Coast Community News #440

Environmental groups have slammed the announcement that the retirement of the Eraring power station is to be delayed by two years until 2027.

Origin Energy Limited and the NSW Government have reached an agreement on extending the operations of the power station, originally planned to be retired in 2025, to support security of the state’s electricity supply through the energy transition to renewables.

The power station will now cease

operations on August 19, 2027, and Origin has submitted a revised notice for closure to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Under the terms of the Generator Engagement Project Agreement (GEPA), Origin may receive compensation from the state to help cover the cost of its operations and will endeavour to generate at least 6 TWh of electricity during each of the extension periods of FY2026 and FY2027.

Eraring power station

Mariners Captain Danny Vukovic lifts the Championship ring. Photo: CCM Media

The Central Coast Mariners have made sporting history after taking out the A-League grand final on May 25.

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They’ve done it!

Hero Mariners unite the region

Win, lose or draw, the Mariners were the heroes of the Central Coast as they went into the A-League grand final at Industree Group Stadium last Saturday night.

EDITORIAL

Homes and business were festooned in team colours and the game eclipsed all other topics of conversation as the game drew near.

time not producing a winner, extra time saw Edmondson find the net for a second goal in an exhilarating and history making finish.

Central Coast Council said the Mariners’ journey to the championship had captivated and inspired the entire region, with the win bringing immense pride and joy to the entire community.

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Managing Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

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Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric, Ashleigh Meikle

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Coasties had followed the team’s journey through the season and then the semis, with thousands pouring into the stadium and the nearby Leagues Club Park to cheer on the home team, beaming with pride that the boys in blue and gold had already taken out the Premiership Plate and the AFC Cup.

And victory was sweet, when the Mariners clinched the grand final in a stunning game which was going Melbourne Victory’s way until the 11th hour.

The crowd went wild when a goal by Ryan Edmondson equalised the score in the 90th minute and with injury

The win saw the Mariners complete a trifecta of wins and secure their second successive grand final victory.

It was a fitting career end for retiring captain Danny Vukovic, with one CCN reader even suggesting a statue of him should be erected at the stadium.

Congratulations have been pouring in all week.

Gosford Erina Business Chamber said the event had created “a wonderful vibe” in the city centre.

But more, the little club with the big heart has given a community often divided a reason to unite in joyful pride.

Congratulations, Mariners!

Terry Collins

Memorial service for ‘angel of Gorokan’

Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army will hold a memorial service to honour the late Evelyn Gardner at 12.30pm on Sunday, June 2.

Evelyn, often known as the “angel” of Gorokan, died on May 7, after a lifetime devoted to helping the underprivileged.

“Evelyn was enthusiastic about sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she met,”

Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army Welfare Co-ordinator and Ministry Assistant Kerri Lorenz said.

Evelyn was a member of the church and became a Salvation Army Soldier four weeks before her death.

“You may have seen her around Wyong, in and out of the courthouse supporting those who are facing tough times,” Lorenz said.

“You may have seen her at Gorokan where she set up a women’s cancer support group at Wyong Leagues Club.

“You may have crossed paths with her on Friday nights at Lake Haven McDonald’s, where she would meet with many young folks who came from challenging backgrounds.

“She would encourage them to make good choices and talk to them about changing their lives for the better.

“She was like a substitute mother figure who loved them, listened to them, and spoke hope into their lives.

“She was often seen out on the streets at night doing street ministry, meeting troubled folk who were on the brink of suicide or escaping domestic violence.

“In times like this, she would sit with them, speak words of love and hope into their lives and counsel them into moving forward with her support and the help from other agencies.

“Evelyn lived her life with a passion to save souls.”

Evelyn started a soup kitchen called Cornerstone at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Kanwal where the

marginalised were welcomed, fed, and clothed but more importantly were a part of a community that they so longed for.

She had many business contacts to support her ministries, collaborating closely with Bakers Delight, Lowes, Clarke shoes, Millers and local real estate agencies to help house and provide the necessary support to those in need.

She worked closely with Gorokan Public School as a mentor to troubled kids who needed a support person.

“Evelyn’s passion and dedication for the homeless and street ministry is legendary,” Lorenz said.

“She would spend countless hours a week driving around local areas of Wyong, Gorokan, Canton Beach, Norah Head and Toukley delivering food hampers to those who were homeless or living in caravan parks.

“She continued this ministry partnering with Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army welfare team in the last few years of her life.”

The State Government named Evelyn in 2018 as the Woman of the Year for the Wyong electorate.

“She advocated for those who could not advocate for themselves,” Lorenz said.

“Evelyn had a profound impact on many people in our local community.

“She would support families with visitations to prison and court hearings.

“She never judged anyone regarding their circumstances but just loved them for who they were and encouraged them to be a better person next time.”

The memorial service will be held at Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army, 90 Minnamurra Rd, Gorokan, at 12.30pm on June 2.

New recruit for Clean4Shore

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid recently joined Clean4Shore on a mission to remove pollution from mangroves at West Gosford.

The group also included students and teachers from Narara Valley High School.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to support Clean4Shore and its work fighting pollution in our waterways,” Reid said.

“We had added support from Narara Valley High School, which ensured we were able to

remove even more pollution from the mangroves.

“Clean4Shore does outstanding work, especially following significant weather events when debris and other items are washed into rivers, lakes and the ocean.

“I would like to thank Graham Johnston and the team at Clean4Shore for their tireless efforts conserving our environment and raising awareness of pollution.

“I look forward to continuing to support this phenomenal organisation.”

Evelyn was a strong supporter of the Red Shield Appeal

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with Narara Valley High student Luca Elliss at the clean-up

Central Coast Council has confirmed that rates for water, sewerage and stormwater services will rise by 11.9 per cent from July 1 as it moves into year three of its four-year Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Determination.

Administrator Rik Hart confirmed the rise at the May 28 meeting, despite an impassioned address at the public forum by activist Kevin Brooks.

Council said the combined yearly bill for a typical household would increase by approximately $168.03 (based on 170 kilolitres of water usage per year).

Director Water and Sewer

Jamie Loader said the increase would allow Council to provide services that met community needs and expectations, now and in the future.

“The price increase in July is

Council confirms water rate rise

consistent with IPART’s determination to ensure Council can deliver these essential services,” Loader said.

“This year Council commenced work to deliver an $82.5M upgrade to Mardi Water Treatment Plant ensuring the security of the Central Coast’s water supply.

“The NSW Government provided $6.85M through the Safe and Secure Water Program with over $75M funded by Council.

“Since July 2023, Council has upgraded over 21.3km of new sewer lines and renewed 3.3km of watermains across the region.

“In addition, Council responded to 347 water main breaks and 796 sewer chokes across our network.”

Loader said the determination would provide sufficient revenue to address the large maintenance requirements, but it would take a number of years before the improvements to the assets translates to an improvement in overall service performance.

Administrator Rik Hart said that in May 2022, IPART determined that residents would prefer that any necessary price increases be applied gradually.

He said the 2022 determination, which included a series of gradual increases, followed a 2019 determination which resulted in price

reductions of more than 20 per cent.

After adjusting for inflation, residents will now be paying very similar prices to what they paid in 2018 for these services, he said.

Residents of the former Gosford area will be paying slightly less and those from the former Wyong slightly more.

Kevin Brooks told the public forum that the rate hike would add to cost-of-living pressures in the region.

“Despite rising prices, I was recently supplied with dirty brown water,” he said.

“After reporting it, I received a reply from the Director Water and Sewer telling me Council is ‘a low cost service provider of water and sewer services’.

“Central Coast Water is rightly compared with Sydney Water and Hunter Water – the big three water utilities in NSW with scale.

“And from July 1 we will be

paying 13 per cent more than Hunter and 28 per cent more than Sydney.

“What are we getting in return?

“And we see this quarter, Council is again behind on many key targets, including unplanned service interruptions, water mains breaks, wastewater mains breaks and wastewater overflows.

“IPART’s independent surveys also show no improvement in customer satisfaction over the past three quarters.”

Brooks said in February 2022, the Kellogg Brown Report presented to Council recommended not only structural change for water and sewer, but also improvements not requiring structural change such as cost savings, and improvements in performance and efficiency.

“The CEO was tasked with reporting back on this,” he said.

“When will we finally get an update on this report, including recommended improvements not even needing structural change?”

After the meeting, Brooks said it was disappointing that despite water rates going up 51 per cent in three years, Council now says it will be a number of years before customers see any improvement in overall service performance.

“That’s not what was being said three years ago when they applied for these massive price increases,” he said.

You can review the pricing for water and sewerage for the Central Coast by visiting the IPART website – ipart.nsw.gov. au

To check eligibility and apply for hardship assistance for payment of rates search ‘rates and hardship assistance’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Terry Collins

The Glen for Women to provide transition facility

For just over two years, The Glen for Women has been giving First Nations women a second chance at life.

It is now set to strengthen, with The Glen Group’s vision for a female-only transition facility becoming a reality.

The Glen for Women transition program looks to replicate its successful drug and alcohol rehabilitation and transition program for Aboriginal men (The Glen for Men), which has been operating for more than 15 years.

The transition program will provide a safe housing space for women to obtain job-skills training, employment opportunities and social support services as they transition back into the

community.

Located at Wyong, the new accommodation space will be available for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women who have completed the residential program at The Glen for Women Rehabilitation Centre.

More than $2.7M in funding has been provided by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) to assist The Glen Group acquire the property, which will accommodate up to 40 women each year.

Acquisition of the property was announced on May 29, with an Acknowledgement to Country and dance by The Glen for Women.

Clients were also provided an opportunity to share inspiring

stories about their recovery and betterment.

“Knowing that there will be a transition house that will be able to help more women in

A new revised skate park is on the way at Tunkuwallin Oval at Gwandalan, and Central Coast Council wants the community to help shape its design.

“The existing skate park is at the end of its life and ready for a revised modern facility to meet the needs of the community and growing number of families in this area,” Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said.

“This is a facility for the community, and we want to ensure that locals have the chance to tell us what they

recovery gives hope to me and so many other women,” one former resident said.

“I’m comforted knowing other women will be given the

opportunity to live a life free from addiction and go home healthy to their families and communities.”

With more than 145 females having been admitted into the program, clients have been provided with a new sense of hope and empowerment.

ILSC Group Chair Ian Hamm emphasised the importance of holistic health care services for First Nations peoples, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances.

“The ILSC’s investment in this project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to placing people and community at the heart of everything we do,” he said.

“We are proud to have been part of this initiative, which will see additional support services

Help shape Gwandalan’s new skate park

want to see in the new design – including the style, layout, components, and which wheels they want to ride on.

“Council has engaged a specialist skate park design contractor who will use this community feedback to create concept designs, and we will present these back to the community to see if we got it right.”

An online survey will be live until 5pm on June 24 at yourvoiceourcoast.com

A design workshop with the skate park specialist will be held from 6.30pm-7.30pm on Wednesday, June 12, at

Tunkuwallin Community Hall, 130 Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan. Register to attend the workshop at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Council will fund the design and build of the new skate park, with construction anticipated to commence early in 2025 and be completed by mid-year.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the engagement activities would allow the community to provide feedback on major plans in their neighbourhood, and influence the development and delivery of quality Council facilities to

meet their needs and aspirations.

“Council invests in purposebuilt, safe and engaging skate parks and recreational areas because of the many community benefits these facilities provide, and to meet the growing popularity of skateboarding and scootering across widening age groups, genders and abilities,” he said.

“I encourage community members to have their say by jumping online to complete the short survey or coming along to the design workshop to help shape the delivery of this new skate park at Gwandalan.”

available to those in our community who need it most.

“The Glen Group proudly delivers a proven service, deeply rooted in cultural identity and the betterment of vulnerable individuals.

“We extend our appreciation to them for their tireless efforts.”

The Glen Chairperson Cheryl Bailey, said the transition program would give Indigenous women the same opportunity as The Glen for Men’s male clients.

The Glen Group oversees Gulgul Nyugang Aboriginal Corporation and Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, which jointly manage The Glen drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres for both men and women.

The Glen for Women

The existing skate park at Tunkuwallin Oval

Kevin Brooks

Power station extension a health risk: Future Sooner

Future Sooner has slammed the NSW Government’s decision to delay the closure of Eraring power station for at least two years.

Spokesperson Gary Blaschke said for three years Origin Energy had been saying the facility would close by 2025.

“Suddenly, the deal between it and the Minns Government extending the life of Origin’s old polluting power station for a further two years was negotiated behind closed doors, totally ignoring the health issues facing residents of the Central Coast and the environment,” he said.

“More than 912,000 extra tonnes of coal ash will be

dumped into Eraring’s unlined 45-year-old open ash dams over these two extra years.

“In the past 12 months, mercury emissions from Eraring soared by 130 per cent, PM2.5 fine particles increased by 88 per cent, PM10 particles by 16 per cent and sulphur-dioxide

pollution rose by 15 per cent.

“Imagine what another two years will do to the health of residents.

“As pollution emissions rise so too do the diseases facing our local communities.

“Already people living on the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie suffer three or more chronic health conditions.

“In suburbs close to the power stations the number has reached 16.9 per cent of the population.

“To add insult to injury, Eraring enjoys another two years of profits past its use-bydate – and if it doesn’t make a profit, we the taxpayers, will hand over $225M every year

to the company.

“If Origin does make a profit from Eraring’s extended life, it doesn’t have to share all its profits with the NSW Government.”

Blaschke said there have been no epidemiological, exposure assessments or health risk studies of the health of residents residing near coal ash dams, as recommended by the government’s own Coal Ash Inquiry.

“There is no plan to remediate the millions of tonnes of toxic coal ash stored in dams throughout NSW,” he said.

Future Sooner will hold a Citizens Inquiry on Sunday,

August 25, and is calling on residents who have chronic health conditions to share their stories.

Submissions can be sent to futuresoonernsw@gmail.com

Premier Chris Minns said the Government didn’t have a choice after receiving a report from the national energy operator forecasting a gap in the state’s energy supply over the next three years.

“That was not a situation I was ever willing to risk,” he said.

