Coast Community News #433

Storms wreak havoc across the Coast

Storm proves more sand is the solution: SOS

The Wamberal Save Our Sand (SOS) group says the huge storm which hit the area on Friday, April 5, showed that a wide, sandy Wamberal Beach is the best form of coastal protection.

“SOS inspected the beach on Saturday morning and observed that Friday’s storm surges never reached the properties at the back of the beach because there was an adequate sand buffer,” spokesperson Corinne Lamont said.

“Locals know sand has accumulated at Wamberal Beach and other NSW beaches over the past year, making

them wider than they have been in a long time, moving the shoreline seaward.

“If Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart had inspected the sandy beach on the weekend, he would have been convinced to back sand nourishment, not a vertical seawall.”

Lamont said SOS had repeatedly asked Hart to pass a resolution to stop the proposed Wamberal Beach seawall and to instead back sand nourishment for coastal protection, to no avail.

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With Bob Graham, the former mayor of Wyong, suggesting the Central Coast LGA be made smaller, it feels like we’re at an important decision point in the run-up to the Council elections in September.

He thinks we should have fewer councillors, a smaller LGA footprint and fewer Council wards in order to

manage things more smoothly, especially since the merging of Gosford and Wyong councils didn’t go as smoothly as hoped.

It’s an idea not just about making the council smaller; it’s about making sure our community stays strong and runs more efficiently.

The long periods of administration we have had since amalgamation has been a rough road for all involved; Council staff, residents and in particular ratepayers who are still bankrolling the botched amalgamation process.

Though Graham is right in saying it’s too late to undo the amalgamation.

Everyone living here is starting to think about what it

means to change how things are run, trying to find the right balance between what we need locally and bigger plans for the area.

It’s a big deal, and it’s something that everyone should think about and talk over.

If you want to dive deeper, check out this week’s story in print and online.

Narrow escape for veteran zookeeper

A veteran zookeeper at the Australian Reptile Park sustained a head injury this week during the capture of Elvis the saltwater crocodile for a dental examination and health check.

Crocodile expert and Operations Manager Billy Collett was attempting to restrain Elvis when the dense, wooden block that was keeping his jaw ajar dislodged and smashed into Collett’s head.

Though momentarily dazed, Collett managed to get himself and the rest of the team out of harm’s way and away from the unrestrained crocodile.

Elvis, known internationally as Australia’s Crankiest Crocodile, had been displaying signs of a dental infection and a tooth had erupted out of the bottom of his jaw.

Having experienced a similar issue in 2022 when three teeth were removed, keepers were on high alert, concerned for the health of the massive saltwater crocodile.

Keepers wrestled with Elvis, enduring his powerful movements to secure ropes around his jaws.

Veterinarians, mindful of anaesthesia risks,administered a muscle relaxant, intensifying the danger for all involved.

This underscored the need for cautious capture and restraint.

Subsequently, a heavy wooden chock was inserted between Elvis’s jaws as keepers bravely held him in place while Director Liz Gabriel cautiously attempted to secure his jaw shut with tape.

It was at this moment, with Collett sitting on top of Elvis, that the colossal reptile gave an enormous thrashing from side to side, with keepers clinging on for dear life.

With these powerful head shakes, Elvis knocked the 5kg, hardwood jaw chock loose, sending it flying into Collett’s head.

“At first, I didn’t even know what had hit me – I was stunned,” Collett said.

“I’ve captured hundreds of

large crocodiles over the years, but I have never felt anything like the power Elvis displayed when he started thrashing like that.

“I didn’t comprehend what had hit me in the head until I opened my eyes and saw that his jaws were unrestrained.

“At that moment, I knew I had to get myself and the team out of there immediately.

“The whole thing was over in less than 15 seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

“I’m so thankful to the team for reacting as quickly as they did and that we all came out in once piece.

“I had a pretty decent bump

on my head after, but surely that’s the best-case scenario when you’re dealing with a half-ton croc.”

After a brief reset and additional muscle relaxant, keepers successfully restrained Elvis.

When x-rays were taken of the gigantic reptile, vets discovered a problematic tooth requiring immediate removal. The croc was found to be otherwise in good health.

Elvis came to The Australian Reptile Park in 2007 from the Northern Territory where he was causing havoc to fisherman’s boats in Darwin Harbour.

The piece of wood keeping Elvis’s jaws apart flew loose Photo: Australian Reptile Park

Central Coast SES units received almost 600 requests for help in four days as storms ravaged the region from Thursday, April 4, to Sunday, April 7, with strong wind warnings still in place as we went to press.

Teams worked around the clock to clear all requests within 72 hours as they responded to 290 incidents of storm-related damage, 280 requests for sandbags, three flood rescues and one evacuation.

Sixty teams from the Gosford and Wyong units were joined by volunteers from Cooranbong, Lake Macquarie, Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay units, with support also provided by the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Over the four days, 175 volunteers from the NSW SES and NSW Rural Fire Service contributed over 2500 hours to help the

Storms wreak havoc across the Coast

Central Coast community.

Central Coast Council provided in excess of 160 tonnes of sand which resulted in approximately 10,000 sandbags being made available.

Although residents at Chittaway Point and Long Jetty were told to prepare for possible evacuation as levels rose in the Tuggerah Lakes, no evacuations were necessary.

As of Monday morning, April 8, the SES advised that flooding was still occurring around Tuggerah Lakes and on the lower Hawkesbury River.

Residents of the lower Hawkesbury were warned that flood waters coming downstream could contain debris from upstream and may cause some low-level inundation.

They were advised to monitor the Live Traffic App for information on the closure of Wisemans Ferry Rd and stay in

touch with the latest warnings and advices through the Hazards Near Me app.

River Cares spokesperson Robyn Downham said Spencer and Gunderman had “dodged a bullet”, with a few low-lying areas experiencing minor pooling but no major damage to property.

On Tuesday, April 9, six crews

were still responding to over 30 jobs across the Gosford region after heavy rain and persistent strong winds.

Several of these jobs involved large trees falling onto properties and roads.

A strong wind warning remained in place for the Central Coast as we went to press on Wednesday, April 10,

with gusts of up to 100kmh possible.

Residents were advised to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure loose items and monitor conditions.

The SES warned that strong winds and soaked soil could see an increased risk of trees falling.

The Entrance channel was

open as at April 10, with levels in Tuggerah Lakes gradually receding.

Residents were warned to avoid swimming and any other recreational activities within waterways for a few days with the possibility that stormwater run-off, debris or large submerged objects in the water could cause pollution and illness or injury.

SES Chief Inspector Travis Douglass said while severe weather warnings had been lifted on the Central Coast by April 10, damaging surf conditions could persist over the rest of the week, with the possibility of heavy surf and onshore erosion.

A secondary storm saw 38mm of rain fall at Ettalong in the 24 hours to 9am on April 10.

“There were similar numbers recorded around the region,” Douglass said.

Drowning prevention campaign comes to the Central Coast

Australia’s largest community engagement for a drowning prevention campaign is coming to Umina and Pearl Beach between April 12 and 18.

The campaign will see lifesavers on the beach teaching participants the rip current safety skills needed to stay safe at unpatrolled beaches.

The number of drowning fatalities on Australian beaches is not decreasing.

Last Summer, 54 people drowned along the Australian coast, which is a 10 per cent rise above the 10-year average.

The drownings included 28 fatalities on the NSW coast –the highest number in the

state’s recorded history – and they all occurred at an unpatrolled location.

Leading beach safety researcher Professor Rob Brander is concerned that reliance on the message to swim between the flags is not enough.

“It is important to also help people learn what rips are and how they can safely avoid them to make sure, their families and friends can safely enjoy a day at the beach,” he said.

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne in partnership with the University of New South Wales and Surf Life Saving Australia are coming to the Central Coast to measure the impact safety lessons can have on drowning

risk prevention.

The team will be assessing whether the safety lessons run by volunteer lifesavers are enjoyable, whether participants

learn anything and how likely they are to apply the safety skills they learned at an unpatrolled beach.

Four months later, participants

will be followed up and asked if they had changed their behavior the next time they visited an unpatrolled beach.

“This new research that connects communities with lifeguards and lifesavers through safety lessons on the beach is a fantastic and a much needed initiative that will help expand beach safety education and drowning prevention efforts beyond the flags,” Brander said.

The research team and local lifesavers would love the Central Coast community to participate in this research by engaging with lifesavers about risk.

Rip current safety lessons will be held at Umina Beach on April 12,13 and 14 before the team

moves on to Pearl Beach on April 16, 17 and 18.

Safety lessons will be at 11am, 12.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.

The project leads are Associate Professor Brian Cook and Dr Peter Kamstra from the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospherics Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Central Coast lifesaver and beach safety educator Louise Lambeth from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club is the Central Coast contact.

This project was developed by Cook as part of the Community Engagement for Disaster Risk Reduction research program run out of the University of Melbourne.

Work begins on Jenny Dixon Beach stairs upgrade

Work has begun on repairing the stairs at Jenny Dixon Beach.

Construction, which began on April 8, is expected to be completed by June subject to weather.

This will be the second of four projects to be completed following receipt of $2.44M in funding received from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program.

Central Coast Council also chipped in to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David

Harris said community assets brought people together and helped create a sense of wellbeing and cohesion to communities.

“This co-funded program is ensuring that damaged community infrastructure like the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs is being repaired so the community can continue to enjoy much-loved spaces,” he said.

Acting Director Environment and Planning Luke Sulkowski said Council was pleased to have reached the next milestone of the four projects and looked forward to the progression of the remaining two.

“We’re excited to start the

stair repairs at Jenny Dixon Beach,” he said.

“Each of the four projects take a lot of preliminary investigation work, designs

and approvals to ensure longevity before we are officially able to begin construction.

“The Jenny Dixon Beach stair

repair will be an almost likefor-like restoration, ensuring the repaired/replaced sections will be in the best possible shape to withstand future weather events.

“There will be some changes to the original structure, such as a different alignment of the bottom flight of stairs.

“This change will reduce the exposure of the structure to ocean impacts and provide for an easier way to alight the stairs onto the beach for beach users.”

A small section of the carpark next to the access point of the stairs will be closed off to provide direct access for construction vehicles during the construction process, and

for a site compound area for Council’s contractor.

The remaining carpark and the grassed reserve area will remain open for public access.

The remaining works include replacement of the northern stairs and concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers Beach, expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said Council was committed to building a strong and vibrant community.

Residents are advised to stay away from the impacted area, remain behind any barriers that Council crews or contractors have put in place and check Council’s website nsw.gov.au or Facebook page for updates.

Terry Collins

Thousand of sandbags were made available to residents. Photo: SES Gosford Unit

Peter and Louise Lambeth from Ocean Beach SLSC will play a large role in a research project on preventing drownings at unpatrolled beaches

Reduce the size of our LGA, says former Mayor

Former Wyong Mayor and State Member for the Entrance Bob Graham says the answer to Central Coast Council’s problems is to shrink the size of the Local Government Area (LGA).

This could be achieved by a boundary reallocation which would see Gwandalan and Summerland Point join the Lake Macquarie LGA, Mooney Mooney join the Hornsby LGA and Spencer become part of the Hawkesbury Council area, he said.

“The previous State Government in its wisdom thought that it would be a good idea to amalgamate Gosford and Wyong Councils into a mega council,” Graham said.

“This has backfired on them big time and we now have

360,000 residents, making us one of the largest local government areas in Australia.

“We can’t unscramble the egg by going back to two LGAs.

“It would be far too hard and costly, and we can’t expect this present State Government to pick up the bill for the mistakes of its predecessors.

“Nor should the ratepayers have to foot the bill; but I believe that there is a way to rectify the mess that won’t be too costly for the residents.”

Graham said shrinking the Central Coast Council boundaries made perfect sense, with residents of Gwandalan and Summerland Point being “more aligned” to Lake Macquarie than the Central Coast.

Mooney Mooney and Spencer

would be better served by Hornsby and Hawkesbury Councils respectively, he said.

Once boundaries have been reset, the numbers of

councillors and wards should be reduced, Graham said.

“Fifteen councillors are far too many; we should aim for quality rather than

As Central Coast residents struggle with cost of living pressures, a forum has been organised for April 16 to help those experiencing financial difficulties.

Facilitated by Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, the Robertson Cost of Living Forum will bring together representatives from key government departments and agencies including Services Australia, Service NSW and Central Coast Council to discuss available support.

“The Federal and State Governments’ top priority is helping assist Australians with the cost of living, especially

quantity,” he said.

“At the last Council election both the Labor Party and the Liberal Party were struggling to fill their ballot papers.

Cost of living forum at Narara

here on the Central Coast,” Reid said.

“(This forum) will be an opportunity for people to get information on what assistance they may be eligible for.

“Federal, state and local governments have a range of assistance available, including energy bill relief, water bill relief, internet relief and more.

“There is more work to do, and both the Federal and State Governments are working hard to deliver additional support.

“I would encourage those interested to … register their attendance.”

Tesch said cost-of-living is the number one issue the

Central Coast community is facing.

“We are committed to providing relief, including energy bill relief, increasing the supply of affordable homes, toll relief and early childhood education rebates,” she said.

“We know that there is so much more to do, however we are not wasting a second.”

The Robertson Cost-of-Living Forum will take place from 10.30-noon on Tuesday, April 16, at Narara Community Centre, 2 Pandala Rd, Narara.

Registration is essential at www.drgordonreidmp.com. au/our-coast-community/therobertson-cost-of-livingforum/

“We should have either seven or nine councillors with a popularly elected mayor and two wards with three or four councillors in each ward.”

Graham said the ward boundaries should be roughly aligned with the old Gosford/ Wyong boundaries.

While he thinks the Central Coast Water Authority should remain owned by ratepayers, Graham said it should be controlled by a separate body comprising councillors and suitably qualified knowledgeable members, either elected or appointed or a combination of both.

“My ideas would take a lot of pressure off Council staff by them not having to service farflung areas north, south and west, and would save a lot of money,” he said.

Rock climbers and rangers join forces to clean up national park

Members of the Central Coast rock climbing community have joined forces with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to conduct a successful clean-up operation in Bouddi National Park.

The initiative, spearheaded by local recreational group Cragcare, saw the removal of discarded lounges that had been illegally dumped over a rock shelf in a remote area off Hawke Head Dr at Killcare.

