Coast Community News #436

Record crowds at Coast Anzac Day services

Call for end to violence against women

In the wake of No More rallies held around Australia on April 27-29 calling for government action on violence against women, a Walk for Women will be held in Gosford on Sunday, May 5.

Starting at 3pm at the Brian McGowan Bridge on the Gosford waterfront and concluding at Eat Street café with a series of speakers to address the crowd, the march has been organised by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.

“This Sunday’s march is a call-toaction, to encourage Coasties to come together to say enough is enough and that more needs to be done at every

level to address family, domestic and sexual violence,” Tesch said.

“It is deeply concerning that a woman dies every four days, on average, at the hands of a partner.

“This is simply unacceptable.

“Our community is faced with a crisis and we need to act urgently.

“Women deserve the right to be safe in every space.

“We are seeing too many women lose their lives, staying in unsafe environments, staying in violent relationships, experiencing declining mental health from staying in toxic situations.

Preparing for the dawn service at The Entrance

Record crowds flocked to Anzac Day services across the Central Coast on Thursday, April 25. See page 11

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch lays a flower at a Walk against Domestic and Family Violence last year Photo: Nathan Lowe Photography

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The Coast is saying enough is enough

On Sunday, May 5, hundreds of people are expected to take part in a Walk for Women on the Gosford waterfront calling for government action to tackle violence against women.

While the Coast is a week behind rallies held nationwide last weekend, the Gosford march is timely, with May being Domestic Violence Prevention Month.

EDITORIAL

Parents need to bring their boys up knowing how to respect women, men need to call out other men on inappropriate behaviour.

But beyond that, there is a need for deep government reform.

We don’t need more studies and investigations – we need action.

The Prime Minister himself has labelled the situation a “national crisis” and National Cabinet decided on a raft of measures on Wednesday, May 1.

The PM and First Ministers committed to strengthening accountability and consequences for perpetrators – including early intervention with high-risk perpetrators and serial offenders.

experiencing intimate partner violence with the costs of leaving that relationship.

It will also deliver a range of new measures to tackle factors that exacerbate violence against women, including violent online pornography and misogynistic content targeting children and young people.

Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

All contributions should be emailed to the above email address.

CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines.

Managing Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey

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Bowlers from Pearl Beach, Ettalong and visiting clubs are inviting all to a special day at Ettalong Bowling Club on Sunday, May 5, to raise funds for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

The Charity Bowls Day, from 9am-12.30pm, will have merchandise on sale, an auction and raffle with a number of donated prizes.

The event marks International Guide Dog Day (IGDD), on Wednesday, April 24, which

The Central Coast continues to remain in the top three local government areas in NSW for incidences of domestic violence, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics.

During the 12 months to December 2023, recorded domestic violence-related assault in the region was 10 per cent higher than the state average.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says enough is enough – and she is absolutely right. Yes, we need societal change.

Women at risk on the Central Coast are being turned away by help organisations because there is not enough housing to accommodate them when they leave a dangerous home situation.

Many can’t leave because they simply don’t have the money to do it.

We need more crisis housing, we need more financial and emotional support for women at risk, we need stricter legal controls on repeat offenders, we need tougher consequences for AVO breaches.

They also committed to best practice justice responses to support people who have experienced violence.

The National Cabinet pledged to build on prevention work and maintain a focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children.

They “noted the importance of housing reforms in supporting women and children escaping violence” and it will be interesting to see what action (if any) that prompts.

The Commonwealth will deliver a Leaving Violence Payment to help people

First Ministers have agreed to work on improving police responses to high risk and serial perpetrators and again, it will be interesting to see what has been achieved when they report back to National Cabinet later in the year.

It all sounds good in theory –let’s see how it plays out in practice.

Meanwhile, we can’t let up on applying pressure.

I will be marching on Sunday to join the call for a safer environment for women – on the Central Coast, in NSW, and throughout Australia.

Will you join me?

Terry Collins, Editor

Razzamatazz raises funds for community projects

Hundreds of children, many with additional needs, attended the annual Razzamatazz Show at the Niagara Park Stadium on Wednesday, April 18.

It was the 24th consecutive annual show organised by the Rotary Club of Gosford to raise funds for community projects.

Event organiser David Boardman said some of the money raised would go to Coast Shelter Men’s Refuge.

The balance of the funds will be used for the provision of defibrillators to Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre and the Girl Guides Hall at Point Clare.

“Hundreds of children enjoyed amazing magic,

Charity bowls day at Ettalong

celebrated the important role guide dogs play in supporting people all around the world with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and live independently.

Central Coast Support Group

President Merran Rudder said the group was focusing on access rights and ride share/ taxi refusals by showing all the wonderful places guide dogs and their handlers can go – if they are not refused access.

The Central Coast Volunteer

Support Group was formed in 1983 and has been active in fundraising from The Entrance to the Peninsula ever since.

It continues to be visual and out and about in the community managing a number of fundraising stalls each year at shopping centres across the Central Coast.

“With the cost to breed, train and raise one life-changing guide dog around $50,000, every dollar from the community counts as Guide Dogs NSW/

ACT only receives minimal government funding,” Rudder said.

“We appreciate the Central Coast community who continue to visit our stalls and the generosity provided to us by shopping centres who allocate space for our fundraising stalls.

“We also appreciate the wonderful support that the Ettalong Bowling Club and their members continue to provide.”

For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com.au

juggling, clowns and balancing acts,” Boardman said.

“There was plenty of loud and enthusiastic cheering during all of the three shows.

“Each show was provided at no cost to the children, with a small bag of lollies distributed by club members to the audience following each show.”

Boardman said many local businesses had contributed generously.

“This year’s success has meant that funds raised have exceeded our expectations and an additional two defibrillators can be purchased,” he said.

“Local community facilities in need can contact me via gosfordrotary.org.au”

Bowlers with dog handlers from the Support Group taken last year

Some of the performers with members of Rotary

Residents determined to see Central Coast Council retain the current Gosford Library building staged a snap action on Monday, April 22, to protest its proposed demolition.

Speakers outlined why the building should be maintained and presented several different options for adaptive re-use, including a heritage museum a, tourism office and a kids’ creche.

Central Coast Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) convenor Mark Ellis said built heritage was just as important as natural heritage.

He accused Council of disregarding the Central Coast Local Environment Plan (LEP), which states as one of its objectives to “conserve the heritage significance of heritage items”.

He said the Government Architect had said the library could be re-purposed for a possible town hall, meeting place, flexible exhibition space or a new cafe integrated with Kibble Park.

“There needs to be ongoing community discussions about Kibble Park and any thought of demolishing the library,” he said.

Flood preparedness works are underway at The Entrance Channel to increase the flow of water out of the Tuggerah lakes system – Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake.

Widening the primary channel to the north at The Entrance is an effort to realign the channel back to its more natural location which is north of the rock platform.

Central Coast Council is currently monitoring water levels in Tuggerah lakes in

Push to save Gosford Library building

“Gosford, as the regional capital, needs a civic heart –and since the previous council building is to be sold off, the re-purposed library building could play a significant part of the new civic heart within and surrounding Kibble Park.

“Gosford has lost much of its built past due to poor decisions by the council.

“Let’s not continue this poor form.

“The community wants to know why the application for tenders have been called for when the final Kibble Park plan hasn’t been put out for consultation.

“We request the Administrator withdraw the advertisements

for tender … and put all other actions impacting Kibble Park on hold until a democratically elected Council is in place.”

Community activist Joy Cooper said the library building had links to notable significant buildings of the time including the Sydney Opera House.

“(This) is an iconic building in Gosford,” she said.

“It is located on community classified land, yet there has been very flimsy consultation with the community.

“Only a few years ago the building had the roof replaced and the NSW Architect was clear in his report that the building was of value and benefit to the community.

“It is part of Gosford’s identity and needs to be preserved.

“Gosford has a shortage of community buildings available for community use and even with the new library, there is a need to retain this lovely iconic building.

“Many cities around the world now are seeing the benefits of adaptive re-use and Central Coast Council needs to be embracing the forward thinking.”

A petition calling for retention of the building has so far attracted more than 400 signatures.

It can be found at chng.it/ FNkwFDkmZP Council says the existing

library, which has served the community well but is now past its life span, would require a significant investment to bring it up to current standards, as well as ongoing maintenance.

“Council is currently constructing a new 4000 square metre Regional Library in Donnison St, Gosford, which will offer four levels of state-ofthe-art facilities for individuals, students, community groups and business users,” a spokesperson said.

“The (current) library is not listed on any Local or State Heritage register.

“The Gosford Library will not be demolished until the completion and opening of the

Channel work preparing for flood

accordance with the Interim Entrance Management Procedure including closely looking at the Bureau of Meteorology forecast rainfall data and using a tool to help predict the impact on Tuggerah lakes over the next four days.

There are currently no flood warnings for Tuggerah lakes, but water levels in the lake have been slow to drop and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting heavy rain from Friday through to Sunday, May 3-5.

Council is also working to prepare a secondary pilot

channel, including the removal of sand shoaling to create a second exit point for water.

The second exit will remain “plugged” until optimal conditions are met providing the best opportunity for water to escape.

Works will continue until Friday, May 3.

For more information on how Council manages Tuggerah lakes estuary including The Entrance Channel and to view the Interim Entrance Management Procedure visit hubs.la/Q02vsThY0

new Regional Library, anticipated mid-2025.

“The site of the existing Gosford Library is incorporated into the Kibble Park Place Master Plan, which will see more open green and play spaces, dedicated event spaces and cultural features.

“Tenders are now being sought for the demolition of both the Gosford Library and the former Broadwater Hotel.” Council also refuted claims by the Community Environment Network (CEN) that calling for demolition tenders without lodging a development application contravened Council’s own planning rules.

“The Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022 (CC LEP) does not apply to sites within the Gosford City Centre,” the spokesperson said.

“The State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts –Regional) is the appropriate planning instrument for lands within the Gosford City Centre.

“No demolition works have yet commenced on the site but Council will ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant State Environmental Planning Policies prior to demolition works commencing.”

Protection works for Pearl Beach Lagoon

Central Coast Council is set to receive more than $100,000 from the State Government for coastal works at Pearl Beach Lagoon.

The 2023-24 Coastal and Estuary Grants Management Program will provide $107,750 for important protection works. The project will see two sediment traps constructed on the main drain inlets into the lagoon, reducing sediment loads entering the waterway. It will also investigate options for removing material from the bed of the lagoon.

Sediment plumes removed from drain outlets will be treated and re-purposed onsite to rehabilitate eroded shorelines and enable planting of wetland vegetation.

Pearl Beach resident Malcolm Davison said the community had been agitating for about 15 years for the lagoon to be rehabilitated.

“This is the first step – the silt traps – to stop it getting worse and then gradually giving us the opportunity to improve the water quality with some strategic planting of waterbased trees,” he said.

“It’s a natural lagoon, it’s not man-made, it has been here for generations.

“It’s a magical place, just listen to the bird life here.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said coastal systems were home to countless flora and fauna, with many thriving in the unique location of Pearl Beach.

“Funding to address issues such as sediment plumes and eroding shorelines is desperately needed,” she said.

“I hope this funding also motivates local community members to play a role to

reduce sedimentation through their daily activities.

“Thank you to the Pearl Beach community for their advocacy over many years to address coastal management at Pearl Beach Lagoon.”

The project is among 34 coastal management projects to be funded under the program with a total of $11.3M.

For more information on the projects and the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program visit: www.environment.nsw.gov. au/topics/water/coasts/ coastal-and-estuary-grants

Flood preparedness work has started at The Entrance Channel

Protesters outside the library building

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with resident Malcolm Davison at Pearl Beach Lagoon

Keyton’s Central Coast lifestyle havens offer sense of fun

Talk to Richard Murfield about life in Keyton’s Brentwood Village and his first reaction is to mention what a wonderful place it is to live.

With its mix of resort-style amenities and inviting communal spaces, it’s a place designed to make new friends and live life to the fullest.

“We have everything here,” Murfield says.

According to Murfield, it’s just a fun place to be where there’s a tavern, a thriving snooker club and an extraordinary array of things to do.

“It’s a wonderful village to live, I would recommend it to anyone.

“We even have doctors come twice a week as well as podiatry and cardiology - we have the lot,” Murfield says.

Set amid almost 60 acres of coastal hinterland and featuring stunning gardens, Brentwood Village at Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast is a peaceful sanctuary with picturesque beachside towns just minutes away.

Moreover, the spacious gardens make it an ideal place for exercise, exploration and reflection.

Beyond the gorgeous setting, the over 55s community offers a thriving resort lifestyle with a multitude of amenities for people to enjoy ranging from a heated swimming pool inside the dedicated wellness hub to community centre, clubhouse, library and onsite cafe.

There’s indoor bowls, a beauty salon and the thriving tavern is a community hotspot hosting everything from casual drinks to parties and special events.

The village even boasts its own auditorium or village hall where residents gather for celebrations, music and even the occasional night of dancing.

Resident Mary Colley especially loves the socialising on Friday nights and at 95 still likes to cut a rug when she gets the occasional opportunity.

“It’s a place with a lot of good people in it,” Colley a resident of 10 years points out.

“I like to remember people’s birthdays and other milestones and that way we all have a good time.

“And the staff - they’re always available for us, the residents,” she says.

“We also have the hairdressers, the doctors all coming on different days, so you don’t have to go outside of the village other than for shopping because it’s all available here.

“Friday nights in the tavern are always good fun because we get to see everyone and yes, I still like getting on the dance floor,” Colley says.

Put bluntly, it’s a place where everything is on hand and onsite.

Creating vibrant over 55s communities with a focus on social connections and wellness is a feature of every Keyton village right across Australia.

Keyton’s Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Cockerill says the retirement sector has evolved to become more about social connectivity where like-minded people can come together and enjoy their lives in a place offering plenty of facilities and activities for them to interact and it’s all maintenance free.

“Rather than sitting in a suburban family home where they might become more

We also have the hairdressers, the doctors all coming on different days, so you don't have to go outside of the village other than for shopping because it's all available here.

Mary Coolley

isolated as they age and a suburb’s demographics change, more people are moving into communities like Brentwood Village,” Cockerill says.

“People can be more active and engaged with all the programs provided within a retirement living community.

These range from the mental stimulation from people getting together to chat or play games to the physical benefits from using the swimming pool, walking the gardens or getting out and about with others.

For example, just up the road from Brentwood Village, Henry Kendall Gardens at Wyoming is another example of Keyton’s laser-like focus on enhancing resident wellbeing and placemaking for the over55s.

