Coast Community News #449 by Central Coast Newspapers

Shout! hits Laycock Street stage

Musical Society will bring the story of Aussie rock legend Johnny O’Keefe to life once again after 19 years.

Permanent solution needed at Toowoon Bay

Toowoon Bay residents fear stagnant water pooling at the base of beach access stairs at the end of Binburra Ave is a health and environmental concern.

Following heavy rain and high tides in recent months, a large lagoon, about one metre deep, formed at the base of the stairs blocking access to the beach.

Long-time resident Graham McMullen, who has lived in Binburra Ave since 1978, said he had never seen such huge volumes of water lying stagnant on the beach. Water from a stormwater pipe

adjacent a pump station at the end of the street is discharged onto the beach, but in times of heavy rain and high tides, the water pools up against the pump station wall with nowhere to go.

Central Coast Council recently performed some earthmoving works to rectify the issue following complaints lodged by McMullen.

“The water was so high it was up to my thigh, it’s something I have never seen before,” McMullen said.

“The stagnant water is just sitting there.

Water pooling at the bottom of beach access stairs at Toowoon Bay cause for concern

Cody Swansbra as Johnny O’Keefe

Gosford

FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, LIKE ...

X: @CoastComNews

YouTube: Central Coast Community News

Instagram: @centralcoast.news

Facebook: @coastcommunitynews

SEND US A STORY

Restoring oversight to Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council has spent five of its last eight years under the hand of state-appointed administrators, a period that will be marked by internal stability, yet also increased council rates, reduced services and the sale of significant community assets.

declining services and administrative turmoil.

The last elected council was removed as it proved incapable of building stable partnerships, both internally and with state and federal government agencies.

sparked significant opposition from many residents’ groups.

The COSS represents a long-standing public-private partnership aimed at preserving the region’s bushland and ridgetops.

administration to an elected council is now imperative.

CCN encourages “community journalism”, including story leads, citizen reports, media releases, photos & letters to the Editor.

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 Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

This imposed administration, which has understandably been focused on internal management rather than community-led initiatives, is now a source of growing frustration among residents.

All contributions should be emailed to the above email address.

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

LISTEN IN

96.3FM Coast FM www.coastfm.org.au

The latest news at: 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:30am, 10:30am & 11:30am

For ‘long form’ news stories daily at 10:30am, 12:30 & 2:30pm tune into 93.3FM Radio Five-O-Plus www.fiveoplus.com.au

and specs www.coastcommunitynews.com.au 66,000

As the tenure of the current administrator, Rik Hart, draws to a close, the urgency to transition back to democratic oversight becomes increasingly clear.

The amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong councils was intended to create a more efficient and responsive local government.

Instead, it resulted in political and financial instability,

Years on, the promise of better efficiency has not yet materialised; instead, the community has witnessed a steady increase in rates and charges while experiencing a decline in the quality of infrastructure and services.

The administration periods, while necessary for a while, have eroded public trust and now underscore the need for accountable, responsible elected leadership.

To illustrate the situation the Administrator’s recent proposal to rezone over 3000 blocks of land, many of which are part of the Coastal Open Space System (COSS), has

For decades, local landowners have worked with the council to protect these valuable natural resources, an effort now threatened by the proposed rezoning plan.

The pushback from the community is not merely about land use; it is a call for the restoration of democratic processes.

The NSW Planning Minister, Paul Scully, must heed these concerns and seek guidance from an elected council.

Accepting the rezoning proposal without this due diligence would not only undermine the community’s trust but also potentially violate long-standing agreements designed to safeguard the environment.

The transition from

It will not only restore democratic oversight but also ensure that decisions impacting the community are made with direct input from those who live here.

The Central Coast will do well with more accountability, transparent leadership and focus on the community’s needs.

To be fair Mr Hart’s tenure as Administrator has been a stabilising factor for the many good staff that work at Council; this must now be built on by all incoming councillors by respecting management and staff.

As we move toward council elections it’s pleasing to see a series of quality councillor candidates put up their hands to provide the responsible democratic oversight the region now requires to move ahead.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

War of words over proposed Harbour Bridge toll

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is calling for answers from Central Coast Labor MPs following revelations that the State Government is considering introducing two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Crouch said that in 2021 the region’s Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), David Mehan (The Entrance), Liesl Tesch (Gosford) and Yasmin Catley (Swansea) all joined the then Opposition Leader Chris Minns to oppose two-way tolls on the bridge prior to the last state election and pledged to fight implementation of any new tolls in NSW.

“Back in November 2021, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the yearly toll bill for Central Coast locals would ‘skyrocket into thousands of dollars if a northbound toll was introduced on the Sydney Harbour Bridge’ and now she and her Central Coast Labor colleagues are completely silent on the matter,” Crouch said.

He said the toll would hurt Central Coast locals during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Whether it be returning from Sydney Airport to pick up loved ones or coming home from a day’s work in the city – this will be another kick in the guts for Central Coast locals,” he said.

Crouch said the move added

to a list of failures for the Central Coast, including taking away free parking at Gosford Hospital, “gutting” the Active Kids vouchers and cutting the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

But Member for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said the Government would weigh-up benefits of toll revisions to Central Coast commuters as it considered the final report of the Independent Toll Review handed down last week by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins.

The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government and shows how Central Coast drivers could save money under the scenarios it modelled, Harris said.

He said the report highlighted Sydney’s toll road network was

a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that would cost motorists $195B in nominal terms in tolls over the next 35 years on top of the billions they had already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity,inefficiency, inequities and unfairness.

Among recommendations presented to government following the review is the introduction of two-way tolling on the bridge, with the extra revenue to help lower tolls on the remainder of the network.

It also recommends tolls should be based on a declining distance charge per kilometre and that decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Harris said the Government

would consider the report and respond in due course.

He said the Government was committed to reforming Sydney’s toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.

“Central Coast commuters pay more than most, with a one-way trip into Sydney via toll roads costing close to $30 in peak times,” he said.

“The NSW Government has just received the report and we need to consider it closely before making any decisions; however I will be working together with my fellow Central Coast Labor MPs to ensure Central Coast commuters benefit from any moves to make the tolling system simpler and fairer.

“The previous Liberal government became addicted to tolls and the Labor government introduced toll relief, beginning with the $60 toll cap that has been helping Central Coast commuters.”

The full final report of the Independent Toll Review can be viewed at www.treasury.nsw. gov.au/toll-review

Terry

Collins

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch says a new bridge toll would disadvantage Coast drivers

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris says the Government will weigh-up the benefits of toll revisions

Mystery of bone found on beach finally solved

Advancements in DNA technology have revealed the identity of a 44-yearold jawbone discovered on Umina Beach in 2020.

Woy Woy resident, Toyah Evans, made the gruesome discovery in the sand near Sydney Ave whilst walking her dogs along the beach at about 2.15pm on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Realising the gravity of her find, Evans secured the remains in a doggie bag before reporting it to Brisbane Water Police, who established a crime scene at the beach.

The bone was then sent to Newcastle Mortuary for forensic examination where it was confirmed what was uncovered was indeed a human jawbone.

A DNA profile from the bone was retrieved, with initial investigations determining the jawbone was that of a teenage male.

Extensive traditional inquiries were made at that time to establish identity, but without success.

Initial DNA analysis failed to identify any direct, familial or genealogical matches.

In March 2023, the Forensic Evidence & Technical Services Command’s Science and

A group of concerned local residents frustrated with Central Coast Councils’ current management of Tuggerah lakes has launched a campaign ahead of the September local council elections calling for regular dredging.

The group, Tuggerah Lakes Care (TLC), says it represents the interests of more than 10,000 local residents and business owners and has launched a AI-developed video update on the flooding of the interconnected Budgewoi, Munmorah and Tuggerah lakes and how they can be better managed to reduce rising costs for the many thousands of affected residents and visitors

Technology Unit implemented Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG), which combines new DNA analysis techniques and traditional genealogy to identify suspects and unknown remains using commercial DNA databases.

Detectives, scientists and analysts worked together to exclude two other cases and identified a genetic link to a possible living relative.

A voluntary sample was obtained from the relative and following further DNA analysis the bone was confirmed to be that of Henry Coleman, who died aged 17, following an accidental drowning on the Central Coast in August 1980.

In 1980, Henry was laid to rest following a coronial inquest but it was not known at the time the bone was missing.

The formal identification of the owner of the jawbone has now been referred to the Coroner.

Manager of the Missing Persons Registry, Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim, said this was an example of the importance of public involvement in providing familial DNA to solve missing persons cases, including unidentified remains.

“Without the amazing,

combined work by our detectives, scientists and analysts, we never would have been able to return these remains to their resting place and find answers for Mr Coleman’s family,” he said.

“The theme of this year’s National Missing Persons Week is ‘Always Searching’ and this investigation is a fantastic example to show we never give up.

“This investigation has taken four years and we can’t be happier with the result with the most rewarding part being, giving the news to Mr Coleman’s family.

“Your DNA cannot and will not be used in any criminal investigation as missing person investigations are not criminal matters, and your DNA is not stored in any criminal or suspect data base.

“Your DNA will only be used to hopefully solve cases and provide answers to your family.

“If you have reported a family member missing to police, and you have the event number, I urge you to go to your local police station and provide your DNA if you haven’t done so already.

“Just (as) in Mr Coleman’s case, your relationship with the

missing person can be several generations apart.

“If you don’t have an event reference number, you can still help by providing your DNA to commercial databases such as Gedmatch and Familytree DNA.

“As long as you tick the option to release your DNA for law enforcement purposes, we can use your DNA and hopefully solve a mystery.

“Your relative may have already been found, we just don’t know as yet, as we haven’t been able to identify them until now.

“This technology and capability now gives us the

Campaign to bring back Reg the dredge

as well as save Central Coast Council money.

The video calls on Council to “bring back our channel” and “bring back Reg the dredge”.

A TLC spokesperson said there were no plans to run a candidate in the upcoming council elections although the group and its aims had widespread support from candidates of all political persuasions.

The group is being advised by coastal engineer expert Dr Angus Gordon who prepared and presented a report on flooding issues in the Tuggerah lakes system to Central Coast Council in 2021.

The spokesperson said multiple consultants including Gordon had made it clear

dredging a funnel-shaped channel from Pelican Island west of The Entrance bridge narrowing to the sand berm was the single most effective solution to reduce the intensity,

regularity and damage caused by floods.

They said there had been no dredging west of The Entrance bridge for decades and the dredging scheduled for 2010

Two new roles for Crouch

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has two new roles in the NSW Shadow Cabinet.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has appointed Crouch as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, and Shadow Minister for Corrections alongside his current role as Opposition Whip.