“Labor has made a responsible call, which will keep our lights on across the state (and) protect households from higher energy bills, while giving us time to build

the clean energy of the future.” Minns said he was a big believer in renewable energy.

“Every day, more solar panels are being installed, more batteries are being plugged in, more wind farms are coming online,” he said.

“At the same time, we have a responsibility to support people as we take this journey.

“Nothing would undermine support for this transition faster than a spike in power prices, or a run of blackouts over summer.

“Extending the life of Eraring to cover these gaps is the right call in these circumstances.”

Terry Collins

Closure of Eraring power station put off for two years

From page 1

To be eligible to receive compensation, Origin must advise the state by March whether it will trigger the GEPA for the coming financial year.

If the GEPA is triggered, Origin may recover a portion of Eraring losses calculated for that financial year using an agreed formula that takes into consideration the extent to which the plant’s operating and capital costs exceed an agreed revenue profile, capped at $225Mpa.

In the event Eraring operations are profitable during that period, Origin will pay the NSW Government 20 per cent of Eraring’s agreed profit, capped at $40Mpa.

Origin retains the right to

Derryck Klarkowski has been awarded the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s Chairman’s Medal for his service to children living in poverty through his Central Coast charity, We Care Connect.

Established at Wyong in 2016, We Care Connect is a volunteerled organisation which distributes quality items for children and essential goods to families in need.

Through the generosity of its volunteers and community donations, it supplies everything from clothes and bedroom items to school supplies and birthday presents to thousands of children and families each year.

Those supported include children experiencing financial disadvantage, family violence or chronic medical conditions or who are at risk of homelessness. In the past eight years, the organisation has helped almost 24,000 children with more than

determine the final timeline for retirement of all four units of Eraring Power Station but no state compensation will be payable after FY2027, and the plant must retire in full no later than April 2029.

Origin CEO Frank Calabria said the agreement struck the right balance, with an extension to operations enabling Eraring to continue supporting security of electricity supply in NSW through the energy transition, while making compensation available to Origin in the event economic conditions for the plant are challenging.

“This agreement supports Eraring to continue to play an important role in maintaining reliable power for businesses and households through a

period in which there remains considerable uncertainty about the volume and timing of new renewables, transmission and firming infrastructure coming online,” he said.

“Importantly, today we can give our Eraring employees, our suppliers and the local community greater certainty around the future of the plant as we transition towards its retirement.

He said Origin did not shy away from the need to exit coal generation as soon as there was sufficient renewable energy, firming and transmission capacity available.

“We will continue to work with all employees to support them in their career journeys as

we progress towards an orderly transition for Eraring’s retirement,” he said.

Origin will continue to provide Eraring employees with a generous transition support package through to the plant’s closure, including career transition support, re-skilling, and re-deployment into new roles, where possible.

The $5M Eraring Community Fund, which was established to support activities that benefit communities affected by the future closure of the plant, will continue with its activities, prioritising projects that are sustainable and deliver an enduring community benefit.

Eraring, a 2880 MW black coal plant on the shores of Lake Macquarie, became fully

operational in 1984.

Origin has committed to construction of a large-scale battery at Eraring.

The first phase of the project consists of a 460 MW two-hour battery located adjacent the power station, with an operational target date late in the 2025 calendar year.

The Climate Council has labelled the decision as “a failure of climate leadership”.

Greens NSW MP and spokesperson for Energy and Treasury Abigail Boyd said it was a sign that the NSW Government was dragging its feet on the energy transition.

“The NSW Labor Government is gifting potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to the mega profitable Origin energy,

Recognition for We Care Connect founder

645,000 donated items.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair Catherine Robson said it was fitting that Derryck was recognised during National Volunteer Week.

“Derryck is known at We Care Connect as a volunteer CEO who leads from the ground up, tackling any job that needs doing including packing donations, repairing furniture and maintaining the warehouse, regularly dedicating five to seven days a week to the cause,” she said.

“Through the hard work of Derryck and his team, We Care Connect has now expanded to the Hunter and sees 120 volunteers across two sites collaborate with 300 case workers from 100 social support agencies.

“The number of children who are better off thanks to the support of We Care Connect is amazing, but there is a

phenomenal impact that you can’t quantify – restoring safety, dignity and self-worth to these kids and their families.

“Derryk remains at the heart of everything achieved by We Care Connect, and it has been our privilege at the Foundation to be along for part of this ride.”

For Klarkowski, co-founding We Care Connect was a retirement project that embraced his passion for volunteering and supporting people in need.

As a medical laboratory scientist by profession, his special interest in immunohaematology, tropical medicine and viral infections took him to developing nations with Médecins San Frontières, while he also spent two years as a volunteer in Eritrea.

He managed all this while also leading with the Venturer Scouts and serving with the Rural Fire Service when on home soil.

“It’s very humbling to receive

this acknowledgement,” he said.

“Whilst I am the volunteer with the official CEO title, this award really is a reflection of the incredible contribution that all of the We Care volunteers past and present have given.”

We Care Connect team member Helen Barker said Klarkowski inspired countless others to give.

“Every person who’s lucky enough to meet or volunteer with Derryck is humbled and in awe of this community movement he’s created,” she said.

“He shares his vision and wisdom with a grace and generosity that, without a doubt, is making a tangible impact to alleviate the unthinkable struggles for children living in poverty.”

The Chairman’s Medal was first presented in honour of former Foundation Chairman, Michael Slater, who spent more

which recently announced $747M in net profits in just the past six months,” she said.

“Labor’s Electricity Supply and Reliability Check Up report from last year, and the recent AEMO report into reliability, did not recommend extending Eraring.

“They said there could be potential reliability gaps if there is not a step change in ambitions, in investment and in the pace of transmission and generation roll out.

“We have two paths ahead of us – either we choose to keep pandering to the fossil fuel industry by keeping coal-fired power stations open longer than they need to be, or we urgently invest in publiclyowned renewables.”

than 50 years volunteering his time and talents to local organisations.

It is recognition for an outstanding volunteer who sets aside their own priorities to better the community.

The Medal is presented annually to a volunteer from a charity that has previously received funding from the Foundation as well as a $5,000 cash grant to the volunteer’s charitable organisation to be used for volunteer development.

Neryl Slater, wife of former Foundation Chair Michael Slater, was there to see the award presented.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation provides more than $1M in grants each year to charitable projects aimed at improving the health and social wellbeing of vulnerable people in regional NSW.

We Care Connect has previously received $118,000 from the Foundation.

Neryl Slater, Derryck Klarkowski and Catherine Robson

Gary Blaschke

Coast Connect

Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Central Coast Mariners achieve historic victory

Central Coast Council proudly congratulates the Central Coast Mariners on becoming the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Champions. The dedication and hard work of the team’s new coach, Mark Jackson, and all the players, new and returning, have paid off.

Their unwavering determination and outstanding performance throughout the season have cemented their place in the hearts of fans and has highlighted the unifying power of sport.

However, the season was not without its setbacks. Although the Mariners lost four games in a row at the start of the season and were stranded overseas due to extreme weather conditions, they kept their heads high, persevered and made the wins even sweeter.

This victory marks a historic achievement for the Mariners. They have won the Treble, which has never been achieved in Australia in either the men’s and women’s competition and have shown what can be achieved through commitment and a strong sense of community spirit.

We are immensely proud of their achievements, including securing the Asian Football Cup and the way they have represented the Central Coast on the national stage.

The Mariners have had an exceptional season, captivating and inspiring the entire region, showcasing the team’s resilience, dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship. They have brought immense pride and joy to the Central Coast community.

Rik Hart, Administrator

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, 6.30pm 28 May 2024.

Search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

What’s on

Start planning your Harvest Festival weekend trail

Celebrate the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland communities and choose your own adventure at this year’s Harvest Festival over the 8 to 9 June weekend.

To view the event program and book, search ‘harvest festival’ at lovecentralcoast.com

Tougher penalties for environmental offences

The Central Coast will benefit from the NSW Government’s introduction of tougher penalties and higher fines for environmental crimes including general littering, pollution of water and the environment and other offences. Council supports these reforms and legislation change, and will be implementing these new penalties to help protect the Coasts community and environment.

For more, search ‘landmark environmental reform’ at environment.nsw.gov.au

Roll in with your skate park design ideas

Now is the time for our local community of skaters and riders to help design the revised skate park at Tunkuwallin Oval at Gwandalan. The existing skate park is at the end of its life and ready for a revised modern facility. Have your say through our online survey or attend an in-person design workshop with specialist skate park designers in June.

Register for the workshop at yourvoiceourcoast.com/gsp

Enjoy the delicious Taste of Wyong

Join us at Wyong Town Park on Saturday 8 June for family fun, with live entertainment, and more. Taste local delights with $5 tasting boxes (buy one, get one free) from local eateries. Purchase yours at the Central Coast Council tent in Wyong Town Park.

Enjoy our vibrant community and support local businesses!

For more information, search ‘Taste of Wyong’ at lovecentralcoast.com

Central Coast Sustainability Pledge

We encourage our community to tread lightly and go slow on the NSW Central Coast. We’re proud to be one of the first Australian ECO Destinations certified by Ecotourism Australia and welcome you to immerse yourself in our shared culture, place, and a love of nature. We ask respectfully for those who tread from headland to hinterland to explore responsibly by observing some simple ‘house’ rules.

To take the pledge search ‘sustainability pledge’ at lovecentralcoast.com

Council elections on Saturday 14 September

On the same day, voters will participate in a referendum to determine the future number of councillors.

If carried, the changes will take place from the next term of Council in 2028.

For more information search ‘constitutional referendum’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Coast Connect

Central Coast Council news and community information

Council Election and Referendum

14

September 2024

Council Election

The 2024 Central Coast Council election and referendum is being run by the NSW Electoral Commission.

All information about the upcoming election, as well as candidate information and voting options can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website www.elections.nsw.gov.au (search for 2024 Local Government Elections).

Referendum

As well as voting in the election, a referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast councillors will be held on the same day.

The community will be asked the following question:

Do you favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast councillors from fifteen to nine?

This will result in three Wards with each Ward electing three councillors.

The maps show the Central Coast’s existing five wards and give an indication of how three wards could potentially look (the three-ward maps are for illustrative purposes only and the new Council will determine the final outcome.)

This is a constitutional referendum, meaning voting is compulsory.

If carried, the changes would take place in the next term of Council, starting 2028.

Find out more

Detailed information, including points for and against, and the background to the constitutional referendum, can be found on Council’s website (search for Constitutional Referendum).

This map shows the Central Coast’s current five wards

This map shows a potential option for three wards, for illustrative purposes only

Wyong

Gosford West Ward

Gosford East Ward

Entrance Ward

Budgewoi Ward

Do you or a loved one struggle to hear, even with hearing aids?

Come along to our free information session to learn more about cochlear implants. Don’t miss your chance to hear from the experts, speak to Cochlear recipients and others with hearing loss, and discover the benefits of hearing with Cochlear.

Date and Time

Tuesday, 4th June, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Location

Terrigal Rotary Hall 55-75 Duffys Road, Terrigal NSW 2260

Plans to upgrade the intersection of Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd are powering ahead, with Expressions of Interest now being sought from contractors.

The Federal and NSW governments are investing $65.5M to upgrade the notorious bottleneck as part of plans to improve traffic flow and safety on the highway between Wamberal and Bateau Bay.

The Australian Government has committed $52.4M towards the project.

Key features of the upgrade include replacement of the

A Central Coast youth charity is singing a new tune after receiving $90,000 from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to launch an innovative music program.

Later this year Gosford-based Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will start delivering Rewriting Futures, a 10-week program for young people aged between 15 and 24 who are at risk or have already disengaged from education and employment.

Tumbi Rd upgrade powers ahead

existing intersection roundabout with traffic lights and widening the highway north of the intersection to two lanes in each direction to the project boundary near Forresters Beach Garden Centre.

Transport for NSW has carried out extensive community consultation, with the Review of Environmental Factors on display for feedback in October 2021 and the subsequent submissions report, addressing matters raised by the community, published online in June 2022.

Last year, early works to prepare for the intersection upgrade were carried out, of

construction is yet to be confirmed but is expected in early 2025.

The project will take about two years to complete, weather permitting.

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the Central Coast was a busy and growing region, and locals deserved a strong road network that they could rely on.

“Once completed, this upgrade will improve safety and ease congestion for locals and visitors,” she said.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the bottleneck was notorious.

Major boost for youth music program

In twice-weekly three-hour sessions, participants will receive music education alongside personalised mentoring to develop emotional intelligence, practical life skills and personal growth.

Across four school terms 100 young people will be engaged in Rewriting Futures.

MMAD Interim CEO Anna Hohenboken said Rewriting Futures had extraordinary potential.

“When you reach a young person through music and support them with confidence

and life skills, there’s no limit to what they can achieve,” she said.

“There’s also a ripple effect, where positive changes in a young person’s life often create positive changes in their home, and for their family, friends and community.

“We’re so excited to get Rewriting Futures underway and are thrilled to have Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation along for the journey.

“Our purpose at Musicians Making A Difference (MMAD) is

to inspire young people to make positive choices so they can find their place in the world,” she said.

“We believe that every young person deserves someone who believes in them, and with this funding, our team is empowered to reach young people across the Central Coast who are vulnerable or who need someone to believe in them.”

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Executive Officer Carly Bush said music was a wonderful unifier.

“This upgrade will cut congestion, improve road safety and make travelling around the Central Coast much easier for all motorists,” he said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the highway provided an important connection between the M1 at Kariong and the Pacific Hwy at Doyalson through Gosford, Erina and The Entrance.

“This is a great step forward in progressing the Tumbi Rd intersection upgrade which will help ensure local communities enjoy improved reliability and connectivity on this important route,” he said.

Barbecue lunch to thank volunteers

They’re usually the ones delivering the meals, but on May 22 the volunteers of Meals on Wheels (MoW) Central Coast were on the receiving end.

MoW hosted a special barbecue at its Tuggerah head office to celebrate its volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week 2024.

The event, which saw more than 60 dedicated volunteers in attendance, was a resounding success filled with delicious food, laughter and

heartfelt conversations.

