Coast Community News #442

Medium density housing around rail stations not feasible

Achieving Transport Oriented Development (TOD) mediumdensity targets on the Central Coast is not feasible, says the NSW Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).

The oganisation has issued a report on the NSW Government plan to provide housing around railway stations, including those at Tuggerah, Wyong, Gosford and Woy Woy.

“Development is currently not feasible under the TOD State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) for any of these station areas, with an average feasibility gap of 101 per

cent,” the report says.

“Feasibility in all cases was directly impacted by the current high cost to construct, and a limited capacity for consumers’ ability and willingness to pay.

“High construction and financing costs and increased development contributions mean an average new unit around the Central Coast stations will need to sell for about $1.1M to secure project financing – a price that is out of reach for many local buyers and a massive premium to the median apartment price in those markets.”

Wyong railway station

Clockwise from top left: Claire Braund OAM; Ken Dixon OAM; The late Brian C Morelli OAM; Susan Brooks OAM; Kevin Sullivan OAM

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Importance of candidate forums for upcoming council elections

The upcoming September Council Elections on the Central Coast mark a significant moment for our community.

After many years under administration forced by the State Government, this election presents a critical opportunity for residents to shape the future of our region.

themselves, answer questions and engage directly with the electorate.

They offer voters a unique opportunity to compare candidates side-by-side, assess their capabilities and understand their vision for the Central Coast.

involvement and engagement.

They allow candidates to address local issues head-on and clarify their positions on matters that affect the daily lives of Central Coast residents.

We urge local community groups, associations and organisations to take the initiative in hosting forums.

the Central Coast have a direct say in their local governance.

Let’s seize this moment to make informed choices and elect a Council that truly represents our community’s needs and aspirations.

Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

All contributions should be emailed to the above email address.

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

Managing Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric

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As we prepare to elect new councillors, it is essential to ensure that voters are wellinformed about the candidates and their policies.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through candidate forums.

These forums provide a platform for candidates to present their views, profile

Coast Community News strongly advocates for the organisation of these candidate forums.

We believe that informed voting is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Forums not only enhance transparency but also foster a sense of community

Coast Community News is committed to supporting these efforts through our news services.

We will provide coverage, promote upcoming events and ensure that the community is aware of these crucial opportunities to engage with their future representatives.

This election is the first in many years where the people of

By participating in and supporting candidate forums, we can ensure a more transparent, accountable and effective local government.

Let us work together to create a vibrant democratic process this September.

Coast Community News is here to support and inform our community every step of the way.

Excitement over rare visitor to the Coast

Birdwatchers and photographers have been flocking to Mount Penang Gardens to view an extremely rare visitor to the Central Coast.

The bird in question is a Redbacked Kingfisher, normally seen in the dry inland of Australia.

There has been only one previous sighting on the Central Coast and that was at Somersby in 1995.

This bird was first photographed on a Central

Coast Bird Group outing on April 27 but there are suggestions it has been there for much longer.

“The kingfisher seems to perfectly happy where it is,” Central Coast Bird Group spokesperson Allan Benson said,

“It has been observed feeding on insects and lizards so is likely to be there for the long term.

“The kingfisher has attracted visitors from Sydney and Newcastle as well as generating a lot of excitement within the local birding community.”

Rotary partners with Shoebox Revolution

Rotary The Entrance (RTE) has partnered with the charity Shoebox Revolution, which provides care packages for people without homes.

The partnership has included RTE supplying beanies, produced by the residents of Tarragal Glen, Erina, for Shoebox to distribute to the homeless during winter.

RTE recently purchased and delivered tote bags to be filled with vital care items for distribution to the needy.

Shoebox Director Sheridan Farmer said the assistance provided by Rotary The Entrance boosted the organisation’s ability to care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

The rare Red-backed Kingfisher has been sighted at Mount Penang Gardens

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Shoebox volunteer Susan Bayliss with Rotary members and tote bag items

Allegations regarding Wyee greyhound rehoming facility

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) will review allegations about various matters involving Greyhound Racing NSW’s (GRNSW) Wyee rehoming facility, which was closed without notice on May 20 to be repurposed.

Employees were shocked when CEO Rob Macaulay announced the facility would be repurposed as part of an organisational reset to reduce costs and streamline business efficiencies due to tough trading and market conditions.

About 20 people were sacked on the spot and informed the facility would be developed as a

home base for retired NSW greyhounds identified for rehoming in the US and would be managed by a welfare logistics partner.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Member for Wyong David Harris said the allegations being reviewed related to the care of greyhounds at the facility.

GWIC will review allegations relating to: greyhound accommodation at the Wyee facility; alleged injuries to greyhounds housed at the facility; and the GRNSW management’s response to animal welfare concerns raised by staff at the facility.

Harris has requested the

review and asked GWIC to provide a report to the Minister in accordance with section 12(e) of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 by July 5.

GRNSW was established under the Act.

Its statutory functions include registering greyhound racing clubs, developing safety standards for licensed racecourses and managing greyhound adoption programs, among others.

“The NSW Government and wider community need to have confidence that the industry is being run with the highest standards of animal welfare, integrity and sustainability,”

Harris said.

“While GRNSW is not a government organisation, with its CEO and Board responsible for its operation, I’ve received information relating to Wyee and the welfare of greyhounds under its care.

“These allegations require further review, as they have the potential to undermine public trust and integrity in the industry.

“As the industry’s regulator, GWIC is best placed to look into these matters and report back to me to inform my consideration of any appropriate next steps,” Harris said.

Tesch welcomes new legislation on knife control

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has welcomed the NSW Government’s package of reforms to target possession of knives, particularly among young people, reduce knife crime and boost community safety.

Tesch said the Government was taking immediate action to send a clear message that it is not OK to carry a knife.

“I know that Coasties have been following the media coverage of recent tragic stories, including the impact that kniferelated violence has on victims and families,” she said.

“These are sensible reforms, which will get knives off our streets and keep our community safer.

“These reforms are in addition to the doubling of the maximum penalties for various knife-

related offences in 2023 and the Government’s commissioning of a review by the NSW Sentencing Council into sentencing for kniferelated weapons offences.

“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our community safe and will explore every option to do so.”

The NSW Government has announced it will develop legislation modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law which

will give police powers to “wand” or “scan” people for knives without a warrant in designated areas, including transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.

The powers will be made available in circumstances where a relevant weapons offence/knife crime has occurred within the past six months.

An authority can be issued to police, to last for 12 hours, with

an option to extend as required.

The legislation will also make it illegal to sell knives to a child under the age of 18, with provisions for exemptions for retailers selling to young people who need a knife for their work or study.

There will also be an increase penalties for people selling knives to young people under the age of 18.

Hand forest back to community: Camp Ourimbah

Volunteers recently gathered to weed a disturbed rainforest area in Ourimbah State Forest (OSF).

Camp Ourimbah spokesperson Ursula Da Silva said pristine rainforest once ran along the verge of Wallaby Rd but it was cleared by Forestry Corporation (FCNSW) late last year to enable fire truck access.

“Unfortunately FCNSW’s decision to remove vegetation to widen Wallaby Rd means invasive weeds such as paspalum and lantana have now replaced what was a stunning, healthy riparian verge along the track,” she said.

Without sensitive weed control and monitoring, the impact to surrounding native diversity would be substantial, spreading downhill into pristine rainforest and compounding yearly with ongoing weed reproduction cycles, Da Silva said.

“Despite FCNSW’s statements of widening this road to improve fire safety in the forest, fallen logs block almost every single access trail that would enable them to fight fires in OSF,” she said.

“This has been the case since they logged 300 acres of forest in 2023.

“This is also despite the community opposition and concern about leaving the forest so susceptible to fires in what was an extremely hot, dry and record-breaking Spring.

“It seems that every single time FCNSW engages with any activity in the forest, it leaves a trail of destruction.

“If the community has to voluntarily gather to fend off an invasion of weeds, it begs the question of what conservation and management FCNSW actually engages in in our local forest.

“We have even seen erosion devices which haven’t even been properly staked to the ground.

“The stakes were literally lying on the ground in front of the device.

“It is also common knowledge that land clearing and disturbance opens areas to weed infestation.

“For this reason, we recently presented a template idea for a Community Stewardship of OSF at both a recent gathering and to Minister for the Central Coast David Harris.”

The mission statement calls for the stewardship of OSF to be handed back to the community

in order to develop it as a conservation, recreation and cultural heritage area.

“The immediate focus must be on restoring this forest to a standard that would benefit the community and our precious natural environment for countless generations,” it says.

Da Silva said the arrangement would allow for ecotourism projects to be generated by local business and community members working in an alliance with the Indigenous land practitioners, environmental scientists and conservationists.

“Let’s transform Ourimbah State Forest from being a problematic community issue into a thriving ecological enterprise that marries the

needs of the forest and the growing needs of the Central Coast community,” she said.

“Together we can create a solution based template for a better outcome for all.”

A Forestry Corporation spokesperson said Wallaby Rd is a Strategic Fire Trail and must be accessible for fire-fighting response and also mitigation.

“Forestry Corporation is one of four statutory fire-fighting agencies in NSW, and works alongside other land managers and fire-fighting authorities as part of the Central Coast Bush Fire Management Committee to safe guard the community from fire,” the spokesperson said.

“All road works are carried out within the existing footprint and

approved under operational road plans and environmental assessments.

“Vegetation within the existing road footprint is removed and mulched to allow the road to dry, with further grading and gravel works to be completed.

“Not every forest road is a fire trail and Forestry Corporation has blocked some trails that are not required for community access or strategic fire fighting to prevent 4WD access, which can damage soils and roads.

“Fire trails are always open for fire access and Forestry Corporation maintains a fleet of equipment to restore access to other trails if they are required for fire fighting.”

The spokesperson said the Corporation is also working with other land managers and fire authorities, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Rural Fire Service, to deliver fire trail improvements and hazard reduction burns across tenures as part of the State’s coordinated fire management work.

“Ourimbah State Forest is a great example of a multiple-use forest,” they said.

“It has continuously produced timber for more than 100 years

and it has a variety of ecotourism opportunities and partnerships with a range of community groups.”

These operate under various permits and include Treetops Adventure Central Coast, Central Coast Mountain Bike Park, operated by the Central Coast Mountain Bike Club, Girri Girra and various running groups, orienteering, 4wd training and dog running groups.

“Friends of Strickland volunteer group is a great example of community involvement a short distance from Ourimbah SF and offers bush regeneration and track construction,” the spokesperson said.

“We encourage community members to join such groups.”

The Corporation also works with NSW Police on unregistered trail bike blitz programs targeting anti-social riding and compliance.

The forest is also available for a wide range of other activities including horse riding, bush walking, trail bike riding and fire wood collection as well as a range of research and monitoring projects carried out by Forestry Corporation and other agencies.

Terry Collins

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Volunteers gathered to remove the weeds

Treatment of animals is one of the subjects for review

Lake Haven centre to stop providing mobility scooters

A Gorokan resident is urging fellow shoppers to join her in appealing a decision by Lake Haven Shopping Centre to discontinue its mobility scooter service from July 1 due to safety concerns.

Liina Hurrell says the decision will severely affect the independence and quality of life for many elderly and mobility-challenged patrons, including her mother Ann Hurrell, who is distressed by the move.

“My mother relies on these scooters for her weekly shopping trips, and their removal will make it extremely difficult for her to navigate the shopping centre,” she said.

“The scooters provided by Lake Haven Centre are essential for her and many others, allowing them to maintain their independence and carry out their daily activities without undue stress.

“These scooters operate at walking speed, ensuring safety

for all customers within the shopping centre.

“While I understand that there are risks associated with providing mobility scooters, such as potential accidents or liability concerns, I believe these risks are manageable.

“The centre can implement strict safety protocols, such as speed limits and regular maintenance checks, to mitigate these risks.

“Providing training and clear guidelines for scooter users can also help ensure safe and responsible usage.”

Hurrell said buying a personal scooter was not option for many, including her mother.

“The decision to remove the scooters will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our community, making it harder for them to access essential services and

participate in daily life,” she said.

“I urge Lake Haven Centre to reconsider this decision and continue providing mobility scooters for those who rely on them.

“This service is not just a convenience but a necessity for many, ensuring they can live independently and with dignity.

“I hope the community will

support this cause and advocate for the needs of our elderly and mobility-challenged residents.”

Centre management advised patrons of the decision in a letter, citing ongoing safety risks as the reason.

“These vehicles, with a weight of over 200kg including driver, can be sometimes driven erratically or at excessive speed within the

Proclaiming 80th anniversary of D-Day

shopping centre.

“The risk of death or severe injury to other customers of all types, particularly children, dogs and the elderly are excessively high.

“While we do not object to anyone bringing their own scooter into the shopping centre, we are no longer able to carry the risk associated with providing this equipment to customers.”

The letter said staff would monitor personal scooters and encourage customers to operate them safely inside the centre.

“We have increased the number of wheelchairs available for hire in the centre, to ensure customers who are mobility challenged have an acceptable alternative to access retail stores,” the letter said.

“We appreciate that this may cause some distress, (but we have made) this decision for the safety of all our customers.”

Terry Collins

Central Coast Town Crier

Stephen Clarke gave a Proclamation announcing the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6 at the Gosford cenotaph.

D-Day, on June 6, 1944, marked the beginning of the end of WWII.

Gosford RSL Sub-Branch

President Greg Mawson said many lost their lives on that day from nations all over the world, with the biggest armada of ships ever seen gathering to carry the military for the invasion.

“At Gosford, members of the Gosford RSL Sub-Branch and Gosford City Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s

Association and Affiliates attended even though the weather was very inclement,” he said.

“Despite the rain, the Proclamation went ahead at the newly refurbished cenotaph.”