“I would like to thank Scott Farlow in his capacity as the (previous) Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, and Mark Taylor in his capacity as (the previous) Shadow Minister for Corrections for their representations and their dedication to their shadow portfolios for the people of NSW,” Crouch said.

“As a regional Member of Parliament, and the proud Member for Terrigal for over nine years, I understand the importance of the continued investment on the Central Coast and ensuring our region gets its fair share.

“I am proud to have been part of a government that provided record investment across our

region, and this will be my central focus as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast.

“I look forward to continuing my role as a strong local voice not only for the people of the Terrigal electorate, but the wider Central Coast region, and the state corrective services, in the NSW Parliament.”

best opportunity yet, to achieve this.”

Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to showcase missing persons and unidentified bodies and human remains cases and raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding these incidents.

It runs from Sunday, July 28, to Saturday, August 3.

This year’s Always Searching campaign focuses on the dedication and continuing efforts of police to solve missing persons investigations.

If you have been reported as missing it means that someone is concerned about your safety and welfare.

You should attend the nearest police station with identification so that police can ascertain that you are safe and well.

It is not a crime to go missing and police will respect your privacy if you don’t wish to disclose your location to your family.

For more information on the campaign visit www. missingpersons.gov.au

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information that may assist investigators to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

never occurred.

Council obtained funding from the NSW government for dredging in 2017 and has funds remaining after decommissioning its dredge in 2019.

“Five floods in seven years have impacted every member of our community to varying degrees,” the spokesperson said.

“Those residing near the lakeshore bear the brunt, facing property damage, emotional strain and soaring repair costs.

“The entire community feels the ripple effects as insurance premiums rise across our postcodes due to these flood related issues.

“Adding to this burden is the damage to roads and infrastructure, prompting the Council to raise rates to cover repair costs and causing delays in normal operations.

“Local businesses and clubs also miss out on tourism and the tourist dollars that trickle down into the community.

“It is crucial for all of us to work together to mitigate the damage caused by floods.”

The spokesperson said the group acknowledged that there would always be flooding but it could be better managed by improved transparency and preparedness by both Council and residents.

The video can be viewed at www.tuggerahlakescare.com. au

The jawbone found on Umina Beach in 2020 Photo: Toyah Evans, CCN archive

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has two new Shadow portfolios

TLC is calling for regular dredging of The Entrance Channel

McKinna announces 15-person team to contest Council election

Former Gosford Mayor and Mariners coach Lawrie

McKinna will spearhead a 15-person team of candidates at the September 14 Council election.

Team Central Coast will field three candidates for each of the region’s five wards.

McKinna will stand for the Gosford East ward, along with ultra marathon runner and former Federal Minister Pat Farmer, and former Mariners player Matt Simon.

Standing for The Entrance ward will be ex-Wallaby Mark Ella, former NBN personality Skaie Hull, and community activist Kalvin Smith.

Business owner Kyla Daniels will stand for Wyong ward, along with former Newcastle University lecturer and global project manager in education Natasha Stone, and Central Coast Football Soccer CEO Alex Burgin.

In Gosford West ward local business owner Daniel AbouChedid (Chef Daniel) will run, along with Central Coast Sports College Principal Paul Chapman, as well as Ettalong Bowling Club

board member and Southern Ettalong Football Club life member Neil Ferguson.

And in Budgewoi ward former Socceroo captain and sports presenter Paul Wade will be joined by former Gosford Council senior and RDA Central Coast CEO John Mouland, and business owner and community activist Mitch Cowan.

McKinna stood for election as an independent for City of Gosford in 2012, succeeded in gaining a seat at the table and was subsequently elected Mayor by his fellow councillors.

He was removed from the position as a result of the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong councils in 2016.

“The Central Coast is falling behind regional centres,” he said.

“As the third most populous council in NSW, a newly elected council needs to reflect the aspirations of its residents and leverage the region’s huge economic and social potential to prompt its long-term growth and development.

“Council must prioritise residents in decision-making and after almost eight years in administration, it is time the residents of the Central Coast are listened to by a sensible, forward-looking and strong newly elected Council.”

McKinna said the team’s main focus would be on housing.

“For too long the residents of the Central Coast have been neglected and forgotten,” he said.

“The region needs a strong and independent council which will hold our government accountable and put residents

first to deliver better housing supply, strong infrastructure, and more considered planning.

“Slow and complicated approval processes, a lack of necessary infrastructure and minimal support by the state and federal government have pushed the Central Coast into a housing crisis.

“The Central Coast needs a proactive, progressive and efficient Council that will provide affordable and accessible housing to support long-term growth.”

McKinna said the team would also push for affordable, efficient and effective health services.

“Council needs to work with the state and federal government to boost staff and infrastructure in health to ensure Central Coast residents have access to best quality healthcare,” he said.

“Spikes in emergency wait times and the under-funding of the health system have failed Central Coast residents time and time again.

“Council needs to work to improve health services by streamlining health services,

increasing workforce productivity and supporting the development of health infrastructure that meets the needs of residents.”

Also on the team’s priority list is improving the region’s transport infrastructure.

“Poor public transport on the Central Coast inhibits regional productivity and increases dependency on roads,” McKinna said.

“The region’s current public transport system is not reliable, efficient or easily accessible for many residents outside of town centres.

“Improving ease of access throughout the region via public transport will increase the quality of life of residents, as road congestion is a growing concern.

“Improvements to existing train stations and intermodal connections will also aid accessibility.

“Mass transit connectivity to the region with potential to connect communities, including improved access to Sydney and Newcastle, is highlighted as a

priority by RDA Central Coast.” McKinna said successive councils had failed to accommodate for increasing levels of migration to the Central Coast.

“An efficient and progressive council backed by the support of the state and federal government is necessary to support population growth on the Central Coast and boost economic growth and development,” he said.

McKinna said Team Central Coast would also agitate to ensure there was sufficient infrastructure in place to support tourism growth.

“This is especially pertinent with respect to short-term accommodation rentals, and other hospitality related initiatives,” he said.

“The Central Coast is losing its market share of the key Sydney outbound visitor market because of the lack of necessary infrastructure to support tourism.”

Mangrove Mountain group pushes to save bushland

Mangrove Mountain and Districts Community Group has joined an alliance of Central Coast groups in calling on Planning Minister Paul Scully to reject a Central Coast Council rezoning proposal affecting at least 300ha of bushland.

The move follows Administrator Rik Hart’s endorsement at a Council meeting earlier this year to rezone 3,438 land parcels, mostly rural-residential, hobby farms and conservation lifestyle blocks.

Most of the land is currently zoned 7(c)2 – Scenic Protection – Rural Small Holdings or 7(a) Conservation.

The move is yet to be approved by Minister Scully.

In the letter to Scully,

From page 1

“It was unhealthy, dangerous and makes it hard to access the beach.

“While the council has now done some work and you can walk around the lagoon, it will come back.

“It was a bandaid job, cheap and nasty.

“It needs a permanent solution like extending the drain further down the beach and away from the bottom of

spokesperson for the Mangrove Mountain group Poppe Zouroudis said members were “gravely concerned” about the proposal that could see “thousands of hectares of conservation land on the NSW Central Coast needlessly downgraded and destroyed”.

“Thanks to the foresight of Gosford City Council way back in the 1970s, a network of natural bushland reserves was created, to be kept as community land in council ownership for passive recreation and conservation,” the letter said.

“Coastal Open Space System or COSS is the reason why the former Gosford City local government area, now the southern half of the Central Coast LGA, has green escarpment as far as the eye can see, and unique reserves

including Rumbalara, Katandra, Kincumba Mountain, Captain Cook Memorial Park and Winney Bay Reserve – loved and enjoyed by residents and visitors.

“The Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart has pushed through a proposal that will downgrade deferred lands

to the C3 and C4 zones which will open them up to unnecessary and inappropriate clearing and development.

“This is not like-for-like and it will take a wrecking ball to our COSS lands strategy.”

The letter stated the Biodiversity Conservation and Science Directorate (BCS)

within the Environment and Heritage Group in the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water had advised against the move.

“This is native species habitat – essential for the protection of biodiversity on the Central Coast now and for all future generations,” the letter said.

“BCS said all deferred matters land zoned 7(a) should be zoned C2 (Conservation). This is like-for-like and the only way to protect this land from development.

“We urge Minister Scully to take the advice of his government’s Biodiversity Conservation and Science Group.

“Refuse Council’s recommendation and adopt the recommendation of the Biodiversity Conservation and

Science Group from the Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water.”

The alliance of community groups says if Scully approves Central Coast Council’s recommendation, it will: destroy the unique visual landscape, character and lifestyle of the Central Coast; eliminate extensive areas of threatened species habitat; fail to protect local Aboriginal cultural heritage; wreck wildlife corridors between National Parks, State Forests and reserves; and devastate the future of the region’s Coastal Open Space System (COSS).

COSS is a network of scenic bushland reserves owned and managed by the local council since the 1970s which is a oneof-a-kind and found nowhere else in NSW.

Permanent solution needed at Toowoon Bay

the stairs.”

He said he had contacted the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Central Coast Council and Member for The Entrance David Mehan.

The EPA said it was a matter for the Council.

“The Council said it won’t do anything because it’s a natural phenomenon,” he said.

“Telling me this is a natural occurrence is untrue.

“We have lived in Toowoon

Bay since 1978 and never seen a lagoon at the end of Binburra Ave that prevents you accessing the beach.”

Following a meeting with McMullen, David Mehan said he wrote to Council asking for earthworks to be carried out near the pump station wall.

“I am looking forward to a positive response from Council,” he said.

A Council spokesperson said a natural stormwater flow path developed across Toowoon Bay

Beach in the vicinity of Binburra Ave following rainfall events.

“This stormwater filtering is not unusual at this, or other beach locations across the Central Coast, following rain,” the spokesperson said.

She said Council recently undertook some beach scraping works to address erosion of the adjacent dune.

“When this water flow results in a significant drop from the end of the access steps, staff will seek to push sand towards

the steps to ensure they are accessible,” the spokesperson said.

“Recent site inspections at the referenced location, have identified that the current stormwater flow path is not creating any safety issues, and there are suitable access routes from the stairs to the beach.

“No works are proposed at this location at this time; however, they will continue to monitor any impact.”

The spokesperson said staff expected the drainage channel to fill in with sand with favourable weather and coastal conditions in due course.

“The coastal environment is dynamic, and can be a dangerous place,” she said.

“As always, we ask our community to exercise due care when visiting our beaches.”

