Coast Community News #411

Great Dolmio Cook-off to help feed Coast’s needy

See page 9

Ferry service to resume on October 16

The ferry service from Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe will resume on Monday, October 16, but Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and disgruntled commuters are asking why it did not resume in time for the October long weekend as promised by the State Government.

The dredging of Ettalong Channel has been in the spotlight since June, when Fantasea Palm Beach Ferries announced ferries would be diverted to Patonga with a dropping tide and a newly-formed sandbar in the channel making passage to Ettalong and Wagstaffe unsafe.

Many passengers were left stranded, with no way to connect with the ferry at Patonga until the State Government

finally provided shuttle services first from Ettalong and then Wagstaffe while it desperately tried to organise an emergency channel dredge.

The Faucon dredge was brought in late in August and replaced just a

week later by the heavier-duty dredge the Port Frederick, which set about removing 30,000 cubic metres of sand to create a 30m-wide channel, both inside and on the ocean side of Half Tide Rocks.

On September 18, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch announced the dredging had finished ahead of schedule, with ferry services expected to resume on Monday, September 25, following hydrographic studies, well in time for the October long weekend.

But last week the service remained suspended, with no further clarification from the State Government, and Crouch called for answers.

“With dredging now complete, the government was quick to pat themselves on the back saying job well done and ferry services would be back to normal by October 4,” Crouch said.

Continued page 8

Sport

The Port Frederick finished dredging on September 18

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EDITORIAL Embracing the essence of democracy

We have been asked to go to polling booths this week to have our say on the referendum question and next year we will be asked to elect a number of councillors to overview the work of the council machine.

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Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.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 - Combined Coast News ISSN 1839-9045 – Print Post Approved – PP100001843

Voting and democratic duties can at times seem to be of little use; as the saying goes, we always get politicians anyway and bureaucracies seem at times to do whatever they want.

Nothing could be further from the truth; we only have to look at the events that have played out in Israel this week to see how brutality and war raise their ugly heads when civility and discussion break down.

In an era where public trust in political institutions sometimes wavers, local participatory democracy stands as a shining beacon of hope.

At the grassroots level, local government plays a pivotal role in ensuring that citizens have a direct say in their communities by contributing ideas and keeping a check on the powers that be.

Next Wednesday evening Central Coast Council is running

a forum for locals interested in becoming councillors.

Citizens with time, capacity and a level head should consider putting their hand up to serve.

The region desperately needs people of goodwill to help guide it into the future.

Becoming a councillor is an honourable path for individuals seeking to foster change and reinvigorate participatory democracy.

Local councils are the lifeblood of our communities and councillors are the conduits through which the collective voice of the people finds its resonance.

Becoming a councillor is not merely a personal ambition but a profound commitment to serve and empower the community.

It reflects an individual’s dedication to enhancing the lives of his or her fellow citizens and working towards the common good.

Local participatory democracy thrives on the principles of inclusivity and engagement.

Councillors act as the intermediaries between residents and the decisionmaking process.

They are the bridge connecting the aspirations and

concerns of the community with the policies and actions of local government.

In this way, they exemplify the essence of participatory democracy, ensuring that every voice, no matter how small, has the opportunity to be heard.

The value of becoming a councillor extends far beyond the individual’s role.

It is about revitalising democracy itself.

Local councils make decisions that affect the everyday lives of citizens, from infrastructure development and public services to environmental policies and community development.

By becoming a councillor, individuals gain the power to champion causes close to their hearts and effect meaningful change.

Furthermore, becoming a councillor means embracing the challenges and responsibilities of leadership.

It requires a deep understanding of the community’s needs and the ability to make decisions that benefit the greater good.

Councillors must listen to diverse perspectives, weigh conflicting interests and make informed choices that uphold the principles of fairness, justice and equality.

In a world of fast-paced urbanisation and complex global challenges, local governments have a critical role to play.

In many ways, councillors are the first line of defence against issues like economic empowerment, climate change, social inequality and regional disparities.

Individuals can become change-makers in their local sphere by becoming a councillor, pushing for intelligent and just solutions to these problems.

In conclusion, becoming a councillor is a noble endeavour that embodies the true spirit of participatory democracy.

Becoming a councillor in today’s world should not be taken lightly, it will undoubtedly be hard work and often be a thankless effort.

By choosing this path, one not only becomes a guardian of democratic values but also a catalyst for positive change.

The commitment to the betterment of one’s community through active participation in local government is a testament to the enduring strength and potential of participating in democracy.

David Abrahams – Managing Editor

Lakeside memorial for Coral Burnham

Mannering Park Progress Association will install a bench seat on the shores of Lake Macquarie at Mannering Park in memory of Coral Burnham’s extensive contribution and voluntary service to the local community.

Coral and her husband Dennis arrived in Mannering Park with their family in 1988 and from then her volunteering and community work was spread far and wide.

She devoted herself to both executive and non-executive roles for more than two decades in the Mannering Park Public School Parents and Citizens Association and 30 years-plus in Mannering Park Progress Association which also involved almost 20 years representing the community at Delta Care Forums run by Delta Electricity at Vales Point Power Station.

There were also many unsung contributions such as working with children in reading groups and canteen duty at the local school.

Another example of Coral’s contributions to the health and wellbeing of the local school children was to organise and gain funds from Delta Electricity to buy fresh fruit to ensure every

pupil had a free piece of fresh fruit daily.

Mannering Park Progress Association President Kelvin Wynn said Coral achieved or contributed to many beneficial outcomes for the whole community.

“Nothing was too big or too small for Coral’s attention and when action was needed her efforts usually resulted in a positive response,” he said.

“Many good things for the community as a whole came about with a phone call by Coral to Council or to Members of Parliament and she earned the respect of those people.”

Coral Burnham was recognised by the then Federal Member for Shortland, Jill Hall, and received two Commitment to Community Service Awards in 2014 for her contribution to the environment and community.

She assisted with planning of the community garden on the corner of Vales Rd and Ruttleys Rd, as well as the maze garden at Mannering Park Community Hall.

“One of her passions and lasting legacies is the shared pathway which she strove hard for over 20 years to achieve,” Wynn said.

“The resultant pathway has added immeasurably to the quality of life in Mannering Park for all.”

It is in a prime spot along that shared pathway, in front of the Sea Scouts Hall in Griffith St, where Mannering Park Progress Association has organised to establish a memorial bench seat dedicated to “one of our finest community members, Coral Burnham, 8.6.1948 –12.6.2021”.

Sue Murray

Coral Burnham

Petition to rebuild missing Bateau Bay stairs

A petition calling on Central Coast Council to urgently fund and rebuild a set of stairs it removed from Blue Lagoon Reserve is now being circulated in the Bateau Bay area.

Organised by the Save our Stairs community group, the petition outlines the community’s dismay that Council removed the stairs to the reserve, located between Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and Shelly Beach, without any public consultation.

Council has confirmed it removed the stairs, which gave users access from the top of the reserve via Bateau Bay Rd, in early September after an inspection revealed the timber stairs to be unsafe and beyond repair.

Save Our Stairs co-ordinator

Judy Townsend said it was widely believed the stairs were built more than 40 years ago and while they had fallen into disrepair and had been vandalised several times, they were still widely used by the community for social gatherings including weddings and birthdays.

The only access to the reserve now is by going through the

resort, onto the beach, along the beach and up a set of stairs which are also in a state of disrepair.

Townsend said she understood an agreement between the resort and Crown Lands regarding the maintenance of the stairs was now invalid and Council was responsible for the maintenance of the stairs.

She said the group was also

outraged to learn that Council’s public notice of the demolition of the stairs was posted on social media on Friday, August 31 and the stairs removed one business day later on Monday, September 4.

Townsend said the petition had overwhelming support from the community.

“We have had unbelievable support,” she said.

“Whatever the reason Council

took the stairs away, it was not done in the correct way.”

The petition states: “We the undersigned petitioners wish to bring to the attention of Central Coast Council our dismay that Council has without any public consultation process, removed the stairs that provide direct access to Blue Lagoon reserve.

“Council’s reasons that the stairs have not been used for a

number of years is false and its reference to alternate access via Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is inadequate.

“The petitioners therefore ask Central Coast Council to urgently fund and rebuild the stairs and give Blue Lagoon Reserve back to our community”.

Townsend said the aim was to collect more than 1,000 signatures which would enable

the group to call a public meeting and invite Council to attend.

A Council spokesperson said Council would consider the “merits of building a new stairway” in the future which would include community consultation, but the project was not currently listed in Council’s three-year delivery program.

Denice Barnes

End of era with passing of former Wyong Mayor

Former Mayor of Wyong Shire Council Tony Sheridan passed away peacefully surrounded by his five children on September 29 at the age of 98.

Sheridan served on Wyong Shire Council for a total of 27 years, including two terms as Shire President and one term as Mayor, benefitting from strong support in the community.

Throughout his extensive period of service, Sheridan championed progressive measures for the Central Coast and was instrumental in gaining state and federal funding for several major

projects for the region.

These included the upgrade of Wyong Rd from Tuggerah to Shelly Beach; the establishment of Bateau Bay Village (Square) and Westfield Tuggerah; and the renovation of The Entrance shopping area which included the development of the waterfront and plaza as a recreational area for the community.

In 1999, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for Service to Local Government and the Centenary Medal for Service to the Community through Local Government.

In 2019, the Tony Sheridan Walk at The Entrance opened in recognition of Sheridan’s

decades of service to the community.

Prior to becoming a Councillor, Sheridan was the area’s senior representative of the NSW State Government in his capacity as a child welfare officer.

During this period, he was responsible for the support and care of many families in crisis, which also included the placement of at-risk children.

Sheridan remained an active parishioner in the Catholic Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary at The Entrance and was a lifelong member of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Member for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast

Learn to be waterwise on Water Night

Central Coast Council has partnered with the Water Conservancy to promote Water Night this National Water Week, October 1622.

Water Night is a national event that occurs every year during National Water Week with the aim of raising awareness about how often we use tap water.

Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said the aim was

to encourage the community to become more conscious of their water usage and to increase education, understanding and sustainability efforts to help conserve the precious resource.

“Similar to Earth Hour, Water Night is a symbolic event that takes place during National Water Week,” he said.

“We are encouraging everyone across the Central Coast to not use their taps from

5pm to 10pm on Thursday, October 19.

“A leaky tap can waste 12,000 litres of water per year – costing you money and wasting precious water.

“We are encouraging participating households to check if they have a leaking tap by seeing if your water meter runs during Water Night.

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart encouraged the community to

sign-up and take part in Water Night.

“It is important we save every drop by each using a maximum of 150 litres of water per day and taking part in initiatives like Water Night,” Hart said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to do their bit in conserving water. “

To sign up for Water Night go to waternight.com.au.

David Harris described Sheridan as an “important mentor”.

“Tony was an important mentor for federal, state and local politicians who have moulded our community,” Harris said.

“He will be missed, but his contribution will be remembered.”

A funeral was held at 2pm on Friday, October 6, at Our Lady of the Rosary at The Entrance. Central Coast Council extended sincere condolences to the Sheridan family and friends.

Source: CCN

The reserve between Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and Shelly Beach - Council removed the stairs in early September Where the stairs used to be located

Former Wyong Shire Mayor Tony Sheridan passed away peacefully on September 29 aged 98

Source: Central Coast Council Central Coast Council urges residents to take part in Water Night to help save water

Steering Bouddi peninsula into carbon-free future

A new group has been set up to help the Hardys Bay, Killcare, Killcare Heights, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe community develop a plan to cut carbon emissions.

Electrify Bouddi will bring community members together to discuss a local community battery and a solar farm and to design and implement a plan that will assist households and local businesses to move away from reliance on fossil fuels.

The group will also develop easy-to-digest information on how household renewable energy systems work, so residents understand what electricians are saying when they are considering moving to solar, or a battery or an electric vehicle.

Local resident and Electrify Bouddi spokesperson Jeremy Cox said the group aimed to bring the community together

in the important effort to reduce use of fossil fuels and anyone interested can become a member for free.

“It’s our people who will form the foundation of this community energy project— everyone interested is invited,” he said.

“Climate change can be an opportunity for us to come together and decide how we want to structure our energy supply in the community.

“That might involve a new community operated solar farm or battery—with returns going back into our community.

“As a community we will all have the right information at hand when the time comes to make decisions about a new hot water system, or moving away from gas – and even a new EV.

“Through this experience and the connections we make, we

can become an even stronger, more resilient community.”

Cox said young people would be central to the decisionmaking and would be

empowered to lead local initiatives in response to climate change.

“This initiative is designed to bring us all together to decide

the best approach for our community,” he said.

“It includes a series of working groups which anyone can join.”

Former land council CEO backs Yes vote

Former CEO of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and chairman of NAISDA Dance College

Sean Gordon has added his voice to the Yes campaign as the national referendum approaches on October 14.

Gordon resigned from the DLALC and he is the coconvenor of the Liberals for Yes.

“Wearing a ‘Liberals for Yes’ t-shirt in some parts of regional Australia makes me think of the comedy series Little Britain where actor Matt Lucas was the ‘only gay in the village’,” Gordon said.

“In my case I feel like ‘the only black Liberal in the village’.

“Now imagine my feeling at the Garma Festival in the NT, one of the biggest events for Australia’s indigenous community.

“I got more than a few funny looks and there was no

question that I stood out.

“But benefit has come from the conversations that flowed.

“With a simple t-shirt, I have been able to demonstrate how the upcoming referendum is going to be carried by every part of our community coming together to vote Yes.

“Regardless of how you vote at elections, this referendum is about standing together to build a better future for ourselves, for our children and for the generations to come.

“I am proud to be a Wangkumarra/Barkindji man and the co-convenor of the Liberals for Yes campaign.