Internationally, Official Town Criers from England, Wales, the USA, the Channel Islands, Bermuda, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium and Australia performed Official D Day proclamations.

“Today, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics, uniting

brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord,” the Proclamation said.

“By the day’s end, over 150 thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to

The electorate of The Entrance has secured $300,000 in funding for a total of 11 projects through the NSW Government’s 2023 Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program.

The funds will deliver muchneeded improvements to local facilities including a shade cover for Bateau Bay Public School, the upgrade of the clubhouse kitchen at Ourimbah Tennis Club and an auditorium renovation for the Long Jetty Over 50s for Leisure and Learning.

The CBP program has funded

achieve a toehold in France.

“In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the

$300,000 for community projects

more than 19,700 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

The successful projects in The Entrance electorate for the 2023 round are: Doggie Dates NSW, $6,920 for a storage shed and shelving; Ourimbah Tennis Club, $16,000 for upgrading the clubhouse kitchen; Bateau Bay Public School P&C, $46,930 for a shade cover; Sunnyfield, $8,000 for the Going Solar project at Killarney Vale; Lisarow Ourimbah Cricket Club, $14,000 for nets refurbishment; Central Coast Lapidary Club, $7,150 to repaint the exterior of the

clubhouse; Long Jetty Over 50s for Leisure and Learning, $16,000 for auditorium renovation; The Entrance and District Cricket Club; $100,000 for the Jubilee Oval multipurpose room; KU Children’s Services, $5,000 for a hydraulic nappy change table; Lisarow Public School P&C, $10,000 for installation of a shade structure; and Niagara Park Public School P&C, $70,000 for fixed playground equipment.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the funds would enable organisations to implement projects addressing

the community’s needs, enhance public spaces and provide for better social, environmental,and recreational outcomes.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for our community,” he said.

“Organisations who are interested in the 2024 round are encouraged to sign up for alerts about the CBP program to ensure they are notified when information about the next round is confirmed.”

unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris, two months later.

“We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved, including Australian and New Zealand men and women and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.

“God save the King.

“God save Australia.”

The official proclamation was written by Jane Smith-Bognor Regis, Town Crier and Member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers (UK), and was officially approved.

Attendees with Town Crier Stephen Clarke

Liina Hurrell at the centre with her mother Ann Hurrell; Ann Hurrell relies on the centre’s mobility scooters to help her shop

Member for The Entrance David Mehan presents the cheque to Long Jetty Over 50s for Leisure and Learning staff

Central Coast Council is planning a range of safety improvements for the region’s beaches ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Services

Phil Cantillon said new investments would include $20,000 in grant funding to Central Coast Surf Life Saving to install inflatable rescue tubes across high-risk and remote locations.

“As part of the NSW Government Smart Beaches program, cameras will be installed at Umina Beach, North Shelly and Soldiers Beach to monitor unpatrolled areas and beach profiles,” he said.

“Investment by the NSW Government will see the installation of three new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at Spoon Bay, Frazer Park and Forresters Beach.

“This is in addition to the ERBs installed at Budgewoi Beach, The Entrance Channel and Pearl Beach in 2023.”

Cantillon said the ERBs were a critical addition to beach

Improving safety at Coast beaches

safety infrastructure and could make all the difference in an emergency, as they connected callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre which enabled a faster response to potential rescues, particularly in unpatrolled areas.

“Over the winter period, Council will also be updating its beach safety fleet with seven new Can-Am buggies replacing current assets at various

locations,” he said.

“Additionally, essential lifesaving equipment will be serviced and repaired, including radio networks, twoway radios, oxygen equipment and lifeguard towers.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart applauded the tremendous effort of Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers.

“I want to express my sincere

gratitude to our dedicated lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers for their tireless efforts this past season,” he said.

“Their commitment to beach safety has kept millions of visitors safe while enjoying our beautiful coastline.

“While the official patrol season has ended, I want to remind everyone to prioritise safety when enjoying the

Recognised for 50 years’ service as JP

Volunteer with Gosford State Emergency Service, Gerard Price, has been recognised for his 50 years’ service as a Justice of the Peace at a special ceremony at NSW Parliament House.

He was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace (JP) at Darlinghurst in 1972.

“I became a JP to help others in any way I could and as a Justice of the Peace I could do that,” Price said.

“How often do you hear people say: Where can I find a JP?”

He said that also tied in to his

motivation to volunteer with NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

“Before I retired, I really did not have an opportunity to join the SES, and now I try to do my little bit,” he said.

“I joined the SES five years ago not knowing much about what was ahead.

“I had wanted to do a first aid course, and to learn how to tie knots properly; and what do you know?

“That was the first thing I was shown.”

Over his 50 years as a JP Price said one of his most

memorable moments was when he had to witness the signatures of three brothers and a sister from the one family.

“The first one recorded occupation as school teacher, as did the second, and the third.

“By then I expected the last one to be a teacher too, and sure enough, that was the case.

I think life is full of coincidences.

“Being a JP has not been an onerous chore but a very rewarding activity, just as any volunteering is.”

And his colleagues at Gosford SES say “we couldn’t be prouder to have such a dedicated and selfless individual as part of the family at Gosford SES and appreciate his service to the people of NSW both as a JP and SES volunteer”.

Price was among 110 JPs from all over NSW to be hosted at two special ceremonies on April 10 and 17 at Parliament House by Member for Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch along with other NSW MPs and NSW Attorney General Michael Daley.

Central Coast’s waterways throughout the year.”

Beachgoers are advised to: always take some sort of flotation device; never swim alone; wear appropriate safety equipment when rock fishing, let others know where you are going and carry a phone; avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain; and check your vessel, the weather and safety equipment when boating.

The 2023/24 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Sunday, April 28, with more than 3.7 million visits recorded across the Coast’s 15 patrolled beaches during the season.

Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast lifesavers completed 1,539 rescues and treated more than 3,200 first-aid incidents.

Recruitment for the 2024/25 season will begin online in early August.

Council is seeking passionate individuals interested in the ocean, surfing and surf lifesaving, and committed to fitness and community service.

Casual and seasonal lifeguard roles will be advertised on Council’s website prior to the surf lifesaving season commencing on Saturday, September 28.

For more information and safety tips, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw. gov.au

Fundraiser with real soul

A Central Coast music group has raised $3,000 for Coast Shelter.

Soul on the Central Coast is a group of local music enthusiasts who have a passion for soul music from over the past 50 years, with an emphasis on collectable original vinyl records.

“The music has given to us over the years and we got together to work out how we could give back to others and enjoy the music at the same time,” a spokesperson said.

“This led to us organising an

event where the locals could have a night out dancing and listening to DJs play soul music of various types – Northern Soul, Modern Soul and Motown, from their prized vinyl connections.

“This enabled us to raise $3,000 at our last event which we donated to Coast Shelter, which does an amazing job at supporting people in need on the Central Coast.”

Northern Soul is a music and dance subculture that emerged from the north of England in late 60s-early 70s and is based on very danceable but often

very rare American soul music from the mid 60s.

“One way to describe Northern Soul is that it sounds similar to fast Motown records (such as Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and The Temptations spawning from Detroit) but the faster beat music didn’t achieve so much, or indeed any, commercial success when it was released.

“Modern Soul is the term used to describe the more sophisticated music of mid to late 1970s and beyond right up to today’s soul music – think of Teddy Pendergrass and The

OJays and the sound of Philadelphia.

“Motown is essentially just that – American soul music that came from the Motown label of Detroit; think of The Supremes, The Four Tops and The Temptations as the best examples.”

The group will follow-up with an event on July 6 at Wamberal Breakers from 4pm-11pm and is planning a big weekend event on the Australia Day weekend next year.

Check the Facebook group Soul on the Central Coast for details.

Members of the group present the cheque to Coast Shelter representatives

Council will invest in making the region’s beaches safer

Gerard Price

Coast Connect

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Register today for the Getting Women Elected Forum

To boost diversity and increase representation of women on Council, Central Coast Council has invited the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) to run their extremely successful ‘Getting Women Elected’ forum for female candidates across the Central Coast.

This free forum is aimed at women interested in standing for Council in the September Local Government elections.

• Join us on Saturday 22 June 2024, at Erina Centre (Meeting Space 3), North South Road, Erina NSW. The session will run from 1:00-4:00pm, with light refreshments provided.

The ALGWA NSW Executive members, Councillor Penny Pederson, City of Ryde and President of ALGWA NSW, Councillor Shannon Welch, North Sydney Council and Councillor Greta Werner, Bayside Council will share their knowledge and experience to support women attendees.

Interested in becoming a Councillor? Register today to reserve your spot at the Getting Women Elected Forum, by searching ‘election 2024’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

ALGWA measures its success by the number of women encouraged to join Local Government. As such, this forum is one of a number being held across the state, designed to promote gender equity in Local Government. It is encouraging to see that historically these sessions have proven to increase the number of women elected to councils across NSW and is key to getting women interested in running for council over the line. I encourage everyone interested to attend.

Rik Hart, Administrator

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, 6.30pm 25 June 2024. Search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Addressing housing issues on the Coast

Our Central Coast Local Housing Strategy has been developed with feedback from community engagement, to address the local housing challenges impacting our region and community. This Strategy outlines Council’s role and sets the agenda for work that we will undertake to address these challenges and ensure there is sustainable development.

To find out more, search ‘local housing strategy’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Keeping skate parks ready to ride

A series of skate park maintenance works are progressively rolling out to keep them safe for community use now and for many years to come. Temporary closures are currently in place whilst works are underway at BATO Yard, Wadalba and The Entrance skate parks, with Terrigal, Kariong and Narara next in line.

To view works and closure schedule, search ‘skate park works’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Beach season wraps, safety enhancements planned

Beachgoers enjoyed another safe beach season thanks to the tireless efforts of patrol teams. Over 3.7million visits were recorded across the Coast’s 15 patrolled beaches, with 1,539 rescues and over 3,200 first-aid treatments completed. Preparations for next season have started with new safety investments and initiatives announced.

To learn more, search ‘beach safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Gosford sewer main works continue

Works are powering on to upgrade the sewer main along Henry Parry Drive, Gosford. The work we are doing now will ensure we have a reliable water and sewer service for years to come to support the continued growth and development in our regional centre.

To find water and sewer projects in your area, search ‘capital works program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Each week, we have road work underway across the Coast to deliver improvements and maintenance works. Basic pothole filing is the first level of maintenance to keep the road safe. Where potholes consistently reoccur or the road deteriorates further, a more substantial and longer lasting heavy patch repair is considered.

View road work updates at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/news

Coasties recognised in King’s Birthday honours

Five Central Coast residents have been awarded a Medal of Australia (OAM) in the General Division in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Announced on June 10 by Governor-General David Hurley, the honours list recognises 737 outstanding and inspirational Australians.

Claire Braund of Terrigal was awarded an OAM for service to women in business and to the community of the Central Coast.

Braund co-founded Women on Boards (WOB) Australia in 2006 and has been executive director since 2006.

In 2012, she co-founded WOB United Kingdom.

WOB is an independent organisation with a proud history of supporting women to leverage their professional skills and experience into leadership and non-executivedirector roles.

WOB has been working for 18 years to address gender inequity in the boardroom and is a recognised leader in promoting and supporting women to achieve decisionmaking roles.

Braund has also been the president of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music since 2021, was the former vicepresident and chair of the building committee and a board member since 2016.

She was a former nonexecutive director and governance committee chair at Coast Shelter, a Churchill Fellow in 2010, and graduate of the Sydney Social Leadership Program Benevolent Society 2005.

Braund was named Terrigal electorate’s Woman of the Year in 2021 for her outstanding work in the community.

“This came as a complete surprise,” Braund said.

“I was on holiday in Japan with my parents when the email arrived, and I thought surely this is not really the Governor-General.

“After it was all confirmed that indeed that was the case, I was quite chuffed, taken back and very surprised.

“I have no idea who nominated me, but I know nominations require quite a bit of work having been involved with them myself previously.

“So that shows a lot of kindness and consideration.”

Ken Dixon of Woy Woy was awarded an OAM for service to youth and the Central Coast community.

Dixon enjoyed a long and distinguished career with the NSW Government with the Department of Education and Training as General Manager

Finance and Administration 2005-2009, Director of Finance 1989-2004, Acting Deputy Director General (Resources) 1994, and past General Manager Board of Studies.

He also held various positions with the NSW Public Service on the Executive Board and Management Committee NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, from 2008 to 2018.

Dixon was named Central Coast Bowls Volunteer of the Year in 2017, and received the Community Ambassador Award Central Coast Kids in Need, the CPA Australia Director’s Excellence Award, and the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions Director’s Service Excellence Award.

He is currently vice-president and charity bowls co-ordinator of Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, a past-president of Woy Woy Cricket Club, a life member of Woy Woy Bowling Club and a life member of the Pelicans Fishing Cub.

His community, fundraising and volunteer work has covered many different organisations and sporting clubs including Stewart House, Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club, Ettalong Beach Financial Services Limited – Community Bank Ettalong Beach, and the Peninsula/Woy Woy Euchre Club.

While Dixon said he had a “fair idea” who nominated him, he was thrilled to receive the award.

“It is a great honour,” he said.

“I have lived on the Coast nearly all my life and I have done a lot in the community including fundraising for Central Coast Kids in Need and Stewart House.

“I’ve had a good career in the NSW Government, and I believe when you have certain skills or qualifications, people should help.

“So, if someone needed help, I was very happy to help.

“It is pretty hard to say no.”

Kevin Sullivan of Bateau Bay was awarded an OAM for service to veterans and to the community.

Sullivan is currently the 8th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Association’s NSW State Representative, National Committee, and has been the editor of the Behind the 8 Ball newsletter since 1999.