Upon discovering the dumped lounges near one of their climbing sites, members of the rock-climbing community quickly reported the issue to NPWS.

Working in collaboration with NPWS staff, volunteers from Cragcare utilised ropes, pulleys, and sheer determination to haul

the lounges up and over the rock shelf.

In total, about 180kgs of rubbish, including the discarded lounges, were removed from Bouddi National Park, and transported to local landfill by NPWS.

It’s illegal to dump rubbish, household waste, green waste, construction waste, tyres, or vehicles in NSW national parks and reserves.

The Australian Climbing Association of NSW (ACANSW) is working with land managers across the state to ensure rock climbing is conducted in a manner that is respectful of the environment and other land users.

“We’re so grateful for the dedication shown by the nine volunteers from Cragcare who generously contributed their time and effort to this clean-

up,” NPWS Ranger Vicki Elliott said.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Cragcare to target other instances of illegal dumping and undertake bush regeneration efforts in remote climbing sites within the park.

“Dumped rubbish is dangerous for wildlife, degrades the park and takes considerable time and money to clean up – money we’d much prefer to spend on improving services and facilities in our Central Coast parks and reserves.

“If you see anybody dumping rubbish, or have any information about illegal dumping, please contact our Central Coast office on 02 4320 4200 or report it via RIDonline, the EPA’s online reporting service.”

Members of Cragcare joined NPWS to clean up Bouddi National Park

Former Wyong Mayor Bob Graham

Russell Drysdale’s Bouddi Farm heritage listed

Bouddi Farm at Killcare Heights has been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and will continue to be celebrated for its architectural legacy.

Built in 1966, the house was designed by architect Guilford Bell as a creative retreat for celebrated artist Sir Russell Drysdale, who lived there until his passing in 1981.

The sprawling residence, artist studio and private garden is set on 3.5 hectares adjacent to Bouddi National Park.

Its unique modernist design features make the property truly one-of-a-kind, as it maximises panoramic bushland views and natural light.

The home incorporates north facing windows, thermal massing and cross ventilation to allow for cooling without the need for air-conditioning.

The current owners, who have lovingly retained the architectural masterpiece, nominated Bouddi Farm for State Heritage Register listing. The listing will celebrate their conservation efforts, recognise Bouddi Farm’s contribution to the architectural canon of NSW,

and ensure the long-term preservation of its legacy for future generations.

Owner, Jennifer Castaldi said she had nominated the property as a unique example of an exceptional collaboration

between two esteemed talents, architect Guilford Bell and artist Russell Drysdale.

“Both drew great inspiration from the Brisbane Water bushland site to devise a timeless design,” she said.

Minister for Central Coast David Harris said the listing was an exciting day for the Central Coast.

“This fabulous mid-20th century residence and artist’s studio, set in a spectacular

bushland surroundings, is a tribute to modernist architecture in NSW,” he said.

“This listing recognises the creative genius of both the architect and the artist-owner and secures its legacy as an icon of sustainable housing in NSW.

“Listing places of cultural significance on the State Heritage Register gives our most meaningful places, such as Bouddi Farm, the formal and legal recognition they need to ensure they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Chair of Heritage Council

NSW Frank said Bouddi Farm seamlessly blends influences to create a uniquely Australian modernist design aesthetic which responds to our climate.

“The Heritage Council of NSW is committed to safeguarding Bouddi Farm’s unique heritage, through recognising and assisting the continuation of the excellent custodianship of its owners,” he said.

Aboriginal flag raising a milestone for Patonga

On Saturday, March 23, the Patonga community celebrated a significant milestone in its recent history with the raising of the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian flag at the Patonga Progress Hall in the centre of the village.

More than 100 people were present for the ceremony and speeches with the event underpinned by important Aboriginal cultural activities presented by Central Coast Aboriginal cultural and community groups.

These included Mingaletta, Girri Girra, the Barang Regional Alliance, Bungree Aboriginal Association, Bara Barang, Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services, the Wollotuka Institute (University of Newcastle) and The Glen Centre for Men.

The flag raising ceremony included speeches by Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance film and television producer Rachel Perkins, former Federal Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Robert Tickner and Patonga Beach Progress Association President David Nash.

An Acknowledgment of Country was given by Aunty Robin (Mingaletta, Umina) and a Smoking Ceremony and cultural connection by Tim Selwyn (Girri Girra, Central Coast).

Dancers from the Glen Centre For Men at Chittaway Point performed a traditional dance and the flags were raised by 8-year-old Ruby-Rose and 7-year-old Milo to warm applause from the onlookers. The celebration was a culmination of historical and ongoing Aboriginal recognition work, connection and learning, largely undertaken by the Aboriginal Recognition SubCommittee of the Patonga Beach Progress Association.

Sub-Committee Co-convenor Mike Bennie said seeing the flags flying alongside each other at the Patonga Progress Hall was a “halcyon moment for Patonga”.

“This is a symbol of inclusion that reflects the willingness and interest of Patonga to recognise and further engage with Aboriginal culture and people,” he said.

“Importantly it is a symbol of welcome to all, as a reflection of the Patonga community collective conscience.”

Sub-Committee Co-convenor Paul Guignard said the simple, dignified and moving ceremony brought people together.

“It expressed our desire and wish for harmony in a shared future,” he said.

“This was brought to life by the two young people RubyRose and Milo who raised the flags simultaneously, keeping pace with each other as a positive signal about what can become.”

The Sub-Committee’s ongoing cultural connection and Aboriginal flag raising ceremony were widely supported by the Patonga Beach Progress Association and the Patonga community.

Bligh joins Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Board

Phillip Bligh has joined the Board of Toukley Neighbourhood Centre, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in Aboriginal matters with reconciliation being at the heart of his work.

He was born in Bourke, a small town in the north-west of NSW.

Both his parents were removed from their traditional lands as children and sent to Aboriginal missions in Queensland where they were

taught Christian ideals and trained as a domestic worker and stockman.

With his father being a Kullilli/ Wakka Wakka man and his mother a Kalkadoon woman, Bligh became a member of the Kullilli Bulloo River Native Title Aboriginal Corporation established in 2014 to facilitate native title rights and interests of the Kullilli community in Queensland.

Now Bligh acknowledges the NSW Central Coast as his home and is an active long-standing member of the Darkinjung

Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Prior to living on the Central Coast, he worked as a senior consultant with the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and senior policy analyst with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) where he directed the Education Portfolio.

Bligh holds a BA (Liberal Studies) degree from Charles Sturt University.

He says reconciliation is at the heart of his work, seeking to overcome “division” by

promoting a greater understanding of Aboriginal world views to diverse groups of people.

Bligh was a foundation member of The Ourimbah Protocol (TOP), a unique partnership between State Forests of NSW and Central Coast community groups and businesses.

Inspired by Aboriginal values, TOP was the first collaborative forest management protocol to be made in NSW.

Bligh is also a foundation

member and Vice President Operations of the 5 Lands Walk and his holistic approach to reconciliation within the 5 Lands Walk context involves sharing an Aboriginal appreciation of relationship to land, based on reconnecting with its spirit and story.

He is co-founder of Beyond the Campfire Aboriginal Cultural Intelligence.

Bligh’s appointment to the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Board followed the resignation of Frances Maddock.

Phillip Bligh

Bouddi Farm has been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register; Minister for the Central Coast David Harris at the official announcement

Dancers from The Glen Centre For Men

Photo: Robert Gardini

Award-winning filmmaker looking for Central Coast actors

Woy Woy resident and international awardwinning filmmaker Guillermo Martin Sepulveda is on the lookout for actors for a film he is developing and planning to film on the Central Coast. He is currently developing the new film and casting to produce a proof-of-concept short video for My Dead Brother, a feature film that he has described as a drama, psychological mystery, other-worldly, and neo-noir feature film.

It will be based on two psychologically estranged brothers, dating twin women, who decide to make a

catastrophic decision when their tormented father returns, changing their twin lives forever.

“I will cast Central Coast actors for a film date to be announced once all the players are found,” Sepulveda said.

“I’m after actor videos or show reels to review for an initial consideration.”

He is on the lookout for a 25-30-year-old male to play Kane and Jonas, the twin brothers, and a female 25-30 years old to play Jemma and Emma, the twin girls.

One male and one female actor will play two people.

He is also casting for Rhea, the 40-45-year-old mother and a 50–55-year-old male to play the father.

“My film company IncanDescent Productions has a successful history of productions and is now focused on creating feature films and feature plays,” he said.

Guillermo Martin Sepulveda came to Australia as a child refugee.

He is a Native American and an Australian and his films and TV programs have been broadcast around the world having been produced for SBS, ABC and various Foxtel channels.

With IncanDescent Productions, Sepulveda has gathered a team of diverse performance artists, creatives, digital artists, writers and technicians to develop new cinema, theatrical, television and media art.

As a graduate of the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), he has also studied directing and screenwriting at NIDA and completed producing, directing and writing for the stage and screen.

He is also a published author, playwright, produced theatrical director, and a digital marketing and social media specialist.

His last short film

The Key Lord was shot in 2023 entirely on the Central Coast with local film crews, special effects make-up, and many local actors.

That film won many awards including Best Short Film Mont Blanc International Film Festival Paris; Best Experimental Film Saga De Cine Critics Choice Awards, Tarragona, Spain; Best Short Film and winner of the 48 Hours Countdown New York; Best Experimental Film, Big Ben International Film Festival, and Best Director, Best Short Film Global Cine Fest Lisbon, Portugal.

Storm proves more sand is the solution: SOS

From page 1

The group says the controversial complex matter needs to be dealt with by an elected Council later this year.

“SOS is very concerned that Council is misleading the community about (its) efforts to investigate sand nourishment as a coastal protection option for Wamberal

Beach,” Lamont said.

“There is no evidence that Council has investigated sand nourishment alone; they have always led with the seawall.

“Council’s new Wamberal Beach FAQ page suggests that sand nourishment has been dismissed and not investigated as an option for Wamberal Beach because Council has

incorrectly assumed mass sand nourishment at Wamberal Beach would be private property protection, therefore making offshore sand sources unavailable.

“NSW legislation and policies do allow for offshore sand recovery from NSW coastal waters for beach nourishment if it can be demonstrated that it is for a broader public benefit.

“The broad public benefit that mass sand nourishment would provide Wamberal Beach would incidentally also provide private property protection.

“This is what we saw last weekend – the nice wide sandy beach ensured the waves didn’t reach the houses at the back of the beach.”

Lamont said SOS

representatives were arranging a date to meet with Minister for Climate Change Penny Sharpe’s senior advisor to discuss sand nourishment as a solution for Wamberal Beach.

“Rik Hart has confirmed that he will join the meeting should his diary permit,” she said.

Council has rejected an initial development application

lodged by the Wamberal Protection Association (WPA) to build a vertical seawall in the middle section of the beach, between Surfer’s Lane and The Ruins, as being inadequate in several areas.

SOS says Council should reject the application altogether and investigate mass sand nourishment.

Filmmaker Guillermo Sepulveda is on the lookout for Central Coast actors

NEWS IN BRIEF

Smart

Energy

talk at Umina

Umina Community Group (UCG) will hold its second free community smart energy talk at 7pm on Monday, April 29, at Umina Surf Life Saving Club.

The group has collaborated with other community groups and experts to help local residents learn how they can become energy efficient at home and in their businesses, ultimately saving money and reducing emissions.

A spokesperson said the first session was a great success.

The talks are presented by locals with real-life experience and expertise.

They provide practical tips, including information about grants and schemes to assist in making changes to energy usage.

The topics to be covered are; making your home energy efficient; overcoming the roadblocks for home solar; and becoming involved in community energy trading.

See the link to register on our website.

Liberals endorse Small as candidate for Dobell

Central Coast businessman Brendan Small has been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for the Federal seat of Dobell.

Small, the managing director of a local manufacturing business, has raised his three children at Jilliby with wife Nancy and has built a successful business that was recognised last year as the Central Coast Business of the Year.

Small said he had worked hard to build a business that created local jobs and provided people with an Australianowned and Australian-made range of cleaning products.

“I have always believed in the values of hard work and having a go – from battling red tape and financial struggles to get our business going, to battling global corporate giants that try to take advantage of small businesses,” he said.

“I’ve never backed down from standing up for a good cause and I’m ready to fight for our local businesses and households and be the champion that our community needs to ensure that we get the much-needed economic support, services and infrastructure.

“I want to see more local jobs

for our kids, better local services, and more investment in our roads.

“That can only happen if we have a local Member of Parliament that knows how to create jobs and deliver for the community.”

Small has been involved in the community as the ambassador for Central Coast Kids in Need, Give Me 5 for Kids, and helping sponsor the Central Coast Mariners and Woongarrah football clubs.

“Speaking with people across the Coast, it has become

increasingly clear that we need a change, we need a government that is focused on making people’s lives easier, as household budgets are getting hit after hit every single day,” he said.

“Under Labor, Australia’s inflation is higher than most advanced economies putting more pressure on interest rates, with 13 rate rises already.

“An average household is having to find an extra $24,000 a year for their mortgage repayments.

“Renters have been experiencing the highest

increases since 2009.

“We cannot afford another three years of Labor.

“The Albanese Labor Government has a terrible track record, from cutting billions in NSW infrastructure, to promising almost a hundred times that electricity prices would come down by $275 while power prices have instead gone up by 20 per cent and gas by almost 30 per cent.”

“While Labor has done nothing for Dobell, the Liberal Party has a strong record of delivering what our community needs – lower power prices, lower interest rates and lower taxes.

“I will be campaigning for the services and infrastructure that our community needs to get ahead.”

The next Federal election is due on or before September 27, 2025.

“Anthony Albanese has lied time after time to all Australians, so why should anyone believe him when he says he won’t touch negative gearing or franking credits or impose further taxes on families and their homes.

Central Coast businessman Brendan Small, seen here with Senator Holly Hughes, has been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Dobell

RYSS closes youth hub

Regional Youth Support Service (RYSS) has been forced to close its Central Coast Youth Hub for 12-25-year-olds in Erina St, Gosford.

The hub was a two-year funded Safer Communities program targeting young people at risk of harm in the community.