Sprawling over 100 acres of native subtropical rainforest and beautifully landscaped gardens in Wyoming, it also offers residents a plethora of amenities focussed on wellness and social connectivity - a harmonious blend of relaxation, engagement, and enjoyment.

Just four kilometres from Gosford, it’s close to excellent shopping and entertainment but the resort lifestyle is the real attraction with tennis facilities, heated pool, croquet

lawn and bowling green all contained in the expansive grounds as well as a community centre and bar.

Henry Kendall Gardens picturesque natural surrounds are not only ideal for exploring but like many Keyton villages, they’re pet-friendly for residents’ keen on staying connected with an energetic furry friend.

Also similar to all Keyton villages, the focus on social connectivity is strong with numerous clubs and interest groups catering to a range of tastes and interests.

This is all organised through a dedicated social committee who organise regular resident activities and events such as line dancing evenings, mahjong and craft groups.

Back at Brentwood, the social committee is known as the Brentwood Residents Activity Group, or BRAG for short.

It has been the driving force behind fostering a sense of fellowship and friendship among residents for years.

It also reaches beyond the village community and has raised substantial amounts of money for local charities such as Coast Shelter and the Wesley Mission Aunties and Uncles program.

There’s also a communal veggie garden where residents produce a heap of produce year-round as well as a hobby shed for any resident who wants to pursue a lifelong interest or hone their skills on something new.

It’s a vibrant retirement village striking the ideal balance between relaxing retreat and thriving locale,

with all the conveniences of Terrigal and Avoca on the doorstep.

A place where there’s an emphasis on fun and happiness in an environment that instils a sense of belonging and peace of mind, with each residents’ wellbeing at the heart of it all.

Murfield, who has been living at Brentwood with his wife (Lynn) for over 24 years completely agrees and also emphasises that it’s a very secure place.

He and his wife have also been very much involved in many aspects of the community since moving there in their early 60s.

“I still drive the (transport) buggy around the village and I work on the bar as well as play snooker with a snooker club,” he says.

Colley agrees it a very safe place and just “lovely, a good choice”.

“I would say very sincerely, it’s a great place to live, (filled with) happiness” Murfield says.

For people interested in finding out more about living a vibrant and active lifestyle in an over-55s Keyton community, you can visit either village for a tour and see the lifestyle advantages for yourself or even take advantage of Keyton’s “Walk in Wednesdays” which is available at both.

You can find more information at: keyton.com.au/home/walk-in-Wednesdays

Alternatively, visit keyton.com.au or call 1800 550 550. Choose wellbeing. Retire with confidence.

Residents transported around the village in buggy

The onsite cafe is a great place for social connections

The masterplan for Central Coast Airport at Warnervale does not provide enough accurate or sufficient information for Central Coast Council or the community to make an informed decision about the future of the airport, according to the Community Environment Network (CEN).

CEN Chair Gary Chestnut addressed the public forum prior to the April 23 Council meeting, outlining what the group says is shortcomings in the masterplan.

He said CEN had been writing to Council Administrator Rik Hart, CEO David Farmer and local politicians since 2021 about allegedly unlawful actions by Council on conservation land adjacent to the airport site.

“Council’s Draft Airport Masterplan has six fundamental oversights,” Chestnut said.

“Having one or two oversights may not change the outcome of a public exhibition but six major oversights potentially means the plan may not provide accurate or sufficient information to make an informed decision when preparing submissions.”

Beach season has officially ended on the Central Coast, with flags taken down on Sunday, April 28.

From Monday, April 29, the region’s beaches will be unpatrolled by Council lifeguards or Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers until Saturday September 28, when the 2024-25 beach season begins.

A Central Coast Council

Airport plan has major flaws, says CEN

Chestnut called on Council to defer adopting the current recommendation until it had sought independent legal advice on its actions in respect to the implications of “existing use” and its implementation of Part 5 Activity Assessment.

He said an analysis of historical aerial photographs of activities at the airport since the 1960s showed that the former Wyong Council breached the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (The Act) on 12 occasions.

“The Department of Planning fined the former Council $3,000 and required it to undertake a formal remediation of unauthorised work,” he said.

“The unlawful behaviour of the former Wyong Council has continued with Central Coast Council.

“Based on public information this council appears to have breached the Act on no less than three occasions.”

After the meeting Chestnut said Hart had acknowledged that the CEN submission “has a different point of view that keeps staff on their toes”.

But he said the CEN presentation at the Council meeting was not a submission.

“If I did not know about

Porters Creek Wetland, the current length of the authorised runway as defined under ‘existing use’ and ‘Part 5 Activity Assessment’ or the alleged unlawful actions of Council, I would conclude that this masterplan is in the best interests of the community but that is not the case,” Chestnut said.

“The Council report should have been deferred by Mr Hart, particularly given the fact no-one present at the Council meeting had the opportunity to review the 20-

page letter to Mr Farmer.

“The letter to Mr Farmer presents prima facie evidence, which is evidence that speaks for itself, that Council has not considered the basic principles of ‘existing use’ at the site or Council’s abject failure to undertake a ‘Part 5 Activity Assessment’,” he said.

“No-one at the Council meeting had addressed or made any comment on any of the six major oversights in the exhibited draft masterplan or the fact that, by Council not undertaking a ‘Part 5 Activity

Assessment’, it has allegedly cleared 2.25ha of endangered ecological community in the same area that the former Council was fined $3,000.”

Central Coast Council has rejected claims that it has repeatedly conducted unlawful clearing at the airport or breached planning laws.

“Council undertakes mowing, slashing and trimming of vegetation at the southern edge of the runway,” a spokesperson said.

“This area forms part of the airport site, and Council is

Beach season officially over

spokesperson said while beach season was over, many locals and visitors were still enjoying the water and being aware of water safety was still very important.

“Everyone is being urged to keep safety at the top of their mind when in and around the Coasts waterways,” the spokesperson said.

Top five safety tips to keep in mind: always take some sort of flotation device; never swim

alone; if you’re going rock fishing, wear appropriate safety equipment, let others know where you are going and carry a phone; avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution; and when out on the water, be sure to check your vessel, check the weather, wear appropriate safety equipment, prepare children, let others know where you’re going and know what to

do in an emergency.

Until the next patrol season, Council encourages the community to check out safe swimming options available throughout the winter period at The Grant McBride Baths, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Pool and the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

For more information on beach and water safety search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast. nsw.gov.au

entitled to maintain it without obtaining further approvals.

“There has been no breach of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

“Council’s lawful maintenance of this area is essential for the safe operation of the airport which has existed for nearly 50 years.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the area maintained by Council at the southern edge of the runway is not the same area that Council resolved to remediate following reported clearing around August/ September 2015.

“Council has not undertaken any repeated clearing of this area.

“In fact, Council continues to undertake the required remediation and rehabilitation in accordance with resolution 659/19.

“This resolution was made in 2016 and has not been rescinded.”

The spokesperson said all submissions received during the public exhibition period on the draft Airport Plan will be considered and reviewed, with the final draft Central Coast Airport Masterplan to be presented to newly elected Council later this year.

Clean-up underway on old Empire Bay marina site

Work is progressing on the clean-up of the contaminated former Empire Bay Marina site with the first stage of the project now complete.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has finished Stage 1 work which included removal of the dilapidated boatshed, concrete hardstand and slipway above the high tide mark, and the underground fuel tanks.

Three 5,000-litre fuel tanks were recently excavated last week together with 9,000 litres of waste groundwater, with the area then backfilled with clean sand.

Stage 2 work will now get underway including further site contamination testing and analysis, a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, and the development of a Remediation Action Plan (RAP) to guide how the rest of the site will be cleaned up.

Once the RAP is prepared, Crown Lands will lodge a further development application with Central Coast Council to finalise site remediation, including removal of remaining pylons.

Further community consultation will occur on memorial options for the former boatshed and will be included in the DA before it is lodged with the council.

The former marina closed in late 2020 after Crown Lands revoked the operator’s licence due to ongoing significant breaches of conditions and failure to rectify issues despite repeated requests.

Building and engineering reports found the boatshed had major structural defects and was unsafe.

Site assessments found the former marina was significantly contaminated prompting a clean-up order from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

A community campaign to save and restore the historic boatshed failed.

Crown Lands Executive

Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said the aim of remediation work was to clear the site of contamination so it can be safely reused as waterfront public open space.

“Cleaning up this contaminated reserve land is essential to protect the environment and community health and restore the site so that it can once again be reopened for public use,” he said.

“This waterfront area will support recreational activities and provide the local community with a quality space (in which) to relax, exercise, and appreciate the restored scenic amenity.”

The flags came down at Central Coast beaches on April 28

Stage 1 clean-up works have now been completed

CEN says the airport plan needs revision

Gosford cenotaph completed for 100th anniversary

Restoration work on the Gosford cenotaph was completed just in time for Anzac Day and the monument’s 100th anniversary.

A collaboration between Gosford RSL, the NSW Government’s War Memorials Fund and Freemasons on the Central Coast, the restoration saw the cenotaph return to a pristine state after a century of wear and tear.

The Gosford cenotaph was instigated by Erina Shire Council and funds were raised by the community of Gosford and its several organisations.

It was designed by Gordon S. Keesing, who was a principal

architect for many war memorials, made of sandstone and constructed at a cost of £624 12s in 1924.

It bears several inscriptions and two large honour rolls for the First and Second World Wars, with the top of the memorial featuring several laurel wreaths and the emblems of the three service branches of the Australian Defence Force.

It was restored, upgraded and dedicated as a tribute to all veterans by Gosford RSL Sub Branch in April 1988.

A Lone Pine which was planted at the site, was a graft from the original Lone Pine planted at the Australian

War Memorial.

The stone memorial needed to be stripped, re-pointed and sealed, with the bronze plaques cleaned and sealed.

Freemasons on the Central Coast provided financial assistance for the refurbishment of the two honour rolls.

Early in April, the president and secretary of Gosford RSL Sub-branch joined the president and secretary from Freemasons on the Central Coast to inspect the renovations, with historian Meril Jackson giving a short talk on its history.

The Memorial Park in which the cenotaph is placed has been the site of remembrance services since 1922.

Work on new Soldiers Beach stairs underway

Construction on replacement stairs at the northern end of Soldiers Beach began on April 29 and is expected to be complete by September, subject to weather.

The works are the last of four projects funded with $2.44M received from the Australian and NSW governments as part of the 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program with additional contributions from Central Coast Council to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said Soldiers Beach was a popular spot for locals and repairing the northern stairs and vehicle ramp access was an important project to ensure they could continue to use this community asset.

“We know public spaces, like beaches, are not only enjoyed by everyone in the community but also visitors, and this co-funded program is ensuring that damaged community infrastructure is being repaired so it can be accessed for many years to come,” he said.

Council Acting Director Environment and Planning Luke Sulkowski said Council was pleased to be reaching the final milestone of the four projects.

“Replacement of the northern stairs and the vehicle access ramp have been long awaited by the community,” he said.

“Soldiers Beach is a very popular location and completion of these works are planned to bring full access back to the beach just before the next beach season.

“Each of the four projects

Works are underway at the Soldiers Beach ramp

required detailed preliminary investigation work, designs and approvals to ensure longevity before shovels could hit the ground.

“In this last project, the new vehicle access ramp will be an almost like-for-like replacement of the existing partially demolished concrete ramp, but it will be slightly steeper and will

include deep piled foundations to support resilience to large waves and storm events.

“The new northern stairs will be located east of the previous set of stairs, which have been demolished.

“The new stairs will extend from the carpark adjacent the headland at the northern end of the beach, providing more direct

access from the carpark onto the beach.

“Some locals might remember that the older concrete stairs replaced in about 2008 were in this same location.

“The new stairs will essentially be a combination of concrete and aluminium truss construction, and will include anchors into the rock platform, making them more resilient to extreme weather events.

“They will meet appropriate current design standards and better serve our community.

“Small sections of land at the entry of the ramp and stairs will be closed off during the works period, to provide direct access for construction vehicles, site sheds and materials storage during the construction process.

“The majority of the northern carpark and the remainder of the

grassed reserve area adjacent the surf club will remain open for public access.”

Sulkowski said remaining works to be completed at Jenny Dixon Beach stairs were also progressing well and due for completion in June.

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 or Facebook page for updates

The 2021 Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

For more information on the project search ‘Beach access projects’ at centralcoast. nsw,gov.au

Vital work done by PoliceLink centre at Tuggerah

As NSW and the nation reeled over the tragic events at Bondi Junction on April 13, first responders at the PoliceLink Centre at Tuggerah answered and triaged more than 300 calls relating to the incident between 3pm and 4pm.

Police Minister and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley and Member for The Entrance David Mehan visited the centre on Wednesday, April 24, to thank the triple 0 police call-takers and dispatchers for the important work they carry out every day, and particularly on the day of the Bondi Junction Westfield attack.

Many of the calls fielded on April 13 were from people who witnessed the tragic incident. The first responders played a critical role in receiving this information from the public and

facilitating the emergency service response.

PoliceLink Director Kristy Walters said workers at the centre were the key link between the community and the first responders at the scene.

Team Leader Claire Issac said those on shift the afternoon of April 13 responded “amazingly well” considering the pressure they were under and the content of the calls they were dealing with.

“It was quickly apparent we were dealing with something big,” she said.

“There were a lot of jobs for the one location.

“We had eyewitness reports, we had concerns from people who had loved ones in the area.

“It was a mixture of calls we were receiving.

“The real-time information they gathered whilst they were

talking to the eyewitnesses and those that were on scene that day made a massive difference and enabled a quick police response.

“For us here on scene at PoliceLink the welfare of the staff who were on shift that day is of the utmost importance to us.

“Once the critical incident was contained, the team leaders on shift and our peer support officers moved into a welfare phase.

“We have mental health clinicians on-site and we have our four-legged friends who are a relatively new introduction to our workplace but have made a massive difference to the

morale on shift.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said she wanted to shine a light on the extraordinary work done from the Tuggerah centre.

“These workers interact with the community on the phone when those first calls are made,” she said.

“This is an absolutely critical step in responding to emergencies.

“I want to thank all the hardworking people here for the work they did during the Bondi Junction Westfield attack.

“There were more than 300 calls received within an hour; it was these people who work here in Tuggerah that took these harrowing calls.”

Mehan said he was proud to have the Police Assistance Line Call Centre in his electorate.

The NSW Police Force’s

Policelink Command receives up to 1.6 million contacts every year across emergency and non-emergency lines.

This includes triple 0, the Police Assistance Line and Crime Stoppers.

The first responders at PoliceLink answer and triage triple 0 police calls and dispatch the appropriate response.

The operational arm of Crime Stoppers also operates from PoliceLink.