He is also a committee member of the NSW branch, 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Association and coordinator of the Long Hai Day Commemoration Service.

Sullivan has been a valuable member of Marine Rescue NSW Central Coast as a quartermaster and a radio operator and rescue crew member since 2005.

In 2015, he was awarded the 10-year long service medal.

His volunteer and community work includes building memorials and village infrastructure with the Kokoda Memorial Foundation in Papua New Guinea between 1999 and

2007, and as a volunteer driver with the Peninsula Retirement Village for 18 years.

Awards and recognitions include the Unit Commander’s Commendation Central Coast Unit Marine Rescue NSW, National Medal and first clasp 2016, Australian Active Service medal 1945-1975 with clasp Vietnam 1998, The Vietnam Campaign Medal, Australian Defence Medal, Anniversary of National Service Medal, the Infantry Combat Badge and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

“I had no idea I had been nominated,” Sullivan said.

“It was a big surprise and a real honour when you consider the number of people who do volunteer.

“I thoroughly enjoy giving back because we live in such a beautiful country.

“I also really enjoy the camaraderie of the organisations I’m involved with.”

Susan Brooks of Killcare Heights was awarded an OAM for service to the LGBTQIA+ community and to women in business.

A lifelong interest in supporting women, especially those in disadvantaged groups, has seen Brooks take on many leadership roles in organisations with a focus on women’s issues.

She co-founded the Pinnacle Foundation in 2006 where she was also the policy and process

“It was a surprise, but also a delight to receive public recognition for 12 years of work,” she said.

“I have long had an interest in women’s issues, especially those in disadvantaged groups who need a leg up – those who show a determination to succeed but are struggling to make it for whatever reason.”

The late Brian C Morelli of Rocky Point was awarded an OAM for his service to veterans and their families and to sports journalism.

Widely regarded as a pioneer of his profession as a sports television director, deeply involved in the creation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s, Morelli passed away in December last year.

He was a National Serviceman with the Royal Australian Air Force from 1951 to 1957, a former secretary of the RAAF Association of Australia, NSW Division, a consultant and volunteer with the Department of Veterans Affairs and an avid RAAF historian.

designer, chair of the selection committee and mentor development (2010-2020) and the former head of risk and compliance.

The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential.

It awards multi-year scholarships nationally to students aged between 18 and 26 for full-time study at public higher education institutions to achieve educational or vocational qualifications in any profession, trade or the arts.

Brooks’ other government roles and responsibilities have included Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman in the 1990s and director of the Office of the Status of Women for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in the 1980s.

She was a board member of the NSW YWCA from 1997 to 2002 and treasurer of the Sydney Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras for four years and a board member in the 1990s.

In 2005 she was a board member of the ABC’s Complaints Tribunal and chief compliance officer/head of public and consumer affairs Westpac Banking Corporation, 1996 to 2005.

In 2012 she was named a Community Hero at the ACON LGBTI Awards.

Brooks said she was completely surprised to be awarded an OAM.

He also co-founded the National Service Branch Air Force Association NSW in 2007 and was president from 201023.

Morelli was the Channel 9 sports director from the 1980s to 1990s, television production editor from the late 1950s to 1960s and a camera operator in 1956.

He was sports director and production editor with World Series Cricket in the 1970s and sports director with Fox Sports.

In the early days, Morelli was closely associated with the iconic Bandstand and was one of three producer-directors over its timespan, taking over in1969.

His family, including son Brett Morelli, will accept the award on his behalf.

“I know Dad would have been very, very proud to accept this award and my family and I are equally proud to accept it on his behalf,” Brett Morelli said.

“He was a successful pioneer in his professional life and devoted his later years to his historical work with the RAAF National Service and their members.”

Having a holiday house at Kanwal for many years, Morelli moved permanently to Rocky Point four years ago.

“He loved his sport and loved his photography,” Brett Morelli said.

“He was very successful and at the top of his game.”

Denice Barnes

Clockwise from top left: Claire Braund OAM; Ken Dixon OAM; The late Brian C Morelli OAM; Susan Brooks OAM; Kevin Sullivan OAM

Coast Shelter has announced Moov Modular as the major sponsor for the highly anticipated Coast Shelter Sleepout 2024.

Moov Modular’s recent alliance with Coast Shelter as a corporate partner highlights their dedication to addressing housing affordability challenges in the region.

Through innovative solutions and a steadfast commitment to community welfare, Moov Modular aims to provide accessible housing options for those in need, aligning perfectly with Coast Shelter’s mission.

Moov Modular Managing Director Nicholas O’Neill said the team was looking forward to

Major sponsor for Coast Shelter Sleepout

another great year supporting the Coast Shelter Sleepout.

“The Moov Modular team is passionate about helping those in need and to be able to support Coast Shelter and the work they do across the region,” he said.

“During the year we were really blessed to have several of their clients join our team and get back into the workforce.

“The work Coast Shelter does in the community is critical and makes a huge impact in the lives of the people they touch.

“We look forward to another great sleepout.”

Last year’s event raised more than $230,000, with hopes that this year’s sleepout will raise even more.

The sleepout serves as a vital community fundraiser, rallying support for frontline services that provide crucial assistance to vulnerable populations across

the Central Coast.

“The Coast Shelter Sleepout is not just an event; it’s testament to the spirit of unity and compassion within our

community,” Coast Shelter CEO Lee Shearer said.

“In these challenging times, the need for support has never been greater.

“We are immensely grateful to Moov Modular for their generous support and shared commitment to making a positive impact on the Central Coast.”

Scheduled to take place on Friday, August 2, at Industree Group Stadium, the Coast Shelter Sleepout 2024 represents an opportunity for individuals and businesses alike to join forces in addressing pressing social issues.

Coast Shelter is a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing support and assistance

to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and domestic and family violence on the Central Coast.

Through a range of programs and initiatives, Coast Shelter strives to empower individuals, foster community engagement, and create lasting change.

Moov Modular is a pioneering provider of modular housing solutions, committed to making housing more accessible and affordable for all.

Through innovative design and sustainable practices, Moov Modular aims to address the pressing challenges of housing affordability while creating positive social impact within communities.

Rescue tube boxes to reduce drownings

Surf Life Saving Central Coast has installed 35 rescue tube boxes at highrisk coastal locations from Patonga to Frazer Park in a bid to reduce bystander drownings.

The Remote Area Rescue Tube rollout has been implemented with funding from Central Coast Council through the Community Development Grant Program. Funding of $20,000 was

granted to SLSCC to install and maintain the 35 rescue tube boxes which are made from aluminium and contain an SLS Rescue Tube as well as instructions on how to use the tube in case of an emergency.

Inside each box is a QR code for public to scan if the tube is missing or has been used.

The QR code form allows Surf Life Saving Central Coast to monitor each tube and perform maintenance or follow up on

individuals who have used the tubes.

The boxes have been installed at locations identified statistically as potentially high risk and aim to assist public in an emergency situation.

A full list of locations will be announced when they have all be installed.

“We are extremely proud to roll this program out across the Central Coast,” SLSCC President

Matt Slattery said.

“If these tube boxes allow one additional person to head home to their families whilst using our beaches, they have done their job.

“We look forward to expanding on our 35 locations in the coming seasons”.

SLSCC CEO Michael Hyslop also reminded the community to stay safe in the off-season.

“Now that our flags have come

down until September, it is even more important to take steps to stay safe at our beaches,” he said.

“Always swim with a friend, take a flotation device and be sure to watch the water for at least five minutes before going for a swim”.

The project is in stage one of its release and SLSCC are looking to expand the tube roll out in coming seasons.

Moov Modular will be major sponsor for the sleepout

Rescue tube boxes aim to reduce beach drownings

NEWS IN BRIEF

Red Hatters are partying on

The Roving Rubies Red Hatters are gearing up for their 20th anniversary later this year, with a Roaring 20s themed party set for September 5.

“New members are invited to come along and help celebrate,”

Queen Lilimarlene (Marlene Klintworth) said.

“The Red Hat Society is based in the USA and has branches around the world.

“We often get people come up to us (when dressed in our red and purple) and say they are overseas red hatters or their Mum is!”

The Central Coast group’s oldest member is 97 and the youngest is in her 50s.

“There is a wide range of interests and personalities in this big group,” Klintworth said.

“We have reassembled after COVID and are Red Hat partying on.”

Any woman aged 50 and over who would like to know more about joining the group can email rovingrubies@optusnet. com.au

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Making household solar batteries more accessible

The NSW Government will launch a new incentive to make household solar batteries more accessible and affordable for the state’s residents.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the move would be a great benefit for Central Coast households.

“This is welcome news for struggling families on the Central Coast, helping residents maximise their solar energy use, save on energy bills and boost the reliability of the electricity grid,” he said.

Under the incentive,

A Biggest Morning Tea at Terrigal has raised more than $4,700 for the Cancer Council.

Organised by Karen Harper and her team from residential community BluePoint, the event attracted more than 100 attendees.

This was a 100 per cent increase on last year’s numbers with the amount raised doubled.

A major highlight was a keynote address from Lyndal Thomas, Founder of LyndalT,

households and businesses with solar panels on their roofs will be able to buy a cheaper, subsidised battery to store solar energy generated when the sun is shining.

This will help get the most out of their solar, by allowing them to use it around the clock. It will also reduce their energy bills and boost the reliability of the statewide electricity grid.

The new incentive is part of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme and includes between $1,600 and $2,400 off the upfront installation cost of a household battery for homes and business with existing solar.

For homes and businesses wanting to install solar, the incentive will be considered in the quote for a new solar and battery system installation.

There will be a $250-$400 incentive for connecting a battery to a Virtual Power Plant which can be claimed a second time, three years on.

Virtual Power Plants group the power produced by rooftop solar and stored in batteries, so it can be released into the grid where and when it’s needed.

Energy from Virtual Power Plants is released into the grid to address frequency and voltage imbalances, local disruptions or disturbances and keep the network stable.

Mehan said by connecting batteries in Virtual Power Plants, households and

Morning tea a big success

herself a breast cancer survivor and the driving force behind one of Australia’s most successful cancer awareness movements.

“We have all been touched by this insidious disease which affects 12 out of every 100 Australian women,” she told the gathering.

“But I’m proof of there being a way forward.

“My secret is focus, wellbeing, community and exercise.”

Head of the organising committee Karen Harper

thanked Thomas and the volunteers and supporters who helped make the day a success.

“It is humbling to think that at a time of global conflict, communities like ours on the Central Coast can come together so willingly to smile, have fun and for a moment put aside our cares whether they be economic, political, relationships or health, all for such a good cause,” she said.

More information on Lyndal Thomas can be found at LyndalT.com

businesses could collectively share capacity across the energy grid.

The incentive will be available from November 1 and will be accessed through approved suppliers, which will become accredited over the coming months.

Expansion of the scheme follows extensive consultation with companies which specialise in the orchestration of household batteries.

Information on the NSW Government household battery incentive program is available at www.energy.nsw.gov.au/ batteries

From left: Liz Hutton, Jane Simmonds, Karen Harper and Lyndal Thomas

We need candidate forums before council elections

With the front page and editorial of issue 441 devoted to the upcoming return of democratic local government on the Central Coast, I thank Paul Link for his Forum submission that highlighted the risks in the referendum question.

I suppose the residents should be happy that the powers that be are treating them as adults, by trusting us with a vote in September.

In light of Paul’s concerns is it possible to have public forums conducted in the proposed (pre referenda) wards where the candidates attend to answer questions from concerned voters as to just what their intentions are if they are voted in to represent us?

I would also be interested in hearing their opinions on amalgamating wards, and the service implications.

Democracy is more than attending a polling booth and

FORUM

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

numbering a box, it is also holding elected representatives to account.

Therefore, I would also suggest that if a nominee does not attend to face public scrutiny they lose their place on the ballot as they are disingenuous, and not comfortable with public scrutiny.

Email, Jun 7

Michael Chamley, The Entrance

History repeating itself

Is history repeating itself?

I noticed a story about water and rates increases (CCN 440) and a few pages further on a story from Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer on projected budget surplus.

Seeing as how the Council blew millions on bad investments (twice) and the ratepayers suffered, why are they hitting us up again?

I have a brilliant idea. Why not get a Council that puts the lot back into services?

This could work better.

Get rid of the plush carpets, the top-end salaries and buildings, and instead fix the roads, sewerage, water (hidden storm water).

Or do we bring back a working man’s Council?

The Council cannot have the ratepayers as a cash cow, we are going under already.

Remember Dick Perssons, the Administrator before Ric Hart?

He was the guy who said: “They will soon forget about the rate hike”.

I am reminded every time I pay the mortgage, rates, water, power, food, fuel, and school things.

Stop the regular increases and use the Budget surplus to fix the last schemozzle.

We do not need a repeat disaster.

Email, June 1 John Strang, Woy Woy

Stem the tide of migration

In response to Kay Donaldson (CCN437 - May 9) may I attempt to explain why the debate regarding over-population is barely a murmur?

The ruling political parties of this country are swayed by the wealthy and big business companies who demand more workers to increase turnover and, of course, profits and the government, in turn, collects more taxes which makes them look good.

So we import more so-called skilled migrants (528,000 last year alone) to appease these manipulators.

They call it progress.

Heaven help the political party that bucks this trend; these big companies will advise their workers to vote for the other party or the future of their jobs will be in jeopardy.

We constantly hear of crime

Champion cop of the month

Senior Constable Jade Clerke of Toukley Police Station has been named the May Champion of the Month.

As a small acknowledgement of her efforts, she was presented with the Challenge Coin by Superintendent Chad Gillies at a training day with her colleagues.

He said Snr Const Clerke was an experienced and reliable member of the team.