It saw six youth workers support more than 2,600 young people since July 1, 2022.

Those positions are now gone.

Doors closed on April 5 for direct casework referrals and the café’s last day is April 11.

CEO Kim McLoughry said the rest of RYSS remained strong, with a variety of programs for 12-18-year-olds.

“We have a Shopfront HQ in the Gosford CBD on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dr which stays,” she said.

“We bought that site when Parkside closed.

“All our other venues remain also – at Warrawilla Rd, Wyoming, and the Woy Woy Peninsula Youth Services Kiosk.

“We partner up and provide targeted early intervention, Abilities NDIS supports and justice support plus transitional housing for young

Aboriginal people.”

RYSS retains 65 staff members across its three sites.

“We want to reassure people that we are still there for young people,” McLoughry said.

The partner services

Centrelink, Social Futures LAC, Service NSW and Legal Aid panel will continue at RYSS HQ.

Bookings can be made at www.ryss.com.au/externalsupport-service-calendar

Meanwhile, RYSS has launched a campaign for new regional youth hubs, with more than 1,000 signatures so far.

You can sign the petition at https://chng.it/BbKKLmL49C

Terrigal’s Daffodil Dip went swimmingly well

Easter Saturday kicked off with a sea of yellow on Terrigal Beach as 450 dippers converged on the beach and ocean to raise money for Cancer Council NSW and awareness for local cancer patients, with the symbol of hope, the daffodil featuring prominently on the heads of all participants.

The daffodil caps brightened an already perfectly sunny day as hope shone across Terrigal Beach as swimmers swam the 400m around the ‘goldie’ buoy or paddled in the shallows and had fun whilst helping a local charity.

This year, dippers created an ocean of hope across Terrigal Beach, and raised more than $37,000 with 100 per cent of the proceeds from the annual Daffodil Dip being donated to Cancer Council NSW as it works to see that no cancer patient on the Central Coast faces their cancer diagnosis and journey alone.

This year’s Daffodil Dip was a special chance for Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch to take the dip in honour of his wife Jill, who died from breast cancer earlier this year, and to raise money for local cancer patients.

Crouch recognises the importance of community when grappling with the death of a loved one from cancer, and community is at the heart of the events and advocacy of Cancer Council NSW on the Central Coast, making events like the Daffodil Dip and support from people like Adam Crouch significant in connecting to the community.

Cancer Council NSW’s Jaynie Moloney said seeing the daffodil caps across Terrigal Beach was joyful and delightful as people dipped, swam, paddled, or cheered and thanked the wonderful

volunteers who helped on the day who are the backbone of local Cancer Council NSW work.

She said those people made the day what it was and she was proud to be part of a generous and giving community here on the Central Coast.

The local event was supported by the major sponsor Crowne Plaza Terrigal together with event sponsors Breakers Country Club and Bendigo Bank.

New home for woodturners club

The Central Coast Woodturners have a new workshop in the old Guide Hall at 8 Ourimbah Creek Rd, Ourimbah.

After having to vacate their previous workshop due to dramatic rent increases, and after 15 months of searching for a suitable alternative, members have secured a fiveyear lease on the new site.

The group is still on the lookout for a larger workshop as its permanent home.

President Peter Hamilton welcomed members and guests to the recent grand opening of the new premises,

outlining a brief history of the club.

He gave special thanks to Walker Brothers Timbers who supplied new flooring, Sohail and Linda Mohideen at Yara Law Pty Ltd for their legal advice, the Elderslee Foundation for their support over the years and Creighton’s for their ongoing support.

“We have grown from very humble beginnings when, 39 years ago, a few interested woodies met to discuss the possibility of forming a woodturning club,” Club Secretary Alan Smith said.

“Since then, the club has

Green Point probus celebrates 31 years

gone from strength to strength and has worked hard to become the well-respected club that we have today.

“Whilst our numbers have dropped recently due to the COVID pandemic and the loss of our old workshop, we are very pleased to say that we are looking forward to an exciting future for our group.

“Our main goals are to pass on our skills to future generations and to raise money to help those folks within our community who are in need.

“We teach the arts of woodturning, carving, scroll sawing and pyrography

(poker work).”

The club is keen to recruit new members with an interest in woodwork or who would like to learn a new skill.

Membership is open to men and women, and the age of members ranges from 16 to 90-plus.

The club is open on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 8.30am.

For more information contact President Peter Hamilton on 4367 7647 or 0416 306 009 or Secretary Alan Smith on 4392 1864 or 0414 186 963 or via email at smifff@bigpond.net. au

Green Point Probus, as do other clubs across Australia and New Zealand, provides members with opportunities to meet with fellow retirees on a regular basis, listen to

Green Point Probus Club celebrated its 31st birthday on March 27 with a special luncheon with two special guests, foundation members Jenny Button and Joan Sing. About 40 members attended the lunch which provided an opportunity for members to learn of the history of the club.

interesting speakers and join together in activities, trips and outings, all in the company of new and old friends.

Monthly meetings are held at Green Point Community Centre with general business, morning tea and guest speakers.

Members then visit local venues for lunch and further fellowship.

Visitors and interested new members are most welcome to contact the secretary Lee Gorman for further details on 0403 324 665.

The opening of the youth hub in 2022

Jenny Button, president Toni Gorman and Joan Sing

Ashleigh Meikle Swimmers at Terrigal’s 2024 Daffodil Dip

Photo: Aaron Leslie

NEWS IN BRIEF School holiday fun

Central Coast Council will deliver more than 30 free and affordable events for all ages through the regional gallery, libraries and youth services during the coming school holidays.

There is something of interest for everyone in the school holiday program, which also showcases the expanse of Council’s facilities and community services.

To make it easy for parents and carers to find out what’s on and where, Council has listed school holiday events on its website, where they can be searched by dates and locations.

There’s also fun to be had in the fresh air at one of the many skate parks, playgrounds, BMX tracks, parks and reserves that Council maintains.

To find a playspace near you search ‘playspaces’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

For full details of Council’s school holiday offerings go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ schoolholidays

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Reflecting on 12 months of Labor government

As the NSW Labor Government marked one year in office on March 25, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said it had achieved some major milestones, passed 74 bills and delivered on major election commitments.

“We were elected with a clear mandate to rebuild essential services, invest in our frontline workers, address the housing crisis, and stop privatisation,” she said.

“That is exactly what we are doing.

“The NSW Government’s number one priority is helping people across NSW with costof-living pressures; at the centre of that is housing.

“We have unveiled some of the most transformative planning reforms in NSW that will increase supply, making housing more affordable and in well-located areas close to transport, jobs and existing infrastructure.”

Tesch said to help tackle the cost of living, Labor had removed the former government’s “unfair wages cap” and delivered a 4.5 per cent pay rise for essential workers in 2023-24 – the biggest pay rise in a decade.

“We’ve also given NSW teachers the largest pay rise in almost three decades and delivered professional pay and recognition for paramedics, ensuring they are amongst the highest paid in the country,” she said.

“In addition, we’ve introduced a $60 toll cap.”

Tesch said statewide the Government had banned mobile phones in public high schools across NSW, announced 100 new public preschools, transitioned 16,000 teachers and support staff from temporary contracts to permanent roles, and started the school year with teacher vacancies down by 20 per cent.

She said the Government has committed to paying Student

Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy and has started rolling out Safe Staffing Levels in NSW public hospitals.

“In 12 months, we have slashed the number of overdue surgeries by over 80 per cent from 14,000 to 2,000 so people aren’t waiting in pain for important surgery,” she said. Tesch said the Government had put the NSW energy transition back on track, legislating a net zero target and supporting renewable projects.

The Government has committed $172M to save koalas in the wild and announced four new National Parks plus the expansion of Wolli Creek Regional Park.

It is building new public

transport infrastructure and reduced debt by $13B.

But Tesch said there is more to do.

“We have been busy investing in structural reform across NSW, rebuilding our essential services and providing support to the people of NSW and the Central Coast when people need it most,” she said.

““We have an ambitious agenda, which will not happen overnight, (but) we are committed to helping the people of NSW.

“We have much more work to do as we continue to build a better future for the Coasties.”

But Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is not as impressed with the Government’s first 12 months in office.

Having completed his first year in Opposition since he was first elected Liberal Member for Terrigal in 2015, Crouch said the Coast’s Labor MPs were “still struggling with taking responsibility for their government’s broken promises and continual let downs to the people of the Central Coast”. He said they were eager to cut the ribbons for projects funded by the former LiberalNational Government, such as the Woy Woy Ambulance

Station, the upgrade of the Tuggerah Railway Station, the new University Campus in Gosford and the Norah Head Community Hall.

“Rather than call out Chris Minns for his cuts to cost-ofliving vouchers and reneging on free parking at Gosford Hospital for visitors and staff, it is crystal clear that they are more interested in enjoying the trappings of office,” he said.

Crouch said vital programs like the Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers and the Regional Seniors Travel Card would have provided strong relief for everyone right across the region as cost of living pressures rise.

“We are focused on putting policy forward to benefit the people of the Central Coast and NSW,” he said of the Liberal Party.

“This included our Minerals Legislation Amendment, which forced the government to adopt our position to ban seabed mining to protect our precious marine life and ecosystems.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch

Advertising signs dangerous

Recently I wrote to Central Coast Council to express my strong objection to the increasing placement of electronic advertising signs on posts intended for displaying street names.

When I moved to the Coast over 10 years ago, one of the things I loved about the area was not being constantly bombarded with roadside advertising.

The increasing commercialisation of the area is destroying the values that many residents hold dear.

Roadside advertising signs are a form of visual pollution. They are also detrimental to road safety – particularly at intersections where the demands on drivers’ attention are increased, and most crashes happen.

I gather that Council believes that the placement of these advertising signs offers an easy way to make money, but it comes at the cost of community amenity and safety.

The Council replied to my “enquiry regarding illuminated street signs” stating that “the installation of this type of street sign posting has been approved by Council’s Senior Management. The signs offer improved wayfinding particularly at night and have been utilised across the Central Coast LGA for a number of years”.

I wrote to clarify Council’s (wilful?) misinterpretation of my concern: “I am not objecting to the illuminated street signage (which I agree would improve wayfinding) but rather the advertising signs which are increasingly attached to it”.

I reiterated that from a road

Electronic advertising signs are particularly concerning because of characteristics designed to attract attention (e.g. brighter illumination and sometimes movement).

safety perspective, intersections are one of the worst places to place advertising signs (which serve the very purpose of attracting drivers’ attention).

I have not heard back from Council.

Email, Apr 9 Julie Hatfield, Empire Bay

Proposed development will ruin Toukley

I am writing in regard to the proposed building of a 10-11-storey development at 216-224 Main Rd, Toukley.

Toukley is a low-rise quiet township with one road in and one road out.

This proposal will ruin the area.

Main Rd is so busy now –often coming to a standstill.

This development is way too large for the area, (which is) better suited to 3-4 storey height.

We need to inform more people, as I don’t think many people know about this oversized development.

Email, Mar 31

Sue Davies, Toukley

We need more free parking at Imperial Centre

I live in a rural environment and when I go to Gosford, I do as much as possible to avoid multiple trips using lots of fuel.

I usually park (in the underground carpark at the Imperial Centre), going to chemists, Woolies, the lottery shop, the coffee shop and the reject shop.

Sometimes I use the conveniences and I find that 90 minutes of free parking is not enough.

I do not abuse this parking, but I pay a lot for fuel as it is, and think that 90 minutes is (not enough) for rural shoppers who do everything in one trip.

Improving relationships with indigenous communities

Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Police Districts have formalised a commitment to improving relationships between police and Aboriginal communities on the Central Coast.

On March 28, Superintendent Chad Gillies (Tuggerah Lakes) and Superintendent Darryl Jobson (Brisbane Water) met with Darkinjung Local

Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson Tina West to sign a document to formalise the commitment.

Also present were Chief Inspectors John Zdrilic and Nigel Webber and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Luke Wilton, along with Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council representatives Adina Duncan (CEO) and Daniel Jackson.

Eight people on drug-related charges

Eight people have been charged following an investigation into drug supply on the Central Coast.

Strike Force Kerang was established by Tuggerah Lakes Police District in November 2023 to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs in the region.

Following extensive inquiries, investigators executed six search warrants on properties at Bateau Bay, Gorokan, Kariong and West Gosford.

During the searches, police allegedly located and seized gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, heroin, cannabis, a loaded shotgun and other prohibited weapons.

A 53-year-old man was arrested at The Entrance and taken to Wyong Police Station. He was charged with 84 counts of drug related offences and refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on March 29, where he was refused bail to appear at Wyong

Local Court on Tuesday, April 2.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested at a Kariong property and taken to Gosford Police Station.

She was charged with various offences and refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court today on March 29, where she was refused bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Tuesday, April 2.

A second 53-year-old man was arrested at a property at Bateau Bay and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order.

He appeared in Wyong Local Court on March 28 and was granted conditional bail to reappear in Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, April 10.

A 63-year-old man was arrested at Wyoming and taken to Gosford Police Station.

He was charged with possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, acquire firearm subject to prohibition order and take

part supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on March 29, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday, April 11.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at Hamlyn Terrace and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity and supply prohibited drug more than small and less than or equal to indictable quantity.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on March 29, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, April 3.

A 55-year-old woman was arrested in Killarney Vale and taken to Wyong Police Station where she was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity and supply prohibited

They say upstairs is still three hours, but everyone from down under is now upstairs looking for parking spots.

How on earth do the staff working in the centre manage with their parking?

I have been in touch with Centre Management (with) no reply.

Email, Mar 15

Christine Woods, Murrays Run Landowners aware

of the risks

I refer to Harry Medlicott’s claim that we need more discussion about a seawall at Wamberal (Forum, CCN 432).

We’ve known for 50 years that this beach is subject to severe erosion; the vacant blocks Harry refers to were created when houses fell into the sea.

The former Gosford City Council addressed this hazard by barring further development on the dunes, an eminently

sensible precautionary decision.

Unfortunately (this was) overturned by the Land and Environment Court on appeal by wealthy beachfront landowners.

Many of the landowners undertaking recent construction are fully aware of the risks they are taking via permanent covenants on their land and via DA approvals.

After the last major storm event, Council spent millions of ratepayer dollars craning rockfilled bags along the toe of the beach.

