Coast Community News #426

15 FEBRUARY 2024

ISSUE 426

INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS • COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

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Molly Picklum scores a perfect 10 at Pipeline

Mardi gras float set to rise and shine See page 8

Out&About

MEET YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER In a breathtaking display of skill that reverberated through the surfing world, Central Coast sensation Molly Picklum etched her name into the annals of surfing history by scoring a perfect 10 at the iconic Pipeline break in Hawaii this week.

Freestyle King Live heads for Gosford See page 17

Business

See page 31 help you…

James can Molly Picklum in action at the Pipeline. Photo: World Surf League

Plan your retirement

Making The Entrance channel ‘flood ready’ With the end of the busy Summer holiday period, and the departure of migratory Little Terns from the Karagi sand spit, Central Coast Council is set to commence the next stage of works this month at The Entrance channel to ensure it is in an appropriate “flood ready” state, by establishing a pilot channel.

Council currently monitors the channel condition in real time (via remote cameras, satellite imagery and gauges, that monitor tidal range within the estuary) and forecasts catchment inflows and lake heights.

This allows early intervention at The Entrance channel if a flood event is expected.

Council’s Unit Manager

Create a tax effective income stream in retirement “This is in accordance with our Superannuation contribution procedures to reduce the time and JAX goes from strength to James Tarawhiti and structure advice effort required by Council work crews strength I enjoy working with clients to help them meetintheir the event of a flood and to ensureyour Age Maximize See page 23 financial goals. I am passionate about improving the appropriate response Pension actions are entitlements financial position of my clients, their families and implemented faster for our wider community by increasing their personal wealth community.” and financial literacy.

Invest your SMSF Council’s main concerns with within the current configuration of the channel I have over 15 years experience in financial planning are with its tendency to track south working with clients on the Northern Beaches and Advice on lump sum between the rock shelf and The Central Coast. I hold a Diploma Financial Services investment such as Beach groyne.

(Financial Planning) and I am currently studyingEntrance a inheritance or downsizing The Entrance channel “This we have Master’s in Financial Planning. I am a member of the is an observation your home continued to see since construction of Association Advisers (AFA) and to accredited Environmental Management Luke of triggers requiring Council undertake to the groyne in 2017,” Sulkowski said. provide specialist SMSFs.channel, we Sulkowski said the foreshores of work advice on The to Entrance “Prior to the construction of the Tuggerah Lakes, however, would plan to excavate sand from the lake groyne, even when constricted, the Major award for Tuggerah always be flood prone, regardless of side of the sand berm and to the north channel generally tended to flow to gymnastics club the channel configuration. of the rock shelf as a pre-emptive the north of the rock shelf.

See page 32 “While currently we have not action, given the forecast shift to La Puzzles page 18 reached any of our established niña weather conditions,” he said.

Continued page 7

Sport

Call today for a complimentary, no-obligation appointment

MEET YOUR LOCAL FINANCIAL PLANNER 262 254 JAMES0434TARAWHITI

PO Box 280ofAvoca NSW 2251 Authorised Representative CountBeach Financial Limited Principal and Financial Planner, Coastal Wealth Financial Planning james@coastalwealthfp.com.au www.coastalwealthfp.com.au • Retirement Planning • Downsizer Contributions

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Call today for a complimentary, no obligation appointment

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The power of love locally This Valentine’s Day week, let’s celebrate the expansive power of love, not just in its romantic form, but as a fundamental force that enriches the Central Coast Community.

A sentiment seen in the beautiful story of four couples at a local retirement village.

Their stories span decades and are filled with shared laughter, adventures and unwavering support.

EDITORIAL Let us also remember the loved ones that have passed.

This week we heard the sad news of the death of Jill, the remarkable wife of Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.

Love, in its broadest sense, is about connection, support and understanding.

It’s seen and felt deep down in the family and friendships

that bind us together; sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Love is also seen in the small businesses that greet customers by name, the community groups that band together to support local causes and the spontaneous acts of kindness that occur daily.

On the Central Coast, love manifests through the vibrant local markets, where artisans share their passions, in the

tireless efforts of volunteers preserving our beautiful waterways, beaches and parks and in the community events that bring us together, celebrating our shared identity and diversity.

Let this Valentine’s Day week be a reminder of the love that binds the Central Coast community, making it a place where everyone feels at home.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Four tales of enduring love

Manager & Digital Editor: David Abrahams Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale Graphic Designer: Brad Yee Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric Publisher - Combined Coast News ISSN 1839-9045 – Print Post Approved – PP100001843 – Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

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Clockwise from top left: Ted Hilly and Jan Boyd; Roy and Doreen Messer; Keith and Lorraine Stewart; Barry and Noeline James

This Valentine’s Day, amidst the chocolates and roses, four couples at Alino Living’s Killarney Court facility at Killarney Vale offered a heartwarming reminder that love truly knows no bounds.

Their stories span decades and are filled with shared laughter, adventures and unwavering support.

Ted Hilly and Jan Boyd, who met at the Tooheys Brewery in 1989, have been partners in life for 33 years.

From cheering on their favourite sporting teams to fishing excursions and family

gatherings, their blended family of six children, six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren is a testament to their enduring bond.

Roy and Doreen Messer, married for over 60 years, met at the Auburn RSL in the 1950s.

Their early years were filled with the joy of dancing every Saturday night, a tradition that continues to bring them smiles even today.

They have one daughter, two grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Keith and Lorraine Stewart, married for an incredible 66 years, met at a dance in 1953.

Their story began with a simple dance invitation and blossomed into a lifelong love built on shared interests, including trips to the beach, movie nights and music.

They have two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Barry and Noeline (Noni) James, married for 60 years, met at a pub in Manly in 1963.

Their love story started with a spark of attraction and grew into a beautiful family life filled with two children and two grandchildren, beloved pets and adventures across Australia.

“These couples inspire us all with their enduring love and commitment,” Alino Living CEO Justin Dover said.

“Their stories remind us that love is a journey, not a destination, and it continues to bring joy and meaning to life, even in our later years.

“We are proud to offer care that fosters connection and celebrates the unique love stories of each resident at Killarney Court and all our facilities.”

Alino Living has four Central Coast aged care facilities

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Malinya Shared Path Stage 2 Aboriginal Cultural heritage Call for Registration Extent Heritage has been engaged by the Central Coast Council to undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) ahead of proposed development of the Malinya Road Shared Path Stage 2.

The development is located along Malinya Road, between Henderson and Coomal Avenue in Davistown, NSW. The proposed development is a portion of pedestrian and cyclists path to join existing paths along Malinya Road.

We are inviting registrations from Aboriginal individuals and/or organisations, who may hold relevant cultural knowledge.

If you or your organisation is interested, please provide a registration of interest by 29 February 2024 to: Extent Heritage, 3/73 Union Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009, 02 9555 4000, consultation@extent.com.au.

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Rally to protest “failed” community consultation Opponents of a proposed 50-lot housing development on Woy Woy Rd at Kariong will rally outside the Gosford office of the Department of Planning on Friday, February 16.

Founder of Save Kariong Sacred Lands and president of the Kariong Progress Association, Lisa Bellamy, said the group would protest what they believed to be failed community consultation on a proposal to rezone the land to make way for the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) development.

“Many who put in a submission via the portal did not receive the automated confirmation email, indicating receipt of the submission,” Bellamy said.

“The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has verified that without this email confirmation, your submission was not logged.

“This potentially means thousands of submissions have been lost.

“This is unacceptable.

“We insist on fairness, transparency, and integrity in the planning process; it’s time to take a stand.

“If the department cannot

retain public submissions, how can it be trusted to make decisions regarding the rezoning of a culturally and ecologically vital area?”

Bellamy said community groups are formally requesting a halt to the planning process for at least 12 months to allow for sufficient community engagement.

She said the recent system failure has undermined public confidence in the consultation process.

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said the Department was conscious of the strong level of community interest in the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council’s (DLALC) proposal at Kariong.

“The Department has received feedback that some people could have experienced communication issues while making submissions on the Planning Portal,” the spokesperson said.

The Department extended the deadline for submissions to be emailed to centralcoast@ planning.nsw.gov.au from January 29 to February 9 and then February 12.

“The Department will ensure any submissions made by email which were unable to be

A flashmob held at Erina to protest the development

lodged on the Planning Portal will be included as part of the normal process,” the spokesperson said.

“The independent Regional Planning Panel will then consider the proposal, including all submissions received during the initial public exhibition period and emails received up

until Monday, February 12.

“A response to submissions is expected to be finalised by mid-2024.

“The Darkinjung LALC will still need to formally submit any potential development applications through Central Coast Council should the land be rezoned.

“This will be subject to a separate public exhibition process.”

But Bellamy says while opponents “appreciate the sentiment”, this is “not good enough”.

The rezoning proposal would see environmentally protected land (C2) rezoned to R2.

Opponents have held numerous rallies over the past four years, objecting to the proposed housing development on environmental and cultural grounds.

They say it would see an irreversible loss of biodiversity and species including the Eastern Pygmy Possum, largeeared pied bat, swift parrot and rare plant species would be endangered.

They say the development’s impact would extend to the removal of threatened wetlands, an Area of Regional Koala Significance, and the potential degradation of the Brisbane Water Catchment and there has been a lack of proper evaluation of Aboriginal heritage sites and disapproval from local traditional custodians.

The proposed rezoning also raises concerns about the strain on local infrastructure, lack of housing diversity and potential risks associated with urban sprawl, they say.

Bellamy is encouraging residents to join the peaceful protest bringing signs and sticky-tape.

The rally will be held at 10am on Friday, February 16, outside the Central Coast offices of the Department of Planning, 32 Mann St, Gosford.

Vital youth mental health service facing the axe The highly successful Youth Hub at Gosford will close its doors at the end of April unless a new source of funding can be found.

Despite alarming statistics revealing more young adults than ever are at risk, RYSS (Regional Youth Support Services) CEO Kim McLoughry said unless a miracle occurred, the service – a model that is considered NSW best practice – will have to close.

RYSS opened the Youth Hub two years ago, funded under the former Liberal Federal Government’s Safer Communities program.

“We are between a rock and a hard place; there is nowhere else we can apply,” McLoughry said.

“We have applied to all levels of government, state and federal.

“It’s a good model, a beautiful venue and great staff who do incredible work.

“We have to start letting people know the essential services we work with.”

She said recent research showed a 30 per cent increase in the number of adolescents presenting at emergency

departments with mental health issues.

“There are so many holes in the system that these young people fall through, particularly for those aged 18 to 25, help just doesn’t exist.

“We need our politicians to step up and say this is a priority, and as important and as essential as a GP clinic.”

McLoughry said the Youth Hub had proved to be a costeffective solution to breaking the cycle of homelessness, abuse and poor mental health that impacted on more Central Coast young people than in most other regions in NSW. She said the dedicated staff and partner services had assisted more than 2,500 local young people across the region, delivering outreach services in anti-social ‘hot spots’ to 1,700 young people across the region including Tuggerah, Bateau Bay, Lake Haven, Kariong, Gosford CBD and the Peninsula.

It also offered targeted, individualised support to almost 700 vulnerable young people and provided life-skill building groups every school term to more than 270 young people.

Happier days, at the opening of the Youth Hub in July 2022

“The Hub has directly tackled the impacts of mental illness, violence, sexual abuse and homelessness,” she said.

“It has been exciting to see the former Parkside model streamlined into this tailored one stop multi-service model, which is being researched as a model for youth service best practice in NSW. “We have changed the trajectory of thousands of local young lives; it is now heartbreaking and illogical in this current difficult climate to not see any suitable source of funding available to see this through to the next stage of

commitment.

“The Safer Communities funding has been unique under the previous Government.”

McLoughry said RYSS had recently pitched the model to Treasury advocating for more youth hubs across the Central Coast.

“We are committed to making our communities a better, safer place with our next generation and we require funding with commitment and vision,” she said.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said he would be meeting with Social Services Minister Rishworth on

Wednesday, February 14 to discuss the situation.

“RYSS is an important wraparound service providing support to young people on the Central Coast,” he said.

“I am meeting with Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth to discuss funding opportunities to ensure the viability of this service.”

“I will update RYSS following my meeting with the Minister, on the way forward”.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said she had reached out to RYSS to offer assistance.

“I am saddened to hear that funding has not been secured for the continuation of the Gosford hub, which has previously been funded by the Federal Government,” she said.

“It is important that all levels of government support the establishment of youth services across the Coast, and I will continue to advocate for this across all levels of government.”

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the imminent closure was a failure by the current Federal Government.

“It’s heartbreaking to see a truly outstanding organisation like RYSS have their programs

put under threat by a complete failure to supply ongoing funding from the Federal Government,” he said.

“This is not the first time a local organisation has faced this issue, with the outstanding local organisation Clean4Shore also not receiving any funding under the current Federal Labor Government and also being forced to cut back on services they deliver to our community.

“I’m calling on the Federal Members for Robertson and Dobell to spend less time campaigning at hospitals which are not under threat and to actually do their jobs and work to secure the necessary funding for organisations like RYSS to ensure they have continuity of funding to deliver these vital support services to the Central Coast.

“I was proud to be part of the former Coalition government that provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding to RYSS to help upgrade their facilities such as the RYSS bus and other outstanding programs that they deliver to youth on the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

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Four more receive Australia Day honours Four more Central Coast residents have been recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours Awards for their service to various associations and organisations.

Coast Community News reported previously that eight residents had been honoured but four residents were overlooked due to insufficient or incorrect information being supplied to the newspaper.

Professor Ian Hickie

Ian Hickie AO Professor Ian Hickie of Killcare has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to psychiatric research and reforms as an advocate for improved mental health care and awareness.

Hickie, Co-Director, Health and Policy at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, is a global leader in mental health research and digital innovations in care.

He was an inaugural NHMRC Australian Fellow (2007-2012), then Senior Principal Research Fellow (2013-2017 and 201822) and is now supported at the highest level of personal Investigator Grants (20232027).

As an inaugural Commissioner on Australia’s National Mental Health Commission (2012-18) he oversaw enhanced accountability for mental health reform and suicide prevention.

Hickie is an internationally renowned researcher in clinical psychiatry, with particular reference to digital innovation, youth mental health care and adolescent-onset mood disorders, notably depression and bipolar disorder.

While he lives on the Central Coast, his work means he is often in Sydney.

“I use every excuse I can to come to the Central Coast,” he said.

He loves the “physical beauty” of the coast, and says he is well aware of the issues, particularly in youth mental health which he says are “profound”, especially those surrounding social cohesion and infrastructure.

“I have specialised in mental health research and advocacy around these issues and believe the answer is the right care the first time where you live,” he said.

“It’s not a one size fits all.”

“Lifting awareness is not an action.

“We are a wealthy country that still does not deliver – in fact we have gone backwards in some areas like the Central Coast.”

As the former CEO for Beyond Blue and Headspace, Hickie said the lack of intervention services for young people was a “huge issue” for politicians and government.

“To be recognised is a surprise and flattering,” he said.

“I have been fortunate to work with very productive teams, it’s been a real team effort.

“There is a huge amount still to be done, we need to turn goodwill into action.”

Eric Flood OAM Eric Flood was awarded an OAM for service to veterans and their families.

At 98 years of age, Flood, of Erina, is as much involved in Legacy today as he was in

1967 when he first became a Legatee with Lithgow Legacy.

While a lot has changed over those years, Flood said the core business of Legacy had not.

“To care for the widows and children of veterans is the core business of Legacy,” he said.

Flood first joined Lithgow Legacy where he was secretary, and later when he moved to Sydney he was chairman at St George Legacy.

He was also a member and committee member of Sydney Legacy.

Flood joined Brisbane Water (NSW) Legacy in 1998 where he was a member of the pensions committee and a former chairman of the scholarship committee (he is still on the committee).

He was also the chairman of

Eric Flood

the Chatterbox quarterly news magazine for six years.

In 2021, he was awarded Central Coast Council’s Seniors Community Award.

Flood’s father was a WW1 veteran and Flood served in WW2.

“I remember the hardship during the Depression years where men came back from war and their families were suffering,” he said.

“I just had an inclination towards helping in some way.