Volunteer and Program Coordinator Amy Baulman organised the lunch, which brought together the entire Meals on Wheels Central Coast family.

Staff did the cooking so the volunteers could sit back and enjoy the meal.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated Meals on Wheels Central Coast volunteers who help with meal delivery, Community Restaurant, social support and provide friendly

visits to our community,” Baulman said.

“Your commitment and compassion are the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels Central Coast, and today we celebrate you!”

The event also featured lucky door prizes and generous donations from local businesses.

JT Providores donated a fruit and vegetable box, The Swordfish Co Budgewoi provided a prawn platter and Woy Woy Poultry Supplies contributed a massive meat tray

Time to host a Biggest Morning Tea

and sausages for the barbecue.

“To our Meals on Wheels Central Coast Volunteers: thank you for all that you do,” Baulman said.

“Your generosity and kindness make a world of difference to our senior community.”

Meals on Wheels Central Coast is committed to keeping the spirit of National Volunteer Week alive throughout the year by continuing to provide connection, support and nutritious meals to the senior community across the Central Coast.

Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea turns 31 this year and Central Coast residents are being encouraged to gather friends, family or workmates for a cup of tea and a bite to eat while raising money to fund cancer research, new treatments and education.

Some Coasties have already hosted events, with the fundraiser continuing throughout May and June.

Among them is The Cove Village at Daleys Point, which recently raised $1,702

for the cause.

Cancer Council Central Coast Community Relations officer Jaynie Moloney said the funds raised would ensure Cancer Council can continue its lifesaving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and local support programs.

“For 31 years, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has brought together many people living on the Central Coast over a cup of tea in support of those affected by cancer” she said.

“Since the event began in

1993, Cancer Council’s generous community of supporters across Australia have raised more than $224M by hosting morning teas.

“Whichever way you choose to celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, every dollar raised on the Central Coast will make a huge difference.

“It doesn’t need to be fancy –your Biggest Morning Tea could be at home with friends or family, a simple morning tea in the office with workmates, a virtual get-together, or a gathering in the local community or at school.

“Simply register online at

biggestmorningtea.com.au, set a date in May or June and start sending out your invites.

“All of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives and every dollar raised helps support those impacted by cancer.”

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is the largest and most successful event of its kind in the country and attracts more than 25,000 hosts each year.

You can apply to host a morning tea or donate directly to Cancer Council via biggestmorningtea.com.au

Charlotte Tily and her helpers at the Biggest Morning Tea at The Cove

Department of Transport- Timing on the next stage of

The Tumbi Rd intersection

Representatives of MMAD accept the donation

The Meals on Wheels Central Coast family

Drivers reap rewards for safe driving

Friends of Kurrawyba will host a free Grey Nurse Shark information evening at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal on Thursday, May 30.

Special guest speaker will be Dr William (Bill) Gladstone, marine biologist and Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

Gladstone is also an International Fellow of the Explorers Club.

After completing his PhD (involving three years of field research at Lizard Island

Motorists on the Central Coast are reaping the rewards of safe driving through the NSW Government’s demerit point return trial.

Data broken down by local government area (LGA) shows 54, 971 drivers across the Central Coast have seen a demerit point removed from their licence for maintaining a 12-month spotless driving record.

More than 1.2 million drivers qualified for the demerit point

reward for maintaining a clear record during the initial 12-month period up to January 16, 2024.

The demerit return trial has been extended for a second year as the Government continues to sharpen its focus on road safety in 2024 amid a rising road toll.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said it was great to see drivers rewarded for their safe driving.

“Our community knows how important road safety is and

this program is driving that message home,” he said.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the program encouraged drivers to drive safely through a “carrot” approach.

“With the demerit point return trial extended for another year, let’s keep the momentum going and ensure we’re focusing on driving safely every day,” she said.

Minister for Roads John Graham said that for those who drove for a living the reward for

Grey Nurse shark information night

Research Station, Great Barrier Reef) he worked for government and international marine conservation organisations in Australia, the Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines), and the Red Sea. He used his expertise in the ecology of fish and coral reefs for conservation planning, state-of-the-environment reporting and staff training.

Gladstone has spent extended periods of time at sea and worked in remote and isolated locations as a member and leader of field teams.

As a university academic he

studied the conservation biology of fish and sharks (spending more than 4,000 hours underwater), and the social aspects of marine conservation.

He was one of the founding organisers of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

Friends of Kurrawyba spokesperson Izabela Sajdok said there was a special Grey Nurse population on the Central Coast.

“Referred to as the Labradora of the Sea because of their gentle nature, the Grey Nurse were the first sharks to be

protected by an Act of Parliament, right here in NSW,” she said.

“Friends of Kurrawyba are on a mission to make sure the Grey Nurse in local waters continue to get the protection they deserve.”

Gladstone’s presentation will be followed by a brief update on the Friends of Kurrawyba and a question and answer session on Grey Nurse Sharks and marine life generally.

The Free Grey Nurse Shark Information Night starts at 7pm on Thursday, May 30, at 11 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal.

safe driving could be the difference between ongoing employment and losing their livelihood.

“People are used to the stick of enforcement and double demerits, but this is the carrot of reward for good behaviour,” he said.

“Every demerit point wiped from a licence under this trial is the result of a full 12 months of safe driving by a motorist on NSW roads.”

Golf fundraiser hits home for Coast Shelter

After successfully fundraising an outstanding $33,500 for Coast Shelter, the Central Coast Women’s Golf Association (CCWGA) has seen the real-life impact of their efforts after a visit to one of Coast Shelter’s women and children’s refuges.

The funds raised were allocated to one of the women and children’s refuges to purchase a house full of new furniture after extensive renovations were required due to water damage and damp issues.

Some members of the CCWGA, made up of eight affiliated clubs from Woy Woy

to Toukley, had the opportunity to visit one of the refuges to meet with residents and staff and witness the impact of their donations first-hand.

Central Coast Women’s Golf Association president Gay Saines expressed her gratitude and excitement about the successful fundraising initiative.

“We are thrilled to have raised so much for Coast Shelter,” Saines said.

“As a community, we recognise the importance of supporting those in need, and we are proud to have made a meaningful contribution to Coast Shelter’s efforts to provide essential services and

support to families in our community.”

Coast Shelter CEO Lee Shearer commended the CCWGA for their generosity and support.

“This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of the women and children under our care, ensuring they have access to a homely and nurturing environment as they work towards rebuilding their lives.”

In a show of community spirit and solidarity, the West Gosford branch of Fantastic Furniture also jumped on board to support the refurbishment efforts.

Proclamation to mark D-Day

To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing, Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke will give a special proclamation at Gosford on June 6.

D-Day was the name given to June 6, 1944 – the day Allied troops during World War II invaded the beaches at Normandy in northern France. France at the time was

occupied by the armies of Nazi Germany, and the amphibious assault—code named Operation Overlord—landed some 156,000 Allied soldiers on the beaches by the end of the day.

Despite their success, some 4,000 Allied troops were killed by German soldiers defending the beaches.

At the time, the D-Day

invasion was the largest naval, air and land operation in history, and within a few days about 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed.

By August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and in spring of 1945 the Allies had defeated the Germans.

Historians often refer to D-Day as the beginning of the end of World War II.

One June 6 this year, official Town Criers from England, Wales, the USA, the Channel Islands, Bermuda, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium and Australia will be performing official D Day proclamations.

“The official proclamation has been written by Jane

Smith-Bognor Regis, Town Crier and Member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers (UK) and has been officially approved,”

Clarke said.

“I will perform the proclamation (with an added Australian flavour) at the newly renovated cenotaph in Mann St, Gosford on Thursday, June 6, at 11am.”

Fantastic Furniture offered a 25 per cent discount on all purchases, allowing the funds raised by CCWGA to stretch even further and maximise their impact on the community.

The collaborative effort of CCWGA, Coast Shelter, and Fantastic Furniture West Gosford sets a shining example of how practical actions can bring positive change to the lives of local community members facing challenging circumstances.

For information on how you can get involved with Coast Shelter, please email admin@ coastshelter.org.au or call 02 4325 3540.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Member for The Entrance David Mehan

Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke

Izabela Sajdok of Friends of Kurrawyba

From left: Donna Mitchell, Carmel Taylor, Gay Saines, Lee-Ann Kordic, Kim Burke, Janet Davies and Deb Sorensen

NEWS IN BRIEF BreastScreen

The BreastScreen NSW bus is set to return to Woy Woy for the sixth year.

The big pink bus will be in the grounds of the CWA hall at 30 The Blvd, Woy Woy, for eight weeks from June 5-July 31.

To book, call 13 20 50.

Scouts’ air activity

The NSW Scouts Air Activity Centre will run a Regional Activity Day at Warnervale on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, using three Cessna C172 aircraft to give 80 scouts a taste of flying.

Groups attending are from the Central Coast Lakes District (geographically covering from Gwandalan to Erina) with ages ranging from 5-18.

Playground upgrade

Central Coast Council has completed the upgrade of the playspace at Maidens Brush Reserve, Wyoming.

An existing large octagonal swing was retained at the park.

Writers festival free family fun day

With the Words on the Waves Writers Festival now underway, a free family fun day will be held on Sunday, June 2, as part of the festival’s new twoday event The Dip.

It will take place in and around a giant marquee in the Jasmine Greens parklands area at Umina Beach.

Saturday, June 1, will feature short-form talks appealing to a broader audience, ranging from celebrity cookbooks to children’s literature.

And Sunday’s Family Fun Day will feature demonstrations by illustrators, authors talks, book signings and more.

There will also be free face painting, craft activities and storytelling running throughout the day, a roaming giant puppet, photo opportunities with the University of Newcastle’s giant seahorse mascot and a range of market stalls and food trucks.

Highlights will include a The Sea In Me writing and craft workshop, an epic illustrator showdown, a puppet-making session, a drumming workshop and an activity making a mandala collage.

MC and author Nat Amoore will introduce children’s

authors and illustrators and run the Book ‘n’ Boogie session at 10am.

Amoore is a children’s author, speaker and all-round bucket of fun.

Her first three books, Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire, The Power of Positive Pranking, and The Right Way to Rock, all centred on the fictitious Watterson Primary School.

Her new series, Showerland, launched this year and the first book Break the Curse was an immediate hit.

Local author Rebecca J.

Chaney will be there, signing copies of her book Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, which was released worldwide in May.

In this story, 12-year-old Stu is new to Las Vegas and he’s lonely.

His best friend back in Australia has dumped him and his only friend in Las Vegas is his pet snake.

He wants more friends but it hurts too much to lose them.

Then Stu runs into a pair of casino thieves who can stop time and what follows is a jam-

packed adventure full of science and laugh-out-loud moments.

Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops was the first children’s book shortlisted for the Newcastle Writers Festival Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize, and has just been awarded Honourable Mention in the Kids’ Choice Kidlit Writing Contest, a global competition where the judges are kids.

Chaney has previously worked as a bookseller, publishing assistant, schools science program co-ordinator and platypus monitor, among

other things.

“You could say that books and science are my thing,” she said.

“I’m also passionate about keeping young people, especially boys, engaged in reading novels.

“This book is aimed at 10-13-years-olds, which research shows is the age at which many boys lose interest, and I’m hoping that the humour and fast-paced action in this story, along with its nod to science, will keep them turning the page as much as girls.”

She will be signing copies of the book on the day, with a limited edition hardcover version to be presented to the young reader with the most creative answer to the question: What would I do if I could stop time?

The free family fun day will be held from 9am-2pm on Sunday, June 2, at Jasmine Greens Park, Umina Beach.

Words on the Waves, the Central Coast’s first and only writers’ festival, returns from May 29-June 3, with more than 80 authors and about 70 sessions.

For more information and the full festival program go to wordsonthewaves.com.au

Nat Amoore; Rebeccca J. Chaney

Photo: Jean-Claude Sicart

Weeds along Baker St a disgrace

While our wonderful Mariners showed Australia that our region can be national leaders, unfortunately our own civic leaders let us down, yet again.

Photos taken in Baker St, Gosford, the day after the Mariners’ victory show an absolute disregard from Central Coast Council to try and show our city at its best.

The weeds along Baker St to me indicate a lack of pride shown in our area.

I understand there is no quick fix for the dilapidated and decaying buildings that are boarded up from sight (thankfully), but to leave the footpath that leads to the stadium and the live site in Leagues Club Park in such a poor state is totally unacceptable.

A couple of Council staff with a pair of gloves and a bin could

have had that area weeded in an hour or two.

This highlights a seemingly lack of care by our leaders on all levels.

While this is a Council issue, even a quick squiz by our state and federal politicians around the route that thousands of local spectators and tourists would walk along could have helped to stop the area looking so shabby.

I would have thought on what is possibly the biggest sporting occasion ever held in Gosford, when Melbourne supporters were travelling to our region and the national spotlight was upon us, Central Coast Council would have taken a walk around the town and seen if we couldn’t give the old town (and given) a quick spit and polish so it looked its best for such a grand event.

It’s worth noting that when the administrator leaves in September and we have a newly elected Council, the current managers will still be responsible for day-to-day

maintenance of Gosford.

It might appear I’m being overly dramatic about some weeds on a footpath, but I believe it highlights the issues of maintaining the Gosford town centre.

The fact we can’t clean up one of the main footpaths that leads from the train and parking stations is disrespectful to the people and businesses of the Central Coast who pay rates and taxes.

I feel some questions should be asked by Administrator Rik Hart to the

Council managers responsible. We certainly don’t appear to be getting any ‘bang for our buck’.

Email, May 28 Name withheld, Narara

A statue for the stadium

There should be a lasting legacy established at Gosford Industree Stadium to celebrate the Mariners’ unique achievement.

Last Saturday night, May 25, Gosford was host to one of the greatest games of soccer seen

Guns and drugs arrest at Lake Haven

A 56-year-old man has been charged on 15 offences related to firearms and cannabis following his arrest at a Lake Haven house.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lake Police District executed a search warrant at Inderan Ave on Thursday, May 23.

Batemans Bay.

It will further be alleged the man possessed a bag containing seven resealable bags of cannabis leaf, cannabis hash, cannabis oil and several resealable bags containing cannabis seeds.

in Australia.