Council is still spending money inspecting and cleaning up asbestos fragments which washed into the sea from private properties.

Ratepayers across the Central Coast should not be further subsidising the arrogance of those who have willingly chosen to challenge nature by building on fragile sand dunes.

Email, Mar 30

Kevin Armstrong, Forresters Beach

Investigation underway

A critical incident investigation has been declared after a man had a medical episode following an incident in Gosford.

At about 8.20am on Sunday, April 7, emergency services were called to the railway station in Mann St, Gosford, following reports that a person was intoxicated on the road.

drug more than small and less than or equal to indictable quantity.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, April 17.

A 37-year-old woman was arrested at Kariong and taken to Gosford Police Station where she was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity and three counts of possess prohibited drug.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, April 10.

A 56-year-old man was arrested at The Entrance and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug more than indictable and less than commercial quantity, supply prohibited drug less than or equal to small quantity and supply prohibited drug more than small and less than or equal to indictable quantity.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, April 10.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District arrived and handcuffed a 48-year-old man in order for NSW Ambulance paramedics to treat him.

Following the initial medical treatment, the handcuffs were removed and the man then suffered a medical episode.

He was taken to Gosford Hospital in a critical condition.

Police have since been told the man is now in a serious but stable condition.

A critical incident team from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be subject to independent review.

Sexual touching

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District are investigating numerous lines of inquiry following a public appeal for information about an alleged sexual touching incident at Wyoming.

Police have been told that three teenage girls were sexually touched by a man outside a shopping centre on Kinnara Ave, Wyoming, at about 6.10pm on Wednesday, April 3.

As inquiries continue, police have released a description of a man who may be able to

assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be aged between 60 and 80 years of age, of thin build, with balding grey hair, a white moustache and glasses.

At the time he was wearing dark pants, a green shirt, a dark coloured jacket and brown shoes, carrying a brown paper bag.

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

The signing of the commitment

Wyong Drama Group is set to take audiences back to the 1950s with its next production.

Laura Wade’s Home, I’m Darling will play at the Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah, from April 19-27.

The play follows Johnny and Judy, who have created the dream marriage, living as they did in the 1950s – a simpler more wholesome time when everyone knew their place.

He earns the money and she stays at home tending to home and hearth but behind the scenes the fantasies are unravelling.

Were the 1950s as effortless and fabulous as Judy believes?

Audiences will have to see the play to find out.

At the age of 81, group stalwart Bruce Gibbs has set about making props and set pieces true to the era.

A member of the group for many years, he is often seen front of house sporting red braces and has made wonderful props for Clue and many other productions over the years.

An accredited interpreter, he has worked in China and speaks Mandarin. He is also active in various

Wyong Drama Group takes us back to the ’50s

community groups and has been named NSW Volunteer of the Year.

In a past life he was an awardwinning upholsterer and restored Rudolph Valentino’s Isotta Fraschini, a luxury Italian car.

These days he works as a registered School Crossing Supervisor when he isn’t making props for Wyong Drama Group.

Director Liz Munro said Gibbs had transformed pieces she bought cheaply into authenticlooking 1950s furniture.

“We are having a lot of fun with this set,” she said.

“Bruce has surpassed my expectations.

“I am absolutely gobsmacked and will probably be able to resell these pieces for more than I paid for them.”

A newcomer to the drama group, Munro moved to the Central Coast a little over a year ago.

“I have done quite a bit of work in Sydney, particularly with the Genesian theatre and NIDA,” she said.

“Being involved with theatre is part of my life blood.

“I started reaching out to the drama group even before I

made the move.

‘This is a very interesting play – there is a lot more to it than I realised on my first reading.

“It can get pretty intense and I have had to set intimacy guidelines for rehearsals to make sure everyone felt comfortable.

“The play is billed as a comedy but I have decided to ramp-up the drama.

“But there are some comic moments which sit nicely amongst the drama.

“It’s basically about the disintegration of a marriage in very unusual circumstances.”

Munro will use interesting transitional elements on the set to heighten the drama.”

She said she had been amazed by the talent of cast members Kelsey Hunter as Judy, Kyle Walbank as Johnny, Madi Leidich as Fran, Steve Burchill as Marcus, Ruth Clayton-Crawley as Sylvia and Yvonne Adamski as Alex.

Home, I’m Darling plays at the Red Tree Theatre from April 1927.

Bookings can be made at wyongdramagroup.com.au or by calling 0404 317 606.

Kelsey Hunter and Madi Leidich in Home, I’m Darling

Folk duo heads for Kincumber

Sunshine Coast folk duo Brook St will perform at Looloo’s Coffee Warehouse at Kincumber on April 19. This will be the first Central Coast gig for Hannah and Jason Daniels.

Since combining their individual music careers shortly after tying the knot, the two have been on a rollercoaster ride of touring and recording.

They have taken their lush Australiana harmonies across Europe and Australia, opening for and performing with artists such as The Dreggs, Blanco White, Tay Oskee, Austin Mackay and Fanny Lumsden.

The due has played more than 50 shows in seven countries in just over a year and released 12 songs, garnering over half a million streams on Spotify alone.

Their single Chase The Night held the number one slot for the AMRAP Australian Regional Chart for four weeks.

They have also played at music festivals including Woodford Folk Fest 2023/24, Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024, Surfana Festival 2023 (Netherlands) and Reef Sounds 2023, located on a floating pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef.

Autumn exhibition for Watercolour Society

The Central Coast Watercolour Society is holding its 2024 Autumn Exhbition at the Community Gallery, Gosford Regional Gallery, from April 19 to May 1.

Visitors are invited for light refreshments on opening night, April 19, at 6pm.

The exhibition will then be open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.

All are invited to enjoy a vibrant and visually captivating display of the art of the Central Coast Watercolour Society members showcasing their

diverse talents and techniques. Everything on display will be for sale including cards for friends and family.

Free Try Your Hand sessions are held at every exhibition, where guidance is provided to anyone interested in trying watercolours and materials will be supplied.

No bookings are required however children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions will be held on April 20 and 21 from 1pm to 4pm in Studio 2.

The featured artist for the Autumn Exhibition is Louise

BOOK REVIEW

Green Dot

Author: Madeleine Gray

Kenny whose creative work is always popular and who regularly wins the People’s Choice award.

One of her featured works will also be the raffle prize at this year’s exhibition.

Established in 1985, the Central Coast Watercolour Society is a not-for-profit society created by local artists wanting to meet like-minded people on the coast.

Its ongoing success is testament to the enduring passion and commitment of the society, serving as an artistic chronicle of four

decades of creativity, community and shared artistic growth.

The society holds popular monthly gatherings at The Entrance Community Centre, corner of Oakland Ave and Norberta St, where members can buy materials, listen to a guest speaker, or borrow art books and DVDs and where visitors are always welcome.

For further details contact Auria on 0421 217 765, Facebook at Central Coast Watercolour Society or visit centralcoastwatercolour.com.

Their sound is a blend of folk, Americana and indie, influenced by artists such as Ocie Elliot, The Lumineers, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Paper Kites.

The Kincumber concert will feature storytelling, singalongs and tales from the wild ride the duo has been on so far.

Brook St will be live At Looloo’s Coffee Warehouse, Kincumber, at 6.30pm on Friday, April 19.

To book go to events. humanitix.com/brook-st-let-sbuild-a-house-concert-greenpoint-nsw

Combining learning with laughter

A couple of mad scientists will cleverly combine learning with laughter in the new kids’ musicalcomedy, You Are A Doughnut, at The Art House during the April school holidays.

From the creators of The Alphabet of Awesome Science,

Green Dot is a witty, profound and painfully relatable debut novel exploring solitude, desire and the allure of chasing something that promises nothing.

We are approaching the date when the Independent Booksellers Book of the Year 2024 will be announced and this is one of the nominees in the category of best debut novel – and this is my choice.

Green Dot follows a young woman named Hera who doesn’t have a clue what she wants to do with her life, and it is refreshing to see this. Aren’t there a lot of young people who are wandering aimlessly or holding on to whatever is passed to them?

the new show is made up of a sequence of acts, one for each section of the digestive system, and promises a sweet suite of singing, dancing, sketch comedy, clowning, puppetry, poetry and science demonstrations.

The set is as big and bold as the two biology teachers are

Hera decides to apply for a job as a content moderator even though she doesn’t really want it, and has no knowledge of the expectations of the job or even how to perform it.

She meets an older English guy called Arthur who she quickly falls for and starts dating, desperate for attention and someone to love.

Then she finds out Arthur has been married to his wife for 20 years and Hera realises she is the other woman.

This is a messy coming-ofage real life story – at 24 you are just stepping into yourself and meeting someone older who is smart and accomplished can be appealing.

wacky, as they deliver a fastpaced variety hour.

Each new destination inspires a wonderfully unusual moment that will have the whole family laughing while they learn.

The show will play at The Art House Studio from April 22-24 with morning, matinee and evening performances.

The beginning is dynamic and funny, with a really sharp, current voice and very honestly written characters who are full of fault.

You Are A Doughnut is science theatre at its best and perfect for children aged 5-12 and their families.

The show runs for 60 minutes with no interval.

For session times and bookings go to thearthousewyong.com.au

The book strangely lose its depth, skimming over the more interesting themes like complicated female friendship, father-daughter dynamics and grief and growing up.

Even as someone who lives for an anti-hero and an unlikeable protagonist, the book at times did became a little too much for me because the story becomes so focused on the affair, which is cringey and full of red flags.

Author Meg HOwrey says of the novel: “Madeleine Gray takes a scalpel to millennial malaise, office romance, and infidelity, and the result is a brainy, gutsy, nervy and hilarious, wonder of a novel.”

Brook St is set to play at Kincumber

au A work by featured artist Louise Kenny will be the raffle prize

The wacky teachers from You Are A Doughnut. Photo: Matt Roberts

Grants up to $5,000 are available to young Central Coast artists wishing to pursue a career in the arts, with applications set to close on June 3.

Now in its 14th year of providing grants, mentorship and encouragement to young artists, The Bouddi Foundation for the Arts (BFA) has awarded over 230 grants totalling more than $465,000.

Previous recipients have used their grant for equipment, tuition, studio time, overseas study, publicity and more.

Young Central Coast artists aged 15-25 (up to 30 in special circumstances) in any artistic field are encouraged to apply.

Arts grants applications open

Applicants are eligible if they live, work, or have a meaningful connection with the Central Coast (e.g., grew up here, etc.)

Artistic genres include visual arts, photography, filmmaking, singing, dance, songwriting, poetry, sculpture, creative writing, drag artists, indigenous dance, acting, scriptwriting, screenwriting, luthiers, opera singers, ballet, digital artists, voice artists, theatre, tap dancing, big band, storytelling, playwriting, museum curating and more.

New this year, the BFA has partnered with Electrify Bouddi (EB) to raise awareness of the need to reduce climate impact and energy costs.

A grant of up to $2,000 will be awarded to an artistic submission in any creative genre that relates to the goal of Electrify Bouddi.

Visual arts, songwriting, poetry, dance, musical theatre, filmmaking, photography, storywriting and acting are just a few artistic genres that could inspire the Bouddi community and beyond to make informed decisions about energy use toward a national goal of net zero.

Awards will be adjudicated on artistic merit.

An online application form and additional information on the grants are available at bouddiarts.org.au

Free band concerts with Tempo Terrific

The Tempo Terrific Band will perform several free concerts during the coming school holidays.

The band will perform at the Central Coast Regional Show at Gosford Showground on Sunday, April 14, at 1.30pm.

1pm on Wednesday, April 17, and Saturday, April 20.

The Tempo Terrific Concert Band is a multi-instrument ensemble of about 40 musicians.

light classical music.

It also includes a little bit of rock and a lot of numbers from the great musicals.

Under the guidance of Musical Director E-Yang Liu, the band has expanded its repertoire and encouraged a number of new and experienced musicians to join. The Tempo Terrific Concert Band

It will also give concerts at The Hive Erina Fair from 11am-

Make-up of the band allows for an amazing repertoire of styles and genres, ranging from the big band swing era to

Last year’s award recipients with BFA Director John Bell and filmmaker David Elfick

Ash Grunwald bound for Mangrove Mountain

Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald will bring his national tour to the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall on Sunday, April 14.

A journeyman, storyteller, and troubadour at heart, Grunwald has inspired a generation of roots artists to hit the road in an old beat-up van and ‘surf by day, jam by night’.

Live on stage, he rocks the house yet touches the soul, serving a tsunami of dance, beats, roots, bass ‘n’ blues.

He has supported such artists as James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among numerous others, and played sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America as well as the biggest Blues and Roots festivals in Australia.

He has performed at the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest a record 10 times.

He has six Australian Top-50 albums to his credit, alongside five ARIA and four AIR award nominations, two APRA awards, and a gong for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards in 2014.

In a special show featuring all of the fan favourites curated from a career and catalogue spanning 20 years, Grunwald will present a rare and intimate all ages family show.

Opening the night will be talented Central Coast Blues and Roots artist Jye Sharp.

Food will be available to purchase on the night, BYO welcome.

Doors will open at 5pm, with dinner available until 6pm, when the show starts.

Tickets are limited and available via events.humanitix. com/ash-grunwaldatmangrove-mountain-hall

Get set for a top night of Latin themed entertainment at Drifters Wharf, Gosford, on Friday April 12.

The Latin Social Club will kick off at 8pm with DJ Dante, one of Australia’s most longstanding DJs currently working with The House of Sol Project, La Fiesta Sound System and Tribalismo.

At 8.30pm, Carlos C Major and the Veneno nine-piece band will take the stage.

Veneno is Australia’s homegrown Afro/Latin and hip hop fusion band with an incredibly tight sound and world-class performance.

After 20 years, Veneno continues to remain at the forefront of the Latino music industry in Australia through TV performances, national tours

Latin fun at Drifters Wharf

and original album releases. The band has collaborated and performed with many international bands/artists.

Carlos C Major is a heavyweight in Australia’s music scene. His flawless vocals, urban

swag and fun Latino vibes have made him an audience favourite.

He is mostly known for his time on The Voice 2014, where he was mentored by Latino superstar Ricky Martin, and The Voice 2019, where he was invited back as an all star.