“It has been a long journey from my upbringing in Brewarrina, where I was in foster care on the old mission, to this point – leading a campaign for the centre-right of politics to support this practical change.”

Gordon said he felt strongly that there was a place for

liberals and conservatives in supporting the Yes vote.

“Even this week senior Liberals were out advocating for local Voices,” he said.

“I am calling on all liberal and conservative Liberal members, for all voters to listen openly to the arguments for constitutional recognition through a Voice.

“Martin Luther King Jr once said: ‘We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends’.

“Now is the time for our friends to join Liberals for Yes and advocate in their own circles of influence for the Yes position.”

Gordon said he had travelled

widely throughout Australia working with Indigenous communities.

“All my life I have been dedicated to empowering Indigenous people to take responsibility, and for governments to loosen their control over our lives,” he said.

“Empowering people to take responsibility for their own lives is a core liberal value.

“It is clear to me that when we work in partnership with indigenous communities at the local level, to help them help themselves, we get better results than governments deciding what is best.

“The Voice will be an advisory committee – nothing more.

“Members of the Voice will be chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their local area and serve for a fixed period.

“It will not have any veto.

“It will be made up of

Helping hand for outback footballers

When members of the rugby league Wilcannia Boomerangs were finding it difficult to get accommodation for the recent Central Coast Koori Knockout, Narara Ecovillage came to the rescue.

Lisa Bellamy of Kariong heard about the Outback team’s plight and put out a request online to find accommodation for the Boomerangs and their supporters.

Lyndall Parris from Narara

Ecovillage said one of their residents saw the request and immediately reached out.

To say thank you before the team headed home, team coach and organiser Uncle Owen presented a special jersey, hand-signed by the Wilcannia Boomerangs team, to Parris who said she was very proud to accept it on behalf of all the ecovillage community.

“Uncle Owen said the boys had a wonderful camp-over in our peaceful, natural setting and felt very welcome, especially on the first night,

when the community muckedin and provided a relaxed, reception dinner receiving each visitor at the door with a handshake, hello and warm smile,” Parris said.

Narara Ecovillage is an intentional community, which broadly means that people who choose to live there want to engage with each other in a helpful and neighbourly manner while caring for the beautiful land on which they live.

“Some houses, for the population of 200 (including 60

children) are already built and others are a work in progress,” she said.

“We all have various views, opinions and energies, but the breadth of intentionality binds us all.”

Each month, the village holds an open day with an informative talk and tour and the Coffee Cart runs Tuesday through to Saturday.

Visitors and potential residents are welcome.

The working groups will include: Awareness and sharing knowledge – about access to and solutions for energy issues; Community –including community battery, solar farm, demand bidding and other exciting projects; Home – the most streamlined decarbonisation journey for our households and local businesses; and Festival – a celebration of community energy with local music, stalls and food.

Cox encouraged all interested residents to register at electrifybouddi.org, join a working group (to commence in November) and consider joining the Steering Committee. For more information email jmfcox7@bigpond.com

Source: Electrify Bouddi

representatives from diverse indigenous communities.

“In 2017, I was one of over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates who gathered to sign the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“It was an invitation to the Australian people to ‘create a better future’ and explicitly calls for ‘the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution’.

“That is what this referendum is about.

“It is not about politics; it is about people.”

Gordon is also Chair of Uphold & Recognise Managing Director of the Gidgee Group, CEO of the Yadha Muru Foundation and serves on many national boards and advisory committees.

Source: Liberals for Yes

solar farm is one of the options which could be considered

Source: Narara Ecovillage Lyndall Parris accepts special jersey from Uncle Owen

Sean Gordon with former Labor Senator Nova Peris

Pop-up session on future of Ourimbah site

A special pop-up session on the future of a key block of land at Ourimbah will be held on-site from 11am3pm on Friday, October 13. The future of 1A Jaques St is yet to be decided, after a heritage Nissen hut was removed from the site earlier this year and the land was regifted to Central Coast Council by the University of Newcastle. The rectangular block is about 1,050sqm and has a rich history of community use dating back to 1904 as a school of arts and later as a dance hall. It was donated to the University of Newcastle in the 1994 by the Ourimbah School of Arts, with the intention that the building would be

dismantled and re-erected on an alternative site at the Ourimbah campus.

But the university deemed the building unsalvageable after dismantling began in April.

A community campaign spearheaded by Member for

The Entrance and the Ourimbah Region Residents Association failed to save the WWII hut, but then turned their attention to securing the land for public use.

In July it was announced that Council would buy back the site from the university for the

nominal amount of $1, much to residents’ delight.

Administrator Rik Hart said Council recognised the importance placed on this site and was now seeking feedback from residents on how they would like to see the space used to benefit the community

Hone your public speaking skills

Galaxy Speakers Toastmasters at West Gosford has been successfully running meetings at the Gosford RSL Club for more than 16 years, helping people to improve their public speaking skills while having some fun at the same time.

Meetings are structured around public speaking practice and feedback.

“Our meetings are educational, entertaining and held within a friendly, supportive and safe environment,” a spokesperson said.

“Through regular practice, members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals.

“There is also an educational program called Pathways (which) guides, teaches and

provides resources to structure and hone public speaking skills.”

President Jan Cummings has been a member for more than 30 years and recently received the Distinguished Toastmaster’s Award.

This award recognises a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership.

Galaxy Speakers Toastmasters

will run a speechcraft course over four weeks commencing on Tuesday, November 7, from 6.45pm to 9 pm.

The course is designed to help people find their voice and build confidence.

There will be two face-to-face meetings and two meetings on zoom.

The course is suitable for anyone aged eight and

for many years to come.

“The overarching Ourimbah Area Strategy and Centre Master Plan was adopted by Council in March 2022,” he said.

“Following consultation on the future use of 1A Jaques St, the Master Plan will be updated to include the vision for this site.”

Some suggestions for future use of the site already mooted include a carpark for overflow parking for the Ourimbah shops and a public recreation green space.

Residents can provide input until October 30 at www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/jaques

Terry Collins

over, retired or working.

For more details about the club or the speechcraft course, call Jan on 0402 650 454 or email janetcummings31@gmail.com

Meetings are held at Gosford RSL Club on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7pm.

Source: Galaxy Speakers Toastmasters

Seniors grants

Eligible not-for-profit organisations on the Central Coast developing projects that engage older people within their communities are encouraged to apply for a $300,000 in grant funding from a $600,000 package under the Connecting Seniors grant program.

Not for profit organisations can apply for grants of $20,000 for new projects and $30,000 for enhancements and/or expansions of existing projects. Details at www.nsw.gov.au/ grants-and-funding/ connecting-seniors-grantprogram

Boost for PA

Empire Bay Progress Association has some updated technology thanks to a $1,000 grant through the Federal Government’s 202223 Volunteer Grants.

Association President Ken Shaw, said the grant had paid for a new phone, eftpos “square” and accessories.

For

Member for The Entrance David Mehan and residents were overjoyed when the land was returned to Council in July

Parking solutions possible without selling off public land

The Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast (ACFCC) has reaffirmed its opposition to a sell-off of part of the Austin Butler Reserve at Woy Woy and has come up with a range of alternative solutions to parking problems at the nearby Peninsula Plaza which are at the crux of the sale.

Central Coast Council attracted much criticism over its intention to reclassify part of the reserve so it could be sold to Peninsula Plaza and chief tenant Woolworths to allow for expansion of the centre’s parking area and loading dock area.

In the face of community criticism, Council did a partial back-flip and has now suggested that money raised from any sale of the land would be used for an extensive greening program on the Peninsula, with the matter set to go back out for public consultation this month.

Residents will be given two choices: keep the land in public ownership; or reclassify the land with the proceeds of any sale to go to the greening program.

This latest suggestion has met much opposition, with Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and community groups branding it “blackmail” and saying a greening program should not be dependent upon the sale of public land.

Austin Butler Reserve is home to about 40 trees and one of the last remaining green pockets on the Peninsula.

The ACFCC says there are other solutions to the shopping centre’s woes, quite apart from selling part of the reserve.

Convener Mark Ellis said the group had sought advice from Adaptive Architects on how the trees and open space might be retained.

“They have provided some rough sketches that cover a range of possibilities, from basic rearrangement of the carparking to building a parking deck on the existing site,” Ellis said.

“A more ambitious third option is to have multi-level parking with additional shops and residential units up to the legal height limit.

“The plaza could even be refigured to open out onto the reserve, utilising the shared amenity for the

centre’s customers.

“The melaleucas and green space could become the heroes of the site and be enhanced with seating and landscaping.”

Ellis said the Woy Woy CBD needed every bit of green space it had.

“Administrator Rik Hart’s Minute (regarding the greening

program) seemed like a lastgasp attempt to continue with the sale of community land to the shopping centre owners with a bribe of more trees,” he said.

“While we support tree planting, ACFCC still stands by our position that keeping the Austin Butler trees and street

greening the Woy Woy Peninsula should not be mutually exclusive.”

Ellis said a single mature tree could absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 21.6kg/year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support two human beings.

“Research has also shown a

60 per cent reduction in particulates from exhaust fumes in mature trees,” he said.

“Large trees play a critical role in the delivery of ecosystem services and are generally more effective than smaller ones at providing essential regulating services for urban environments and, especially, in a changing climate.

“The community have demonstrated the inadequacy of the current planning provisions to protect existing mature trees and encourage an increase in the tree canopy on the Peninsula.

“Council staff need to … not just accept DAs as acceptable when alternative options can be provided.”

Ellis said investing in one of the options suggested by Adaptive Architects would give both the owners of Peninsula Plaza and the community the solutions they needed.

“It is possible, with imagination, to have a convenient shopping experience, address their concerns and protect this unique green space and adored trees,” he said.

Terry Collins

A sketch of one of the suggested parking solutions

Most popular national park in the region

Brisbane Water National Park has been named the most visited national park in the Hunter Central Coast region in 2022 and the 10th most visited in the state.

The latest National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) visitor survey reveals that more than five million domestic visits were made to national parks in the Hunter Central Coast region last year, with more than 900,000 of them to Brisbane Water National Park.

The Park Visitor Survey showed visits to national parks in the region have incrased by 46 per cent in 10 years.

Brisbane Water National Park has expansive views, bushwalks, cycling tracks and Aboriginal rock engraving sites, and stretches from near Gosford, down around Woy Woy to Patonga.

Brisbane Water National Park offers multiple walks and expansive coastal views

A major upgrade to the 8km

From page 1

Bouddi Coastal Walk was one of three park upgrades completed in the past year.

Across NSW, visits to national parks increased 49 per cent over the past 10 years to reach 53 million.

The Park Visitor Survey is undertaken every two years

and reports on the total number of visits, rather than the number of people who visited parks.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said with 895 national parks, nature reserves, state conservation areas and regional parks around the state, the Central Coast community was lucky to have

so many on its doorstep.

“Among the outdoor adventures available to us is the Crackneck Lookout at Forresters Beach, which has been upgraded to make the track, lookout and parking more accessible,” he said.

Minister for the Environment

Penny Sharpe said national parks were one of NSW’s greatest public assets, with visitation growing in a postCovid world.

“The NSW Government is investing $74M to upgrade visitor infrastructure in NSW national parks so people can enjoy unforgettable experiences, from camping trips in the bush to coastal getaways and alpine adventures,” she said.

The 10 best-known and most-visited parks in the Hunter Central Coast region are (in order) : Brisbane Water National Park, Bouddi National Park, Glenrock State Conservation Area, Tomaree National Park, Munmorah State Conservation Area, Worimi Conservation Lands, Myall Lakes National Park, Booti Booti National Park, Wyrrabalong National Park and Barrington Tops National Park.

Source: NSW Government

Simpson Prize

Year 9 and 10 students on the Central Coast are invited to take part in the 2024 Simpson Prize, which encourages them to learn and write about contributions made by Australians in World War I. Named after ANZAC hero John Simpson Kirkpatrick, who rescued wounded men at Gallipoli with the help of his donkey, this year’s participants are being asked to think about the significance of the ANZAC tradition.

Students have until 5pm on Friday, November 3, to submit their entries.

For more information, visit www.simpsonprize.org

Council grants

In the latest round of Central Coast Council’s Community Support Grant Program, Coastal a Cappella received a $1,782 grant for a pantomime and $4,900 went to Gosford Uniting Church for a carols event.

Ferry service to resume on October 16

But with the ferry operator unable to confirm when normal services between Palm Beach and Wagstaffe would resume, Crouch said the scope of the dredging of the channel appeared to have been insufficient.

“There’s been a total lack of communication and transparency from the Minister for Transport on this issue, and it’s simply not acceptable for the community,” he said.

Palm Beach Ferries confirmed on its website that “more critical analysis of the channel and operational controls” was taking place with services to resume once “critical safety controls are in place”.

A spokesperson confirmed on October 10 that services would resume on October 16.

“We will operate to a slightly

amended timetable in line with community feedback and operating limits within the channel,” he said.

“There are operational controls in place to mitigate risk from bigger tides expected later in the year, including the amended timetable and extra signage.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Fantasea had been ensuring that ferry masters are working to become familiar with the new conditions of the

channel before fully restoring service, including testing of the new channel during extreme low tides.

“The ferry operator also took time to test the reliability of the journey and to analyse the passenger data to create a better service for passengers, she said.

“For example, data from the Wagstaffe ferry shuttle and community feedback indicated a need for more regular stops at Wagstaffe.

“Taking this time allowed the operator to create a more reliable service for passengers that better serves the needs of the community.

“In the meantime, the free ferry and bus shuttle services are continuing to operate until the regular ferry service resumes on Monday, October 16.

“The Palm Beach to Ettalong Ferry service is not a contracted Transport for NSW service and therefore Transport for NSW does not have a say in the operations or ferry timetable, however Transport for NSW has been working closely with the ferry operator to expediate services resuming as soon as possible.”