Not only did the Mariners win the premiership, but for the first time won back-to-back championships as well as the elusive “treble” which included taking out the Asian Federation Cup.

Because of his contribution to the Mariners and announcement of his retirement, I suggest a statue of Danny Vukovic be erected at the stadium.

Email, May 27

David O’Brien, Gosford

Why demolish a perfectly good building?

In regard to the proposed demolition of the Gosford Library; why would a

‘cash strapped’ council demolish a perfectly good building?

Gosford City Library is perfect to be repurposed for another community space or commercial leasing, providing additional funds to Central Coast Council which could contribute to relief in the cost of rates.

Our council needs to act more responsibly when it comes to expenditure.

Although many things would be nice to have it is time to restrain our spending and deal with the more basic needs of ratepayers.

BRIEFS

Charged over stabbing

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The items will undergo forensic examination.

Police seized three unregistered rifles, more than 300 grams of cannabis leaf, six cannabis plants, a flick knife, laser pointer, expandable baton, a firework, $29,000 in cash, a mobile phone and other items related to the supply of prohibited drugs.

The man was charged at Wyong Police Station on 15 offences all related to firearms and drugs and when the man faces court police will allege that the man was also involved in the supply of cannabis in

Police allege the man had possession of more 500 grams of cannabis leaf.

Investigations are continuing and police urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw. crimestoppers.com.au

Police appeal to find DV offenders

Tuggerah Lakes Police are appealing for community assistance to help locate several men for alleged offences related to domestic violence.

NSW Police recently conducted Operation Amarok VI which took place in every police area command and district across NSW. Hundreds of allegedly dangerous domestic and family

violence offenders were arrested in the statewide fourday blitz.

Police are still searching for some wanted on arrest warrants including the following men: Andrew McDougall is known to frequent the Buff Point area.

Keep a lookout for Wayne Macalpine in the

Budgewoi district.

Haydn Damm is known around the Tuggerawong area. Michael Landsdowne could be in the Woongarrah suburb. Mark Johnson might be in the Long Jetty or surrounding area.

Anyone with information should contact the local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the online reporting page www1.police. nsw.gov.au

A woman has been charged over an alleged domestic violence-related stabbing at Wyee on Sunday, May 26.

Police were called to a home on Wyee Rd at about 11.20pm following reports of a domestic incident.

Officers arrived at the location and found a 67-year-old man with head injuries and a stab wound to his torso.

A crime scene was established by Lake Macquarie Police District who commenced inquiries into incident.

A short time later, a 65-yearold woman was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station where she was charged with cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to person with intent to murder (DV).

Burglary at Bateau Bay

A man has been charged with alleged car stealing, drug and firearms related offences following an investigation by Tuggerah Lakes Police.

In December 2023, investigators from the Tuggerah Lakes Proactive Crime Team commenced an investigation into an alleged break and enter at a home in Bateau Bay, during which a Ford Ranger utility was allegedly stolen.

Following an extensive investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Crossingham St, Canton Beach, at about 4pm on Friday, May 25.

During a search of a property, police located and seized the

allegedly stolen Ford Ranger utility, in addition to a prohibited firearm, ammunition and multiple prohibited drugs.

A 42-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged on two counts of possess prohibited drug; goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle); goods suspected stolen in/on premises (motor vehicle); drive, licence suspended under s 66 Fines Act; larceny; possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/ authority; possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm; and not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited.

Email, May 19

Alan Pappas, West Gosford

Michael Landsdowne

Wayne Macalpine Haydn Damm

Adam McDougall

Mark Johnson

One of the firearms found

One of the firearms found

SCAN ME

An exhibition celebrating the youth culture of local high school students will be on show at the Erina Centre Gallery until June 12.

Imagine a World Full of Hope is presented by the Arcade Gallery in partnership with eMerge, supported by Central Coast Council and Erina Rotary Club in recognition of Rotarian Youth Service Month.

Erina Rotary Club has coordinated the exhibition of contemporary artworks by local high school students from Erina and Terrigal to showcase the cutting-edge creativity and

Imagine exhibition at Erina

culture of the region’s young people.

It focuses on the use of mixed media and technology to support self-expression and creative endeavours.

Members of the public can vote for their favourite artwork in a People’s Choice Award, using the QR code beside each picture.

The competition is sponsored by national arts supply retailer Eckersley’s, with the artist receiving the most votes to win a $100 voucher and a second place $50 voucher.

Erina Rotary Club President Fefe Morrison said Creating a

World Full of Hope was the theme of Rotary this year and was also the aspiration of John Lennon, who said he felt that his role as an artist was to try and express what we all felt.

“These young artists have shared with us their perspective on this, their viewpoints of the world around them,” Morrison said.

Teachers Gail Wright of Terrigal High School and Katie Porter of Erina High School have been keen supporters of the exhibition and submitted their students’ artworks for the occasion, with Jen Dias from Central Coast Council assisting

in the set-up and curation of the exhibition.

Terrigal art teacher Kara Middleby said it was a great opportunity for the students to be able to present their artworks to the broader community as well as their families and friends.

The gallery space is free and open to the general public visiting the adjacent Erina Library.

The works include Terrigal High School’s Year 7 prints of designs inspired by Central Coast landscapes and Year 11 work focusing on nature.

Erina High School’s Years

8-12 submitted works of landscapes, still life, animation and portrait drawings and paintings, exploring new materials and mixed media.

The exhibition was launched on Thursday, May 15, and will be in the Erina Centre Gallery, next to the Library in Erina Fair until Wednesday, June 12.

The students, their families, teachers and Department Head Teachers joined Erina Rotary Club members in the launch of the exhibition and were able to see the artworks in a professional setting, curated with the gallery hanging system and lighting available.

Morrison said the students’ work was impressive.

“I love how they have used a mix of techniques to create the works, including analogue drawing and painting with digital editing and printing,” she said.

“The purpose of the exhibition is to encourage the young artists.

“I hope that this will inspire some of the young people to continue and pursue a career in the creative arts sector in the future.”

For more information go to rotaryerina.org.au

A work by Eloise Hird of Terrigal High School; Artwork by Cassidy Brunnengraber of Erina High

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Jazz at the leagues club

The Dennis Walsh Big Band will play in the Parkview Room at Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford for the Jazz League on Sunday, June 2 from 2pm to 5pm.

The traditional big band, consisting of trumpets, saxophones, trombones and a scintillating rhythm section, will also feature a great female vocalist.

It will be playing classic swing arrangements with a sprinkling of Latin and jazz.

There will be plenty of room on the dance floor and a $10 entry includes a strip of raffle tickets.

Free music at the OB

Ocean Beach Hotel holds a jazz and blues night every Wednesday from 6.30-9:30 pm with free entry.

There are drink specials and the kitchen is open until nine.

Artists set to appear in coming weeks include Luke Gallen on June 5, Gerard Masters on June 12 and Darryl Aberhart on June 19.

CWA farewells canine member

The Woy Woy branch of the CWA has said goodbye to its favourite member of the four-legged variety.

Angela Allen and her best friend, her guide dog Piper, joined the Woy Woy branch about six years ago.

“In those six years Piper has been an integral member of the branch,” a spokesperson said.

“She has turned up when needed, licked the floor clean when needed and wandered the hall for pats when needed.

“She has helped with our mental health by being an avid listener and a gentle girl.

“She has given Angela freedom and confidence to navigate her world.”

But as Piper approaches her ninth birthday (that’s around 66 in human years), she is set to retire and become a stay-athome companion pet to Angela, who will soon receive a new guide dog.

“We wish Piper a happy and well deserved retirement – and thank her for being a great CWA member,” the spokesperson said.

See full stories online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Shakespeare classic coming to Art House

Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in a breathless new production from Bell Shakespeare at The Art House on June 4.

It’s a decadently chaotic drama with all its magic, mirth and mayhem when a handful of star-crossed lovers enter the enchanting realm of some mischievous fairies.

One of The Bard’s best-loved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was written early in Shakespeare’s career, about the same time as Romeo and Juliet.

While the play is one of love, laughter and magic, it also explores darker themes of jealousy, family conflict and fractured relationships.

Fans of Bell Shakespeare may recall the 2021 version of the production was halted during the pandemic, so this new run is particularly special to company artistic director Peter Evans.

“I’m delighted we’re able to give this production a second chance after we sadly had to cancel many of the dates in 2021,” Evans said.

“Our cast and crew went through quarantine but only made it to the Northern Territory and Queensland due to border closures and lockdowns elsewhere, so we’re focusing on the states and territories we missed out on to give audiences an opportunity to see it.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is very special to me, and whether you are revisiting

an old friend in this play or are brand new to Shakespeare, it is a play to treasure.”

Mirroring themes of illusion and subversion within A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Evans’ new take focuses on the play within the play, in this highly physical production with

eight actors playing multiple parts.

The result is a fast-paced spectacle that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Acclaimed British/Australian actor Richard Pyros, who

recently appeared in hit Hulu TV series The Great, will star as Oberon, alongside Maori actor Matu Ngaropo as Bottom, known for his recent role as George Washington in the Australian version of the Broadway sensation Hamilton. They join the previously announced cast of Ahunim Abebe, who makes her mainstage theatre debut as Hermia, Isabel Burton (Helena), Mike Howlett (Demetrius), Ella Prince (Puck), Imogen Sage (Titania/Hippolyta/Quince) and Laurence Young (Lysander).

The creative team includes designer Teresa Negroponte, lighting designer Benjamin Cisterne, composer and sound designer Max Lyandvert, and movement director Nigel Poulton.

Women empowering women exhibition

Multi-award-winning photographer and business owner Victoria Fitzmaurice will launch her latest exhibition on the Central Coast on June 6.

Women Empowering Women is Fitzmaurice’s second social commentary exhibition and follows the success of her domestic violence photography for the NSW Police It’s Not Black or White exhibition in 2023.

Conceived during COVID through reflection of her photographic journey, Fitzmaurice said she was inspired by amazing people she had met and was inspired by the sentiment that “it takes a village” .

“Women connecting and empowering other women on so many topical issues and injustices that subtly, or

profoundly, affect us as women was predominant,” she said.

With a vision to engender hope, inspiration, courage and resilience and to spark proactive change, Fitzmaurice sought out inspirational women.

hope and inspiration to female audiences of all ages, influencing beyond gender.”

The exhibition highlights women who have proved they can make it in male dominated professions, women who understand you’re never too old to reinvent yourself, and those who have battled and survived such things as breast cancer, mental health issues, homelessness, rape, domestic violence, addiction, or cyberbullying.

“For some, a story might resonate deeply in the present moment, while for others, reflecting on the narratives and powerful images may serve as a source of future inspiration, providing hope or igniting courage.”

The Women Empowering Women Exhibition will be on show at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre from 10am-2pm daily from June 6-20.

It also features women who tackled life head on, not knowing their identity as one of the Stolen Generation, who faced the challenges of becoming disabled, or received an ADHD diagnosis later in life.

“Insightful stories align each participant’s portrait, offering

“The remarkable women represented in this exhibition demonstrate extraordinary resilience and a fierce determination not to be defined by adversity, gender or sexuality,” she said.

“This exhibition has the potential to touch many lives,” Fitzmaurice said.

Opening night will be held on Thursday, June 6, at 6pm and will include canapes, a glass of sparkling wine and meeting some of the inspiring women. To book search Women empowering Women central Coast at Eventbrite.com.au

The exhibition will also be shown at The Art House, Wyong, in September.

Taxiride 25-year celebration tour at Avoca

Jason Singh, original founding member and lead singer of one of Australia’s most iconic rock bands Taxiride, will bring his full band tour, 25 Years of Taxiride, to Avoca Beach Theatre on June 1.

This national milestone tour, comprising a string of electrifying performances right across the country, promises to be a captivating journey through Singh and his band’s remarkable 25-year career and incredible musical legacy.

Since their formation in 1997, Taxiride has engaged audiences with their memorable hits and consistently delivered music that has stood the test of time.

The infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics earned Singh a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades throughout

his illustrious career, from the chart-topping double platinum debut album Imaginate and subsequent releases to ARIA awards, and the most played song on Australian radio in 2002 Creepin’ Up Slowly.

Having toured the world and his home country, playing countless sold-out headline shows, Singh and his band established themselves as one of Australia’s premier live bands, leading them to be selected for the most-sought-after support slots for superstars such as Tina Turner, Lionel Ritchie, John Fogerty and Matchbox 20.

As the charismatic and talented lead singer, Singh’s uniquely recognisable powerhouse vocals are synonymous with Taxiride.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since I started this

incredible journey,” Singh said.

“I am eternally grateful to the amazing fans for their unwavering support throughout the years.

“This tour is for them– a chance to celebrate the music that has brought us all together

and the incredible memories we’ve made along the way.”

Expect to hear all the Taxiride singles including the Top 5 hits Get Set, Everywhere You Go, and Creepin’ Up Slowly.

In addition to his work with his band, Singh has achieved

outstanding solo success, releasing multiple top 10 ARIA club dance hits and earning critical acclaim with his debut solo album.

In 2018, following his solo support to John Farnham, Singh joined multi-Grammy nominated pop-rock trio Hanson as part of their sell-out Middle Of Everywhere World Tour, adding to the already impressive list of internationals he has supported as a solo artist over the years, including Rick Astley and Mariah Carey, as well as Aussie icon Jimmy Barnes.

From the early days of breakthrough success to the solo ventures and everything in between, this epic anniversary tour will celebrate the musical milestones that have solidified both Taxiride and Singh’s place in Australian music history.

Midsummer Night’s Dream coming to The Art House in June

Jason Singh and Taxiride coming to Avoca Beach Theatre

Victoria Fitzmaurice; One of the images in the exhibition

Art Hall Group exhibits at regional gallery

Central Coast life drawing group, Art Hall Group, will host its annual exhibition of selected open genre works by members at the Gosford Regional Gallery from June 3-9.

It will showcase the works of artists in the group and celebrate one of the many art groups on the Central Coast creating community and connection for local artists.

The yearly exhibition gives members a chance to share their creations with art lovers in the community and visitors to the Coast.