“These days people’s needs are being identified more than ever and while Lagacy’s work has changed as a result of that, their core business of

caring for families has not.”

Leone Meatchem OAM

Leone Meatchem

Leone Meatchem has been awarded an OAM for service to jewellery design.

Meatchem, a Central Coast resident for 37 years, said she was grateful and honoured to have been awarded an OAM. “I was very surprised to learn of the award, but humble,” she said.

“I have never thought of what I did as work and did not deserve a reward for something I just loved doing.

“I had no idea that I had been nominated.”

While she was honoured for her service to jewellery design, she said people were often surprised to learn her work included designing medals, badges and even a championship belt for boxer Lionel Rose.

“I loved school, all the science subjects, but my favourite was always the art lesson,” she said.

“I was fortunate to have excellent, encouraging art teachers in high school.

“I left school on a Friday and started my design training at Angus & Coote on the following Monday.

“For me, it was like one long art lesson, and I loved every minute.”

After three years of training, Meatchem became a fully qualified artist designer, able to work for other

jewellers as well.

Noticing how a good design could be spoiled by using the wrong gemstones, she also gained a degree in gemmology enabling her to choose the best stones for her designs.

In 1972, she read that the prestigious De Beers Diamond International Award was judged on a drawing, not a finished piece, so she dared to send an entry to the USA. “As with the OAM, I was shocked and amazed to learn I had won,” she said.

“There followed a thrilling trip to Los Angeles for the presentation.

“Jewellers make quite different products, and it was wonderful to have my designs used for many sport trophies including the World Gold Cricket Cup and several very complicated detailed designs for mayoral chains including Katherine in the Northern Territory, Wollongong and a very memorable chain for Gosford, now a City in 1980, meeting Gosford’s first mayor, Don Leggett.

“Living in Sydney all those years, I did not know then, that by the end of 1986 we would be living on the beautiful Central Coast and are still happy Coasties now 37 years later.”

Noel Moulder

Noel Moulder OAM Noel Moulder, of Blue Haven, has been awarded an OAM for service to veterans.

Moulder, who has been working with the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia since 1991, said he was surprised and honoured to have received the award.

“We have achieved a lot over the years, but not just me, it’s a team effort,” he said.

“It is nice to be recognised.”

Holding many positions with the association over those years, Moulder is currently vice-president of the National Servicemen’s Association, vice-president of the NSW National Servicemen’s Association and member of Tuggerah Lakes Sub-branch.

“We’re here to continue to provide welfare support for the national servicemen who served our nation,” Moulder said.

“Each sub-branch also helps and supports their community in various ways.”

He said the decline in the organisation’s members over the past three or four years had been noticeable.

“COVID was partially to blame, when people just didn’t leave their homes or their families didn’t want them to, understandably,” he said.

“The membership age now is anywhere between 72 or 73 to 90, and the older members are dropping out for various reasons.

“While this makes it a bit difficult, we continue to do our job because there’s still a lot of national servicemen out there.”

He said at one stage, the organisation had 300,000 members who had served from 1951 to 1972, and in NSW, there were 40-45 subbranches but only 15-20 are remaining today.

Moulder was made a life member of Tuggerah Lakes Sub-branch in 2013 and in 2011 was awarded the Barry Vicary Fellowship Award, National Servicemen’s Association of Australia.

Adam’s remarkable love lost

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch with his wife Jill

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has paid tribute to his wife Jill, who passed away on February 13 following a 10-year battle with cancer.

“Today I said goodbye to my best friend – my beautiful and truly amazing wife of more than 26 years,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“Your fight is over and the bravery, resilience and strength you have shown since 2013 is nothing short of incredible.

“You provided, care and comfort and looked after others all while being a patient yourself.

“I’m the proudest husband in the world for everything you achieved and did for others.

“Thank you for sharing your all-too-short life with me; I wouldn’t change a minute of it.

“I’m the luckiest man in the world to have married my best friend.

“We made the most of every

day we had, right to the end.

“We will always have Paris my darling and I will miss you more than words can express.

“Until we see each other again, I love you more, plus one.”

Crouch told CCN his wife was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2013 while doing her nursing degree.

“She graduated top of the Uni and received the Uni medal

while having treatment,” he said.

“Jill then went on to be an oncology nurse at Gosford Hospital, treating patients while she was a patient there herself.

“She passed away in our amazing palliative care unit at the same hospital.”

If readers would like to pay tribute to Jill, Crouch has asked they make a donation to Elsie’s Project in lieu of flowers.

THURSDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2024

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A Central Coast retirement lifestyle like no other What does your perfect day look like?

Is it a family day at one of the Central Coast’s idyllic beaches?

A hike through the region’s luscious national parks?

Or a day to unwind with friends over a coffee at your favourite café?

Well, the good news is when you live at Brentwood Village, you don’t have to choose!

Set on almost 60 acres of coastal hinterland, Brentwood Village is a peaceful sanctuary with picturesque beachside towns just minutes away on the Central Coast.

The vibrant retirement community strikes the perfect balance between relaxing retreat and thriving locale, with all the conveniences of Terrigal and Avoca right on your doorstep.

Get active or unwind - you choose how to spend your time Within Brentwood Village, you’ll find a world of activities.

Want to invigorate your mornings or cool down on a sunny afternoon? Dive into our indoor swimming pool.

Do you feel crafty and want to let your creativity flow? Use the on-site craft and hobby room or the handy workshop to get started on your next project.

Or come down for a coffee and a bite with good conversations and friendly smiles at the village café located conveniently in the community centre.

The possibilities really are endless, and with onsite health and wellbeing classes as well as visiting medical practitioners, podiatrist, and chemist deliveries, you’ll have everything you need to achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

The 40 year anniversary But that is not all.

The dedicated team at Brentwood Village organise different events throughout the year that get residents inspired and active in the community - and with its own auditorium that is sitting within the community centre, the village is purpose built for big celebrations.

That’s why the team went all out for last year’s 40th village anniversary, turning the auditorium into a sea of red to celebrate the ruby anniversary.

The milestone event was a delightful blend of celebrating the village’s rich past and paying homage to the people

who shaped the community, including the past and present members of the resident committee, aptly called BRAG.

The vision of a Dutch dreamer Brentwood’s story starts in 1982, when construction of the village officially commenced.

By April 1983, the first residents had already moved in.

The original cottage on the property transformed into the sales office and the first gathering place for residents.

The village’s original owner and builder, a Dutch visionary, had an extraordinary dream: He envisioned a picturesque lake adorned with geese and ducks and took it upon himself to plant numerous trees in and around the area.

His vision eventually became reality.

Today, one of Brentwood Village’s most prominent features is its stunning gardens, which have earned accolades from Gosford Council multiple times, as well as the lake that forms the centrepiece of the village.

Putting on a show From the very beginning, Brentwood Village has had a strong creative spirit.

The village’s auditorium originally featured a stage with dressing rooms and even a green room for pre-show preparations.

Residents had closets full of costumes for the various shows they created and performed in.

The costumes were eventually donated to local theatre costume departments, but the village hall, with its impressive size and improved acoustics, remains one of the

outstanding features of the village.

The perfect place for celebrating the 40 year milestone.

The right to BRAG Community-mindedness has always been a hallmark of Brentwood Village’s residents, and it was no surprise that not only the village celebrated 40 years, but so did the resident committee, BRAG. The Brentwood Residents Activity Group, or BRAG in short, has been the driving force behind fostering a sense of fellowship and friendship among residents.

Over the years, BRAG has been instrumental in supporting and entertaining the residents in countless ways.

‘Their commitment to the village is truly something to brag about,’ said new committee president Lorraine in her celebratory speech.

‘Their commitment to the village is truly something to brag about,’ But the committee has not just focused on bringing the resident community together.

Over the years, they have also raised substantial amounts of money for local charities such as Coast Shelter and the Wesley Mission Aunties and Uncles program.

As Lorraine put it, ‘Their dedication to giving back to the wider community is a source of pride for all who call Brentwood Village home.’

28 years of joy at Brentwood Village One of those residents who call Brentwood Village home is Betty.

Her story at the village began 28 years ago, a decision driven by a conversation with her friends.

“We had friends that were already living here in the village.

We came to visit them and thought, this might not be a bad idea.

Because they were very happy here.”

But Betty’s move to Brentwood Village wasn’t just a change of residence; it was a whole new chapter in her life.

Having been new to the area, she was pleasantly surprised by the breathtaking surroundings and the proximity to the beach.

“I had no idea how beautiful the surroundings were.

I love the beach and the proximity to the beach.

It was a nice surprise to discover those things.”

Community and friendship One of the standout aspects of Betty’s journey has been her ability to forge deep connections with her fellow residents.

“It’s a very friendly community.

That’s the way you meet people and settle in.”

“I have always felt secure and it was easy to get involved in things.”

Betty and her husband actively participated in the village’s activities, creating opportunities to meet new friends.

But her contribution to the Brentwood Village community extends beyond friendships.

She shared her passion for spinning with fellow resident Margaret, who

had a spinning room.

After Margaret passed away, Betty continued the tradition, inviting others to join her in this delightful activity.

And she also lent a hand backstage during village concerts.

When asked for advice for those considering moving to a retirement village, Betty emphasises the companionship, the village amenities, activities, healthcare options, and the welcoming atmosphere at Brentwood Village.

“I would suggest that they consider it as a possibility.

People have said they wished they’d moved in sooner.

We came in when we were only in our 60s and that was great.

We got good value out of our unit,” she smiles.

It’s the simple pleasures that come with retirement village life Betty enjoys the most: Attending concerts, luncheons, and other

gatherings, cherishing each day and the moments she shares with her fellow residents.

And when asked if she would do it all again, she quickly replies “Oh, without a doubt.”

Get inspired at Brentwood Village Betty won’t have to wait long for the next outing.

With the 40 year anniversary celebrations behind them, the village team have already put their heads together for the next big event at Brentwood Village.

The village is proud to be part of the 2024 Seniors Festival, hosting a special event in collaboration with the Central Coast Council Bec Wilson, columnist for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, renowned expert on modern retirement, and author of the book ‘How to have an Epic Retirement’ will give attendees practical steps and tips to live a longer, better, and financially confident life.

The event is free and the perfect opportunity to experience what life at Brentwood Village could be like, while getting some expert advise on how to have an epic retirement.

When: Friday 22nd March, 10.30am - 12.00pm Where: Brentwood Village Community Centre, 1 Scaysbrook Drive, Kincumber, NSW Bookings are essential as spaces are limited, so please visit keytonevents.com.au to secure your free spot by 15 March.

Choose wellbeing.

Retire with confidence.

Discover nautral beauty and a connected community in a convenient location.

Near shopping centres, cinemas, beaches and golf clubs, this contemporary village is the perfect

PAGE 6

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Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Council undertakes pre-emptive works on The Entrance Channel It was great to meet community members, Council experts and the Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP, on site at The Entrance Channel this week to discuss Council’s next stage of works at The Entrance Channel.

Dogs sniff out leaks across the Coast

The Men’s Table launches in Doyalson

To find out more, search ‘dogs sniff out leaks’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

For more information and tickets, search ‘men’s table’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

We recently welcomed a visit from Sydney Water Lead Detection Dog Team to learn how ‘man’s best friend’ can help solve leaking issues in the water and sewer network, as part of our proactive leak detection program. The dogs ‘sniffed out leaks’ across our Central Coast network with five water leaks and one sewer leak detected.

The Men’s Table Program is a safe place for local men to come together to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection. Men are invited to join the first Men’s Table event at Doyalson on the evening of 28 February to share a meal and a conversation, and learn more.

On 20 February, Council will undertake pre-emptive works at the channel to ensure it is in an appropriate ‘flood ready’ stage, by establishing a pilot channel that can be connected to the ocean should a flood event occur and intervention triggers are activated.

Council is constantly monitoring the channel condition through real-time data including remote cameras, satellite imagery, and gauges monitoring tidal range within the estuary, as well as forecasts of catchment inflows and lake heights. Through this continued monitoring, we remain prepared and ready to undertake early intervention at the channel if a flood event is expected.

It’s important to note that the foreshores of Tuggerah Lakes will always be flood prone, regardless of the channel’s configuration.

For further information on flooding (including flood risk tools, types of flooding, and how to plan and prepare for an emergency), search ‘flooding’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Works happening across the Coast this month

Garage Sale Trail saved 64,000kgs from landfill

To read more, search ‘latest news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

To read more, search ‘garage sale trail’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

There’s a hive of activity across the Coast with works underway to renew, maintain, or improve facilities and services. Some of these include Umina Beach foreshore works, Canton Beach sandstone wall restoration, Kariong playspace construction, Long Jetty public toilet renewals, Avoca Lagoon water main replacement works, road works and more.

Last year’s Garage Sale Trail event was one of our most successful thanks to committed Coasties! Together your efforts prevented over 64,000kgs of pre-loved items from going to landfill or being illegally dumped! The 505 events across the weekend saw 15,000 participants, placing us first in NSW and second nationally against other Councils!

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, Tues 27 Feb. For more information, search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

What’s on

Expressions of interest now open

Central Coast Dogs Day Out

Make a splash with your business

We want to hear ideas from local businesses and organisations to be part of the Lakes Festival program in 2024 with a range of fun and innovative activities and events.

Bring your pooch to our annual Dogs Day Out event, with over 30 local businesses hosting stalls, training programs, demonstrations, free microchipping and pet health checks.

No idea is too big or too small, so let your mind soar!

Sat 24 Feb, 9am to 3pm

Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North

centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

For more information and to submit your Expression of Interest, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council Office 2 Hely St Wyong | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 02 4306 7900 | W centralcoast.nsw.gov.au CentralCoastCouncil

@CCoastCouncil

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Don’t miss out on Council news. Sign up for our weekly enews at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

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Enforce covenents to save beach, says SOS Wamberal Save Our Sand (SOS) has uncovered covenants and indemnities that commit Wamberal beachfront property owners to undertake perpetual frontal dune restoration after storms – at their expense.

The deeds prove some beachfront property owners signed paperwork showing they accepted the risks of buying or building on the dunes, and the risk of sand erosion.

The titles give Council extraordinary powers to enforce sand nourishment and restoration, yet this has not been happening, SOS says.

Central Coast Council has not answered questions on how many properties have the covenants and if they have been enforced in the past five years.

But it confirmed the covenants transferred with the properties whenever a property was sold.

Wamberal SOS says the paperwork shows that property owners knew the risks and committedtorestorebeachfronts at their cost.

Under the covenants, Council can order landowners to restore sand to their dune frontages after storms and replant native dune vegetation all at the owners’ expense, in perpetuity.

In most cases, the covenants also empower Council to undertake the dune restoration work if owners don’t meet their obligations and Council can charge the owners for those works.

SOS volunteer Corinne Lamont asked why Council was pushing an end-to-end seawall when there are already covenants in place with many landowners to ensure the restoration of dune frontages after storms.

“Anyone familiar with Wamberal Beach can see Council is failing in land management as dune restoration under Positive Covenants has not, for whatever reason, been actioned in most cases,” Lamont said.

Several deeds stipulated native vegetation as the method to stabilise the dune and reduce dune erosion and are signed by the beachfront owners.

Wamberal beach has been affected by storm surges since the 1970s

“Many property frontages are a mess of rocks, not a restored sand and native vegetation frontage,” Lamont said.

“Sadly, Council is allowing some beachfront owners to shirk their legal responsibility to restore their beach frontages after storms.

“Council let beachfront owners off the hook and the beach has suffered as a result.”

Wamberal Protection Association (WPA) declined to

comment but a spokesperson said the group would comment in due course within the framework of the legal Development Application (DA) process.

Council is working with the WPA to submit a development application for a whole of embayment approach to a seawall for the beach.

It was revealed earlier this year that Council had contributed $100,000 for its share of the work.

It has said the deeds would become unnecessary and could be revoked should a whole of embayment seawall be in place.

Lamont said Council should hold residents accountable to the deeds, and work with owners who wish to honour their deeds, rather than helping the WPA with their seawall Development Application.

“The WPA talks about a ‘permanent solution’, but the solution is they just need to honour their beach restoration

covenants,” Lamont said.