Mental health support is available for PoliceLink calltakers and dispatchers, including a mental health clinician located at the Tuggerah Centre, as part of the PULSE program.

Hebe the Golden Retriever support dog has also recently been introduced to the centre, roaming the floor to offer support to the workers.

Office bearers of Gosford RSL Sub-branch and Freemasons on the Central Coast at the restored cenotaph

Police Minister Yasmin Catley and Member for The Entrance David Mehan with PoliceLink Team Leader Claire Issac and Director Kristy Walters

Coast Connect

Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2024-2025 ready for community feedback

Council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget for 2024-2025 is on public exhibition until 27 May 2024. Participating in this public exhibition process will allow you to have your say on what Council will be investing in over the next 12 months.

Highlights from the proposed capital works program ($309.9M) include:

• $21.3M in sports facilities and fields

• $4.8M in waste and resources

• $7.8M in shared pathways and footpaths

• $63.1M in roads and drainage

• $21.4M for natural disaster remediation

• $4M in environmental management

• $4M in parks and playspaces

• $122.6M in water and sewer projects

• $4M in community facilities

• $2M in arts and culture

• $22.7M in libraries

• $32.2M in additional infrastructure projects

Key initiatives and projects of the draft Operational Plan include:

• Continued progress of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) solution

• Progressing Gosford Waterfront project

• Major upgrade to Mardi Water Treatment Plant

• Completion of the Gosford Regional Library

• South cell construction at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility

• Preparation for the return of elected representatives to Council

• Continuing to provide quality services to the community View the draft Operational Plan and Budget 2024-25, and the draft Fees and Charges at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 27 May 2024, and have your say.

Rik Hart, Administrator

Connect at your local library

Our libraries always have lots of events on for all ages and interests. This May our calendar is jam packed! There’s author events, Toddlertime, Lego club, mahjong for beginners, cryptic crosswords, family history workshops, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and lots more.

View full calendar of events and read more at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ libraries

Flags down after busy season

The 2023-24 beach patrol season finished on the 28 April. All Central Coast beaches are now unpatrolled until the 2024-25 season commences on the 28 September 2024. Until then we encourage you to check out safe swimming options throughout winter, such as the Grant McBride Baths, Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Pool and the Peninsula Leisure Centre. For more information, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Renewal works completed at two popular foreshore areas

Improvement works at Umina Beach foreshore included the replacement of a paved area with grass, tree plantings, new outdoor showers and a connective pathway. At Canton Beach foreshore, the sandstone wall was repaired and improved to better withstand future weather events, works also including new drainage, sand renourishment and the install of new grass.

To read more on each project, search ‘council news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Mardi Water Treatment Plant

Works have now commenced on the $82.5 million major upgrade of Mardi Water Treatment Plant. This essential upgrade will ensure the security of our water supply, now and into the future. Measures are in place to minimise any risk to interruption of water services, however if an interruption occurs, we will ensure timely notice to the public.

Restoring beach access at Soldiers Beach

The long-awaited replacement works will mean small sections of land at the entry of the vehicle access ramp and northern stairs will be closed off to provide access for construction vehicles and site sheds. The majority of the northern car park and the remainder of the grassed reserve area adjacent to the surf club will remain open.

To learn more about the project search ‘beach access projects’ online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

For more information on this milestone upgrade, search ‘Mardi Water Treatment Plant’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Did

Our community wellbeing survey is live!

We invite you to fill in our Community Wellbeing Survey to tell us your perception of your own wellbeing and life on the Central Coast!

The survey is anonymous, and links into our Community Strategic Plan, which helps Council plan and deliver services and facilities to align to community values and needs.

Have your say online by 10 May, at yourvoiceourcoast.com/wellbeing

New Terrigal-based community group Friends of Kurrawyba has launched a petition calling for the NSW Government to permanently remove shark meshing from NSW beaches from the end of April in this year.

The group held a gathering at Terrigal on Sunday, April 28, to raise public awareness.

“We need to stop pretending that these ‘bather protection nets’ or ‘shark nets’ protect swimmers, when what they really do is injure and kill endangered and protected species,” spokesperson Izabela Sajdok said.

Sajdok, who is a local artist, was on Terrigal Beach on Sunday morning to create a painting showing the damage that shark nets inflict upon rays, turtles, dolphins and protected sharks, including the grey nurse.

“If you love the ocean and its

Petition calls for an end to shark nets

creatures, you will know that these nets, that are supposed to protect swimmers from sharks, give nothing but a false sense of security,” she said.

“To use the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ own words: ‘The nets do not stretch from one end of a beach to the other. They are not designed to create a total barrier between bathers and sharks’.

“In other words, sharks can swim under, over and around these nets.”

Sajdok said the nets were removed from 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong at the end of April each year.

“Friends of Kurrawyba want the community to join our campaign to make this the last time the nets are removed and that they never go back in our waters,” she said.

“Our petition is live on the NSW Legislative Assembly website and we have until July

4 to gather as many signatures as possible so this issue can be debated in the Legislative Council.

“It has the support of Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann and we are hoping that swimmers, divers, fishers and all who love our beaches and ocean will

support our cause.

“It is not well known that the shark meshing program is listed as a key threatening process in the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

“For example, for the 2022-

Joyce celebrates 100th birthday with

Adelene Village is thrilled to celebrate a milestone birthday for one of its most cherished residents, Joyce Corbett.

On April 30, Joyce turned 100, marking a century filled with remarkable experiences, unwavering dedication to family and a lifelong passion for giving back to the community.

Born and raised in Enfield, Joyce is the second of four sisters.

Her journey began with a strong foundation in family life, filled with cherished memories.

At the young age of 14, Joyce entered the workforce at Angus & Robertson, starting in the mail order department.

Her dedication and talent were recognised, leading her to become a bookkeeper before ultimately leaving the company to start a family.

She married her beloved

husband, Bern, shortly before her 22nd birthday and together they built a loving family, welcoming three children –John, Kerry and Brett.

After their children were grown, Joyce and Bern embarked on a new chapter, moving to Narara on Joyce’s 60th birthday.

This move opened doors for even greater community involvement with Joyce joining the Narara Red Cross, quickly rising through the ranks, becoming the esteemed treasurer for an impressive 17 years.

Her service continued when she discovered a newfound passion for lawn bowls and she is still an active member of Gosford City Women’s Bowling Club.

Club members held a surprise birthday party for Joyce last Tuesday where 45 members gathered to celebrate her 100th

birthday with her by having a game of bowls and a lunch after.

In 2001, Joyce and Bern decided to transition to retirement living.

After exploring various villages, they found their perfect match in Adelene Village at Wyoming.

This decision proved to be a

wise one, fostering a vibrant new chapter in their lives.

Joyce has always embraced the opportunity to learn new skills and in her 50s, she surprised everyone by taking up cake decorating.

“You’re never too old to learn,” she said.

The fence is up – now for some shade

Central Coast Council agreed to build a fence after a petition containing 200 signatures called for safety features at the new park at Kariong. Coast Community News reported on the petition in issue 434, April 18.

However, Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the campaign would continue until adequate shade was provided at the playground.

“I welcome the announcement by Central Coast Council that it would construct a safety fence at the new Kariong playspace,” he said.

“This is a commonsense decision, which should have occurred when they were initially building the playground.

“The community will continue its campaign for adequate shade, as we know how important it is to be sun safe.

“I encourage the community

to continue to share our petition.”

A letter received by Reid from Council dated April 10 confirmed construction of the fence but gave little joy concerning the provision of shade.

“The area does have existing established trees and a shade shelter nearby,” the letter said.

“In line with Cancer Council recommendations, it is recommended to visit play

spaces in the mornings and afternoons and not during the peak times of heat in the middle of the day.

“Council also supports their recommendations to always wear sun-safe clothing such as long sleeves and hats.”

To sign the community petition, visit: www.drgordon reidmp.com.au/our-coastcommunity/safety-fence-andshade-for-kariongplayground-petition

turtles, loggerhead turtles, green turtles, seals and a great hammerhead shark.

“Protected species including Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins were also victims or ‘bycatch’ of the program for 2022-23.

“This type of bycatch is a common, long-running impact of the meshing program.

“Shark mesh does much more killing than protecting.

“There are many other ways the NSW Government could spend money to protect swimmers without such unsustainable levels of bycatch.”

23 season (the most recent available), only 24 ‘target’ sharks were caught by the nets but another 204 ‘non-target interactions’ occurred, with 51 individuals of this total representing species that are threatened – white sharks, grey nurse sharks, leatherback

Sign the petition at www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/lc/ pages/epetitions-list.aspx

For more information, go to www.friendsofkurrawyba.com

Friends of Kurrawyba is supported by the Community Environment Network (CEN) and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

a game of bowls

“I loved making special birthday cakes for my family.”

Her love of learning continued well into her 80s when she began knitting dolls to donate to charity.

These heartfelt creations brought joy not only to recipients but also to the Adelene Village staff, many of whom proudly giftedthemtotheirgrandchildren.

Joyce’s artistic expression extends beyond knitting and she finds solace and inspiration in singing and poetry.

Joining the Sing Australia group 13 years ago became a cherished weekly activity, while her love for the written word continues to blossom with the creation of beautiful poems capturing life’s precious moments.

Joyce’s commitment to volunteering extended to her new home at Adelene Village.

She served on the activities committee, residents’

committee and even the board of directors.

“I found it such a pleasure to organise events and outings for the village, seeing the joy it brought to my fellow residents,” she said.

One of the factors that initially attracted Joyce and Bern to Adelene Village was the proximity to residential care.

This thoughtful consideration proved invaluable when Bern required additional care in his later years.

He moved to Rumbalara House, the adjacent facility, allowing them to spend precious time together despite his health challenges.

“We shared over 66 years of marriage before Bern passed away,” Joyce said.

“Not a day goes by where I don’t miss him. I’m so thankful he could move into the facility next door so I could be with him as much as possible.”

Stingrays are often caught and killed in the nets

Photo: Sea Sheppard Australia

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid inspects the new fence

Joyce Corbett celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and with a game of bowls

Record crowds at Coast Anzac Day services

Record crowds flocked to Anzac Day services across the Central Coast on Thursday, April 25.

Central Coast District Council of RSLs President Greg Mawson said sub-branches over the entire region had been reporting huge increases in attendee numbers over previous years.

Mawson, who is also President of the Gosford Subbranch, said the 100th anniversary of the Gosford

From page 1

cenotaph had swelled attendance numbers.

“It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had at both the dawn and main services,” he said.

“We had contacted descendants of those listed on the cenotaph and Guides, Scouts and Air Force cadets led the main march carrying pictures of them.

“There must have been 100 children marching and I wanted

them to lead the parade so people could appreciate the young people taking part.

“We are seeing more and more young people attend services on Anzac Day, which is wonderful.

“There was a time when Anzac Day seemed to be not discussed in schools but now there seems to be a resurgence in interest.

“If they learn about it at school they are going to

keep it going.

“When I called for schools to lay wreaths they just kept coming.”

The Entrance/Long Jetty Sub-branch President Les Mackie said there was a record crowd of about 12,000 at the dawn service, with up to 8,000 attending the march and main service.

“I’ve been involved in Anzac Day here since 2004 and I’ve never seen a bigger dawn service crowd,” he said. Services at Terrigal, Woy Woy and Toukley also reported large numbers.

Call for end to violence against women

“We need to set a better example for the next generation – that violence and abuse is never their fault.”

Tesch anticipates many women who have been marching on this issue for several decades will again be showing their support on Sunday.

Victim survivor, women’s advocate and social worker, Sue McCarthy, who will be speaking at Eat Street cafe, says she is inspired by the actions taking place around the country.

“When I worked at Elsie Women’s Refuge in Glebe in the seventies, we took to the streets to raise awareness of

women’s safety,” she said.

“It seems nothing has changed and women are still being killed.

“We must take to the streets yet again.

“It is very sad that men haven’t taken responsibility for other men.

“Men can intervene with

other men – it’s not only up to women to fight this; I ask men to join us in this fight for women’s right to safety.”

Sunday’s speaker lineup also includes Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee vice chair Sharon Walsh; Renee Simpson, author of I Want to Go Home – Reclaiming Power After Sexual Assault and

facilitator of peer-led support group, The Survivor Hub MeetUp in Gosford; and Central Coast Youth Citizen of the Year Anannya Bandaru.

Walsh said the march was timely, with Domestic Violence Prevention Month beginning on May 1.

“It is a really crucial time to be taking action,” she said.

“Anzac Day gives the community an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have served our country,” he said.

“I attended an Anzac Day Service on the Harbour Bridge for the first time and it was a special location to pause and remember all who have served our nation, allowing us the freedoms we (have) today.”

Member for Wyong David Harris, who attended Sydney services this year as Minister for Veterans, said Anzac Day was a time to come together and pay tribute to the Anzacs who served in World War One, and all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have since followed in their footsteps.

will be one of the speakers

Clockwise from top left: The service at The Ary, Toukley; The dawn service at Copacabana; The main march at Woy Woy; An RAAF jet dips its wings over the Terrigal service; The service at Fountaindale; Children bearing pictures of servicemen lead the Gosford march

Renee Simpson

Be sure to have your say

Central Coast Council has released its draft Operational Plan and Budget 2024-25 for public exhibition.

This will allow our community to have their say on where the funding provided by our rates and any additional revenue will be allocated.

We already know, as reported by Coast Community News, that $723.5M will be obtained by Council in operational revenue and that $712.8M of that income will be spent on operational functions (such as sporting fields, waste management and roads).

While it is encouraging to see that Council is seeking to provide a $10.7M budget surplus over the coming financial year, it poses the question as to whether they can do more to pay down the significant debt that we as a community are faced with.

As our rates will make up a large proportion of Council’s operational revenue, it is imperative that we as a community take this opportunity to have our say on expenditure.

This is particularly to ensure that we are getting the best value for money for every single

FORUM

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

dollar that is spent.

For a Council still recovering from a significant budget deficit, every project we fund must be delivering value for our community and I look forward to reviewing the proposal in full, to help ensure that this is occurring.

Email, Apr 28 Jared Wright, Avoca Beach

Crack down on youth crime

Recently, some 200m from home on a quiet street at 2pm, my neighbours were put in hospital by a stolen car which came around the corner on the wrong side of the road so fast that it had a head-on collision with my neighbours’ car, which was a total write-off.

We have all heard about the feral youth crisis across the country but it really hits home when it is closer to you.

Baby boomers had a bright future thanks to pax americana.

Today’s young people have a

gloomier outlook unless they have rich parents.

This is most unfortunate, even a social tragedy, but no excuse for causing damage to persons and property and brazen theft with violence.

The victims of youth crime seem to be less valued than the perpetrators.