Two of the exhibiting artists are Mike Worrall and Wendy Bills, who say they speak through the art they create in

Art Hall, whether its life drawing, Bills’ fantasy-inspired art, or Worrall’s mysterious creations.

They have had different art journeys, both creating unique, ethereal and intriguing styles showcasing that art has different meanings for different people.

“My main source would be … drawing ideas from doodles and seeing something I can develop into a painting,” Worrall said.

He wants viewers to wonder what his paintings mean.

Bills learnt to paint at the Julian Ashton School in The Rocks.

She was taught to paint in the classical style, which she said

gave her direction before she was encouraged to develop her own style.

This incorporates fantastical themes that allow the art to speak to people in unique ways that have meaning for the individual.

Her favourite themes often involve nature, and she likes to use materials from her garden to create her fantasy-themed works and paintings.

Worrall said he had learnt a lot during the years he has attended the life drawing sessions at Art Hall and finds drawing the human body a challenge each time.

He said he has made many friends in the other artists and models and recommends

giving drawing the human figure a go.

For Bills, the group is about the diversity of friendships she has made, as well as learning that art and talent is not prescriptive and has many forms.

Art Hall, she says, is her “happy place”.

The group has been running for 30 years and meets at Potters Hall, East Gosford, on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10am1.30pm.

Meetings were originally held in local halls, or the houses of Janet Hoyer-Cobb, Paul Haggith and Mike Worrall, before the group grew.

During meetings the

Soul stirring music at Fun Haus Factory

It will be an evening of soul-stirring rhythms and electrifying beats when Paul A George plays the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford on May 31.

The front man of the acclaimed Australian band Tijuana Cartel, George’s music takes audiences on an intuitive

Book Review

exploration of dance and electronica.

Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of global musical influences and his own roots in the Australian rainforest, George weaves together a sonic journey that transcends boundaries.

From the mystical sounds of

A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towles

We all know about the assassination of Tsar Nicolas II and his family and the story of the fabled Duchess Anastasia who supposedly escaped and was immortalised by Disney.

When Amor Towles published A Gentleman in Moscow the blurb read like something straight out of the Romanov story.

This is a masterful work of

historical fiction that immerses readers in the life of Count

Alexander Ilyich Rostov, a Russian aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel after the Bolshevik Revolution.

The richly detailed and elegantly written novel spans several decades, capturing the profound changes in Russian society through the microcosm

India, where he immersed himself in the study of the sitar, to the fiery rhythms of flamenco mastered in the south of Spain, George’s multicultural approach to music is captivating.

Desert sounds, flamenco guitars, organic house and downtempo beats converge

of the hotel.

The story begins in 1922, with Count Rostov being spared from execution due to a revolutionary poem he wrote years earlier.

Instead, he is confined to a small attic room in the Metropol, a far cry from his previous opulent lifestyle.

Despite this, the Count remains unflappable, maintaining his dignity and charm as he navigates his constrained existence.

Towles’ portrayal of Rostov shows him as a character of immense wit, wisdom and resilience, whose personal growth and adaptability are central to the story’s appeal.

The prose is elegant and evocative, capturing the grandeur of the Metropol and the rich tapestry of life within its walls.

The hotel itself becomes a

members, who are full-time artists, semi-professional artists, retired art teachers, aspiring artists and those who want to draw for fun, get to interact with Archibald finalists, self-taught artists and those with a love of drawing.

They use graphite, oil paint, watercolour acrylics, pastel and charcoal to turn out a range of different renderings, and work across different styles.

There are varying drawing styles in the group, which has more than 20 members.

“The sessions are ideal for new, aspiring artists to learn drawing techniques and mediums,” spokesperson John Brown said.

seamlessly in his repertoire. Enjoy the music with food from Beau’s Burgers and a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) in hand.

The show will be at 7pm on Friday, May 31.

Tickets are available at funhausfactory.org.au

character, a sanctuary where the Count encounters a diverse array of guests and staff, each bringing their own stories and perspectives.

They include Nina, the precocious young girl who introduces the Count to the hotel’s hidden secrets and Sofia, the orphaned girl who becomes like a daughter to him.

These relationships deepen the novel’s emotional resonance.

A Gentleman in Moscow paints a vivid picture of the political and social upheavals in Russia, yet these broader events are always filtered through the lens of the Count’s personal experiences.

This approach allows readers to grasp the impact of historical changes on individuals’ lives, making the narrative both expansive and deeply personal.

The novel is also imbued with

“Models embark on a range of poses, from warm-up to hour-long poses.”

Art Hall draws models from Sydney and the Central Coast, and is always open to new models and new, aspiring artists to come and learn and share their art journey.

Art Hall is one of several life drawing groups operating on the Central Coast.

The exhibition will include figurative work, landscapes and still life work.

The official opening will take place at 6pm on June 7 and entry during the week-long run is free.

The group can be found on Instagram @arthallgroup

Ashleigh Meikle

a sense of timelessness and a celebration of the enduring qualities of human nature –kindness, integrity and resilience.

The Count’s refined manners and philosophical outlook stand in stark contrast to the brutal realities of the new Soviet regime, highlighting themes of adaptation and survival without losing one’s essence.

Some readers might find the novel’s pace leisurely and its focus on the Count’s internal world rather than external action a bit slow, but I would ask them to reread.

The narrative’s charm lies in its detailed observations and the slow unfolding of events, which might not appeal to those seeking fast-paced drama.

It is heaven for those who appreciate character-driven stories and finely crafted prose; these qualities are precisely what make the novel so compelling.

This novel is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of elegance, making it a delightful and enriching read.

It is not often I recommend a TV or movie based on a book, but Amazon Prime’s series starring Ewan McGregor is definitely worth a watch.

Paul A George

The Art Hall Group with model Ylenna (second from left); Wendy Bills; Mike Worrall; Abundance and Nostalgic Fantasy by Wendy Bills

1. Iraq’s

8. Sigh of

11. Baby’s

13. Actress, ... Knightley

15. Ring up

17. Mafia godfather

18. Expiring

20. Dejected

21. Suez or Panama

24. Rock guitarist, ... Van Halen

27. Golf ball holder

28. Fringe benefits

30. Impenetrable (jungle)

31. Sorcery

33. Daisy-like flowers

34. Drink habitually

36.

45. Prepares

46. Drawing

48. Matching card suit

49. Oscar-winner, ... Witherspoon

50. Puncture with knife

52. Bolshevik leader

54. Between

55. Drifter

56. Open shoe

57. Not hard

60. Unreliable

62. Repeated

65. Underground hollow

67. Arabian folklore creature

69. Distend

70. Stately

72. Wealthy LA suburb, ... Air

73. Irritate

75. Overlooks

77. Peat landscape

79. Waikiki welcome

81. Authorise

82. Stupid (remark)

84. Roost

85. Dressed to the ...

86. Jug

87. Ceases

88. Judge DOWN

1. Scamps

2. Positive pole 3. Mum’s mum

4. Film star, ... Gosling

5. Confuses

6. Writer, ... Hemingway

7. Slip sideways

8. Drily humorous

9. Caribbean nation

10. Worker’s income

12. Playful kisses

14. Perfect

16. Merry 19. Slender bottle tops

22. Respiratory ailment

23. Skilful

25. Humbles oneself

26. Collision

29. Most impetuous

32. Information

35. Flight cost

37. Beseeched

38. Over-sensitivity

40. Actor, ... Hawke

41. Unprotected (flame)

42. New Zealanders

43. Fate

44. Public vehicles

47. Roof

51. Nag

52. Poorest (excuse)

53. Jellied petrol

54. Commercial

58. Guardian spirit

59. Japanese monetary unit

61. Criminal

63. Tobacco item

64. Lives

65. Woven materials

66. Varnish ingredient

68. Flee to wed

71. Degrade

72. Roast

74. Hyperactivity disorder (1,1,1,1)

76. Pubs

78. Virus or bacterium

80. That female

83. Bushranger, ... Kelly

See page 13 for last edition’s solutions or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK

Twist and Shout a must for rock ‘n’ roll fans

Twist and Shout, a salute to the rock ‘n’ roll legends of the 50s and 60s, is coming to Avoca Beach Theatre on Saturday, June 1.

It is is an international tribute performance starring the multi award winning and internationally acclaimed The William Brothers.

With tributes to Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Del Shannon, Jerry Lee Lewis and Australia’s Johnny O’Keefe, as well as the number one hits of The Bee Gees, The Beatles, The Monkees and The Hollies to name a few, the show is a must for rock ‘n’ roll fans.

With a collection of music industry awards, The Williams Brothers boast an unrivalled list of major corporate clients in the best venues across the country.

As the sons of one of Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers, recording artist and television star Warren Williams, the brothers have decades of experience behind them and a catalogue of music from all genres.

Warren Williams Jr first graced the stage as a six year old with his father on Brian Henderson’s Bandstand.

As the youngest member of the Bandstand family, he made several appearances both with

his father and as a solo artist.

Throughout his teen years he continued to perform on television and on stage, as well as acting in commercials, movies, and mini-series.

With an extraordinary fiveoctave vocal range extending from bass baritone to a female’s soprano, Darren Williams has the vocal chops to cover all bases.

This combined with his amazing showmanship, it’s no wonder he has been named Australian Variety Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Vocal Performer by his peers.

Based in New York City for more than 15 years, he has

appeared in venues as diverse as New York’s City’s famed Iridium Jazz Club to an array of country clubs and performing arts centres through the USA, corporate functions worldwide, and the Cologne Philharmonics in Germany to name but a few.

Andrew Williams developed his musical skills from an early age leading his own rock bands in his early teens.

The guitar maestro has a diverse knowledge of popular music styles that is hard to match.

He has worked with a huge list of performers in major concert events, stage productions and recording studios.

Step back in time at Tea Cosy Fair

It’s that (tea) cosy time of year again.

Enjoy a step back in time at the Tea Cosy and Retro Fair on June 8 and 9.

The Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club will hold its popular annual Tea Cosy Fair at the Umina Beach Surf Club from 9am5pm on Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend.

Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to local charities.

The novel theme this year is Aloha Hawaii, celebrating all things tropical.

There is also the regular Traditional category.

In all over 200 cosies will be on display and for sale along with bric-a-brac and art and craft treasures.

This year there will be demonstrations of traditional crafts including spinning and crochet with craft and collectable cookbooks also available.

Delicious Devonshire Teas will be served throughout the day in traditional style. For further information call 0478 959 895.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Travel & Tourism

Events

English for Further Study

The Williams Brothers

The novel theme this year is Aloha Hawaii

Business & Property

Resort-style living at Rumbalara Residences

One of the largest construction projects on the Central Coast is taking shape in Gosford.

Rumbalara Residences will provide six-star resort style living, perfect for first homebuyers, upgraders or downsizers and the $250M project is the first of its kind for the region.

The community of residences delivers a contemporary take on apartment living, with a new generation of biophilic design and architectural intent, where

nature and lifestyle is at the forefront of everyday living.

It features 188 units spread over four boutique low-rise buildings with panoramic, never-to-be-built-out water views, ranging in size from 27 to 62 residences each.

Residents will have access to a 1,000sqm clubhouse with amenities including an on-site concierge, private cinema, dining room, gym, day spa, work from home hot desk space, and virtual golf simulator all set amongst the natural

beauty of Rumbalara Reserve.

With three of the four buildings already being topped out the project is well on its way and so far 21,617cum of concrete has been poured and 80,000cum of crushed sandstone has been removed from the site.

It will be used as fill for locations including the new Western Sydney airport, a new solar farm at Jilliby and the new Sydney Gateway Project.

About 150 people are working on-site each day, with 2,672 tonnes of reinforced steel

already installed.

The project by leading investment group Alceon is well on track for completion later this year.

Alceon Development Director Todd Campling said buyer confidence had returned to the luxury property market and downsizers who wanted to enjoy resort style living in retirement were being drawn to the all-inclusive apartments.

“The project is the first of its kind on the Central Coast and is well on track for completion

by the end of November,” he said.

“Rumbalara Residences is being built by and partnered with leading construction expert Deicorp, the first builder in NSW to achieve the coveted iCART rating for trustworthiness under the NSW Building Commission’s reforms.

“A build like this signals a new era for development on the Central Coast and shows that buyers are willing to pay premium prices for quality outside of Sydney.

“Buyers can choose treehouses or townhouses with state-of-the-art finishes and luxury touches including fireplaces and Sub Zero Wolf appliances in the treehouses.

“A figure eight pool takes pride of place in the centre of more than 4,000sqm of manicured resort-like grounds.”

Rumbalara Residences is one of a number of high profile construction projects expected to transform the Gosford CBD.

The residences offer extensive views

Set to be showcased at the GABS craft beer festival in Sydney next month, the entry by Six String Brewing Company at Erina is a take on an Italian liquid feast –a Spaghetti Saison.

Blurring the lines between brewing and culinary artistry, the beer will offer festivalgoers a fusion of tradition and innovation.

Paying homage its very own Italian event manager, Ché Santi, Six String’s unique brew is a playful take on what beer can be, set to tantalise taste buds and defy expectations.

“Drawing inspiration from the

Six String’s cheeky Spaghetti Saison

comforting flavours of spaghetti, our Spaghetti Saison is a basil and peppercorn-

infused Saison style brew,” a spokesperson said.

“The bright and pungent

herbaceous aroma of basil is perfectly suspended with the delicate presence of citrus,

pepper and clove.

“It’s a savory yet refreshing experience, where one sip will leave you wanting to taste more.

“The GABS Festival is always a great chance to let loose.

“We pushed one of our Core Range beers, the Dark Red IPA, to a massive 14 per cent Quadruple Dark Red IPA for GABS a few years ago.

“GABS is the perfect platform to unleash our creativity and passion and showcase craftsmanship in brewing and we’re thrilled to continue pushing the boundaries with this Spaghetti Saison.”

This year Six String Brewing will transport festival-goers to an Italian-inspired “eatery”, complete with an array of mouth-watering beers that pay homage to the rich tapestry of Italian flavours.

From a palate cleansing Limoncello Sour to the aperitif, Negroni IPA, followed of course by the Spaghetti Saison and finishing off with a Tiramisu stout.