Passengers will now eagerly await a comprehensive 10year dredging plan for the channel promised by Transport Minister Jo Haylen, who

continues to blame the situation on the previous Liberal State Government.

“When we came to government in March, it was shocking to discover that (the previous government) had allowed dredging work in the Brisbane Water and across the state to build up,” Haylen said.

“We’ve been working hard to develop a comprehensive 10year dredging plan for Ettalong and the rest of the NSW coast so we can ensure consistent and reliable boat movements across our various harbours, lakes and inlets.”

Tesch said the 10-year plan would “ensure that all necessary assessments and approvals are in place for future dredging campaigns to occur in a fast manner”.

Terry Collins

Other grants went to: Special Olympics NSW $1,495.50 for Interclub Golf Championships; Umina United Soccer Club $2,194.40 for a portable marquee; Matcham Holgate Cricket Club $5,000 to install grass; Northern Lakes TFW Rugby League Carnival $4,652; Coast & Country Primary Care $4,800 for a Mental Health Art Works Exhibition; Hardys Bay Community Church $5,000 for its Sounds for Citizens event; and Ourimbah Region Residents Association $915.87 for insurance and hall hire costs.

For more on these stories visit our website. coastcommunitynews.com.au or scan the QR code

Somersby Falls is a major attraction within Brisbane Water National Park | Photo: John Yurasek-DPE

Regular ferry service to resume on Monday, October 16

Great Dolmio Cook-off to help feed Coast’s needy

Dolmio has transformed its Central Coast production facility’s commercial R&D kitchen into a Master Chefworthy set for a mealmaking marathon this week in honour of World Food Day on October 16.

In a partnership with Sodexo and Foodbank, Dolmio will help raise awareness of global hunger and encourage action, while helping those in need on the Central Coast and beyond.

More than 100 members of the Dolmio team, along with staff from Sodexo, are volunteering their time to make 1,000 meals a day, working three shifts a day from October 9-13 in the Great Dolmio Cook-off.

The meals will then be delivered to about 20 local charity partners within Foodbank Australia’s network – including Coast Shelter – from where they will be distributed directly to people in need of food.

Data from Foodbank reveals

that on any day in Australia, more than half a million households are struggling to put food on the table.

Mars Food & Nutrition Australia General Manager Bill Heague said he knew the importance of helping to put food on tables.

“Our best-loved brands like Dolmio have been helping Australians to make meals for over 75 years – based here on the Central Coast,” he said.

“Dolmio is all about helping to inspire the small touches that can bring joy to our day-to-day lives.

“For many of us, that comes through the food we eat and who we eat it with – and that connection is something everyone should get to enjoy.

“However, sadly, there is an increasing number of Australians, including here on the Central Coast, who are struggling with food insecurity.

“That’s why we are joining

forces again with our generous partners to provide healthy cooked meals for people in need in our local community.”

Sodexo, an integrated facilities management services company with a base on the Central Coast, is providing support services and the key ingredients for the 5,000 meals.

Sodexo Australia Managing Director Keith Weston said the

partnership built on the global Stop Hunger initiative to address food insecurity and malnutrition.

“Sodexo is proud to team up with Dolmio and our national charity partner, Foodbank Australia, to address the growing demand for food relief,” he said.

“In Australia alone, two million households experienced severe food insecurity in the last year.

“With this figure set to rise with the increased cost of living and inflation on everyday household goods, it is important that we act today to deliver a better tomorrow for our communities.

“Our mission is to improve quality of life through our services, and we believe that quality of life only begins when basic needs are met.

“This annual event

Thinking of running for Council?

The first in a series of candidate information nights organised by Central Coast Council for residents thinking of standing in the 2024 local government elections will be held on October 18.

Administrator Rik Hart says the sessions will outline what good governance is and how the Local Government Act outlines the role of a councillor.

Being a councillor is not an easy job.

Having a full-time job outside of being a councillor puts a strain on your time, as does balancing the work with family time.

Simply reading council papers once a month takes a good few hours;sometimestheattachments run into hundreds of pages.

Councillors need to find time to attend not only Council meetings but briefings, site visits and meetings with local community and business groups as well as fielding countless phone conversations.

Coast Community News asked former councillor Jillian Hogan, who is Services Manager at The

Epicentre, the Neighbourhood Centre at San Remo, to share her thoughts on the qualities needed for the role.

Her first tip was to “understand yourself and what you believe in so that you can be consistent in your decision making and people will know what you stand for”.

“If your beliefs aren’t in line with residents’ views, don’t run,” she said.

“How do you know what residents’ views are?

“Attend countless residents’ meetings, answer calls, contact people and listen; it takes effort, time and action.

“Don’t stand if you have a personal agenda or you have a negative agenda.

“You need to want to make positive changes for residents and that needs to be driven by the community.

“It’s too easy to rev-up a community to picket and shout; but to make something positive happen, takes more work over a longer period.

“Politics is more than just red, green and blue.

“Politics exists in every working environment.

“All sorts of people, including independent candidates, drive their own political agenda.

“There is no room for misogyny, sexism, racism or homophobia as a councillor.

“You will be interacting with all types of inclusive groups that make-up modern Australia so you need to be a good role model.

“You need to be able to manage personal attacks from all directions; from the gallery, in letters and emails, at public meetings as well as social media.

“Abuse comes in all forms

from all sorts of people and often from people you’d least expect.

“You need to be resilient and read the code of conduct.

“Acknowledge that you can’t work alone.

“There are plenty of good, intelligent people with extensive knowledge and history trying to make things happen or not happen.

“You will need to facilitate collaboration between people or groups and come to some sort of consensus with residents, staff and councillors who may all want something different, which isn’t easy”.

Hogan said that although understanding the financial

demonstrates tangible actions we can take to enhance the lives of our communities through collaboration and shared social responsibility.”

The teams are cooking balanced and delicious meals with fresh ingredients including Dolmio Bolognese, MasterFoods Honey BBQ chicken and MasterFoods Beef Stroganoff. Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey said the organisation had never seen such a high demand for food relief.

“We could not do what we do without the support of our generous donors like Mars Food Australia and Sodexo who continue to help us get meals to where it’s needed in many communities throughout the country,” she said.

Source: Mars Food Australia

reports was important, it was not the only skill required.

“You also need leadership, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication and listening skills,” she said.

“You also need to be proficient in understanding policy, laws, acts, reports as well as building proactive relationships with the residents and staff.

“It’s a very demanding job and hard to juggle full-time work with councillor responsibilities.

“If you don’t have flexibility with your substantive job, you need to consider how you would juggle both.

“Being a councillor in many ways is a full-time job.

“You need to be a tolerant, open-minded and gracious person.

“Be open to engaging with our most vulnerable community members.”

Hogan said it was not easy to “fix everything”.

“Often the only time you get traction publicly is when something simple is taken out of context and highlighted in the media,” she said.

“But it’s not that stuff that makes things happen.

“It’s the work with residents that actually results in positive outcomes.

“It means meetings and meetings and more meetings with all parties.

“It takes energy and, above all, respectful dialogue and especially during debate.”

Hogan said an ideal councillor would be of working age but only work part-time, have a genuine interest in people and their community, understand diversity, have a degree in any discipline, know what they stood for, be ready to listen and take action, be honest and carry out their duties with utmost integrity.

They would also need to be able to make decisions and have a willingness to make a difference, she said.

If you think you might fit the bill, the first information session will be held at the Council offices in Hely St, Wyong, from 6pm on October 18.

Merilyn Vale

Melbourne Cup trifecta comp to help charity

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy will once again hold its Melbourne Cup Trifecta to raise money for local charities.

The event has been running for almost 45 years and has raised more than $250,000 for local charities and those in need on the Woy Woy Peninsula. The club produces thousands

of trifecta tickets prior to each Melbourne Cup.

Each ticket has three numbers on it and if those three numbered horses are first past the post in any order in the current year’s Melbourne Cup, the lucky ticket holder wins $800.

“We usually have three sets of different colours, and there is an $800 prize for each

colour,” Club President Trevor Walker said.

“The tickets are still only $1, so there has been no price increase for the past 40-plus years.

“If you have an organisation, such as Men’s Shed, women’s art group, tai chi group, or any group for that matter, send us an email or phone 0409 457 977 and we will organise getting

some tickets out to you.”

Tickets can be bought at a table manned by club members adjacent Wendy’s Ice Cream in Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy from 9am-4pm on Monday, October 30, and each day until race day on November 7 or until sold out.

The former Central Coast councillors

The teams are cooking balanced and delicious meals with fresh ingredients

Connecting veterans to the help they need

National Veterans Health Week (October 8-15) is drawing to a close and the Central Coast’s free Veterans Connect service, launched this year, has already helped many veterans get the support they need – including appointments with medical specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists and physiotherapists.

More than 4,000 former defence personnel call the Central Coast home – per capita the Central Coast has more veterans than anywhere else in Australia.

The Veterans Connect program, funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, grew out of a national Primary Health Network submission to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Veterans Connect links

veterans, their families and carers to a wide range of supports (everything from veterans’ peer groups to

clinical services) and is delivered by the not-for profit organisation, Social Futures.

“Veterans Connect works as

a central contact point to support returned service personnel in civilian life,” Social Futures Mental Health

and Wellbeing General Manager Simone Silberberg said.

“We are already having successes.

“One veteran reached out because they’d been unable to find a psychiatrist after months of searching.

“The veteran came to us with the simple need to connect with a psychiatrist.

“We have linked that veteran to a great psychiatrist and now a psychologist, both with indepth knowledge and understanding of the unique veteran experience, and what the person has been through.

“Our goal is to ensure that we find the best possible professional fit for our participants.

“Six months on, the veteran is doing significantly better, family relationships have strengthened, mental health has improved and the individual is feeling so much stronger.

“Only a few months ago, the

Terry named Coast’s volunteer of the year

Surf lifesaving patrol captain and rugby league first aider Terry Vella has been named 2023 Central Coast Senior Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to safety on the sand, in the sea and on the turf throughout the region.

He was recognised at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, one of the largest celebrations of volunteering across the country, also taking out the Senior Volunteer of the Year category.

The awards are run by The Centre for Volunteering to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of volunteers working across all sections of communities throughout the state with Central Coast winners announced on September 28 in Gosford.

Terry Vella, of Bateau Bay, is a volunteer Patrol Captain and Training Officer at Shelly Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, helping other volunteer club members with training in radio and

advanced resuscitation techniques.

With 48 Surf Lifesaving and First Aid awards, he serves as a key official at surf lifesaving events at club, state, and national levels.

Off the beach, he continues his commitment to safety as the First Aid Officer in the NSW Rugby League competition.

Named Adult Volunteer of the Year was John Avis of North

Avoca, a dedicated mentor and facilitator for the Junior Lifesaver of The Year program which has propelled North Avoca Club to new heights of success.

He has organised the youth leadership and development camp for 30 youth at Narrabeen Sydney Sports Centre and his innovative Junior Club Captain program enhances the leadership skills for Rookies and Juniors.

Volunteer Team of the Year was the We Care Connect Volunteers – a team of 76 members dedicated to mitigating the effects of childhood disadvantage caused by factors like unemployment and domestic violence.

The team focuses on enhancing life outcomes and self-esteem for at-risk and marginalised youth, many of whom grapple with severe trauma.

veteran had to take a significant step back from career due to how they were feeling, but now, their career is back on track and the veteran has even been able to take on some volunteer work to help other veterans.”

Data shows that veterans and their families are more vulnerable to mental health disorders resulting in a higher need for assistance with understanding and accessing appropriate health services.

The goal of Veterans Connect is to help veterans, their families and carers navigate services and overcome any barriers to accessing care.

Veterans Connect can be their single point of contact.

To contact Veterans Connect call 1800 719 625 or email veteransconnect@ socialfutures.org.au

Source: Social Futures

including SoCares, Peggy’s Promise, Claws n Paws and Bateau Bay Neighbourhood Centre.

She raises funds and collects food and other pet essentials, while also highlighting the vital role shelters play in community wellbeing.

Her volunteering not only provides essential supplies for animals, but also educates the public on the urgent need for compassionate and medical care for shelter animals.

They provide clothing, educational resources and essential toiletries, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and dignity to young lives.

Jenna Smith from Berkeley Vale was named Young Volunteer of the Year.

Jenna gives her time to raise awareness about the plight of abandoned and homeless pets for numerous organisations across the Central Coast

The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate said the awards recognised the tireless work of volunteers and was a chance to say thank you.

The awards are supported by principal partners the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and ClubsNSW, which represents the state’s 1,100 not-for-profit clubs.

Source:

The Centre for Volunteering

Veterans Connect support workers Eleanor Newton and Beau Denton

From left: Coast Volunteer of the Year Terry Vella; Members of the the team from We Care Connect; Jenna Smith

Houston is Champion of the Month

about the whereabouts of any of these people is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw. crimestoppers.com.au

Motorbike accident

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called in on Monday, October 9, to airlift an injured motorbike rider to hospital after an accident at Gorokan.

It happened at about 12.30pm near Lakeview Ave on Wallarah

School zones are once more back in place following the beginning of Term 4 on October 9.

Transport for NSW is reminding motorists to take extra care.

Most school zones operate at 40km/h from 8am-9.30am and from 2.30pm-4pm, but there

Police from Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Districts will be out in force to lend their support to the Reclaim the Night event at 6pm on Friday,

With the 2023-24 boating season now officially underway, Marine Rescue is urging boaties to be cautious, following predictions of a hot

Rd, which was completely closed to traffic for several hours while medical teams treated the rider and police investigations were completed.

The man, in his 40s, was treated on the ground by NSW Ambulance paramedics and

School zones back

are a small number of nonstandard school zones with different times and lower speed limits.

These school zones are identified by red/orange school zone signs.

