.au/reko-central-coast/ shop

There are also many markets and farmers markets on the Coast and nearby so check them out.

Gosford City Farmers market

is on every Sunday at the Showground in Gosford 7am to midday: gosfordcityfarmersmarket. com.au and Mangrove

Mountain Country Markets at Peats Ridge 9am - 2pm Sundays is also another to visit.

GROW YOUR OWN

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is amazingly easy to grow and as the Central Coast is a temperate climate, this generally means that you can grow most lettuce year-round.

In fact, if there is no danger of frost, the cooler weather is usually better for lettuce crops.

Personally, I’ve found Cos Lettuce does really well here, but you may wish to also consider ‘Great Lakes’, ‘Green Cos’, ‘Butternut’, ‘Diamond Gem’ or ‘Green Salad Bowl’.

All of which grow exceptionally well in this environment.

You can plant seedlings but as with all plants, you will find a far greater selection available

in seeds so check with local nurseries and online suppliers.

Plant seeds 6mm in depth and 20 to 30cm apart.

One important note for Coast gardeners: If the soil temperature is greater than 25C you will find difficulty in getting your lettuce seed to germinate so seedlings may be a better solution in the warmer parts of the year.

Lettuce needs a moist and rich soil.

It detests drying out and can bolt (come into flower) or die rather quickly if water levels fall sharply so good drainage is a must.

Ensure damp soil, not waterlogged for your lettuce and water the ground, not the leaves in the early morning and never at night or during the day. This will help deter pests and disease.

A nitrogen-rich feed every fortnight will improve the leaf growth and general strength

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

and health of the lettuce.

Alternate weeks use a seaweed-based solution for good health as well.

If you have loose-leaf varieties, harvest individual outer leaves carefully during growth and whole plants on maturity.

LETTUCE IN POTS

Because of their fast-growing nature, loose-leaf lettuce does well in container gardens. These types of lettuce will be happy in planter boxes, pots, balcony beds or even grow bags and that’s as long as the soil is kept damp and drainage is good.

You will still need full sun for best growth and feed fortnightly with a liquid-based solution to avoid leaf burn from fertiliser build up.

A seaweed-based solution at ½ strength is also recommended on alternate weeks.

Harvest outer leaves as required and let some plants

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

Ceramic Surface Decoration Workshop Burbank House and Garden Erina

Saturday 23rd September 3pm- 5pm

Be inspired by the verdant location surrounded by blooms and interesting foliage to customise your very own ceramic pieces. Using food-safe underglazes you will hand paint your design resulting in a completely unique piece of functional homeware.

Enjoy a complementary Mimosa and shared grazing board during a glaze application and design demonstration. Templates will be provided, so don’t panic if you don’t consider yourself creative.

Bring your mum, partner, best friend or treat yourself.

Bookings: www.sheramics.com/product-page/burbank-at-saddles-mother-s-day-workshop

Your Permaculture Garden – over 6 weeks beginning 13th September

Grow your own nutrient dense food successfully! In this course you will learn how to create your own edible garden and live more sustainably, using permaculture practices.

The course will be held on the teacher’s own productive property and will provide an opportunity for practical experience and to learn about the different permaculture strategies to create an abundant garden. This course is designed for everyone, no matter what the size of your own space, from a balcony to acreage, for renters, community gardeners and homeowners alike.

The course is scheduled over 6 sessions of 3 hours each, delivered over consecutive weeks, with a break in the middle for school holidays.

Info and tickets: synergypermaculture.com.au

GARDENING PLANNER

While the temperatures are rising, be careful in frost-prone areas as it’s still a little early for some plantings. 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

fully mature if desired.

Soil will usually need to be replaced between crops as lettuce as heavy feeders.

Lettuce varieties with firm hearts, like iceberg, can also be grown in these sorts of containers but just be aware that firm hearted lettuce are more prone to fungal diseases in containers.

A few container-friendly lettuce for you to consider: ‘Green Mignonette’ is a sweet tasting favourite that does extremely well in containers.