SOS also questions why DAs were approved along the beachfront in recent years without Positive Covenants registered on title as required under Council’s Development Control Plans of both 2013 and 2022.

Council did not respond to CCN’s questions before deadline.

However it responded to earlier questions about beachfront Crown land.

“Crown Lands is responsible for the beach, which is not directly affected by proposed coastal protection works, which are mainly proposed for private land,” Council said.

“The Office of Strategic Lands (OSL) does hold five parcels along the alignment of the proposed protection works.

“Council continues to negotiate with OSL about the future status of these lands.”

Wamberal beachfront homes have been affected by storm surges since the 1970s.

Merilyn Vale

Making The Entrance channel ‘flood ready’ From page 1 “With the channel tracking this far south, we have seen continued erosion to the southern foreshore of the channel and impacts to infrastructure including beach access points and The Entrance channel lifeguard tower.

“In this configuration the channel’s capacity to naturally widen and scour during flood is limited.”

Council understands the NSW Government, which constructed the groyne in late 2017, is currently reviewing its impacts.

“In the interim, from February 20, Council expects to spend about three days on site establishing a pilot channel to the north of the rock shelf,”Sulkowski said.

The pilot channel will be 4050m wide, and at a depth slightly above the current lake height.

To slow infilling due to natural processes, such as tides and

wave run-up, and extend its usefulness, it will not be connected through to the ocean.

Whilst on site, remaining items that were installed to assist with the Little Tern breeding will also be removed.

“If a flood event occurs, and intervention triggers are activated, Council will then be able to connect the pilot channel to the ocean as lake levels rise and when there is sufficient hydraulic energy to establish flow,” Sulkowski said.

“It is important to understand that unlike our other coastal lagoons, the Tuggerah Lakes are very low, almost at sea level, and if a connected pilot channel were to be constructed now, it would not flow but instead result in almost immediate infilling with sand from the ocean due to dominant coastal processes.”

Sulkowski said that given the dynamic nature of the coastline and The Entrance channel, if it

CoastCommunityNews.com.au Visit our website (or scan the QR code) for: • Full flip book version of the newspaper • More local stories (daily) • More Forum and On The Beat • Community Not For Profit (NFP) Listings • Advertising rates and specs • Print schedule • Last edition’s puzzle solutions

SCAN ME

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Member for The Entrance David Mehan at The Entrance channel

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became apparent during the Government Boating Access K E B A R A OR works program, there might be a Program.

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A N E E A T funded by Council as a flood “Restriction at The Entrance E noting D channel S is R preparedness Emeasure, a natural process, and M areRineligible for benefitsI the Khealth of the that the works R theS NSW estuary,” E he said. funding under © Lovatts Puzzles

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J K B F K E B A B R A Z OR R R S S R S K I M L T A K E E MA N A G E D X P E A N O V A I G E N T L E R L A N EW E N E A T E E D S R MA R R Y QU I C K R S E H

“The marginally higher lake levels that are retained during dry weather events allow for fringeing wetland habitats to be inundated, and for better mixing to occur between the central lake basin and those areas closer to shore.

“This results in reduced wrack, algae and pollution impacts.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council was acutely aware of the need to monitor the channel, hence Council’s investment in the technology used 24/7 to gauge tidal ranges.

“The planned works this month are a part of this proactive management of the channel,” he said.

“However, Council encourages foreshore residents to be flood ready by understanding their local flood risk, planning for what to do if a flood occurs, getting their property ready, staying informed and looking out for each other.”

The works at The Entrance channel will commence on Tuesday, February 20 and be undertaken over a three-day period.

The news was welcomed by Member for The Entrance David Mehan, who has been agitating for action o the channel for some time.

“The Entrance Channel is currently heavily constricted and the sand berm across the channel mouth is larger than that which existed at the time of the 2020 flood,” he said.

“Council will now excavate a pilot channel to ensure that if a flood develops it can break out instead of ponding behind the sand berm.

“In welcoming these works, I note my concern that Council still lacks the will and the necessary procedures in place to maintain the channel in a flood ready condition and I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure this occurs.”

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Mardi gras float set to rise and shine

The Coastal Twist Festival float team

It’s all rhinestones, glue guns and dance moves this week as the Coastal Twist Festival team puts the finishing touches to its float for this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

“This is our fifth year participating,” chief organisers Leigh Rijff and Shane Milson said.

“During that time we have had massive global visibility as well as being recognised as finalists in the best float design.

“It’s such a buzz seeing our float, costumes and community across the world press as well

as across all the Australian media.”

This year’s mardi gras theme is Our Future, which embodies a commitment to inclusivity, acceptance and optimism, celebrating past achievements while illuminating the path to a dazzling future.

Coastal Twist Festival creative director Glitta Supernova said the Coast team’s float theme was Rise and Shine, a vibrant take on the phoenix rising from the flames.

“This theme encourages all people to rise up to our full potential and shine by being who we are,” she said.

Two rainbow lorikeet puppets will feature

“Your authentic self is a term that we hear a lot; this is literally walking the walk – rising up above ignorance, exclusion and isolation like a phoenix, transformed and strong.

“It’s a strong message of resilience that we belong, we matter, and we have a right to live here, raise our families and celebrate.

“Resilience is at our core; that is what it’s taken being a LGBTIQ person growing up, moving to and living on the Coast in the bad old days.

“The broader support from Central Coast residents, schools, politicians, parents,

pensioners and sports clubs has been beyond what we ever could have hoped for across the past five years.

“A happier, healthier and more welcoming Central Coast is now a reality for many, if not most, LGBTIQ Coasties.”

Many months of preparation have gone into the float from a callout for participants to designing and conceptualising, sewing and blinging the costumes, putting the design on the truck and organising choreography and light design.

“The costume designs this year return to the Coastal Twist mascots – the rainbow lorikeet,

which mirror the new festival key artwork by queer artist Megan Oliver.

“With rainbow wings and crowns on our heads and the base colour of silver to shine our radiance with the world, this year as well as the truck we will also have two giant lorikeet puppets; it will be quite the spectacle,” Leigh Rijff said.

If you can’t make it into Sydney, the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford will host an official mardi gras viewing party from 5pm-11pm on Saturday, March 2, with local acts and a DJ. Tickets are available at naughtynoodle.com.au

New board for wetlands A new community board has been appointed to one of the region’s most important Crown land environmental and community assets, the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, has appointed six new board members to manage the affairs of the wetlands for up to five years.

The new board members are Jed Field, Samantha Willis, James Schmidt, Allan Benson, Megan Rice and an ex-officio member from Central Coast Council.

Their appointments follow the process of an expression of interest seeking applicants.

The appointees were selected due to their combinations of marketing, business and financial skills, along with environment consulting experience.

Two appointees – Jed Field and Samantha Willis – are existing board members and will ensure continuity, experience and corporate knowledge are retained and available to the new board.

The new board will manage the site on behalf of the NSW Government.

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Upgrade for Wamberal playspace Central Coast Council is set to receive $60,000 towards the renewal of the Wamberal Memorial Hall playground thanks to the NSW Government as part of the $37.2M Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

“I know that many locals and visitors alike will have memories of this play space going back across generations of their family,” Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said.

“I am proud that the NSW Government has delivered on our commitment to renew this

fantastic community space.

“This is a wonderful outcome for the Wamberal community and I can’t wait to see many generations of young Coasties enjoy this fantastic community play space.”

Duty MLC for Terrigal Mark Buttigieg said play spaces were at the heart of the community, a place for local families to come together.

The Local Small Commitments Allocation Program will enhance local communities and provide $400,000 in benefits to people in each of the 93 NSW electorates.

It will consist of more than 600 small community projects, ranging from capital works to services and programs, events, supplies and equipment, charitable donations and playground and park upgrades.

The NSW Government has committed funds to the program which will help small local projects and programs that strengthen communities and provide improvements at a local level.

For more information on the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program visit www. nsw.gov.au/grants-andfunding/lsca-home

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch (centre) with former candidate for Terrigal Sam Boughton and Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at Wamberal Memorial Hall playspace

Sara Lee sale official

Creditors have voted in favour of the sale

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Beloved dessert brand Sara Lee is now officially Australian-owned after creditors voted on February 6 to accept an offer by the Quinn family of Queensland to buy the beleaguered company.

When the company went into administration on October 17 last year, 200 workers were left hanging with the future of the manufacturing giant in limbo.

Then in January, Gold Coast couple Klark and Brooke Quinn

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offered to buy the company, with 137 creditors voting in favour of the acquisition on February 6, with two against and one abstaining.

The business, established at Lisarow in 1971, has been a household staple for many and is perhaps best known for its iconic cheesecakes, pies, crumbles and ice creams.

It was placed in voluntary administration in October as its New Zealand owners struggled with debts of more than $50M.

The company still employs more than 200 staff at its Lisarow bakehouse, where desserts are baked fresh every day and the company prides itself on promoting quality, authentic ingredients.

During the period of administration, eight staff took redundancies (five administration staff, two production staff and one maintenance staff member).

Sale of Sara Lee products increased following news of

our st ory

the company’s troubles and this assisted in the process of company reorganisation.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan thanked the community for support shown to staff during a “difficult period”.

“This vote is a great outcome for the staff and the Central Coast,” he said.

The company’s portfolio also extends to food service and catering operations.

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New look for Sub-branch building The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-branch suffered for many years from an “identification issue” because of its location.

President Les Mackie said the Sub-branch building, situated at the northern end of Diggers @ The Entrance, was often assumed to be part of the licensed club.

“We are a registered charity, and as such, it is imperative that we can show the public we are a standalone organisation,” he said.

“That was our problem.

“We had to decide how to fix it.”

In 2022, the Sub-branch committee decided on a solution and called tenders to produce a mural depicting military images and large lettering saying The Entrance Long Jetty RSL Sub-branch to be painted on the southern

The new mural is eye-catching

wall of the building.

Dotmatrix Design won the tender and the result has exceeded expectations.

“The response to the finished design has been nothing short of amazing,” Mackie said.

Dotmatrix Design owner Paul

Schmidt said the project presented a few challenges.

“The building is pretty much in a wind tunnel so we could

only work certain hours, impacted by wind and rain,” he said.

“It was quite a lengthy

process and took us three to four months, although we completed other jobs in between.”

The design was a collaborative effort.

“The Sub-branch gave us a brief initially,” Schmidt said.

“They wanted the mural to reflect the history of the armed forces, with all branches represented – army, navy and air force.

“We came up with a design and then there was a bit of going to and fro with modifications but everyone was happy with the end result.”

The mural features representations of all branches including a WWII nurse to reflect the important role played by women in the armed forces.

Yarning circle for Anglican church Indigenous Elders and members of local Indigenous groups, church and political leaders and community members gathered on Saturday, February 3, to officially commission a combined Yarning Circle and Outdoor Labyrinth in the grounds of Gosford Anglican Church.

Among those present were Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle Charlie Murry, Indigenous leaders from Bara Barang and Mingaletta Aboriginal groups and members of the community.

The beautifully landscaped outdoor labyrinth with an Indigenous yarning circle at its centre is located in front of the Anglican Church in Mann St, Gosford, and was constructed by local landscaper Dave

Pictured from left: Chris Thew from Bara Barang Corporation, Bishop Charlie Murry, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, Dave O’Brien of Developing Leaders, Gosford Anglican church rector Rev Christian Ford and Sandy Green

O’Brien, a Yorta Yorta man.

His landscaping business, Developing Leaders, employs and mentors youth and men who are facing life’s challenges.

He spoke of the opportunities the project provided to combine

on-the-job training with moments to also sit and “yarn” with the men about choosing positive life pathways.

Sandy Green from Gosford Anglican Church, who managed the project, said that the vision

had been to create an inclusive and sacred space which acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, and provide a point of connection between Indigenous and nonIndigenous spirituality.

“It was Dave O’Brien who showed us how perfectly a yarning circle fitted within the labyrinth,” she said.

“It was also built as a lasting memorial to St John’s Anglican Church, Point Clare, which closed its doors in 2018, after 80 years of service to the community.”

Bishop Charlie Murry praised the initiative of the church for walking with its Indigenous brothers and sisters towards reconciliation and justice.

Larry Trudgett, from Bara Barang Corporation, said he believed that creating a place which had cultural and spiritual significance for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people was unique on the Central Coast.

He expressed the hope that more places like this might be built in the future.

Perhaps the highlight of the

day was an Aboriginal smoking ceremony performed by Chris Thew, also from Bara Barang.

“We hear a lot of talk about makarrata, coming together after a struggle, and it is our hope that in some small way this space may provide a place for makarrata to take place,” Green said.

“A place where anyone can take time out to find harmony and peace; a place to acknowledge and pay respect to the first people who cared for our beautiful land; and a place of restoration, healing, renewal and reconciliation.”

She invited all members of the public, Indigenous or nonIndigenous, people of faith or no faith at all, to visit this sacred place for quiet reflection and meditation, or respectful and healing conversations and “yarning”.

Busy start to year for Marine Rescue Marine Rescue Central Coast and Hunter units carried out more than 200 search and rescue missions in January.

There were 40 call-outs on the Central Coast alone

A total of 215 missions included just under 40 emergency responses, with 500 people safely returned to shore.

The Lake Macquarie area was in highest demand with 106 callouts, followed by the Central Coast with 40 and Port Stephens with 39.

Volunteers from Marine Rescue NSW’s 46 units across the state completed 703 search

and rescue missions in January, safely returning 1,788 people to shore.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell has called for continued vigilance from boaters with the boating season continuing until Anzac Day. “Summer is far from over at the moment; our message to boaters is to make sure that they don’t get complacent, that they keep safety front of mind and they make the right decisions before they go boating on the state’s waterways,” he said.

Central Coast Unity

Commander Ian Morrow is encouraging boaters to always check equipment and conditions, with 10 per cent of incidents in January for capsized or grounded vessels.

“Waterways are great places to be but it is important that you check the conditions and your equipment, not once but twice, make sure that you have everything you need and that you keep safety front of mind,” he said.

“What we’ve seen over recent weeks and months is unstable weather conditions.

“It may be good at one point in the day, but it suddenly

changes, that is why it is important that you check the conditions.

“Whether you’re boating or rock fishing, anytime you are around that coastal environment, it is really important that you continually check the weather.”

Marine Rescue NSW radio operators managed 26,047 radio calls last month including 18 MAYDAYs and 11 PAN PANs while the Service’s volunteers kept watch over 32,256 people on board vessels that logged on with Marine Rescue NSW either via the free Marine Rescue app or VHF channel 16.

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Homelessness on the rise

NEWS IN BRIEF Chamber meets Gosford Erina Business Chamber will hold its next meeting from 7-9pm on Thursday, February 29, at Gosford Golf Club.

Guest speaker will be Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, who will talk on the Safer Cities: Her Way interventions.

Bookings essential at GEBC February Breakfast Meeting Sticky Tickets.

Advise of any dietary requirements on 4323 1735 or info@gebc.com.au

Roadwork Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from Wednesday, February 14, for five nights on the M1 as maintenance work is carried out on the northbound approach to the Peats Ridge Rd off-ramp at Calga.

The work will involve up to two northbound lanes closed at a time to carry out road resurfacing work.

To minimise impact to motorists, work will be carried out from 8pm to 5am.

Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place.

The Central Coast has made a list of the top 10 homelessness hotspots in the state, with the number of homeless in the region rising by 86 during the 2022-23 financial year compared to the previous year.

FreshanalysisbyHomelessness NSW shows the areas of the state suffering increased levels of homelessness, sparking calls to better fund services and build more social housing.

The analysis of newly released Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures shows the number of people receiving assistance at specialist homelessness services rising across 58 of NSW’s 128 local government areas in 2023.

On the Central Coast, numbers for 2022-23 were recorded as 1,996 – an 86 per cent rise over the previous year’s figure of 1,910 – seeing it place number 10 on the hotspots list.

After peaking at 2,913 in 201819, Central Coast numbers gradually declined in subsequent years, with the most recent figures revealing the first rise in numbers since then.

The latest data from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice also reveals lengthening

waiting times for social housing across most parts of the state, including on the Central Coast.