Higher fines and demerit points apply for certain offences committed in an active school

Reclaim the night

October 13, at The Entrance Memorial Park.

Organised by the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, the festival will

Appeal to boaters

and dry summer and the declaration of an El Nino climate driver.

Boaters are urged to: log on and off via VHF channel 16 or

assisted by the Critical Care Team with Westpac Rescue Helicopter after it landed nearby at Helen Reserve.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital for further medical treatment.

zone, such as speeding, parking or stopping illegally, using a mobile phone illegally and illegal U-turns.

For more information on school zones go to www. transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety /community/schools/schoolzones

highlight the right for women and children to be safe everywhere.

the Marine Rescue app; wear life jackets; carry sufficient fuel; and check weather conditions before setting out.

Source: NSW Police

Roy Finau

Superintendent Chad Gillies (left) and Senior Constable Chris Houston

Saying Yes to a gentle request Not enough detail to inform a Yes vote

When handing out Yes material at pre-poll I met a bright and cheerful No volunteer … not a neo-con, or Liberal, but a voter concerned about “division”.

She told me that providing a Voice for Aboriginal people makes them different from “us” and “introduces a race division” to our Constitution. So, why provide a special advisory voice to Aboriginal people?

Answer: Because for 200plus years we have relentlessly assaulted them with an array of special genocidal policies designed to obliterate their race.

Our behaviour has been immoral and shameful, we have done much damage, we have apologised, and we are trying to fix the beauty we shattered … but we don’t know how.

It’s not about giving someone a cheating head-start in a foot race.

But, it is about repairing damage to people we (our governments) damaged and (almost) destroyed.

It’s about giving

Aboriginal people a Voice.

Why them?

Because they are different … we made them different. How did we make them different?

Despite being here for 5060,000 years, we said they didn’t exist.

We robbed them of their country while saying they didn’t exist.

We … that is, British and then Anglo-Australian governments … while denying Aboriginal existence so we could more easily rob their country … persistently, wave-afterrelentless-wave, systematically cancelled their relationship to the land.

Assimilation, repression, harassment, vilification, intimidation, discrimination, stolen generations of children, exiled to concentration camps we call missions and reserves, raped en masse with impunity, massacred with KKK-like silence and denial, de-cultured and de-languaged as their presence was literally cancelled, dismissed.

Think about that.

Does that 200-plus year

history make Aboriginal people different?

Reckon so.

Now, in 2023, we wonder why Aboriginal people are disproportionately represented in categories of the sick, child mortality, blindness, early deaths, prisoners in gaol, under-educated and so on.

So, this attempt at a Voice is an attempt to put back together again the people we shattered as we tried to obliterate.

Over the past few decades we’ve proved that we’re not too good at putting the pieces back together.

We need help; we need help from those who, unbelievably, survived the assaults of our governments.

To do that, people like Langton, O’Donoghue, Dodson, Pearson and many others, have asked us to recognise them and listen to them through an Aboriginal, non-genocidal advisory structure.

How gentle a request is that?

I’ll be voting Yes.

It is absolutely irrelevant whether the Uluru Statement From the Heart is presented as a one-page abbreviation, or the multipage full version.

The only thing relevant is the intentions and goals of the Statement.

The abbreviated version provides no details regarding those intentions and goals.

How could it, in just one page?

It is more likely to distort and corrupt the all-important context of the much longer full Statement.

In contrast, the longer version clearly sets out the three core

components of the Statement – Voice, Treaty (Makarrata) and Truth Telling.

Some of the things included in those three core components are: a percentage payment of the national GDP, various rates including land tax and royalties, reparations, abolition of the Australian flag and much more.

All the main proponents and activists of the Voice relentlessly repeated and advocated for the contents of those core components, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who, on many occasions, proudly announced: “My Government is committed to the Uluru Statement From

the Heart in full”.

Now it seems they have all decided to reject the full Statement, insisting that the one-page abbreviated version IS the full Statement.

Albanese is directing voters to also reject the multi-page full Statement when deciding how to vote.

Voters should have as much information as possible to enable them to make the best decision for themselves.

I have not read or heard any information to convince me to vote for the Voice.

Email, Sep 15 Paul Davis, Wyong

Outright disrespect

We went to Avoca Beach on Sunday, October 8, for a cup of tea and a snack.

My partner is in a wheelchair – has been for over 30 years. It was no surprise to see someone in their BMW using the disability parking spot,

texting in the shade without a permit or disability.

And then there was a family gathering under the pine trees in the plainly signed garden (which says no entry), enjoying a barbecue with music playing. They didn’t even blink an eye

when I took photos of them.

I’m not sure if it’s called entitlement, contempt – or outright disrespect.

Email, Oct 10 Jeff Tildesley, Kincumber

Email, Oct 9 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

After months of planning, the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford will officially open its doors on Friday, October 13, offering everything from contemporary music, cabaret and restaurant residencies to spokenword, cocktail parties, corporate presentations and community workshops.

Creative Director Glitta Supernova describes the space as “a hub of creativity, a home

Fun Haus Factory to officially open

Since its humble beginnings in a chook shed at Narara more than half a century ago, the Central Coast Lapidary Club has grown to be one of the Coast’s real treasures.

This year the club is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The inaugural meeting was held at the home of founding members Charles and Margaret Pate in Parry Pde, Gosford, in 1963, with around 25 p.eople attending.

The club now has over 200 members, including junior and senior members, and a permanent home at Ourimbah. The founding members were Charles and Margaret Pate, Jack and Dulcie White, Harry Naylor and Beryl Readford.

for creatives and audiences, and a nucleus of shared experiences”.

“This is a ground-breaking regional artist-led space offering a place for everything and everyone,” she said.

On Saturday, October 14, the Fun Haus Factory will host the first of multiple rotating local DJ residencies with its free party night SaturSLAY across genres from house and dance music to a monthly Emo-Alt Party.

Sonic Sundays will feature live music for all ages from swing to electro every Sunday afternoon with alternating residencies with the Gosford Comedy Club to feature on the last Friday of each month.

The Fun Haus will also present global Latin sounds with Hot Sauce and award-winning Sydney burlesque show Royal Heart Review.

“Thanks to the Federal Government’s Live Music Australia Program, we are

delighted to offer mostly free weekly live music programming alongside our wholistic creative approach, and we are proud to introduce a pioneering social enterprise restaurant residency program with Chilangos Hermanos who recently moved to the Central Coast from Mexico City,” Supernova said.

“Through our social enterprise kitchen these creative culinary amazing humans will be serving fresh, contemporary, authentic Mexican street food,

lunch and dinners utilising our Latin herb garden and zero waste kitchen which we have set-up with Permaculture Central Coast.”

With live entertainment four nights a week, the Fun Haus Factory has lined-up musical acts for the next three months, including James Valentine, Rufino and The Wreckage.

“The Naughty Noodle Fun Haus has already proven itself to be the game-changer in the realm of what is possible for

Lapidary club celebrates 60 years

At the meeting the members unanimously agreed on naming their club Central Coast Lapidary Club.

“Things have changed quite a bit since those early days,” club president Carolyn Farbrother said.

“While the techniques and machines haven’t evolved much, the club now has lots more than we started out with and they are all housed in the club headquarters which was built by club members in 1978.”

The club runs an annual gem show, with the first held in the Gosford Methodist Hall in 1963 before relocating to the Methodist Hall at Wyong.

The event is now a highlight in the club’s calendar.

Held at Mingara Recreation Centre, it attracts thousands of gem fans from all over the region.

Projects also include silverwork, enamelling, beading, faceting, bone carving, cabbing and wire wrapping.

The club also runs regular trips that may including hunting for fossils and fossicking for gold and crystals.

The club is always welcoming new members and is run by a passionate group of volunteers. For more details call 4362 2246 or visit the Central Coast Lapidary Club Facebook page.

the Central Coast across original and unique contemporary arts,” Supernova said.

“We now invite everyone to join us in celebrating creativity and artistry that is accessible to everyone and highlights ongoing inclusion for all our community and its visitors.”

The program can be viewed at naughtynoodle.com.au/ whats-on

Source: Fun Haus Factory

The Fun Haus Factory officially opens to the public on October 14 | Photo: Lisa Haymes

Source: Central Coast Lapidary Club

Instructor Emanuel Vidal demonstrates the art of faceting

Coasties to feature in Sydney play

Two Central Coast actors will take to the stage at the Chippen Street Theatre in Chippendale in The Disappearance, a play based on Kin Platt’s book The Boy Who Could Make Himself Disappear.

The powerful, moving and joyful play meets mental illness and diversity with heart and humour and opens for a twoweek season on October 10 during Mental Health Month.

Platt’s novel is partially based on the classic British film Baxter.

The play follows a young American teenager facing the combined challenge of his parents’ disintegrating marriage, relocation to Australia and his ongoing attempt to overcome a debilitating speech impediment.

His overwrought mother adds to his problems and, as things begin to explode for him, he decides to ‘disappear’.

Three people — a loving neighbour and her French boyfriend and an equally caring speech therapist/analyst give

hope that his future might be more positive.

Intensely concerned with the problems of mental health, the play is often humorous but never sentimental.

Directed by Les Solomon, The Disappearance features a fine cast of young performers including Coasties Liam Faulkner-Dimond of Tuggerah and Sam Zovic of Gosford.

Now based largely in Sydney, Faulkner Dimod has performed in a multitude of major venues around the globe.

With both a Diploma and a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre, his roles include Pugsley Addams in the Australian Touring production of The Addams Family at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.

He has also been involved in touring productions Story

Quest! And Smashed for primary and high school students and in Being Brave and Cyberia, tackling grief, resilience, letting go and online safety again for school children by Brainstorm Productions.

Sam Zovic completed his Certificate IV and Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2021 and 2022 and has attended Masterclass with Andrew Warboys, Joe Kalou and Karina Russel.

Zovic also went on a New York tour and attended Masterclass with AJ Holmes, Tim Dolen and Carleigh Bottiol,also performing in 54 Below in 2019.

His recent stage credits include performances in CryBaby The Musical ( 2022 ), Catch Me If You Can The Musical (2022), Rent The Musical (2022), The Worry Woos Musical ( 2023) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Boy From Oz comes to Red Tree Theatre

The Boy From Oz is set to wow audiences at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre with a blend of passion, drama, iconic music and sequin shirts telling the story of Australian entertainer Peter Allen.

Opening with a preview on Friday, October 13, the show runs officially October 14-28.

Talented Palm Studios graduate Finn Johnson plays Peter Allen, joined by Kate Thomas as Judy Garland and Emerson Goodenough as Liza Minnelli.

Ball for special needs students

The Lions Club of Northlakes Central Coast will host a special night of celebrations for students with special needs in Years 10, 11 and 12 on Wednesday, October 25, at the Doyalson RSL.

The Kaleidoscope Ball will be a fun formal night offering a seated dinner of main meal and dessert, dancing to DJ music and the chance to make new friends.

There will be a professional photographer and a photo

booth as well as a raffle drawn on the night.

A parent or carer is required to stay with each young person to support them – a great way for parents to celebrate their child’s schooling with them.

Tickets are just $45 per person and are on sale now at stickytickets.com.au/zemeg

For more information call Marie on 0427 067 560.

Comedy Play ( 2023).

A third Coastie, Jake Neale of Shelly Beach, will cover all male roles inThe Disappearance as understudy.

The Disappearance opens on October 10 for a two-week season.

Source: Geoff Sirmai Arts Publicity

There is a dedicated supporting cast of 20 performers from across the Central Coast and Newcastle.

Director Daniel Craig said The Boy From Oz was more than just a musical.

“It’s a celebration of Australian artistry and Peter Allen’s indomitable spirit,” he said.

“Finn’s portrayal of Allen is extremely heartfelt; a tribute to depth and vibrancy of the man that was Peter.”

Red Tree Theatre Artistic Director Joshua Maxwell said the theatre was committed to showcasing Australian stories

for Australian audiences.

“The Boy From Oz is a brilliant piece that’s taken the world by storm, like Peter himself did before,” he said.

Musical director Christopher Hoskins and choreographer Lauren Miller both worked on the highly successful production of the show for Gosford Musical Society in 2010, which was directed by Chris King.

King appears in this production as Allen’s first agent Wally Bell.

Source: Lions Club of Northlakes Central Coast

Last year’s Kaleidoscope Ball

Source: Red Tree Theatre

Finn Johnson as Peter Allen

From left: Liam Faulkner-Dimond; Jake Neale; Sam Zovic

SEE PAGE 31 FOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

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BOOK REVIEW

with Julie Chessman thebookshop.info

The Secret Book of Flora Lea

Author: Patti Callahan Henry Publisher: Harper Collins (Australia)

The historical fiction novel – The Secret Book of Flora Lea –was a real surprise for me.

The author has been around a long time and this was her 15th novel.

It is a captivating novel which takes readers on a journey into the world of secrets with a touch of enchantment, mystery, and adventure.

This beautiful and atmospheric mystery story is set in war-torn London and the Oxfordshire countryside and told across two timelines.

The main characters are Hazel and Flora Lea and as one of three girls in my family, I understand first-hand the special bond between sisters.

Hazel and Flora are fullyfleshed, complex characters.

You can’t help but be enamoured with Hazel, who has the most creative imagination and brings her stories to life to soothe and help her five-year-old sister get through wartime evacuation.

During World War II as part of Operation Pied Piper, which

Film and music event at Mangrove Mountain

With the historic Mangrove Mountain Union Church property finally back in the hands of the community, a special film and music event will be held at the Mangrove Mountain Union Church Hall on October 19.

The evening will start with an exclusive Central Coast screening of international award-winning feature film Up Armidale Road, followed by live music from Grace and Hugh. The film chronicles the journey to a song in the aftermath of a firestorm which

decimated Nymboida in November 2019.