“This liquid degustation is blend of classic cocktail sophistication and craft beer innovation, an experience that we hope captures the playfulness of brewing,” the spokesperson said.

Turning a creative passion into a small business

A free workshop coming up in Gosford designed to help local creatives start their own businesses using the thing they love to do will be held at the Fun Haus Factory on June 5.

Hosted by Central Coast local Brooke Scobie, the workshop will look at ways of turning creative practice into a fullyfledged small business allowing participants who love their artistic hobby to see if they have

what it takes for freelancing.

This fun and friendly workshop will cover all the essentials needed to get the basics of creative business right and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that artists can experience when entering the world of self-employment and freelancing.

How to Start a Creative Business was designed by creative practitioners for absolute beginners and it’s a

friendly, safe space where every question is a good question, and the mysteries of business will become a little clearer.

Participants will receive a lot of free resources, ongoing access to more including webinars, and the potential to get ongoing one-on-one support from a creative industries specialist mentor.

Scobie is a queer First Nations single mum, writer, podcaster, business mentor and dedicated

artist manager.

With more than 15 years working in the community services sector and a halfdecade within the arts, Scobie seamlessly marries a passion for creative expression with a profound understanding of the needs of community and has published widely as a poet and writer, clinching second place in the 2020 Judith Wright Poetry Prize.

The program is made possible

through Service NSW Business Connect, which means participants can register free of charge for all of the above.

It’s a brilliant opportunity for local creatives, crafters, photographers, and artists to explore making a business out of their hobby or craft – and it’s perfect for absolute beginners.

To find out more visit creativeplusbusiness.com/ workshop/gosford-how-tostart-a-creative-business

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Ché Santi with the new brew; The Spaghetti Saison

Brooke Scobie

Attracting visitors

Destination NSW has highlighted immersive visitor experiences on the Central Coast and throughout the state to more than 100 event planners and buyers at an inaugural Business Events NSW Showcase held in Sydney on May 15.

The showcase was an opportunity to bring to life Destination NSW’s fresh approach to growing the business events sector in regional NSW.

The Feel New theme aims to present an engaging alternative to the traditional business event experience.

Event planners and buyers were given a taste of regional NSW experiences that ensure corporate events feel like a celebration, not a convention.

Business visitors are a high yield sector and distributing their economic benefits across the state is key to growing the visitor economy.

For more information on planning a business event visit bensw.com.au

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Business owners on the Central Coast seeking free tailored support with starting, building, running or even exiting a business can receive up to eight hours’ assistance through Service NSW Business Connect.

The practical and customised service is operated through the newly formed Service NSW Business Bureau, which is aimed at supporting business owners at all stages of their business journey.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said operating a business could be a challenging and sometimes isolating experience.

“Getting informed, relevant support, in the form of fresh eyes from an independent advisor at the end of a phone line, or in person, can make all the difference,” she said.

“Business Connect’s independent advisors can give business owners confidential advice based on individual business goals via one-on-one sessions, such as financial advisory.

“These capable business advisors have successfully run businesses themselves, so they speak the language of business owners.”

Joanne Stanes, owner of Paint Station, is one Coast businesswoman who has received advice.

The creative art class studio based at Point Clare provides art tuition, art parties, afterschool classes and adult classes.

Stanes, a trained textile designer and artist, received support from Business Connect to help demystify the process of restructuring her business.

“When I restructured my business, moving from a partnership to going out on my own, it was a steep learning curve,” she said.

“I needed to start from the

very beginning – learning how to access and manage my bank accounts, restore various logins and to devise a business plan to help ensure my business was structured soundly for long-term growth.

“To develop a good business in which I had to make all the financial decisions on my own.

“There are some incredible people at Business Connect who are waving the flag for you and really having your back.

“I was so fortunate to come across Business Connect when I was getting my car registration completed.

“It is a fantastic resource for businesses.

The classes, suitable for beginners to advanced, range from acrylic and ink to landscapes,still life,portraiture, watercolours and even goldleafing techniques.

She also teaches art history, theory and fashion illustration.

“During the recent school holidays my studio was filled with students coming up from Sydney and down from Newcastle to study fashion illustration,” she said.

“I am so proud of what I’m achieving these days.

“Having someone cheering you on, being alongside you while you operate a business and to help you realise your business dreams is so empowering.”

From her art studio in Point Clare, Stanes provides professional art tuition for up to 100 people each week.

“My passion is helping children, teens and women unlock and nurture their creative talents … to produce artworks that are so beautiful that they don’t need to be relegated to the storage cupboard alongside the Christmas tree ornaments,” she said.

“I often teach children who are arty, some who are sporty, and many who are somewhere in between, who may not necessarily perceive themselves to be good at anything.

“I often find that once students complete a Paint Station class, their smiles are wide and their eyes light up when they realise that they may be create after all!”

Women’s paint and sip classes are held on the last Saturday of each month from 5pm-7.30pm.

Paint Station is located at 22 Priestley Pde, Point Clare. Information about classes can be found through Instagram at jostanesartstation.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with Paint Station owner Joanne Stanes

A rezoning process for 3,440 properties that has been deferred for almost two decades is finally getting close to being settled with new zonings adopted at the May 28 Council meeting.

The Council will now request the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to proceed with steps for drafting and making the amendment to the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022.

The decision is a blow to the Community Environment Network (CEN) which has campaigned for years against the way Council has implemented the new zonings.

This week CEN called for the NSW Premier to intervene, saying the decision will trash the Coast’s environmental lands.

“At a time when the Central Coast’s biodiversity is under extreme pressure from climate change, overdevelopment and land clearing, we need to hold on to as much C2 Conservation land as possible,” CEN said.

The land, called Deferred Matters (DM), has needed rezoning since 2006 when the

A proposed surplus of almost $26M sounds like a large headline number but it is only 3.2 per cent of the turnover of Central Coast Council.

At the May 28 council meeting, CEO David Farmer defended the proposal to increase Council’s end of year surplus from a budgeted $8.3M to $25.9M.

He said the figure sounded a lot but the Council was a big organisation and the surplus was in line with State Government benchmarks.

He said the surplus needed to be understood in context with the recent past.

He reminded the meeting of that recent past which, he said, saw council lose $160M in the 2019/20/21 years which led to the termination of the then CEO and the dismissal of the councillors.

The administrator had to get $150M in loans to pay staff and creditors and introduce extraordinary changes including rate increases, reduction in staff, materials, services and capital works, he said.

“Since then the organisation has recorded two surpluses and is on track for $25.9M this year to record $100M in surpluses over three years but that is still a cumulative loss of

Deferred rezonings a step closer

State Government wanted to regularise zones across the state.

It meant these 3,440 properties, all in the former Gosford Council area, and all environmental lands in private hands, needed to move to “like for like” zonings that would continue to restrict how the land can be used.

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

CEN said Council ignored expert advice from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) which would have improved the protection of the land.

Administrator Rik Hart said he had received hundreds of emails on the topic and thanked Gary Chestnut, chair of CEN, for his advocacy.

Chestnut spoke at the meeting, saying the planning proposal undermines the

region’s biodiversity and will alter its future character and liveability.

He said it would undermine the Coastal Open Space System (COSS) and any future additions to COSS.

Hart said he disagreed with CEN’s contention that it would create the potential for more than 3000 residential structures (mainly secondary dwellings) to be built on 1037 allotments currently zoned 7(a).

The tabled staff report

showed that DCCEEW’s Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Group (BCS) said reduction in conservation outcomes, including additional permissibilities on the lands, would be difficult to reverse in the future and that Deferred Lands should be assessed for High Environmental Value as described in the Regional Plan 2041 in order to be compliant with current planning policy.

Alternatively an ecological site assessment should be provided.

BCS also questioned vegetation boundaries and zones relating to known flood areas and said all land adjacent to National Parks should be considered sensitive land.

Council said it would not be practical to apply extremely expensive and detailed ecological survey programs over extensive areas of the DM Lands study area and that ecological impacts of development are considered at the development assessment phase for individual sites and are subject to the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Three years ago, CEN addressed Council’s interim

Council increases end of year surplus

$60M over the past five years because of those two bad years,” Farmer said.

He said Council still needed to be conservative.

He was speaking before the third quarter (Q3) financial review was adopted by Administrator Rik Hart.

The report reiterated that Council’s financial focus continued to be on maintaining expenditure, raising additional income, monitoring incoming cash flow, performing cash flow forecasts and ensuring a more sustainable cash preservation.

Council is preparing to increase water rates by eight per cent plus CPI of 3.6 per cent from July 1 (see separate story).

Residential rates are also set to rise by 4.8 per cent from July 1.

As at the end of the third quarter of the 2023-24 financial year (Q3) Council has a consolidated net operating surplus of $35.4M, before capital income, which is favourable to budget by $37.5M and a net operating surplus including capital income of $87.2M, which is favourable to budget by $43.2M. Including capital grants and contributions, the budgeted operating surplus will move from $101.7M to $109.5M.

The report also shows that Council has underspent its capital works budget by $15M in the third quarter, from January to March.

“The unexpended budgeted funds associated (with capital works projects) will be reviewed as part of the adoption of the 2024-25 Capital Works program included in the Draft Operational Plan, at the June Council meeting,” the report says.

The report also shows Council does not meet the Local Government benchmark for infrastructure renewal.

The renewal benchmark is more than 100 per cent and Council has achieved 85.9 per cent year to date.

It is, however, way ahead of the benchmarks in four other

areas.

Operating performance ratio needs to be above 0 per cent and is at 7.6 per cent.

Own source operating revenue ratio needs to be above 60 per cent and is at 87.2 per cent.

Available cash which needs to cover expenses for three months is actually at 6.9 months.

The Q3 report gives an update on all 127 programs or targets in the current operational plan.

It shows that 89 are on track, 26 are delayed, 10 are completed, one on hold and one “closed”.

The closed target was about reducing the timeframe for assessing commercial, industrial and tourism related

administrator Dick Persson, asking him to agree to the highest environmental zoning across all the properties and to allow individual landowners to go through the process if they wanted a different zoning.

Persson disagreed and the then Director of Planning said he preferred ground truthing to a blanket zoning.

But Council admits that ground truthing has not been done across all the properties as the cost would have been prohibitive.

It says that of the 3440 land parcels within the DM Lands, Council was requested through the public consultation process to review the zone boundaries of 29 parcels or 0.8 per cent of parcels of land.

“Site inspections of this and other land has been undertaken following public exhibition to review issues identified by landowners and to ensure that the mapping being used is suitable and accurate,” the Council report says.

Further on, it acknowledges that mapping of water features such as creek lines is not survey accurate.

development applications (DAs), by 25 per cent by June 30, 2024.

This was in line with funding agreements with the Greater Cities Commission and Department of Planning and Environment.

“Target closed as a result of Greater Cities Commission closure,” the report notes.

“No updates to be received from DPIE (formally Department of Planning and Environment).”

As well, the target of more than 30 per cent of residential DAs (housing, dual occupancy and secondary dwellings) having been determined within 40 days (calendar days) has not been met.

At Q3, 13.7 per cent of residential DAs were determined within 40 days, with a YTD of 27 per cent.

The number of mean assessment days for all DAs, not just residential, is meant to be below 80 days but at Q3, the mean assessment days was 144 days, with a YTD of 130 days.

And work on the regional animal care facility has been slowed due to Council’s planning department asking for further information on the Council’s submitted development application for the new centre proposed for Mardi.

The Community Support Grant Program has so far received 31 applications with 20 endorsed by Council for a total of $70,255.70 given to community groups in funding. Year to date six council events have been held.

They include ChromeFest, The Lakes Festival, Light Up The Lake, New Year’ Eve, Australia Day and Loves Lane. More than 106,000 attended the events with a total economic impact of $17.5M, the report states.

Merchandise sales revenue increased 25 per cent in Q3 from 2019-20, before COVID, and 46 per cent Year To Date (YTD) at the Visitor Information Centre.

And YTD council has renewed 22.6km of existing road pavement and 6.7km in Q3. The road renewal target for the entire year was 15km which was completed ahead of schedule as Council has been successful in gaining what it called “significant” grant funding.

As a result, the program was accelerated.

The new financial year starts on July 1 and the new operational plan will be presented to the June meeting of Council for adoption.

Merilyn Vale

Council CEO David Farmer

Merilyn Vale

The Deferred Lands are all south of Ourimbah

Work starts on Arboretum’s new verandah/pavilion

Work is about to start on a new verandah/pavilion attached to the cottage at Pearl Beach Arboretum, with completion expected by late July.

The structure will provide about 70sqm of covered outdoor space to cater for

Central Coast Council’s extensive works program for the Gosford CBD is powering ahead, with work set to begin on a new sewer main along Henry Parry Dr, between Shortland St, Gosford, and Frederick St, Point Fredrick.

Council’s Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said the work should be completed mid-July, weather permitting.

“Council crews have worked closely with Transport for NSW to ensure these works will cause the least amount of disruption to the Gosford community,” he said.

“We know Henry Parry Dr is a high traffic zone, and for this

environmental, educational and community activities and functions.

It has been funded with financial assistance through Bendigo Bank’s Community Funding and with donations from members and others.

A recently approved NSW

CBD sewer upgrade powers ahead

reason works will occur outside of busy travel times.

“Whilst we have taken steps to minimise the impact of these works, I encourage our community to allow extra travel time when travelling through Gosford during this stage of the project and thank them for their patience as we get these essential works completed.”

The works will generate construction noise which may impact residents who live close to the project.

Noisy works will be planned, where possible, within daytime hours and the early evening.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the project would help support the revitalisation of Gosford City Centre as the

capital of a healthy, prosperous and connected Central Coast.

“The work we are doing now will ensure we have a reliable water and sewer service for years to come to support the expected growth across the region,” he said.

Works will be carried out between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday and 8pm5am, Sunday to Thursay.

Traffic controls will be in place during the work times.

The sewer upgrade projects have been made possible

thanks to $42.5M in funding through the NSW Government’s Housing Acceleration Fund and a further $4.6M through the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said while the projects

Government grant will allow for repairs to the cottage and improved access and landscaping around the new pavilion.