Denice Barnes

Former Gosford Mayor Lawrie McKinna will run for Council on September 14

View from Rumbalara Reserve, one of many assets that are part of COSS

New pathway confirmed for Mannering Park

The funding is ready to flow on a new shared pedestrian and cycle pathway connecting the suburbs of Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay as the Federal Government makes good on its $7M election commitment.

With a funding agreement now in place, the project will see a 2.9km shared pathway along the foreshore from Griffith St in Mannering Park, crossing the inlet channel to Kingfisher Shores and connecting to the existing park.

This will fill the critical missing link in connecting the three suburbs.

Creating a designated path for pedestrians and cyclists will lead to a safer and more comfortable environment, reducing the risk of crashes.

It will also allow residents to better access the nearby amenities on foot or bike, while reducing the community’s environmental footprint.

The pathway is set to generate significant employment opportunities for the area, creating 30 direct jobs during construction.

It will also stimulate further employment in the community by increasing demand for services associated with tourism and active transport.

The $12.7M project is expected to be completed in 2027 and is being funded under the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, with Central Coast Council contributing the remaining $5.7M.

Representatives of the Federal Government and Council met with residents on site on July 30 to announce the funding confirmation.

Mannering Park Precinct Committee Chairman Andrew Whitbourne said the project had triumphed over “a lot of roadblocks … over many, many years”.

“This is going to be a great

Central Coast Council is collaborating with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in testing a new way to encourage Australian native fish to move across creek and river weirs, improving native fish migration.

Council Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said Mangrove Creek and Ourimbah Creek would be included in pilot tests of the new design being conducted across the country.

“The Central Coast’s waterways are valuable water resources and ecosystems that support our drinking water supply, and Council’s weirs are essential mechanisms in the water harvesting process,” Loader said.

“Central Coast Council Water and Sewer supports efficient and cost-effective approaches

Pre-polling for the local government elections on the Central Coast will start one week prior to the elections on September 14.

This is a shorter period than previous local government elections held in NSW in 2021 – but the Coast was under administration and didn’t get to vote in 2021.

Coast residents will vote this year, although all the candidates are not yet known.

The nomination period for candidates starts on Monday,

outcome for the communities of Mannering Park, Kingfisher Shores and Chain Valley Bay,” he said.

“It will allow us to continue from the William and Clarence Wynn Walkway that exists now, around the foreshore, over to Chain Valley Bay.”

Mannering Park Progress spokesperson Marie Brown said it was a “joyous” announcement after a 15-year fight.

“It is going to make a difference to people’s lives, not just in Mannering Park but the whole community surrounding us,” she said.

“I think … it shows … that persistence actually does pay off.”

Chain Valley Bay Progress Association Chairperson Phil Kenny said the pathway would allow two communities to link up.

“It’s also good for people with

wheelchairs … and … the young mums with prams,” he said.

All three organisations thanked Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy for his constant representations regarding the project.

Conroy said the path would help connect residents to friends, family, local shops, services and the park by giving them a dedicated path on which to safely walk, run,

Improving native fish migration

in building a sustainable and resilient water future, including minimising the impact of water harvesting upon the environment.

“If fishway tests are successful, the new design could support and improve our existing mechanisms in our creek weirs.”

Unlike alternative fishways, the Tube Fishway works through a self-powered, water propulsion design that could offer greater benefits compared to other fish passage options, as it is cost effective to manufacture and install; is more easily retrofitted to existing structures; offers simplified maintenance as there are minimal moving parts in its design; can be scaled up and installed on high-level dams; and can be deployed and removed rapidly allowing temporary installation during

peak migration periods.

PhD student Hiruni Kammanankada and supervisor Dr Jasmin Martino, from the Water Research Laboratory and The Centre of Ecosystem Science UNSW

Sydney, are part of a team of academics designing and testing the Tube Fishway in accordance with regulatory bodies.

“Across January to March this year, in Mangrove and

Ourimbah creeks we conducted systematic design experiments to optimise attracting fish to piped systems,”

Kammanankada said.

“This is important fundamental research before the full deployment of the Tube Fishway that we aim to perform later this year.

“We successfully attracted 1,089 fish to our attraction unit across both sites.

“From this data we aim to crack the secret of what are the best conditions to attract local native fish such as Australian bass, flathead, sea mullet and freshwater herring into piped systems.”

UNSW will return to Mangrove Creek and Ourimbah Creek to further test the Tube Fishway in September in preparation for the fish breeding migratory window in Spring/Summer 2024/25.

Casting your vote on September 14

August 5, and ends at noon on Wednesday, August 14, and the list of candidates will become public the next day.

Coasties will vote for the candidates in their ward only.

The Central Coast local government area is made up of five wards; Budgewoi, The Entrance, Wyong, Gosford East and Gosford West.

The last time the Coast voted, in 2017, more than 90 candidates stood.

The 2017 election was the first Central Coast Council

election, the result of the former Gosford and Wyong councils merging in 2016.

Braille ballot papers are available for this election.

Absentee voting is not available in this election, but people who will not be in the area to vote have the option of organising a postal vote.

Applications to organise a postal vote open on Tuesday, August 6.

The Electoral Commission is urging people to apply online for a postal vote as soon

as possible.

You are still expected to mark your postal vote on the day but have another 13 days to get the vote back to the counters.

Counting starts immediately the polls close on September 14, beginning at 6pm and concluding at 10pm that night.

Live updates will start at 7pm but all votes below the line; ie, votes for individuals not groups, will be put aside to be counted another day.

There is no counting on Sunday, September 15; it starts

and cycle.

“The funding agreement is a critical step forward,” he said.

“This project will make a real difference for our community for years to come, unlocking employment, safety and other benefits as the new pathway comes to life.”

Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said further community consultation would be carried out as the project moved through the design phase.

“This long-awaited project is identified in Council’s Central Coast Bike Plan, and it is extremely pleasing to now have the $7M funding from the Australian Government to add to Council’s $5.7M contribution, which will now deliver the project for the community.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the new pathway was a win for the community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors.

Whereas earlier testing focused on attracting the fish to the tube, experiments in September will focus on lifting the fish over the weirs.

Administrator Rik Hart said that collaboration with UNSW’s Water Research team supported Council’s long-term vision and its Water Quality Program.

“Council is committed to seeking new opportunities and partnerships that contribute to regional health and prosperity,” he said.

“Collaborating with UNSW is another example of continual improvement of Council’s Water and Sewer department in supporting a sustainable water future.”

The project is funded by State Government grants including NSW Government Recreational Fishing Trust.

again on Monday, September 16.

A total of 60 per cent of people on average vote on the day, according to the Electoral Commission, which gave journalists a media briefing on the election this week.

A heap of information for both voters and candidates is on the website: elections.nsw.gov.au/ elections

And the electoral Commission is also on all the social media sites.

More than 20,000 people will

be paid to work on election day. For assistance to vote go to elections.nsw.gov.au/ candidate-handbook-2024nsw-local-governmentelections/voting/assistanceto-vote

If you’d like to work on the day go to elections.nsw.gov.au/ about-us/work-with-us/workat-an-election

Dr Jasmin Martino and Hiruni Kammanankada from the Water Research Laboratory and The Centre of Ecosystem Science at UNSW

Member for Shortland Pat Conroy celebrates with residents

Merilyn Vale

Restored dunes with sand nourishment

Massive beach-wrecking hard seawall

Which one do you want for Wamberal and the Coast?

Unelected Council Administrator, Rik Hart, Council Director, Dr Alice Howe, and their beachfront developer supporters at the Wamberal Protection Association (WPA) want to build a 1.4-kilometre-long concrete seawall along Wamberal Beach. They just lodged a seawall DA. Rik Hart says he wants this to be the first of many seawalls along the Central Coast. It gets worse. Hart, Howe, CEO David Farmer and the WPA reckon you and other rate payers should contribute millions of dollars to prop up the private seawall. Since 2020, o ver $2M of public funds have been spent on the WPA seawall designs and emergency works - works the wealthy WPA landowners were meant to fund themselves.

It gets worse. Hart, Howe, CEO David Farmer and the WPA reckon you and other rate payers should contribute millions of dollars to prop up the private seawall. Since 2020, o ver $2M of public funds have been spent on the WPA seawall designs and emergency works - works the wealthy WPA landowners were meant to fund themselves.

Last month, Hart, Howe and Farmer committed another $2M of your rates to prop up the WPA’s private seawall over the next two years. No wonder Council is short on money to fix potholes and gutters. No wonder your rates keep going up and Rik Hart’s Council is the most complained about in NSW.

Independent beach experts say the proposed hard seawall is madness, that it will strip the beach of sand and push problems onto lagoon residents Experts say do sand nourishment instead.

Tell Hart, Farmer, Dr Howe and the WPA what you think of their beach-wrecking seawall.

Lodge your seawall DA objection today!

1. Simply email dasubmission@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au before 23 August

2. Quote the DA reference DA/947/2024, add your name and address, and mention any political donation you made since 2021. Be sure to write “I object…” and give specific reasons.

Scan the QR code below to learn more about the beach -destroying seawall the WPA is trying to rush through before we get an elected Council.

S below to learn more about the beach -destroying seawall the WPA is trying to rush through before we get an elected Council.

Scan the QR code below to learn more about the beachdestroying seawall the WPA is trying to rush through before we get an elected Council.

Authorised by Wamberal Beach Save our Sand (SOS) and No Wamberal Beach Seawall Inc. Go to facebook.com/wamberalbeachsos

The lack of detail in the Drug Summit announced recently by Premier Chris Minns has been questioned by Joe Coyte, the executive director of Central Coast alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres, The Glen for Men and Women.

Minns announced the Summit would comprise two days of regional forums in October and two days in Sydney in December.

While the dates of the Sydney forums have been announced, no dates are available for the regional forums.

“We need to know where, when and who will be invited

Lee Erlin will join Kevin Brooks and Stephen Sizer on the Ratepayers’ Choice ticket for the September 14 Council election, standing for Gosford West Ward.

Erlin has lived in the Central Coast hinterland for 10 years and currently resides at Kulnura.

She works as a customer service manager for an Australian software company, and wants to see Central Coast Council improve its customer service culture.

She has also worked in

A second forum for the veterans’ community to discuss matters relating to veterans and their families will be held at Ettalong on August 5.

Organised once again by Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, the forum will address any issues concerning the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and take suggestions on how the Federal Government can help resolve any difficulties discussed.

Assistant Minister for Defence and Assistance Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite will also be at the forum.

Minns’ drug summit lacking in detail

to these regional forums,” Coyte said.