He has been performing for more than 20 years in all forms of stage work including TV, festivals, theatre, corporate events, local and international venues.

In the break Cruz Borges from 365 X Dance will do a dance performance and then conduct a short salsa class. The band will return to play from 10pm to 11pm then DJ Dante will play until midnight and beyond.

Tickets can be booked at drifterswharf.oztix.com.au

Local artworks on show

Five Central Coast artists will present the exhibition

Fifty Shades of Colour at the Gosford Regional Gallery from April 11-17.

It will feature works by Jenna Arnold, Karen Macdonald, Carol Porter, Carolyn Purtle and Carole Witton.

It will be in the Community Gallery at Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford Carolyn Purtle with one of her atworks

’90s pop diva at Fun Haus Factory

Lovers of dance club, live music, musical cabaret and ‘90s pop hits are in for a treat on Friday, April 12, as the Central Coast welcomes ‘90s Scottish pop diva Mary Kiani in her unplugged show All the hits – UnClubbed.

Known as one of Scotland’s greatest exports of song, Kiani has had many international hits including 100%, Let the music play, When I call your name, and Imagine.

Crowned Mary Queen of Scots in 1995 by the readers of top UK dance Magazine M8, Kiani is today a Sydney scene celebrity who is a mainstay of contemporary dance parties and nightclubs across the world.

She supported Prince during his UK tour and has toured alongside Donny Osmond, John Reid, The Nightcrawlers, Paul Young, Hue and Cry, and China Crisis – and lent her vocals to The Simpsons’ Yellow Album.

Performing at the Fun Haus Factory, Kiani will be joined on stage by Ralph Marshall on keys.

He has shared the stage with Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Elton John and Dolly Parton amongst many others.

The show will be at Gosford’s Fun Haus Factory on Friday, April 12.

Online bookings only at funhausfactory.org.au/whatson

The opening will be at 6pm on Friday, April 12, at 6pm and the exhibition will be open from 9.30am-4pm daily.

Teenage musician Saint Milana’s star is rising

The 17-year-old wrote, recorded and produced the album entirely by herself in her bedroom and is a remarkable showcase of her talent and dedication.

Drawing inspiration from artists like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, Saint Milana’s avenue promises an authentic and captivating musical

journey.

Despite her youth, Saint Milana regularly wows audiences with her solo vocal and keyboard performances and is already setting her sights on her next musical project.

“I spent 18 months locked away in front of Cubase and hundreds of hours staring at my keyboard and notes app making me this album,” she said.

“I originally had so many other tracks to put in the

album, there were probably about 10 I ended up ditching.

“My sister is an artist and she drew the album art for me as a birthday present.

“I’m so proud of what it turned out to be, and there’s been such an improvement since my first album.

“I’m so excited to make new things and hopefully one day be recognised for my music.”

To learn more about Saint Milana’s music visit saintmilana.com

Mary Kiani

Ash Grunwald

Fusion band Veneno; Carlos C Major

Central Coast musician Saint Milana is a rising star after releasing her second album called avenue.

Musician Saint Milana has released her second album called avenue

Berman’s latest single will have you Obsessed

Central Coast singer Chelsea Berman is stepping into new territory with her electrifying debut single in the pop genre, Obsessed.

Known for her chart-topping country hits and dynamic stage presence, Berman is poised to captivate audiences again with this bold departure from her musical roots.

Her journey in the music industry is a testament to resilience, creativity, and an unyielding passion for her craft.

Join her for a night of incredible original music, with special guest NEAV opening the show.

This is a show you won’t want to miss and will be Berman’s last gig in Australia before she heads back to Nashville in June.

Obsessed marks Berman’s first foray into the world of pop music, signalling a thrilling new chapter in her already illustrious career.

Penned by Berman, the track is a powerhouse anthem that exudes confidence and defiance, showcasing a side of the artist that fans have never seen before.

With multiple sold out shows and festival appearances under her belt, she’s bringing an electrifying full band show to Ocean View Café at Wamberal Surf Club on April 19 to celebrate her latest musical release, Obsessed.

The experience takes travellers on a tour of the planet Batuu

Renewing her collaboration with Rhys Zacher of Spinlight Studios, Berman has transformed her sound to embrace a fresh, contemporary pop vibe while retaining the authenticity and honesty that have become her trademark.

With its infectious hooks and edgy production, Obsessed will surely leave fans hooked from the very first listen.

In 2020 she released the sassy track Can You Just Not, followed by the EP Can You Just Not which soared to number one on iTunes Country charts in 2021.

In 2022, her single Break Up with A Friend gained more than 200,000 Spotify streams, while in 2023, her crossover into pop

with Going There and Where Does That Leave Me? garnered more than 280,000 streams each, showcasing her versatility and growth.

As she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career, Berman is determined to push the boundaries of her artistry and explore new musical horizons.

With Obsessed leading the way there’s no telling where this talented artist’s journey will take her next.

Tickets for the Wamberal show are available from What’s on at Ocean View | Moshtix

The show opens at 7pm, food and drink will be available.

Star Wars Experience comes to Tuggerah

The immersive experience

A Star Wars Experience is set to arrive at Westfield Tuggerah this month.

Westfield and Disney Spark Excitement have collaborated to bring the experience to Tuggerah, which takes travellers on a tour of the planet Batuu on the edge of the galaxy.

The event will also include Spark Stations, offering fun for all ages including Star Warsinspired face painting, arts and crafts, and even Wookie Cookie decorating, and a chance to win one of 10 family holidays to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California.

Comedian, actor and Star Wars fan Joel Creasey marked

the launch of the experience with a Lightsaber ribbon cutting at Westfield Sydney.

“It’s beyond exciting to be celebrating the arrival of Star Wars at Westfield,” he said.

“I’m a proud lifelong fan of the greatest franchise in the galaxy, and my parents even met as extras on the set of The

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Empire Strikes Back.

“Their love of the Star Wars universe and memories of the film played a huge part in driving me to work in this industry.”

A Star Wars Experience will be at Westfield Tuggerah from Monday, April 22, to Sunday, April 28.

Chelsea Berman will perform at Wamberal before heading off to Nashville in June

How can I help you?

As the State Member for Terrigal, I'm here to serve and assist you with any state related issues you may have, such as:

My office can also assist with making representations on your behalf to the NSW Government and Central Coast Council.

Business & Property

Super battery gets technical green light

The Waratah Super Battery is on track to be operational by August next year after getting the technical green light from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The AEMO has granted Generator Performance Standard (GPS) approval for the super battery, located at the former Munmorah Power Station site on Scenic Dr, Colongra.

This is another important milestone as the Critical State Significant Infrastructure project moves steadily towards completion.

It marks the first approval for such a large battery energy storage project, paving the way for other super batteries in Australia’s National Electricity Market.

GPS approval represents a pivotal and complex milestone for any generation project in Australia.

It sets the performance standards that generators and storage projects must meet to ensure stability and reliability of the electrical grid.

Compliance with these standards helps prevent disruptions and ensures smooth integration into existing energy infrastructure.

The successful GPS approval for the Waratah Super Battery eliminates one of the most substantial technical barriers for the project, allowing it to

participate in the growing energy storage market in Australia.

Executive Director Network Planning and Technical Advisory at EnergyCo Andrew Kingsmill said the approval demonstrated that the project had passed the simulations needed to know that it could successfully connect to the grid later this year.

Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said it was the result of more than 12 months’ worth of

hard effort by the team, AEMO, Transgrid and consultants Aurecon.

“We appreciate the collaboration with Energy and Powin,” he said.

“Their commitment to providing local on-ground support in Australia, advanced technology and willingness to work closely with our interconnection partners was critical in securing GPS approval and achieving closure within the required timeframes.

Fashion fix movement starts on Coast

“Connecting energy projects to the Australian grid poses unique challenges due to stringent interconnection standards resulting from a combination of an inherently weak electrical grid, strict performance requirements and high renewable energy penetration.

“The significance is that we now have a clear pathway to get the battery connected.”

The threads of a new movement to fix the fashion industry started on the Central Coast on Sunday, March 17, at Killcare Surf Club.

The fast fashion phenomenon gripping the world is something that creates a cascading challenge of once-worn, nonrecyclable garments.

MacMasters Beach local and Head of Fashion studies at TAFE NSW Laura Washington held the experimental workshop to gauge sentiments within the wider community about the desire to move to more sustainable clothing cycles.

Washington held a brief information session about the

One local woman decided to go back to the future to turn the rising tide of new and used clothes flooding the nation.

current state of fashion in Australia revealing to the 16 participants that Australians on average buy 56 items of clothing each year.

She revealed data from a recent study report published by Sustainable Resource Use team Peter and Jill Allan and stakeholders QUT, Australian Fashion Council, Charitable Recycling Australia, and WRAP.

“Our manufacturing (in

Australia) is quite small now thanks to offshoring over the last two decades so we need to look to on-shoring in the near future,” Washington said.

“We import and locally manufacture over 1.4 billion garments each year in Australia alone; there’s a huge disparity between the garments and the population in this country, and that’s why we have a problem with landfill.

“There are 200,000 tonnes of clothing that are discarded or go into landfill every year in Australia.

“We think we’re doing the right thing by packing up our clothes and putting them in charity bins.

“But, unfortunately, only 30 per cent of those clothes end up in charity shops; the rest are exported or sent to landfill.”

Participants at the workshop

were stunned by the extent of the problem though many repaired favourite garments either by hand or with a simple sewing machine that was provided on the day.

Participants reported a great desire to continue with the repair workshops as they had not only picked up information but also a few new ideas and skills on how to repurpose and repair clothing.

The Waratah Super Battery is on track to be operational by August 2025. Photo: EnergyCo

Proposed changes could put Coast businesses at risk

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow are calling on the NSW Government to consult with the caravan and manufactured homes industries before introducing changes to the state’s housing policy. They say that under proposed changes to the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), prohibitive new size and location limits will be introduced for caravans located outside caravan parks which exceed 20sqm or are connected to electricity and water for more than six months.

Crouch and Farlow recently visited Van Homes, a Central Coast business providing affordable housing solutions built on a chassis with wheels, which has recently relocated to

new premises due to increased demand.

“After visiting Van Homes, it is apparent yet again the Government has not consulted with communities and stakeholders before releasing rushed policy which will only make the housing crisis worse,” Farlow said.

“There are already significant delays in processing development applications through councils and Planning Minister Paul Scully is only seeking to add to the workload of councils therefore imposing delays on people seeking affordable housing solutions.

“Improvements to safety are always important and will be achieved by consulting with industry rather than telling them to ‘get out of the way’.

“Businesses are leading the way producing homes to help alleviate the housing crisis and

Have your say on extended hours at Sirens

The public exhibition period for community comment on a proposal for Sirens Nightclub at Terrigal to expand to take in the downstairs area has closed with Central Coast Council.

However, the proposal to extend trading hours to 3am six days a week is yet to be shown on the Liquor and Licencing Noticeboard.

The community will have a chance to comment once it is uploaded on that noticeboard.

Council said proposed alterations and additions to the existing building at 1 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal, were publicly exhibited from March 1-15 and no submissions were received.

“Should any interested party want to make a submission despite the exhibition period ceasing, they will need to contact Council in the first instance and formally request an extension,” Council said.

The two-storey building on the corner of Hudson Lane currently has a nightclub upstairs which closes at 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

According to the website, Alexanders Cocktail Lounge downstairs closes at midnight on those two nights.

Both venues close earlier on other nights.

as one venue.

Internal works would include: a new internal entrance; a new bar; a DJ booth; enclosing the front of the downstairs portion of the building; new toilets; and a ramp.

The development when completed would have a maximum capacity of 348 people; 198 on the upper floor, as per the existing licence and 150 people downstairs.

the only response of the Planning Minister is to pile on new costs and delay.”

Crouch said Van Homes, employing hundreds of Central Coast locals, was now facing a threat to its existence thanks to “appalling mismanagement” by the Government.

“Yet again, our local Labor MPs are nowhere to be seen, refusing to stand up to support and protect our local businesses who should be flourishing and not facing cutbacks and closures thanks to the Minns Government’s addiction to red tape on small businesses,” he said.

“The fact that Minister Scully refused to meet with the owners of Van Homes to discuss the proposed changes to the Housing SEPP on not one, but two, occasions shows Labor just don’t care about our community.”

potential applicant consults with the local community before deciding to make an application,” the NSW Liquor website states.

“It summarises the results of consultation between the applicant and the local community about any issues and concerns with a licensing proposal.”

THE CIS for Sirens included a map showing the neighbouring premises notified within at least a 100 metre radius of the boundary.

No issues were raised.

Police were also contacted and no issues were raised, according to the CIS.

According to the Statement of Environmental Effects, the proposed operating hours would be: 5am-3am, Monday to Saturday and 10ammidnight on Sundays.

Sirens is immediately opposite the Crown Plaza Hotel. The development application paperwork included both a Public Health Safety Management Plan and a Community Impact Statement (CIS) which was lodged with Liquor and Gaming NSW on March 22.

The proposed development is for alterations to the existing building to expand the nightclub area into the cocktail lounge downstairs to operate

The CIS is a written summary that provides information on the potential impact that granting an application will have on the local community.

“It does this by ensuring the

The proposal had not appeared on the Liquor Noticeboard when Coast Community News went to press, but details can be read on Council’s DA tracker: See DA DA/2168/2023.

Merilyn Vale

An aerial view of the site

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Shadow Minister Scott Farlow on a visit to Van Homes

BUSINESS BRIEF

Marketing and AI

The Gosford Erina Business Chamber will host Canapes and Cocktails: Marketing mavericks from 5-7pm on Thursday, April 11, at the Lyon’s Den, Mann St, Gosford.

The brightest minds in marketing will take place in a riveting panel discussion delving into the intersection of marketing and AI.

Attendees will discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way businesses strategise, engage audiences and drive results.

Speakers will include Nick Unger, Tash Robertson, Nikki Tiedeman and Sean Chevell.

Sean Chevell is owner and AI for Business Growth Consultant at Kinektion.

Tash Robertson is a digital marketing specialist and coowner of Coasties Mag with Nikki Tiedeman, founder of Slow Coaching Co.