“NSW’s housing crisis is putting huge pressure on frontline homelessness services, with many struggling to keep up with rising demand,” Homelessness NSW CEO Dom Rowe said.

“LGAs across metropolitan Sydney and also suburban and rural areas are seeing increased levels of homelessness – showing that plummeting housing affordability is affecting people right across the state.

“Right now, one out of every two people seeking help for homelessness in NSW does not receive it because underfunded services are full.

“It is heartbreaking that women and their children fleeing domestic violence have to choose between staying in a dangerous home or sleeping in a tent or a car because they can’t get the help they need.

“NSW must increase funding for specialist homelessness services, as Queensland has just done with a 20 per cent boost.

“We must also urgently build more social and affordable homes.

“Right now just one in 20 homes are social housing but we need this to be at least one in 10

Homelessness is on the rise on the Central Coast

by 2050 to slash the 57,000-strong, decade-long waitlist and end NSW’s homelessness crisis.

“The NSW government is moving in the right direction on housing, but much more is needed to protect the women and children trapped in violent homes and people sleeping rough or couch surfing.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the report highlights the very real housing crisis that is playing out in our suburbs and cities.

“The NSW Government, from the very beginning, has acknowledged this crisis is real and we must do everything we can to end homelessness,” she

said.

“The report paints a harrowing picture of women and children being forced to live in cars, working families living in tents and increasing rates of people sleeping rough.

“The NSW Government is determined to confront this challenge.

“We know you can’t solve homelessness if you don’t have affordable homes for people to live in - that is the core work we are doing and we ask local councils and the community to walk with us on this journey.”

Jackson said measures already taken by the Government included: the creation of Homes NSW, merging the housing and

homelessness functions of the Department of Communities and Justice with the Land, Housing Corporation and the Aboriginal Housing Office; committing to 30 per cent social and affordable housing in all developments on government surplus public land; undertaking a statewide land audit to identify state owned land to deliver more housing; and fast tracking the delivery of more social and affordable homes through the $610M Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator payment and Housing Australia Future Fund.

The Government has also implemented planning reforms to expedite the delivery of more housing across the state and allocated $10M to a Modular Housing Trial.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget included a $224M Essential Housing Package which allocated $70M to accelerate the delivery of social, affordable homes in regional NSW and temporary accommodation has been extended from an initial period of two days to seven days.

Cash assets limits have been increased for those seeking temporary accommodation and removed entirely for people escaping domestic and family violence.

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FORUM & ON THE BEAT

We need qualified councillors I am heartened by David Harris’ comment in the article “The biggest challenges we face this year” (CCN 425) in respect of the upcoming council elections in September.

He said “I would encourage good people to stand” and “It’s up to us to know who we are voting for”.

In order for us to have the knowledge to judge who are “good people”, we must have a process whereby every candidate must provide a comprehensive and accurate picture (affidavit, if necessary) of their suitability.

By that I mean their background skills, education, work experience and a statement as to why they would be a “good” councillor for the Central Coast in a managing and decision-making role.

The Central Coast Council has a multi-million-dollar budget, managing a workforce, infrastructure and resources much bigger than some large corporations, and serves more than 300,000 people.

Being a councillor is a heavyweight job.

FORUM You need to be up there with directors of big companies.

Before the 2017 election, the Wyong Chronicle had several pages with a statement by each candidate.

Unfortunately the statements were motherhood stuff, with no indication of specifically how they would go about their plans, or what experience, skills, or professional qualifications they would bring to the table to get these things done.

My point is, anybody can spout off statements (that) sound wonderful.

But they are worth nothing unless we can see that the person making them has the credibility to actually carry them out.

We need people with financial skills (not from running a threeperson business), people who have worked on large scale construction projects – in any capacity, people who can negotiate, have proven ability to successfully work in a highpowered team, and people who are willing to listen and modify their views.

Maybe then we will

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“know who we are voting for”.

Email, Feb 9 Geoff Robertson, The Entrance

Trend toward cashless disturbing I find the current movement toward cashless quite disturbing as I am experiencing one of the repercussions.

My doctor’s practice has signs up announcing their change to a cashless business and encouraging the use of EFTPOS payments.

Near these signs is also one that shows the fees that they add to EFTPOS transactions for various cards.

To me this is so wrong.

They are forcing you to use your card and then charging you for doing so.

This just makes the banks richer and pensioners like me (and others) poorer.

What can be done?

Email, Feb 10 Peter Blyth, Erina

I was surprised by the story on moving a 477-tonne transformer from Victoria to NSW (Giant transformer on 1,000km trip to Colongra, CCN 425), not just because of the massive logistics involved, but also the fact that the thing was made right here in Australia.

It’s nice to see that we still have a manufacturing industry, despite the Liberal National Party’s record of importing faulty ferries, trams and trains etc because they’re cheap (and nasty).

Bring on more renewable energy; fossil and nuclear energy are dead technologies, but just don’t know it yet.

Email, Feb 11 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Rugby league trial game a debacle The trial game debacle that was Souths versus Manly at Gosford Stadium on Sunday, February 11, was a travesty to

Police investigation into retail thefts

This woman could help the police inquiry

Tuggerah Lakes police are calling on the community to assist in their investigation into the thefts.

Pictures obtained from security CCTV footage depict a female who may be able to assist police with their inquiries.

The person is described as being female, aged 35-45, of Caucasian appearance, with a fair complexion, medium build and dark shoulderlength hair.

Anyone with information about these incidents or who knows the person depicted in the image, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or online at nsw.crimestoppers. com.au and quote the Police report number. E 80118173.

Vehicles checked for safety compliance Brisbane Water Highway Patrol teamed-up with Transport for NSW Vehicles Compliance officers on Wednesday, February 7, to inspect light vehicles around the Central Coast.

The operation involved vehicles being scheduled to attend as nominated by Transport for NSW or Police, as well as vehicles being detected on the day by mobile patrols.

As a result, Police and Transport for NSW officers inspected 39 vehicles resulting in 15 red label major grounded defect notices requiring those vehicles to be towed.

A further 21 vehicles were issued with yellow major defect

notices, three minor defects, 37 penalty notices and 36 cautions.

Inspections found extensive modifications requiring engineering certificates with some modifications unable to be certified in their current state along with multiple safety related issues, exhaust emissions and noise.

Further operations are planned for the future and all vehicle owners are being encouraged to inquire with their respective examiners as to their compliance and if required obtain the relevant engineers report.

both the game and the thousands of rugby league supporters who were in attendance.

The score line of 68 to 6 tells the story.

Everyone knows that trial games are an opportunity for clubs to test out new or upcoming players but it was obvious after the first 10 minutes that Souths had elected to field a team of reserve graders or lower.

In comparison there were at least eight regular first grade players in the Manly team, resulting in a lopsided affair that was an insult to those in attendance.

I felt sorry for the many Souths fans who, dressed in their colours and initially excited to see their team play, had to suffer the ignominity of watching a one-sided slaughter.

No amount of loud, distorted rock music, which was played after every try, goal and change of possession could make watching this game an enjoyable experience.

The NRL needs to take a long hard look at these trials as in the long run they do more harm than good to followers of the game.

Email Feb 11 Robert Hickey, Green Point

Action on e-scooters needed When is security at Bateau Bay shopping centre and the Police going to actually do something about the teenage delinquents riding e-scooters up and down the bus service area?

Will it take some elderly person being knocked over and seriously injured before action is taken?

As it stands any person so injured would have a very strong case against the centre management.

Email, Feb 13 Barry Lloyd, Bateau Bay

Read more forum on our website by scanning the QR code or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum

Home manufacture good news

During December 2023 several retail thefts were reported to police by owners of retail shops in the Lake Haven shopping centre.

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POLICE BRIEFS Teens charged after police chase Charges have been laid following the arrest of seven teenagers aged 15 to 17 after three vehicles were allegedly stolen and a police car was rammed on the Central Coast.

On Monday, February 12, at about 2.30am officers from Brisbane Water Police District attempted to stop three vehicles – a Mercedes, a BMW and a Porsche – reported stolen from St Huberts Island.

During the attempt to stop the vehicles, a police vehicle was allegedly rammed by the BMW, and two male teens, both aged 15, were subsequently arrested

and taken to Gosford Police Station.

The Porsche was abandoned, and two other teens were seen to enter the Mercedes which drove away from the scene, later coming to a stop on the Great Western Hwy near Toongabbie Rd, Toongabbie just after 4am.

Five teens – four boys aged 16-17 and a 17-year-old girl – were arrested at the scene.

Subsequently all seven teens were charged with various offences and refused bail to appear before a children’s court.

Man dies after Peats Ridge crash

Light vehicles targeted for compliance check

A man has died following a four-vehicle crash at Peats Ridge on Tuesday, February 6.

A 29-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition by Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Another man, aged 35, was flown by Toll Rescue Helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition, and a 44-year-old man was taken to Gosford hospital in a

serious but stable condition.

A 27-year-old man was not injured but was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

The 29-year-old man remained in hospital until he died about 8.25pm on Saturday, February 10.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at nsw. crimestoppers.com.au

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Stunning exhibition at regional gallery Atong Atem’s digital photograph Henna

Atong Atem’s exhibition Banksia will be on show at Gosford Regional Gallery from February 24 to April 15.

As part of the Hometown series, the exhibition, visiting from Melbourne’s MARS Gallery, recognises the practices of artists with

connection to the Central Coast.

Atem was raised on the Central Coast and attended Lisarow High School and Banksia explores the lesserknown history of Australia’s first African settlers and considers migrant stories from a non-colonial perspective.

The video and photographic works highlight the experience of African men and women who arrived on the First Fleet in 1788 — a colonial history that started long before Atem’s own family arrived from South Sudan in 1997.

In fostering a deeper understanding of the

experiences of Australia’s first African migrants, Atem interrogates the shaping of national policy, through the centuries, which has directly influenced who is determined to be Australian and nonAustralian.

Atong Atem is an Ethiopian born, South Sudanese artist

and writer living in Naarm/ Melbourne.

Her work explores the inherent intimacy of portraiture and photography as well as the role photographers take as storytellers.

She has exhibited her work widely across Australia and internationally, including recent

exhibitions at the TATE Modern, Wereld Museum Rotterdam and regional exhibitions at UQ Art Gallery, Tweed Gallery and Adelaide Perry Gallery.

In 2022, Atem received the La Prairie Art Award and in 2018, she was the recipient of the National Gallery of Victoria and MECCA M-Power scholarship.

Raise a glass for Local Beer Day The breweries of the Central Coast are banding together to celebrate locally brewed beer with Local Beer Day on February 24.

The event aims to showcase the local beer scene in the region, bringing beer lovers together for a day of good times and some epic locally brewed beers.

This will be the first Local

Beer Day, inspired by a number of campaigns and events run over the past two decades pushing support of local and independent breweries and the growing craft beer Industry.

James Smith from The Crafty Pint is the main organiser.

“Our hope is to have hundreds of celebrations of local beer taking place in all parts of the country, encouraging people to reconnect with or discover for

the first time all of the great locally-owned businesses in their communities,” he said. “(We hope to) put a smile onto the faces of the business owners and their staff who’ve been doing it tough in recent years and make a noise about how wonderful and widespread the Aussie beer world is today.

“Craft beer enthusiasts and locals alike are invited to partake in this one-of-a-kind

experience, exploring the rich brewing culture of the Central Coast.

“We have put together a day of festivities with a bus service between Six String Brewing Co, Block ‘n Tackle, Bay Road Brewing and Hawkesbury Brewing, only a 15-minute jump between each stop.

“The hop-on-hop-off service will run in a continuous loop throughout the day, providing

participants with the flexibility to visit all four breweries at their own pace.”

The cost of $10 per person includes unlimited stops along the loop throughout the day plus a taste of the Central Coast’s finest brews with a complimentary schooner of each brewery’s core range beer.

“From the hoppy to the malty, the innovative to traditional

brews, the region has a spectrum of craft beers to discover,” Smith said.

“A Central Coast Local Beer Day passport can be purchased from any of the four participating breweries prior to or on the day.”

Learn more at localbeerday. com

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Movie launch fundraiser The Rotary Club of Erina will host the Central Coast launch of the acclaimed film One Love at Avoca Beach Theatre on Thursday, February 15.

One Love tells the story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

Its screening will be a fundraiser to support the international projects that Erina Rotary Club has been helping for more than two decades.

These include the School of St Jude’s and Cradle of Love baby home, both in Tanzania.

Sales from movie tickets and a huge raffle on the night will be directed to these and other overseas

The movie tells the story of reggae icon Bob Marley; Some of the students at St Jude’s

projects such as Mahoba’s Promise in Afghanistan.

The film celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his

message of love and unity.

Produced in partnership with the Marley family, it stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and

Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

“We chose an inspirational film that emphasises the importance of supporting children to overcome adversity and have a

joyful and fulfilling life,” International Project Director of Erina Rotary Monica Hart said.

The fundraising will support the largest charity school in Africa.

Founded by Gemma Sisia in 2002 with only three students, the School of St Jude now provides a free, high-quality education to more than 1,800 students, boarding to more than 1,100 students and employs more than 280 Tanzanian staff.

Erina Rotary Club was inaugural sponsors and several members, including Hart, travelled to Tanzania to help construct the first school buildings.

Several individual students have been sponsored by Rotarians across the Central

Coast, with one Rotarian flying to Tanzania this year to see the student he has sponsored throughout their schooling to graduate.

Money raised at the film launch will help the students reach the great height of their potential by providing a free, high-quality education, daily hot meals and much, much more.

The Rotary club meets each Tuesday from 6.30 pm at Erina Leagues Club.

Email erinarotaryclub@gmail. com or go to www.rotaryerina. org.au One Love will be shown at Avoca Beach theatre at 6.30pm on Thursday, February 15.

Tickets are available on the theatre website or on the night at the theatre.

Big year ahead for Art-full Women Art-full Women is entering its third year of providing accessible and inclusive workshops and events for older women on the Central Coast.

Despite receiving no funding in recent times, the group is more ambitious than ever, with an exciting range of skill and interest-based experiences and events to explore.

A spokesperson said a meeting space at Umina Library had been provided by Central Coast Council for the group to hold workshops on Mondays.

“The ukulele group meets regularly on these afternoons,” they said.

“A year or two ago, participants were mostly beginners, but have now developed into a fun and entertaining performance group.

“Their first gig was last October at a pop-up protest regarding the potential loss of trees for a carpark in the Austin Butler Reserve at Woy Woy. “They sang to the tune of Big Yellow Taxi, adopting their name The Melalukas from the giant trees they helped save.”

On Saturday, March 2, artist Wendy Burgess will guide participants of her workshop through the making of a vision board – a collage of images and words that represent one’s dreams and hopes for the future.

Frame drumming is one of the oldest forms of drumming and another popular workshop will be held this year.

Facilitator Jen Rosenwarne teaches ancient rhythms designed to kindle one’s creative spirit for relaxation and

with Julie Chessman

BOOK REVIEW The Bookshop Umina Beach www.thebookshop.info 9/327 West Street, Umina Beach

Harry Potter

by JK Rowling

There may be some raised eyebrows, but I want to shed some light on an author who is without doubt a genius of our time.

When the first of this series came out, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, English

teachers across the UK held their breath.

Before this magical fantasy novel was released there wasn’t really anything on the market that captured the hearts of tweens, teens and adults alike.

The Art-full Women Melalukas performing at The Everglades

enjoyment.

Depending on interest, there may be both a beginner and a more advanced class.

Drums are provided and it’s all in the hand – no playing with sticks!

Rosenwarne will also conduct a mindful drawing session at the library on March 29.

It was actually my husband who queued outside our book store for two hours to purchase The Chamber of Secrets released a year after the first book.

I was teaching English in high school at the time and I have never found it so easy to engage students in class, and my husband and grown-up children at home.

This is not the preconceived tween book for children only; Rowling bridges a generation as the series follows the life of a boy named Harry Potter.

In the first book, Harry lives in a cupboard under the stairs in the house of his aunt, uncle and cousin, who all treat him poorly.

At the age of 11, Harry discovers that he is a wizard.

He meets a half-giant named Rubeus Hagrid who invites him to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Harry learns

This workshop will offer a great opportunity to play and enjoy the many transformative benefits of sketching/drawing and being in community.