“Who’s going?

“What experts, community, Indigenous or LGBTQ representatives will be there?

“The community needs to know who will be involved to make sure it has the best chance of having an impact and ensuring changes that need to happen actually happen.

“People with lived experience and the families whose lives have been impacted need to be included in the conversation.

“It is important to hear from those people, those whose own lives have been impacted and

those watching their loved ones suffer.”

Coyte said all NSW parliamentarians should attend

the forums, including all NSW ministers.

“We need all the ministers to be there, especially those

connected with housing, health and police.” he said.

“The housing crisis and the cost-of-living crisis all have massive impacts on this issue.”

Coyte said problematic drug use continued to be rife in the community and The Glen centres had been forced to close applications periodically, unable to keep up with demand.

“But once people are in the program and complete the program, we can’t transition them out to suitable housing because of the housing crisis,” he said.

“What should the two-day regional forum be looking at?

“Drug usage and treatment

Lee Erlin joins Ratepayers’ Choice ticket

hospitality, sport, insurance and consular services.

Erlin is an avid hiker, dog lover and horse rider.

“I was inspired when Kevin Brooks visited the local community recently at Mangrove Dam and said we need someone on Council to represent the views of this huge hinterland in West Gosford,” she said.

“I agree with Kevin’s vision for better value for money Council services and the need for Council to listen more to local people.

“I love where I live; the

hinterland is an environmentally diverse jewel in the crown of the Central Coast.

“In the past 10 years I have seen the best of primary production, farming and agriculture this area is renowned for, and the worst of land clearing, dumping, unpermitted use of land and lack of enforcement from Central Coast Council.”

Erlin said she understood the benefit of having good relations with customers.

“From my own experience dealing with Council, they

need to improve their responsiveness to customers and show more empathy,” she said.

“With the long awaited return of local democracy I realised I could sit back and keep complaining – or be the change I want to see.

“I believe the Ratepayers’ Choice Group will work towards positive change in many areas that need critical attention.

“I also believe it’s time to shed light on this beautiful part of the Central Coast that has not been recognised or

represented to its fullest potential.”

Brooks said Erlin’s warm, intelligent and authentic personality would make her an excellent representative for the hinterland community.

“When I visited this community recently, it was obvious how well informed and engaged they are,” he said.

“I think this local knowledge and commitment could be leveraged by Council for better outcomes.

“Lee can play a big part in that.”

Second veterans’ forum

“I respect our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made to help protect Australia, and our region, in military operations,”

Reid said

“The Central Coast is one of several with the highest numbers of veterans and their families across our country.

“Our veterans’ forums provide an opportunity for veterans to get assistance with any issues they are experiencing, whether that is with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or any other government agency.

“The Assistant Minister will also provide advice and

answer questions.

“I encourage any veteran or family member to contact my office to RSVP for the forum.

Reid said the Federal Government had delivered a range of support to the veterans’ community over its term.

These included: eliminating the veteran compensation claims backlog; employing more staff and increased funding to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; simplifying and harmonising veterans’ entitlements legislation; boosting defence personnel and veterans’ housing; tripling the GP veteran access

payment; and increasing the services and supports for veterans transitioning from service.

But Reid said there was more work to do.

The veterans’ forum will take place from 6pm-7.30pm on Monday, August 5, at Ettalong Bowling Club.

RSVP is essential.

If a veteran or family member is unable to attend but has an issue that requires assistance, contact Reid’s office on 4322 2400 or email Gordon.Reid. MP@aph.gov.au

are two complicated spaces.

“We need to look at what is working and how to improve those things that are working.”

Coyte said he understood the government was fulfilling an election promise by announcing the Drug Summit but questioned the intention.

“Why don’t we have a date for the regional forums and Sydney does?” he said.

“It’s important these forums have the right people in the room.”

A spokesperson for Health Minister Ryan Park said details would be announced in due course on the regional locations for the Drug Summit.

Candidate forum for West ward

Woy Woy Peninsula Residents Association (PRA) will host a candidate forum for prospective Gosford West Ward councillors on Thursday, August 22.

“All Peninsula residents, owners and renters should attend to hear from candidates for the upcoming Council

election,” Association VicePresident Julian Bowker said.

“All candidates are invited to register their interest.”

Bowker said there would be a short speech from each candidate followed by a question-and-answer session.

Attendance is free and all

are welcome, but the association is encouraging registration to ensure seats are reserved.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed and empowered,” Bowker said.

“Join us at the candidate forum and be informed about the candidates’ platforms and learn what they can do

for you and your community.” The forum will begin at 7pm on Thursday, August 22, at the Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid chats to veterans

Joe Coyte

Lee Erlin

Homelessness Connect Day

A Homelessness Connect Day focusing on the health and wellbeing supports available will be held at Wyong on Wednesday, August 7, during Homelessness Week.

On any given night, 122,494 people in Australia are homeless according to latest Census figures, and the situation is not getting any better.

In a bid to offer a helping hand to people experiencing homelessness on the Central Coast, the Uniting Doorways team, along with Central Coast Council, the NSW Government and the Central Coast Community Council, has organised the Homelessness Connect Day.

Uniting NSW.ACT Central Coast Doorways Community Engagement Officer Juliette Kratochvil said the program offered a drop-in service for

people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

“On August 7 we’ll be at the Wyong Neighbourhood Centre offering a variety of free supports such as haircuts, food, health, clothes, information and referral services,” she said.

“The day will be all about connecting.

“Connecting the community with the community services they need – whether that be mental health, wellbeing support, getting a haircut, food, or clothes – it’s about all of those things coming together and being offered in one place.”

Homelessness Week (August 5-11) aims to build community support and government commitment to end homelessness.

Census figures reveal one in seven people experiencing homelessness are children under 12 and almost a quarter

Recognised for dedication and compassion

Jessica Cain-Westaway from Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services has received a NSW Government Community Service Award for her “unwavering dedication and compassion in her role as the Cancer Navigator”. Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said her pioneering work as the first Cancer Navigator for the Central Coast Aboriginal community underscored her commitment to improving the lives of

individuals impacted by cancer. Through her efforts, CainWestaway has directly supported more than 160 clients, addressing multifaceted challenges such as transportation issues, cultural barriers, and historical trauma.

Her tireless advocacy has not only facilitated access to essential cancer services but has also fostered a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood.

She has showcased exemplary leadership by

presenting this innovative approach to the Prime Minister.

Serving as a conduit between the Local Health District (LHD), the community and Tour De Cure, Cain-Westaway has seamlessly integrated resources and support systems to enhance the cancer care experience for individuals in need.

Her ability to bridge gaps between various stakeholders has resulted in more effective and efficient services, ensuring that no-one is left behind in the fight against cancer.

are young people aged 12-24.

One in five people experiencing homelessness is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

The Doorways for Youth service which provides young people aged 16- 25 with support, information and referrals.

Doorways Housing Connectors provides homelessness support as well as information and referrals to link individuals and families with relevant services.

The services are free of charge and completely confidential.

The Central Coast Homelessness Connect Day -Health & Wellbeing will be held at Wyong Neighbourhood Centre, Old Primary School, Building 2/8 Rankens Ct, Wyong, from 10am-2pm on Wednesday, August 7.

“Jessica’s profound impact extends beyond her professional duties; she embodies empathy and resilience, serving as an inspiration to her community,” Harris said.

“Her unwavering dedication to promoting health equity and combating stigma surrounding cancer is commendable and deserving of recognition.

“Jessica Cain-Westaway is a true asset to the community, embodying the spirit of service and compassion.”

Call for firm commitment on Gosford TAFE project

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is calling for action from the State Government on the purchase of the former Gosford council chambers site in Mann St for a new TAFE, after Central Coast Council announced last week the land could be sold on the open market.

Council and TAFE have a a contract of sale but if it is rescinded by either party before July 31, 2025, offers will be invited from other parties.

Crouch wants to see a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to completing the transfer.

The former Liberal government began negotiations with Council in December 2021 to buy the site, which it had earmarked for a state-of-theart vertical TAFE campus.

Since the Labor Party swept

to power in March last year, Coast Community News has frequently asked for updates on the progress of the project to no avail.

“With Central Coast Council reaffirming its intention to complete the transfer of land to TAFE NSW, now is the time for the Minns Labor Government to get moving and support the

former government’s vision for the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

“The former Liberal-National government recognised the importance of investing into our growing region and anticipating future growth, which was highlighted by the announcement of the new purpose-built TAFE for the

Gosford CBD prior to the 2023 State Election.

“This project should have started construction already, but funding has still not been confirmed for the site despite the delivery of two State Budgets, which frankly, is unacceptable.”

Shadow Minister for Skills,

TAFE and Tertiary Education

Justin Clancy said there was no time for further delay on the Gosford TAFE project.

“This new TAFE campus will support delivery of vocational education and help meet the future job needs of the Central Coast community, whilst enriching the Gosford CBD and allowing the old campus site to

be converted to much-needed affordable housing,” he said.

“With so much in its favour, and Council committing to complete the transfer of land to TAFE NSW, there really is no reason for the further procrastination of the Minns Labor government.

“It’s time to get on with it.”

Homelessness is an ongoing problem on the Central Coast

Member for Wyong David Harris with Jessica Cain-Westaway

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch outside the former chambers building

An artist’s impression of the TAFE precinct proposed for Mann St

NEWS IN BRIEF

Candidates forum

With the Central Coast Council election set for September 14, the Central Coast Activists will hold a Meet The Candidates Forum from 11.30am-1pm on Wednesday, August 7, at the Ourimbah RSL Club.

Organisers hope to have fivesix candidates at the meeting, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Each candidate will have five minutes to present with a oneminute wrap up.

Discussion group

The Wyong Tuesday Discussion Group meets every Tuesday from 10noon (except in school holidays) in the Woodbury Park Community Centre.

Members share morning tea and have a guest speaker or discussion session each week, with many friendships formed.

The entry cost of $5 helps cover room hire and morning tea.

For more information call 4353 5177 or 0421 799 239.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Kariong base for firefighting drone

Kariong Fire and Rescue Station has become the base for the Central Coast’s firefighting drone operations, a move set to strengthen the region’s emergency response capabilities.

The first firefighting drone on the Coast will eliminate time delays waiting on equipment to come from Sydney or Newcastle

to respond to a situation.

Twelve Kariong firefighters are now in four weeks of training to operate the drone, undergoing extensive theory and practical training to gain their pilot’s licences in order to operate the latest drone technologies.

The apparatus will then be installed and based on the fire truck P341B.

Drones come equipped with multiple cameras, including thermal imaging.