‘Cos Verdi’ has a compact growing habit and loose leaves with a lovely crisp heart and is also cold-tolerate.

‘Baby Cos’ is a loose-leaf lettuce that is also cold-tolerant and does extremely well in containers.

LETTUCE CARE

Probably the most challenging problem you may face once you have your lettuce growing is pests.

Those tender green leaves are so tempting to snails, slugs and any hungry garden visitors, especially in winter. The best solution for chemical free, environmentally safe lettuce is to net your garden bed.

Aphids can present a problem so regular checking and treatment may be needed. Handpick them off and squash and spray lettuce with lightly soapy water to deter them.

For snails and slugs, there are organic pellets available but two of the best ways best ways to get rid of them is to pick them off by hand.

Although beer and yeast traps are somewhat popular, to avoid trapping native snails, don’t use these traps, instead invest in planting sacrifice crops of lettuce around the edge of your main crop with a barrier or just pick off unwanted snails and slugs by hand.

Spend

Razorbacks go straight to grand final

RUGBY

After going through the Premier 1 rugby season undefeated, Avoca Beach narrowly lost the major semi-final to the Razorbacks on September 9 and will now meet Terrigal in the preliminary final on September 16 to play for the right to face-off against the Razorbacks in the grand final.

The Razorbacks snuck home by 24-21 in the semi, which was a thriller from start to finish.

Played at twilight at Woy Woy Oval, the match went into extra time after scores were locked at 21-all at the end of normal full-time.

The Razorbacks opened the scoring with two early penalty goals but it was not long before Avoca Beach responded with an opening try.

At the 31st minute the Razorbacks crossed for their first try to increase their lead to 11-5 but a late penalty goal from Avoca Beach saw the Razorbacks going into the halftime break with an 11-8 lead.

Avoca Beach had the better of the opening stages of the second half, kicking another

penalty goal and then crossing for their second try to take the lead 18-11.

The Razorbacks replied with their own converted try to lock up the scores at 18-all with time running out.

At the 35th minute the Razorbacks jumped ahead on the scoreboard with a penalty goal to lead by 21-18, with Avoca Beach responding with their own penalty goal late in the half to square up the score

at 21-all at the full-time bell.

As the match went into extra time, two halves of 10 minutes each were a real arm wrestle with no points scored until the very last seconds when Razorbacks fullback Ryan Fenning kicked a long-range penalty goal to clinch the match.

Best players for the Razorbacks were prop Mackenzie Zammit, No.8 Lachlan Peruch, flanker Matt

Martin and fullback Ryan Fenning.

Avoca Beach was best served by centre Alex Halls, halfback Mitch Magrath and lock Matt Anderson.

The Razorbacks go straight to the grand final at Industree Group Stadium on September 23 to play the winner of the Avoca Beach-Terrigal preliminary final on September 16.

In the Premier 1 elimination minor semi-final, Terrigal defeated Warnervale by 12-3, securing their spot in the grand final after going to the half-time break with a 7-3 lead.

Terrigal increased the lead early in the second half, crossing for the second try in the seventh minute.

This took them to a 12-3 lead and that remained the score until the end.

Best players for Terrigal were No.8 Salipopo Pamata, lock Macklan Collins and fullback Jayden Woolley.

Warnervale’s best efforts were put in by No.8 Tevita Piukala, fullback Isaiah Niumata and hooker Hosea Fotukava.

In the Premier 2 major semifinal, Terrigal recorded a pleasing 29-10 win over Avoca Beach after being in control for long periods of the match.

The first half was very evenly matched, with Terrigal going to the half-time break leading by 12-10.

But Terrigal really took control in the second half, chalking up another 17 points.

Terrigal goes straight to the grand final while Avoca Beach faces the Razorbacks on September 16 in the preliminary

final so see if they get another chance to take on Terrigal.

The Razorbacks won the President’s Cup major semifinal, narrowly defeating Terrigal by 11-9.

The Razorbacks continue on to the grand final while Terrigal takes on Gosford/Kariong on September 16 in the preliminary final to see who goes to the big one.