“Her experience in the smaller station at Toukley is appreciated by her inspectors and sergeants,” he said.

“To have a reliable and positive leader in the workplace is so important, assisting

House burglary at The Entrance

Tuggerah Lakes Police Proactive Investigations Team is seeking community assistance in relation to a burglary at The Entrance.

They are appealing for help to identify a man captured on

CCTV footage at the time of the incident who might be able to assist with police inquiries.

The break and enter and theft occurred at about 1.15pm on Sunday, April 4.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.come.au and quote police report number E 80633313.

through shifts.

“Jade gets through her work with minimal fuss and is always looking out for her team.

“She is the ultimate team player and goes out of her way to assist in the operations and running of our command.

“Jade continually highlights her colleagues’ good work but it is equally important to acknowledge the work and impact she has at Tuggerah Lakes.

“These are just a few reasons why Jade is a deserved winner of this monthly award.”

Police are seeking help to identify this man

Information sought over road rage incident

Police are calling for dashcam footage or information relating to a fail-to-stop road crash on the M1 Link Rd at Jilliby.

At about 5.20pm on Monday, May 27, a blue Toyota Echo was travelling west along Sparks Rd towards the M1 Motorway.

Two other vehicles, which police say appeared to be

engaging in a road rage incident, were travelling behind the Echo.

As the three vehicles entered the 100km/h zone one of the vehicles struck the Echo causing it to spin around and collide heavily with a road barrier.

gangs being arrested.

We now have youth crimes and stabbings becoming out of control, behaviour more common in other countries.

There’s a huge lack of infrastructure – lack of roads, housing, hospitals, doctors, police etc and now people are escaping the rat-race of the cities to previously quiet country retreats.

With this expansion delicate areas of fauna and wildlife are under threat.

Crocodiles are regularly shot as we invade their habitats and kangaroos too as they eat farmers’ expanding crops.

Species of plants, animals and fish are being wiped out almost daily, all in the name of progress.

What life are we leaving for our grandchildren and their offspring?

Email, Jun 3

Campbell Black, North Entrance

Air-conditioning unit an eyesore

Gosford RSL Club has created a most handsome new club building at West Gosford with great facilities.

The location of the club means it is one of the most visually prominent buildings as you first enter the Central Coast.

Unfortunately, the architects overlooked the abomination of the air-conditioning and mechanical services located on the rooftop and the negative impact these have on overall aesthetics of the building.

All this rooftop equipment is clearly visible from all elevations – not just from Central Coast Hwy coming down the hill from Kariong but from Fagans Bay along the highly used walking and cycling path enjoyed by hundreds of locals and visitors every day; an absolute eyesore towering over a serene piece of nature.

I feel sorry for the residents along the pathway whose views across the water have been ruined.

It is hard to understand why no screening was provided to hide this mess.

It’s equivalent to ‘dressing to impress’ but wearing a tin bucket on one’s head instead.

Email, May 29 Alan Pappas, West Gosford

ON THE BEAT BRIEFS

Motorcyclist dies at Bateau Bay

A young motorcyclist died last week in a collision with a car at Bateau Bay.

Emergency services were called to The Entrance Rd at about 6.20pm on Friday, June 7, and found a 23-year-old male rider had suffered critical injuries following a collision with a small hatchback.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

As a result the Echo suffered extensive damage on all sides of the vehicle.

Police say one of the offending vehicles was a white VW Golf GTI and the other one was a white Holden Rodeo.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Wyong Police Station on 4356 6000 quoting event number E97210118.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District are conducting the investigation and are appealing for anyone with dashcam vision of the minutes leading up to the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information that could be relevant to the inquiry is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 on nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

The driver of the hatchback, an 86-year-old woman, stopped immediately. She underwent mandatory testing.

Fire station open day

An information session at Doyalson Fire and Rescue NSW station on June 15 will be the chance to explore what it takes to be a paid, on-call firefighter.

Discover how to join the ranks of the dedicated brave firefighters making a difference every single day.

The information day will

include Q&A sessions and an opportunity to learn about firefighting equipment and gear as well as meeting and networking with current firefighters and recruitment team members.

It will be held at the Doyalson fire station near the corner of Wyee Rd at 51-53 Pacific Hwy, on Saturday, June 15, starting at 10am.

Changed traffic conditions

Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from June 11 for four nights at eight sites across the Central Coast to carry out safety maintenance work.

Transport for NSW will carry out shotblasting work on the road surfaces at each site to help increase road friction during wet weather conditions and ensure the ongoing safety of motorists.

Affected sites are at Woy Woy, Terrigal, Kincumber, Ourimbah, Kanwal, Calga and Doyalson.

Supt Gillies with Snr Const Clerke

The Animals return to Coast for farewell tour

After selling out every one of the 29 shows in their tour earlier this year, The Animals are bringing The Farewell Tour: The Final Encore back to The Art House on June 19. The Animals created some of the most iconic songs in popular music history including We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place, The House of The Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, It’s My Life, Don’t Bring Me Down, and Boom Boom.

They became the second British band to top the American charts after The Beatles.

Featuring original member John Steel alongside Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz and Barney “Boogie” Williams, music fans can expect a fantastic concert of the band’s best hits.

John Steel formed The Animals when he and Eric Burden met as art school dropouts.

• Own the night! Calling all

“We started off as the Pagan Jazzmen and we morphed into the Pagans, a slightly R&B rock outfit,” he said.

“We played a church hall in Byker and this kid from another band who was a rhythm guitar player came over and said, ‘Can I sit in?’ and there was an old upright piano, so we said, ‘sure’.

Nightowl Nurses & CARERS

Continued page 19

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Are you a registered nurse or personal carer who comes alive at night? Find you work better in a calm and peaceful environment with fewer distractions or interruptions? Do you enjoy your own company and love the freedom of working autonomously?

Apply to work our Night Shifts!

• Increase your work life balance

• Take home a bigger pay-check

• Avoid peak-hour traffic

• Make time for side projects

• Enhance your skillset

Chamberlain Rd, Wyoming

The Animals are headed for Doyalson RSL

Teaming classical music with Pink Floyd

The Phoenix Collective will return to the Central Coast on June 16 with its latest concert.

Continuing an exploration of both classical and popular genres, the group will team the music of Mendelssohn and Ginastera with prog rock classics from Pink Floyd.

Themes of sorrow and isolation permeate the String Quartet no 6, written by a griefstricken Mendelssohn after the death of his sister.

Pink Floyd’s psychedelic take on similar emotional themes provides a powerful parallel, while the driving, danceinspired rhythms of Ginastera’s String Quartet no 1 represent an earthy affirmation of the simple life.

Launched by Charmian Gadd at the Crossroads Festival, The Phoenix Collective Quartet is a premier string quartet performing concerts in Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, the Central Coast and regional NSW.

Fascinating insight into thriller set on Coast

Fresh from her appearance at the Brisbane Writers Festival and before she heads off to the Northern Territory Writers Festival, Central Coast writer Donna M Cameron will offer insights into her book The Rewilding at Kincumber Library this month.

Cameron will give a deep dive into the book, the first part of which is set in a cave in Bouddi National Park.

The Rewilding has been described as a “compelling environmental thriller that asks some big questions about

humans, the world we live in and how we are to survive it”.

Cameron will share images of the inspiration behind the book and reveal her surprising path towards the writing of it, and her unpredictable journey towards publication.

“I think, subconsciously, the idea (for the book) was planted in my head when I was bushwalking one day in Bouddi National Park, and out of the scrub stepped this beautiful young woman,” she said.

“She smelt of sweat and patchouli and was bare-footed and looked like she had been

sleeping rough.

“I knew there were sandstone caves hidden in the cliff face nearby and I had heard rumours at one stage that there were people living in one of the caves.

“The biggest of the caves had a black leather couch in it for years, but that has been removed by National Parks recently.

“I realised this young woman must be squatting in one of the caves, and I think that idea just swirled around in me for a while.

“She almost felt mythical – like I had conjured her from another realm – because she stepped

out of the path in front of me, smiled at me then disappeared into the bush again as if vanishing into thin air.

“Also, what a setting – all those beautiful hidden beaches and caves amongst 1500 hectares of wild.

“What more could a writer ask for?”

Cameron’s talk on The Rewilding will be at 6pm on Thursday, June 20 at Kincumber Library.

It will be a free event and light refreshments will be served.

Its members come from the ranks of national and international orchestras such as Opera Australia Orchestra, Canberra Symphony, Sydney Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Kammer Philharmonie Köln, Boston Symphony, and Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

The quartet will perform at 2pm on June 16 at the Anglican Community Church in Kincumber.

For bookings and information go to www.pcmusic.net

Donna M Cameron

The Phoenix Collective

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

CWA

gears up for market day

Woy CWA is gearing up for its next Market Day on Sunday, June 23, from 9am2pm.

There will be arts and crafts, Devonshire teas, jams and pickles and assorted baked goods with Eftpos available.

The market will be held inside the Woy Woy CWA hall no matter what the weather.

Ask the women about membership if you are interested in joining the branch.

The hall is at 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy, adjacent Fisherman’s Wharf.

Look for the big pink BreastScreen NSW bus outside.

Meanwhile, the branch celebrated its 92nd birthday on June 8 and made a very special donation to Gosford Hospital.

“Every year at this time we donate a baby basket to Gosford hospital to give to the parents of the first girl and first boy born on June 8 June or closest to it,” a spokesperson said.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Art exhibition celebrates new gallery space at Ourimbah

Central Coast artist Nicole Robertson is the feature artist at a new gallery located in the café at Heatherbrae’s Pies Ourimbah.

The gallery space aims to provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their creative talents.

The first exhibition, The Tapestry of the Australian Bush, features Robertson, a renowned mixed media artists who specialises in delicate watercolour paintings inspired by the natural world and a

celebration of the unique beauty and diversity of our local landscapes.

The exhibition is open from June 24 to July 14. Opening night is June 29 with free entry.

Robertson said each of her artworks represented countless hours of exploration.

“My art serves as a canvas where dreams and textures merge into a lively fusion,” she said.

“Through the use of oil, watercolour, printmaking,

collage, sculptures and even taxidermy, I focus on botanical birds and plants, crafting narratives that stir emotions.

“Although I have diplomas in fine arts and visual arts, my artistic knowledge stems from more than two decades devoted to self-expression.”

Heatherbrae’s Pies is an artisanal purveyor of premium pies, quality coffee and sweet treats first established in 2001 and now boasting three locations, Heatherbrae, Ourimbah and Sutton Forest.

Lego Fair returns to Saratoga

There will be play tables for the little ones

Sunday, June 23 will see the return of the popular Lego Brick Fair at Saratoga, presented by SydLUG and hosted by the 3 Villages Community Group.

“We drew a huge crowd last year and hope to do the same again this year,” a spokesperson said.

“All funds raised on the day will go towards purchasing an AED (heart defibrillator) for the Saratoga Hall.

pick up easily as it will be installed on the outside of the building.”

The 3 Villages Community Group took over the lease of the hall in February.

The Lego Brick Fair will include a Lego building competition for the young ones, with plenty of bricks for them to play with.

Emergency“It will be accessible for all to

The day will feature many Lego displays and a sausage sizzle sponsored by David Lyle from Stone Real Estate.

There will also be a slushy

machine on site, along with Lego and G play tables. Lego pieces, sets, and mini figures will be for sale, as well as rare new inbox retired sets. Local author Nathan Spare will be there to promote his new children’s book, When the Station Bells Ring. The fair will be at Saratoga Hall from 10am-4pm on June 23. Entry is $10 with family discounts and children under five admitted free.

Works by Central Coast artist Nicole Robertson will be on exhibition

The highly acclaimed Fade Into You event programmed by Central Coast Music & Arts will make a comeback later this year, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2023.

Thanks to the support of the Australian Cultural Fund ‘Boost’ program, donations to the initiative will now be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 by Creative Australia, with all donations over $2 tax deductible.

Empowering women in music

Fade Into You provides a platform for female artists to share their experiences and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

The 2023 event featured a stellar line-up including internationally acclaimed Gordi, local favourite Tessa Thames and talented young acts Elaskia, Ruby Archer, Ella Powell, Scarlett Reid, NEAV, Chloe Louise, and Summer Healey.

Showcasing a diverse range of genres and career levels, the event celebrated the unique voices and stories of women in music.

Debuting during the inaugural Tubular Music & Arts Festival in October 2023, Fade Into You was conceived with a vision to spotlight the incredible talent of female musicians in the Australian music industry. The event name was inspired by the iconic Mazzy Star song featuring lead vocalist Kendra Smith, capturing the essence of female empowerment and creativity in music.

Book Review

with Julie Chessman

Author: Rosie Batty with Sue Smethurst

The thought of a child dying is every parent’s worst nightmare and I believe, like many, I would want to cease to exist.

But for a child to die at the hands of a parent is beyond horrific.

On January 4, 2013 Greg

Anderson murdered his 11-yearold son Luke Batty at a cricket field, hitting him over the head with a cricket bat before getting out a knife and stabbing him.

His mother, devastated and plagued with the worst kind of grief, forced herself to face the world and she became one of the most effective campaigners

The intimate, stripped-back performances create an authentic and immersive experience that resonates with both performers and attendees.

This year, Fade Into You plans to expand its impact with a Women in Music forum alongside the event.

The forum aims to empower women in all roles in the music industry, inspire future generations of artists and provide insights from industry professionals.

Fade Into You will also focus on offering professional development and mentorship opportunities to young female and non-binary songwriters, nurturing their early careers and fostering a supportive community in the music industry.

It will also emphasise the safety and wellbeing of women in the community, ensuring a secure space for all attendees during and after the shows.

Donations can be made at bit. ly/FadeIntoYouDonate until June 30, with all donations supporting the artists’ creative endeavours.