They can be deployed for search and rescues, building fires, hazardous material incidents and other incidents where real-time information is required in situations too dangerous to send firefighters into.

Day trip to Lion Island turns sour

A jet skier drifted several kilometres out to sea on the outgoing tide after his watercraft lost power near Lion Island on Saturday, July 27.

When the jet ski broke down the Saratoga man aged in his late 20s notified Point Clare base of Marine Rescue Central Coast, advising them of his difficulties and providing latitude and longitude coordinates which enabled the rescue crew to track him quickly. Even so, the outgoing tide caused the jet ski to drift several kilometres from its original position while Marine Rescue

was carrying out the search.

Steven Constantine of Marine Rescue Central Coast said the jet skier had “kept his cool … and the mission was also made easier because he’d been carrying a torch which was used to signal the Marine Rescue boat as it approached”.

“Being on a disabled vessel at the mercy of the tide and wind, in the pitch black of night-time on the open sea is not a great place to be,” he said.

“Whenever you go out on the water, log on with Marine Rescue by using the free app, wear the right clothing and a lifejacket.

“Also, you should have multiple communication methods available like a mobile phone or VHF radio.

“It’s also wise to take a torch and carry flares and other distress signalling equipment if you can.

“A short day trip can easily change into something else, and (this) could have ended very differently.

“Be prepared, and if in doubt, don’t go out.”

Marine Rescue towed the disabled jet ski back to Davistown.

Firefighters in drone training

Day trip to Lion Island turns into night rescue for jet skier

Time to rethink nuclear power

Over the years I have had swayed for or against nuclear power.

Technology has advanced significantly to warrant a relook at this.

Costs are saved by using old coal sites and innovation.

We supply the world’s uranium and we do not use it ourselves; (that’s) weird.

We could replace the present coal boilers with nuclear ones thus creating the steam to run the turbines.

Way back when Chernobyl in Russia happened, everyone scared about the subject rejected any thought of going the nuclear way, knowing that Australia was already using it for medical reasons.

It is believed Russia was not particularly good at safety protocols.

In World War II the world’s first experience of nuclear power (showed) frightening results at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but technology shows huge improvement in the applications of its use for peaceful purposes for industry, medical, nation

safety (military), space travel – it goes on.

Now Australia is rethinking, thank heavens.

My main (gripe) with renewables is the ugliness of them, the use of fertile foodbowl lands, the cost of replacement from China, and coastal placements of wind turbines, (poor whales, ships etc).

The cost of renewables is three times greater than for coal and gas.

Nuclear may be expensive to build, but further down the decades and generations it will be a hell of a lot cheaper.

Our generation will hopefully see some reduction in our blowout costs of power.

So, I am wanting nuclear, as I reckon everything will work better, business costs will work and life will improve, especially for those who want to build and or start-up a new business.

Eventually people (will) be

able to afford their own home. The most important thing is it’s cleaner.

I believe nuclear is the future and the way to go.

Email, Jul 3

Gaye Clark, North Gosford

Reasons not to vote for fewer councillors

Central Coast councillors are not paid enough to depend on their council renumeration so they have to have additional sources of income which impacts on the amount of actual time they can give to their council duties.

A councillor’s role is essentially a part-time role with an enormous impact upon personal and family life.

With a growing population, the Central Coast does not need a reduction in councillors

especially after such a lengthy time of being in administration and being the most complained about council in NSW while in administration.

The ratepayers of the Central Coast are paying for this referendum which has the potential to reduce access of ratepayers to a reduced number of councillors.

Put the money into filling the many potholes in our roads!

It is for these reasons that the ratepayers of the Central Coast (should) vote a resounding no to the referendum on Saturday, September 14.

If the referendum is successful (I believe that) the ratepayers of the Central Coast will be the most under-represented of councils in NSW.

Email, July 17

Allen Slater, Convenor Central Coast Activist Collective

Little hope for new council

I’m afraid the upcoming council elections give me little if any confidence things might change for the better as far as service delivery is concerned.

Ever since the Wyong and

Cops visit bearing gifts for families

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District made a heartfelt visit to Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle earlier this week, bearing gifts to show their support for families going through a tough time.

They arrived with more than $1,500 worth of essential items including long-lasting food supplies and personal care products, all carefully chosen to assist those staying at the facility.

Ronald McDonald House Newcastle provides a homeaway-from-home where families can find comfort and

solace while their child undergoes medical care. With more than 600 families seeking refuge at the Newcastle house each year, Ronald

McDonald House Charities

Northern NSW relies on the kindness of donors and the dedication of volunteers who tirelessly support its mission.

For Brisbane Water Police District, this act of giving was deeply personal.

One of their own colleagues has a son who requires ongoing medical attention, and they have experienced firsthand the invaluable support offered by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Brisbane Water District Inspector Ben Campbell spearheaded the donation drive.

“We understand the emotional strain on families dealing with illness, and our colleague’s experience inspired us to give back and support an organisation that makes such a difference,” Insp Campbell said.

Police pursuit after carjacking

A Halekulani man has been arrested and charged after an alleged carjacking and pursuit at The Entrance.

Police allege the incident began shortly before midnight on Saturday, July 27, when two men, aged 21 and 22, were with their van in a carpark on The Entrance Rd, The Entrance, when they were approached by a third man wearing a balaclava.

The man with his face covered allegedly assaulted the younger man and threatened his friend, before driving away in the van.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were alerted and initiated patrols, sighting the vehicle about 12.10am (Sunday, July 28), travelling along Evans Rd, Norah Head.

After the driver allegedly ignored directions to stop a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit it will be alleged that speeds of 100km/h were reached in 50km/h zones.

The pursuit concluded when the vehicle stopped along Main

Rd, Toukley.

It will be further alleged that the driver exited the vehicle and threatened police before he was arrested.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where it was established his licence was suspended.

While in custody the 34-yearold man also allegedly threatened officers.

The Halekulani man has been charged with eight offences: robbery, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, stalk/intimidate intend

Gosford councils merged it has been one debacle after the other.

The merge in itself was an absolute failure in terms of cost reduction and service delivery.

Indeed we could say both have gone backwards.

The last elected administration almost sent us broke which resulted in astronomical increases in rates and taxes.

The books are now apparently okay but rates continue to increase.

Any fool can make the books look good if you simply pass on costs to consumers.

Will this change? Not likely.

I have watched closely the spruiking of various nominees for council, most of whom are politically aligned, and I see a wide range of promises that extend beyond the scope of local government responsibilities.

Prospective councillors would do us all a favour if they moved away from trying to out-do federal and state governments and focused on the fundamentals for which local government is intended.

I’m talking about the development and maintenance

of local infrastructure (roads, pathways, parks, sporting facilities, essential services), development planning and approvals, and support to local community and sporting organisations.

Forget housing, climate change and other trendy populist issues; that’s for others.

The new council has an opportunity to make its mark here; to improve services while reducing costs to ratepayers.

It needs to put the scythe through the organisation.

It needs to develop a strong, meaningful and achievable strategic plan which should be made public and include a drastic reduction in staff, property and equipment in favour of a small administration with maximum outsourcing of services.

Give the work to the experts and save dramatically on the cost of labour and materials.

My guess is this will be all too hard for most councillors who are more concerned about themselves than they are the community.

Prove me wrong, please!

Email, Jul 18

More charged over brawl

Another three people have been arrested over a brawl at a Bateau Bay shopping centre last month.

Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District were called to the shopping centre on Bay Village Rd at about 7pm on Thursday, July 11, following reports that a group of young people were allegedly brawling in the food court.

By the time police arrived the youths had dispersed and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Two men aged 18 and 20 were charged with affray at Wyong Police Station on Monday, July 22, and both remain before the courts.

fear physical etc harm (personal), police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court.

There were no reports of any person being seriously injured.

Further search warrants were executed on Tuesday, July 23, at two Central Coast properties.

An 18-year-old man was arrested at Killarney Vale and charged with affray and armed with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on July 23 where he was granted strict conditional bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, August 14.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested at Wyong Police Station and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

At about 11am on Wednesday, July 24, a 17-year-old boy attended Wyong Police Station where he was placed under arrest and charged with several offences.

He was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, August 21.

Bucketty accident

At about 9am on Monday, July 30, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to Bucketty.

A patient had been injured in a motor vehicle accident at Bucketty.

The patient was treated by paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team on site.

They were then airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital.

Brisbane Water Police at Ronald McDonald House

Gosford Musical Society will bring the story of Aussie rock legend Johnny O’Keefe to life once again after 19 years.

Last produced by the organisation in 2006, Shout!

The Legend of the Wild One follows the Australian singer through his journey in the music industry, setting the groundwork for rock bands to come while touching on the struggles of mental health and drugs in the 1950s.

The latest production opens at the Laycock St Community Theatre on August 2.

Step into the fabulous 50s, swinging 60s, and rocking 70s to experience the passion, power and pulsating energy of the man who shook the Australian music world like no other.

From O’Keefe’s groundbreaking hit Shout! to She’s My Baby, audiences will be immersed in the unforgettable sounds that defined a generation.

Follow Australia’s “real wild child” from humble beginnings to international acclaim and feel the beat, the heat and magic of rock’n’roll in its

purest form.

The show has a powerhouse cast, explosive choreography and a soundtrack that’ll have audiences dancing in the aisles.

This production sees the return of few familiar faces, with Adam Montgomery reprising his role as Lee Gordon.

Chris King has also made a comeback.

After directing the show in its last inception, this time he is on stage as JO’K’s father.

Leigh Collins takes the director’s reins for the first time in 20 years.

Shout! hits Laycock Street stage

“It’s a thrill to be returning after almost 20 years since last directing for GMS,” Collins said.

“It’s exciting to be working with a young and vibrant cast, many of whom had not heard of JO’K, decades after his passing in 1978.

“It’s also a blast to be working on a story which carries music and a main character central to growing up in Sydney during the 50s, 60s and 70s – the time and location of my own childhood.

Mark Williams is musical director for the production, with choreography by Nicole Seggie

and Jess Williams.

Shout! welcomes a cast of 34, two of them debuting in lead roles at Gosford.

Cody Swansbra, playing the icon himself, hopes to bring out the excitement and joy of Johnny O’Keefe to the stage.

“This role brings out a lot of emotions from his highs and lows in his career,” he said.

“I’m enjoying the challenges of showing all of this through acting.”

O’Keefe’s love interest, Marianne is played by Rachel Diver in her first lead role since moving from Ireland.

“I am loving playing a real life character and the era in which it’s set is the music I grew up to,” she said.