Up Armidale Road is the culmination of two years of filming and production, chronicling a unique collaboration between the community of Nymboida, songwriters Grace and Hugh and the musicians of the Clarence Valley.

The film will be followed by a joyous set of live music by Grace and Hugh themselves.

Doors will open at 6pm, with the CWA Mangrove Mountain Evening Group serving tea,

coffee and a light supper from the hall kitchen.

Tickets cost just $10 with all proceeds going to the not for profit Mangrove Mountain Christian Group to help with the costs associated with regaining the Mangrove Mountain Union Church property back from liquidation for community use. Seats are limited and can be booked at www.graceandhugh. com/tour

was a government mission to evacuate children from the cities to keep them safe from bombings, the sisters are sent to the country.

There is just enough reference to other writers to capture the magical whimsy of a good fairy tale.

That does not stop it from being genre-crossing with a plot that is intricately woven with themes of crime and romance while covering some strong historical themes such as grief, war and sacrifice, keeping readers engaged and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next twist or revelation.

This is the novel’s superpower; its strength is that the author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea has the ability to seamlessly blend all of these elements together.

The characters are welldeveloped and endearing, making it easy to form an

emotional connection with them.

Although Flora does not come back into the story until much later – it is left to Hazel to carry much of the plot.

Although Hazel is now in her 30s it is also in some ways a coming-of-age story; her growth, life and loves have been put on hold for 20 years.

Her guilt and self-blame have stopped her growth.

Additionally, the book explores universal themes such as the

Oktoberfest comes to Davistown

It’s time to break out the lederhosen for Oktoberfest at Davistown RSL on October 19, presented by Aunty Molly’s Seniors Entertainment Events.

Host Toni Stevens has specialised in Oktoberfest entertainment for more than 35 years and sings several German songs.

on the Sydney and Queensland club circuits and now brings some of her own special contributions to Aunty Molly’s. Her partner on the day will be Ross Maio, an amazingly talented and multi awardwinning musician.

For many years Maio has produced his own Oktoberfest and now unites with Stevens.

importance of courage, the value of friendship and the significance of embracing one’s true self.

These underlying messages add depth to the story, making it not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking one.

An added bonus for me was the author’s note at the end; her passion and commitment to this project were tangible and heartfelt.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an escape into an intelligent world of wonder and imagination.

There are so many stories to tell in this book but they are all so intertwined I don’t want to be that person who reveals too much.

For fans of Bridgette Collins, Kate Morton, Belinda Alexandra, Natasha Lester and Kirsty Manning.

He has been musical director for many prominent performers including Judy Stone, John McNally, Col Joye, Lucky Starr, Wayne Horsburgh and The Beggs Bros.

He is currently the resident MD for the Joan Sutherland Entertainment Centre at Penrith.

of singing and swaying and plenty of oom-pah-pah.

Oktoberfest will be at the Daviston RSL on Thursday, October 19.

Doors will open at 11am, with morning tea on arrival followed by a two-course lunch.

Source: Aunty Molly’s Seniors Entertainment Events Oktoberfest fun is coming to Davistown RSL

For 26 years she produced and presented her Oktoberfest show featuring 16 performers

Musical director for the show will be Greg Von Hooper, regularly seen on the Central Coast.

Gillian Cosgriff at The Art House

Gillian Cosgriff is set to bring her show Actually, Good to The Art House in October.

Cosgriff recently took the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival by storm with five-star reviews after winning

the Most Outstanding Show award at this year’s Melbourne Comedy Festival.

Describing herself as a female Tim Minchin, Cosgriff is a comedian, musician, actor, writer and composer and starred in Harry Potter and the

Cursed Child for three years.

Actually, Good is a brilliant hour of hilarious songs, killer stand-up and a long list of things that are actually good in life.

The Art House will offer cheeses, dips, and crackers to

pre-order and the bar will be open.

Gillian Cosgriff will present Actually, Good at The Art House at 8.30pm on Friday, October 20.

The event at Davistown promises to be a fun filled day of frivolity with lots of good traditional German food, heaps

Source: Mangrove Mountain Christian Group

Grace and Hugh will perform live after the screening

Julie Chessman – The Bookshop Umina

Source: The Art House Gillian Cosgriff is headed for The Art House

William Brothers reprise rock ‘n’ roll hits

Twist & Shout, a salute to rock ‘n’ roll starring the internationally renowned Williams Brothers, is coming to The Art House Wyong on October 21.

One of Australia’s most successful vocal groups with a collection of music industry awards to prove it, the William Brothers will perform a collection of rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 50s and 60s.

Rock’n’roll fans will be dancing in the aisles to the

Family fun at Warnervale market day

Warnervale Regional

Uniting Church will hold a community market day on October 14 from 8am to 1pm at 251 Warnervale Rd, Hamlyn Terrace.

It promises to be a day of family fun, food and delightful discoveries, including a tasty classic Aussie barbecue, devonshire teas, a plant stall, and a cake stall with delicious

homemade cakes and pastries.

A book and DVD stall will offer some great reads and entertainment while people can test their aim for sweet rewards at the Chocolate Toss or try their luck at Pick a Box. Get a head start on holiday decorations and discover handmade crafts and artworks at the craft stall.

Other highlights include a

bric-a-brac stall, performances by traditional Scottish dancers and a vintage car display.

“The Warnervale Regional Uniting Church Market Day isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of community spirit,” church council representative Kaylene Troy said.

“We’re bringing together local artisans, entertainers, and

Experience Glengara Care for yourself

families for a day that promises something for everyone.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much.”

Warnervale Uniting Church is led by Reverend Sunny Lee, who was ordained in September 2020 and began her work at the church the following month.

number one hits of the legends including Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Del Shannon, Jerry Lee Lewis and Australia’s Johnny O’Keefe, as well as the hits of The Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Monkees and The Hollies to name a few.

Described as one of Australia’s most successful vocal trios, the William Brothers will recapture these magical songs with harmonies that breathe life back into

the rock ‘n’ roll legends. Supported by their own multi-award-winning band The Shy Guys this show is a non-stop journey through the greatest songs of all time.

The Williams Brothers are the sons of one of Australia’s leading rock ’n’ roll pioneers – Warren Williams – and they’re carrying on the tradition of one of the greatest eras in music history.

Source: The Art House

The William Brothers will perform all the hits of the 50s and 60s

Source: Warnervale Uniting Church

A classic Aussie barbecue will again be a highlight at the market day

Edible garden trail a weekend of inspiration

The Central Coast Edible Garden Train will be a weekend of inspiration and connection, with around 50 private and community gardens open to the public over the weekend of October 21-22.

There will be a huge range of ideas, systems and designs to explore, with ticket holders able to select and visit the garden that most appeals them and the planet.

Last year’s hosts reported that visitors arrived stacked with questions and curiosity and that wisdom and knowledge was shared in both directions.

Many new gardens will take part this year this including: Tannorwood, a sustainable

micro flower farm; Adagio, a 28-year-old permaculture acreage; the Doyalson Community Garden, a community garden awarded Community Champion in 2022; Everything IncrEDIBLE, the food garden of a dietician; Bells at Killcare, the kitchen garden of the Wild Flower Bar and Dining; and Ruby’s Garden, a diverse range of unusual fruits and vegetables.

Visitors can expect to learn about: growing good food naturally, without the use of chemicals; what foods grow in the Coast’s warm climate; how to deal with pests and disease without the use of pesticides and herbicides; how to include small animals successfully in backyard systems; how to take advantage

of microclimates; and reducing food waste by converting it into a precious resource.

There will be a free component this year with the eight community gardens taking part all offering free entry and many offering free workshops over the weekend.

The trail is a not-for-profit event although it is ticketed, with funds raised through ticket sales redistributed to the local community.

Tickets are on sale at centralcoastediblegardentrail. org.au/buytickets

For more information visit info@centralcoastediblegarden trail.org.au

Swinging Sixties fundraiser

Rotary Brisbane Water (RBW) will hold a Swinging Sixties night on October 21.

It follows the club’s recent Rock and Roll Trivia at Ettalong Diggers, which raised more than $4,000 for wildlife protection organisation WIRES.

The night presented questions about rock and roll, from the 50s through to the 80s, with an array

of prizes up for grabs.

Rotary will continue the rock and roll trend with the Swinging Sixties night at Umina Beach Surf Club, featuring local popular DJ George Galea.

Money raised will go to Allawah House, which provides shortterm accommodation for women fleeing domestic violence, and local Rotary projects.

RBW secretary Di Bartok said the night promised to be funfilled, with music for dancing and remembering, a great twocourse meal with canapes and amazing raffle prizes.

“There will be prizes for bestdressed, so get on your 60s gear and get in the swing of a fun night that will be raising funds for a worthwhile cause,” she said.

“And the view from the club’s balcony is amazing.

“This will be an event where your out-of-town friends can plan to make a weekend of it up the Coast.”

Tickets are available through Humantix or by calling 0404 147 743.

Source: Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

Around 50 gardens will be open during this year’s Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

Source: Rotary Brisbane Water

DJ George Galea

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Business & Property

Oyster farm is Coast’s business of the year

Eco-certified tourism business Sydney Oyster Farm Tours was crowned Central Coast 2023 Business of the Year at a glitzy 20s-themed gala awards ceremony on Friday, October 6, attended by 320 business leaders.

The Mooney Mooney-based company also took out the award for Excellence in Sustainability.

Managing Director Sheridan Beaumont said the dual win was “incredibly encouraging”.

“My grandfather always had oyster leases and in 2006, my parents and I started our own oyster farm,” she said.

“In 2006 I tried to get a tourism initiative going but two weeks after I started, we were wiped out by the Norwalk virus.”

Beaumont re-launched the initiative in 2019 with a

promotional event, with public bookings starting to come in for 2020.

“Then COVID hit and we faced another obstacle,” she said.

“We started coming up with ways to get around COVID restrictions such as secluded lunches at beaches in the middle of nowhere and social distancing on the oyster leases.

“We were constantly adapting as we overcame hurdle after hurdle.”

The independent judges praised Sydney Oyster Farm’s impressive regional vision which saw the business innovate to develop sustainable oyster and farming cultivation methods and create NSW’s first in-water dining experience.

“The win by Sydney Oyster Farm Tours highlights everything we love about our local business community –innovation, ingenuity, and

resilience,” Business NSW Executive Director Regional NSW and Visitor Economy, Paula Martin, said.

“The ability for Sydney Oyster Farm Tours to compete successfully in an industry that is still in recovery mode is to be celebrated.”

Beaumont said the in-water dining experience had proved a hit with visitors.

“We take people out to the farm by boat and teach them about how oysters grow and so on,” she said.

“Then the guests put on waders and we take them to dining tables set-up in the water.

“They learn to open the oysters themselves and then enjoy them with prawns and champagne.

“People are learning a skill and also creating a memorable dining experience.”

Beaumont said the business had pushed through quite a few setbacks.

“Business NSW has been very helpful and supportive over the years,” she said.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have a great deal of support from the community and now we have international media coming almost weekly.

“It’s a good product and people really love it and come back.

“We have a lot of repeat business and referrals but the awareness really grew because of that initial support.”

Martin said it had been another tough year for many businesses due to rising business and energy costs and ongoing labour shortages.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing group of finalists from right

across the region,” she said.

Taking out the Excellence in Large Business award was the Central Coast Mariners.

A spokesperson said it had been a huge 12 months for the organisation, the first full financial year with Chairman Richard Peil leading the club.

“Success was achieved both on and off the field, with the Mariners securing the A-League Championship with a dominant 6-1 win over Melbourne City,” he said.

“Off the field, the office staff have been working hard to achieve success for the club and its long-term future, ensuring that the Mariners continue to evolve and achieve.”

Other award winners were: Excellence in Small Business

– LEP Digital; Excellence in Micro Business – Iris Lodge Alpacas; Outstanding Start Up

– SecondLife Recrafted; Excellence in Innovation – Arc Ento Tech; Excellence in Visitor Experience – Broken Bay Pearl Farm; Employer of Choice (less than 20 employees) – Central Telecom; Outstanding Community Organisation –Pacific Link Housing; Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion –Koori Curriculum; Outstanding Employee – Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital; Outstanding Young Business Leader – Caitlin Vine, Australian Reptile Park; Outstanding Business Leader – Laura Prael, LEP Digital; Outstanding Local Chamber Award – Coastal Towns Business Chamber Winners of the 2023 Central Coast Business Awards will now represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held on November 9 in Sydney.

Terry Collins

Clockwise from top: Judges were impressed with Sydney Oyster Farm Tours’ in-water dining experience; CEO Shaun Mielekamp accepts the Central Coast Mariners’ award; Sydney Oyster Farm Tours Managing Director Sheridan Beaumont (centre) accepts the award from Paula Martin of Business NSW and Jackie Svedas from NBN Co

Photo: Gregg Porteous

New Wyong development to help ease housing crisis

A new affordable and social rental housing development at Wyong is set to provide some relief to the region’s ongoing housing crisis.

One of the largest providers of affordable rental housing in NSW, Hume Community Housing, is set to expand its footprint to the Central Coast following a significant land purchase at Wyong.

Hume has bought a 3,160sqm block on Jennings Rd and will look to build up to 20 townhouses offering both social and affordable rental housing.

The land purchase was made possible thanks to a partnership with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, which contributed a grant from the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF).

The grant scheme encourages community housing providers such as Hume to invest in delivering projects to increase affordable housing supply in key areas of need.

Hume CEO Brad Braithwaite said the organisation was

Mirandra Browne of The Entrance Food Hub has taken out Westfield Tuggerah’s Local Heroes Award for 2023, earning $20,000 for the community initiative.

Judges said Browne brought joy to her community through low-cost and free food through her volunteer-run The Entrance Food Hub.

“The Hub is open four days a week and provides food for about 600 people,” they said.

“Mirandra was driven to act when she saw that people around her needed help; everything grew from there.”