String quartet at The Art House

The Australian Chamber Orchestra Collective Quartet will perform in The Art House’s intimate black box studio on June 18.

Audiences will have a rare opportunity to be up close and personal with the musicians.

raising awareness against domestic violence and an advocate for social change.

Rosie Batty’s first book, A Mother’s Story, was published in 2016.

In this poignant memoir she talked of the years she suffered violence at the hands of her partner, having intervention and custody orders put in place in an effort to protect herself and her son.

She has since been an outspoken and dynamic crusader, winning hearts and minds all over Australia with her compassion, courage, grace and forgiveness.

In January 2015 Rosie Batty was named Australian of the Year.

The first book was inspiring, heartfelt and profoundly moving, with a percentage of royalties from sales going to the Luke

FAMILY LAW

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

• Binding Financial Agreements

Acclaimed for the energy and dynamism of its performers, the quartet is made up of graduates from the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s renowned Emerging Artist Program.

The performance will feature string quartet masterworks by

the great composers including Beethoven, alongside a new Australian premiere.

The Collective Quartet is made up of two violins, a viola and a cello.

Pieces by Joseph Haydn, Edward Elgar, Astor Piazzolla,

Batty Foundation.

This new book, Hope, chronicles the accidental campaigner’s life over the decade since Luke’s murder.

For her it has been a momentous decade of irredeemable loss, personal reconstruction, intense grief and relentless pain, but also of inspiring new friendships, resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

Hope is not just an addition to

WILLS & ESTATES

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

her previous memoir.

It not only narrates the heartbreaking personal tragedy of losing Luke to domestic violence but also serves as a powerful call to action for societal change.

Batty shares intimate details of her life, from her early experiences as a mother to her struggles in an abusive relationship with Luke’s father.

She paints a vivid picture of the complexities of domestic

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

Ella Macens will feature along with Beethoven’s String Quarter in F Major and the TRAD Woodworks Suite.

An Evening with the ACO Collective Quartet will begin at 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 18, at The Art House, Wyong.

violence and its devastating impact on families.

Batty’s honesty and vulnerability make her story incredibly compelling and relatable.

What sets Hope apart is Batty’s unwavering determination to turn her personal tragedy into a catalyst for change.

She has become a vocal advocate for victims of domestic violence, tirelessly campaigning for awareness, prevention and support services.

Her courage in speaking out against the societal norms that perpetuate violence against women is both inspiring and empowering.

Truth and vulnerability make this book a must-read for anyone enthusiastic about social justice and human rights.

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

Gordi

Photo: Anton Rehrl

The string quartet will perform works by well-known composers

23. Dined at restaurant (3,3)

25. Ponged

26. Secure (a deal)

29. Worship

32. Electrically charged particle

35. Timberyard odds & ends

37. Sewage pipe junction (1-4)

38. Abates

40. Bumbling

41. Prepares (the way)

42. Putrid

43. Loathes

44. Woolly

47. Scraggier

51. Most level-headed

52. Electric jug

53. Dozed

54. Improvised (4,2)

58. Terrible

59. Just a minute, wait a ...

61. Inserted piece

63. Recalibrated

64. Spittle

65. Sporting trophy

66. Juliet’s partner

68. Banded gemstone

71. The Matrix star, ... Reeves

72. Type of ski lift (1-3)

74. Universal ages

76. Singer, ... Pop

78. Page

80. Finished

83. Trail (behind) coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

Afro Moses comes to Gosford

Brace yourself for an electrifying performance when Sonic Sundays presents Afro Moses Spirit Band at the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford on June 16.

Prepare to be mesmerised by the dynamic sounds of Afro Moses and his band as they take the stage for an intimate live music experience.

Renowned for his magnetic personality and extraordinary musical prowess, Afro Moses captivates audiences with his high-energy performances,

powerful messages and vibrant stage presence.

Blending Afro beats, reggae, Highlife, funk, jazz, raga, salsa, and more, he creates a fusion of hot rhythms that promise to uplift, inspire and move everyone in attendance.

With his mastery of 14 traditional African instruments, including the kora, mbira and balafon, Afro Moses infuses modern grooves and technology to craft an unforgettable musical journey.

Hailing from Ghana, he rose to fame as a teenage star

before capturing international attention with his funky music and dance style.

He toured Europe, earning accolades such as Best Album, Best Song, and Best Live Act.

His collaborations with iconic artists like Miriam Makeba, Salif Keita, and Ziggy Marley further solidified his place on the global music scene.

Cocktail (or mocktail) specials will be available during happy hour from 1pm, followed by the free show.

Register to attend at funhausfactory.org.au/

Don’t

miss night of fun, music and virtuosity

Troubadour Folk Club will be presenting the fabulous Mic Conway – famous as Captain Matchbox in the 1970s when songs such as the great My Wahine from Wangaratta topped the Australian charts – on June 22 at the Everglades, Woy Woy.

It will be a great night of fun, music and virtuosity, guaranteed to brighten any winter’s day.

Mic Conway and Robbie Long will be bringing the circus of comedy, music and magic to the Everglades when they present an hilarious array of

idiosyncratic songs that will make your jaw drop, toes tap, and sides split.

Conway is a national treasure and loved by all who were blessed to share his days as Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band.

His reputation spread in the 1970s, 80s and 90s with national and international tours, and his amazing work with Circus Oz and the National Junk Band.

If you missed him last century, you’re in luck – he’s back and you’re in for a real treat.

Together with the wonderous Robbie Long, superb guitarist,

all-round musical maestro and Conway’s comedy double, you’ll will be delighted by this 21st century incarnation of their swinging vaudeville magic.

Showing their depth of experience, maturity and vast repertoire, there’s magic, juggling, cavorting and that trademark tongue-in-cheek music that combines humour with virtuosity.

Stripped back, irreverent, and shameless, it is real guaranteed old-time fun, full of crooning and swooning.

Booking details and enquiries on 4344 2319.

The Animals return to Coast for farewell tour

From page 13

“He hammered this piano with a left-hand boogie style.

“We went, ‘oh come on, you’re in the wrong band, you should be playing piano, not guitar’.

“This was Alan Price and that’s how we became a keyboard-driven band.”

When the band found a 1956 album by Joe Turner called Boss of the Blues, the guys

lifted a couple of numbers off the album and called themselves the Kansas City Five and after many incarnations and members coming and going, finally settled on calling themselves the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo –later changing their name to The Animals when they moved to London.

The Animals performed fiery versions of the staple rhythmand-blues repertoire, covering

songs by artists such as Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker and Nina Simone.

In June 1964, the transatlantic number-one hit The House of the Rising Sun was released, creating perhaps the first folkrock hit.

It topped the charts in the UK, US and Canada and tells a cautionary tale of a person’s life gone wrong in New Orleans.

“To be honest, the first time I ever heard the song was on

Bob Dylan’s first album, all acoustic,” Steel said.

“Then I learned that it had been around for donkey’s years and nobody knew who originally wrote it.

“I’m pretty sure regardless of all the stories, it was the first time any of us had heard it.

“Since then, it’s been sung by Led Zeppelin, Josh White, all sorts of people around the world.”

The track was reportedly recorded in just one take with producer Mickie Most and it remains one of Steel’s favourite songs today.

“One minute we were five working-class Geordie lads just having a nibble at the charts with Baby Let Me Take You Home and the next minute we’re jetting off to America with a number one,” he said.

“It had an enormous effect on us and apart from that, it’s a

bloody good song.

“I still think it’s the definitive version, in electric terms anyway.

“When we play, it’s a mixed audience, we get people of our own generation – but there’s a lot of young people coming to see us.

“We’re a real band – there are no backing tracks.

“It’s just us on stage with our instruments, playing.”

Mic Conway and Robbie Long

Afro Moses

CommunityGosfordChampion

Do you know a community champion who deserves to be recognised? We all know someone who goes above and beyond supporting our community through their work, volunteering, sport or other actions. Fill out the form below to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by Coasties across the Gosford electorate.

Please note that nominees must live in the Gosford Electorate

Nominee Details

Nominator Details

Business & Property

Entries have officially opened to two prestigious and comprehensive Small Business Champion Awards programs, dedicated to honouring the best of Australia’s tradies and female-led small businesses.

Central Coast businesses are being encouraged to enter the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards which are especially relevant this year as the nation grapples with a housing shortage and urgent need for more skilled tradespeople.

The nation’s only recognition awards program dedicated to spotlighting trades-based small business operators from all corners of every Australian

state and territory, the awards further recognise trades-based small business owners’ invaluable contributions to their local communities and to their fields of specialty including their encouragement of future generations of Aussie tradies.

There are more than 50 award categories and five individual categories –Apprentice Champion, Champion Tradie, Small Business Trades Entrepreneur (aged over 30), Young Small Business Trades Entrepreneur (aged 30 and younger), and Trades Champion Leader.

This marks the second consecutive year of the Trades Awards, created to celebrate and inspire the nation’s most innovative, dynamic, and top-

Entries open for Logies of small businesses

Last year’s award winners

performing tradies.

“Small business owners in trade industries are crucially important to Australia,” Awards Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions Steve Loe said.

“Their contributions to this country are simply astronomical and so, it’s in the interests of all Australians to recognise the champions of this sector and in doing so, consider how we can better support them so they can continue to support us.

This is the third consecutive year of the Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards which spotlight the achievements of some of the nation’s most inspiring women in small business.

From dentists and disability

support providers to accountants, makeup artists, café owners, cosmetic specialists, farmers, fashion designers and financial planners, the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards features more than 65 award categories and four individual categories – Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged 30 and younger), Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged over 30), Australian Small Business Champion Influential Woman, and Australian Small Business Champion Icon.

“We’re in the midst of an age of female entrepreneurial empowerment,” Loe said.

“Despite the current high cost of living and myriad challenges associated with small business ownership at present, Australian women are simply powering through and showing incredible resilience and drive across all industries of the small business sector.

“From regional and rural areas to the suburbs and capital cities, trades-based and female small business operators from all parts of the country are encouraged to enter the awards – free of charge – as we strive to celebrate the people behind the small businesses that contribute so significantly to our national economy and help to shape their local communities in so many meaningful ways.”

Shortlisted finalists of each program will be announced from July.

Winners of the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards will be revealed at a National Presentation Evening Gala event on Friday August 23, the evening before winners of the women’s program will be celebrated, August 24.

Known as the “Logies” of small business, both redcarpet gala events will be held at Sydney’s The Star, with more event-specific information to be announced soon.

For more information and to submit an entry form, visit: championawards.com.au/ trades / championawards. com.au/womens.

Member for Wyong David Harris has encouraged interested locals to submit their thoughts on a proposal to redevelop the Oasis Caravan Park at Kanwal to create 675 units in a series of buildings up to 12 storeys in height.

He said he had concerns about what might happen to current residents.

He spoke about the matter in Parliament in March and has since met with local businesspeople, the proponents, representatives from the Department of Planning and the Minister for Homes Rose Jackson.

“Some of the issues are being addressed but there are still concerns,” Harris said on his Facebook page, as he urged residents to read the documents and submit their opinions –either for or against.

In Parliament on March 14, Harris spoke about the residents of the park.

“Under the previous government there was an expression of interest to find sites across the state where it was appropriate to increase the density to provide muchneeded housing, and I

Concerns over Kanwal development

supported that process because it is absolutely necessary,” Harris said.

“But there are some really stressful human stories connected with that.

“A group of people living at Oasis Caravan Park bought their van or transportable home, and they pay about $150 per week to rent the land that it is on.

“As part of this development, they will have to move.”

He said it was a difficult situation because some of those residents had been living there for 23 years.

And while they will be offered money to sell their current residence so the development can occur, the value of the small piece that they call their home will go nowhere close to what they will need to purchase somewhere else.

“Whether it is the government or the company doing the development, we have to work hard to find people either a new place to live or a place to live in the newly developed area,” Harris said.

The number of units proposed for the site has been reduced from 800 units and the building height has been reduced by

two storeys from the original development application (DA) submitted last year.

The proposal includes the provision of 15 per cent (102 units) affordable housing for 10 years, and another 30 per cent (200 units) of Independent Living Units allowing people to live independently in the local area as they age.

It includes less ground floor commercial space than the original plan.

“The site provides an excellent opportunity to create a vertically integrated development, positioned within walking distance (of) the existing Kanwal Village and less than 15 minutes from several major local centres (Wyong, Lake Haven,

New Tuggerah office for Master Builders Association

The Central Coast Division of the Master Builders Association of NSW celebrated the opening of their new office at 1/2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah, on June 4.

The event was celebrated with a ceremony conducted by current Divisional President Doug Miller and MBA NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler.

Celebrations took place at the conclusion of an industry information night and featured the traditional cutting of the cake.

Guests at the event included

Warnervale, Wyong Hospital),” the DA says.

Three public primary schools and one public high school are within two kilometres of the site and infrastructure within walking distance includes a medical practice, childcare centre, community centres, places of worship, sporting and recreational facilities and public transport services.

The site is zoned general urban, allowing for 50 dwellings per hectare.

The proposed yield of 675 units results in a density of about 125 dwellings per hectare.

The DA states that the increased density and urban consolidation serves as a

proactive strategy to alleviate land-use pressures on outer areas.

“By decreasing the need for land-use clearing in these areas, the project actively contributes to the preservation of the environment,” the DA says.

The proposal will require the clearing of 0.66ha of regrowth vegetation to establish bushfire asset protection zones.

Two ecosystem biodiversity credits and two swift parrot credits would be incurred to offset the residual impacts and achieve a no-net loss.

About 320 trees will be planted and about 32 per cent of the site (1.7ha) will be publicly accessible open space.