To book tickets search Marketing Mavericks and the Attack of AI on stickytickets

Imagine receiving an email invoice from your conveyancer for a property you’re about to purchase.

You head into a bank branch to ask for your life savings to be transferred so you can secure the property.

While $6M is a lot of money, you’re sure the details on the invoice are correct.

Except they’re not.

The invoice has come from a scammer.

The conveyancer’s business email address has likely been compromised and the payment details have been altered by criminals looking for a pay day.

That’s where customer advisor Nikki Alvaro comes in.

It was a Monday morning at NAB’s Erina branch when the customer in their 50s came in, invoice in hand.

The customer wanted the money transferred and was adamant they had received the correct details from the conveyancer, but the red flags were starting to pop up for Alvaro.

“The company name on the invoice looked completely

NAB customer saved from scam by alert bank advisor

different from the normal property exchange company (PEXA) and the money was going to one bank, when I know PEXA is normally a different bank,” she said.

“As soon as I saw the company name, I thought there’s something not right here.

“That flagged straight away so we asked some more questions, and we asked the

customer to confirm the BSB and account number with the conveyancer.”

The customer pushed back slightly until they spoke to the conveyancer who dropped a bombshell.

The conveyancer told the customer he had not even sent an email because he did not have the price yet and confirmed he didn’t bank with the bank the money was going to.

“Everyone’s stomach just dropped,” Alvaro said.

She, branch manager Jenny Minns and the customer realised what had just happened.

The customer had nearly fallen victim to an invoice scam, but their life savings were safe.

The email was a scam, the purchase price was made up

and the transfer details had been doctored.

Invoice scams are a type of business email compromise scams, which are consistently amongst the top scams impacting NAB customers.

More broadly, the ACCC estimated business email compromise cost Australian consumers and businesses $224M in 2022.

“Everything looked legitimate, they’d made it come from the conveyancer’s email address and they had information of the purchase,” Alvaro said.

She is proud to have put a stop to the scam and the customer even sent her a beautiful bunch of flowers and a card to thank her for going over and beyond and above in her service for the bank and its customers.

“This is exactly why we do what we do,” Alvaro said.

Nikki Alvaro saved an NAB customer from a cruel scam

The Broken Bay Pearl Farm is about to release a new seafood delicacy onto the Australian market.

A native species of pearl oyster has been quietly growing some of the world’s finest Akoya pearls for the past 20 years in the waters of the Central Coast.

And now the Broken Bay Akoya pearl oyster is about to hit the market.

With its NSW operations at the Broken Bay pearl farm, Pearls of Australia is all about creating immersive customer experiences.

It presents a new pearling business model which incorporates tourism, education, and now – taste experiences.

It is the final pieces of a plan that has taken five years to develop, and suffered a major setback three years ago when the Hawkesbury River suffered catastrophic flooding and freshwater pollution which decimated the Akoya pearl oysters at the time.

The Broken Bay Pearl Farm has bounced back and is now ready to introduce Akoya pearl oysters to the seafood and restaurant industry.

Broken Bay Pearl Farm

New local oyster to hit the market

operates in the waters of both the Brisbane Water and the lower Hawkesbury River.

Farming of Broken Bay Akoyas is underway but supply will be very limited initially as Broken Bay Pearl Farm works towards rapid expansion to meet a predicted uptake in demand.

The company’s operational headquarters at Mooney Mooney – the Shellar Door – is already open to the public for an array of pearling experiences.

The Broken Bay Akoya can be

eaten raw and whole.

With a flavour profile all of its own, it has been described as stronger than the very subtle Pearl Meat (from Broome), expressing the more typical briny flavours from the sea that oysters are famous for.

Broken Bay Akoya will be farmed separately for pearls and seafood.

Company owner James Brown is a third-generation pearl farmer who places extremely high value on sustainability and authenticity.

We can help you with:

“Oyster farming is now widely recognised as not just sustainable but truly regenerative in its effect on the surrounding environment and our pearl oyster farming is just an extension of that,” he said.

“This will allow us to continue to grow our NSW pearl farms, contributing positive restorative ecosystem services to the surrounding marine environment, and new jobs to the area.”

Early signs from industry are very encouraging with an influx

of businesses expressing their interest to be among the first to serve the local native edible oyster.

Broken Bay Pearl Farm will work with a select number of established restaurants and acclaimed chefs who share the excitement to have an entirely new seafood product on their menus.

The first restaurant to serve the Akoya pearl oyster is Saddles at Mt White, where Head Chef Kodi Southgate has been creating new dishes for

the restaurant which accentuate the taste and texture of the new delicacy.

“It’s exciting to work with the Akoya pearl oyster, which is a relatively new food item in NSW, and lucky for us – found locally,” he said.

“The Akoya has a rather intriguing taste, with the creamy finish of a Sydney Rock oyster but a texture more like a mussel, so you basically get the best of both worlds when consuming this oyster.”

Trio plays critical role in building regional development

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Three new members have joined the Board of Regional Development Australia Central Coat (RDACC) – Ian Lynch, Sarah El-Moselhi and Karen Tucker.

Chairman of the Board Lawrie McKinna said he was confident the three new members would help bring a renewed vision and enthusiasm to ensure the best possible outcomes are being achieved for the people of the Central Coast.

“Our Board has always comprised a panel of business and community leaders who work tirelessly to drive economic and employment growth across the Central Coast,” he said.

“I know that these three new

Board members will also play a critical role in helping to develop our regional economy and create local employment opportunities.”

As the CEO of Pacific Link Housing, Ian Lynch oversees the management of more than 1,400 social, affordable and market properties, and works to add to the supply of new middle and low income rental housing stock through development, construction and advocacy.

Sarah El-Moselhi is a communications and media executive whose expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of communications disciplines, including executive and corporate communications, with a focus on advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

20 years’ experience

management roles.

She has successfully led teams in project management, strategic planning, recreation planning and open space. McKinna said RDACC had a strong track record of achievement, and thanked all the previous Board members for their service to the local community.

The new RDACC Board is made up of: Chair Lawrie McKinna; Deputy Chair Anna Cruckshank; Treasurer Mike Dowling; and Board Members Stephen Glen, Chris Smith, Ian Lynch, Sarah El-Moselhi and Karen Tucker.

The oysters are grown in the Brisbane Water and the Lower Hawkesbury; Company owner James Brown with Akoya oysters

Karen Tucker has more than

in both state and local government where she held senior

Sarah El-Moselhi

Ian Lynch Karen Tucker

Better Optus coverage

Terrigal residents and businesses will benefit from improved network coverage and increased network capacity with Optus switching on four new small cell mobile sites just in time for the school holidays.

The small cells, located across the suburb, will provide enhanced Optus mobile connectivity, improve and expand coverage and increase network capacity and mobile data speeds.

“Terrigal is a popular tourist destination that experiences a significant influx of visitors during holiday periods,” Optus Local General Manager Chris Simon said.

“We are pleased to be able to improve the capacity and reliable connectivity to better handle customer load.”

The investment to expand Optus’ telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is part of an ongoing project to improve range, reliability, and speed across the Optus mobile network.

Central Coast visitor economy booming

The Central Coast’s visitor economy is gaining momentum, with visitors spending and exploring more in the region.

Central Coast Council’s Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council’s Central Coast Destination Management Plan 2022-2025 (CCDMP), which includes close collaboration with local tourism operators, has been instrumental in leading destination marketing and management initiatives contributing to the growth.

“The latest domestic data from Tourism Research Australia shows the CCDMP’s implementation has significantly increased the value of the visitor economy and positively impacted key visitation metrics across the region,” she said.

“This includes a 24.5 per cent increase in total regional expenditure, hitting $1.6B, coupled with a 20.6 per cent increase in total domestic visitation (6M) in September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

“Additionally, the Central Coast achieved 63.6 per cent year on year growth in domestic

day trip expenditure, reaching $569.4M in September 2023, and there is increased visitor dispersal with seasonal travel to the region showing 33 per cent in Summer, 25 per cent in Autumn and in Winter and 18 per cent in Spring.”

The Destination Marketing and Visitor Services section provides an annual progress report to Council on the actions of the CCDMP.

This annual report includes

highlights and insights on the status of the region’s visitor economy.

Council CEO David Farmer said the CCDMP provides a strategic guide for tourism development and destination management for a four-year lifespan, aligning community, industry, government and Council interests with state and regional priorities.

“The key to the successful delivery of the CCDMP is that it relies on stakeholder

collaboration with industry to deliver the actions,” he said.

He said the Central Coast is now also home to Australia’s top Major Tourist Attraction –the Australian Reptile Park, which recently won Gold at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

“More visitors, along with their additional spending, boosts the local economy, which in turn leads to more local jobs and a general lift across the Central Coast,”

Farmer said.

Key highlights achieved in 2023 through implementation of the CCDMP include: the new Central Coast Visitor Centre at The Entrance; tactical tourism digital marketing campaigns in Winter and during the FIFA Women’s World Cup; an award-winning ECO Advocate industry incentive program; and recognition at local, state, national and international level through numerous tourism industry awards.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Central Coast is undoubtedly a major player in the national and global tourism sector.

“This was clearly evidenced with the Central Coast winning First Place at the Green Destinations Story Awards in Berlin recently,” he said.

“I congratulate both the Destination Marketing and Visitor Services section of Council and the local tourism industry in achieving such significant growth, which benefits the entire Central Coast.”

View the Central Coast Destination Management Plan or visit LoveCentralCoast.com for more details.

Copacabana Beach is a popular spot with visitors

Macmasters Beach house named third best holiday home in Australia

A Macmasters holiday home has been listed number three in Stayz top 10 2024 Holiday Homes of the Year featuring the most remarkable private holiday homes across Australia.

This year’s Holiday Homes of the Year recognises some of the most spectacular waterfront homes, wine region stays, ski and countryside escapes in destinations including Hamilton Island, Mount Buller, Margaret River and Kangaroo Valley.

Many of the properties also include trending outdoor amenities that are inspiring Aussies’ booking habits in 2024 with some offering pools, firepits, outdoor spas, playground, tennis court and basketball hoop, alfresco kitchen and pizza oven and other unique amenities including golf buggies, a lift, wine cellar, video arcade,

sauna and an outdoor bath. Stayz Travel expert Sarah King said the variety in this year’s Holiday Homes of the

Year – from outdoor baths and saunas to wine cellars and alfresco outdoor dining facilities – really stood out.

“This list exemplifies the calibre of private holiday homes across Stayz,” she said. Now in its 13th year, the Stayz

Holiday Homes of the Year highlights the most spectacular private holiday homes in Australia while also representing a variety of popular holiday destinations and price points.

The homes are selected from over 50,000 properties on Stayz, based on criteria including having a 4.5 or higher star rating, positive guest reviews and standout amenities and spaces for spending time together with friends and family.

“The hosts of this year’s Holiday Homes of the Year go above and beyond to offer exceptional, reliable and relaxing guest experiences and are key to making a traveller’s holiday seamless,” Partner Success, Vacation Rentals VP Tim Rosolio said.

“We have incredible partners on our platform and this list of

Community opposes Kulnura proposal

A proposed concrete pipes retail business at Kulnura faces the Local Planning Panel this week.

Community members have campaigned against the development application (DA) for 315 Greta Rd.

The recommendation from Central Coast Council to the panel, which meets on Thursday, April 11, is to refuse the DA.

The property is home to an authorised poultry meat production business and an

Application

unauthorised depot for storage of concrete pipes. The application was publicly exhibited twice for comment last year with a number of people submitting multiple objections and representations from Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.

Council says the proposed storage and sale of concrete pipes and concrete structures is considered to fall outside the definition of “rural supplies”.

Applications are open from Thursday 4 April 2024 to Monday 20 May 2024 for placement in an opportunity class in Year 5, 2025.

Parents who have a child in Year 4 can now apply for a place in opportunity classes across NSW. This includes Aurora College, which provides online opportunity classes for students in rural and remote NSW public schools.

Opportunity classes are one of the ways that the department supports our high potential and gifted students. High potential and gifted students are supported across all NSW public schools through our High Potential and Gifted Education policy. For more information and to apply visit: edu.nsw.link/oc

“Rather, it is considered that the proposed use is more appropriately characterised as ‘warehouse or distribution centre’ and ‘specialised retail premises’ which is prohibited in the RU1 zone,” Council said. Other issues include: potential land use conflicts with adjoining land; traffic impacts on Greta Rd; potential impacts on drinking water catchment; impacts on ecology; and impacts on amenity by way of noise, air pollution, and visually.

Council says the Great North

properties really raises the bar and sends a clear and compelling trust signal to travellers about where to find the best, and consistent experiences on Stayz.”

The Macmasters Beach home, Casa Scenic, is a short 10-minute stroll fromo the beach and has six bedrooms spread over two levels on a sprawling 1.6-acre private estate bordered by Bouddi National Park.

The outstanding luxurious Hampton-style pet-friendly home features including indoor and outdoor entertaining options, fire-pit, magnesium therapy pool and kids’ playground.

See the list of the 2024 Holiday Homes of the Year at www.stayz.com.au/2024 holidayhomes

Walk is located on the subject site and that the development is potentially visible from the Simpsons Track which is a major recreation and tourist walk which runs along the frontage of the site.

The planning panel online meeting starts at 2pm and is open to the public if people have registered to speak. Watch it on Council’s youtube channel.

Contact the department’s Selective Education Unit:

Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 1300 880 367

Applications close Monday 20 May 2024

The Macmasters Beach home

Merilyn Vale Pipes on the site

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Going Up – Living Walls

More than just a vertical garden, a living wall, also known as a ‘green wall’, is a sustainable system of gardening that uses walls and fences as a foundation.

If your plants are in the ground and use the vertical structure as support, this is not a living wall and, in my books, not a vertical garden.

Living wall gardens are not restricted to home gardens either with the installation of them across the world in public spaces and buildings to help increase green space to urban areas becoming much more common.

Living walls, no matter where they are found, are a clever solution for those with a lack of space who are still looking to grow edible or even decorative plants, they can also provide a natural insulation to buildings, and they look spectacular.

If you are a lazy gardener, you will also be delighted to know that they are often less work than traditional gardens once created.

Getting Started

To get you started on the concept of living walls, think of them as a type of pot plant.

They are like container gardening because you need to treat the plant in many ways as you would a potted plant.