A special community BYO community picnic with entertainment is planned to celebrate the new pavilion on Sunday, August 18.

weren’t “flashy”, they were necessary.

“It is critical that we invest in our vital infrastructure to plan for our growing community’s needs,” she said.

“Gosford is on the brink of a fabulous resurgence, with a number of new projects set to be completed in the near future, including the fantastic Archibald by ALAND.

“It is so important that the underlying infrastructure to support the bright future of Gosford is put in place now, in order to allow the future of Gosford to flourish.”

For more information, search ‘Gosford CBD Water and Sewer upgrades’ at centralcoast.nsw. gov.au

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said it was critical to upgrade the infrastructure

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Screening Plants

If you can’t stand living with the windows of your neighbours blinking into your home or the view of the local shops, then screening plants are here to save the day.

Some can even make alternatives to fences, and all will cool down your garden, provide a wind break and enrich your home in some way as well as giving you privacy.

What’s the difference between a hedge and a screen?

Hedges are dense and completely block out the view while screens break up the view.

Screening growth lets airflow and dappled light through, and they can often look a little more natural.

Privacy screening growth is somewhere in between.

It will block the view to provide privacy, but will still be a little looser in growth than hedges to allow some airflow and light in.

Types of Plants

Evergreen trees and shrubs are going to be the choice for many as they provide yearround screening and although any plant could be trained to become a screen, including well trained vines, here are a few I recommend.

Mock Orange aka Orange Jessamine (Murraya paniculata) is one of the most

popular hedging and screening plants.

With its divine orange/ jasmine perfumed flowers along with glossy green foliage it’s easy to see why.

They can reach up to four meters in height and require a spacing of between 75 to 100cm to create a screening effect.

They need regular feeding, a very well-drained rich soil and do prefer part-shade.

Viburnums are not known as ‘the hedges friend’ for nothing!

They grow incredibly quickly and so can do the job of providing a screen fast and without the garden intrusiveness issues something like bamboo can pose.

There are many varieties of this plant, and each have varying needs, so look for one that suits your light and soil position.

Personally, I have a Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) screen along one of my front fences, planted

to make the area a little more private from the street.

Sweet Viburnum likes full sun to part shade, moderately rich and very well-drained soil and loves to be well-mulched, kept watered but not overly wet. It will grow up to nine meters in height and in ultra-fast time but pruning to keep it in check.

Bottle Brush (Callistemon spp.) is often overlooked as a screening plant and one I am currently cultivating in another area of my garden.

Not only do you end up with a hardy, beautiful looking native screen but also gorgeous flowers for you and the native birds and bees!

There are many varieties that grow in all sorts of shapes and sizes and have lots of different foliage and leaves.

Have a chat to a friendly local nursery person to find one to suit you.

Vicki of Narara Valley Nursey agreed, and I asked her for other suggestions.

She said, “Hands down I think Lily Pilly (Syzygium smithii) is one of the best choices as well as it is a native, fast growing and you get edible berries from most types.” She said that they can get to an impressive five metres in height so are perfect to block out that towering thing you no longer want to see but

smaller varieties are available as well.

Spacing to create a screen should be around 75cm and they like a very free-draining, rich spoil structure that is kept moist.

“There are so many varieties and look out for psyllids resistant types because that can be a problem in your area” she advised.

Planting and Growing Tips

Get your spacing right to begin with.

Roots can easily overcrowd and contribute to disease or death of your plants in a too closely planted screen or create a dense hedge that may not suit you.

Too far apart may not afford the look or privacy that you are after.

Don’t just use the recommended spacing on the plant label, check the recommended spacing for planting a privacy screen using that plant.

Scale is important to the

overall look of your garden so think of the final size of your screen.

Large and high screens/ hedges look better with larger leaves while more compact ones suit smaller leaves.

Prune and trim your screen regularly to encourage and maintain the shape you are looking for and when you do, make sure you feed your plants as you are reducing their available food-making structure.

Water as suggested for your plants and reduce as they attain full size.

This Week’s Gardening Guide

You can plant the following now:

Culinary herbs, artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, cress, garlic, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, ageratum, alyssum, bare-rooted roses, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, carnation, cineraria, columbine, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, honesty, larkspur, linaria, lobelia, nigella, pansy, poppy, primula, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, wallflower

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

Viburnum

Murraya

Lily Pilly

Conveniently Active, a leading provider of dedicated Exercise Physiology (EP) services on the Central Coast, is set to move to larger premises at Erina.

The move is scheduled for June and marks an exciting new chapter.

The new facility, located at 1/20 Karalta Lane, will offer a significantly larger gym area, private consult rooms, and ample free parking for clients.

The expansion is in direct response to feedback from patients, who have expressed a need for more space and enhanced facilities.

Low vision digital skills

Guide Dogs has partnered with Centre For Eye Health and Good Things Foundation to develop a digital skills pilot program for people living with low vision.

This new initiative, called Get Online-Get Connected, is fully funded by Guide Dogs.

People aged 55 or more living with a deterioration in vision can sign up free to learn new

skills to navigate the digital world confidently, independently and safely.

Digital technology has become front and centre in our lives, whether technology is used for a simple phone call, or to connect with friends on social media, or manage our finances.

Technology can be convenient and efficient but also frustrating and mysterious, especially for those

experiencing vision problems. New digital services are changing the way to make payments, shifting from inperson to online, a trend that has accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Collaborating with Good Things Foundation, Guide Dogs has launched its free digital literacy pilot to help people make the most of remaining vision, stay in touch with friends, learn how to safely do

New premises for physiology service

“We can’t wait to move into our new premises,” Founder Rhiannon Walton said.

“We promote exercise as medicine, so a bigger space means we can provide more equipment, expand our range of group exercise classes, offer additional one-on-one consultations, and host more educational talks.

“It’s a win for Central Coast residents seeking a safe and supportive environment to manage and treat chronic injury and disease.”

The transition from North Gosford to Erina will be as seamless as possible, with business continuing as usual

for classes and appointments at the group’s other clinics, and for home visits.

Conveniently Active is also set to launch Conveniently Active Kids, a specialised EP program providing dedicated support for children and adolescents.

This service will complement existing offerings, providing tailored exercise programs to promote physical health, mobility and overall wellbeing in younger age groups.

“Our mission is to empower individuals of all ages to lead healthier, more active lives,” Walton said.

“The launch of Conveniently

Active Kids reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive care and support for the whole family.”

The growing team of dedicated exercise physiologists at Conveniently Active works closely with local healthcare professionals and referrers to deliver personalised exercise programs tailored to each individual’s needs.

This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care and support on their journey towards improved health and wellness.

For more information go to convenientlyactive.com.au

online banking and use apps to make everyday tasks easier.

“Technology is always challenging; it is like getting a new pair of glasses,” Alan Edwards, who has vision loss, said.

“Once you persevere with it, suddenly it just becomes better.”

For details go to nsw. guidedogs.com.au/get-onlineget-connected

Brisbania students visit Parliament

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

• Binding Financial Agreements

WILLS & ESTATES

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

Year 6 students from Brisbania Public School saw Parliament House up close on Wednesday, May 15.

Students, teachers and parents were welcomed by Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid.

As part of students’ studies, they learn about Australia’s three levels of government, and participate in an excursion to Canberra to gain a deeper understanding.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Brisbania Public School to Parliament House in our capital city, Canberra,” Reid said.

“Students were able to gain a greater appreciation ofAustralia’s three levels of government, particularly the federal

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

government in Canberra.

“I remember back to my own Year 6 excursion to Canberra fondly, and how impactful it was for me – I think it was the beginning of my interest in politics which led me to eventually run for office.

“When I see the young faces of students from the Central Coast who visit me I often think which one of these faces might just be (a future) Federal Member for Robertson.

“I hope the rest of Brisbania Public School’s visit to Canberra was interesting, informative, and exciting.”

To learn more about Australia’s system of government, visit the Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) for information and resources: peo.gov.au

COURT APPEARANCES

• Criminal Law

• AVO Matters

• Traffic Matters

• Drink Driving

Email: lemery@lindaemery.com.au

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford

Conveniently Active will move to larger premises at Erina

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid welcomed the students

Alan Edwards

More people eligible for free bowel cancer screening

More Australians will be able to access life-saving bowel cancer screening thanks to a $38.8M commitment in the Federal Budget.

The pledge will see funding for bowel cancer screening continue and the age for free screening lowered from 50 to 45.

Member for Dobell Emma McBride said more than 10,000 people aged 45 to 49 in her electorate will now be eligible for the National Bowel Cancer Screening program, and across Australia an additional 1.6 million people will be eligible.

“The changes will make it possible for even more

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) has highlighted the important role Wyong TAFE is playing in addressing a skills shortage on the Central Coast and help future-proof the local nursing workforce.

The national peak body for nurses said there was never a more important time to invest in the future of nursing.

Research by Health Workforce Australia found that due to an ageing workforce and growing population, there could be a national shortfall of 100,000 nurses by 2025, APNA said.

CEO Ken Griffith said Wyong TAFE’s role in training the next generation was a “positive sign for Australia’s health”.

“It’s essential that nurses entering the health system are trained well and can have the opportunity to develop their

Australians to access lifesaving bowel cancer screening,” she said.

“I encourage anyone aged 45 to 49 on the Central Coast to request a free bowel cancer screening kit from July 1.

“This investment is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s investment in building a stronger Medicare.”

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia and often develops without any symptoms.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program reduces illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease using a free, simple test that can be

done at home. If found early over 90 per centt of bowel cancers can be treated successfully.

The changes announced in the Federal Budget will begin on July 1 and will allow people aged 45 to 49 to request a free bowel cancer screening kit every two years.

People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit be mailed to them by visiting www.health.gov.au/ nbcsp

People aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every two years.

Training the nurses of the future

skills where we need them most, particularly in primary health care and in rural and remote settings,” he said.

“We know that nursing is a fulfilling career.

“The role that Enrolled Nurses play in the health care system is vital and this will only grow over the coming years.”

The NSW Government is investing $3M over the next three years to upgrade nurse

training facilities at TAFE NSW campuses across the state.

Benjamin O’Moore, 38, is one of many Wyong students being armed with the practical skills and work experience to make a running start into his nursing career.

He is studying a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and works as a Health Care Assistant at Gosford Hospital.

One of a growing number of Australian men entering nursing, he plans to apply to continue with a Diploma of Nursing later this year.

“Being a mature-aged student has been an advantage, helping with the communication and negotiating skills that are integral to caring for patients, especially those with cognitive impairments,” he said.

“I strive to be the nurse that I would want to look after me, and TAFE NSW drives the importance of dignity of

Auxiliary needs more helpers

It is run by an independent committee which meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The auxiliary sells donated goods in its shop

to raise funds to buy equipment for the hospital.

The auxiliary also runs raffles during the year at Lake Haven Shopping Centre and Bunnings,

which are always very popular.

“We are a friendly group and welcome new members,” President Carol Ferguson said.

For more information call 0404 044 399 or 0409 915 633.

patients and caring for humans in a vulnerable state.

“Nursing is hard work, but it’s so satisfying and rewarding.

“Beyond the Diploma, I hope to continue with a Bachelor of Nursing and get into executive administration so I can effect real change for nurses.”

The APNA says data from Economy ID reveals the health care and social assistance workforce is the largest

industry by employment in the Central Coast, with the workforce set to grow by nearly 16 per cent in the five years to 2026.

TAFE NSW Nursing Lead Dr Zach Byfield said the institution worked closely with health providers and organisations such as APRA to help ensure it was keeping pace with workforce needs.

“We meet regularly with all

our industry partners to come up with new and innovative ways to keep learners in communities and create a constant pipeline of new nurses,” he said.

“Nurses are an indispensable part of the healthcare system, as was again highlighted during the pandemic and TAFE NSW is committed to continue training the nursing workforce of the future.”

EXHIBITION OF STATE LED REZONING PATHWAYS PROGRAM Kanwal proposal

Location 205 Wallarah Road, Kanwal ((LOT: 1 DP518378) 207-209 Wallarah Road Kanwal (LOT: 1223 DP1004170) 755-757 Pacific Highway Kanwal (LOT: 14 & 15 DP23235)

Applicant Land Lease SPV as trustee for Oasis Unit Trust

Council Area Central Coast Council

Consent Authority Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

The Rezoning Pathways Program focuses on opportunities to rezone land in areas with high potential for increasing housing stock, and maximising community benefit. Kanwal is one of five proposals identified as part of the pilot program.

Exhibition details

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Department) has received an application for the abovementioned proposal. The proposal involves approximately 675 new homes and the infrastructure and services needed to support new residents.

It includes:

1. Increasing the building height from approximately 3 storeys to a range from 4 to 12 storeys

2. Increasing the Floor Space Ratio

3. 15% affordable housing in the precinct.

The proposed planning amendments are to the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP).

Have your say

The planning proposal, Discussion Paper, and accompanying documents are on exhibition from 27 May until 5pm on 24 June 2024

The Department encourages online submissions. To have your say online, go to pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-assessment/wallarah-road-and-pacifichighway-kanwal and click on ‘Make a submission’.

For more information, including a copy of the Department’s submissions policy, please go to planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/have-your-say.

For more information: Contact 1300 420 596 or email rezoningpathways@dpie.nsw.gov.au

Benjamin O’Moore

Member for Dobell Emma McBride

Wyong Hospital Auxiliary is on the lookout for more volunteers.

at Wyong Hospital

The auxiliary sells donated goods in its shop at Wyong Hospital

Warnervale secured a convincing 41-5 win over Gosford in the Premier 1 Round 6 of the 2024 Central Coast Rugby Union season on May 25.

The teams met at Woongarrah Oval, with the home team dominating proceedings from the opening whistle and maintaining the lead throughout the entire match.

They got away to an early lead with a converted try to Moleni Soane and never looked back.

By half-time, they led by 195.

Gosford scored their only try in the match in that first half.

Warnervale maintained the attack in the second half and were able to post a further 22 points in the final 40 minutes.

Gosford tried everything to bridge the gap but good defence by the home team proved too strong.