The announcement came as Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand revealed their Local Heroes, as

stepping up its role as a developer of affordable housing in the Greater Sydney and Hunter regions.

“Hume has undergone extraordinary growth over the past five years, nearly doubling in size since 2019,” he said.

“Our recent growth has largely come through taking on the management of government social housing

in the Hunter region.

“As a result, Hume now has a very large customer base in both Sydney and the Hunter, and we are keen to do what we can to support people on the Central Coast as well.

“This announcement marks the beginning of a what we hope will be a significant pipeline of new developments between Sydney and the

Hunter to support greater rental affordability.”

The Wyong location geographically connects Hume’s Sydney metropolitan operations with its Maitland and Port Stephens regional offices.

The prime site is centrally located close to amenities and is within walking distance of

Wyong Station, supermarkets, a medical centre and Wyong High School.

Hume will demolish two existing cottages and seek development approval to build up to 20 townhouses.

“The Central Coast, like many regional areas, is struggling with a severe under supply of affordable rental housing,” Braithwaite said.

“This development aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating thriving communities through access to affordable quality housing.”

Official data reveals that the waiting list for public housing has grown by 30 per cent in some areas as the cost of private housing and rents skyrocket across the Coast. Department of Communities and Justice data shows that the number of residents seeking public housing in the Wyong area has increased by 15 per cent with close to 2,000 people on the wait list and up to 10 years in wait time.

This is coupled with significant spikes in the cost of housing and rent across the Coast last

Mirandra named Local Hero of the Year

Retired nurse Juresa is the driving force behind the provision of food and connection for at least 1,000 locals as the President of the Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre.

The centre offers a food pantry and hosts communal meals and Brekkie on the Go gatherings for school children.

At Because We Care Boutique, Becker works tirelessly to help women overcome adversity with attire for different occasions.

year, with house prices increasing by 39.3 per cent in Wyong and rents up by 8.9 per cent last year.

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said the development would make a big difference to the lives of Wyong locals.

“The NSW Government is determined to ease the housing crisis, especially for communities like those on the Central Coast where there is a high number of essential workers,” she said.

“People performing vital roles in aged care, hospitals and cleaning should be able to live in a reasonable proximity to their work and communities suffer when they priced out of the rental market.

“Once complete, these townhouses will provide stable and modern housing for individuals and families in the Wyong area.”

Hume will release more information regarding the scale of the development and expected start date in the coming months.

Source: Hume Community Housing

provided with full work wardrobes.

Westfield Tuggerah Centre Manager Melanie Smith said it was a pleasure to celebrate the remarkable work and contributions the women made to their communities.

nominated and voted for by their communities in recognition of their outstanding work.

Celebrating its sixth year, the Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and

grants program awards the successful hero at each Westfield centre a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, with the remaining two finalists each receiving a $5,000 grant

for their group or organisation. The other Tuggerah finalists, each receiving a $5,000 grant, were Kim Juresa of Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Centre and Sharyn Becker of Because We Care Boutique.

FREE SEMINAR WILLS & ESTATES

Women visit the volunteerrun store for free consultations and to receive outfits for job interviews, court appearances, work or important appointments.

Many of the women are

AVOIDING ESTATE PLANNING TRAPS

“Each year, we are delighted to receive such inspiring nominations and as we celebrate the sixth year of the program, we want to thank those people who give back to our community, and our customers for their ongoing support in recognising and rewarding these incredible role models,” she said.

Source: Westfield

As part of the 2023 Brazel Moore Seminar 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 –

• Making a Will

• Challenging a Will or defending a Will from challenge

• Making a Power of Attorney and

• Making an Appointment of Guardian

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.

An early concept design of the new development

From left: Local Hero 2023 Mirandra Browne; Finalist Kim Juresa; Finalist Sharyn Becker

Another step towards net zero

NSW Premier Chris Minns was on the Central Coast on October 3 to announce the release of a new net zero emissions policy for heavy road and rail freight – the next step towards achieving net zero by 2050.

The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight.

Freight accounts for 25 per cent of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, with demand projected to rise by 34 per cent by 2061.

Minns was joined at Janus Electric at Berkeley Vale by Transport Minister Jo Haylen, Minister for the Central Coast David Harris and Member for The Entrance David Mehan to announce the policy.

It will see the NSW Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies and to ensure the state’s transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.

The first step will see a twoyear trial to give extra mass

zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network. This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.

An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source accurate information on the cost and

environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.

Minns said the policy was an important step towards achieving net zero, while working constructively with industries.

“Reducing freight emissions requires a genuine partnership between government and industry,” he said.

“We’re always going to need a freight sector to get the essentials from A to B, so

we need to make sure our freight industry is sustainable over the long term.”

Haylen said many freight operators were natural innovators and were already investing in low emission technologies.

“This policy means that the government is able to support industry to continue to invest in new and emerging technologies and reflects our joint commitment to reduce freight emissions,” she said.

“This isn’t just about cutting emissions and protecting our environment, it’s also about strengthening our economy through driving innovation, creating jobs and increasing competitiveness.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Government recognised the unique challenges for regional, rural and remote freight operators in achieving net zero.

“By working directly with industry we will be able to support them in accessing this innovative technology and ensure regional operators can access the benefits of the transition,” she said.

More information can be found at www.transport.nsw. gov.au/tnzefp

Source: NSW Government

Asphalt plant planning increased production

Fulton Hogan Industries wants to quadruple production at the Bushells Ridge Asphalt Plant and improve processing infrastructure to meet the forecast demand for asphalt in the Central Coast and Hunter regions.

The asphalt plant at 203 Tooheys Rd was approved by Central Coast Council in 2018 to produce up to 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) and process 20,000 tpa of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).

Fulton Hogan Industries has recently lodged a new development application with Council to increase production to a maximum of 400,000 tpa;

increase the current importation and processing limit of RAP from 20,000 tpa to 99,000 tpa; and reconfigure and improve existing infrastructure at the site.

Improvements will include: installation of additional hot storage bins; reconfiguration of the office, parking, workshop and laboratory; an additional RAP storage area and increasing the height of RAP stockpiles; more bulk material storage bays; storing additional hazardous substances and dangerous goods; rainwater tanks; and a new wastewater treatment system.

The project won’t include any extensions to the existing development footprint, clearing

of native vegetation or bulk earthworks, but there will be improvements to landscaping around the site.

The asphalt plant is approved

to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It says in the development application that Fulton Hogan Industries could meet part of

the increased forecast demand in asphalt in the Hunter and Central Coast regions by maximising the production capacity of the existing asphalt

plant rather than establish a new greenfield development in an alternate location.

“In continuing asphalt production on a site already established for this purpose, close to the source of demand, the requirement for relocation to, or development of, other potentially more environmentally sensitive locations will be avoided,” the DA says.

More information about DA/1474/2023 is available on Central Coast Council’s website.

Sue Murray

The asphalt plant at Bushells Ridge

Premier Chris Minns with MPs and staff at Janus Electric

From left: Member for The Entrance David Mehan, Premier Chris Minns, Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris

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

Concern over proposed changes at water treatment plant

A proposal to manage PFAS contamination at the Colongra/Munmorah power stations site is a positive step but may fall short of protecting the health of lakes and the community from long-term effects says the Central Coast Community Better Planning Group (CCCBPG).

CCCBPG Chair Gary Chestnut said it was four years since the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) told residents living around the Colongra/ Munmorah site that they didn’t need to worry about the health impacts of PFAS and almost eight years since investigations started.

The site was found to be contaminated with PFAS because of the historic use of firefighting foams that contained the chemical.

According to the Commonwealth Department of Health: “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are humanmade chemicals that are used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water.

“Most people are likely to have had some exposure to PFAS and while exposure has not been shown to cause disease in humans, it has been associated

with mildly elevated levels of cholesterol, effects on kidney function and effects on the levels of some hormones.

“The differences reported for these associations have generally been small and unlikely to be important to health outcomes.

“PFAS substances take a long time to break down in the environment and human body, so as a precaution it’s recommended to limit exposure where possible”.

Site owners, Generator Property Management Pty Ltd (GPM), have submitted a development application to Central Coast Council (DA 1587/2023) for changes of uses at the water treatment plant at Colongra.

The plant would be used to treat PFAS-contaminated water and the treated water would then be discharged via the ash dam and inlet canal.

CCCBPG’s submission in response to the DA raised concerns about relying on the current Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) for the site to monitor for PFAS.

The requirements in the current EPL for water and/or land concentration limits only cover the pH of the discharged water

and total suspended solids.

“The current EPL 759 sets no limit for any residual PFAS,” the CCCBPG submission said.

“Council must not grant consent for DA1587/2023 unless a unit of measurement is set for PFAS at the discharge point.

“As a starting point, we recommend both Council and GPM refer to the Australian Government Department of Health’s Health Based Guidance Values for PFAS.

“We encourage Central Coast Council to make representations to the EPA and NSW Government about the absence of measures

Deferred lands on public exhibition

for PFAS within the current EPL 759.”

Chestnut said CCCBPG would bemakingitsownrepresentations in relation to this omission from the EPL.

According to documents submitted in support of the DA by GPM, “The final design of the Water Treatment Plant will depend on the final water quality parameters for PFAS removal as agreed with the EPA.

“The WTP (water treatment plant) can be designed to meet 90, 95 or 99 per cent species protection level with higher quality achieved by replicating the final filtration stages.

“The required species protection level will be agreed with EPA as part of the Voluntary Management Proposal for remediation of the site.”

Chestnut said CCCBPG strongly recommends that Council impose the 99 per cent species protection level.

“The maximum design standard is required because, as Council is aware through its own modelling, the Tuggerah Lakes system shows that wind is the primary source of circulation with retention times for each lake to fully circulate its waters being: Tuggerah Lake 220 days; Budgewoi Lake 460 days; and

Lake Munmorah 520 days,” the submission said.

“As a result of the poor circulation, any PFAS remaining in the discharged water may accumulate and stay in Lake Munmorah.”

Chestnut said the CCCBPG was concerned about the applicant relying on the EPA to inform the community about PFAS and hydrocarbon contamination.

“The EPA states that seafood from the Tuggerah Lakes system remains safe,” he said.

“However, PFAS has been located within and at the end of the canals at the Colongra and Munmorah Power Stations.

“Vales Point Power Station (on Lake Macquarie) has a fishery exclusion zone at the canal’s exit.

“Accordingly, GPM and Central Coast Council should both consult with the Department of Primary Industry to confirm whether the level of PFAS detected within and at the outlet of the canals would require a fishery exclusion zone.

“This consultation must take place prior to the granting of consent for the PFAS treatment plant development.”

Source: Central Coast Community Better Planning Group

Thousands of landowners on the Central Coast with their land on the list of “deferred matters” can finally see the latest proposed zonings for their properties.

There are 3,438 land parcels that are currently deferred lands.

In 2006, the State Government’s Department of Planning and Environment introduced a standard Local Environmental Plan (LEP), which included new land use zones to standardise local government planning across NSW.

The deferred lands were excluded from the Central

Coast Local Environment Plan (CCLEP 2022) to allow further assessment of the most appropriate zoning.

The majority of the deferred land uses are rural-residential, hobby farms and conservation lifestyle blocks.

The vast majority are currently zoned 7(c)2 – Scenic Protection – Rural Small Holdings or 7(a) Conservation but have to be changed to fit State laws introduced in 2006 to standardise all Local Environment Plans.

Central Coast Council opened the public exhibition period on the draft planning proposal showing the proposed new zonings on October 11.

Affected landowners should have received a letter but the letter will not outline the changes for individual properties.

All the land is south of Ourimbah and east of the M1.

The proposal aims to incorporate the Deferred Lands into the CCLEP 2022 assigning ‘like for like’ zoning and development standards based on the existing zones and environmental attributes.

An information session is being held on October 18 and 19 at Erina and submissions close on November 8.

See more at www.yourvoice ourcoast.com/DeferredLands

The PFAS site at the Munmorah/Colongra Power Stations is shown in red and Budgewoi Creek, subject to fishing restrictions is shown in orange

Merilyn Vale

All the land is south of Ourimbah and east of the M1

Central Coast workers are being encouraged to get on their bikes and join in Australia’s biggest celebration of commuter riding on Wednesday, October 18.

National Ride2Work Day is organised by Australian charity Bicycle Network and aims to support and celebrate the many health, wellbeing and environmental benefits riding provides.

To mark the occasion, Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) will host a gathering of bike-minded people at Gosford Hospital outside the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute building on Holden St.

Riders – new, rusty and regular – can roll up any time between 7am and 8.30am for a cuppa and a chat with fellow riders and to receive a free

Ride to work on October 18

reusable cup, water bottle or towel, while stocks last.

The Gosford Hospital gathering is one of a number of Ride2Work Day events taking place across the nation on what is the day of the year for commuters to choose to ride, connect and celebrate with other members of the community.

CCLHD Health Promotion Officer Nigel Tebb said getting involved in Ride2Work Day had many health, social and environmental benefits.

“National Ride2Work Day provides the perfect opportunity for those looking to start or get back into the habit of using a bike to get around – and there are so many great benefits that come with it,” he said.

“Riding to work, even part of the way, is an efficient way for adults to build physical activity into their day, which is essential

for health and wellbeing.

“Cycling regularly, even for a few minutes at a time, can help reduce the risk of many diseases, including some cancers, and helps

maintain a healthy weight.

“It’s also a much more sustainable way to get around too, and for shorter journeys it can prove quicker than being stuck in traffic and finding a car park.

“Getting out and on your bike also helps connect you to your community, which is so important for mental health.

“We encourage the community to get out and join

the commuter evolution – you’ll head into work healthier and happier for it.”

For those looking to cycle with others to the Gosford Hospital gathering, the Central Coast Bicycle User Group has organised a ride from Fishermen’s Wharf, Woy Woy from 6.45am.