While you can move a pot plant, you can’t move your wall so make sure you choose plants that suit the area, particularly the available light.

Vertical gardens are made up of containers mounted in some way to a wall, so the size of your containers will need to be selected to accommodate the type of plants you want to grow as well.

The growing medium you are going to use will also need to be decided upon.

This can be standard potting mix but by mixing in perlite, available at garden centres, you can decrease the weight.

Another medium that can be used is water.

Living walls can accommodate a hydroponic system very easily. Speaking of water, to make these types of gardens even easier to maintain, consider installing a watering system, like a drip watering system.

Structures

Living wall structures are generally made up of three types.

The first are ‘mat systems’ that are typically made from felt or coir fabrics with pockets to hold soil and plants.

This type of system is on the cheaper end of options and quick to install.

It suits smaller areas and won’t really work for larger vertical gardens as they will need regular repairing being made of fabrics.

They also have a short lifespan.

Next are ‘block systems’ and these are long-lasting, highly structured systems created from plastic, fiberglass or even stone or brick units.

Lastly are the ‘free-form systems’ usually found in home gardens or community gardens.

They often feature recycled materials and include ideas such as shelving created and affixed to a wall that simply offers a place to perch potted plants upon.

These vertical gardens have a more relaxed design aesthetic than the first two.

Whichever type of living wall

you decide on, the strength of the wall or structure is paramount.

Remember that your plants need to be watered so the ability to withstand moisture is also important.

The mat and block systems can be pre-purchased in kit form or can be a diy project and there are lots of designs out there via various resources online, in stores or in books on the subject.

You might already be growing vertically without realising it because hanging baskets certainly qualify.

Mounting hanging baskets against a wall or structure is a very quick and cost-effective way to create a living wall and one I have enjoyed growing in the past myself.

Many years ago, I lived in a rental in Sydney with a postagestamp sized yard, but it had a wooden fence that enjoyed full sun.

I affixed rows of window boxes to it and grew a lush and bountiful herb garden.

Care

As mentioned, the amount of sun is important to take into consideration when selecting

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

Let us know about your event: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

All Welcome at the Central Coast Bonsai Club

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8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM96.3

contact@cheralyndarcey.com

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plants but so is the temperature which will usually be higher due to reflected heat from the vertical surface.

So, the material your structure or wall is made of needs to be taken into account.

Metal fences can heat up fast and all structures will hold heat.

This can be a good thing for many different types of plants including vegetables, but it will mean watering may need to be increased.

While these types of gardens are outside, often they miss out on a full rainfall drenching as they are under eaves or miss directional rain. These factors mean that you will need to be either more attentive to the watering needs of your plants physically or install an irrigation system.

Just like any container garden, a slow-release fertiliser works wonders.

Trim out overgrown plants as needed and watch out for signs of pest and disease and treat as you would any container plant.

What to Grow

While you can grow nearly anything on a living wall if you

Along with courses, workshops and demonstration, monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (except January) from 7.30pm until 9.30pm in the Tasman Function Room at Mingara Recreation Club. These meetings typically involve a guest speaker/demonstrator describing a different aspect of bonsai. Community members are welcome to come and enjoy your first meetings without needing to be a member. All ages and skill levels – be they absolute beginners through to advanced -and welcome all ages.

Scan the QR code for more info or visit: centralcoastbonsai.com.au

Why Urban Shade Trees Matter: Australian Plant Society Central Coast April Meeting

1:30pm for a 2pm start, Saturday 13th April. Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Road, Kariong

Jennifer Wilder from G.U.S.T. shares her experiences lobbying local, state, and federal governments to increase our urban shading. The volunteers of G.U.S.T. have planted over 900 leafy shade trees across the Central Coast which provides many benefits including the cooling of the area and providing habitat and corridors for or wildlife.

Scan the QR code for more info or visit: austplants.com.au/Central-Coast-Events

Mushroom Cultivation at Claras Urban Mini Farm

Sun 21st Apr 2024, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Gosford address advised on booking)

Join Permaculture Central Coast at Clara’s Urban Mini Farm for a workshop on all things mushroom cultivation. Growing Oyster and Lions Mane mushrooms indoors in buckets; Wine Cap and Portobello mushrooms outdoors in gardens; Shitake and Oyster mushrooms on logs along with safely cooking and foraging Saffron Milk Cap mushrooms. Includes mushroom grain spawn to go home and start your mushroom cultivation.

Scan the QR code for tickets or visit: humanitix.com/au (search for Mushroom Cultivation at Claras Urban Mini Farm)

take container size, environment and care instructions into consideration, here are a few edible plants that work well.

Arugula, basil, beetroot, chillies, chives, kale, lettuce, microgreens, mint, mustard greens, oregano, parsley, rocket, spinach, strawberries, tarragon, thyme.

Look out for dwarf varieties of your favourites like tomatoes and squashes as these can easily be accommodated with the correct sized containers within a living wall.

When it comes to ornamentals, many ferns and what are considered house plants make perfect green wall candidates as do succulents and cacti.

If you love flowers, then also consider blooming plants that suit your wall or structure’s aspect.

While annuals can look spectacular, if you are seeking a more sustainable living wall, choose perennials as there will be less plant replacement required.

Have a talk with your local garden centre when selecting plants as they will help guides you with suitable choices.

GARDENING PLANNER

Now is the best time to plant for Spring colour and lawns can do with a feed. This week you could plant: culinary herbs, artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, cabbages, cress, endive, leeks, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, radishes, shallots, spinach, spring onions, turnips, ageratum, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, carnation, cineraria, columbine, coneflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, honesty, larkspur, linaria, Livingstone daisy, lobelia, nemesia, nigella, pansy, polyanthus, poppy, primula, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, wallflower

is a horticulture author and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

Artichokes

Gosford Hospital recognised for top stroke care

Gosford Hospital has been recognised for its high standard of stroke care, joining a list of only 16 Australian hospitals that have received official stroke unit certification from the Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC).

The ASC Stroke Unit Certification Program is encouraging hospitals to consistently meet a set of national criteria to deliver the best possible stroke care to patients.

This includes caring for all stroke patients on a single dedicated ward, providing specialist staffing, regular training, data monitoring and improvement, and patient involvement in decision making.

Stroke Foundation National Manager, Stroke Treatment, Kelvin Hill said the moves improved outcomes for patients.

“Treatment on a dedicated stroke unit is proven to make

the biggest overall difference of any intervention to patient outcomes following stroke, reducing the risks of both death and disability,” he said.

“Both Australian and international evidence suggests that rigorous stroke centre certification programs

Older adults on the Central Coast are being encouraged to get physically active as part of April Falls Month.

April Falls is an annual campaign supported by the NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network which aims to raise awareness of falls prevention and help those at risk of falling to stay on their feet.

Having good balance reduces the risk of trips and falls and helps people live independently as they get older, which is why this year’s April Falls theme is Better Balance for Fall Prevention.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) community health clinical nurse Steven Coote said most falls are preventable through regular exercise.

improve the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes.”

The need for a certification system comes after Stroke Foundation’s National Acute Services Audit 2021 found that not all Australian hospitals with a self-designated stroke unit meet the requirements for

stroke unit care.

“This means some people with stroke are being provided suboptimal care which impacts their recovery and leads to poorer health outcomes,” Hill said.

“This is unfair.

“All Australian survivors of stroke deserve the best quality of care regardless of where they are hospitalised; there should be no postcode lottery.”

Participation in the program is voluntary and there is no penalty for hospitals that do not

April Falls - seniors encouraged to get active

“As we get older, our bodies lose muscle strength and coordination, increasing our risk of falling,” Coote said.

“This can begin to happen in

our 50s, but many people wait until they’re older and frailer to do something about it.

“The good news is that many falls are preventable if we build

as much physical activity as we can into our daily routines.

“This could be through an exercise class, hobbies such as tai chi, yoga or lawn bowls, or

through incidental physical activity like doing the housework, gardening or walking to the shops.

“By remaining as active as possible, we can improve our strength and balance and live independently.

“And if you’re not already active, it’s never too late to begin.”

CCLHD’s Health Promotion Service has developed an April Falls Community Advocate Toolkit to support patients, families, carers, health staff and community organisations with quick and simple ways to spread the falls awareness message.

The toolkit brings together resources from a number of organisations including NSW Health and NSW Fall Prevention and Healthy Ageing Network.

$5.4M upgrade for Wyong TAFE

The NSW Government is set to invest $5.4M to upgrade the campus infrastructure at Wyong TAFE and improve digital connectivity to support the skills needs of the community.

The investment is part of a $300M state-wide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to more than 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state this financial year.

meet the criteria but Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation president, Professor Tim Kleinig, is optimistic that all Australian hospitals with self-designated stroke units will apply for certification over time.

“This is an opportunity for all Australian hospitals treating patients with stroke to further enhance the already excellent work their stroke teams deliver,” he said.

“Quality stroke unit care is a human right and all Australians deserve nothing less.

“We must ensure everyone unfortunate enough to have a stroke has the best possible chance, not only of survival, but also a good post-stroke recovery.”

“Along with the World Health Organisation and World Stroke Organisation, we hope all hospitals providing stroke care will participate in the certification process.”

Download a copy of the toolkit at: www.healthpromotion.com .au/wp-content/uploads/2024 /04/April-Falls-MonthCommunity-Advocate-ToolkitFinal.pdf

To find local physical activity and healthy lifestyle programs, including fall prevention programs, visit NSW Health’s Active and Healthy exercise directory at www. activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/ find-a-program.

Information and advice to support older adults to be more active is also available on the Active and Healthy website. This includes home-based exercise circuits designed for beginners to follow along at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.

Member for Wyong David Harris said Wyong TAFE education qualifications are an effective and efficient learning pathway for students to evolve into highly competent industryready graduates.

“When students learn their craft or trade using industrystandard equipment and highquality technology, they are much more likely to graduate

Wyong TAFE will receive a new specialist animal studies facility and new digital devices for teachers and students.

with the kind of job-ready skills that employers are looking for,” he said.

“Wyong has a long history of animal related industry through its rich rural heritage.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said students and teachers need to have functional classrooms and access to equipment to learn the skills they need to be job-ready.

“This investment ensures TAFE NSW is well-placed to

meet the educational and employment needs of the local community,” he said.

“The NSW Labor Government’s continued investment in TAFE NSW will improve educational outcomes and support the state’s critical skills needs.

“Stories about neglected classrooms don’t help to attract the people we need to see taking on training or teaching.

“The NSW Government is doing something about it.”

The stroke unit team at Gosford Hospital with the Primary Stroke Unit Certification

Member for Wyong David Harris at Wyong TAFE

Having good balance reduces the risk of trips and falls

Seniors’ wellbeing

A new interagency dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of seniors on the Central Coast has been established.

The Central Coast Seniors Interagency is a partnership between The Central Coast Community Council, Central Coast Council and Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service.

It will support a collaborative approach across services and community organisations dedicated to addressing the unique and changing needs of the rapidly growing seniors population in the region.

“With the proportion of people on the Central Coast aged 70 years or older expected to increase it is important we facilitate opportunities to work collectively to identify needs and challenges and streamline communication,” Central Coast Health Promotion Service Health Promotion Officer

Samantha Hingerty said.

Interested people are invited to the Central Coast Seniors Interagency in-person launch event at 10am on Tuesday, April 16, at The Hub, Erina. Register attendance on 0425 277 518 or rdo@thecccc.org.au

Union demands more money for public schools

The NSW Teachers Federation was on the Central Coast on Thursday, March 28, urging Federal politicians to fully resource public schools.

The Federation says the National School Reform Agreement has left NSW public schools grappling with a funding shortfall of approximately 11 per cent, translating to a staggering $1.9B this year alone.

This equates to over 10,000 permanent school-based teachers.

A spokesperson said public school students on the Central Coast made up around 68 per cent of all students.

In Dobell, there are 16,428 students (68.5 per cent of total student numbers) and in Robertson there are 15,711 (68 per cent of total).

“However schools across the region are grappling with a teacher shortage,” the spokesperson said.

“According to figures released this month, Regional North schools (which includes the Central Coast) had 103 vacancies affecting 34 per cent of its 300 schools.”

The Federation conducted a billboard visit at Tuggerah

Secondary College – Tumbi Umbi Campus and Terrigal High School on March 28.

NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra, said it was time for the Prime Minister to “step up”.

“Private schools, which receive substantial public funding, are splurging on unnecessary vanity projects such as equestrian centres and Scottish castles, while public schools are missing

out,” he said.

“There is an overwhelming moral, economic and political opportunity for Labor to back the hardworking teachers and hugely deserving students in their own electorates.

“We will be relentless in making this case.

“Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car are doing their bit by lifting salaries to

tackle the teacher shortages.

“But now it’s time the Prime Minister joined the effort.

“Proper funding would mean more teachers, delivering smaller class sizes.

“This would allow more oneon-one time for students with complex needs.”

Rajendra said inequities between public and private schools were becoming starker with capital funding.

A report released by the Australian Education Union on February 24 highlighted the gap, with one Sydney private school, Cranbrook, spending more on a new pool and expanded fitness and drama facilities in 2021 ($63.5M) than governments spent on 2,549 public schools which educate over 472,000 students, he said.

For NSW schools it also found: a 30 per cent growth in demountables between 2011 and 2022 to over 5,000; no ongoing capital funding from the Commonwealth despite calls from the NSW Government; the Commonwealth capital grants program for disadvantaged schools delivered funding to two of NSW’s richest schools, Loreto Normanhurst and Newington; and average annual per student capital investment 2012-2021 was $1,052 for public and $2,331 for private.

“There’s no better investment than giving students the education they need and deserve,” Rajendra said.

“It allows them to explode out of the starting blocks and contribute back to their community and the nation.”

If you are an adult at higher risk of severe illness or are 65 years and over, a free COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you every 6 to 12 months.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about what is best for you.

For more information on getting your free COVID vaccination, including how to book, visit nsw.gov.au/vaccination

The campaign visited the Central Coast on March 28

Mariners go to top of A-League ladder FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners men’s team have gone to the top of the A-League ladder with a last minute win against Wellington Pheonix 2-1 at home in Gosford.