“With the caravan park reaching the end of its functional life, this transformation adheres to the principles of logical infill, making efficient use of urban space and revitalising the area with a contemporary, sustainable development,” the DA says.

The park currently has 145 approved home sites (100 long term and 45 short term).

People in 33 sites have a permanent residency right

under the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013.

The operator may terminate a site agreement under specific circumstances, one of which is a change of use but a period of at least 12 months must be given and the operator must use reasonable endeavours to obtain or assist the homeowner in finding alternative accommodation that is of the same standard and requires no greater financial outlay than the current residential site; and is acceptable or reasonably ought to be acceptable to the homeowner.

The residents on short-term leases do not have the same rights and are treated according to their lease terms

The owner of the caravan park, Vivacity, said “Vivacity considers that we have a moral obligation to support all residents within the community”.

A Discussion Paper and updated planning proposals are on public exhibition until June 24.

For more information search for Wallarah Road at www. planningportal.nsw.gov.au

Merilyn Vale

NSW Membership Manager Luke Reeves, NSW Regional Manager Lee Tanks, and NSW Workplace Relations Manager Cameron Spence.

Attendees were provided with valuable insights into the new industrial relations legislation impacting their businesses and received an industry update from Seidler.

In addition to the office opening, the evening celebrated the significant contributions of Dennis Wild, who was awarded a 40-year Certificate of Appreciation.

It was also announced that the Central Coast Division had surpassed 60 years of

operation, a milestone achieved amidst the COVID-19 pandemic when meetings were temporarily halted.

The new office represents a significant milestone for the construction sector on the Central Coast.

It will serve as a hub for essential training including waterproofing, first aid and other vital skills.

The initiative aims to address skills shortages and provide upskilling opportunities for the Central Coast community, reinforcing the region’s construction industry’s strength and resilience.

An artist’s impression of the proposed development

From left: Dennis Wild, Doug Miller and Brian Seidler

International accolade for Coast distillery

Leading Yarramalong whisky distillery, Amber Lane, has taken out a swag of medals at the renowned International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Amber Lane took gold for its Liquid Amber whisky, with a score of 95 out of 100.

In a coup for the Central Coast distillery, Liquid Amber was one of just three Australian entries in the single-malt category to receive a gold medal.

Three other Amber Lane expressions also received accolades.

The soon-to-be-released Pineau 350 took out a silver

medal with a score of 93/100, while Equinox and Noble Lane 2 also received silver awards.

This was Amber Lane’s first showing at the International Wine and Spirit Competition –one of the world’s most respected wine and spirit competitions, which has been running for more than 50 years.

This year, about 100 international judges gathered in London to taste more than 4,000 spirit entries from around the world.

Gold medals were awarded to “examples that stand out as benchmark in their category”, recognising spirits with great personality, character and complexity.

The awards come on the back of Amber Lane’s recent win at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with a coveted double gold medal for its Pineau 350 and a gold medal for its Apera 100.

Co-owner of the distillery Rod Berry said they were humbled with the latest awards.

“We’re blown away with the result at this year’s International Wine and Spirit competition,” he said.

“To be recognised as one of just three Australian distilleries to receive a gold medal for its single-malt whisky is truly incredible, particularly since we’re still just six years into our whisky-making journey.

“These awards continue our track record for every single Amber Lane Distillery release since September 2022 receiving national or international gold medals.

“It’s a phenomenal result and one we’re exceptionally proud of.”

Amber Lane Distillery is one of Australia’s most awarded whisky producers.

Since launching in 2022, the distillery has quickly become renowned for its large premium barrels, longer maturation cycles and the careful application of principles learned from European distilling traditions.

Workshop on how to submit a DA submission

Woy Woy Peninsula Residents Association (PRA) will host a workshop on June 13 about how to make a development application (DA) submission.

The informative session aims to empower community members by providing essential guidance on how to create effective submissions.

All residents, owners and renters interested in understanding the DA submission process and its impact on local development are welcome to attend.

Workshop highlights will include: navigating the DA Process – key components, required documents, and submission channels; why active participation in the DA process is crucial; open

EOI - Code of Conduct Reviewer

discussions with experts, fellow residents, and PRA representatives; and understanding how effective DA submissions contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

PRA planning specialist Frank Wiffen said the workshop aimed to demystify the DA process.

“Whether you’re a seasoned resident or new to Woy Woy,

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought for suitably qualified applicants to act as a Code of Conduct Reviewer for Central Coast Council (CCC).

Conduct reviewers are required to meet the eligibility and selection criteria specified in Part 3 of the Procedures for the Administration of the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW [Procedures] These criteria are designed to ensure that conduct reviewers are independent of the council that appointed them and have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to undertake their role effectively and appropriately.

‘Conduct reviewers’ may be required to do preliminary assessments, sole investigations or participate in a three member ‘Conduct Review Committee’ investigation.

Applications must provide the following information:

1. Statement responding to the selection criteria specified in Part 3 of the Procedures

2. Hourly rates for preliminary assessment and investigation services (please provide two rates).

3. Travel costs, if applicable

4. Resume and two referees.

5. Business status and ABN

To read more search ‘Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct ’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

To access the application form search ‘Code of Conduct EOI ’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

EOI applications need to be received no later than 5.00pm on Thursday 27 June 2024 and marked ‘CCC Code of Conduct Panel’ by email to Investigations@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or by post to PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259.

Council contact: Complaints Coordinator, Jade Maskiewicz, Disclosures and Investigations Coordinator 02 4306 7900

your voice matters,” he said. “Let’s work together to create a vibrant and liveable community.”

The workshop will be held at 7pm on Thursday, June 13 at the Everglades, Woy Woy. Attendance is free, and all are welcome.

To secure your spot, visit peninsularesidents.org.au/ or the group’s Facebook site.

Providing surety for land lease residents

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch says amendments to the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act, recently passed in the Legislative Assembly, will go a long way in protecting and enhancing the rights of those living in land lease communities on the Central Coast.

Crouch recently met with Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Tim James to represent the concerns, views and challenges faced by land lease community residents in the Terrigal electorate under existing legislation.

“The statutory review of the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013 has served as an excellent opportunity to examine the existing legal framework of the Act, and the amendments we have voted for will ensure residents’ rights in land lease communities across our state are strengthened, enhanced and protected,” he said.

“Identified loopholes in the legislation have been an ongoing issue for residents at land lease communities across NSW, especially on the Central Coast, with many facing

multiple unreasonable site fee increases over the years.

“A number of these residents rely on the aged pension, and these communities should be there to provide a lifestyle for those in their twilight years rather than causing undue and unnecessary cost-of-living stress.”

Addressing Parliament, Crouch thanked the residents of land lease communities in his electorate for their strong advocacy for change and coming forward to tell their stories of hardship.

“I would say to those operators who have been doing

the wrong thing – your time is up, and you will now have to treat these residents with respect and dignity,” he said. Key amendments of the Bill include: limiting the fixed method site fee increase to once a year and stipulating that the calculation for these increases can rely on only one factor; changes to billing and charging procedures for utilities including price cap for electricity charges in communities with embedded networks; and requiring operators to review site fee increases within one year after the commencement of the Act.

Co-owner Rod Berry at Amber Lane Distillery

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Shadow Minister Tim James look over the legislation

Housing strategy goes to government for endorsement

Central Coast Council’s Local Housing Strategy will go to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for endorsement following its adoption at the May 28 Council meeting.

It seeks to implement a number of strategies and actions to better manage housing supply across the region.

Council Acting Director Environment and Planning Luke Sulkowski said the Strategy recognised the region’s housing challenges and outlined a number of ways to address these in the short term, and through to 2041.

“The Central Coast has experienced continued rapid population growth, a shortage

of low-cost rental accommodation and lack of diversity within the existing housing stock,” he said.

“A co-ordinated approach across all levels of government and the private sector is required to support diverse and sustainable housing on the Central Coast and respond to community concerns.

“Our Local Housing Strategy outlines Council’s role and sets the agenda for work that we will undertake in the coming years to address these challenges at a local level – in a co-ordinated and collaborative way.

“Council activities will support and encourage the responsible delivery of additional housing that’s diverse, affordable and resilient

to climate changes with suitable protection of community green spaces and the environment.

“Importantly, our activities will also support the delivery of adequate infrastructure and service planning to cope with additional housing developments.”

Key pieces of work include the Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme, amendments to the Central Coast Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan to promote greater delivery and diversity in the housing stock, and continued participation in the Urban Development

Program to ensure infrastructure is delivered where it is needed.

Administrator Rik Hart said ongoing community consultation played an important role in the development of the Strategy.

“There was a high level of engagement from the broad community and key stakeholders during the public exhibition of the Local Housing Strategy,” he said.

“Council received more than 100 formal submissions during our community drop-in sessions, as well as gaining insights from developers and other key agencies including Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, Heritage NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and Schools Infrastructure NSW.

“Community concerns and ideas raised during the public exhibition were thoroughly considered to ensure the Local Housing Strategy meets the needs and aspirations of the community without compromise to the characteristics that make the Central Coast a desirable place to live.”

Once endorsed by the NSW Government, the Central Coast Local Housing Strategy will be available on Council’s website and will be one of the key strategic planning documents for our local government area. The draft Strategy can be viewed within the May 28 meeting report and attachments on Council’s Meeting Agendas and Minutes web page.

Concerns over proposed access to new housing estate

A group of Lake Munmorah residents have written to Central Coast Council opposing proposed exit and entry points for a new housing estate on the Pacific Hwy on safety grounds.

The development application, now on public exhibition, proposes 283 residential blocks, two conservation allotments, a public park and internal roads.

It proposes vehicular access to and from the highway via Tall Timbers Rd and Chisholm Ave on the western side of the site, with a secondary access to be provided to the highway in the east via Wallaby Rd, Kookaburra Ave, Possum St and Kangaroo Ave and an internal collector road to link Chisolm Ave to

Wallaby Rd.

But residents say it would be safer and make more sense for the exit and entry to be directly out of the estate rather than via Tall Timbers Rd and Chisolm Ave.

The group has also written to relevant MPs on the matter.

“We are not opposed to the estate, just the entry and exit (plans),” a spokesperson said.

“A more current and accurate traffic study needs to be carried out, which should include holiday and football season times.

“The amount of traffic stated in the proposal isn’t anywhere near the amount of traffic our roads encounter every day and certainly not during these times.

“No-one that we have spoken

to can figure out how those numbers had come about, unless it was carried out during COVID lockdown time.

“In holiday time and pre public holiday time Tall Timbers Rd is chaotic to negotiate;

From page 1

The report, Making TODs Work, concluded that while the Government’s TOD SEPP is a sound policy intervention that has the potential to deliver much needed housing to the market, many projects in the TODs will face serious feasibility issues in the current economic climate, including those on the Central Coast, meaning the policy is unlikely to deliver at the volumes expected by policy makers unless changes are made.

“While TODs are a welcomed attempt to increase housing supply, our research shows without other interventions from Government they will struggle to get started,” UDIA NSW

exiting the shopping centre turning right onto Tall Timbers Rd is near impossible and extremely dangerous to say the least.

“On football days it is even worse with cars parked on Tall

Timbers Rd.

“Adults and children crossing the road between cars is an accident or death waiting to happen now, and adding further traffic into the mix will be catastrophic.”

The residents say in the event of an emergency there will be extreme chaos with only one right-hand turn exit from the estate through Chisholm Ave onto Tall Timbers Rd to the highway.

“This is not just a traffic flow problem, but in the case of an emergency, access would be catastrophic, and where are the evacuation plans for any extra homes?” the letter to Council says.

“It would make more sense, and be much safer, to put a set of traffic lights exiting the

Medium density housing around rail stations not feasible, report finds

CEO Stuart Ayres said. UDIA engaged Astrolabe Group to undertake a feasibility assessment of the 37 TOD sites, with detailed analysis in 11 submarkets, including the northern and southern sub-markets on the Central Coast.

Only the North Shore and Inner West Sydney sub-regions showed financial feasibility for build-to-sell models without any additional policy interventions.

The report makes seven recommendations to improve feasibility in the short to medium term and set the TOD policy up for success in delivering housing at scale when economic conditions improve.

Key recommendations include reducing and capping fees and charges to improve development feasibility.

“Part 2TOD SEPP developments should be subject to a standard 7.12 contribution rate of one per cent to provide certainty and consistency across the broader geographies,” the report says.

“The State Government should place a freeze on state contribution levies for TOD developments that commence construction within four years from the implementation of the TOD SEPP.”

The report recommends that the Government should create a circuit breaker to de-risk investment and project financing.

“The Government should consider acting as a guarantor to development resulting in a reduced LVR (loan to value ratio) required to gain finance,” it says.

Development assessment timeframes in the TOD areas should also be improved, the report recommends.

“Tier 2TOD SEPP developments that meet the standards specified within the SEPP should be eligible for deemed approval within a 90-day period,” it says.

“Tier 2TOD SEPP developments should have standardised controls to improve viability and consistency across all identified TOD sites and reduce assessment and approval delays.

“Simplifying and consolidating all controls into a single TOD development control plan, including key outcomes of the ADG (apartment design guide) and councils’ control plans, would provide simplicity and clarity to all stakeholders and the community.”

Chair of UDIA’s Central Coast Chapter Allison Basford said while the medium-density TODs faced serious feasibility challenges in the short term, UDIA recommended a greater focus on greenfield housing precincts, higher-density precincts around transport nodes and working with the development sector to unlock housing through infrastructure

estate opposite Colongra Bay Rd (with) left and right turns.

“It has been brought to our attention that having multiple sets of traffic lights within a short distance on the highway may be an issue, but there are two sets of lights on the main road close together on the highway at San Remo and Northlakes shopping centre.

“For the sake of traffic congestion, a separate exit with traffic lights would be a more suitable option.