So often we see that youth repeat offenders are let out on bail again and again.

Of course, we should try to rehabilitate those who cause damage to life and property but it seems that the court system is failing us.

The punishment should fit the crime; this is not happening.

If the jails are too full for these menaces to society we should set up chain gangs to work on roads and other projects – yes, a form of hard labour for all repeat offenders.

Also some of their wages should be given to their victims as some payment for the harm they have done to them.

If this does not work perhaps

the cat-o’-nine-tails should do the trick.

If one of your loved ones was maimed or killed or otherwise harmed by feral youth, you would probably think the cato’-nine-tails was too lenient. Pain and loss to victims is not given due consideration.

The privileged untouchable judiciary does not answer to the public and so its tenure should be limited to a fixed term.

People from a privileged background, who are only trained in law, are not necessarily the best fit to judge what to do with youth crime and to recompense the victims.

Email, Apr 9

Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy

Signs are up, but no roadworkers in sight

I think it is high time that Central Coast Council removed the roadworks signs on Peats Ridge Rd.

These signs have been there for at least three weeks, with no sign of workers, machinery or anything else that would suggest roadworks.

If Police are around when motorists are driving through

Orange skies from Doyalson bushfire haze

More than a dozen rural fire service crews worked on containing a 80ha bushfire at Doyalson last Friday, April 26, with a haze turning the skies burnt orange for kilometres around and seen from as far away as Bateau Bay.

Wyee Rd was closed in both directions while firefighting operations were undertaken to take control of a large area of the bush burning between Thompson Vale Rd and Wyee Rd.

Large columns of smoke were coming from the bush while firefighters searched along Wyee Rd for access points to contain the blaze. They worked throughout the

afternoon to knock down the fire and it was under control by about 7pm but firefighters stayed on site overnight on

Friday to monitor for any possible flare-ups.

Wyee Rd was opened again for traffic at about 8pm.

All up there were 28 fire trucks from more than 12 brigades and about 70 rural fire service members on the fireground working to control the fire which grew to approximately 80ha.

Brigades came from Wyee, Mannering Park, Lake Munmorah, Charmhaven, the Peninsula, Gwandalan Summerland Point, Dora Creek, Ourimbah, Berkeley Vale, Wallarah, Warnervale and Wadalba to contain the Doyalson bushfire.

Warning not to block M1 safety ramps

Highway Patrol Police have issued an important safety ramp message after an incident on the M1 at Mooney Mooney.

Police responded to an incident on the M1 near Mooney Mooney at about 7am on Friday, April 19, involving a truck experiencing mechanical issues.

The vehicle required the use of the safety ramp to safely come to a stop.

Police attached to Central Coast Highway Patrol say they have moved multiple vehicles

these supposed roadwork areas and the motorists are not driving at the advised speed then they will get booked for speeding through roadworks.

It would be a good idea if Central Coast Council would send workers out to fix the potholes on George Downs Dr as far as the Letter A and beyond, instead of stopping at Kulnura.

Surely there are enough workers and machinery at Mangrove Council Depot to attend to this problem, instead of local residents having to mark out the hazards with paint on the road.

Email, Apr 23

Christine Woods, Murrays Run

Martin should step aside

Our local Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin has been expelled from the Liberal Party – the Party under whose banner he stood and which he was elected to represent.

Given he is no longer a member of this Party it is appropriate he stand aside so another Liberal can be appointed.

While legally he can serve on as an independent, the people of this region didn’t elect an

independent, they elected a Liberal.

It’s also worth noting that since Martin was initially appointed to fill a casual vacancy courtesy of the former member, Michael Gallagher, who made an early exit from politics, he should give someone else the same opportunity.

This would be the decent thing to do but this in itself raises another issue.

Politics is certainly a different world that embraces different standards.

Email, Apr 21

Railway crossings an anachronism

Regarding the incident at the Rawson Rd railway level crossing on Friday, April 19, I understand this is not the first time an incident has occurred at this location.

Railway level crossings are a dangerous anachronism from an era long gone.

What are Council’s plans to address this and prevent another incident or even a fatality?

Email, Apr 22

David Pieper, Woy Woy

ON THE BEAT BRIEFS

Alleged stabbing

A teenager has been charged over an alleged stabbing at Bateau Bay on Monday, April 22.

At about 2.30pm emergency services were called to a bus stop on Bay Village Rd, Bateau Bay, following reports of an assault.

Police were told that a 20-year-old man was waiting at a bus stop outside a shopping centre when he was approached by three males.

The group engaged in a verbal altercation before the man was allegedly assaulted

and stabbed in the back.

The three males fled the scene prior to the arrival of emergency services.

The 20-year-old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a stable condition. Following extensive inquiries, a 15-year-old boy was arrested at Toukley Police Station at 4.30pm the same day, April 22. He was charged with affray, and wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court.

Multiple charges

from this location this year for stopping at or on the safety ramp, despite a designated rest area just 500m ahead.

“It’s a timely reminder to all road users that safety ramps are not intended for vehicles to stop in,” a spokesperson said.

“Doing so not only poses a serious safety hazard but also carries a penalty of $302.

“This incident highlights the potentially tragic consequences of disregarding this rule.”

A man has been charged with 20 offences following an alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and the ramming of a police car during a protracted police operation involving multiple specialist units across the Central Coast.

Tuggerah Lakes police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a business in Wyong at about 10pm on Friday, April 26. They were told a man left with cash, last seen driving away in a stolen vehicle on the M1

Motorway near Ourimbah. Police allege the man was involved in a series of break and enter and stealing offences, including stealing a vehicle with a woman still inside.

A police vehicle was also allegedly rammed at Ourimbah during the subsequent pursuit.

A 54-year-old man from Tuggerawong was arrested on Saturday, April 27, and taken to Wyong Hospital with minor injuries.

On release he was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with 20 offences.

John George, Terrigal

The truck forced to use the safety ramp

Angry orange skies from Doyalson bushfire

Queen Porter stomps into Laycock St

Queen Porter Stomp are set to bring their dirty swamp magic to Laycock St Community Theatre on May 4.

Raised in the swamps of Sydney’s Inner West and bred in the traditions of New Orleans finest music, Queen Porter Stomp feature a wicked mix of

ukulele, lush vocals, banjo, horns and drums.

The talented six-piece band will bring its mix of New Orleans and Gypsy Jazz sounds in

its own original tunes.

This is jazz where swing is the key.

The band has taken its caravan up and down and

through the smoke and mud of the festival circuit (including the Falls Festival), supporting such artists as Charles Bradley. Laycock St Community

Central Coast,

Theatre will present Queen Porter Stomp as part of the Don Craig Studio Series on Saturday, May 4, at 7.30pm. Book on the theatre website.

Come join us at a free Australian Red Cross EmergencyRedi™ workshop. As part of Help Nation, this workshop will help you learn about your local risks and how you can get prepared.

Tuesday 14th May 10:00-11:30am, Wyoming Neighbourhood Centre, 147 Maidens Brush Road, Wyoming NSW Scan to book your spot or visit nrma.com.au/helpnation

Queen Porter Stomp

ELO tribute show not to be missed

Get ready for London Calling, a new show on the road for fans of Queen, Led Zeppelin or Rod Stewart, coming to Ettalong Diggers on May 10.

This tribute show of British rock superstars and legends features some of the best performers in the business delivering all the favourite hits.

Rod Stewart hits will be performed by Rob Caudill who has spent 15 years in Las

The big sound of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers band ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) is coming to The Art House on May 11.

The show is a great tribute to ELO, the English rock band formed in 1970 with a desire to create modern rock and poop songs with classical overtones.

The band sold over 50 million records worldwide, collected a string of awards and from 1972 to 1986, accumulated 27 Top 40 songs on the UK Singles Chart and 15 Top 20 songs on the US

Billboard Hot 100.

In 2017 four key members of ELO were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Dion is the lead singer of this great tribute show and will have you believing it’s Jeff Lynne up on stage.

Replicating the big sound of ELO are six performers with a wealth of experience in successful shows, including an ACE Award nomination in 2017.

The ELO Tribute will be supported by Sound of the 70s, bringing a quality string

of other hits from the ELO era.

“‘I’ve always loved the great songs and harmonies of ELO and the reactions we get at live gigs is amazing and makes it all worthwhile,” Dion said.

The six-piece band features four vocalists, two guitars, two keyboards, one violin, one bass guitarist and of course the drums.

Hear the hits of ELO including Living Thing, Telephone Line, Shine A Little Love, Don’t Bring Me Down, Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin’ Woman and more.

Best of British coming to Ettalong Diggers

Vegas performing his high energy, critically acclaimed, international tribute act.

All his life people told him he looked and sounded like Stewart so when it was suggested to him by Joe Walsh of The Eagles that he give it a shot, he did and has never looked back.

Audiences believe its Stewart on the stage with women screaming themselves hoarse in appreciation.

Fernando Castro is the first

Freddie Mercury tribute artist to headline on the Las Vegas strip.

Widely acclaimed as the only tribute act with the gift of Mercury’s voice, Castro embraces this blessing as a responsibility to preserve the legacy of the Queen’s front man and singer to keep his spirit and music alive.

Michael Anderson has been performing the role of Robert Plant in Led Zeppelin legacy bands for 20 years.

His uncanny similarity both in looks and vocals has taken him around the world numerous times.

London Calling will showcase the best of British rock from the ‘70s and ‘80s in a spectacular stage show featuring many of the most beloved and favourite songs of all time.

Appealing to young and older audiences alike there’ll be something there to delight everyone.

Supported by Sounds Of The 70s hit songs such as Listen To The Music, Proud Mary, December 1963, Eagle Rock, September, Long Train Running and much more. For a full night of entertainment don’t miss the amazing musicianship, the incredible harmonies and of course the unforgettable music.

ELO Tribute supported by Sounds Of The 70s will be at The Art House on May 11. Book on the theatre website www.thearthousewyong.com. au/

Hear the big sound of ELO at The Art House

Rob Caudill performing as Rod Steward in London Calling

Shirley McLaran will be guest presenter at the Australian Plant Society’s next meeting on Saturday, May 11.

McLaran’s experience as a botanist, passionate teacher of bush regeneration and a forager for pea flowers, has led her to revive the Pea Flower Study Group where she is able to share knowledge with others, using iNaturalist, to learn more about her favourite plant group.

iNaturalist Australia, an online social network, is where animal and plant observations and information can be recorded, identified, shared and collected.

The data is collated for science and the conservation of the natural environment.

McLaran will reveal the tips and tricks on how to become a citizen scientist.

The meeting is at 1.30pm for a 2pm start at Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Rd, Kariong. Inquiries: 4362 3065 or visit austplants.com/CentralCoast-Events

Palm tree fronds feature in Tuggerah exhibition

North Avoca artist Liz Parkinson is having an exhibition of her unusual work featuring the stem of the palm tree fronds at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre and Gallery from May 1 to June 2.

The palm fronds come from the Cabbage Tree Palm which grows in her backyard, and which she then turns into fish, masks, or squid.

She paints them in bright colours with acrylic paint and then varnishes them.

Each one has its own distinctive personality and in the final stage Parkinson adds beads, hair, fins or crowns to make them even more distinct.

The fish are happy little creatures, while many of her masks are smiling and laughing.

Her work is very individual and unlike anything else that is usually seen on the coast.

Parkinson said she cared strongly about the environment and used material that usually

ended up in the green bin as the basis of her work.

She said the versatility of the material from the palm tree was evident by the range of items made from these trees.

“It only needs imagination,” she said.

The exhibition will be held at the Red Tree Theatre and Gallery at Tuggerah daily from Wednesday, May 1.

Parkinson said she was expecting to be in attendance every day from 10am to 4pm until the last day, June 2.

Jazz on the rooftop

The Jivebombers will return to Central Coast Leagues Club for a special concert in the Terrace Rooftop Bar from 2-5 pm on Sunday, May 5.

Formed in 1985, the band has been entertaining

audiences at music festivals, clubs and functions all around Australia for 40 years.

The return of Don Hopkins on piano brings the band back to almost its original line-up.

The music ranges from swing to blues, boogie woogie and Latin. Hopkins came second at the international blues challenge in Memphis in 2012. Entry is $10 and includes a strip of raffle tickets.

The Jivebombers

Sydney Hotshots perform live at Gosford

The Sydney Hotshots

Get ready to witness the sizzling and electrifying performance by the Sydney Hotshots as they bring the hottest Magic Mike-style show to the Railway Hotel at Gosford on May 16 for one night only.

Sydney’s hottest men in their brand new show have taken Australia by storm with their exhilarating performances and undeniable charisma.

The talented cast of Sydney’s Hotshots is made up of Australia’s most sought-after male dancers, who are guaranteed to leave the audience breathless with their jaw-dropping moves and chiselled physiques.

From sultry hip thrusts to gravity-defying acrobatics, the performers know exactly how to captivate an audience and create an unforgettable experience.

With a reputation for delivering high energy shows packed with sizzling routines, Sydney Hotshots have become a household name across the nation.

Their explosive mix of dance, comedy and audience interaction guarantees a night filled with laughter, excitement and plenty of eye candy.

The countdown is on to this year’s Central Coast Kids Day Out, to be held from 10am-3pm on Sunday, May 5, at Narara Valley High School.

This year the theme for the event is: Shining Brightly –Healthy Minds + Strong Bodies + Resilient Kids = Happy Families.

Now in its 26th year, Central Coast Kids Day Out (KDO) provides all the fun that families can have in one day as well as valuable information for parents and caregivers for raising happy and healthy kids and families.

The entry fee includes all carnival rides, pony rides, circus demonstrations and workshops, Little Kickers and AFL on the oval, martial arts, the ever popular Kindifarm, Roving Fairytale characters, fire trucks, the Fun Engine, Thomas the Tank Engine rides, face painting, the beautiful Enchanted Fairyland Wonderland

Countdown to Kids Day Out

experience and more.

There will be great local entertainment from GMS, BW Dance, JB Dance, Palm Studios, ATA Pacific Island Siva, Planet Jassi, PerformAbility and Narara Valley and Kariong Mountain High Schools.

The two stages will also host two fabulous headline acts.

PAW Patrol will be on the Oval Stage and Bluey and her little

sister Bingo will present their live interactive experience on the Front of School Stage.

In the Baby Sensory Room, parents/carers and little ones can spend some quiet time crunching and crinkling a variety of bits and pieces.

Central Coast Kids Day Out is an information mecca for parents and caregivers.

A myriad of services and agencies will provide valuable

information on keeping kids healthy, thriving and fulfilled and the wellbeing of all families.

These will include benevolent and care societies with a strong focus on the more vulnerable and challenged families and kids in the community.