The electrifying match at Industree Group Stadium drew a crowd of nearly 10,000 fans. The game’s climax came in the 91st minute when Mikeal Doka unleashed a stunning strike, propelling the Mariners to the top of the leaderboard with just three games left in the season.

The match, filled with anticipation, lived up to its

billing with early action as the Mariners asserted dominance right from the start.

Alou Kuol, Jacob Farrell, and Bradley Tapp were pivotal in the lineup, creating significant chances that set the tone for the match.

Despite the aggressive start and multiple opportunities crafted by the Mariners, the first half remained goalless, with both teams showcasing their defensive mettle.

The deadlock was finally broken in the second half, thanks to a beautifully orchestrated team effort that culminated in an Angel Torres header.

The Mariners continued to

press, nearly doubling their lead through a series of attacks led by Doka and Josh Nisbet.

However, Wellington managed to draw level late in the game, setting the stage for Doka’s dramatic late winner.

This victory not only boosts the Mariners’ chances for the Premier Plate but also sets them up for a potential double or even a historic treble, considering their ongoing journey in the AFC Cup.

The team’s next challenge is a home game against Adelaide United, followed by an international clash with Kyrgyzstan’s Abdysh Ata-Kant in Gosford, as they continue their quest for football glory.

Waves in walking basketball challenge

Central Coast Waves basketballers headed to the Hills Hornets basketball stadium in Castle Hill on March 19 to take part in the Hills Hornets Walking Basketball Club Challenge.

Four associations took part in the challenge – Hills Hornets, Illawarra Hawks, Bankstown Bruins and the Central Coast Waves.

Both the Hornets and the Waves provided two teams each.

Waves Basketball entered an over-60s team and an under60s team with the latter

The 2024 Central Coast Rugby Union season is set to kick off on Saturday, April 13.

The opening round will see three WLG Premier 1 matches with all teams keen to get on the paddock with the aim of reaching grand final day on August 24.

With Wyong Leagues Group becoming the major sponsor of Central Coast Rugby Union, the Premier 1 competition will be known as the WLG Premier 1 competition.

Match of the Day will see the Razorbacks meet Gosford at Ourimbah Rugby Park in what should prove an exciting clash.

Gosford had a pleasing year in 2023 and has had quite a good lead-up to the competition this year.

There have been many changes to last year with the formation of the Kariong Presidents Cup team drawing quite a few players that way.

Gosford will again be coached by Andrew Moseley and Adam Carlisle, whose experience will prove hugely beneficial to the

making it to the final but narrowly going down to the Hawks 20-18 in an entertaining game.

Walking basketball is designed for participants across all ages, genders and abilities.

It helps to maintain and improve health and decrease risk factors associated with sedentary behaviour.

Rugby comp set to kick off

young team.

The Razorbacks are at home which is a real plus for them, and they should go into the match as favourites.

They lost a very close grand final last year and will be most keen to build up to a position where they can go one step better this year.

The Razorbacks will once again be coached by Nick Meyer, with Club Coach Brett Cunningham close to the action all year.

The Haven will host an equally interesting clash between

home team Terrigal and visitors Warnervale.

Terrigal are at home which is a huge plus for them but they meet a Warnervale side that has had a good build-up to the season.

Terrigal will again be coached by Michael Farrelly and Jonathan Bell.

These two are very experienced coaches and have been at the helm of the Terrigal 1st XV for several years.

Warnervale will have 1st XV Coach Mathew Piukala in charge, with Club Coach once

again Glen Gallagher .

These two teams were very successful last year and will be keen to reach the big one at the end of the year.

It is difficult to predict a winner, but the home ground advantage for Terrigal may be an influencing factor.

Reigning Premiers Avoca Beach will travel to Woy Woy Oval to play Woy Woy.

The match will be a curtainraiser for the Hunter Wildfires versus Southern Districts Shute Shield match.

Avoca Beach will go into the match as firm favourites based on performances from last year.

They are the reigning Premiers and will set the pace in the competition this year.

But the special occasion and the home advantage will see Woy Woy fully prepared.

Woy Woy will be headed by new coach Nigel Mainland this year, while Jake McPhie and Mitch Jacobs will once again be in charge of Avoca Beach.

The Bay Rugby Club, The Lakes Rugby Club and Kariong

Enhancing female sport

Federal MPs Gordon Reid (Robertson) and Emma McBride (Dobell) are encouraging eligible organisations to apply for grants under The Federal Labor Government’s $200M Play Our Way Program.

The program supports local governments and community, not-for-profit and sporting organisations deliver initiatives that make sport more welcoming and equitable for women and girls.

Waves Community Coach

Chris Collins said the club challenge was a huge success and the club was looking forward to taking part in future challenges.

“The Waves have a very strong focus on inclusion, so it was great to see such a high representation from our Waves Walking Basketball community,” he said.

“It was also great to see so many new friendships formed throughout the day.”

For more details on walking basketball go to www. centralcoastwavesbasketball. com.au/walking-basketball

Rugby Club will be playing in the President’s Cup this year.

On Friday night, April 12, The Bay will play Avoca Beach at Joseph Banks Oval in their first match and the result of this match is very difficult to predict.

The Kariong Presidents Cup team will meet Avoca Beach at Ettalong Oval (two matches for Avoca Beach), while The Lakes will travel to Walters Park at Boolaroo to take on Lake Macquarie.

Saturday will also the commencement of the Central Coast Women’s 12s competition.

This year, the women’s competition will be 12-a-side rugby, a slight change from last year.

There will be seven teams in this year’s competition.

There are three matches this coming Saturday, April 13.

Woy Woy is at home to Avoca Beach at Ettalong Oval, Warnervale will travel to The Haven to play Terrigal and The Lakes will meet Lake Macquarie at Boolaroo.

The Razorbacks have the bye.

Grants are available in two streams: Facilities – for projects that establish and improve sporting facilities that are designed for women and girls and further encourage them to take part in sport and physical activity; and Participation and equipment – for programs that encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity for life, by tackling barriers such as disadvantage or lack of equipment.

“This $200M investment in women’s and girls’ sports is a great win for the Central Coast and our female athletes and sports participants,” Reid said.

“The funding available will help strengthen women’s and girls’ sports programs across the nation and here on the Central Coast.

“Funding will help with the viability of sports programs for women and girls, as well as for equipment purchases.

“The Play Our Way program will also help with sports facility refurbishments and upgrades to ensure they are fit for purpose.”

McBride said as a patron of the Wyong District Netball Association and having helped kickstart Central Coast Heart Netball, she knew what a difference these grants will make to women and girls in sport.

“I want to see more women and girls start playing sport and keep playing sport, and better facilities and equipment can make this happen,” she said.

“I encourage local sports clubs to apply for these grants and contact my office for more information.”

A link to the The Play Our Way grant opportunity guidelines can be found on our website coastcommunity news.com.au

Last year’s premiers Avoca Beach Photo: Ian Cameron

Central Coast Waves basketballers with players from Illawarra Hawks

Jubilation as the Mariners go to the top of the ladder. Photo: CCM Media

FOOTBALL

Berkeley Vale defeated Killarney Vale in the 2024 Men’s First Grade Association Cup Final on Easter Monday to become five-time winner of the competition.

The ball went back and forth in the early stages, with both teams earning corners while trying to play in behind the opposition’s defensive lines, but Berkeley Vale soon took the ascendancy.

A sly piece of footwork from Connor Fitzpatrick down the left wing allowed him to put in a pinpoint cross that Tristan Bellemore brilliantly thrashed home on the volley only eight minutes in.

It was an uphill battle for Killarney from there as the Berkeley defence calmly stopped everything thrown at it.

Berkeley Vale takes out Association Cup

Killarney had plenty of possession and, on multiple occasions, managed to make it

deep down the wings, but they struggled to earn anything more than a swiftly diffused

to the feet of Declan Ackerley, who beautifully laid it off to Cameron Brown.

But Brown’s shot only managed to hammer straight into the palms of Steven Grimmitt – a save that sent Berkeley into half-time leading 1-0.

It was more of the same for Berkeley as the second half commenced, with Jakeb Brownlow scoring a goal in the 53rd minute after a piece of individual skill.

Not long later, Berkeley briefly thought they were in for a third goal, but a foul was called on Brownlow for throwing his defender to the ground.

The blue wall in front of Killarney remained steadfast, leading Berkeley Vale to a 2-0 victory.

In the women’s grand final, Terrigal won 6-0 over East Gosford.

Bateau Bay bowlers win NSW championship

Bateau Bay bowls trio Terry Hughes, Graeme O’Donnell and Tony Shoebridge have won the NSW State Senior Triples Championship in Dubbo.

Following their Bowls Central Coast Triples Championship win, they travelled to Dubbo to play in the NSW championships.

The championships were played across three Dubbo clubs and began on Tuesday, March 12, with the NSW MultiDisability Bowls and concluded

on Wednesday, March 27, with the State Fours.

The Bateau Bay trio began their games on Monday March 18 winning their section with three solid wins (20-18, 27-20 and 23-17).

The semi-final was won 2319 in a tight game against Temora.

The final played on March 20 proved to be a nail biter with the Bateau Bay team coming from behind to snatch victory on the last end 21-20 against

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(1)(h1) OF THE REAL PROPERTY ACT 1900

('ACT')REQUEST DEALING AT898268

('APPLICATION') BY RODOLFO ARBOLINO AND ROSA ARBOLINO

The abovementioned Application has been made under section 32(6) of the Act:

(i) to cancel the recording of the restriction on the use of land being item number 3 in Deposited Plan DP1157871 (the ‘Restriction’), as it burdens the land in Folio Identifier 3/1163014, being 18-22 Hakone Road, Woongarrah, NSW 2259); and

(ii) on the basis that the Restriction no longer “affect[s] the land to which the [Restriction] purports to relate” for the purposes of section 32(6) of the Act. The Restriction sought to be cancelled benefits the land in Folio Identifiers 701 to 707 (inclusive) and 710 to 731 (inclusive) in DP1157871, being the following addresses in Woongarrah, NSW 2259:

(a) 8, 10 and 12 Hakone Road;

(b) 1 to 11 (inclusive) and 13 Ellalong Way;

(c) 1 to 10 (inclusive) Narran Road; and

(d) 54, 56, 58 and 60 Cascades Road; and We intend to register the Application and cancel the recording of the Restriction from Folio Identifier 3/1163014 unless, within one (1) month from the date of publication of this notice, you lodge with NSW Land Registry Services a caveat pursuant to section 74F of the Act prohibiting the registration of the Application, accompanied by the prescribed fee (currently $165.40).

the Sydney “super club” Taren Point.

Bateau Bay was well represented at the championships with teams competing in the multidisability pairs and singles, mixed pairs, men’s pairs, senior men’s pairs, open reserve pairs, senior men’s singles and women’s fours.

The NSW Senior Triples Champions were presented with their championship shield and medals by Bowls NSW Vice President John Ellison.

corner or Berkeley goal kick. A long ball from Killarney

keeper Declan Drake finally caused trouble for the Berkley defence when it was headed on

From left: Graeme O’Donnell, Bowls NSW Vice President John Ellison, Tony Shoebridge and Terry Hughes with the shield

Nathan Baxter (Killarney Districts) is challenged by Mitchell Landini (Berkeley Vale) ; Emma Taylor (Terrigal) and Noni Wheeler (East Gosford) grapple for the ball

Photos: Trent Dickeson

Major boost for premier league netballers

Wyong Leagues Group has added another branch to its Central Coast sporting family by becoming a major sponsor of the region’s Premier League netball team, Central Coast Heart.

Central Coast Heart is one of 10 franchises represented in the Netball NSW Premier League, which is the highest level of netball competition in the state.

Young Bodi Bone has taken out the 2km swim at the 2024 Terrigal Ocean Swim Classic.

The Classic has been held on Easter Saturday for more than 20 years and includes a fun and exciting set of open water swims.

Since the inception of the league in 2016, Heart has proudly flown the Central Coast flag, winning the tournament in 2018 and being a grand finalist in 2019 and 2022.

The Heart is a collaboration between the three Central Coast netball associations (Gosford, Woy Woy Peninsula and Wyong District) and provides a much-needed local pathway into the Australian National Championships and Suncorp Super Netball.

expansion of our existing relationships within the sport,” Group Sponsorship Manager Brock Molan said.

“We have had a long association with many netball teams on the Coast and to be able to get behind a great group like the Heart was a natural

“We understand the significance of providing pathway opportunities to those looking to pursue excellence in their chosen sport and allowing them to represent our region on a bigger stage.

“We know that the Heart will make the Central Coast proud.”

Central Coast Heart Chair Bronwyn Rumbel said they were thrilled to welcome Wyong Leagues Group into the Heart family.

“This partnership is a huge positive for the region’s netball community, building on the success of Central Coast Heart

Young gun Bodi wins 2km Terrigal Classic

This year also included a team event and for the second year, a Daffodil Dip held in conjunction with Cancer Council.

Both the 1km swim and 400m Daffodil Dip are ideal for open water swimmers of all abilities and ages, with the minimum age set at 10 years (younger for the Daffodil Dip if accompanied by an adult over 18).

The 2km swim is a little more challenging.

Bodi, 15, was confident of a good result and maybe even a win, as he trains regularly with

previous winners of the 2km event who were the top placegetters in this year’s 1km event.

He is hoping to take this form to The Aussies in Maroochydore from April 13-21 and give the 2km Ocean Swim his best shot.

The annual Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (Aussies) see members from Australia’s 314 surf clubs come together to compete in more than 480 beach and ocean events.

It is the largest event of its kind.

Bodi also came home with five gold medals from the NSW Catholic Schools State Championships on April 4.

His younger brother Ashton, who came 11th in the 2km Terrigal swim is also hoping to add an Aussie medal to his NSW State trifecta of pool, surf and open water titles.

and supporting pathways from grass roots to elite netball for local players, coaches, and officials,” she said.

The Netball NSW Premier League season started on March 20 at Netball Central (Sydney Olympic Park) and the 2024 season features two Central Coast Heart home games to be played at Niagara Park Stadium during June.

Central Coast Heart netballers (from left) Savannah Angelozzi, Brooklyn O’Mara, Madalyn Wild, Maddi Mueller and Laicy Costigan

Bodi Bone streaks to the finish line

Photo: #jillashbyphotography