The Women’s 10s major semi-final saw Avoca Beach prove too strong for Terrigal with a 17-12 win.

Avoca Beach continues to the grand final on September 23, while Terrigal plays The Lakes in the preliminary final on September 16.

The preliminary final on September 16 at Woy Woy Oval will see: Terrigal take on Gosford/Kariong in the Presidents’ Cup at 11am; Avoca Beach play the Razorbacks in Premier 2 at 12.30pm; Terrigal take on the Lakes in the Women’s 10s at 2.10pm; and Avoca Beach and Terrigal battle it out in Premier 1 at 3.15pm.

Source: Central Coast Rugby

$500,000 to upgrade Roos home ground at Kanwal

As part of its five-year strategic plan for rugby league, the Wyong Leagues Group twill focus its attention this coming year on major upgrades to the Roos home ground at Kanwal.

The improvements will be great news for league players as the projects marked for completion are focused on ensuring that playing conditions are optimised, providing more playing time throughout the 2024 season and beyond.

More than half a million dollars will be spent on a range of projects targeting pitch drainage and lighting.

Drainage improvements on the premier playing field, Morry Breen Oval, will be completed ahead of kick-off in 2024 and will guarantee fewer pitch closures from extreme weather. This will be great news considering the disruptions to the season due to the heavy rains experienced over the past two seasons.

In addition to the new drainage, a significant upgrade to the lighting at the oval will allow night games to be played

and viewed at the very highest standard.

The club’s Juniors have also been considered in this investment program as new lights are also being installed on the junior ovals, Bill Hicks Field.

This will help provide younger players with much safer training conditions and provide far more options from a scheduling perspective.

Wyong Leagues Group Executive Manger Property, Safety and Sport, Corey Garratley, said these big improvements would ensure that the Central Coast would now have a truly first class

dedicated rugby league complex which addressed a real need within the community. Group CEO Ben Coghlan said this investment was just the beginning.

“It’s the start of our five-year strategic plan to improve and develop the future of rugby league here on the Coast,” he said.

“It builds upon several major improvements that we have made over the past couple of years with a new canteen and improved bar facilities being added.”

Lachlan Peruch from Ourimbah being tackled by Alex Halls from Avoca Beach in the Premier 1 major semi-final

Photo: Ian Cameron

Source: Wyong Leagues Group

There will be ground improvements at Morry Breen Oval before the 2024 season kick-off

Three new signings for A-League squad

FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners are beefing up their squad ahead of the coming A-League Women’s season, with three recent additions.

Shadeene Evans, Ash Irwin and Sophie Nenadovic have all been signed.

Forward Evans, 22, joins the club from current A-League Women’s champions Sydney FC, having spent the past 12 months with the side.

Prior to this, she spent time at Adelaide United, as well as another stint with the Sky Blues.

Born in Borroloola in the Northern Territory, Evans joined the Football NSW Institute and Westfield Sports High as a 14-year-old on the recommendation of former Mariners Head Coach Alen Stajcic.

She got her first taste of A-League Women’s football after signing with Sydney FC on

a scholarship in 2018, before making her league debut against Western Sydney in January 2019.

She scored her first goal later that year against Melbourne Victory.

Evans spent a season in South Australia where she appeared for Adelaide United on seven occasions, before returning for another season with the Sky Blues.

Having played under Mariners Assistant Coach Jake Stephenson at Northern Tigers

for a number of seasons, Evans has been a regular performer in the NSW NPL Women’s First Grade competition. She has featured for both the Under-17s and Under-20s Australian Youth squads.

Nenadovic was born in Newcastle and spent seven seasons with the Jets in the A-League before joining the Mariners Academy.

Debuting as a 15-year-old in 2013 for Newcastle, she also featured for the Young Matildas, playing in the AFF

Championships in Myanmar.

Nenadovic has previously spent time in the NPL with Manly United, winning two premierships

The 25-year-old has been a member of the Mariners Academy for a few seasons, helping the side to second place in the NSW League One Women’s competition this year. She scored 13 goals during the 2023 season, including numerous long-range strikes.