A very special feature of this year’s event will be the Wellness Space

The NVHS Hall will be alive with demonstrations and activities including laughing yoga, massage, kinesiology, naturopathy, nutritional information, mind, body and soul health tips, Latin dance, worm farming demonstrations, flower craft, beading, drawing, and planting.

Speakers will share their knowledge and will include Dr Sara with secrets to natural good health habits.

The Fun Engine will showcase fire safety and the SES and Fire and Rescue will be there to share their safety messages.

Central Coast Library Services will also be there to remind everyone of the magical world of reading.

Traffic marshalls will be in place to control traffic, but public transport is encouraged. Follow Kids Day Out on its Facebook page or visit www. cckdo.org for more information and tickets or at the entry gate on the day.

Show an exciting first for The Art House

It will be an exciting first for The Art House on May 17 and 18 with the showing of Flat Pack, a new and engaging one-woman show that will both delight and tug at the heartstrings.

It is the first produced work fully supported by The Art House Creatives program, from concept, through development and onto the stage to tell the emotional story of a daughter having to pack up her father’s life as his dementia worsens.

Flat Pack is a story that asks

uminabeachbooknook.com.au 9/327

To Kill a Mockingbird

There is so much more to the author and the book than meets the eye with this classic novel.

Harper began writing To Kill A Mockingbird in the mid1950s and it was published in 1960, just before the peak of the American civil rights movement.

Author: Harper Lee

Initial critical responses to the novel were mixed with many critics praising Lee for her sensitive treatment of a child’s awakening to racism and prejudice.

Enormously popular, it was translated into some 40 languages, sold more than 40 million copies across the

at what point do we become our parents’ parents, written, developed and performed by local artist Danielle Brame Whiting in collaboration with award-winning playwright and director Vanessa Bates, and multi-talented actress and movement director Angie Diaz.

The nostalgia, the guilt, the happy memories, and a piece of found furniture are what await audiences in this theatre drama.

Creator Danielle Brame Whiting said it was so exciting to have her work produced by The Art House, Wyong, and to

world, and is one of the mostassigned novels in American schools.

In 1961 it won a Pulitzer Prize, much to the disgust of Lee’s long-time so-called friend Truman Capote.

As a child, Lee was a tomboy and a precocious reader and there is no doubt that the novel was semi-autobiographical as there are just too many similarities in Lee’s and Scout’s nature.

After attending public school in Monroeville Lee attended Huntingdon College for a year (a private school for women in Montgomery), then transferred to the University of Alabama.

Upon graduation, she studied at Oxford University only to return to the University of Alabama to study law and withdraw six months before graduation.

be able to share the premiere of Flat Pack in the venue where her idea first found its support.

Author Truman Capote was Lee’s next-door neighbour from 1928 to 1933.

In 1959 Lee and Capote travelled to Garden City, Kansas, to research the Clutter family murders for his work, In Cold Blood (1965).

Capote dedicated In Cold Blood to Lee and his partner Jack Dunphy.

Lee was the inspiration for the character Idabel in Capote’s Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948).

He in turn clearly influenced her character Dill in o Kill a Mockingbird.

She drew on those closest to her for inspiration for her characters with many believing that Atticus Finch was indeed a representation of her father, Amasa Coleman Lee, a compassionate and dedicated lawyer and newspaper editor.

“The staff of The Art House are genuine flag bearers for the support and development

To Kill a Mockingbird is both a young girl’s coming-of-age story and a darker drama about the roots and consequences of racism and prejudice, probing how good and evil can co-exist within a single community or individual.

Scout’s moral education is twofold: to resist abusing others with unfounded negativity but also to persevere when these values are inevitably, and sometimes violently, subverted.

Criticism of the novel’s tendency to sermonise has been matched by praise of

of local artists, and I feel proud that my work is able to represent them,” she said. Flat Pack is the pioneer production paving the future for The Art House as it seeks to cement its name among other great theatre producers such as Belvoir Street Theatre, and Hayes Theatre Co. Witness this beautiful first production, created by extremely talented artists from the Central Coast as it makes its world premiere in The Art House studio on May 17 and 18 at 7.30pm.

its insight and stylistic effectiveness.

It wasn’t just infirmity that kept Lee from basking in those 2010 celebrations of her book in her home state; it was disillusion.

Allergic to both attention and commerce, she’d always found the Mockingbird industrial complex tacky and intrusive, but had managed to carve out a separate existence in its shadow.

She had once explained to Oprah Winfrey, over lunch in a private suite at the Four Seasons, why she would never appear on her show: everyone compares her to Scout, the sweetly pugnacious tomboy who narrates Mockingbird.

But as she told Oprah, “I’m really Boo” — Boo Radley, the young recluse in the creepy house who winds up saving the day.

Danielle Brame Whiting

There will lots of rides and fun activities

23. Thin

25. Thrill-seeking

26. Suspect’s excuses

29. Car horns

32. Typist’s ailment (1,1,1)

35. Ringlets

37. Bare

38. Pestered

40. Drive forward

41. Burst

42. Guardian spirit

43. Swimming pool divisions

44. Emaciated

47. Placed in middle

51. Judged

52. Hire

53. Crockery item

54. Admonish

58. Rile

59. Record label (1,1,1)

61. Incendiary crime

63. From the largest continent

64. Lords’ wives

65. Lovers’ fling

66. Actress, ... Sarandon

68. Fat

71. Atmospheric layer

72. Cutlet

74. Painting, Mona ...

76. Otic organs

78. Man-eating giant

80. Mesh

83. Cheek coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK

Don’t miss Hanlon’s one woman show

Award-winning, powerhouse of talent

Denise Hanlon brings her one woman show to the Central Coast’s Fun Haus Factory on May 3 where she will seamlessly blend stand-up comedy, live music and emceeing into one unforgettable performance.

Hanlon has shared the spotlight with talents such as Bob Downe, Libbi Gorr, and Jean Kitson. However, it is in her onewoman shows that she truly shines to reveal the full extent of her musical and comedic prowess through Denise Hanlon – The Domestic Songstress, reclaiming her place under the spotlight.

Offering a delightful blend of vibrant costumes, witty oneliners, and spontaneous audience interactions, her versatility shines through on stage, where she effortlessly captivates audiences with her unique brand of entertainment.

Hanlon is no stranger to the limelight.

Her upcoming Central Coast debut at Gosford’s, FunHaus Factory promises to be a highlight of the season.

With a career spanning prestigious stages and events, Hanlon’s presence is felt across the entertainment landscape.

She will take the audience on a musical journey through the decades, from the swinging 60s to soul-stirring gospel numbers.

Make a night of it with dinner and a show serving Columbian Street food at the Empanada Bar and enjoy some yummy cocktails, tap beers and wines. Tickets: funhausfactory.org. au/whats-on

Powerful stage play comes to The Art House

Shake & Stir Theatre

Company’s powerful adaptation of Fourteen, the inspirational true story by best-selling author and award-winning journalist Shannon Molloy, will play at The Art House, Wyong, on Thursday, May 16.

“Back in 2020, I wrote a memoir, Fourteen, about my hellish experience of growing up gay in regional Queensland in the 1990s – a book that was equal parts confronting and uplifting,” Molloy said.

“It was a critically acclaimed best-seller and later adapted for the stage for the Brisbane Festival in 2021.

“The production was a sellout smash hit and is now embarking on a national tour.

“We kick off in Sydney but then take in 20 other stops across the country over five months, with a big focus on non-metropolitan areas.

“That was really important to me, given my story was born in the regions.

“The show is heartbreaking, hilarious, hopeful and very, very camp.

“As well as dealing with issues like bullying and violence, it also features some very spirited choreography, plenty of nostalgia and a banging late

90s pop soundtrack.

“The enormous two-level set is spectacular, the cast is incredibly talented, and the entire experience is both

deeply moving and incredibly entertaining.”

The play outlines Molloy’s experiences at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school; the

bullying, torment, and betrayal as well as the moments of resilience, love and hilarity that punctuated his 14th year.

Shake & Stir Artistic Director Ross Balbuziente said Fourteen struck a delicate balance between trauma and tribulation and the humour and heart that ultimately triumphed.

“We owed it to Shannon – and anybody else whose experiences mirror his – not to shy away from the more triggering moments and challenging themes, but we also wanted to show the absolute power friendship and family can have on a 14-yearold,” Balbuziente said.

The Orchards is now in our care

“The production stays true to the era of Fourteen featuring plenty of 90s pop culture references and a mixtape of bangers from Shania Twain to J.Lo.”

Molloy said the response to the show was “phenomenal and very moving”.

“Thousands of people resonated with my story and fell in love with the world Shake & Stir created,” he said.

“I can’t wait for new audiences to come see it.”

Fourteen will be at The Art House Wyong at 7pm on Thursday, May 16.

Book at thearthousewyong. com.au

We’re delighted to welcome residents, their families and team members to Arcare Lisarow The Orchards. You’ll enjoy strong community links forged by The Orchards, while benefiting from Arcare’s extensive aged care experience. Arcare Lisarow The Orchards. 15 The Ridgeway.

To book a private tour, please telephone 1300 294

A scene from Fourteen

Denise Hanlon

Business & Property

A plan to allow up to 2,200 homes in a new subdivision between the M1 and Westfield Tuggerah is now open for public comment.

This new community would be created on grazing land at the former abattoir site at Tuggerah with a range of housing types including seniors living.

Development of the land by owners Scentre Group (formerly Westfield) is part of a broader plan for Tuggerah Town Centre to evolve as the gateway to the northern Central Coast and to grow the district as a key location for economic development and residential growth.

In 2019, the NSW Government announced it was backing the proposal from Scentre Group

for an investment (valued then at $2.8B) to transform its 70ha landholdings including Westfield and surrounding areas, into a major hub of employment, transport, leisure, health and education.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said plans for the site had been under development since 2010.

“This proposal was announced before Council went into administration in February 2019 … and it will be decided by the independent Planning Panel, not Council, because of its size,” he said.

The planning proposal, which was raised at a Central Coast Council meeting in June 2022, would rezone land to allow a range of more than 2,000 low to high density homes including

townhouses, units and seniors’ living.

Council has since received two extensions from the State Department of Planning to a deadline to amend the Coast’s Local Environment Plan to rezone the land at 60 Wyong Rd, Tuggerah.

The amendment was supposed to be finalised by the end of last year; then it was going to be done by early March; now the latest date is to have the rezoning done by July 26.

But first, it has to go out on public exhibition.

The period of public exhibition started on April 17 and ends on May 31.

The 41.6ha site is bound by the M1 to the west, Tonkiss Rd and Westfield to the east,

From cow paddock to new housing subdivision

Wyong Rd to the north and bushland to the south.

A range of technical documents are on public exhibition, covering topics such as flooding, biodiversity, noise, community needs and market demand.

The homes would be supported by a range of commercial, retail, community, recreation and entertainment uses including a new district recreation park, new youth centre and shared pathways and cycleways throughout the development and connecting to Tuggerah train station and bus interchange.

The Local Planning Panel looked at the proposal in 2022 and supported Council going to the State Department for a gateway determination which is the process Council is now

finalising to change the zoning.

However, the Panel said Council should ensure that any subsequent development application for use of the land thoroughly addressed the issues of flooding, evacuation and suitability of the future proposed use.

It said the proposed rezoning to R1 General Residential was consistent with surrounding residential development and would provide additional housing in close proximity to existing infrastructure and services, bringing increased vitality and viability to the Tuggerah Town Centre.

“Retention of the B4 zoned land will provide for short term bulky goods retail development, transitioning to mixed use development along Wyong Rd in the longer term,”

the Panel said.

“This will ensure ongoing job opportunities with the potential for a range of employment generating land uses including retail, office, short stay accommodation, childcare, education and medical facilities.

“Retention of the C2 Environmental Conservation zoned land will facilitate the protection, conservation and enhancement of environmentally sensitive areas (such as the rocky outcrop area) with ongoing management of the land to be funded by the proponent.”

For more information and to have your say about the planning proposal go to: www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/TGPP

The area to be developed for housing at Tuggerah

Sue Murray and Merilyn Vale

Have a say on how Council spends your money

Residents can have their say on how ratepayer dollars will be spent by Central Coast Council over the next year with the draft Operational Plan and Budget 2024-25 on public exhibition from April 29May 27.

The draft plan includes information about rates, fees and charges and estimated income and expenditure.

Council CEO David Farmer is encouraging the community to provide input into what Council will be investing in over the next 12 months.

“This Operational Plan and Budget is the final year in Council’s Delivery Program 2022-2025 and will also be the plan that the newly elected Council will be working with after the September Council elections,” he said.

“The draft Operational Plan and Budget contains detail on what monies will be available and where it is being proposed to be spent.

“In summary, it is proposed that in 2024-25 Council will receive $723.5M in operational revenue and spend $712.8M on services and operational functions.”

Administrator Rik Hart said

the draft plan and capital works program aimed to deliver the services that would benefit the entire Central Coast, contributing to its economic growth and social wellbeing.

“A key part of the draft plan is the proposed investment of $309.9M in capital projects, focused on renewing and upgrading the existing asset portfolio,” he said.

Highlights from the proposed capital works program include: $21.3M in sports facilities and

fields; $4.8M in waste and resources; $7.8M in shared pathways and footpaths; $63.1M in roads and drainage; $21.4M for natural disaster remediation; $4M in environmental management; $4M in parks and playspaces; $122.6M in water and sewer projects; $4M in community facilities; $2M in arts and culture; $22.7M in libraries; and $32.2M in additional infrastructure projects.

Key initiatives and projects include: continued progress of Food Organics and Garden

Organics (FOGO) solution; progressing the Gosford waterfront project; major upgrade to Mardi Water Treatment Plant; completion of the Gosford Regional Library; south cell construction at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility; preparation for the return of elected representatives to Council; and continuing to provide quality services to the community.

“I strongly encourage the community, whether as individuals or businesses on the Coast, to take the time to

have a look at the draft plan and budget and provide feedback before the closing date of the public exhibition,” Hart said.

A printed version of the draft Operational Plan and the draft Fees and Charges will be available to view at the customer service desks at both the Wyong Administration Building and the Gosford Service Centre. You can view the draft and have a say at www. yourvoiceourcoast.com

BUSINESS BRIEF

Industrial units

Vacant land at 13 Jusfrute Dr, West Gosford will be developed for industrial units after being given the go-ahead by Central Coast Council.

It is an $8.5M investment to build seven warehouses across the 31,030sqm site housing a total 82 light industrial units.

Phone towers

Proposals for two new mobile phone towers to provide improved Optus 4G and 5G services are being assessed by Central Coast Council.