No experience in drawing is necessary, as the workshop is designed to help de-stress, with simple, mindful art exercises.

“We have been fortunate to

that his parents were murdered by the dark wizard.

When Voldemort attempted to kill Harry, his curse rebounded seemingly killing Voldemort, and Harry survived with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.

This may indeed sound like a children’s fairy tale but don’t be fooled - as the series progresses the darkness builds.

The novels fall into the genre of fantasy literature and qualify as a type of fantasy called urban fantasy, contemporary fantasy, or low fantasy, but they are mainly dramas and maintain a fairly serious and

find generous, talented women who are happy to volunteer their time to teach a new skill, which means costs can be kept to a minimum,” Art-full Women Director Brenda Logan said.

“We also hold informal events such as coffee mornings at Ettalong and excursions to places like the Art Gallery of NSW to foster connections and

dark tone throughout, though they do contain some notable instances of tragi-comedy and black humour.

In many respects, they are also examples of the bildungsroman, or a coming of age novel, and contain elements of mystery, adventure, horror, thriller and romance.

The books are also, in the words of Stephen King, “shrewd, ingenious mystery tales” and each book is constructed in the manner of a Sherlock Holmes style adventure.

The stories are told from a third-person, limited point of

friendships with older women, who can become isolated and feel invisible.”

Last year, committee member Lindy Batterham offered a series of gentle “tap dance taster” classes at the Blackwall Guide Hall.

Enthused beginners are keen to continue, so a weekly class will begin in March.

The dream is to build-up a tapping troupe on the peninsula to perform alongside the Art-full Women performers, drummers and ukulele players, telling the stories of older women on the Coast in an entertaining and joyful way.

To find out more go to www. artfullwomen.com.au Workshops are free or lowcost,afterjoiningtheorganisation with a $10 annual fee. view with very few exceptions (such as the opening chapters of Philosopher’s Stone, Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows, and the first two chapters of Half-Blood Prince).

The Harry Potter series has been a global phenomenon since its debut with more than 500 million copies sold worldwide, and it has officially been translated into 82 languages.

Success of the book series also led to eight film adaptations and earned an estimated $7.7B in sales revenue for JK Rowling, who became a billionaire.

Harry Potter is the top-selling book series in history; this alone should pique your interest but please trust me, keep an open mind and delve into this series.

My son was so enamoured he even named his dog after Professor Remus Lupin.

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Writers’ festival presents new reading initiative Words on the Waves Writers Festival is introducing a Central Coast-wide book club and reading project incorporating a seniors stream as part of its 2024 program.

The project, Central Coast Reads: Fostering a Literary Community, will be launched as a community-wide reading program incorporating book clubs and author talks into the existing festival program.

Its primary objective is to promote reading and facilitate social and human connections through a shared love of books and also to position the Central Coast region as a hub of readers on the cultural map of Australia.

It will be an annual initiative encouraging community organisations, local libraries, book clubs and individuals to unite in reading a selected book.

It aims to stimulate broader conversations about reading, explore important themes and foster engagement within the community.

Various events will be organised,allowing participants to meet others, discuss the chosen book, host their own book clubs with provided

The reading initiative will kick off in March; Attendees at last year’s festival. Photos: Syl Marie

support materials, and attend author sessions where the author will discuss the featured book.

The initiative will also incorporate a stream specifically designed for the seniors of the Central Coast thanks to a $19,154 grant from the NSW Department of Community and Justice for an innovative community readership project.

In addition to the singular Central Coast Reads title, a series of extra book club and author events will be incorporated for seniors.

These events will provide opportunities for connection

within intimate book club settings at community venues, libraries and aged care centres.

Additionally, a larger-scale author event at an easily accessible venue will be organised, facilitating connections beyond established social and geographical circles.

Central Coast Reads will run from March to December.

Participation in the book club and author events will be completely free and individuals, groups and organisations can find out more at mailchi.mp/ d8e9d07c4732/ centralcoastreads Project Manager Mandi

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McIntosh said communitywide reads were a great way to connect with others.

“We are excited to be bringing this idea to the Central Coast,” she said.

“The addition of the specific grant for extra events for seniors is a wonderful bonus for us to be able to offer.”

The first book to be read will be The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital with an author talk by Joanna Nell scheduled for April 5 at Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy. Words on the Waves is a notfor-profit literary festival, the first of its kind for the Central Coast region.

Its mission is to deliver an immersive annual festival of stories, ideas and connection, set against the scenic Central Coast, and to enrich the cultural landscape of the region yearround.

Its vision is to become one of Australia’s leading regional literary festivals, known for its vibrant and diverse program as well as its unique setting.

In 2024, Words on the Waves will celebrate its fourth year.

The festival encompasses two full days of author talks and panels held concurrently across two venues, as well as an evening conversation event, an opening address event,

professional development stream, late-night poetry readings, a literary cruise, a storytelling evening, family fun day and schools program, writing workshops and book launch program for local authors.

In 2024 the festival is adding a new large-scale festival marquee venue and programming stream, entitled The Dip. In 2024 Words on the Waves Writers Festival will take place from Wednesday May 29 to Monday June 3.

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Labor’s Tax Cuts Scan the QR code to find out how much you will save.

Call (02) 4322 2400 or email Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au for more information

Dr Gordon Reid MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

Riverside Building, Level 3/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250 Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au DoctorGordonReid reid4robertson drgordonreidmp.com.au Authorised by Dr Gordon Reid MP, Australian Labor Party, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250.

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Songwriter sessions return to The Entrance The Central Coast Acoustic Songwriter Sessions will return to The Entrance Lake House this year with the first event to take place on February 23.

The session will feature Kylie Gale, Jane Germain and Luke Wilton (known as Mighty Thin Stew) in an intimate singer/ songwriter night highlighting local artists.

Songwriter sessions are curated by Michelle Murrell and Meagan Jane, two local musicians passionate about showcasing the wealth of talent on the Central Coast and in surrounding areas, and feature original compositions and the narratives that inspired them.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Central Coast Acoustic Songwriter Sessions,” Murrell said.

“It’s a chance for our local musicians to shine and for the community to come together and enjoy live, original music.”

Jane said there was something truly special about hearing songwriters share their

Kylie Gale; Jane Germain; Luke Wilton

stories through music.

“We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable night of talent and connection,” she said.

Kylie Gale began singing as a teenager and released her debut single Push Back in August 2019.

It reached number three on the Country iTunes charts and number one on the AMRAP regional chart and she has released two more singles – the most recent, Upside Down, was released in February 2021 and reached number one on the AMRAP regional chart.

Now married with four children, Gale said country music was always her chosen

genre, stemming from growing up in Coonamble in regional NSW and being raised on a healthy diet of Slim Dusty, Tex Morton and other country classics.

“Dad used to play his tapes and I like all sorts of music, but I feel like country is where I sit,” she said.

Graduating from the 2019 CMAA Academy of Country Music senior course in Tamworth and attending the prestigious DAG Songwriters Retreat the same year spurred the Lake Macquarie singersongwriter on to record her debut single followed by her debut EP in July 2021.

“I’d been writing for about six

years, but never thought I’d record the songs,” she said.

“I always wanted to, but I never had the confidence or know-how to do it.

“I now feel like I have more of an opportunity to talk to people and reach out through my music.”

Jane Germain’s musical journey has taken her from her hometown Sydney to Western Australia, Tasmania and all the way back to her Chinese heritage.

She’s played everything from folk to funk, blues to bluegrass, rock to roots in a career that’s seen her win five WA Music Awards and one Tasmanian Songwriting Award.

She participated in WA Artsfunded headline tours of regional WA, was awarded a residency in Beijing by the Australia–China Council and was invited to represent Australia at the 2010 World Expo in China.

Germain has recorded six albums and is in high demand as a session player on other projects.

She plays guitar and clawhammer banjo, swapping instruments for different songs.

Her song Listen to What You Know won the Tasmanian Composers Festival Song of the Year award, and her latest album, Home on the Hill, was named Independent Album of

the Year at the Western Australian Music Awards in 2018.

Germain also covers a wide variety of artists and now lives on the Central Coast.

Luke Wilton of Toukley, and a member of Mighty Thin Stew, is a multifaceted instrumentalist who hails from Bellingen.

With his mastery of the harmonica, slide guitar and 12-string guitar, he weaves together a tapestry of sounds.

Drawing inspiration from his surroundings and life experiences, he crafts poetic and relatable lyrics that delve into themes ranging from environmental consciousness to personal introspection with a diverse range of musical styles from environmental folk to new folk, blues, and ballads.

Central Coast Acoustic Songwriter Sessions will take place at The Entrance Lake House on Friday, February 23 at 6.30pm.

Book via The Entrance Lake House Eventbrite website.

Freestyle King Live heads for Gosford Australia’s own motocross legend, internationally recognised stunt man and world record breaker, Robbie Maddison, will feature in a huge freestyle motocross show in Gosford on February 24.

A world-class line-up of allstar champion athletes will present their dynamic, jawdropping, action-packed production, Freestyle Kings Live, presented by Freestyle Kings and TEG Sport.

Maddison will appear exclusively alongside FMX Champion and 13-time X Games medallist Rob Adelberg and two-time World Games champion Pat Bowden.

Seventeen-year-old Ry Davis will be back with another world record attempt and Brayden Davies will perform the leap of faith along with Maddison’s son Kruz.

America’s favourite redneck Ronnie Mac with his multimillion social media following will lead the international contingent of athletes, along with newest team member, New Zealander Ellie Chew.

The Freestyle Kings have recently travelled the world performing all over the USA, China and Australia.

TEG Group CEO Geoff Jones said this was Freestyle Kings’ biggest stadium tour to date.

“With the likes of motocross legend Robbie Maddison and more hugely talented riders, it’s going to be an impressive display of adrenaline fuelled action on the nine-stop stadium tour across Australia,” he said.

“It’s not every day that you get to see the world’s best riders perform right in front of your eyes.”

The family-friendly, fully choreographed action sports theatrical spectacular is guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

It will feature death-defying stunts and never-seen-before world firsts along with front flips, double backflips and side by side jumps performed

bigger, faster and higher than ever before.

The riders will be hitting heights of more than 23m from the ground during one huge, epic show with pyrotechnics, firebreathers, music and much more.

Freestyle Kings offers a VIP experience for fans to get up close and personal with the riders before the event, giving them an opportunity to meet and ask questions of their action sports heroes.

Freestyle Kings Live will be at Industree Group Stadium on Saturday, February 24.

Tickets available at www. freestylekings.com

Robbie Maddison Pat Bowden

Big week at Fun Haus Factory The Fun Haus Factory in Gosford is set for another big week.

This Thursday, February 15, sees the monthly Drag Bingo return with adult humour, cheeky innuendos, prizes, songs and impressions by the Coast’s own June Richards.

Get set for a hilarious and fun, naughty and nice after-work activity.

Bring your mum, your mates, your neighbours and your boss and maybe win the $100 cash prize.

On Friday night, February 16,

there will be a dance party with Bouddi Soundsystem with a blend of global electronica, house and techno.

It’s definitely the night to wear your dancing shoes and let loose on the dance floor.

Every week Sonic Sundays from 2-6pm present free live music.

This week, on January 18 the soul, jazz organ trio Par3 will perform.

It is a new project from Scott Saunders, founder of DIG (directions in groove), which created a distinctly Australian jazz funk style, signed with

Scott Saunders of Par3; June Richards will present Drag Bingo

Verve Forecast, received a gold record and 2 APPRA awards and played at

international jazz festivals.

Par3 takes stylistic cues from artists of the 60s and 70s like

Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Lonnie Smith and Jack McDuff,

who synthesised jazz, soul, R&B, blues, gospel, Latin and pop into an exciting new style.

Fun Haus Factory functions as an Empanada Bar four days a week, Thursday to Saturday for dinner and Sundays for lunch, with a bar fully stocked serving cocktails, bevvies and local tap beers.

Check out times for happy hour with $10 cocktails.

More information and bookings for all shows are available at naughtynoodle. com.au/whats-on

PAGE 18

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PUZZLES

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Dog restraint 4. Enfeebles 8. Actress, ... Winslet 11. No-hoper 13. Sticker 15. Sparkle 17. Football arbiter 18. Gapes at 20. Bladder 21. Extent 24. Repeatedly 27. Unprocessed mineral 28. Director, ... B DeMille 30. Greeting word 31. River-mouth flats 33. Orchard crop 34. Split up 35. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1) 36. Urges on, ... up 39. Mental health 42. Entertained 44. Cruel wisecrack 45. Greased 46. Fathers 48. Bonfire 49. Steers off course 50. Dole (out) 52. Primitive water plants 54. Fish lung 55. Rescued 56. Communicate 57. Laceration 60. Frog-like animal

62. Sharp-tasting 65. Select 67. Stately 69. Certify (accounts) 70. Soup-serving spoon 72. Outlaw 73. Travel by bike 75. Stockings fibre 77. Cereal grass 79. Vigilant 81. Chill 82. The ones there 84. Slightly wet 85. Disarray 86. Eyelid swelling 87. Carve (initials) 88. Congers or morays DOWN 1. Fallen trees 2. Lewis Carroll heroine 3. Mafia godfather 4. Tiny bird 5. Says yes 6. Wrap 7. Narrow aperture 8. Barrel 9. Apportion 10. Different 12. Remove paint 14. Filleted 16. Shoestrings 19. Eradicate 22. Snowy (region)

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23. Racial enclave 25. Frustrated 26. Revised 29. Overturn 32. Table part 35. Abrading 37. Blackboard stand 38. Shattered 40. Helps (criminal) 41. Submit 42. Savage 43. Tennis trophy, ... Cup 44. Sports activities 47. Crossed out 51. Simply 52. Taken from plane (of photo) 53. Roman LXXX 54. Paid male escort 58. Of hearing 59. Witch 61. Sectors 63. Spiny succulents 64. Prompting (actor) 65. Picture house 66. Saint Nick, ... Claus 68. Hostile opponent 71. Slack 72. Tempo guitar 74. Quote 76. Hair parasites 78. Golf mounds 80. Crustacean’s eggs 83. Garden implement

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

M U U E S T MOR L F U D A A R A U S E S A N I E L O OP D E E I SO L A T E SO K E OR A L R O O E A A C S

See page 4 for last week’s solutions or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

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Expert avian photography

Brendan Tucker won the common bird category with his photo of a male Scarlet Honeyeater

The successful 2023 Central Coast Bird GroupBirding NSW photography competition saw 22 photographers enter 94 images for judging.

This was the third year of the competition which comprises three categories – common birds, uncommon birds and vagrants – and photographs had to be taken on the Central Coast during 2023.

The winner of the common bird category was Brendan

Tucker with his photo of a male Scarlet Honeyeater.

With its bright red head, the male Scarlet Honeyeater is a spectacular bird that normally feeds high in the canopy, so Tucker did well to get the shot.

Second place went to Liz Noble with her picture of a Black-faced Monarch.

Monarchs are Spring migrants to the Central Coast and can be found in rainforest environments.

Third place went to Jennifer

Liz Noble’s winning photo of a Sooty Oystercatcher in the uncommon bird category

Carrigan with a shot of a Little Tern with a chick under its wing.

The picture was taken at The Entrance North where the endangered Little Terns once again breed successfully.

This is the most important and successful breeding site in NSW. In the uncommon bird category, the winner was Liz Noble with her picture of a Sooty Oystercatcher against the dramatic

background of a wild ocean.

Sooty Oystercatcher inhabit the rocky headlands along the Central Coast.

In second place was Christina Port with a shot of a Varied Sittella.

Sittellas are cute little birds that gather in groups.

They feed characteristically by working their way down the branches in search of insects under the bark.

Third place went to Tricia

The winner of the vagrant bird category was Nick Giles with a shot of a Pacific Gull taken at Terrigal

Sweet with her shot of a South Emu-wren.

Emu-wrens are skulking birds of the undergrowth and are difficult to locate and photograph.

The winner of the vagrant bird category was Nick Giles with a nice shot of a Pacific Gull taken at Terrigal.

This was only the seventh record for this species on the Central Coast.