“My parents had an old record player, which I still have, and one of the records I played constantly as a child was Rock Around the Clock.”

Shout! The Legend of the Wild One hits the Laycock Street Theatre stage for 10 shows from August 2-17.

Tickets are on sale at the theatre or online by searching “Shout” at coastboxoffice.com

A scene from Shout!

Dr Gordon Reid and Labor are delivering

Relive Roy Orbison magic at The Art House

Relive the magic of music that defined a generation when Mark Shelley brings The Roy Orbison Story to The Art House on August 18.

Shelley not only has the vocal range and tone to honour Orbison’s songs; he also has the sensitivity and artistic ability to portray the man himself.

His seven-piece live band comprises musicians whose credits read like a ‘who’s who’ of well-known stars.

“I am both a massive fan and an admirer of Roy’s immense talent, singing and songwriting ability,” Shelley said.

“There has been no-one like him before or since.

“It is an absolute privilege to perform his songs, share stories and take the audience on a wonderful journey.

“His music is timeless.”

From his initial success in the 1960s to the resurgence of his career in the 80s, Roy Orbison’s voice remained remarkable,

communicating an emotional intensity not experienced in popular music before or since.

His songs conveyed vulnerability, love, loss and fun.

His performance was simple and powerful.

Enjoy such classic hits as Only the Lonely, Running Scared, Sweet Dream Baby, Candy Man, Blue Bayou, In Dreams, Anything You Want, Crying, Workin’ for the Man, Penny Arcade, and Pretty Woman.

Orbison’s life was littered with personal tragedy and career highs and lows.

His resurgence in popularity in the late 1980s through to his legendary Black & White Night Concert, his solo album Mystery Girl and the formation of the Traveling Wilburys was a fitting final chapter for such a creative genius.

The Roy Orbison Story will play at 2pm on Sunday, August 18, at The Art House, Wyong. Tickets can be booked on the theatre website or at the venue.

Fascinating talk on tracing family history

Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) CEO Ruth Graham will be special guest at a meeting of the Central Coast Family History Society at East Gosford on August 3.

Enthusiasts formed SAG in Sydney in 1932 and it is now a community of amateur and professional genealogists.

Learn how SAG can help your research as Graham delves

Guitarists to play soundtrack live

Acclaimed guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan have expanded their creative output by crafting and recording the soundtrack to the awardwinning movie A Boy Called Sailboat.

The heart-warming movie filmed in New Mexico was written and developed by Melbourne-based creative team Cameron Nugent and Andrew Curry.

It will be screened at Avoca Beach Theatre on August 9, with the guitarists playing the soundtrack live.

Sailboat brings love and hope to a family who have forged a simple but proud life in the drought-stricken Deep South.

One afternoon he brings home a little guitar and when his ill grandmother asks him to write a song for her, he delivers the greatest song ever written.

The Latin-themed soundtrack is a key element to the movie and provided an opportunity for audiences to hear the Grigoryan brothers like never before.

The movie screens at 7.30pm on Friday, August 9, at Avoca Beach Theatre and will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s writer/director/editor Cameron Nugent.

Book tickets by searching “sailboat” at humanitix.com

into the society’s current activities and resources.

SAG now has a world-class library and manuscript collection, much of which is unique.

The library collection contains the society’s print and electronic items which cover both Australian and international material (especially England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland).

The diverse collection includes birth, death and marriage indexes; biographies; cemetery transcriptions; burial registers; local histories; parish registers; published family histories; shipping records and more.

Attendees will learn about the diverse range of tools and records available, including rare documents, photographs and digital databases.

Internet SAG searches give

clues of specific resources that can be accessed.

Graham will also highlight how the society supports its members through workshops, seminars and publications and thinking about future collaborative projects.

The meeting will take place at 1pm on Saturday, August 3, in the Lions Community Hall at East Gosford. All are welcome.

Mark Shelley as Roy Orbison

Slava and Leonard Grigoryan

Ruth Graham

Terrigal author launches debut thriller novel

Terrigal author Lisa Kenway will launch her debut thriller, All You Took From Me, at Erina on August 7.

Set between the Blue Mountains and a Sydney hospital, the book is brimming with great characters and nailbiting tension.

It tells the story of anaesthetist Clare Carpenter, who has just lost her husband and her memory in a single-vehicle accident.

She becomes convinced that an anaesthetic drug might help her access missing memories but there’s no way to be certain without jeopardising her career or her life.

Kenway, herself an anaesthetist, said the seeds of the novel were sown at a conference in 2017.

“My mind started wandering on how little we understand how drugs affect consciousness,” she said.

“We know how they work at a cellular level but the concept

The Coastal Twist Festival will return for its fourth year from October 1-6, transforming the Central Coast into a vibrant celebration of LGBTIQ arts and culture.

This year’s festival, themed Rise and Shine, promises six days of exhilarating entertainment and enriching experiences.

Tickets are now available for purchase, and all events are officially live.

Embracing the phoenix’s symbolism of resilience and renewal, the Rise and Shine theme encourages attendees to tap into their full potential and share their unique sparks with the world.

The festival will take place across multiple hubs from Woy Woy to Umina Beach, featuring a diverse array of free and ticketed events suitable for all ages and abilities.

of connected consciousness was discussed at the conference.

“Essentially a certain percentage of patients under general anaesthetic can follow commands and afterwards have no recall.

“I found that extremely interesting as it suggested different planes of consciousness under anaesthesia, and as a writer that opened up possibilities to me.

“I decided to write a story to explore these ides in the guise of a fast-paced thriller.”

This will be the first published novel for Kenway, who began writing 10 years ago.

“Like many writers I have a novel in a drawer which was never published but taught me

a lot,” she said.

These days, Kenway works as an anaesthetist three days a week and writes on the remaining weekdays and sometimes on weekends.

“Juggling the two is working well for me but as I approach retirement I see myself devoting more time to writing,” she said.

“When I’m writing a first draft I try to put down 500 words a day.

“It’s not a big target but it keeps me going.”

All You Took From Me was two years in the writing and by early 2000 Kenway was ready to look for a publisher.

But as COVID-19 hit, she found it wasn’t the best time to try to sell a dark thriller with a hospital setting.

“I had lots of rejections and some feedback from agents and in early 2023 I received an offer from Transit Lounge publishers,” she said.

Kenway chose the Blue Mountains as the setting for much of her novel.

“It’s a very special place for me – I spend a lot of time there – but I feel sometimes there is a sense of menace when out alone in the bush,” she said.

“That lent itself to a thriller setting.

“I think the setting is really important – it’s almost a character in itself.”

An earlier version of All You Took From Me was listed for the 2020 Richell Prize and was runner-up in the 2022 CYA conference competition (stories for adults).

Coastal Twist set for October

Festival highlights will include captivating cabaret shows, live music performances, film screenings, vibrant dance parties, engaging activities for youth and seniors and thoughtprovoking art exhibitions.

The centrepiece event – the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on

Author: Ann Patchett

When I started reading Tom Lake, I found the similarity to Thorton Wilder’s Our Town astonishing.

Kenway was awarded a Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre fellowship for 2023 and was highly commended in the 2022 Writing NSW Varuna fellowships.

Her work has been published widely in journals and anthologies including Island Online, the Meanjin blog and Meniscus Literary Journal. She is now hard at work on a second novel – another thriller, this time set in a fictional coastal town.

Meanwhile, All You Took From Me will be launched by Lisa Kenway in-conversation with Anna Downes at Book Face Erina from 6pm-7.30pm Wednesday, August 7. RSVP to Book Face on 43655288 or email erina@ bookfacestores.com.au

October 6 – promises a daylong family friendly extravaganza featuring headlining performances, a Puparazzi Pooch Parade, youth activities and showcases from local businesses and organisations.

“The Rise and Shine theme

15 in our school production of Our Town, so I do retain some emotional attachment to the character – who is now Lara.

Set during the pandemic in the Summer of 2020, the major themes throughout the novel are motherhood, the complexities of young love, the lives we lead before having children, the paths our lives take and the enduring bonds of married love.

Phew; I think that about covers it.

perfectly encapsulates our community’s resilience and determination to thrive,” Festival Director Glitta Supernova said.

“It’s a celebration of our journey from adversity to empowerment, fostering a deeper connection and greater

There is something singularly bittersweet and evocative about young love.

As Lara recalls the past, her daughters examine their own lives and relationship with their mother and the sisters are forced to reconsider everything they thought they knew.

inclusion within our diverse community.”

The Coastal Twist Festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, becoming one of NSW’s largest regional LGBTIQ festivals.

Despite challenges faced by the festival industry, including

numerous cancellations in 2022/2023, the festival has made a remarkable impact, with increased local business involvement and significant external visitation.

This year’s festival will continue to champion inclusivity and diversity, welcoming everyone from all walks of life.

“It’s not just about entertainment; it’s a call to action to embrace differences and drive positive change,” Supernova said.

For those interested in contributing to a more inclusive Central Coast – whether as an artist, volunteer, or participant in events like the Pupparazzi Pooch Parade or Community Fair Day – there are many ways to get involved.

For more information, including event schedules and ticketing details, visit coastaltwist.org.au

I’m not sure.

My claim to theatrical fame was playing Emily at the age of

I was surprised at how much the book mirrors the famous coming-of-age play. Would I have continued reading it had it not been for this?

While picking cherries, in insolation, Lara’s three daughters beg their mother to tell them the story of Peter Duke, a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theatre company called Tom Lake.

In all her novels, Patchett combines compelling narrative artistry with piercing insights into family dynamics, resulting in a rich and luminous story, told with profound intelligence and emotional subtlety.

This is why she is one of the most revered and acclaimed literary talents working today. It will really enhance your reading experience to see where Patchett’s inspiration came from, so if you have not

seen Our Town, you can watch the PBS production at www. youtube.com/ watch?v=irIfcI8NYB4

There’s a couple of questions to ponder.

How does Lara’s retelling of her romance with the infamous

Peter Duke affect the children’s perception of their mother?

What aspects of motherhood does Patchett explore?

“There is no explaining the simple truth about life: you will forget much of it.” What are the implications of Lara’s statement? Do you agree or disagree with that statement?

How does the novel address the idea of regrets and the roads not taken in life?

How does the cherry orchard symbolise both continuity and change in the novel?

If you enjoyed this consider these New York Times bestsellers: Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney; and Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart.

Julie Chessman

Tom Lake

Terrigal author Lisa Kenway

The festival returns from October 1-6; The festival promises six days of exhilarating entertainment and enriching experiences

Photo: Lisa Haymes

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF Celebration of Satchmo

Celebrate Satchmo’s birthday on Sunday, August 4, when the Central Coast Jazz League presents Greg Englert’s Louis Armstrong Birthday Band in the Parkview Room at Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford, from 2pm-5pm.