For further details, call 0414 538977 or email ccbug100@ gmail.com.

Visit the Bicycle Network website to see what Ride2Work Day events are on the Coast or to register your own event. You can also register your ride to make it count and to help the Bicycle Network understand where people are commuting by bike and how far they pedal. Visit bicyclenetwork.com.au/ ride2work-day.

Walking to save young women with heart disease

At the age of just 36 and with two children aged 11 months and three years, Jen O’Neil of Gosford never thought she would be a candidate for a heart attack.

Suffering from stress as well as managing the daily demands of having two young children, a heart attack was the furthest thing from her mind.

“With no family history of heart disease, no high blood pressure or any concerns to do with the heart, the diagnosis of a heart attack was a complete shock,” she said.

O’Neil had what is known as a SCAD heart attack – an uncommon form of heart attack that mainly strikes women in the prime of their life.

“The cardiologist said my husband saved my life by recognising the signs and rushing me to hospital,” she said.

“I was in hospital for eight days and was discharged on

my youngest child’s first birthday.

“Unlike so many other mums that had suffered a fatal SCAD, my small boys still had their mum.

“I felt incredibly lucky, but was still in shock and it still hasn’t really sunk in.

“I am blessed to have an amazing support around me –my wonderful husband and sons, my parents and parentsin-law not to mention my extended family who rallied around and helped us get through this time.”

SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection where a sudden tear occurs within the layers of one or more arteries to the heart.

This tear blocks blood flow, which can lead to cardiac arrest and sometimes death.

SCAD is the number one cause of a heart attack in women under age 50, as well as the number one cause of a heart attack in women who are

pregnant and new mothers.

Survivors have joined forces to raise much-needed awareness and fund life-saving research holding 5km walk or run right around the nation.

O’Neil will host the 5km Central Coast Walk at Terrigal on Sunday, October 29, starting

from 9:30am.

People can register or find out more at https://www.mycause. com.au/events/ scadaddle2023 – as part of the annual national event known as SCADaddle for Research.

“We need everyone involved to educate, advocate, and to

raise awareness and research fund,” she said.

“Together we’ll find the answers we need, and I will be asking all my friends and family to join me this October.

“I want to ensure that SCAD heart attacks don’t affect my children or my grandchildren.”

The average age of SCAD sufferers is just 42, and 80 per cent of sufferers are women, typically occurring in healthy, often fit adults with no standard risk factors for heart disease.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Australian women, killing almost three times more women than breast cancer each year.

Yet funding for heart research pales in comparison, with $220M invested in cardiovascular disease per year compared with the Australian Government investing more than $4.9B in cancer research in 2020-21.

Professor Jason Kovacic of the Victor Chang Cardiac

Free events to help seniors get online

Four free community events will be run for seniors through Central Coast Community College in support of the national initiative Get Online Week from October 16-22.

The events will support the college’s ongoing Digital Connect program, funded by the Federal Government’s digital inclusion initiative Be Connected.

The free and fun digital skills events will be held at: The Ary, Toukley, Tuesday, October 17, 10.30am-1pm; Oak Tree

Retirement Village, Kanwal, Wednesday, October 18, 11.30am-1.30pm; Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford, Thursday, October 19, 10.30am-1pm; and Ettalong

Diggers, Friday, October 20, 10am-12.30pm.

Digital Connect’s four Central Coast events for seniors (50+) will be a fun way for people throughout the community to try new digital skills, join in a bit of healthy competition with a chance to win prizes and enjoy a morning tea or lunch with the Digital Connect team.

“We’re hosting Get Online Week events because it’s a great way for people to break the ice and come along and use their digital technology,”

Central Coast Community College Digital Connect trainer Stephen King said.

Organised by Good Things Foundation Australia, Get Online Week reaches more than 15,000 Australians annually, helping them improve their digital skills.

CEO of Good Things Foundation Australia Jess Wilson said digital skills were

just as important today as access to food, housing and education.

“Receiving digital skills support empowers people to feel confident and safe when connecting online with loved ones, shopping online or digitally applying for their new dream job.”

RSVP to the Central Coast events at cccc.nsw.edu.au/ digital-connect-get-onlineweek

Research Institute, which is leading Australia’s first and largest research program into SCAD said that until recently SCAD was considered a rare disease.

“Little is known about its causes or why it mainly affects women,” he said.

“But we are finally starting to understand its triggers and have recently discovered 16 key genes associated with SCAD.

“Heart disease is the biggest killer of Australian women and it’s vital we continue researching this disease so we can develop preventative treatments and provide genetic diagnoses for families affected by SCAD.”

People can register or find out more or register for the Central Coast Walk visit https://www. mycause.com.au/events/ scadaddle2023.

Source: SCAD Research Inc

Jen O’Neil

Source: Central Coast Local Health District

CCLHD Health Promotion Officer Nigel Tebb is all ready for Ride2Work Day

Mental health support is on the way for men in the Wyong area with The Men’s Table launching a local support group.

Central Coast Council has partnered with the local Primary Health Network to establish the group.

The Men’s Table will host a community engagement popup event at Bunnings Tuggerah on Saturday, October 21, from 10am to 4pm.

Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said the Men’s Table program was a safe place for local men to come together to share and be heard in a confidential and nonjudgemental environment, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and connection.

“The Men’s Table’s first

Raising awareness for Type 1 diabetes

The annual Central Coast Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk was held at Davistown waterfront recently to raise awareness and funds for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

The annual 6km Central Coast One Walk started at Davistown waterfront and made its way to Kincumber, with Member for Robertson Gordon Reid joining in this year.

This year, the JDRF One Walk celebrates 30 years and has supported life-changing research and advocacy for the 130,000 plus Australians living with Type 1 Diabetes in that time.

“The annual Central Coast One Walk is an outstanding campaign to raise greater awareness and funds to support research into Type 1 Diabetes,” Reid said.

“There are about 890 people living with Type 1 Diabetes in the Robertson electorate, with

a further 8,900 people affected.

“With greater awareness and support for life-changing research, we are closer to finding a cure for these Australians.

“It was so heartwarming to see huge support on the day and the community really came out to get involved with the walk.

“I look forward to continuing to support this important cause in the years ahead and draw increased attention to the campaign.”

JDRF Central Coast volunteer Margaret Sheridan said this year’s Central Coast One Walk was a huge success.

“I believe that it is extremely important to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes as I find that many people are totally unaware of how difficult it is to manage Type 1 Diabetes and the consequences and serious complications of not managing it well,” she said.

“Also, as there is no cure for

Men’s Table support group for Wyong

community engagement event aims to engage local men in the program and attract volunteers to assist with the ongoing running of the program,” he said.

“According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, more than two in five Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life.

“Beyond Blue statistics state that men make up an average of seven out of every nine suicides every day in Australia and Central Coast Health District has reported the highest number of deaths by suicide in Australia since 2016.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was committed to creating new

opportunities for connection, inclusion and community activities that strengthened our collective sense of self.

“Programs like Men’s Table allow us to work together to solve pressing social issues, to support those in need and enhance community safety,” he said.

Council has a range of resources and information on men’s health referrals to download or collect from any Central Coast Council library or Wyong customer service centre including business cards, coasters and posters.

For more information about Men’s Table pop-up and resources search Men’s Table at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Type 1 Diabetes, research needs to be done and the JDRF One Walk helps to raise the much-needed funds to continue medical research into finding a cure.

“This year’s One Walk was the first one since all the COVID restrictions and our fundraising on the day was extremely successful.

“We look forward to hearing about more research that is taking place and hopefully a cure will be found.”

In 2022, the Federal Government improved access for those with Type 1 Diabetes to life-changing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology which helps better manage the disease and improves quality of life.

For more information about the JDRF One Walk and to get involved in next year’s event, visit: jdrf.org.au

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid (left) joined the walk with former candidate for the State seat of Terrigal Sam Boughton

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Plant a Salad Bowl!

It’s getting warm on The Coast and I feel a salad coming on!

We are a lucky bunch here and can grow many of the warm weather loving plants that go well in salads nearly year-round but I thought with the summer holidays approaching now would be a great time to focus on which crops you can plant right now for your salad creation foundations.

Anything edible can find its way into your salad somehow and your imagination is the only limit to what you decide to toss in but here are a yummy bunch of foundation ingredients that you can plant right now in your gardens to ensure you are enjoying fresh, delicious ‘Coast Grown’ salads this summer.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Harvest will depend on type and oh what an amazing variety we can enjoy these days in our gardens.

As with all plants, you will find a far greater selection available in seeds so check with local nurseries and online suppliers.

Plant 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 difficultly in germination occurring so seedlings may be a better bet at this time of year with our sudden scorchers.

Lettuce need a moist and rich soil.

They detest drying out and can bolt (come into flower) or

die rather quickly if their water level falls sharply but drainage is a must as the key is damp soil, not water-logged. Water the ground, not the leaves in the early morning and never at night or during the day to avoid pest attraction and disease.

A nitrogen-rich feed every fortnight will improve the leaf growth and health.

You can plant most lettuce in pots, ones with loose leaves generally do better. Harvest individual outer leaves carefully during growth and whole plants on maturity.

For Coast Gardens, you might consider: ‘Great Lakes’, ‘Green Cos’, ‘Butternut’, ‘Diamond Gem’, ‘Green Salad Bowl’.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L)

There are two types of tomatoes when considering harvesting, those that fruit continually throughout their growing period and those that have fruit which all comes to a ripening stage at about the same time.

I recommend planting at least one of each and it is not too late to plant either, but I would plant seedlings rather than seeds to ensure quicker cropping.

They all need a sunny and warm position that receives at least six full hours of direct sunshine each day.

Ensure that your plants are protected from wind and space plants around 50cm apart.

Never plant in the same bed two seasons running either as they are heavy feeders of nitrogen and potassium

phosphorus and your garden needs time to recover.

Although tomatoes are not too fussy about their soil types, for the best crops, it should have a pH level of 5.8 to 6.8, be high in organic matter and be free draining.

Consistent, deep watering should be undertaken to ensure a healthy plant and welldeveloped fruits and water the base of the plants, not the leaves to lessen the chance of attracting pests and disease. Use a liquid seaweed fertiliser weekly at half strength, a fortnightly feed with an organic fertiliser and to encourage the plant to uptake nutrients also add a heaped tablespoon of sulphate of potash.

Although unripe fruit will ripen after harvesting, tomatoes are best left on the vine to fully ripen before harvest to ensure full flavour.

Cut from vine, never pull.

For Coast Gardens, you might consider: ‘Summertaste’, ‘Tumbler’, ‘Roma’, ‘Tropic’, ‘Black Krim’

Radish (Raphanus sativus)

Harvest will vary greatly depending on variety but is generally is between 4 and 8 weeks.

Plant seeds 6mm deep and space plants 3 to 5cm apart.

A double-duty salad favourite as the leaves are also a fantastic peppery addition.

Harvest leaves lightly while growing though if at all as it is better to wait until harvest of the bulb.

At this time of the year, radish

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

21 & 22 October is a weekend of inspiration, connection and so much fun!

Grab your ticket early so you have plenty of time to peruse the huge range of gardens. Garden hosts will share their passion, wisdom and practical know-how to a steady flow of visitors.

If you’re looking for in depth information on a particular garden be sure to arrive for a scheduled tour where the host will take a group through their garden and explain their systems, design and plant choices, what’s worked and what hasn’t.

Info and tickets: centralcoastediblegardentrail.org.au

If you have an event to share, have questions or gardening news, please contact: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

is best planted in a light shaded area of the garden.

In winter go for full sun.

They like a lighter soil that is lower in nitrogen to promote quick bulb growth.

Feed with a low nitrogen fertiliser every two weeks and keep watering constant but do not allow to become waterlogged.

They are also ideal for container gardening.

Radish is harvested by carefully pulling from the garden and it must be harvested as soon as it matures because they will turn woody and tough if left too long in the ground.

For Coast Gardens, you might consider: ‘French Breakfast’, ‘Cherry Belle’, ‘Scarlet Globe’

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Harvest in around 8 weeks.

Plant 12mm deep and space place 40 to 50cm apart.

Cucumbers are climbers so will need a support structure to grow upon.

They must have a nice loose soil and, on the Coast, will prefer a semi-shade position as we have very hot summers.

This need not be more than about 20% shade time during the day and you may consider just using a temporary structure (like an umbrella or cloth) on very hot days.

You do need to ensure they have very good airflow and that the soil is compost rich. Mulching is non-negotiable for cucumbers but ensure you use lucerne, pea-straw, or the like and keep it away

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

from the stem.

Hold off on feeding too much before fruiting as you want to encourage cucumbers, not cucumber leaves but once they appear, feed every fortnight with a seaweed-based fertiliser.

Care must be taken with watering as they are prone to fungal disease so water the ground, not the plants.

Harvest by cutting the cucumber off the vine, don’t pull.

For Coast Gardens, you might consider: ‘Green Gem’, ‘Bushy Champion’, ‘Crystal Salad’, ‘Telegraph Improved’ Spring Onion (Allium fistulosum and cepa var.cepa)

Harvest in about 10 weeks.

Plant seeds 6mm deep and space plants 1 to 2cm.

They will need a full sun position and like a friable, fertile soil to grow in.

They are rather thirsty and will require constant watering but don’t let soil become soggy. Feed with a liquid fertiliser every few weeks to ensure good growth.

Weeds need to be removed by hand gently as they can unsettled the root structure of these plants which will lead to them dying.

Pests tend to be attracted to dry plants so keep watering consistent.

They do not produce as well in pots and do far better in garden plots.

Harvest by gently pulling up the plant.

For Coast Gardens, you might consider: ‘White Lisbon’, ‘Straightleaf’

Edible Flowers

I cannot go past edible flowers for summer salads and growing your own not only helps make your salads extra delightful but assists your garden look that way too and helps invite the pollinators for all of your plants. Correct identification must be undertaken and naturally only ever use organically grown flowers.