One is to be placed at 105 Hue Hue Rd, Alison, (DA 1269/2023) and the other at 7 Sun Valley Rd, Green Point, (DA 1552/2023).

EV chargers

Ampol wants to install five electric vehicle (EV) charging units at the service station at Bateau Bay Square shopping village. The development application is on exhibition for public feedback until May 10 on Central Coast Council’s website (DA 441/2024).

ADVERTISEMENT

Council wants your input on expenditure for 2024-25

In an era where the legal challenges facing us grow increasingly complex, it is important to know you have access to expert legal advice on your doorstep.

Expanding Horizons

With a commitment and dedication to serving the community with industryleading services, The Law Office of Conrad Curry has expanded its services on the Central Coast in estate planning and estate disputes by appointing Tamara Tunnicliff as Special Counsel and Practice Lead in Estates at our Central Coast office.

Tamara’s extensive expertise in deceased estates and estate planning is not only a valuable addition to the firm’s capabilities, but also the firm’s goal to provide market leading legal service on the Central Coast.

Tamara is not just an expert in estate planning; she’s also a local resident of the Central Coast, living and working within the community throughout her professional career.

This local perspective gives

A New Chapter in Legal Excellence

her a nuanced understanding of the region’s dynamics and enables her to provide personalised legal guidance tailored to the specific needs of Central Coast residents.

Speaking about her passion to ensure that estate planning is accessible and understandable for everyone Tamara says:

“The legacy we leave behind speaks volumes about the life we lived and the relationships built.

Estate planning is fundamentally important to ensuring that you provide for your loved ones while at the same time ensuring that disputes are kept to a minimum.

It is something that I am deeply passionate about.

At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we want the complex needs of estate planning to be more accessible and understandable for everyone.

Everyone should have the peace of mind in knowing that they’re leaving their family in the best position to be able to deal with their estates to move forward.

We don’t just offer services,

we help you with a plan and strategies to safeguard the futures of your loved ones, ensuring that your hardearned assets are distributed and dealt with in the best way possible.”

Tailored Legal Support

The expansion of the Central Coast office under Tamara’s leadership marks a new chapter in the firm’s mission to deliver comprehensive legal support which is tailored to the unique needs of its clients on

the Central Coast, whilst ensuring we are loyal to our mantra “trusted and effective”.

An Invitation to Join Us

The firm warmly invites its valued clients and the broader community to welcome

Tamara Tunnicliff to the team.

We look forward to confidently facing the future, seizing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the clients we serve.

Other Services

Additionally, the firm’s service areas encompass Personal Injury and Medical Negligence, where the firm proudly holds specialist accreditation.

This accreditation is a reflection of the firm’s deep expertise and commitment to providing the highest level of legal representation in personal injury cases.

Here, too, the firm applies its trademark of specialised expertise, ensuring that clients receive the most competent and compassionate legal representation available.

Through this comprehensive suite of services, The Law Office of Conrad Curry not only reaffirms its dedication to legal excellence but also strengthens its bond with the community it proudly serves.

Special Counsel and Practice Lead in Estates Tamara Tunnicliffe

Niagara Park Stadium is set to be transformed into a first-class sporting venue, with upgrade works underway to improve accessibility ahead of a full calendar year of regional and state championships.

The venue will host major events including Netball NSW Regional League, Drill dance NSW State Titles, Northern NSW Futsal Regional Schools Championships, Australian Tai Chi Masters Tournament, Table Tennis NSW Country Championships, Football NSW Regional Schools Knockout, Basketball NSW Country Championships, Basketball NSW NEJL Tournament, Netball NSW Premier League games, Australian Highland Dance Festival, Central Coast Crystal Festival, and Table Tennis

Niagara Park Stadium upgrade underway

NSW City v Country.

The $2.8M project has received $850,000 from the NSW Government Stronger Country Community Fund, with Central Coast Council contributing $1,950,000 from planned capital expenditure.

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council undertook community consultation to inform the design and construction of the venue, which will result in an accessible modern facility, improving what was previously in place.

“Niagara Park Stadium is a regional indoor sporting complex, and its facilities are widely used by schools, local patrons, sporting clubs, regional and state junior sporting organisations,” she said.

Central Coast Council’s draft operational plan for next financial year shows rates are set to increase by 4.8 per cent, bringing in an extra $39.6M to the Council while employee costs will go up by $18.1M.

The new financial year starts on July 1 and Council expects to adopt its operational plan and budget in June.

But first the draft, which includes a list of projects proposed to start in 2024-25, will be on public exhibition for a month for residents’ feedback.

The employee costs are assumptions based on “award requirements” according to the report and the rate rise is the highest that Council can charge.

“The facility is primarily used for basketball, netball, roller hockey and many other indoor sports.

“More notably, it is one the largest wheelchair basketball facilities on the Central Coast.”

The upgrades will include: developing the existing dirt

carpark to accommodate disabled parking; a new driveway, pedestrian pathway and entrance; improvements to player facilities including new accessible amenities; and new signage, with an improved façade.

Council appointed the design development and construction

contract to North Construction & Building with works commenced on April 9 and set for completion by October 15.

There are no planned disruptions to the carparking area during construction.

The existing driveway previously limited to deliveries will be closed during construction, along with the existing access pathway and entrance, temporarily diverted during construction via the bike path adjacent the school.

Temporary amenities will be available during construction located near the forecourt area of the facility.

“There may be some disruption to already scheduled events while the upgrades are going on, and we apologise for any inconvenience experienced,” Smith said.

“We look forward to patrons having the opportunity to enjoy the upgrades once complete.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the upgrades would help enable people with disability to have choice and control on how they wanted to participate in sport.

“Council is committed to supporting our venues, clubs and community spaces to adapt their facilities and equipment to become more accessible and inclusive for the community,” he said.

“There are 4.5 million Australians who have disability.

“That’s a lot of people who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle by either playing or participating in sport and so our facilities need to be inclusive and ready to embrace everyone.”

Medical centre at Forresters Beach

The pharmacist owner of a property in Forresters Beach local shopping centre plans to upgrade the property with a surgery and shop-top housing.

The proposal is to develop a medical centre alongside the existing pharmacy and build two residential units above at 21 Forresters Beach Rd which is surrounded by other retail and commercial premises and houses behind.

The application says that the development could be considered alterations and additions as there will not be any demolition other than some minor work at the rear of the building for landscaping and carparking.

Rates set to rise by 4.8 per cent

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) in November last year set the rate peg at a maximum of 4.8 per cent for the 2024-25 financial year.

Waste Annual Charges are proposed to increase by six per cent to reflect the cost of providing the service.

Council says the Domestic Waste Management Service charges have not increased since 2021-22.

“The increase to these charges in 2024-25 is due to the increased cost to provide the service and is an annual increase of $31 and $28 for the eastern and western areas respectively,” Council said.

Some user fees and charges

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

– what residents pay for Council services such as pool entry, car parking, development applications, etc – go up by six per cent.

Council says the user fees and charges have been set in line with the cost of providing the service, benchmarking with the market, or as stipulated by legislation, as applicable.

“More than 10 per cent of fees are set by legislation, with most of those not being able to be increased to reflect the cost of providing the associated service,” Council said.

“Most other fees have been increased by six per cent or less, and where applicable changed to reflect the market relevant to the fee.

“In 2024-25 Council will be removing the remaining subsidy for the juniors sports usage fees.”

Council expects to receive $723.5M in operational revenue in 2024-25 and to spend $712.8M on services and operational functions.

It proposes to spend $310M on a capital works program in 2024-25 but only about $70M of that comes from the general fund; the rest comes from other restricted funds or grants.

The works program is targeted at renewing existing assets with: $125.7M, or 40.6 per cent, to address the asset backlog; $140.2M, or 45.2 per cent, to upgrade existing assets to provide additional capacity or

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

The DA (364/2024) says the aim is to bring greater facilities and services to the local area and some needed housing choice and diversity.

functionality; and $44.0M, or 14.2 per cent, for new assets where the project predominately provides additional capacity or function.

By asset type, the works program shows that almost 40 per cent will be spent on water and sewer, 24 per cent on roads, 20 per cent on water supply, 14 per cent on buildings and six per cent on plant and fleet.

That leaves less than one per cent (0.4 per cent) for work on pools and 2.7 per cent for footpaths.

Council says an increase in projects would depend on external grant funding with another $32M in projects pending possible grants.

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

It is on public exhibition on Central Coast Council’s website until May 13.

The draft operational plan sets out what works Council will undertake next year under five different departments or themes with targets and timelines.

For example, under the theme of Responsible, the Coast has more than 2,000km of roads and Council plans to re-surface 32km, renew 15km and renew or build 2.7km of drains.

Under the theme of Liveable, it will continue to build the Regional Library at Gosford and target more than 7,000 new members across all its library branches.

See the draft plan, including all the fees and charges at www.yourvoiceourcoast.com

Merilyn Vale

COURT APPEARANCES

• Criminal Law

• AVO Matters

• Traffic Matters

• Drink Driving

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford

Niagara Park Stadium is being upgraded

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Grow a Lovely Lawn

I’ve spent a lot of time in my garden replacing expansive lawns with vegetable gardens and flower beds, but I do see their use and their desirability, particularly for those who have a young family, enjoy outdoor games and for those who like a bit of manicured green lushness as a design feature.

CREATING YOUR OWN LAWN

If starting from scratch, you can either grow from seed or lay turf to start your green oasis.

Turf can pretty much be laid at any time of the year while seed sowing should be done either in spring or early winter. Which Grass?

For the Coast and similar climates, Buffalo Grasses are recommended as they are very hard-wearing, shade tolerate and do well in hot conditions.

A vigorous grower, (something that may or may not appeal to you), is Kikuyu.

It is also a little shade-tolerant, withstands dry periods and it stays very green in winter.

A newer grass is Zoysia which

requires less water and mowing and along with being very soft in texture, is a lovely darker green. These are just a few of the many grasses that could suit your needs.

Other alternatives that are rising in popularity include Australian Native grasses such as Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra),RedGrass(Bothriochloa macra) and Wallaby Grass (Austrodanthonia spp.).

Have a chat with the team at one of our wonderful local garden care centres to find the exact match for your garden and you.

Step by Step to Laying Turf

Weed and rake over the soil and make sure it is level.

Roll out the turf and stagger your edges but make sure they are firmly butted up against each other.

Sprinkle a top dressing over the turf and using a broom work it gently into the turf.

Water in well.

Step by Step to Sowing Seeds

Weed and rake over the soil and make sure it is level.

Measure the area you are

A Homemade Lawn Fertiliser Recipe

 ½ cup ammonia - contains nitrogen which leafy plants love  1 can lemonade - not diet as its included to provide sugars to feed the soil microbes

 1 can beer - feeds the microbes and bacteria in the soil

 1 cup baby shampoo - assists in absorption of fertilisers, don’t use antibacterial,

 40 litres water

 Spray lightly and evenly over your lawn evenly once a week and water in well.

sowing and following the seed supplier instructions for amount to sow for your area.

Sow as evenly as possible. Rake over the seeds gently and then cover with 2mm of soil.

Water in well.

Caring for Your Grass

Oasis

Whether growing from seed or laid turf, lawn needs lots of water until it is very well established and has attained a height of 2cm.

Water again very deeply and then hold off on the water for a few days so that roots will start seeking out water at lower levels.

Now you can settle into a deep watering every week when there is no heavy rainfall, but you

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS

may find that it needs additional watering during the height of summer or very hot dry periods.

Lawns are also hungry and there are many commercially grown fertilisers on the market specifically catering to them or you can make your own.

Whatever you use, do not use too much or use it too often as you can ‘burn’ and even kill your lovely lawn.

Weed lawns by hand as soon as you see them pop up and ensure that you have lifted their roots out.

Pests can be troublesome, and, on The Coast, we experience more than our fair share of curl grub and the best way to prevent them is by ensuring your lawn is healthy and doesn’t dry out as they much prefer a poor lawn to

Explore Sustainability with ARC Tours - Somersby: First Friday of the month

Visit our Somersby site and learn about ARC Ento Tech’s role in sustainability and our unique technology. Explore our insect hatchery where we grow our Black Soldier Flies. Visit “The Patch” where we collaborate with Swamp Central Coast and grow organic produce using ARC Soil (insect frass). Take home a free sample of our ARC Soil.

Tours are now open to the public every first Friday of the month from 10am - 11:30am $20/pp

Scan the QR code for more info, or to book a tour or visit: www.eventbrite.com.au

Greenheart Gardens Workshops - Killcare

Perfect for all skill levels, each session focuses on a single topic. Master the essentials and watch your garden bloom! May Workshops - 2 May - Beginner‘s Garden Design; 9 May - Garden Bed Layout & Types and 16 May - No Dig Gardening. Flexible Schedule: Pick and choose the sessions that appeal to you or enjoy building your knowledge each week with like-minded people. Limited Places Available. Thursdays 10-12pm $75 per session. Full Term discounts apply. Bookings Essential SMS Anna 0407 591 278 or Hannah 0414 895 438

Scan the QR code for more info or visit: www.facebook.com/events/943266590626482

Introducing iNaturalist- Australian Plants Society Central Coast May Meeting

1:30pm for a 2pm start, Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Road, Kariong

Shirley McLaran will be the Presenter for our next meeting on Saturday 11th May, 2024. Shirley’s experience as a Botanist, passionate teacher of bush regeneration and a forager for pea flowers, has led her to revive the Pea Flower Study Group where she is able to share knowledge with others, using iNaturalist Australia, an online social network, where animal and plant observations and information can be recorded, identified, shared and collected with this data being collated for science and the conservation of our natural environment.

Cheralyn is a horticulture author and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM96.3

a well maintained one.

An organic treatment is ‘Neem Oil’ and it is easily obtained commercially, follow the supplier’s instructions.

To keep lawns healthy, you do need to mow them regularly as it encourages the grass to develop stronger root systems and it prompts new growth.

Your lawn is made up of lots of tiny plants that run and multiply, and this means it will become compacted by too many plants trying to fit into your defined area.

To help it, aerate your lawn in spring and autumn by spiking it with a garden fork every 10cm all over and wiggling it back and forth to create holes.

There are also spiked sandals and other ingenious gardening contraptions that can help with this process out there.

In autumn you should also ‘top-dress’ your lawn to add to the quality of the hard-working soil.

Do this a few weeks after autumn aeration.

Use a mixture of three parts sand to three parts loam to one part organic matter.

Spread evenly across the lawn

to about 10mm in depth and work in with a broom.

Scarifying your lawn sounds scary but it is a way to remove build-up of dead grass in your lawn.

In spring and autumn, rake over the lawn to pick up this ‘thatch’.