Second place went to Graham Nelson for his photo of a Brown

Songlark taken at The Entrance beach.

This was the eighth record for the Central Coast.

A superb Wood Sandpiper photo taken by Tricia Sweet was awarded third place.

The Wood Sandpiper has been a regular visitor to Central Coast wetlands for several years.

The winners received wooden bowls expertly crafted by master woodturner Rob Benson from locally sourced timber.

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Business & Property

New clubhouse for Lakeland community at Buff Point

The new clubhouse includes a swimming pool and covered outdoor alfresco deck

Hometown Australia will officially open the newly completed clubhouse at its Lakeland community at Buff Point on Thursday, February 22.

Visitors are invited to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the community and discover what life could look like living at Lakeland set on the shores of the beautiful Budgewoi Lake.

The opening will be held onsite at 314 Buff Point Ave, Buff

Point, from 11am-2pm on Thursday, February 22.

Designed to be enjoyed all year round, the newly completed clubhouse includes a swimming pool, covered outdoor alfresco deck complete with outdoor dining, integrated bar, and barbecue facilities.

The modern coastal clubhouse provides plenty of indoor choices for residents to relax and socialise with reading

nooks, indoor dining and areas to host social events.

Fittingly named Lakeland, the community spans almost five hectares of lakefront land on the shores of Budgewoi Lake and offers a peaceful lifestyle.

The community is ideally located near shopping centres and medical facilities and is a stone’s throw away from nearby lakes and beaches.

The final 10 homes are now selling at Lakeland, starting from $395,000.

Designed for optimal over50s living, they feature modern designs that include open-plan kitchen, living and dining, outdoor alfresco areas and multi-purpose rooms perfect for flexible living.

Homes at Lakeland are part of the Land Lease Living model which means residents own

the dwelling and long-term lease the land on which it stands.

Benefits of the Land Lease Living model include: no stamp duty payable; no council rates; and no deferred management fees that can be part of moving into, or out of, a retirement village.

Residents may be eligible to claim Commonwealth rental assistance.

All are welcome but RSVP is essential by calling 9055 8634 or emailing LakelandSales@ hometownaustralia.com.au To learn more about what life at Lakeland could look like, visit www.hometownaustralia. com.au, email LakelandSales@ hometownaustralia.com.au or phone 9055 8634.

Seniors living project at Gorokan Plans have been submitted to Central Coast Council to build six villas specifically for seniors at 139 and 141 Wallarah Rd, Gorokan.

The development application sets out how the proposal complies specifically with State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with Disability) 2004 in both

exterior and interior design.

Consolidation of the two lots provides a total site area of 1,481sqm on the corner of Wallarah Rd and Grandview Pde and access to the villa complex would be from Grandview Pde. The single-storey buildings would occupy only 42 per cent of the overall site and be set back 6m from

both street frontages.

Each of the six villas would have single car garages as well as three visitor carparking spaces, including a disabled spot.

Security measures at the complex would include security gates, both pedestrian and vehicular, as well as monitored security cameras with back-up recording.

This proposal is in a low density residential zone where seniors villa development is permissible under the Local Environment Plan, subject to Council consent.

More details about the development proposal (DA/2340/2023) is available on Council’s website and public feedback is open until February 23.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Plan for affordable rentals in Woy Woy

Artist’s impression of the Woy Woy housing proposal; Yellow shading shows the building footprint on the site

A new project by Pacific Link Housing at Woy Woy will increase affordable smaller units which are scarce in the private rental market.

According to 2021 Census information the Woy Woy/ Blackwall area has a higher proportion of renters in private and social housing than the whole Central Coast local government area.

In that area of more than 14,000 people 35.8 per cent were renting, and 7.9 per cent living in social housing compared to only 3.2 per cent for the wider Central Coast LGA. And 35.1 per cent of the population are living solo, 41.7 per cent are couples without children, 13.6 per cent oneparent families.

Yet, there is a significant

shortage of smaller apartment properties in the area, according to data included in a new housing proposal by Pacific Link.

The community housing provider has lodged a development application with Central Coast Council to build 21 units on vacant land it owns at 18 Macleay Ave, Woy Woy. Pacific Link will manage the residential rental complex

comprising a mix of one and two-bedroom units in either double-storey or single-storey buildings.

The units will be rented at affordable prices to address the significant absence of one and two-bedroom private rental stock.

Pacific Link’s Woy Woy proposal is one of multiple development proposals across the Central Coast to provide

more community housing in partnership with Council.

The 5,273sqm site was rezoned in 2023 to allow residential development on 3,100sqm, with a significant portion of land east of the existing watercourse being retained under public recreation zoning and managed under a biodiversity plan.

Pacific Link is in the process of dedicating the eastern

portion of the site (the public recreation land) to Central Coast Council under a Voluntary Planning Agreement endorsed at the rezoning stage.

The development application (DA/2464/2023) is on public exhibition onCentral Coast Council’s website and submissions will be received until Friday, March 8.

Sue Murray

Criticism of sewer connection survey Residents living without being connected to the Coast’s water and sewer services are critical of a Council survey they were asked to complete, saying

it is biased and misleading.

One said it was blatantly transparent in its attempt to persuade with emotive bias and coercive nudging.

Council sought feedback

from the residents of 7500 properties across the Coast who use alternative options for water and sewer services.

These are typically rainwater tanks, private dams, bores and

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onsite sewerage management systems.

Council said it wanted to gauge their interest in being connected to the Council water and sewer system.

“The survey results will inform development of the Water and Sewer Masterplan and future investment in the water and sewer network,” Council said.

Some questions required respondents to rank the benefits of being connected.

There was no option to either skip or indicate that the respondent did not perceive there to be benefits.

“The intent of the survey was to secure sufficient data that may indicate that residents are in favour of such an expenditure regardless of their opinion,” another resident said.

“It must have either been written by an office junior or a seasoned expert wanting to elicit a pre-determined outcome.”

The resident said there were so many other projects that required investment that this one was not even worthy of consideration for the wait list.

“No local resident that I am aware of would either encourage Council to spend or contribute their own money to such a venture,” the resident said.

“There is no evidence that the current arrangement of rainwater harvest and envirocycle sewerage management are of any risk to humans, flora or fauna.

“In fact you might argue the converse, the recycling of water and human waste is a

Typical water tank installation Image: WikiCommons

very 2024 thing benefiting the environment.

“We are required by Council to have our systems checked and serviced quarterly to ensure operation is as per requirements.”

Another resident said they would not be interested in sewer connection as they have lived on their property for 40 years and never had a problem.

“We do have water connected, the taste of the water is quite terrible and water filters are used,” the resident said.

“I do not think water connection would benefit people in the area as tank water is far more palatable.”

That resident, too, said there were other more urgent needs such as roads and drainage.

Another resident wondered if a change of zoning and increased rates from the change was Council’s motivation.

“I feel this is just a money grab by the Council,” the resident said.

“People on properties in the area have outlaid a lot extra when building, to set up their water and sewerage systems.

“We don’t need to then be forced to outlay large amounts to connect to these services we don’t have any use for.”

Another resident, based in Matcham, agreed saying it was a very clear signal of intent to rezone land for suburban development.

“We are (mostly) progressively returning this cleared land of our valleys to a densely vegetated rich biodiverse ecosystem,” the resident said.

“Everyone prefers rainwater – chemical free.”

Other arguments against connection were the cost involved including environmental destruction.

However, he said the population of on-site sewage management has grown significantly in the Matcham, Holgate valleys over the past 50 years so it was fair to say that the potential for sewage environment disaster was increasing.

The survey closed on February 14.

Results should come back to a Council meeting in the future.

Merilyn Vale

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JAX goes from strength to strength

BUSINESS BRIEF

Forward planning for air show An application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for Paul Bennet Airshows to continue staging the annual air show at Central Coast Airport at Warnervale for the next five years.

The next show is being planned for May 25 and 26 with an expected crowd of 15,000 over the two days.

The air show includes aerial displays, aircraft displays, helicopter flights, children’s amusements, car show, food and market stalls, aviation stalls and defence force displays.

Increase in warehouse units

The team at the Charmhaven store

A new proposal has been lodged with Council to increase the number of industrial units from six to 23 at an already approved warehouse development.

Six large units were approved in 2018 on vacant land at 7 Sailford Pl in Somersby Industrial Park but now the owner wants to change that to a two-level building comprising 23 units.

See the DA/38/2024 on Council’s website.

The opening of its Charmhaven store in July last year has helped JAX Tyres & Auto buck the trend during a difficult year for the industry.

Along with Charmhaven, the company also opened stores at Craigieburn, Delahey, Merrylands and Queanbeyan, with a Bathurst store now in the pipeline, as it provides a boost for local economies, creates

jobs and supports community confidence.

As a community-centric business, JAX’s contribution goes significantly beyond the tyre and car maintenance service it provides to customers, serving as a source of gainful employment across all types of roles, with new hires across 2023’s five new store openings including mechanics, tyre technicians, wheel aligners, and more.

Charmhaven co-franchisees Danni and Glenn Hain

JAX’s ability to attract and retain staff is something the company is particularly proud of.

“In a notoriously tight labour market, JAX has been able to bolster our team nationwide by embracing a diversity of skills that new recruits have been able bring to the company,” Executive Manager, People & Culture, Sharlyn Cavinta said.

“Ambitious, adaptable new

recruits have been supported by internal promotions, apprenticeship and trainee enrolments, giving more people than ever the chance to step up and show us what they can do.”

JAX franchisee and owner of JAX Tyres & Auto Charmhaven, Glenn Hain, said the right staff was key to success.

“For me, the key is creating the right working environment,

so that for all our staff, it’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about wanting to help each other out and do what’s right for the customer,” he said.

“Everyone on my team works with me, not for me, which is so important when it comes to keeping morale high and making sure that the talented people who come on board with us, always feel like they’re part of the JAX family.”

Discover over 50s living Join us to celebrate the grand opening of the Clubhouse at Lakeland community!

You’re invited to

Lakeland Open Day Date:

Thursday, 22 Feb 2024

Time:

11:00am - 2:00pm

Address: 314 Buff Point Avenue, Buff Point NSW RSVP:

Call (02) 9055 8634

We're thrilled to invite you to the launch of the newly completed clubhouse. Indulge in a delicious spread as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere and connect with fellow future residents.

Discover our new home designs, selling from only $395,000.

RSVP using the QR code:

PAGE 24

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Helping Coasties buy their first home Member for Robertson Gordon Reid says the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme has helped more than 1,500 people on the central Coast into their first home since May 2022.

More than 100,000 people nationwide have taken advantage of the expanded scheme, which helps eligible homebuyers secure finance sooner through government support.

“The Federal Labor Government wants to see more Australians able to buy their first home,” Reid said.

“I am pleased that our housing policies are making a real difference for thousands of

Australians, especially for 1,578 people living on the Central Coast who have been able to buy their first home thanks to our government’s help.

“Housing affordability will continue to be an important focus of the Federal Labor Government.”

Almost one in three first homebuyers in 2022-23 were supported by the scheme, a significant increase from the last year of the former Liberal Government.

The Home Guarantee Scheme comprises the First Home Guarantee, Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee and the Family Home Guarantee.

The Government introduced

the new Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee three months ahead of schedule in October 2022 and has assisted more than 15,000 people across regional Australia into home ownership.

The Government has also expanded eligibility of the Home Guarantee Scheme.

Since July last year, the First Home Guarantee and Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee have been open to joint applications with friends and family members, not just single, married or de facto applicants.

The Family Home Guarantee has been expanded from single natural or adoptive parents with dependants to eligible

borrowers who are single legal guardians of children, such as aunts,uncles and grandparents.

The Help to Buy scheme, due to start later this year following the passage of state legislation, will support eligible homebuyers with an equity contribution of up to 40 per cent for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes – with eligible buyers needing as little as a two per cent deposit to buy a home.

Minister for Housing Julie Collins said the Government’s ambitious housing reform agenda was working across the board, with “more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for Australians needing a safe place for the night”.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid discusses options with hopeful Central Coast homebuyer Lydia Pulley

Money available for greenspace programs Central Coast Council has welcomed an announcement that the State Government has made $3.25M available to select councils, including ours, for open space projects to improve liveability.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris

Councils in Greater Sydney and the Central Coast can apply for their share of the money from the Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP).

Eligible projects include

playgrounds, walking tracks, pedestrian and cycleways, bushland restoration and recreation facilities.

The MGP commenced under the Wran Government in 1983 and since 1990, more than $56M has been provided to more than 681 projects.

An independent panel of experts will assess applications against each program’s key objectives.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said

it was vital to keep investing in green and open spaces across Greater Sydney and the Central Coast.

“Greater Sydney and the Central Coast are growing, and while we’re focused on making sure we provide enough of the right kind of housing to suit everybody’s needs, we need to complement this with the right infrastructure including green, open public space,” he said.

“I’m excited to see fresh ideas and plans from councils to help connect residential

areas with even more highquality parklands and public spaces.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said green space was important for community health and wellbeing.

“I am pleased that the Central Coast will be able to access and benefit from this great program,” he said.

“Our unique environment and green space is one of the main reasons people love living on

the Coast and we need to ensure it is protected and enhanced for our growing population.”

A spokesperson said Council welcomed government funding which could help contribute to enhancing the liveability and green spaces on the Central Coast, as well as complement and add to the existing projects Council funded.

“Council will be reviewing the eligibility criteria for this new grant funding,” the spokesperson said.

New Regional Director for Business NSW Business NSW has appointed a new Regional Director for the Central Coast.

Scott Goold replaces Paula Martin, who has moved to a new role within Business NSW responsible for business advocacy across Regional NSW. “We are delighted to welcome Scott Goold to the Central Coast Business NSW team,” Martin said.

“Business NSW is investing heavily into its regional structure so that business leaders gain a

bigger voice and their contribution is amplified and heard by decision makers at local, state and federal levels.

“Scott is ideally placed to help our business community to achieve this goal.

“The Central Coast is facing major challenges to achieve its goal of being a leading, competitive region to live work and play.

“The current housing shortage and ongoing labour and skills shortages on the Central Coast

are presenting new challenges to how business grow and create jobs.

“For business to grow, they need to be supported by a local landscape that accelerates development, invests in its visitor economy and delivers catalytic infrastructure projects like the Gosford waterfront.

“The September Council election is a good opportunity to ensure that future local government leaders hear the voice of business and take

growth and prosperity for our region seriously. A growth mindset will be critical to jobs growth and future planning.

“Scott has the right experience to represent our regional and business needs and take our region to the next level of growth.”

Goold has experience across financial services, retail, manufacturing and international trade.

He has owned and operated a chain of nutraceutical retail

stores across Sydney and most recently held economic development roles in local and state government.

His most recent role was with the Department of Regional NSW as Deputy Director for Regional Development, Hunter and Central Coast.

He is supported by a newly elected Business NSW Regional Advisory Council with Barbara Ketley re-elected as President and Matthew Lusted appointed as Vice President.

Scott Goold

PAGE 26

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Men’s Table to launch at Doyalson Central Coast Council, Central Coast Primary Health Network and the national men’s mental health and suicide prevention charity, The Men’s Table, are set to launch their fourth Central Coast table at Doyalson.

The purpose of the men’s tables is to get men talking to each other

This builds on the three already established tables at Kincumber, Ourimbah and Bateau Bay. The Doyalson Men’s Table first meeting, called an entrée, will take place on Wednesday, February 28, from 6.15pm-

8.45pm at the Doylo.

Council Unit Manager of Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said men were invited to come along to the launch event, share a meal and a conversation and learn more about the program.

“The purpose of the men’s tables is to get men off the couch, into community, and talking with other men about whatever they need to share – the highs and the lows,” he said.

“Men do talk – and not just about footy.

“The entrée is an opportunity to meet other men, learn how a table works and decide whether you would like to be part of the monthly meetings.”

According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, one in five Australians aged 16-85 will experience a mental health disorder and the Central Coast has consistently had the highest number of deaths by suicide in Australia since 2016.

Council Administrator Rik Hart 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.

“By creating safe places for men to come together, show emotion and share feelings, we can break down stigmas associated to mental health,” he said.

The meeting will be held on February 28 at the Doyalson RSL Cub, 80 Pacific Hwy, Doyalson.