From the music of the Hot Fives and Sevens of the 1920s through to Armstrong’s final recording of What A Wonderful World, this show should make for a great afternoon for both listening and dancing.

Band leader Greg Englert, an ardent Louis Armstrong fan, actually played one of Armstrong’s trumpets whilst touring in the USA.

He is ably supported by Col Pinner on reeds, Mitch Lowe on trombone, Fiona Lugg on bass, Carolyn Packer on piano and Graham Hilgendorf on drums.

The $10 entry fee includes a strip of raffle tickets.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Maltese thriller written by Umina author

Join Central Coast author Sean Richardson at Umina Library on August 1 at 10am to chat about his novel The Maltese Web.

Set on the stunning Mediterranean island of Malta, the thriller follows financial investigator Marica Debono in her quest for personal redemption while trying to unravel a web of corruption.

Racing against time to stop Russian criminals from exploiting her homeland, she must unravel the web to stop them.

Balancing personal and professional responsibilities, she must walk a tightrope to restore her professional integrity, save those closest to her, and uncover the truth about her father’s involvement.

The novel calls on some of Richardson’s own life experiences with a career in banking and finance and he and his family spending a year living in Malta.

It was during the year in Malta with his wife and children that he wrote the first draft of his novel.

Ten years later and the book has hit the shelves.

“My wife has Maltese heritage and we decided to have a family gap year in Malta where we could immerse ourselves in the culture and really appreciate the country,” he said.

He moved from Sydney to Umina Beach four years ago where he continued working on the novel with the help of professional editors from the Australian Writer’s Centre before having it independently published.

Sonic Sundays return to Fun Haus Factory

Lolo Lovina: A Free Music Extravaganza

Sonic Sundays Returns to the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford on August 4 with Lolo Lovina: A Free Music Extravaganza.

Lolo Lovina, whose name translates to Red Beer, is a Marrickville-based ensemble led by Romani-Gypsy vocalist Sarah Bedák.

The group’s music beautifully blends native cultural elements with a fresh, boundary-pushing style.

The line-up includes a dynamic mix of Sydney’s finest musicians: Serbian Romani drummer

Nenad Radic; Ukrainian multiinstrumentalist Leon Beshlei; Bulgarian kaval (traditional wooden flute) player Ivaylo Karamenliev; Maltese Australian bassist Nathan Gatt; guitarists Dave Carr and Noa Kidd; and trumpeter Sam Golding.

Having performed at prestigious venues and festivals such as the Sydney Opera House, Havana World Music Festival, and SXSW Texas, Lolo Lovina brings a wealth of international experience..

The group’s album Rroma Sapien has earned accolades, including a four-star review from

London’s World Music magazine Songlines and a spot on the Transglobal World Music Charts. Sonic Sundays is a free, familyfriendly event designed for an afternoon of musical enjoyment. Attendees can relax on the deck with views of Kibble Park and savour offerings from Beau’s Burgers, including gourmet burgers and empanadas.

Happy hour starts at 1pm, featuring a range of cocktails and mocktails.

Sean Richardson with his novel The Maltese Web

ACROSS

1. Animal fur

4. Flipped between applications

8. Mountain goat

11. 90 degrees, right ...

13. Pull strenuously

15. Travel plan

17. Target

18. Fourth Greek letter

20. Material scrap

21. Respite from combat (1,3,1)

24. Bundled (hay)

27. Was sited

28. Hand digit

30. Snake, death ...

31. Grip

33. Old Testament book

34. Actress, ... McAdams

35. Soviet states (1,1,1,1)

36. Italy’s former currency

39. Undid

42. Leased out

44. Weeders

45. Rationale

46. Stupid

48. Owl’s cries

49. Irish author, ... Binchy

50. Poses (question)

52. Renovate

54. Slouch (on sofa)

55. Oxen harnesses

56. Beauty parlours

57. Soft drink

60. Recedes

62. Attired

65. Ready at short notice (2,4)

67. On top of

69. Cabaret show

70. Faithful

72. CD brand (1,1,1)

73. Shorted

75. Long curl

77. Louse egg

79. Converses

81. Ultra-high frequency (1,1,1)

82. Enthusiastic

84. Brightened (3,2)

85. Bulky

86. Chick’s home

87. Warrant

88. Too

DOWN

1. Smooth engine sound

2. Chuckle

3. Explosive substance (1,1,1)

4. Youth

5. Sentries

6. Walk heavily

7. Indian pulse dish

8. I have (1’2)

9. Ringing instruments

10. Bone image (1-3)

12. Bacteria

14. Befuddle

16. Sacred vows

19. Pig-like mammal

MISSING LINK

22. Cheapens

23. Maiden (poetic)

25. Saudi language

26. Resounded

29. Displaces

32. Everything

35. Street waifs

37. US military intelligence

38. Makes rope descent

40. Annoying

41. Tranquillises

42. Conceals

43. Actor, Matt ...

44. Stockpile

47. Incorrectly

51. Sharper (taste)

52. Respect

53. Movie studios, ... Bros

54. Inhabitants

58. America’s First Lady, Michelle ...

59. Gone by

61. Contradict

63. Cease! (nautical)

64. Subtract

65. Costume

66. Runner-up

68. Invoices

71. Cherub

72. Famous English college

74. Headland

76. Model, ... Macpherson

78. Three-piece combo

80. Equipment

83. Farmhouse cooker

Woy Woy Little Theatre is set to present a tale of betrayal and coercive control with an intriguing mystery at its heart when The Girl on the Train opens at Peninsula Theatre on August 2.

Based on the popular 2015 debut novel by British author Paula Hawkins and the Dreamworks film, the play hurtles straight into action with Rachel waking up in her dingy kitchen surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol, still in her drab clothes from the previous day.

She has a gash on her head but is unable to recall how it happened, like many recent events in her tangled life.

Director Christine Vale, who is also president of the group, said when selecting what to produce each year, careful consideration is given to the mix of plays, comedies and dramas, well-known classics and contemporary scripts.

“So, we were delighted when a script for a stage play of the international best-selling book and film of The Girl on the Train was made available,” she said.

The Girrakool Blues Festival is set to return to The Entrance in 2025 bigger, better and brighter with high hopes that more than 10,000 people will flock to Memorial Park over the weekend of April 28-March 2.

Festival director Bruce Johnson said the event had already raised interest from thousands of people both local and nationally.

The three-day festival will be free thanks to being announced as one of the 66 recipients of the NSW Government’s 2024/25 Regional Event Fund. It has also attracted funding from Destination NSW because 60 per cent of attendees are from out of area.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the funding would the help event organisers bring their vision to life and make a valuable contribution to

The Girl on the Train opens at Woy Woy

“It gave Woy Woy Little Theatre the exciting opportunity to bring to our audiences this modern classic through live theatre on the intimate stage at the Peninsula Theatre.

“This psychological thriller follows ‘the girl’, Rachel Watson, who watches people she sees from the train as she travels every day.

“She envies those she sees from the train and longs for the life she had before she divorced and spiralled into an alcoholic haze.

“When one of the people she watches every day goes missing, Rachel struggles to recall what happened but believes she knows something that can help solve the mystery.

“So a thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues as Rachel weaves her way through the lives of those around her and the missing woman”

Vale said bringing the production to the stage had been a real challenge for the actors.

“The pivotal role of Rachel has been embraced by Teanau Murphy, who navigates Rachel’s evolution with

vulnerability and passion,” she said.

“The couple Rachel envies as she watches them from the train, Scott and Megan Hipwell, are portrayed by Scott Larimore and Kassandra Brown, who gradually reveal that the façade of a perfect life is not all it seems.

“As Kamal Abdik, Megan’s therapist, Terry Matthews

brings a special calmness and sensitivity to his role.

“Continuing to support Rachel is her ex-husband, Tom Watson, played with tolerance and sympathy by Martin Pemberton.

“Often feeling threatened by Rachel’s erratic behaviour is Anna Watson, Tom’s new wife, played with defiance and defensiveness by Lucia Mandile.

“And, investigating all the leads in the mystery is Detective Gaskill, played with both empathy and decisiveness by Greg Buist.”

Vale said the production team had spent hours and hours preparing for the production.

“There are hundreds of sound and lighting cues handled with great aplomb by WWLT’s resident tech guru, Lloyd

Girrakool Blues Festival set for huge return

the local visitor economy.

“I’m thrilled that the Girrakool Blues has received this funding from the NSW Government,” Mehan said.

“This will help them deliver an event that The Entrance can be proud of and attract visitors to fill our hotels, restaurants and visitor attractions, which will play a key role in stimulating

the local visitor economy.

“The Entrance has some of the best visitor experiences in the country and events like the Girrakool Blues play an important role in showcasing the diversity of our region and driving visitation, which helps sustain local businesses and create more jobs.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism

John Graham said $1.3M from the Regional Event Fund would play an important role in supporting the events industry and building the state’s vibrant offering of cultural and sporting event experiences.

“We want to help these events reach the heights of the Deni Ute Muster or the Parkes Elvis Festival both now

Hardys Archie entries on show

The second annual Hardys Archie competition is underway at the Hardy’s Bay Club.

Hardys Archie is a competition in which local artists paint portraits of local living people. They can be from Hardys Bay, Wagstaffe, Bensville, MacMasters, Killcare or

Empire Bay. The idea originated from the weekly Wednesday art group

The Garage Girls, who paint together in a garage at Pretty Beach.

It started as a fun idea and progressed into a successful art exhibition.

All paintings are of local

identities and painted by local artists who remain anonymous during voting.

The exhibition will be open inside the club until August 5 with the winner to be announced on Saturday, August 24.

There are about 20 entrants this year and the club president says the art has improved since last year.

Last year’s winner was Heidi Montanari for her portrait of Keith Peaker, with second prize going to Peter Langmaid and third to Georgina Macken.

Hardys Bay Club is a small community club run mainly by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

It is pokies-free and familyand-dog-friendly.

Grounds,” she said.

“And for this production, Lloyd’s talent also extends to being the composer of the tune for the Magpie song, which is beautifully sung by his granddaughter, Ava.

“As stage manager, Patrice Horne always has a wonderful eye for detail and the smooth running of a production, and once again she has been a stalwart of the production team.

“I’ve also been wonderfully supported by the multi-talented Graham Vale as assistant director, music composer, image sourcer and program designer.