Go in one direction and then the opposite with a spring-rake to encourage the dead grass out.

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

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

A subdivision at Warnervale where some blocks will include an area of land reserved for public recreational space has been approved by the Land and Environment Court.

The 61-lot subdivision at 7791 Warnervale Rd, Warnervale, will go ahead with some of the potentially residential land including public recreation land within the same block, known as “split zoning”.

Bounded by Warnervale Rd and Virginia Rd, the 5.2ha site adjoins Porters Creek Public School to the west and Warnervale Community Centre to the north.

The Court concluded that the split-zoned parcels of land

Warnervale subdivision to go ahead

were capable, if future consent was sought, of accommodating future residential dwellings within the portion of the lot zoned R1 Residential and in compliance with the relevant planning controls.

Commissioner, DM Dickson, noted Central Coast Council had expressed no willingness to acquire ownership of the land zoned RE1 Public Recreation land.

The applicant Vale Nominee Pty Ltd had argued that there were a number of common permissible uses in the R1 General Residential and RE1 Public Recreation zones other than residential purposes.

These include centre-based childcare, caravan parks, community facilities,

emergency services facilities, information and education facilities and respite day care.

There was no obligation on any lot owner post subdivision to carry out development for residential purposes, the applicant said.

The applicant said the RE1 portion of the land could be fenced and landscaped without breaking the Council’s Local Environmental Plan and there was no reason why a rezoning application could not proceed in the future.

Council was unsuccessful in its argument that the proposed development did not represent orderly development due to the creation of split-zoned lots.

Local woman finalist for Global Change Awards

Central Coast local Leigh Jane Woodgate of Refined Her & Inategy Business School has been selected as a 2024 Women Changing the World Award finalist.

The Women Changing the World Awards presented by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Oprah Winfrey’s alltime favourite guest, Dr Tererai Trent, celebrate and recognise women achieving outstanding success in areas such as

sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, tech, product development, education, health and innovation.

The awards are designed to recognise the growing number of women leading the way in making the world a better place for us all and inspire other women to answer the call to action.

Dr Trent’s vision for the 2024 Women Changing the World

Awards is to empower women everywhere to reclaim their sacred dreams, and call in women across the globe to unite and pave the way towards a better future for all.

Leigh Jane Woodgate is proud of her achievements.

When money is in the hands of ethical, human-centric leaders, sustainable global change occurs at lightning speeds, something that she has assisted her clients in.

She attributes this success to her level of integrity, impeccably trustworthy nature, and her deep embodiment of the work she stands for.

Her vision for the future is a more harmonious humanity; a world where human beings no longer make life-changing decisions driven by unhealed trauma and lack of selfresponsibility.

And living and doing business in alignment with the cycles of

nature is normalised globally.

She believes that the patriarchy does not work, and neither does the matriarchy. Nature is one of our greatest guides.

The winners of the 2024 Women Changing the World Awards will be announced at the Women Changing the World Global Summit and Awards in London on May 25.

Merilyn Vale

An aerial view of the site

Leigh Jane Woodgate

HEALTH & EDUCATION

Crouch calls for Wyong palliative care funding

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch ramped up calls for the State Government to confirm funding for a palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital, as the Gosford unit celebrated its third birthday on April 19.

The unit was opened at Gosford Hospital in 2021 by then Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Crouch and members of the Elsie’s Retreat team.

More than 1,200 individuals have used the facility since it opened.

“In the past three years since opening, on average, the unit has provided treatment and support to approximately 400 patients per year which equates to about 1,200 patients over the past three years,” Crouch said.

“In addition to providing that, we have also seen thousands of family members receive the care and support that is provided by the incredible staff every day in this unit.

“I can say from first-hand experience with the loss of my wife Jill, that our palliative care doctors and nurses in A5 are the best anywhere when it comes to providing best practice palliative care support for our families.”

Crouch said what was most important was that the unit provided the community with choice.

“While 75 per cent of people would prefer to pass away at home, it is not always possible for either the patient or the family and the unit provides that necessary support when homecare isn’t available,” he said.

PUBLIC NOTICE

“I am so incredibly proud to have been part of the LiberalNational government that delivered the funding for both the infrastructure, but more importantly, the funding for highly trained palliative care doctors and nurses based in the Gosford unit.

“It was the unwavering support from our community, the Elsie’s Retreat Project team, then Health Minister

Notification of project proposal and registration of interest under Heritage NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (Stage 1) –Proposed development located at 372-374 Mann St & 35-37 Dwter St North Gosford

McCardle Cultural Heritage (MCH) have been engaged by Stockbridge Properties Pty Ltd (C/o Mr Christopher Houghton PO box R1849 Royal Exchange NSW 1225) to prepare an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) and Section 90 Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) application, if required, for the proposed proposed development located at 372-374 Mann St & 35-37 Dwter St North Gosford (Lot 4-5 DP 15954, Lot 2A DP 407164, Lot 31 DP 553523).

The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the proposed applicant in the preparation of the AHIP application if required and to assist Heritage NSW, Department of Planning and Environment in their consideration and determination of the application should an AHIP be required.

In compliance with the Heritage NSW policy - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010, MCH would like to extend an invitation to Aboriginal people who hold cultural knowledge relevant to the proposed project area and who can determine the significance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the area of the proposed project to register an interest in the consultation process for this project.

Written registrations must be forward to MCH (P.O. Box 166 Adamstown, NSW, 2289; penny@mcheritage.com.au no later than C.O.B. Wednesday 15th May, 2024.

All registered parties will then be contacted to discuss the project in compliance with Heritage NSW policy. If you register your interest in this project, please also nominate your preferred option to receive the initial information. You may wish to attend a non-paid meeting and receive an information pack, or receive an information packet through the mail or e-mail.

Any parties who register are advised that, unless otherwise requested, their details will be forward to Heritage NSW and the relevant LALC within 28 days of the closing date of registration and in compliance with Heritage NSW policy.

Brad Hazzard and the Central Coast Local Health District staff that helped deliver this stateof-the-art unit for our community.”

With almost 40 per cent of patients in the Gosford unit coming from the northern part of the region, Crouch reaffirmed the importance of delivering a palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital.

“Alongside the then Minister for Regional Heath Bronnie Taylor, I was proud to announce the $13.6M necessary to deliver a new dedicated palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital which was part of the former government’s Enhancing End of Life Care program,” he said.

“While the former government has provided the necessary funding for the infrastructure, it

is absolutely essential that the Minns Labor Government provide all the necessary recurrent funding for this unit to be fully staffed with the highest level of palliative care specialists just like the unit at Gosford Hospital.

“My concerns are that given the recent confirmation of the $250M cut to palliative care across the state it could make it very difficult for the Local Health District to fund and recruit staff for the Wyong Palliative Care Unit.

“These concerns are shared (by) organisations such as the Elsie’s Retreat team and our wider community given that as of yet this funding has not been confirmed.”

Crouch said that he would continue to keep the pressure on the State Government and Central Coast Labor MPs to ensure funding is on the table for both Gosford and Wyong palliative care units.

“At the end of the day, when many of us are no longer here, these units will continue to operate and provide support to so many in our community –and that is exactly why it is incredibly important funding is always on the table for palliative care,” he said.

Peninsula Villages bolsters specialist care

Leading Central Coast aged care provider Peninsula Villages at Umina Beach has proactively embraced the introduction of mandatory care minutes in aged care.

The initiative, arising from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, sees the Department of Health and Aged Care establish minimum staffing targets for direct resident care every three months.

Peninsula Villages views the funded reform as a positive opportunity to enhance resident care.

The organisation has strategically increased the

number of personal care assistants and registered nurses to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

“The profile of our residents has changed,” CEO Colin Osborne said.

“They are often frailer and require more intensive care for shorter stays compared to just two years ago.

“We’ve used this initiative to create new positions specifically designed to improve residents’ lives and wellbeing.”

Peninsula Villages has bolstered its care team with several key additions including a Memory Support Co-ordinator to enrich the lives of residents

with dementia, a second Nurse Practitioner ensuring sevenday-a-week availability for residents receiving complex nursing and palliative care, two new care manager positions to strengthen leadership and support for care teams, and a dedicated Registered Nurse specialising in wound care.

“These additional care staff and specialist roles will complement our existing care model,” Osborne said.

“We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible at Peninsula Villages, and this investment ensures our residents continue to receive the exceptional support they deserve.”

The opening of the Gosford unit in 2021

Resident Kitty Patterson with Memory Support Co-ordinator Linda Segrott

HEALTH BRIEF

Dental care campaign

Leading dental care provider Teeth On Implants has announced the launch of its Smile for a Good Cause campaign aimed at giving back to the community while promoting dental health awareness.

The campaign will run on Facebook and Instagram.

For every new like or follow Teeth On Implants receives, the company will donate $1 to Coast Shelter, the non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship in the Central Coast area.

“Through initiatives like Smile for a Good Cause we aim to foster a culture of giving back,” co-founder Ned Restom said.

In addition to supporting Coast Shelter, Teeth On Implants is committed to further giving back to the community during the upcoming Central Coast Airshow weekend, May 25-26.

As a major sponsor of the event, Teeth On Implants will be awarding one lucky new follower with a $5,000 cash prize during the event.

Restom, an aerobatic pilot and aviation enthusiast, said sponsoring the airshow was close to his heart.”

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to not only give back to the community but also to celebrate the spirit of aviation,” he said.

With multiple locations in NSW, Teeth On Implants is helping to transform the smiles of patients using state-of-theart equipment and modern techniques that are both quick and painless to produce real, life-changing results.

Teeth On Implants encourages everyone to participate in the Smile for a Good Cause campaign.

coastcommunitynews.com.au

The advantages of having pets at school

Kariong-based independent school

Ngaruki Gulgul (NGC) is integrating animals into its alternative education program and held its first Pet Day on April 12.

This follows a Royal Australian College of General Practitioners study which shows that being in the presence of animals decreases anxiety, depression and loneliness and provides a sense of purpose and social support “that has similar effects to human-human relationships”.

NGC is designed for young people (in Years 9-12) who are disengaged from and/or haven’t found success in mainstream school settings.

It offers a unique combination of flexible curriculum-based learning, practical vocational training and holistic support programs that attend to a student’s social, emotional and cultural wellbeing, alongside academic performance.

Principal Andrea Cingi said the school was always looking for opportunities to integrate

animal-assisted therapy modalities into both classroom and extracurricular contexts.

“NGC supports the most vulnerable young people in our community, including those who are exhibiting complex behaviours, experiencing learning challenges and low literacy, recovering from trauma or navigating life with disabilities like ADHD and autism,” he said.

“There is clear evidence that animal-assisted learning and interactions are highly efficacious for this cohort of young people.

“We see it first-hand; when our students are participating in an equine therapy activity or spending time with the therapy dog that visits our school on a weekly basis, they are calmer, more focused and better able to regulate their emotions and behaviours.

“The impact is quite profound and immediate.”

The school has branched out even further this year, with its first NGC Pet Day in celebration of World Pet Day.

The much-anticipated

initiative was the brainchild of the Year 12 Investigating Science class and teacher Janice Montgomery.

Young people took responsibility for developing and pitching the concept to the school executive and planning a creative program of events that prioritised fun with pet, student and staff safety.

Both students and staff brought in a total of 13 dogs and one rabbit for a full day of activities.

This included young people photographing their furry models, creating collages for an interactive display and participating in a dog parade around the outdoor learning area.

The latter incorporated music and a student MC, trick demonstrations and peer voting for categories such as best behaved, most distracted, and most graceful manner.

Montgomery said the event not only encouraged strategic thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, but also had enormous benefits for students’ confidence and social connection.

“It was an incredibly connective experience for our young people,” she said.

“I saw some of our shyest students, who can often go a whole day without uttering a word, talk non-stop and buzz with excitement.

“Animals are such an important bonding agent for young people who would otherwise struggle to participate due to anxiety, stress and extreme introversion.

“As an educator, it feels fantastic to see them become so energised and focused in order to bring something like this to life.

“We have decided to make it an annual event, but students are already petitioning to make it part of our school calendar every term.”

Coast resident appointed Chair of consumer committee

Long-term Central Coast resident Vivienne Scott has been appointed the new Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC).

Announced by the NSW Regional Health Partners, a spokesperson said Scott, a founding member of the CAC, brings a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to her new role.

She will be supported by Ivy Scurr who has been appointed as the new Deputy Chair.

Scott is an experienced consumer representative with a strong interest in, and commitment to, improving health outcomes in the community through research and evidence-based treatments.

Drawing from her lived

experience with Type 2 Diabetes, Neuropathy and Long Covid, she has been involved as a consumer with Diabetes NSW, Health Consumers NSW and the Central Coast Local Health District’s Diabetes and Operational Research Strategies.

In the past year, Scott has been actively recruiting

consumers for Consumer Connect.

Her background in adult learning has also enabled her to contribute to the development of a co-design learning resource for researchers and consumers, Developing Research Together.

“I look forward to collaborating with a wide range of people to improve community involvement across health research, policy and program implementation,” Scott said.

“Together, we can make a significant impact on the health of our community.”

NSW Regional Health Partners director Nicolette Hodyl said she was thrilled to welcome Scott and Scurr to lead the Consumer Advisory Committee.

“Both bring a diverse range of experience that is invaluable to the committee and NSW Regional Health Partners,” she said.

“We are confident they will positively impact and strengthen the health research being conducted in our region.”

The role of Chair of NSW Regional Health Partners’ Consumer Advisory Committee is a 12-month appointment.

Scott, 84, is still actively volunteering in the health and medical services sector.

She said the main purpose of her volunteer work was to support the improvement of health and medical services and outcomes for Central Coast residents.

Scott is also a peer educator for the Health Promotion

Services for Older People (HPSOP) program and for the past decade, has given presentations to many senior groups on the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions.

The HPSOP program provides free health presentations to senior groups to increase the health literacy of older people and encourage them to better manage their own health, so that they can remain living independently in their own homes.

She was previously a member of the Consumer and Community Engagement Committee, Central Coast Local Health District, and Chair of the very active but now defunct The Entrance and District Precinct Committee.

The students enjoyed interacting with the pets

Vivienne Scott

For the first time in 56 years, athletics in NSW will be streamlined with two major organisations joining forces to form the NSW Athletics Partnership.

For more than half a century, athletics in NSW has been divided between Athletics

(ANSW) and Little Athletics NSW (LANSW).

On the Central Coast there are clubs at Gosford, Mingara Regional at Tumbi Umbi, Terrigal/ Wamberal, Toukley District, Woy Woy Peninsula and Wyong.

As a nation of sport lovers, Australia’s athletic spirit runs high, with athletics ranking as one of the most popular activities across the country.