Irwin, 23, receives her first

Coast surfers shine

SURFING

Two young Central Coast surfers have excelled in the first event of the NSW based Woolworths Surfer Groms Comp Series, held on September 2-3 at Kiama.

Andy Blanchfield of Norah Head was an overall standout throughout the two days of competition, coming away with the highest two wave heat total of day one (13.40) and winning the U12 Boys final with a combination heat total of 10.10.

In the U14 Girls final, Talia Tebb of Avoca Beach locked in the highest female score of the event with 8.25 to narrowly take out the win over Lani Cairncross of Kiama.

Other Central Coast placegetters were: Ruby Blanchfield of Norah Head

(fourth in the U10 Girls); Clive Morriss of Avoca Beach (fourth in the U10 Boys); and Coco Hamano of Terrigal (fourth in the U12 Girls).

Regarded as one of the major stepping stones in the development of young Australian surfers, the 10-event Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps series caters for surfers from Under 8 to Under 14 and will be held in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia over Summer.

The respective winners of the U14 Boys and Girls divisions from each event will receive an invite to attend an all-expensespaid, three-day Woolworths Surfer Groms Comps National Final Surf Camp.

CCN

A-League Women’s contract having been a staple in the NSW NPL Women’s First Grade competition for a number of years.

The defender spent much time playing in the Football NSW Institute, before linking up with Sydney University SFC.

There Irwin developed under the eye of Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband, spending a total of five seasons with the club.

She has since spent the past year with Sydney Olympic, before earning her first shot at the Liberty A-League Women’s competition.

Husband said all three players would be valuable additions to the squad.

“Shay has already had a few seasons’ experience in the A-League competition, so I am super excited to have her with the Mariners this campaign,” she said of Evans.

“She brings great energy and demands that her teammates

in Groms comp

are always putting everything they have into anything.

“She is still very young and has good ability off both feet.”

Husband said signing Irwin and Nenadovic was also pleasing.

“Ash is a brilliant competitor who defensively will win a lot of one-on-ones,” she said.

“She is very coachable and to be able to give her the opportunity to play in the A-League is exciting.

“After watching Sophie with the Mariners Academy this season, how she commands the park and her technical ability, she really stood out.

“It was a no-brainer to bring her up into the A-League squad.

“Sophie has been in the A-League before and has worked hard to get back again, and I know she will continue to put in the effort this season.”

Source: Central Coast Mariners

PROPOSAL

TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION IN WONDABYNE

Optus plans to install new telecommunications equipment onto an existing facility at the address below:

Railway corridor, off 105 Corowa Road, Wondabyne NSW 2256 (RFNSA No. 2256030)

The proposal in the railway corridor, off 105 Corowa Road, Wondabyne, consists of the installation of:

- One (1) new panel antenna (not more than 2.8m long) mounted on the existing 15m Telstra pedestal mount;

- One (1) new two (2) bay outdoor cabinet mounted at ground level adjacentto the pedestal mount; and - Ancillary equipment including but not limited to; one (1) new Radio Remote Units; steel antenna mounts, cabling; electrical works and other associated equipment. Optus regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

In accordance with Section 7 of the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2018, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to John Roelandts on 0406 680 068, or via the Service Stream Wireless Consultation inbox at optus.enquiries@wirelessconsultation.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 5, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW by Wednesday 27 September 2023. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from: www.rfnsa.com. au/2256030.

Forward Shadeene Evans Sophie Nenadovic Ash Irwin

Andy Blanchfield was a standout

Talia Tebb took out the U14 Girls

1.

2.

3. L.

Mariners coach

Monty is off to Scotland

FOOTBALL

Central Coast Mariners

A-League Men’s Head

Coach Nick Montgomery is off to Scotland!

He’s leaving Central Coast Mariners to take charge at Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premiership.

Alongside him, Assistant

Coach Sergio Raimundo and Goalkeeper Coach Miguel Miranda are also bidding adieu to the club.