“It would also be a much safer option for pedestrians crossing the highway going to the club and recreation facilities on the eastern side.”

DA/161/2024 is available for public submissions on the Central Coast Council website.

delivery and more streamlined approvals.

“Our industry is committed to build homes for the people of NSW and the recommendations outlined in our Making TODs Work report, if implemented, would go a long way toward easing the housing crisis in NSW,” she said.

“UDIA urges government to work closely with the industry to implement the key interventions identified in our research that will assist in bridging the feasibility gap.”

The full report can be found at www.udiansw.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/2024/06/ Making-TODs-Work-June2024.pdf

The Strategy aims to better manage housing options across the region

The proposed development site

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

With the additional financial pressures that life is bringing, many are turning to gardening as a way to provide at least some ease.

Although gardening, like any endeavour, can end up being expensive if you don’t pay attention to your spending.

Any savings made by growing your own food or even being a little more entrepreneurial and selling your produce could take a long time to balance out if you spent a small fortune in getting established or maintaining your garden.

The best way to avoid wasting money is by planning your garden, your crops and setting goals.

Start small and grow from there as gardens have a habit of evolving as if by magic as you meet other who garden, save seeds from each harvest and learn what it is that your truly need to be successful and more importantly, the horticultural extravagances you really can do without.

Build a Thrifty Garden

Your garden will cost as much as you are able or willing to spend on it.

I caught up with local home and garden blogger, Jen Jones of Pickles Patch and asked her for tips on building a garden for less.

“Start with water.

Are you using tank water or are you using council supplied water and what ways can you use water in your garden more effectively?” Jen also suggested that if you can’t afford a water tank, to use barrels under drainpipes to catch run off.

To build a garden, take advantage of things that others are throwing out.

“Save building materials and pots from landfill by using them to create garden beds” she said, and she is a big fan of composting to build the soil.

“I cannot stress enough how important composting is.

It reduces the waste coming out of your house and creates valuable soil for your garden.”

Other ways Jen suggested to

save money include seed saving and sharing cuttings.

Any money you are going to spend, is best directed towards investing in good tools.

You can find Pickles Patch on Facebook for lots of gardening and home inspiration: facebook.com/Piccklespatch

What to Grow

If you are seeking ways to save money on grocery bills, then take a good hard look at what your family eats and focus in on growing a few of the staples in abundance to start with.

You can’t go past root crops like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens like silverbeet and lettuce.

These are allrounders that

can be used in a huge variety of dishes.

Clara Rosa of Clara’s Mini Urban Farm and President of Permaculture Central Coast grows a verge garden, for herself and to share with neighbours.

It is filled with lots of produce, primarily herbs.

Who hasn’t purchased $4 scraggly bunches of dill, rosemary or parsley and watched them turn to slime?

Growing your own saves money and waste.

Clara says that the good news is herbs are probably the easiest plants of all to grow.

Following Clara’s lead, you can save hundreds of dollars a year and boost the flavour of all your dishes.

contact@cheralyndarcey.com

As she explained, “Even if you live in a townhouse or apartment, you can bunch a few pots together and still grow herbs.” For more wonderful insight into gardening more sustainably check out Clara’s Blog: facebook.com/ ClarasUrbanMinifarm and for permaculture on The Coast: permaculturecc.org.au

Thrifty Garden Practice

Once you are established, the most important piece of advice I think I can share is to plan what you are going to grow.

Plant in line with the season because that way you do not have to invest in resources or infrastructure to keep your crops warm or to cool them down.

THIS WEEK’S GARDEN PLANNER

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

Grow what is suitable for your environment by having your soil tested and improving it with rich organic matter that you create yourself, like compost.

Work with your zone.

Here on the Central Coast we enjoy what is known as a ‘warm temperate’ zone so look out for plants that are known and recommended to grow well here.

Swapping Your Produce

Once you obtain a harvest, a great way to find free food sources and help others is by swapping your excesses for things you are not growing. There are bunches of produce swaps on the Central Coast and around the world.

Usually held in community gardens but also elsewhere. These are amazing places for inspiration, gardening tips and friendship.

Two popular swaps I have found are: Long Jetty Produce Swap (www.facebook.com/ longjettyproduceswap) and it is held on the first Saturday of the month 10 - 11am at the Bateau Bay Community Garden and the Woy Woy Produce Swap (tinyurl.com/woywoyswap) which happens on the last Sunday of the month at Woy Woy Peninsula Community Garden.

There are sure to be more so join a group, keep an eye on this page or ask around.

cheralyn cheralyn.darcey

Children from Central Coast preschools are preparing to get moving like our A-League-winning Mariners as part of an initiative to get kids active.

The Move like a Mariner program, which teaches fundamental movement skills to children aged three to five, will return in early childhood education and care services across the Coast from July.

During the six-week program educators are provided with resources and take part in an interactive workshop to increase their confidence to teach these crucial developmental skills in fun and engaging ways.

Move like a Mariner is a joint initiative between Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service and the Central Coast Mariners.

More than 3,300 children from 53 Central Coast early childhood services took part in the program last year.

In addition to learning how to move like their favourite Mariner, the children also learn about healthy snacking and the importance of drinking water.

Services that take part

Mariners helping to keep our children fit

receive an equipment kit and go in a draw to win a visit from two Mariners players or the top prize of a visit from the entire team.

This year, participating children will also receive a Mariners match day experience.

The Kindiclub Preschool participated last year and were the lucky recipients of the team visit.

Speaking after the visit, preschool director Irena Petrikova said it had created a lifetime of memories for the children.

“We’re so grateful to Central Coast Health and the Central Coast Mariners for organising the visit,” she said.

“There were so many smiles on the children’s faces – it has created a lifetime of memories for them.

“The Move like a Mariner program has been so easy to implement, and the children and their families have really loved it too.

“The educator workshop gave us some great ideas to help make teaching fundamental movement skills really engaging.

“Now, with any sort of physical activity we do, we identify with the children what

skill they’re learning.

“It’s become part of the daily routine.”

The program is delivered in parallel with the NSW Health Munch & Move initiative, which promotes the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, and reduced screen time for young children.

Health promotion officer at Central Coast Local Health District Jasmin Wing said the program continued to go from strength to strength.

“Last year was our largest Move like a Mariner program, with more children taking part than ever before,” she said.

“The program’s popularity really stems from its ability to provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn vital movement skills that get them active and into healthy habits early in their development.

“Having great role models is really important in inspiring children’s love of sport.

“Last year we were fortunate to see the program coincide with the Matildas’ fantastic run to the World Cup semi-final, with early childhood services decorated in green and gold to cheer on the team.

Try something different for men’s health

“This year, with the success of our grand final-winning Mariners, and further involvement from both the men’s and women’s sides, we’re hoping to have even more children take part.

“Who knows, in doing so, we may even uncover the next generation of Mariners stars.”

Mariners’ general manager of community and junior development Anthony Tugrul said the players loved the program.

“The Mariners are proud to be once again partnering with Central Coast Health to deliver the Move like a Mariner program,” he said.

“Helping to deliver programs in preschools across the coast aligns with the Mariners’ commitment to community initiatives.

“Our players love the end of program prize of visiting one lucky centre and we can’t wait to see what new skills all the kids have learnt.”

Preschools can register for this year’s Move like a Mariner program by contacting Central Coast Health Promotion Service on 4320 9700.

Men’s mental health and empowerment mentor Craig Ball is encouraging men to try something different this Men’s Health Week, June 10-16.

“Men’s health week has gotten pretty big over recent years and is a great time to try something different – adopt a new behavior that could benefit your health, something you can practice daily,” he said.

“Each year there are themes and sponsors and these all serve a purpose, put together by marketing teams and experts.

“They provide guidance and

inspiration to try something new, to revisit something we may have forgotten or open ourselves up to that which will ultimately benefit our health.

“But why not try forgiving yourself?

“Why not try changing your internal dialogue to something more optimistic or reality based?

“Why not, as Jordan Petersen advises us, treat your self like someone you are responsible for helping?”

Ball said men’s health was often overlooked because of the way men just pushed through and ignored the

Compulsory Acquisition of Land – Roads Act 1993

Attention is invited to the notice published in Government Gazette No 194 of Friday, 31 May 2024 reference [n2024-0951] regarding the compulsory acquisition of land for road purposes at Wyong in the Central Coast Council area and said to be in the possession of The State of New South Wales.

(TfNSW Papers: SF2023/102180)

M Knibb

Statutory Land Transactions Manager Transport for NSW

Contact: For full details call Transport for NSW on (02) 8843 3094.

warning signs.

“This has to stop,” he said.

“The road to better health is a journey, life is a marathon not a sprint and requires us to

develop, in our own way an adherence to a concept called long-range hedonism.

“That is delayed gratification in the pursuit of a higher goal.

“Given society’s overwhelming desire for quick fixes and short-term gratification, this might seem tough, but what it actually teaches you to do is to notice the small wins.

“Each time you workout, you feel better – that’s a win.

“Each time you have a conversation with a mate, that’s a win.

“The feeling of release you feel when you truly learn to let go of things you’ve been holding on to for years and really forgive yourself, that can be life changing.

“What you can do today is

take small steps by deciding on something you’ve been meaning to do but have put off.

“Now that would make a difference.”

Ball is the author of Reclaim Your Power – a 150-page guide he describes as a proven process for improving mental health and dramatically increasing happiness.

He also runs Central Coast Men’s Walk and Talk which meets at 7pm on Thursdays at the Saturday St end of Tuggerawong shared pathway. For more information visit www.askcraigball.com

Paddlers flock to Brisbane Water

From page 32

There were five kilometre, 10, 15 and 20km distances on offer in five kilometre loops which meant the race could go anywhere from 25 minutes for the five kilometre divisions to more than two hours for the 20km divisions. Marathon paddling is challenging as paddlers have to work together in a pack where possible to conserve energy while making sure to stay strategic and have enough energy to be first over the finish

line – much like cycling. There are also environmental factors to consider into a race plan for Brisbane Water such as strong tides, wind, boat traffic and seaweed which can cling and slow a kayak faster than a bag of bricks.

For divisions one and two the course also included a portage option.

A portage is when at the end of a lap paddlers have to paddle to the shore, exit their kayak and run around a 50m semi-circle on the waterfront

all while carrying their kayak and paddle – then back onto the water for another lap.

It is a true test of fitness for anyone and a chance to make up some time on competitors.

As some of the paddlers began to finish their race the sky opened up and the rain unleashed a drenching.

Many of the paddlers still had 5-10km to go in their race and many chose to paddle through the downpour.

Despite the rain, it was an enjoyable morning for paddlers

and supporters on the Brisbane Water.

Central Coast Marine Rescue was on hand in jet skis and a boat to support the event and keep an safe eye on paddlers. The Avoca Kayak Club also participated in large numbers.

If you are interested in joining a local kayaking group, or trying out kayaking for the first time email Brisbanewater paddlers@gmail.com or visit their website.

Mariners player Dylan Peraic-Cullen with a child from The Kindiclub Preschool

Craig Ball

Emergency Urgent Care (EUC) opened its new walkin Specialist Emergency and Urgent Care Clinic at Tuggerah on Wednesday, June 12.

The state-of-the-art facility promises a novel approach to acute emergency care in the community with minimal wait times and comprehensive specialty services conveniently located under one roof.

“Our Tuggerah walk-in Specialist EUC Emergency and Urgent Care Clinic provides you and your family with a new way to access timely and acute care,” Medical Director and Senior Specialist Emergency Physician Dr Shashi Kalava said.

“We are dedicated to delivering fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment, thanks to our experienced team and extensive on-site services.”

At EUC, patients can expect to be treated by a team of experienced Specialist Emergency Physicians and emergency nurses with access to advanced imaging, infusion

Emergency urgent care clinic for Tuggerah

therapies, fracture clinic services, pathology, and physiotherapy.

This approach ensures that patients receive integrated and prompt care.

“There’s no need to make an appointment or get a referral – simply walk in,” Medical Director and Specialist Emergency Physician Dr Matthew Ingram said.

“We’re ready when you need us, even after hours, 10 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays.”

EUC offers various services, including an infusion clinic, pathology and imaging services, physiotherapy, a fracture clinic and specialised work cover services.

EUC’s Infusion Clinic offers a variety of infusions, including iron, zoledronic acid, rehydration (IV fluids), immunoglobulin, and antibiotics.

Patients can be referred by their GP or specialist or access services via the Emergency Clinic.

The fracture clinic provides

comprehensive fracture care, including in-house bulk-billed x-rays as well as streamlined referral for advanced imaging including CT scans, ultrasound and MRIs.

Fracture clinic care also includes modern immobilisation and splinting

methods including fibreglass casting in addition to pain management and follow-up appointments.

EUC’s pathology services include a range of on-site blood tests at the point of care as well as the full range of pathology services including urine

samples and respiratory swabs for influenza, COVID and RSV testing.

Imaging services at EUC utilises the latest digital x-ray technology for quick and precise diagnostics.

It also offers rapid referral for bulk-billed ultrasound scans

Supporting men’s health

and CT scans for detailed imaging of bones and organs.

The EUC physiotherapy clinic treats musculoskeletal injuries, conducts cast removals and fibreglass casting and provides rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs.

EUC also offers Work Cover services and the team is experienced in assessing and treating work-related injuries.

The clinic also provides Work Cover NSW Certificates of Capacity and return-to-work plans.

A facility fee is required and includes specialist consultation and procedures.

Pathology and radiology services are bulk billed.

“We are excited to open our doors to the Central Coast community and provide highquality, comprehensive care with minimal wait times,” Dr Kalava said.