Visit the Men’s Table website to register.

Life-changing scholarship for Umina’s Corey Ricaud Umina’s Corey Ricaud is one of 150 outstanding apprentices from across NSW to be awarded a lifechanging Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship.

The $15,000 scholarship, spread across three years, aims to provide vital support to individuals who have demonstrated a strong aptitude for vocational education and trainingindifficultcircumstances.

Ricaud, 20, is a second-year apprentice in Roof Plumbing Certificate lll, studying at Wyong TAFE.

“The scholarship will definitely help me with equipment costs for work as I’ve had to spend a lot of money on tools,” he said.

“I have also spent a lot of money on travel.”

He is looking forward to a long career in roof plumbing.

“It’s a good industry to be in at the moment, the demand for roof plumbers is high and for some reason, it’s hard to find people who want to work.”

The 2024 cohort of winners includes 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 67 learners with disabilities, 46

women excelling in nontraditional trades, and 64 mature-aged apprentices, with 116 of the recipients coming from regional NSW. All recipients’ stories underscore the importance of recognising and supporting individuals who demonstrate resilience and commitment in pursuing their goals despite adversities.

Launched in 2014, the program is open to registered apprentices in metropolitan and regional NSW and includes school-based apprentices.

The scholarship is named after former NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training Chair, Bert Evans, who developed a strong appreciation for apprenticeship training after beginning his career in the manufacturing industry.

“Congratulations to all recipients of the scholarship. Our government is so proud of each and every one of you, and we are so pleased to be able to support you as you undertake your apprenticeship,” Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said.

“This financial commitment by the Minns Labor Government, totalling $2.25M over three years, is an investment in the future success of these apprentices and the growth of our skilled workforce.

“These apprentices represent the future of our skilled workforce, breaking barriers and contributing to a more diverse and dynamic industry.

“This initiative is a fitting legacy to Bert Evans, who dedicated his life to promoting vocational education as a foundation for success.”

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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

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Good Companion Planting When we think of companion planting, often it is considered as simply a form of controlling pests by adding plants to our gardens that certain insects don’t like.

This is a part of the equation.

Companion planting not only controls pests, but it will also inhibit the growth of unwanted weeds and improve the fertility of the soil.

A garden with different types of plants also creates an environment of botanical families that help each other grow well.

Let’s look at the various benefits of companion planting for pest control, soil health and thriving plants in your garden.

PEST CONTROL These are few pests that you might encounter in your garden and some of the plants that can either confuse or repel them along with tips for attracting their predators.

Bugs in General: a border of chamomile, a hedge of feverfew or plantings of millet will all deter most insect pests.

We cannot forget pyrethrum as it is a very strong pest deterrent.

Another clever way to combat insect invasions is to try planting more native shrubs as these will attract native birds that will in turn eat the bugs.

Ants: pest control plants are tansy, pennyroyal and spearmint.

Aphids: marigolds, chives, garlic, onion, wormwood, coriander, rhubarb and elder repel these.

Cabbage Moth: tomato and peppermint confuse and repel these moths.

Mites: borage, marigolds, coriander, dill, onions and garlic control mites.

Moths: rosemary and santolina along with dried rosemary deter moths in general.

Nematodes: mustard, marigolds and lavender send nematodes on their way.

Stink Bugs: artichoke and radish are very disliked by these bugs.

Slugs and Snails: rosemary, wormwood and mullein all deters them while mulches of these and oak leaf mulch are also effective. Birds eat snails and slugs so plant bird attracting plants like buddleia, banksia and grevillea will bring them into your garden for some extra protein.

Thrips: alyssum, chamomile, pennyroyal, thyme and basil will control thrips. Sunflowers, dill, coriander, tansy, yarrow, alfalfa attract thrip predators.

Wasps: ivy, mint and sunflower will deter many wasps.

Weevils: after a season of an infestation of weevils, plant a green manure crop such as beans, peas, oats or wheat.

Repellents include onions, petunias, geraniums and

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contact@cheralyndarcey.com cheralyn.darcey cheralyn bay trees.

Whitefly: feverfew, garlic, marigolds, nasturtiums and basil can control whitefly.

INSECT INVITATIONS Inviting what may seem like pests into the garden can sound strange but in fact there are many beneficial bugs that can help you grow a great garden.

Lay down the green carpet welcome by planting lots of flowers to attract pollinators to help fertilise your plants.

Consider letting some herbs and greens go to flower as well as planting specific flowers such as dahlias, forget-menots, sunflowers, roses, salvia, daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, lavender, tansy, marigolds, alyssum, and borage.

There are also flowers that naturally attract insects that are predators of destructive garden pests.

Ladybirds are going to take care of the mites, scale, whiteflies and aphids for you and they really enjoy dill and coriander.

Lacewings will make a meal out of aphids and they also enjoy tansy, angelica and dandelions while mantids pretty much eat all other bugs so lure them in with them with roses and cosmos.

GOOD NEIGHBOURS BETTER PLANTS

=

Some plants do better in the company of friends.

Artichoke, Jerusalem (Helianthus tuberosus): they love being with tansy and corn and will deter insects from your citrus trees if used as their underplanting.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis): brilliant bedfellows are tomatoes and asparagus as they naturally stimulate healthy, strong growth in each other.

Parsley, capsicum and lettuce all do well with asparagus too.

Avocado (Persea americana): comfrey, lavender and thyme help avocados grow well.

Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis): one of the great pest and disease deterrents for all other plants and should be found at least once in every garden.

Beans, Bush (Phaseolus vulgaris): celery, marigold, fennel and alliums will promote health to neighbouring plants and tansy and feverfew will deter pests.

Beans, Broad (Vicia faba): lettuce, corn, violets, potatoes are all good neighbours.

Beans, Runner (Phaseolus coccineus): This type of bean loves growing alongside carrots and cauliflowers and does well with spinach, radish and corn.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea): this vegetable loves growing with rosemary, leeks, celery and sage.

Celery (Apium graveolens): leeks, tomatoes and especially bush bean varieties work very well together

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS List your event for free – gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com Eco Garden Volunteer and Share - 20 Kincumber, Street Kincumber 9am – 11am Saturday 24 February Visit and engage with your local community garden. Lend a hand to maintain the beds and get to know other like-minded people. This is a great opportunity to learn about community gardens.

For more info scan the QR code or visit: www.facebook.com/events/2692795724192376 Central Coast Fungal Wizardry for Beginners Workshops 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (morning/afternoon sessions) Sunday 3rd March Gosford Regional Gallery - Studio 2, 36 Webb St, East Gosford Get ready! The Funguy of Urban Kulture (Aaron) is returning to Australia to host the 2024 East Coast Workshop Tour and deliver his 2 x beginner hands on mushroom cultivation workshops in person. Join Aaron for either the ‘5 Minute Mushroom Kit’ (Level 1) or the ‘5 Minute Grain Spawn’ (Level 2) or make the most of the value deal and attend both! Both workshops include take home kits.

For tickets and more info scan QR code or visit: www.urbankulture.co/event-details/central-coast-fungal-wizardry-for-beginners-workshops

with celery in the garden.

Citrus (Citrus spp.): sweet pea grown alongside citrus of all types will help fix the nitrogen in the soil and to deter woodborers plant catnip and lavender beneath your citrus.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): To encourage stronger growth, try planting peas and beans and you will find that lettuce makes a healthy garden bed companion as well.

The dreaded cucumber beetle can be deterred with radish that has been allowed to go to seed.

Leeks (Allium porrum): Good neighbours that seem to help each other attain health and growth for leeks are cabbage, carrots, celery and onions.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): To improve the flavour of your lettuce, try planting between rows with beetroot or strawberries.

Mulberry (Morus alba): To ensure a bumper crop of mulberries, plant grapes and chokos nearby.

You can grow either through the branches as well.

Olive (Olea europaea): Rosemary, lavender and tansy all make a good underplanting for this tree as they repeal many pests that are attracted to it.

Wattle is a brilliant native companion and almond and walnut also help create a beneficial growing environment.

Onion (Allium cepa): Onions do well with lettuce, cabbages and carrots and you will find that chamomile is also happy growing aside onions.

Passionfruit (Passiflora spp.): Lemongrass and lemon balm are both good pest deflectors and marjoram is an extremely beneficial nutrient provider.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum): Nasturtiums improves the soil for potatoes, while tomato, cucumber and sunflower protect the development of potato blight; and beans and peas provide nutritional improvements.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): They grow well around citrus, beans and corn while dill and oregano are good pest controllers.

Rose (Rosa spp.): There is belief that growing alliums such as chives, onions and garlic with roses will improve the perfume of the rose.

Chamomile helps prevent the development of black spot and parsley will deter pests.

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa): Borage improves the sweetness of strawberries while marigolds deter pests.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These big beautiful blossoms will lure aphids away from the rest of your garden without much harm to themselves and are massive pollinator attractors as well.

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo): They love growing with borage, nasturtiums and marigolds.

THIS WEEK’S GARDENING GUIDE This week you can plant the following: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflowers, celery, chicory, cress, endive, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radishes, rhubarb, salsify, shallots, silverbeet, spring onions, spinach, swedes, turnips, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, cineraria, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisies, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophilia, hollyhock, honesty, Irish green bellflower, larkspur, linaria, Livingstone daisy, lobelia, nasturtium, nemesia, nemophila, nigella, pansy, polyanthus, primula, statice, stock, strawflower, verbena, viola, wallflower

PAGE 28

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Full steam ahead for palliative care unit at Wyong Members of Elsie’s Project have welcomed an announcement that a palliative care unit will open at Wyong Hospital in late 2025.

The news was confirmed at a recent public forum hosted at Mingara Recreation Centre by the Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford.

AnElsie’sProjectspokesperson said the purpose of the meeting was to get a timeline on possible completion of the unit and seek assurances the project would go ahead.

“It was very well attended with over 160 people giving of their time to support this very important cause,” the spokesperson said.

“We were honoured to have

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch addresses the forum; More than 160 people attended

many MPs available to speak, including Member for Wyong David Harris and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch as well as CEO of Gosford and Wyong hospitals Scott McLaughlin.

“It was refreshing to receive very positive feedback from the speakers and assurance that

Wyong (palliative care) will be opening in late 2025.

“This will be a much larger undertaking than Gosford A5 Unit and will require much more internal structure work.

“We were also invited to attend a Wyong Redevelopment Meeting where an interesting

workshop was held with the community and others to ask what would be important in the internal design and outside areas.

“It was very interesting to listen to the ideas put forward to have our unit be state of the art, and yet have the warm, homelike

ambience that is needed in a special place. “(We are) certainly feeling much more confident in our results of the last few weeks, and sincerely thank all the members of our Central Coast community for all their wonderful support as we push forward to achieve this amazing result for the Central Coast.”

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch congratulated the Elsie’s Retreat project team on hosting the successful public forum.

Crouch said the event demonstrated the public’s continued interest in palliative care and highlighted the importance of continued funding for the Gosford Palliative Care Unit and the future Wyong Palliative Care Unit.

“I want to thank the Elsie’s

Retreat Project team in association with the Lions Club of Wyoming-East Gosford Club for a successful palliative care public forum held at Mingara,” he said.

“Their tireless dedication and support have ensured our region has not one, but two dedicated palliative care units on the Central Coast.”

Together with the Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean, Crouch reinforced the Coalition’s commitment to palliative care services not just on the Central Coast, but across NSW. “We will continue to call on the Minns Labor Government to provide the necessary funding for our two palliative care units on the Central Coast, as well as the required recurrent funding for staff at these units,” he said.

Take advantage of cancer screening take advantage of NSW’s breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programs and seek help if they noticed any changes to their health.

“More than 2,800 people in our district are projected to be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year, so reducing cancer’s devastating impact on our community is a key priority,” Kukard said.

“Central Coast Local Health District offers state-of-the-art cancer treatment through our comprehensive cancer centre.

“We offer a wide range of treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy

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be prevented in NSW each year if we exercised more, ate healthier foods, wore sunscreen, drank less alcohol and stopped smoking.

“Few health challenges rival the complexity and urgency of this devastating disease and as a community, we need to do everything possible to support each other to lead healthier lives and seek help if we notice any changes to our health,” O’Brien said.

“I encourage everyone to take the steps needed to reduce their cancer risk and keep families healthy and together.

“Start small and keep it simple

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Every 10 minutes someone in NSW is diagnosed with cancer, with one person dying from the disease every half an hour.

It remains the leading cause of disease death in our state, accounting for one in three deaths.

Despite these sobering statistics, NSW has some of the world’s best cancer outcomes, with 70 per cent of people in NSW surviving beyond five years of a cancer diagnosis.

Here are some key insights

from Cancer Institute NSW: seven in 10 people survive for five years after a cancer diagnosis; three in 10 cancer cases and four in 10 deaths are from rare and less common cancers; less than 40 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free bowel cancer screening; close to 52 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free breast cancer screening; and about 67 per cent of eligible people in NSW are taking part in free cervical cancer screening.

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and radiation therapy along with access to local and international clinical trials.

“Our health specialists are dedicated to delivering safe, world-class care to people living with and beyond cancer.

“We can also work to reduce our cancer risk and I encourage the community to participate in screening programs and speak to their GP if they’re concerned about any changes to their health.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said about 16,000 cases of cancer and 5,000 cancer deaths could

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Social group for autistic adults From humble beginnings, the Spectrum Social Group for autistic adults has grown to a membership of more than 120.

The group was initiated by Trish Stephens, a retired psychologist, who recognised that many of her clients had a strong desire for friendships and often were alone or lonely.

“I wanted to create a safe space for autistic adults to socialise with their peers in settings where they did not need to conform to neurotypical ways of being,” Stephens said.

“The group has grown to more than 120 members across the Central Coast and is guided very much by members

on what activities we do as a group.

“Past events have included bushwalking, ten pin bowling, barbecues, archery, laser tag, barefoot lawn bowls, picnics, paint’n’fun class, virtual reality experiences and lunch meetups.

“The most popular activity is the monthly cruise on Brisbane Water hosted by Dave Kent, who volunteers his boat, fuel and time to take small groups on to the water.”

One member of the group is Matthew Blakemore, recently named Central Coast Citizen of the Year 2024, in recognition of his work to build greater understanding of the needs of young people with a disability

Archery is one of the group’s regular social activities

and the challenges and barriers they experience.

“Autistic people need to meet each other and build our connections,” Blakemore said.

“Spectrum Social Group

events (provide) a chill environment to meet new friends.

“Being with other people can be easier when you are doing an activity and some of the

things we have done as a group I have tried again with family.

“I work long hours and like that I can choose when I come to events and don’t feel pressured when I just want to be alone.”

Stephens said for many autistic people there was a need for society to differentiate between loneliness and being alone.

“Autistic people often feel that to socialise they need to conform to non-autistic ways of being and sharing time together,” she said.

“The effort to conform to fit in can be draining.

“Spectrum Social Group recognises the emotional energy required by members

who often feel that they are in a social minority.

“Enabling autistic peer to peer engagement, on their terms, in the ways they wish to be together, (hopefully) will lead to greater feelings of belonging and wellbeing by the Central Coast autistic community.”

In recognition of the barriers to access a diagnosis as an adult, Spectrum Social Group welcomes peers who are diagnosed or self-identify as being autistic.

Autistic adults interested in attending group events are invited to join the Facebook group Spectrum Social Group Central Coast or go to www. spectrumsocialgroup.com

Innovative approach to mental health The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) has partnered with the University of Newcastle and the University of New England to take an innovative approach in helping to identify solutions that will address the mental health crisis across the region.

Access to mental health services is a critical issue as demand outstrips supply, a PHN spokesperson said.

This problem is projected to worsen in the short term as the mental fitness of the community continues to decline.

Currently, the number of

emergency department presentations for mental health and behavioural disorders in the Hunter New England and Central Coast regions is higher than the state average, with the highest number recorded in remote and rural areas.

PHN CEO Richard Nankervis said that in 2021, 11.5 of every 100 people in our region reported experiencing a mental health condition, including depression and anxiety.

But there is no clear insight into the additional numbers of people who live with mental health issues and do not seek professional help.