Montgomery, who initially joined as a player back in 2012, was instrumental in clinching the Mariners’ first A-League Championship.

He played for four more seasons, making 129

appearances, and captained the team for two years.

In his second season as coach, he built a formidable squad aiming for the Championship this year.

Under Montgomery’s leadership, the Mariners had a stellar regular season, scoring a club-record number of goals. They finished second and

secured an AFC Cup spot. The finals games saw them net an impressive 10 goals while conceding only twice and culminated in them being crowned A-League Men’s Champions after a remarkable 6-1 grand final victory over Melbourne City.

With two Championships under his belt, one as a player

and one as a coach, Montgomery is now headed to Hibernian FC.

Central Coast Mariners Chairman Richard Peil thanked both Montgomery and Raimundo, recognising their dedication and hard work.

The club is now on the hunt for a new Head Coach, with interest pouring in from around the world.

In the interim, Mariners Men’s Academy NPL First Grade coach Abbas Saad steps in to lead the team until a permanent replacement for Montgomery is found.

It’s an exciting time for Central Coast Mariners as they continue their upward trajectory.

David Abrahams

David Smith takes out motorcycling Senior Cup

Central Coast Junior Motor Cycle Club member David Smith became the most successful rider in the history of the Central Coast Cup long track meeting when he won the Senior Cup for a record-breaking fourth time on Sunday, September 10, at Somersby.

The Allen Park track was the scene of two days of quality close-fought action with tense finales in all classes to resolve the outcomes.

The Central Coast Cup events for juniors and seniors came at the end of the Sunday program, but there was plenty of excitement in the races decided before then.

The MX Open final was won by defending Senior Cup winner Luke Bush, ahead of fellow

young guns Blake Wilby and Cody Lewis, and that result firedup David Smith after he copped a few severe checks in running.

Next up, Smith won the Pro 450 final, with Wilby and Lewis again in the minor placings.

The eight-lap Senior Cup final was dominated by Smith who scored an emphatic victory while most eyes were fixed on the battle for the minor placings.

These were only resolved at the last corner when Brayden Gay pulled off a stunning pass to grab second place ahead of Bush, Lewis, Jayden Rodgers and Angus Hutchinson.

The Pro 250 class had earlier produced a win for Angus Hutchinson.

The Over-35s again turned on their share of thrills with Anthony Farrell out-pointing Josh

McCosker after close battles in all five rounds.

Sharnelle Sipple was the only entrant for the Pro Women’s class and she actually raced among the Over-35s and clearly enjoyed some of her battles.

There was always going to be a new name inscribed on the honour roll for the Junior Cup and it was always going to be one of a number of very promising young talents.

Gold Coast rider Bodie Paige

got to the lead early in the eightlap Junior Cup race and although Lachlan Russell stayed close to him for several laps Paige was ultimately a clear winner.

Jayden Holder, Max Earl, James Wood and Hugh Hope-Hodgetts followed Paige and Russell home.

Bodie Paige had earlier won the 4-stroke class for the 13-U16s while Jayden Holder won the 2-stroke class.

The most dominant rider on the weekend was recently crowned Australian champion Cohen McCosker (7-U9s) who won all three classes he entered, winning in all five rounds in each of those classes despite a few close battles.

Even with a small field the junior girls’ races provided lots of action and it took an overtaking

move by Holly Hope-Hodgetts late in the last round to get the better of Amelia Kotze and recent Australian champion Romee Flewell-Smith.

Other junior class winners were Jake Paige, Hayden Duggan, Jed Fyffe and Zac Brady.

The program wrapped up with a series of Shoot-Out one-lap dashes for both seniors and juniors which were well received as a variety from longer races.

The winners were David Smith and Bodie Paige in what was an omen for bigger successes for both on Sunday.

The local St Johns First Aid benefited from the gate takings and most pleasingly had only a few racing incidents to attend to.

Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo with the A-League trophy | Photo: CCM Media

Source: Central Coast Junior Motor Cycle Club

David Smith in action | Photo: David Lamont