Best players for Warnervale were hooker Kye Haslam, winger Alfred Brown and prop Tupou Soane.

Gosford’s best performers were No.8 Jackson Steinbeck, centre Joel Wagner and fiveeight Ben Shelley.

The match between the

Convincing win for Warnervale

Razorbacks and Lake Macquarie at Ourimbah Rugby Park saw a fierce contest from start to finish.

The Razorbacks were able to outlast Lake Macquarie to the tune of 47-35 but there was very little in the match for the entire 80 minutes.

Lake Macquarie got away to the better start with an early converted try in the fourth minute to take a 7-0 lead but this was soon pegged back

Aboriginal Heritage

with two penalty goals to the Razorbacks.

Lake Macquarie then regained the ascendancy and led by 21-6 at the midway point of the first half.

But the Razorbacks responded with their own two tries late in the half to square the ledger, with the teams going to the half-time break locked at 21-all.

But the second half saw the

Tuggerawong Shared Path Stage 5, Rocky Point, NSW

Central Coast Council (Council) proposes to undertake extension works for the Tuggerawong Shared Path. The proposed site is within the Central Coast Council Local Government Area and within the lands of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. The proposed activities have the potential to harm Aboriginal objects. The proposed activities would involve extending a 1.7 km long, 3m wide shared pedestrian pathway from Palmer Street in Rocky Point, around the foreshore of Lake Tuggerah to Don Small Oval, after which the path will continue inland to Wolseley Avenue, Tacoma including additional ancillary works, such as laydown areas, emergency access points and areas where erosion or revegetation may need to occur over time.

Virtus Heritage has been engaged by Council to prepare an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) and Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) application for the project. Virtus Heritage and Council wish to invite Aboriginal people and Aboriginal groups who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and places within the project area including Rocky Point, Lake Tuggerah and Tacoma, NSW to register to be consulted as part of the preparation of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment/s (ACHA) and AHIP application. The consultation will be undertaken in accordance with Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents 2010 (DECCW 2010).

To register your interest, please contact:

Dr Mary-Jean Sutton/Anya Graubard

Principal Archaeologist

Virtus Heritage Pty Limited

PO Box 101, Pottsville NSW 2489

Phone/Fax: (02) 6676 4354

Email: consultation@virtusheritage.com.au

The contact details of the proponent for this project are:

David Mowll

Project Development Engineer

Central Coast Council

E: David.mowll@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Registrations must be received by phone, writing, or email by 5:00pm on Thursday 13th June 2024. Please be advised that, as per the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation Requirements for Proponents (DECCW 2010) the names of Aboriginal persons and groups who register an interest will be forwarded to Heritage NSW in the DCCEEW and Darkinjung LALC unless requested otherwise.

Fellow flanker Joe Lewer crossed for three tries.

At Woy Woy Oval, visitors Terrigal trounced the home team by 87-7.

It was non-stop scoring for Terrigal for the entire match despite Woy Woy’s best efforts.

Terrigal scored early and then maintained the attack for the next 80 minutes, leading 40-7 by half-time.

Woy Woy crossed for their only try in that first 40 minutes.

Terrigal was able to post a further 47 points in the second stanza and went on to record a handsome victory.

Best players for Terrigal were fullback Jayden Woolley, who crossed for two tries, and flankers Eddie Bookallil and Will Shipton.

Razorbacks post a further 26 points while Lake Macquarie could only respond with the two converted tries.

Best players for the Razorbacks were flanker Matt Martin, No.8 Rob Peden, who crossed for two tries, and Connor Peden.

Lake Macquarie was best served by five-eight Rhys Cawley and flanker Jarrod Scott.

Winger Blake Irwin crossed for four tries in the match.

Best for Woy Woy were lock Harry Burgess, flanker Una Tupou, who scored their try, and centre Guy Blades.

The Premier 1 points table sees Terrigal maintaining a lead of 19, closely followed by Terrigal and the Razorbacks, both on 18.

Avoca Beach is on 14, Lake Macquarie on 12 and Gosford on five, with Woy Woy

yet to score.

The Central Coast Rugby UnionWomen’s 12s competition recommenced, with Lake Macquarie recording a pleasing win over the Razorbacks and Terrigal and Avoca Beach recording resounding victories in their respective matches.

In the President’s Cup competition, The Lakes, Razorbacks, Kariong and Warnervale all recorded victories.

In Round 7 on June 1, the match of the day will see Avoca Beach hosting Warnervale at Heazlett Park.

Terrigal will travel to Gosford Showground to take on the home team and Woy Woy will meet Lake Macquarie at Walters Park, Boolaroo.

The Razorbacks have the bye.

In the Central Coast Women’s 12s competition Lake Macquarie will host Woy Woy, The Lakes and the Razorbacks play each other, and Avoca Beach will clash with the Razorbacks at Heazlett Park.

In the President’s Cup, The Bay meets Terrigal on Friday night, May 30, and on Saturday, Avoca Beach plays Warnervale, the Razorbacks and The Lakes meet, while Lake Macquarie will host Kariong at Boolaroo.

Three Wyong sporting groups share in funding

Sports in the Wyong electorate have shared in $4.4M of NSW Government funding in the Local Sport Grant Program.

The program provides up to $20,000 to individual clubs and associations with $50,000 available in each electorate to increase participation in community sport with 579 projects awarded funding in this year’s program.

The three projects who were awarded funding in the Wyong electorate for new equipment and programs are All Coast Academy Swim Club, Central Coast Dragon Boat Club and Gosford City Hockey valued at more than $20,000.

Funding will go towards projects including a swim club electronic timing system, the purchase of a new dragon boat and a hockey program for new players.

“Sport is a way of life in the Wyong electorate community,” Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said.

“This funding will help our local clubs and their army of volunteers to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“I congratulate the funding recipients and look forward to the amazing projects they will deliver.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the Local Sport Grant Program provided vital funds for community sport.

““This year we have doubled the funding for individual projects, meaning grassroots community sports clubs and associations can provide more programs and equipment to support their participants,” he said.

“With the critical role sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected, this funding is vital to community health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

Scott Fitzpatrick of Warnervale scores his third try

Funding will go towards projects including a swim club electronic timing system

PUBLIC NOTICE

Photo: Gary Sinclair

SPORTS BRIEF

Paddlers’ marathon

The Brisbane Waters Paddlers will hold their Annual Marathon Race this Saturday, June 1, at Davistown.

More than 100 Paddlers will compete.

Little Athletics

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has presented Terrigal Wamberal Little Athletics with a cheque for $9,099 from the 2023/24 Local Sport Grant Program.

The funds will be used for the acquisition of a new high jump stand, mat and cross bar which will enable the group to increase youth participation.

“We all know that when we have our kids involved in clubs like the Terrigal Wamberal Little Athletics, they will develop improved physical health but also learn important life skills such as team work and cooperation,” Crouch said.

Boost for Sharks

Terrigal Wamberal Rugby League Club and Youth Club (Sharks) has received $5,000 from the Federal Government’s 2023/24 Volunteer Grants.

The club plans to use the funds to buy critical equipment to help its volunteers undertake activities including in the canteen and on the field.

See full stories online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Big weekend on the road for Crusaders

The Central Coast Crusaders were busy on the road taking on the on the Centre of Excellence on Saturday, May 25, before stopping into Bankstown to take on the Bruins on Sunday, May 26.

It was the women who got the show started going up against a sixth placed Canberra team looking to steal the Crusaders’ position on the ladder.

The first quarter was neck and neck with Canberra taking an early 3-point lead but it was the Crusaders who made an early push to nick this game away from home.

Going into halftime with a comfortable lead, the Crusaders never looked back with all starters in double digits as they cruised to a 88-66 win much to the dismay of the home crowd.

The men’s game was up next as we enter do or die territory in the season. The Crusaders were

unfortunately unable to get it done against the Centre of Excellence on the road.

Despite Robbie Heath continuing his streak of 30+ point games, the Crusaders went down 96-89.

A pit stop in Bankstown on the way home to take on the Bruins saw the women up first and once again they got it done but this time in a much more dramatic fashion.

The game came down to the wire despite the Crusaders taking an early lead over the Bruins.

Inspired by Jihun Park’s 25-point performance, the Bruins made a late push in the fourth quarter coming as close as within three points, but the Crusaders managed to hold them off to close the game out 81-87.

All five starters once again finished the game in double digits.

The men were up next debuting a late addition to the

squad in new starting center Ben Stevens.

The big man was able to put up a 14-point 14-rebound double-double but the Crusaders were yet again unable to get the job done

going down 87-81 to the Bruins.

This marks a five-game losing streak for the Crusaders men and with the season well under way, they’ll have to start drumming up some wins if

they want any hope of competing in the post-season.

The double header on the road concluded with the women going 2-0 to retain their fifth spot on the ladder, just two wins behind Manly, and the men drop down to 13th place.

The Crusaders are back on the Central Coast with a double header at home this weekend. They host the AlburyWodonga Bandits on Saturday, June 1, with the men tipping off at 5pm followed by the women who take on the legendary Lauren Jackson and her 12-0 undefeated squad at 7pm.

Back to the hardwood on Sunday where the Crusaders host the Sutherland Sharks in an early one with the men tipping off at noon and the women closing out the weekend with their matchup at 2pm.

Hamilton North takes out title at Bateau Bay

The Hamilton North Bowling Club Women’s Division 4 bowls team won the Bowls NSW State Division 4 Pennant Flag at Bateau Bay Bowling Club Thursday, May 23.

Hamilton North defeated the team from Lake Cargelligo in the final after being undefeated throughout the championship.

While Hamilton comfortably won their section, the quarter

and semi-finals proved to be very tough games for them, defeating South Coogee by four shots and Cabramatta by just two shots.

The Central Coast team from Bateau Bay Bowls won their section (round robin) defeating Ballina, Cabramatta and Westport and progressed to the quarter finals only to be beaten in the last few ends by the team from Toongabbie.

The championship was highly successful, with the hosts, Bateau Bay Bowling Club, receiving considerable praise and positive comments from both the visitors and bowls administrators.

Many of the visitors stayed at local holiday parks, motels and airbnb accommodation with many taking the opportunity to stay on for a few days and enjoy the Central Coast.

Pigeon racing season gets underway

The 2024 pigeon racing season starts on Saturday June 1 with a 105km race from Stroud.

Wyong, Budgewoi, Dora Creek, Davistown and Hunter will compete in the 26 races scheduled from Stroud to Gympie.

Central Coast Pigeon Racing spokesperson Frank Anderson said pigeon racing had been held on the Central Coast since the 1950s and many changes

had occurred over the years including electronic timing which is used now.

Each bird carries a small chip ring and is automatically timed upon reaching the cage of its owner.

Results also are calculated by computer and viewed on the Central Coast Pigeon website after each race.

A bird arriving home and circling a few times can go from first to fifth in seconds.

This year sees the return of the strong flyer from Davistown Steve Kane after having a spell in 2023.

Starting his first year as a junior member will be 12-yearold Kingston Kitto from Norah Head.

There will be strong competition in the early races with winning margins around a few seconds for the leading birds.

Central Coast Pigeon Racing spokesperson Frank Anderson

The Hamilton North Bowling Club Women’s Division 4 bowls team

Stefan Kataric

Leilani Mitchell weaves through the defence

Photo: LookPro Photography

Mariners defeat Victory and make history

The Mariners’ 3-1 defeat of Melbourne Victory at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium in front of a record capacity crowd has effectively re-written the rules of round ball football in Australia.

The little club’s formula of deep community interaction, quality coaching, regional loyalty, tight financial management, and footballloving ownership has triumphed once again over the ‘money and marketing’ approach of the big football clubs.

Perhaps the Mariners’ approach works because it creates a series of deep emotions in its supporters.

Mariners fans and the greater Central Coast public most certainly feel inspired and elated after their little football team secured the triple crown: the top-of-table Premiership, the AFC Cup, and now the Championship—the first time in Australian football history.

The record crowd of over 21,379 on Saturday, May 25, ensured an atmosphere never before witnessed at a regional stadium anywhere in the country.

The game was certainly no walk in the garden for the local side, something Melbourne Victory made sure of.

The Melbourne team’s notoriously aggressive style of football dominated the first half,

leading to bloody head clashes between Victory’s Da Silva and Mariners forward Alou Kuol.

The incident stopped the game in its tracks for almost 10 minutes.

At half-time, the score was still locked at 0-0, thanks to a series of first-class saves from Mariners keeper Danny Vukovic. Manager/coach Mark Jackson replaced Kuol with Ryan Edmondson in the front line, a move that later proved decisive.

Melbourne Victory was the first to open the scoring in the 50th minute with a classic cross that beat the uber keeper Vukovic.

The Mariners responded by turning up the tempo, but their efforts were initially fruitless against Melbourne’s clinical defence.

As the half dragged on, Victory smelled victory in Gosford, as did the big local crowd.

Then, in the 90th minute, young Ryan Edmondson pulled one out of the bag to equal the scores, sending the crowd into rapturous applause.

Injury time didn’t produce a decider, necessitating extra time.

The next 30 minutes showed another game, with the home side channelling the magic atmosphere of the evening lifting the men in gold to another level.

In the 96th minute, Miguel Di Pizio scored the Mariners’ second goal of the evening, something that signalled a possible back to back win. Victory, to their credit, refused to give in and pushed the Mariners with more of their physical football.

However, the tide had well and truly turned and the expectations in the home crowd were palpable.

Ryan Edmondson answered the crowd with a third goal in the 123rd minute.

When the final whistle finished the competition allowing the celebrations to begin, many fans spontaneously jumped the fence, flooding the ground, embracing the local players.

The Mariners have done more than earn the respect they deserve from the larger clubs, the football commentariat and the big broadcast channels.

The club has shown that regional football clubs like the Mariners are a successful formula for the Professional Leagues in Australia.

Captain Danny Vukovic, announcing his retirement, said, “The odds are always against us and we find a way – I am so proud of this club, these players, and this region.”

This sentiment must surely show football’s beating heart in Australia now and into the future.

The Mariners men win the 2023/24 Grand Final in Gosford Photo: CCM Media