A few to sprinkle on your salads include: Rose (Rosa spp.), French Marigold (Tagetes patula), Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Native Violet (Viola hederacea), Dahlia (Dahlia spp.) Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis), Snapdragon (Antirrhinum spp.), Stock (Matthiola incana)

Herbs

So many delicious herbs work so well tossed through your salads raw, fresh or lightly toasted to bring out their flavours even more and naturally, added to dressings. Right now, just a fee of the herbs you can plant include basil, parsley, sage, lemongrass, marjoram, chilli, oregano and mint.

Of course, there are endless possibilities to what you can put in your salads and these are just a few you can plant right now on The Coast to ensure you and your family and friends have delicious home-grown and healthy salads to enjoy through our coming summer.

THIS WEEK’S TASKS & TIPS

This week you can plant the following: culinary herbs, bens, beetroot, cabbage, cape gooseberry, capsicum, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumber, eggplant, endive, leeks, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, parsnip, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, rosella, salsify, silverbeet, spring onions, squashes, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes, ageratum, alyssum, amaranths, aster, Californian poppy, carnation, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dianthus, everlasting daisy, gazania, gerbera, gypsophila, impatiens, marigold, nasturtium, petunias, phlox, portulaca, salvia, snap dragon, sunflower, verbena, vinca, zinnia

Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden educator at swampcentralcoast.com.au and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM963, on air locally or download the app: communityradio.plus Archived articles can be found on Cheralyn’s Blog: www.florasphere.com

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

The Diggers at The Entrance

1st Grade Cricket Competition got off to a great start on Saturday, October 7, with some great performances on day one of the first games and day two set for October 14.

In the Wyong v Brisbane Water clash, Wyong won the toss and elected to bat.

Kane Wilson and Thomas Alderson got the runs ticking over but fell quickly to Lachlan Spencer’s bowling, with Jack Harris coming in to put 81 on the board off of 125.

After 81.5 overs, Lachlan Spencer was on 4/62 off 22 and stumps was called with Wyong 9/256.

Talia shines in GromSearch

SURFING

Talia Tebb of Kincumber managed to inch out the competition to take the Under 14 Girls division in round two of the 2023 Rip Curl GromSearch Series held at Merewether Beach on October 1.

Tebb came out on top against other friends and fellow competitors Lani Cairncross (Kiama Downs), Halo Blanchfield (Byron) and Mali

Adam (Crescent Head).

Some of the best junior athletes in the state and the nation were geared up and ready for action, with the top three competitors from each location guaranteed automatic entry into the National Final event in Melbourne later this month.

With some athletes striving for spotlight in the professional world of surfing, it’s

competitions like these which help pave the way.

The impressive list of previous GromSearch competitors currently competing on the elite WSL world tour is testament to the quality of the series.

The Central Coast also shone in the U12 Girls division, with Olive Morriss of Avoca Beach finding the best wave of the heat coming in at a 6.5, leaving

Cricket comp off to flying start

Lisarow Ourimbah won the toss and elected to bat in their match against the Entrance.

The side was bowled out for 156 with top scorers Josh Hopkins with 34 runs and skipper Ben Sunshine 33.

Taking the most wickets for The Entrance was Gregory Kitchen finishing with 4/12 off 12.

The Entrance padded up and went out to bat with Simon Keen leading the runs and finishing the day 62*.

Stumps were called with The Entrance finishing 4/98.

Warnervale took on Kincumber Avoca and elected to bat after winning the toss.

Openers Ben Sammut and Daniel Hill fell quickly, bringing to the crease skipper Brett Russell, 63, who put on a partnership with Harrison Townsend, 34.

The batting collapsed in the middle order with Warnervale finishing all out for 144.

Kincumber Avoca came in with Billy Smith taking an early wicket off Harry Woodhead.

Bailey Lidgard came to the crease scoring quick runs and ending the day on 55* along with the opener Michael Williams on 40*.

Stumps were called with Kincumber 1/103.

In the Northern Power v Southern Spirit match,

Northern Power won the toss and chose to bat.

Captain Ben Gillies led the day and finished unbeaten on 105*.

Josh Abel scored 65 and Aiden Murphy put 67 up on the board.

Southern Spirit bowler Lachlan Cork sits on 2/46 off 24 with 5 maidens.

Stumps were called with Northern Power ending the day 4/119.

Terrigal Matcham won the toss against Narara Wyoming and chose to put Narara in to bat.

In a low scoring match, Narara were all bowled out for 65 with top scorer Lachlan Shedden, 28.

The pick of the bowlers from Terrigal was Jack Trigg finishing 4/8 off 7.

In Terrigal’s turn to bat only one scorer reached double figures – Matthew Toohey on 14 – with the exceptional bowling of Kyle Jordan taking 7/13 off 10 and Keiran Lawson with 3/16 off 7 leaving Terrigal all out on 50.

In Narara’s second innings stumps were called seeing them

finish on 4/32 with a lead of 47 heading into day 2.

The Ibis Styles The Entrance 1st Grade Women’s Competition also began on October 7 with six teams taking to the field.

Narara/Terrigal won the toss against Lisarow Ourimbah and elected to bat.

With a collapse in their batting line up their leading scorer was Rejoice Mudavose finishing 18*.

Aanya Siingh took 3/2 off 3 leaving them on 8/47 after their innings.

Lisarow Ourimbah took to the crease with Jessica Dowling taking two early wickets of the opening batters but Aanya Siingh, 31 and Maxine Babinski, 7 brought the win home reaching 50 runs after just 7 overs.

The Entrance won the toss and elected to bowl in their game against Northern Power.

Northern Power were scoring runs all through their line up with Julia Hunt 48* off 28.

The innings finished leaving them 2/152.

her undefeated as she consistently soared through earlier rounds of competition.

Coco Hamano of Terrigal came in fourth.

For more information and updates on the Rip Curl GromSearch Series see the official Surfing NSW website or the Rip Curl Events page.

The Entrance came to the crease with skipper Kristy Barry taking the leading runs on 25 off 22.

Bowler Crystal Osborne rocked The Entrance, taking 3/5 off 3 and by the 15th over it was finished with The Entrance all out for 9/54.

Northern Power White elected to bowl after winning the toss against Kincumber Avoca.

Skipper Sophie McCrae retired on 32* and Narthana Sivasampavan finished on 26 off 28.

At the end of the innings Kincumber Avoca finished on 4/131.

Northern Power went out to bat with Layla Graham taking 2/12 off 4.

Top run scorer Zara Hepplewhite put 19* on the board but after 20 overs they couldn’t reach the runs and finished on 7/85.

Source: Central Coast Cricket

Good show by Coast in baseball comp

The Central Coast was well represented at the Under-14 Country Baseball Championship held at Coffs Harbour over the long weekend.

Despite tying with the Far

North Coast in the semi-final game, the Central Coast Marlins were relegated to the 3rd place game on a countback of runs for and against.

All the boys on the team improved their skills and learnt about team play as they played

six games over the three days. In the end, the Marlins took third place by beating the host team Coffs Harbour, 7-0.

Source: Central Coast Marlins

The Central Coast Marlins Under-14 baseball team did the Coast proud

Source Surfing NSW

The Central Coast Past President’s Association bowling group recently held its annual trip away, with 30 members spending three days at Cessnock in late September.

President Ian Jarrett said on the Saturday members visited the Kurri Kurri Bowling Club where they played two games of bowls with local bowlers.

“In the evening the members had pre-dinner drinks at the motel’s reception room, before dining at the hotel next door,” he said.

“Sunday was a social day with the majority opting for a visit to the historical town of Morpeth and an enjoyable

Travelling bowlers check out Cessnock

lunch at the hotel; others chose to test the local wines.

“That evening we had nibbles and pizzas delivered to the hotel’s function room, which topped off the day.

“We were up early on Monday and hosted by the East Cessnock Bowling club where we once again mingled with their bowlers for a morning game of bowls followed by lunch before returning home to the Coast.”

Jarrett said it was the last time the group would travel under the CCPPA banner, as from its AGM in November the group will continue as Central Coast Travelling Bowlers.

CCN

Council appoints Disability Inclusion Coach

In partnership with Dylan Alcott’s Sports4all program, Central Coast Council has engaged a Disability Inclusion Coach to work with Council and local sporting associations.

The goal of the program is to improve the disability inclusion in local community sport and facilities and programs offered by Council.

Ben Sutton obtained a Bachelor of Sport Coaching and Exercise Science from the University of Canberra in 2015.

“After that I found myself coaching at North Sydney United from 2016-2021 with a

variety of squad and age groups,” he said.

“I learnt a lot about coaching and how to interact with people.

“From there I went on to test myself at the representative level of coaching (NPL) with North West Spirit for one season and now I work for Sport4All.

“I have been playing football since the age of four and have been lucky enough to represent NSW since 2005 and The Pararoos (Australian national Team) since 2017.”

Sutton has been to four countries, representing the Pararoos at a World Cup and a

World Championship.

“I also did athletics growing up and was a keen skier,” he said.

“The main aim for my role is to improve the inclusivity of sport clubs and schools so everybody has a chance to be a part of sport no matter what the role is.”

Sport4All is a groundbreaking program brought to life through a collaboration between the Australian Government, the Australian Sports Commission and former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott’s consultancy, Get Skilled Access.

The national award-winning

program is dedicated to enhancing inclusivity in sports by empowering local sporting clubs, schools and communities to embrace diversity and create opportunities for people with disability.

Through the appointment by local councils of an Inclusion Coach with lived experience of disability, Sport4All is driving a positive change in grassroots sport, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of sport when, where, and how they choose.

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL NEW TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT MISSING

25 Mann Street, Gosford, New South Wales 2250 (Strata Plan 101127)

1. Telstra are proposing to provide improved coverage for the Gosford area. As part of the proposed mobile phone base station, Telstra proposes the installation of 4G and 5G technologies in Gosford. The proposed facility consists of a rooftop installation, including three (3) new panel antennas measuring no greater than 2800mm in length attached to new antenna mounts, three (3) new AIR panel antennas to be attached to a new antenna mount, the installation of two (2) new outdoor units (ODUs) located on the rooftop. The proposal also includes ancillary equipment, including but not limited to three (3) remote radio units.

2. Telstra considers the proposal to be Exempt Development in accordance with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2250106.

4. In accordance with Section 6 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or submissions should be directed to: Michael Cheung / Telstra, +61 8 8237 9777, Michael.Cheung@aurecongroup.com by 5pm on 9 November 2023.

The travelling bowlers

Source: Central Coast Council

Disability Inclusion Coach Ben Sutton

The region’s beaches were splashed with pink as children threw on their iconic rash shirts for the launch of the Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) Nippers season on Sunday, October 8.

Thanks to the long-standing support of Newcastle Permanent, the surf-skills program is open to children between the ages of five and

Nippers season set to make a splash

14, teaching Nippers CPR and lifesaving techniques, surf safety and rescue experience, all while completing fun surf sport activities.

Newcastle Permanent Branch Manager Lorraine Gould said the customer-owned organisation was proud to support SLSCC and help make the Nippers program more affordable for families.

“The fabulous pink rashies

make up such an iconic part of our beach culture, and this year there’s set to be even more of them on our beaches with nearly 2,000 Nippers enrolled so far,” she said.

“The rash shirts are such a genius piece of design, promoting sun safety, as well as making the Nippers easy to spot in the sand and surf.

“I look forward to the warmer weather by the beach, watching

our community’s Nippers in training practising their drills.”

Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO Jon Harkness said the Nippers experience was tailored to ensure children got the most out of the program.

“Our proud partnership with Newcastle Permanent spans more than 20 years, and helps us deliver services for our community’s beachgoers,” he said.

“The Nippers experience is designed to boost confidence in children, giving them the opportunity to have fun and make friends, while learning lifesaving skills.

“Our programs educate, support training and equip Nippers with CPR training as they reach under 13s-14s, along with pathways to become a qualified lifesaver.

“We are fortunate to have a

Alexia dons yellow and navy for Mariners

FOOTBALL

The latest signing for the Central Coast Mariners ahead of the upcoming A-League Women’s season is Alexia Karrys-Stahl.

The 23-year-old joins the Mariners from Bankstown City, having spent the past few seasons with the NSW NPL Women’s club.

The versatile footballer made 20 appearances for the

side this year, scoring seven goals.

This is Karrys-Stahl’s second stint in the A-League Women’s competition, having played for Canberra United in the 202122 season.

She went on to make four appearances during that campaign.

An energetic footballer who can play both in attack and defence, the 23-year-old adds further depth to Head Coach

Emily Husband’s squad as the team prepares to start the season on October 14 against the Newcastle Jets.

Karrys-Stahl is extremely excited to be playing in the yellow and navy.

“To be a part of the team this campaign, as the Mariners return to the competition, is super exciting and something that I really look forward to,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get out on the

pitch, become a part of the community and help alongside the rest of the team to leave a lasting legacy on the Coast.”

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband said she was eager to see what the 23-year-old could bring to the squad.

“Alexia is another great addition to the group ahead of the season,” she said.

“She has been training with us throughout pre-season,

strong pipeline of Nippers on the Central Coast, who are constantly building on their skills to become confident and competent lifesavers.”

Nippers is run across all 15 SLSCC clubs, from The Lakes to Umina.

Registrations are still open and to find your nearest Nippers program visit slscc.com.au

Source: Newcastle Permanent

she has shown us what she can do and no doubt she will do what we need for us to succeed.

“She is great on the ball and loves to play in the wide areas.

“She is the type of player who can insert herself either in the middle or out wide with the ability to play some nice deliveries.”

Source Central Coast Mariners

Alexia Karrys-Stahl

Nippers season began on October 8