“Evidence tells us that early intervention is key to achieving

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and maintaining mental health fitness,” Nankervis said.

“The PHN is exploring what we can be doing to address this need.”

Working in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and

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“The University of Newcastle is committed to working with our communities to help people live better, healthier lives – and

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The Challenge is seeking the involvement of participants who are interested in innovative thinking, including but not limited to people from different professions (such as healthcare), people who have lived experience or care for someone with a mental health condition, students, researchers, innovators, technology providers and entrepreneurs.

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that includes helping people focus on their mental wellbeing,” Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Engagement with the University of Newcastle Warwick Dawson said.

“Our Integrated Innovation Network (or I2N) will support this important collaboration by helping teams turn innovative ideas into tangible solutions.”

The Mental Health Innovation Challenge connects a variety of people and organisations to help solve specific problems.

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SPORT BRIEFS Coast’s top young surfers named Newcastle Permanent Two of the Central Coast’s Rego help brightest young surf Morisset Branch Manager With about 500 players The Entrance Junior Rugby League Football Club (JRLFC) is one of the largest and most successful junior rugby league clubs on the Central Coast.

So news that changes in eligibility for the Active Kids Voucher could make it difficult for parents and carers to register their children for sports hit many families hard.

But The Entrance Leagues Club has come to the rescue, offering to help supplement registrations fees.

The subsidy will be built into registration fees, greatly reducing them, and will be for all of junior players from Under 6-17.

Mariners signing The Central Coast Mariners have signed 22-year-old striker Ryan Edmondson, following his departure from English League One side Carlisle United.

In making the switch to the Mariners, Edmondson reunites with former coach Mark Jackson, now Mariners Football Manager, who he enjoyed success with at the Leeds United Academy.

lifesaving talents were named Newcastle Permanent Junior Surf Life Savers of the Year in a ceremony at Umina Surf Club on Sunday, February 4.

The female winner was 13-year-old Remy Avis from North Avoca SLSC, while Seamus Meares, also 13, from Wamberal SLSC took out the male award.

With her family highly involved in surf lifesaving, Remy has been on the sand since she was three months old, joining Nippers in the Under-6s and achieving 100 per cent attendance since then.

Remy has achieved her Surf Rescue Certificate and is the Junior Club Captain and Club Person of the Year of North Avoca SLSC, where she values patrolling, education and training to help save lives, and would like to increase youth involvement in surf lifesaving.

As Junior Surf Life Saver of the Year she follows in the footsteps of her brother, Jett, who received the accolade in 2022.

Seamus also joined Nippers in the Under-6s and has often

From left: SLS CC Director of Youth Activities Jordan Smith, Remy Avis, NP Morisset Branch Manager Michelle Densem, Seamus Meares and SLS CC CEO Michael Hyslop

shared the sand with his father, who is a Patrol Captain and Age Manager.

He has gained the confidence to perform rescues and preventative actions, and also excels in his signals, theory questions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Seamus believes that one of the most important areas of surf lifesaving is resourcing and educating the community to be safe and help others around the water, and he is also passionate about sun safety in

PROPOSED ROAD CLOSING UNDER SECTION 38B ROADS ACT 1993 In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Central Coast Council proposes to close the council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1: • Part Road Adjoining Lot 23 DP 731090 being 227 Little Jilliby Rd, Little Jilliby, NSW 2259.

Upon closure of the road, Central Coast Council intends to give the former road as compensation under s.44 of the Roads Act 1993.

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the Chief Executive Officer Central Coast Council, 2 Hely Street/PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 within twentyeight days of the date of this advertisement. Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Once the submission period is completed, Central Coast Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

Council Ref: F2023/01574 Enquiries: John Lowrie Telephone: 02 4306 7900 Email: property@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

David Farmer Chief Executive Officer February 2024 Council Office 2 Hely St / PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 02 4306 7900 Chief Executive Officer David Farmer

the Nippers program.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO Michael Hyslop said there was a strong field of contenders for the awards.

“Each of our local clubs puts forward a female and male nominee, who are required to participate in the Newcastle Permanent Branch Championships and also sit for an interview with a panel of judges,” he said.

“It’s not easy, but Remy and Seamus really rose to the

challenge and both impressed the panel with their work ethic, passion for the sport and dedication to the community.

“With both their families very involved in surf lifesaving their abilities are no surprise, but they have never taken that for granted and continued to learn and grow.

“Newcastle Permanent has supported us for over 20 years, which helps keep events like this one running, our nippers in the water and our beachgoers safe.”

Michelle Densem said she was very impressed by the talent of the young members in Central Coast Surf Life Saving.

“All of the candidates for the Newcastle Permanent Junior Life Saver of the Year are phenomenal and demonstrate a dedication to their local communities like no other, so for Remy and Seamus to come out on top is a huge achievement,” she said.

“Along with their beach safety knowledge and water skills, it’s wonderful to see that they are giving back to their community at such a young age.

“Witnessing the development of young leaders like Remy and Seamus makes all of us at Newcastle Permanent feel exceptionally proud of our partnership with Central Coast Surf Life Saving.

“It’s clear that Remy and Seamus have very bright futures ahead.”

The Central Coast branch of Surf Life Saving NSW has 15 clubs, patrolling beaches from Budgewoi to Umina.

Newcastle Permanent has been a proud partner since 2003.

Big wins in second day of Round 8 cricket The second day of play in Round 8 of the Central Coast cricket competition saw wins for The Entrance, Kincumber Avoca, Terrigal Matcham, Northern Power and Southern Spirit in the 1st Grade Men’s Competition.

The Entrance defeated Wyong chasing down their 149 runs and putting an additional 122 on their score.

Lachlan Rainger fought for Wyong taking 2/56 but Broc Hardy smacked a huge 122 off 155 with nine fours and two sixes.

Dylan Bennett finished on 52 off 100 with three fours and one six.

The Entrance finished on 271 and Wyong finished on 149.

Kincumber Avoca took the outright win from Brisbane Water.

Michael Pate took 9/86 over the two innings restricting the capability of Brisbane Water’s runs and Alex Cutting put on 93 over the two innings to help assist the side.

After both innings Brisbane Water finished with 209 and Kincumber Avoca finished with 210.

Terrigal Matcham defeated Lisarow Ourimbah.

After bowling them out for 98, they went out to bat and declared at 263.

Christopher Brown finished on 74 off 78 with six fours and one six along with Ivan Kriek finishing on 71 off 72 with 11 fours.

Josh Bridge was the pick of the bowlers taking a combined 7/31.

Northern Power defeated Warnervale after being bowled out for 263.

Harrison Townsend took 5/64 sending his team into bat.

Warnervale went out for the chase but were bowled out for just 98 with Nathaniel Stokes taking 4/17.

Northern Power sent Warnervale back out to bat for the outright win but was unable to take it.

Warnervale finished 8/188.

Southern Spirit took an outright win against Narara Wyoming.

Southern Spirit was bowled out for 165 with Lachlan Cork putting up 51 off 57 with two fours and two sixes.

Narara’s skipper, James Smith, took 4/63 sending his

team into bat, but with no luck at the back end of the order they were bowled out for 97 thanks to Lachlan Cork’s 4/24.

Southern Spirit went back out declaring at 135 thanks to Lachlan Cork again performing with 72 off 99 with seven fours and two sixes.

Narara Wyoming were again bowled out for 67 giving Southern Spirit the outright.

In the women’s first grade competition, Northern Power Orange 7/113 defeated Lisarow Ourimbah 3/112 in a tight match.

Julie Hunt smashed 43 off 35 with five fours and one six.

Lara Robertson and Aanya Siingh tooktwo wickets each.

Narara/Terrigal 1/78 defeated The Entrance 7/76 in a comfortable win.

Dehann Richardson took 40 off 24 with six fours and one six.

Ella Davidson took 3/17 off four.

Kincumber Avoca 2/111 defeated Northern Power White 6/82.

Shannon Liddle finished not out on 24 off 36 with three fours.

Layla Graham and Narthana Sivasampavan took two wickets each.

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Molly Picklum scores a perfect 10 at Pipeline SURFING In a breathtaking display of skill that reverberated through the surfing world, Central Coast sensation Molly Picklum etched her name into the annals of surfing history by scoring a perfect 10 at the iconic Pipeline break in Hawaii this week.

The remarkable feat, a first for any woman at the prestigious location, highlighted her semifinal victory against Bettylou Sakura Johnson in what was hailed as one of the most electrifying women’s heats ever seen on the Championship Tour.

Picklum, 21, who has been in CCN’s spotlight for years, embraced Pipeline’s

formidable challenge.

“There’s no more fitting place than Pipe to give me my first 10,” she said.

“I’m just so, so happy — 10 points, it’s hard to come by.”

Her daring approach and flawless execution left both spectators and competitors in awe, with fellow surfer Flick Palmateer praising the technical mastery and beauty of Picklum’s performance, calling it “absolutely insane”.

Despite her historic achievement, Picklum faced a tough challenge in the final, where 18-year-old American prodigy Caity Simmers continued her winning streak against the Aussie, marking their head-to-head record at 4-0 in Simmers’s favor.

Photo: World Surf League

Molly Picklum in action at the Pipeline

Picklum, the 2022 Pipe Masters Invitational champion and Australia’s hope for the upcoming Olympics, showcased her formidable talent by posting the highest

score of the final with a 9.27.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, she fell short of clinching the title, with her total score of 10.64 unable to surpass Simmers’s 12.66.

This competition not only underscored the rise of a new generation of surfers, with young talents like Simmers and Johnson stepping up in the absence of veterans like

Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore but also solidified Picklum’s status as a formidable force in the surfing world.

Simmers, now donning the yellow rankings leader’s jersey, acknowledged Picklum’s prowess.

“This girl [Picklum], she’s a Pipe Master, I couldn’t let her have it again,” she said.

As the surfing community turns its gaze to the upcoming Sunset Beach event, where Picklum is the reigning champion, her groundbreaking performance at Pipeline will undoubtedly remain a highlight of her burgeoning career, a testament to her skill, determination, and the thrilling future of women’s surfing.

Give dragon-boating a try Deepwater Dragon Boat Club will hold a “Come and Try” day on Sunday, February 25.

Starting out as a very small club at Woy Woy 12 years ago, the club has grown significantly, as has the sport of dragonboating.

A move to Saratoga Sailing Club saw the club grow from strength to strength, with it now being around the fifth largest club in NSW.

Dragon-boating is a low impact team sport that is great for strength and fitness.

The sport provides opportunities for all.

As well as the sporting side, the club has other benefits like building networks, social gatherings and regular trips away competing.

“If you just want to paddle to keep active and fit, or, if you are interested in competition, the club caters for both,” a spokesperson said.

Regattas are held throughout the year all over NSW. The club travels from Sydney to as far north as Urunga and recently ventured to Canberra as well as Adelaide for the Australian Masters Games.

The free “Come and Try” day will be held at 9.30am on Sunday, February 25, at Saratoga.

Seats are limited so book a spot via the Deepwater Dragon Boat Club Facebook page.

Dragon-boating is a low impact team sport

Mariners doubleheader a tough day on home turf FOOTBALL An impressive crowd of more than 11,000 fans gathered at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Saturday, February 10, eager to watch the Central Coast Mariners tackle two challenging games on their home turf.

Up first was the women’s spirited match with the

Mariners women and Melbourne Victory ending in a one-all draw.

Peta Trimis put the Mariners ahead early, only for Victory’s Emily Gielnik to level the score in the first half.

Keeper Dumont showcased her skills with crucial saves, including a standout moment denying Gielnik’s potential gamechanger.

1800 891 691 or 4324 7699 Suites 5 & 6, Fountain Plaza 148-158 Central Coast Hwy, Erina brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

The match’s intensity grew, with strong performances from newcomers and veterans alike and Dumont making pivotal saves to keep the score level.

Matilda Kya Simon’s entrance nearly added a dramatic twist, but her long-range attempt just missed.

Dumont continued to shine, making key saves late in the game to secure a draw for the Mariners.

The atmosphere in the stadium kept building toward the men’s game, a traditional showdown between old rivals against Sydney FC. The Mariners were favourites having not lost a game for months, but their remarkable 14-match unbeaten streak came to an end with a defeat

by Sydney FC. The Mariners faced early setbacks, conceding two goals

within the first eight minutes.

Despite a more commendable performance in the second half and a goal to narrow the gap, the Mariners couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

Meanwhile, the men have advanced to the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final with a 4-0 victory over Phnom Penh Crown, on February 13, highlighted by Ryan Edmondson’s hat-trick and

Jing Reec’s opening goal.

The win sets up a historic final against A-League rivals Macarthur in the AFC Cup. Key changes to the lineup and strategic plays contributed to the Mariners’ dominant performance, showcasing their readiness for the upcoming challenges in both the AFC Cup and the A-League.

FREE SEMINAR: WILLS & ESTATES AVOIDING ESTATE PLANNING TRAPS

WHERE: Gosford RSL Club As part of the 2023 Brazel Moore Seminar Series, this free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore WHEN: 27 February 2024 Lawyers to help people understand what to expect so they know where they stand in – TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm • Making a Will • Making a Power of Attorney

F Ever REE VOU y C Sem one who HER vouc inar will r attends t he he ec to co r able to eive a fre be re ver t e * Con he cost o deemed faW dition ill*. s app ly

• Challenging a Will or defending a Will from challenge • Making an Appointment of Guardian The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them… alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian and how you should best deal with them.

Geoff Brazel, Solicitor, will present the seminar on Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian to help you through the maze of legal regulation.

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

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what Estate Planning steps you need to take to properly plan for your own Will, Power of Attorney or Appointment of Guardian.

WHERE: Mingara Recreation Club WHEN: 5 March 2024 TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast

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Major award for Tuggerah gymnastics club

Athletes from Tuggerah’s United Gymnastics Academy

Tuggerah’s United Gymnastics Academy has won a prestigious award at the Gymnastics NSW Annual Awards.

The local gymnastics club has brought home the coveted title of 2023 Gymnastics for All Club of the Year.

The club was recognised in front of 600 people gathered at Doltone House in Pyrmont, Sydney on Sunday, February 11.

The awards event is held annually to celebrate the local and international successes of clubs, gymnasts, coaches and officials within NSW. United Gymnastics Academy

has had a huge year of gymnastics and travel.

From tumbling and acrobatics to freestyle and performance gymnastics, the club has been recognised for promoting the message that gymnastics is for all ages and abilities.

Last year, the club sent a team to Amsterdam to represent Australia at the World Gymnaestrada – the largest non-competitive sporting event in the world.

Athletes have also represented the club at the National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast, NSW Country Championships in Armidale and multiple events in Sydney.

The club had an athlete or team place on the podium at every major event it attended – a huge achievement.

Gymnastics NSW CEO Rebecca Shaw congratulated all the clubs and athletes who were nominated and won in their category.

Last year, Gymnastics NSW recorded close to 72,000 participants in more than 200 affiliated clubs.

United Gymnastics Academy Director Rebecca Tomkins said the award was an honour and a recognition of the academy’s philosophy coming to life.

“It feels like we are being rewarded for making an effort

to create a gymnastics club that is for everyone,” she said.

“This recognition also goes to the kids, who now get their moment to shine.

“This club holds a special place in the community; we’re like an extended family.

“Everyone rallies behind each other no matter what they’re going through in life.

“We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming and inviting environment.

“Our club busts a few gymnastics myths.

“It’s not just about bars, beam and what you see at the Olympics.

“Gymnastics is all that, and so much more.

“We’ve got programs that are for every age and stage, with families doing gymnastics together both at training and in competition.

“It’s all about having fun, being fit and learning together.

“We’ve also tried to create opportunities for gymnasts to experience competition without the cost and huge commitment.

“Of course we still have programs for gymnasts who want to push themselves and can commit more time.

“After the award, we had people coming up to us and

asking for advice.

“We were able to create strong Gymnastics for All programs by selecting children who were leaders and role models, and offering them classes within TeamGym and Performance Gymnastics.

“Then, others wanted to participate and follow these leaders, and our programs grew.

“Our club is there to support the athlete, and we want to continue to be athlete centred.

“We find out a gymnast’s goal, and then support them.”