With the 2024 Olympics just around the corner and the rising popularity of athletics, having a streamlined platform for Australian athletes to participate,

New partnership great result for athletics

develop and compete is crucial.

With that in mind, ANSW and LANSW are joining forces to launch the NSW Athletics Partnership to simplify and enhance the Athletics experience in NSW.

The NSW Athletics Partnership

entails ANSW and LANSW delivering the first entirely unified and single athletics offering in NSW in 56 years and has three main components –one affiliation structure, one membership offering, and one championships and events

pathway open to all participants in the NSW Athletics community.

The NSW Athletics Partnership ensures the removal of duplicated membership costs and administrative processes, while also significantly expanding competition

opportunities and pathways for all members by providing everyone with the best that both ANSW and LANSW have to offer.

It also lays the groundwork for other operational efficiencies and savings to be reinvested directly back into centres, clubs and athletes.

Key benefits will mean children and parents will no longer be forced to make any choices as to which type of athletics offering they wish to take up.

Children and parents will no longer be required to pay two membership fees and two event entry fees and it means an end to all duplicated competitions and championships, leading to less confusion and overcompetition.

“With Little Athletics NSW and Athletics NSW coming together, the athletics structure will be streamlined and united,”

Crusaders women suffer first defeat

After an incredible start to the season for the Central Coast Crusaders women, they received their first defeat in front of a home crowd.

The Crusaders hosted the Canberra Centre of Excellence on Friday, April 26 – team that has historically been one of the strongest in the league.

The women tipped things off first and were out of the gates fast with a 25-15 lead going into the second quarter.

It was the second half where the Crusaders began to fall off as the Centre of Excellence held them to under 10 points in the third quarter.

Every starter on COE’s squad ended the game with at least one steal and this was reflected in the final scoreline of 63-69 as COE stole the road win.

The smothering defence didn’t stop veterans Leilani Mitchell and Mikaela Dombkins from doing their thing as Mitchell led all scores with 21 points while Dombkins scored 19 to go along with her 17 rebounds.

Up next it was the men battling it out in a nail biter with the Crusaders hungry after losing a close one at home just a week before.

The two teams were locked in a tit for tat battle as the Crusaders led the whole way but struggled to pull away.

It was Robbie Heath who iced out the game and hit two big free throws to put the Crusaders up by five to run out the clock.

85-80 was the final score with Robbie Heath continuing his campaign of dominant scoring, finishing with 32 points to lead all scorers and retain his spot as the leading points per game

Gosford Athletics and Throws Coach president Stuart Farrant said.

“The competition and costs won’t be duplicated, and it’ll be great.

“I’m a throws coach and the biggest thing in that space is that the weights for the age group for Athletics NSW and Little Athletics NSW are not always the same.

“I have a couple of kids in under 12s and 13s, and when they compete for Little Athletics, the javelin that they throw is a 400g one.

“If they do that same competition in Athletics NSW, it will be 600g.

“This new streamlined partnership of NSW Athletics will certainly help in this area but will also help grow the sport and support Central Coast athletes in their own journeys.”

player in the league.

Saturday, April 27, saw day two of the weekend’s double header with the Crusaders hosting rivals Maitland in a matchup that never disappoints.

The women once again tipped things off first as they were hungry to prove that the night before was a stroke of bad luck.

With young star Sara Matthews back from an injury that saw her sit out all of last season, the Crusaders looked strong going into halftime with a 39-30 lead.

It was the big three of Dombkins, Forcadilla and Mitchell who led the charge for the Crusaders, but the win wasn’t going to come easy as the Mustangs made a late comeback to lock the game into overtime.

This was Mitchell’s time to shine as she showed her veteran composure scoring the next 8 out of 12 points for the Crusaders to seal a 79-73 victory for the home crowd.

The men were up next against a Mustangs team against which they haven’t had much success over the last few seasons.

Saturday was no different as the Mustangs put on a clinic led by last year’s MVP of the league Will Cranston.

Robert Heath still managed to get his 30 points in as the Crusaders copped a 76-90 loss at home.

The Crusaders women move up to second place with a 5-1 record while the men remain a respectable 0.500 going 3-3 for the season.

The Crusaders return to Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium on May 11 to host the Canberra Gunners with the men tipping off at 5pm and the women at 7pm.

The partnership will have benefits for local clubs like Gosford Athletics

Photos: LookPro Photography

SPORT BRIEFS

Thanks from Disabled Surfers

Adverse water conditions following torrential rain saw the season final Disabled Surfers event, scheduled for April 6, cancelled for safety reasons, with the organisation now looking forward to its 20th season next Summer.

Disabled Surfers Association Central Coast (DSACC) President Rae Fiechter recently visited two major local sponsors to present a gift, expressing gratitude for the support shown to the branch.

The personalised macrame gifts were made by two of the volunteers with engraving provided by Terrigal Men’s Shed.

“Rosemarie Mondal from Bakers Delight, Umina Beach, has supplied bread for our postevent barbecue since we relocated two events to Umina Beach in 2017,” Fiechter said.

“All four events are now at Umina and Rosemarie has continued her sponsorship as our events grow in size.

“Kim Cole, Tourism and Community Manager at Ettalong Diggers Club, has assisted with in-kind grants to supply sausages and onions for the past two seasons, increasing quantities as our attendee numbers grew.

“We acknowledge club staff for their work in preparation and supply.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Mariners women bow out of finals at Leichhardt oval

The Central Coast Mariners women’s remarkable comeback season in the Liberty A-League concluded just shy of a storybook finish, with their semi-final journey ending in heartache.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw against Sydney at Leichhardt Oval, which wasn’t enough to overturn Sydney’s 1-0 advantage from the first leg.

Despite a nearly unchanged line-up, with Emily Husband making only one alteration from the previous game — Faye Bryson stepped in for Tiarna Karambasis following a recovery from injury — the Mariners could not close the gap.

Sydney took the lead 30 minutes in when Mackenzie Hawkesby capitalised on a well-placed ball, beating Dumont from close range.

The Mariners, undeterred, pressed on for an equaliser.

Both Wurigumula and Bianca Galic had efforts saved by Sydney’s keeper Jada Whyman, but she was powerless to stop a stunning strike by Badawiya, who fired into the bottom corner following a smart set-up by Kyah Simon, Wurigumula, and Galic.

The second half saw the Mariners start strongly, with further attempts by Simon and Wurigumula just missing the mark.

The Mariners’ best chance

fell to Paige Hayward at the 70th minute, but her shot soared over the bar.

Despite continued pressure from the Mariners and

numerous close calls, including an Annabel Martin header spectacularly saved by Whyman, the equaliser remained elusive.

Coach Emily Husband can certainly take pride in her team’s relentless spirit displayed both in this match and throughout the season.

The Mariners, a team few expected to challenge for the grand final, have truly made their mark, much to the pride of the entire club.

Husband said the season’s end also brings a moment to the loyal Mariners fans, who travelled in large numbers to Leichhardt Oval today and supported the team passionately all season.

“Your spirit and support have been invaluable, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next season,” she said.

“Thank you for being with us every step of the way.”

Mariners men sweep Newcastle Jets aside in F3 derby

The Central Coast Mariners men have pulled off yet another remarkable win, this time against their arch-rivals the Newcastle Jets in the last F3 Derby of the season.

Football chronicles will show that on Saturday, April 27, the Mariners overcame the Jets 3-1 in Newcastle in front of a crowd of 9,000 fans.

Though more importantly, the Central Coast team is on the brink of securing the Premiers’ Plate, needing just one more point after a thrilling 3-1 victory over the Newcastle Jets in the latest F3 Derby held at McDonald Jones Stadium.

PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE AT THE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT SAN REMO

Telstra plans to co-locate radiocommunication equipment onto the existing 26m monopole within a road reserve off Pacific Highway, San Remo, NSW 2262 (GDA 94 -33.209067, 151.516595) www.rfnsa.com.au/2262009

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently proposing new mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this co-location, Telstra propose the installation of LTE700 (4G), LTE1800 (4G), LTE2100 (4G), NR/LTE2600 (5G/4G), NR850 (5G) and NR3500 (5G) technologies at the San Remo service area.

2. The proposed co-location includes the installation of three (3) new panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), the installation of three (3) new ‘AIR’ panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), the removal of one (1) existing equipment cabinet, the installation of two (2) new roadside cabinets (each no more than 2m high and with a base area not exceeding 2m2), the installation of one (1) new underground cable pit (with a surface area of not more than 2m2), and the installation of associated ancillary equipment (including but not limited to the installation of three (3) remote radio units (RRUs), a new square headframe, and underground power and fibre routes). As part of the proposal, a new 3.0m x 4.2m fenced compound will be established next to the existing 25m monopole for safety purposes in accordance with Section 3.1(4) (c) of the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (LIFD). All internal equipment will be housed within the proposed roadside cabinets located at the base of the monopole and within the new fenced compound.

3. Telstra regard the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the LIFD based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about this proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Michael Cheung, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Michael.Cheung@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Michael Cheung, Aurecon Australasia, 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000 by 5pm on 16/05/2024.

The Jets initially appeared more likely to score, creating several early opportunities.

However, the Mariners first found the net in the 21st minute when Alou Kuol broke his 13-game goal drought with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, giving the Mariners the lead.

The second half saw a rapid response from Newcastle, levelling the score just 90 seconds in. Clayton Taylor delivered a precise cross that found Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, who headed in his 17th goal of the season.

While Newcastle increased their pressure seeking a lead,

it was the Mariners who regained the advantage.

In the 82nd minute, substitute Harry Steele’s shot took a deflection and found the back of the net.

Moments later, another substitute, Ryan Edmondson, secured the victory by heading in a beautifully whipped free kick from Mikael Doka.

With this derby win, the Mariners not only took three vital points but also moved a step closer to lifting the Premiers’ Plate.

The Mariners were set to return to Gosford to play

Adelaide on Wednesday evening, May 1.

Notice of Aerial Spray Program

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting an aerial spraying program use Metsulfuron Methyl 600WG for the control of bitou bush. The program will be conducted between Monday 20 May 2024 to Sunday 2 June 2024 in Bouddi National Park and Munmorah State Conservation Area.

The operation is designed to control bitou bush infestations in remote and inaccessible locations.

Signs will be placed at the entry points to the spray locations and there will be no public access to these areas during the spray operation.

For more information please contact the local NPWS Girrakool office on (02) 4320 4200 or NPWS Munmorah office on (02) 4972 9000.

KITCHENS WITH A SMILE

Mariners players celebrate with the travelling fans

The Mariners women have ended their season at Leichhardt oval

Photo: CCM Media

Photo: CCM Media

Tightly fought games in rugby Round 3

Some very tight games of rugby union occurred in Round 3 of the WLG Premier 1 series on April 27.

Match of the Day at The Haven Oval saw Terrigal convincingly defeat Lake Macquarie by 5021.

Terrigal got stronger and stronger the further the match went on, but did not have it all their own way in the opening stages of the match.

Lake Macquarie opened the scoring with a converted try to Rhys Cawley to lead by 7-0.

But Terrigal gradually asserted some authority and by the halftime break had taken the lead by 22-7.

Terrigal continued to dominate the early stages of the second half and by midway through the second stanza had jumped to a winning lead of 43-7.

The visitors did cross for two late tries but it was all too late for them

Best players for Terrigal were lock Macklan Collins, halfback Jye Cornish in his 100th game for the club and No.8 Ethan McInnes.

Five-eight Adam Danckert also contributed with 20 personal points in the match.

Best performers for Lake Macquarie were centre Isaako Enosa, who crossed for a try, and flanker Scott Ryall.

The win keeps the undefeated Terrigal at the top of the competition ladder.

The match between Warnervale and the Razorbacks resulted in a thrilling 31-all draw.

Both teams played some excellent rugby, with the Razorbacks opening the scoring with a converted try to lead by 7-0.

Warnervale was quick to respond with their own try, and then scored again to take the lead by 12-7.

The Razorbacks regained the lead near half-time, and had a 21-12 lead going into the break.

The second half of the match proved just as exciting and hardfought as the first.

Razorbacks led 24-12 early on in the half but Warnervale finished the stronger, crossing for three tries in the final 15 minutes of the match to even the score at full-time.

Best players for the Razorbacks were winger Edan Sirone, who posted 21 personal points, flankers Matt Martin and Lochlan Stuhne-Scott and lock Mackenzie Zammit.

Best for Warnervale were prop Jacob Gaul, halfback Harry Sexton and five-eight Stefan Collins.

Park saw a high scoring game of rugby between home team Avoca Beach and visitors Gosford.

The match was transferred to Avoca Beach due to the closure of Gosford Showground.

Avoca Beach defeated a fastfinishing Gosford by 42-34.

Gosford got away to a great start with a converted try but Avoca Beach gradually asserted themselves on the paddock and it was not long before they had scored to make the score 7-5.

Avoca Beach then played some exciting running rugby for the remainder of the first half, crossing for a further three tries to go to the half-time break leading by 28-10.

Midway through the second half Avoca Beach led by 42-10 but Gosford finished the match so strongly, scoring four tries in the final 15 minutes.

Best players for Avoca Beach were flanker Michael Houssenloge, No.8 Fionn Henderson-Foley and hooker Cooper Elliott.

Gosford was best served by flanker Jackson Steinbeck, fullback Matt Reynolds and No.8 Jonah Manuao.

The win sees Avoca Beach hold on to the Challenge Shield for another home match.

The first grade table sees Terrigal on top with 14, followed by Avoca Beach on 10, the Razorbacks on 8, Gosford on 5, Lake Macquarie of 4 and Warnervale on 3.

Woy Woy is yet to score.

The Women’s 12s competition on April 28 saw wins to Lake Macquarie, the Razorbacks and The Lakes.

Lake Macquarie jumped to the top of the competition ladder in what is proving a very evenly

matched season.

In the President’s Cup competition, The Lakes defeated Kariong.

Round 4 on May 4 will see Terrigal travelling to Heazlett Park to take on Avoca Beach in the match of the day.

Warnervale will travel north to meet Lake Macquarie at Walters Park, Boolaroo and the Razorbacks will host Woy Woy at Ourimbah Rugby Park.

Gosford will have the bye.

The Women’s 12s competition will see Terrigal meet Avoca Beach, Lake Macquarie host Warnervale and the Razorbacks play Woy Woy at home.

In President’s Cup, the Razorbacks meet Kariong, The Bay plays The Lakes, Avoca Beach and Terrigal meet and Lake Macquarie and Warnervale face each other.

Avoca Beach and Gosford played a tightly fought game with Avoca winning 42-34

Heazlett

Photo: Davina Moynahan