For more information visit Unit 3A, 152-156 Pacific Hwy, Tuggerah, go to www. emergencyurgentcare.com.au, call 1300 382 362 or follow EUC on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Men’s Health Week celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, taking place from June 1016.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris highlighted the importance of men’s health, and of supporting the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our communities.

“Men’s Health Week is a time to reflect and prioritise your health, seek professional medical support, and engage in conversations about important health issues,” he said.

“In our community there are organisations such as Wyong Men’s Shed, The Men’s Table and the Clontarf Foundation who aim to create an environment of trust and support allowing opportunity for males of all ages to share their own stories.”

Central Coast Regional Manager for the Clontarf Foundation said foundation academies provided a wide variety of activities relating to wellbeing, leadership and personal development, sports skills, education, employment, excursions, camps, and partnerships with key corporate companies.

“The Foundation’s success is based on the full-time nature of the program (onsite support every school day of the year) and the relationship and earned trust between its staff and each student,” he said.

“The program is delivered in five ‘pillars’; education,

wellbeing, leadership, sport and employment.

“During 2023, Clontarf

academies delivered 208,630 engagement activities across the country.

“This means that each young man in the program participated in an average of 61 additional opportunities to encourage them to attend school, learn life skills, develop self-esteem and aspiration and acquire employment-related skills and documentation in readiness for joining the workforce and becoming productive members of society.”

The Clontarf Foundation approach has proven to be very successful, not only in attracting young men to school and keeping them there, but also in having them embrace more disciplined, purposeful,

and healthy lifestyles. This year, the foundation began operations on the Central Coast.

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkley Vale and Tumbi Umbi campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School have partnered with the foundation so their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can access these supports throughout high school and into employment or further study post school.

Those in need of support can call 1800 737 732, Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Men’s Line on 1300 789 978 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.

Wills Seminar

Clontarf participants (from left): Alexander Watters (Wyong), Lachlan Hawkins (Wyong), Harrison Rigby (Berkeley Vale) and Zak Warren (Berkeley Vale)

The team at the new clinic

Three Central Coast residents will receive Distinguished Long Service Awards at the 2024 NSW Community Sports Awards on June 19.

The awards night, conducted at CommBank Stadium by Sport NSW, will recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

John Turnbull from Erina, Glenn Pincott from Blue Haven and Maree Kirby from Doyalson will be among 21 recipients from a wide cross-section of sports to receive awards from NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper.

Turnbull has been involved with the Central Coast Touch Association for more than 35 years and has been a state graded referee since 2005. He is a long-standing volunteer and has been dedicated to Central Coast Touch, the Hunter Western Hornets region and to NSW Touch Football.

Recognition for sport volunteers

He is currently a Level 6 referee and has officiated at several NSW Touch events, along with delivering high quality referee courses for his affiliates and within his region.

Pincott has been an active Motorsport official since 1988, servicing the community in a range of roles from community grassroots motorsport up to the top tiers of the sport.

He quickly moved into senior roles and obtained his Gold Scrutiny Licence with Log Book Endorsement and went on to

hold senior roles including technical commissioner for a national category.

Pincott has held positions as Chief Scrutineer at the Australian Grand Prix, Amaroo Park, Bathurst, and Sydney Motorsport Park.

He was the 2023 Series Steward for the Toyota Gazoo Australia 86 Series and also officiates as a Steward at Supercars events as well as State Championship Circuit Racing events.

Kirby has played a pivotal role in the administration of the Lower Mountains Motorcycle Club for more than 30 years and embodies the spirit of motorcycling as evidenced by the countless hours she invests behind the scenes to ensure the successful organisation of events.

She has been a dedicated volunteer and official at Motocross events, ranging from local club competitions to state level championships for many years.

Kirby continues to give back to the sport by presenting the Motorcycling Australia Officials Courses to all up-and-coming officials across the state and is also member of the Motocross Sports Committee.

Sport NSW Chairperson Chris Hall congratulated Turnbull, Pincott, and Kirby on their awards.

“Volunteers such as John, Glenn and Maree are the backbone of grassroots and community sport and it is fitting these Distinguished Long

Service Award recipients are recognised and honoured,” he said.

“We thank them for their years of selfless dedication which has enabled generations of boys and girls, men and women to participate in sport and enjoy the life skills, social benefits and community spirit that it provides.

“Sport has the unifying ability to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together.

“At the centre are the army of volunteers who each week dedicate themselves to ensure the games are played, the fields are marked, the canteen is stocked, and the barbecue is sizzling.

“Sport is at the heart of our local communities and, quite simply, sport would not exist without our magnificent volunteers.”

The presentation evening will also recognise volunteers across 12 categories for their outstanding achievements and excellence over the past year.

Archer set on breaking 49-year-old javelin record

When Ettalong teenager Archer Todd attempts to break a javelin record that has stood since 1975, he’s hoping the person who held it will be there to watch him.

Archer, 13, is a student at Henry Kendall High School where the javelin record set by a G Dibden has not been broken in almost 50 years.

Now, Archer and his family and supporters are putting the call out for G Dibden to come

along to the sports oval at Henry Kendall High on June 10, or thereabouts, to watch Archer break the record.

Archer started throwing javelin in 2021 at Gosford Little Athletics and has won every javelin event he has entered for the past two years, breaking many records in that time including zone, regional, state and national.

He is currently the bronze medal winner in the junior national championships after competing in Adelaide in April.

Archer’s private coach Stuart Farrent has been training with him for more than three years and is getting him ready to break the record at the school’s upcoming athletics carnival.

As far as Archer’s family and friends are aware, G Dibden still lives on the Coast, so with any luck he will be on the sideline when Archer achieves his record-breaking attempt.

“To break a record that is 49 years old would be an awesome personal achievement for me,” Archer said.

Coast swimmers off to Olympic trials

Central Coast swimmers will compete in the 2024 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials in Brisbane from June 10-15, and hoping to make an impact on the Australian swimming world.

The local swimmers will represent Woy Woy and Mingara swim clubs and the Kincumber Pacific Dolphins (KPD).

From Woy Woy Swim Club, Riley Moore will compete in SB9 multiclass and Jodie Mead in freestyle.

From Mingara Aquatic Swim Club, Savanah Maynier will compete in S14 multiclass.

And representing the Dolphins will be Summer Klein (S14 multiclass), Alexander Foreman (backstroke), Cash Milner (backstroke and butterfly) and Felicity Ruzek (freestyle).

Also diving into the pool will

be Commonwealth Games medallist Bradley Woodward who will be swimming for Mingara, and Paralympic medalist Taylor Corry, and Commonwealth Games finalist Para-swimmer Ella Jones who

“I have broken many javelin records in the two years and I’m happy just to be able to have the opportunity to give it a crack.”

Archer’s mum Sue said despite breaking many records over the past few years, breaking this one would mean a lot to her son.

“Archer is no stranger to breaking javelin records, but this one would be great to achieve as its the oldest one he has come across so far,” she said.

will take the plunge for Kincumber Pacific Dolphins. The 2024 Australian Olympic Swimming Trials can be seen on Channel 9 – check your TV Guide for times.

Alexander Foreman, Felicity Ruzek and Cash Milner; Riley Moore; Savanah Maynier and Jodie Mead; Summer Klein

Glenn Pincott from Blue Haven; John Turnbull from Erina; Maree Kirby from Doyalson

Archer Todd aims to break a 49-year-old javelin record

SPORTS BRIEF

Rugby success

Three Central Coast teams enjoyed success at the NSW Country Rugby Championships in Tamworth over the long weekend.

The Central Coast Rugby Union (CCRU) Senior XV team won the prestigious Caldwell Cup after defeating Illawarra in the final by 46-43.

The team had defeated Far North Coast and Mid North Coast to reach the final.

The CCRU Colts won all of their four matches to take the Rowlands Cup Championship for the second year running.

The final winning match saw the Central Coast score at the final for the win.

The CCRU Women’s XV won the Shield Final after defeating Illawarra in the final 9 0.

It is the first time the Zone has achieved three trophies in the one championships.

In Round 8 of the regular competition on June 15, Terrigal meets Warnervale, the Razorbacks play Gosford and Woy Woy meets Avoca Beach.

Women’s 12s: Lake Macquarie meets The Lakes, Warnervale hosts Terrigal and Avoca Beach and Woy Woy clash.

President’s Cup: The Bay plays Razorbacks, Terrigal vs Warnervale, Lake Macquarie plays The Lakes and on Friday Avoca Beach plays Kariong.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Ettalong to host premier NSW bowls event

Ettalong Bowling Club will host one of NSW Bowls’ premier events – the prestigious NSW State Open Grade 1 Pennant Final – on June 28-30.

Ettalong has four exceptionally well-maintained grass greens, regarded as the best grass greens on the Central Coast making the club well placed to host the major state event.

An event such as this requires a club to have four greens and facilities that can accommodate up to 16 full open pennant teams, equating to 200-plus bowlers.

This championship final will bring the best Grade 1 Pennant players from most regions in NSW to the Central Coast, to compete for the title of being the top open pennant side in the state.

Representing the Central Coast will be the Bateau Bay Grade 1 Pennant Champions who for the third year running have won the Grade 1 competition on the Central Coast.

The Bateau Bay team boasts a number of state and zone representatives who have done the Central Coast proud, and hopefully bringing home the coveted NSW State Grade 1 flag.

This achievement by the Bateau Bay Grade 1 Champions in winning the title for the third year in a row had a flow-on effect for other grades in this year’s pennants, with Bateau Bay being the Zone 15 Champions in Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 7.

It is a magnificent achievement

Proposed Optus co-location works at an existing telecommunications facility located at 8 Alison Road, Wyong NSW 2259 (RFNSA #2259012)

1. The proposal involves the installation of:

• One (1) new Optus headframe mounted on the existing 20m rooftop lattice tower at an elevation of 27.00m (above ground level);

• Three (3) new panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m long) mounted on the new headframe at an elevation of 27.00m (above ground level); and

• Ancillary equipment including, but not limited to, Antenna Integrated Radio Units, Remote Radio Units, cabling, cable trays, electrical works, and other associated equipment.

2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Further information and/or comments should be directed to: John Roelandts on 0400 298 071 or via optus. submissions@servicestream.com.au or Service StreamLevel 7, 2 King Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 by 5pm Friday 28 June 2024

5. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2259012

for the club to win four of the seven open pennant grades.

Central Coast Bowls president Brian Emms congratulated Bateau Bay team captain Tony Shoebridge, and Bateau Bay Bowling Club in hosting the Bowls NSW State Women’s Division 4 Pennant competition.

He said that following on from that it was another wonderful achievement and honour for the Central Coast that Ettalong had been chosen to host the toplevel NSW State Open Grade 1 Pennant Final.

“Apart from the wonderful economic benefits events like this bring to the Central Coast, it also highlights the strength,

recognition and progress that bowls is achieving on the Coast and provides a pathway for the Coast’s highly talented bowlers to progress to state and Australian representation,” he said.

The Central Coast has become an ideal venue for major bowls events.

The foresight, courage and belief in the sport shown by the Wyong Leagues Group by way of its multi-million-dollar investment in building an allweather covered bowling green at Bateau Bay has been a huge step forward for bowls on the Coast.

These all-weather covered

the Central Coast.

He said a lot of this had been due to the hard work put in by so many volunteers and dedicated bowlers.

The sport is extremely invested and inclusive in diversity, catering for all ages, from 14 to 90-plus and those with physical disabilities and vision impairment.

No longer regarded as just a sport for retirees, it is sport where players of all ages and entire families can participate.

Emm said the unification of women’s and men’s bowls on the Central Coast had a significant positive professional impact on the way bowls were now being managed.

synthetic bowling greens are the way of the future and will grow the sport.

The Mingara Leisure Group is now building two all-weather covered bowling greens at The Entrance Bowling Club (The Greens) and the Mounties Group is doing something similar at Halekulani Bowling Club.

This will further enhance Central Coast Bowls as a major regional force in NSW Bowls.

Emms expressed his delight in the growth and recognition that the sport has achieved over the past few years and how good it was for the Central Coast by continuing to put the sport of bowls at the forefront of sport on

“We now have one administration creating a single more powerful identity and one pathway for both men and women,” he said.

“For our Central Coast women, it no longer means they have to compete against Lake Macquarie teams for the right to advance to NSW events.

“As representatives of the Central Coast Bowls, they will now go straight to NSW events representing the Central Coast.

“This is a huge step forward for Central Coast women bowlers.”

Ettalong Bowling Club and Central Coast Bowls invites all those interested in bowls to come to the club during this fantastic championship and watch these amazing athletes in action.

The Bateau Bay Grade 1 Pennant champions

Paddlers flock to Brisbane Water

On Saturday, June 1, 103 keen kayak marathon paddlers and their supporters from all over NSW and interstate made their way to Brisbane Water to mark the first morning of the Winter with a Marathon Race.

The race was organised by Brisbane Water Paddlers, a community-based club of local kayakers who train, race and paddle together.

The Davistown Marathon is the fourth race in a yearly series of marathon races run by Paddle NSW.

Weather conditions were varied with water in the morning being calm and flat with a strong outgoing tide to help paddlers kick-start their race but some grey, ominous clouds above.

After a race briefing and acknowledgement of country, the paddlers had a good

understanding of the course and were split into divisions based on the distance chosen and approximate speed at which they would complete the course.

The paddlers made final adjustments to their kayaks, checking their steering, topping

up their fluids and adding their racing number card before heading on to the water for a quick warm-up.

A floatilla of 100-plus kayaks in all different shapes, colours and sizes warmed up on the water, and then they were off.

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More than 100 paddlers participated in the marathon

Paddlers started the course at Davistown waterfront, heading west with tidal-assistance down Cockle Channel, passing St Huberts Island to a turning mark and then back again to battle against the tide.