“Finally, to fit with the contemporary nature of this play, set designer Steve Pembroke has reimagined the theme of ‘the train’ and used it to compare Rachel’s confusion about her life with the order and straight lines of railway tracks in the lives of others.”

The Girl on the Train opens at Peninsula Theatre, Woy Woy, on Friday, August 2, with 10 performances over three weekends.

Book at woywoylt.com.au

Victoria and a lot from Newcastle,” he said.

“We have already started talking about the 2025 event and we’ve got thousands of people who have said they want to go.

“We will easily get to 10,000, maybe 12,000.”

About 22 artists –international, national and local – will grace the stage over the three days.

highlights of the NSW calendar,” he said.

“These events reflect the personalities of their communities and draw visitors from all over the country.”

Johnson said the 2023 festival attracted more than 7,000 visitors.

“We had people from Cairns,

“We are a not-for-profit organisation so that means more funding which means the event is free for everyone,” he said.

“But we are always on the lookout for more sponsors to make it bigger, better and brighter”.

Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can email info@girakoolblues.com.au

The psychological thriller will have audiences guessing

One of this year’s entries

The Girrakool Blues Festival is set to make a huge return to The Entrance next year

Business & Property

Have your say on Avoca Dr upgrade

Central Coast residents are invited to help shape the long-awaited Avoca Dr upgrade at Kincumber by having their say on proposed safety and efficiency improvements options.

The Federal Government is investing $100M towards the upgrade project, with the NSW Government committing $30M.

A current key feature of the overall design for comment includes providing two lanes in each direction on Avoca Dr between Boora Boora Rd and Joalah Rd.

A new roundabout is also

proposed at the intersection of Bungoona Rd and Kincumber St to further improve access.

Two options have been developed for the key intersection of Bungoona and Carrak Rds, including split traffic signals at the Willesee Cres intersection.

East of the town centre the proposal includes a new set of traffic signals at the intersection of Gunya Rd and Tilba St, combined with left in/left out restrictions at Davies St on each side of Avoca Dr. West of the town centre, the proposal includes a new set of traffic signals at the intersection

of Algona Ave, left in/left out restrictions at Island View Dr and Boora Boora Rd onto Avoca Dr.

To discuss the upgrade options with the community, Transport for NSW team members will host drop-in sessions at Kincumber Library on Tuesday, August 6, from 9.30am-11.30am and 4.30pm6.30pm.

More information on how to have your say can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ projects/current-projects/ avoca-drive-upgrade-atkincumber with submissions closing on Sunday, August 25.

Once the feedback period ends Transport for NSW will finalise the preferred design of the upgrades and progress required environmental assessments that are necessary to enable the priority first stage of construction to get underway.

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the upgrade would make a huge difference to locals and tourists.

“I made a commitment to the people of the Central Coast that I would secure funding to upgrade Avoca Dr through Kincumber and I welcome the next step for this project,” he said.

The Avoca Dr upgrade will have a huge impact on motorists; Map showing the suggested options

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at Avoca Dr

Mehan welcomes proposed changes to rental laws

Member for The Entrance

David Mehan has welcomed proposed changes to the state’s rental laws which will put an end to nogrounds evictions.

He said the changes would see one of the biggest reforms to the rental market in a decade and aimed to get the balance right between renters and homeowners.

Housing is the largest single cost of living issue facing the people of NSW with about 33 per cent of the population renting – an increase of 17.6 per cent since 2016.

The current rental market in NSW is the toughest that renters have seen for decades with historically low vacancy rates, median rent prices increasing by about seven per cent over the past 12 months, and a system that leaves them vulnerable to eviction at any time.

The situation on the Central Coast is dire.

“These new reforms have been a long time coming and aim to get the balance right in terms of rights and responsibilities, security to renters and certainty to the rental market,” Mehan said.

“Addressing our current

housing crisis is imperative and a fairer rental system in NSW ensures that we are continuing to move in that direction.”

The changes will bring NSW into line with other states including the ACT, South Australia and Victoria who have legislated their own model to end no-grounds evictions.

Under the existing law, the owner of a rental property can choose to end a residential periodic lease at any time for any reason or no reason at all.

This creates insecurity and financial pressure for renters whose lives can be upended at any time.

Under the proposed reforms, homeowners will now need a reason to end a tenancy for both periodic and fixed term leases.

These will include commonsense and reasonable reasons such as: the existing rules where the renter is at fault, because of a breach of lease, damage to the property, or non-payment of rent; where the property is being sold or

offered for sale with vacant possession; where significant repairs or renovations make inhabiting the property too difficult or it will be demolished (in which case it cannot be relisted for a period of at least four weeks); if the property will no longer be used as a rental home; where the owner or their family intend to move into the property; and if the renter is no longer eligible for an affordable housing program or if the property is purpose-built student accommodation and the renter is no longer a student.

If the homeowner wishes to end a lease, evidence must be provided with a termination notice, with penalties payable by homeowners providing nongenuine reasons.

For those on fixed term agreements of less than six months, the termination notice period to tenants will be increased from 30 days to 60 days.

For fixed term agreements of more than six months, the termination notice period will be increased from 60 days to 90 days.

There will be no change to notice periods for those on periodic agreements.

The package follows a comprehensive consultation process with more than 16,000 submissions and survey responses received from the general public and multiple sector-based roundtables.

The government will now begin stakeholder engagement on the reforms and will aim to introduce new legislation in the September sittings of Parliament to provide more security and stability for renters.

The new reforms are set to begin early next year, subject to the consultation.

BUSINESS BRIEF Childcare centre at East Gosford

Consent has been granted in the Land and Environment Court for a childcare centre opposite Gosford Fire Station and the adjacent carpark to the Elanora Hotel.

The court made the decision on July 16, after a series of conciliation conferences with applicant Access Strata Pty Ltd and Central Coast Council.

The two parties agreed that the location was acceptable. It will see the demolition of the existing structure, the amalgamation of two land parcels, removal of some trees and the construction of a single storey 85-place childcare centre with basement parking at 11-13 Brougham St, East Gosford.

The original DA was lodged on November 8 last year and in February this year the applicant commenced proceedings in court as a deemed refusal, meaning the Council had not made a decision within the appeal period.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Member for The Entrance David Mehan

Amended plans have been submitted for the Elanora Hotel redevelopment.

The amended plans were submitted to Central Coast Council for the redevelopment of the East Gosford hotel after feedback from the Regional Planning Panel.

“The plans have been amended to improve the external appearance of the lower terrace area, and to provide a more active frontage to Adelaide St, as requested,” an update on behalf of the applicant, Bonython Elanora Pty Ltd, says.

“The updated plans provide a more open presentation for the lower terrace area to Adelaide St

Elanora revamp plans amended

and internally within the site, including glazed folding doors and vertical sliding windows.

“A small balcony area facing Adelaide St is also proposed, with 2.2m glass screening.”

Updated social impact assessments and plans of management are in the pipeline.

The proposal involves demolition of the existing motel behind the pub and replacing it with a new three storey 60-room motel facing Brougham St.

The pub would be extended and refurbished, the bottle shop renewed and a new two-level parking area constructed.

Public feedback to the proposed redevelopment at 41

Victoria St, East Gosford, has ranged from excited approval to criticism that it is like an RSL club.

“This developer seems to prefer large, blokey venues where almost every room has multiple TV screens,” one submission says.

“Pubs do not need play areas and the proposed combination of a 60-room motel, large pub, multiple drinking areas, a bottle shop and family areas sounds more like an RSL-type of development, which is not really in keeping with the village atmosphere of East Gosford.”

Merilyn Vale

New fire station for Chittaway brigade

A new development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council to build a new fire station for the Chittaway Rural Fire Brigade.

This replaces the previously approved application in 2018 which lapsed in August 2023, and this new one is for a bigger fire shed – a Rural Fire Services

Category 3c facility at an estimated cost of $900,000.

It will cater for more volunteer staff and house three 10m fire fighting vehicles, provide onsite toilet and shower facilities, male and female change rooms, staff kitchenette and storage, rainwater storage, solar power and on-site septic tank management systems.

The new RFS Category 3c facility will be constructed behind the existing RFS shed, which will be demolished due to health concerns regarding asbestos.

The project will be developed in stages and also provide additional carparking, a training hydrant and hardstand area.

Imagine tailored care delivered to you, on your schedule, not rounds and routines. Imagine an apartment home filled with all your furniture and memories, not a hospital bed in a bare room. Imagine your own space to share with your partner, friends or a pet.

Glengara Care offers all of this, and more.

your home, with care.

How the Elanora Hotel will look after the revamp

A perspective of the new fire shed

Officeworks gets behind Backpack Venture

Officeworks Tuggerah has raised more than $3,000 for the Backpack Venture through this year’s Officeworks Make a Difference Appeal.

Throughout June, the appeal encouraged customers to donate at the checkout in-store or online with funds going directly to local community organisations chosen by store teams based on what felt most relevant to their local communities.

Officeworks Tuggerah chose to raise funds for The Backpack Venture, which provides students with a backpack and the essential supplies they need to attend school, helping them feel empowered, equal, confident, proud, excited and ready to learn.

Backpack Venture

spokesperson Colleen Mulholland said the money would make a difference to many, as well as raising awareness of support needed to help children and families in

rural areas.

“Our team sees Officeworks as a strong partner on many levels, from providing employment, to assisting communities with funds and

donations to help build better communities,” she said.

“For our charity to be chosen to be part of the Make a Difference Appeal, highlights that Officeworks has the care, passion, and knowledge to make a positive difference, not only in communities where their stores are located but also in rural areas.”

Officeworks Tuggerah Store Business Manager Alice Baric said staff were thrilled to see their passion for the cause mirrored in the community.

“Officeworks Tuggerah is honoured to support the Backpack Venture, helping to provide valuable resources and support to carry out their vital work,” she said.

“I would like to thank each and every customer who donated to this year’s appeal,

helping to make a positive difference in the lives of Australian children.”

In total, the Make a Difference Appeal nationally raised more than $830,000 to directly help 16 local community organisations whose work supports children to learn, create and connect for a more sustainable future.

Celebrating its seventh year, the Make a Difference Appeal forms part of Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive Plan commitment of raising $5M for local causes between 2020 and 2025.

Almost $6M has been raised through the annual Make a Difference Appeal since it launched in 2018.

To find out more, visit www. officeworks.com.au/ makeadifference

Comments on childcare centre set to close

A public notification period to comment on a 93-place childcare centre at 9 Goonak Pde, Narara, closes on August 2.

The proposal was first submitted to Central Coast Council in May last year but now includes plans of management, traffic and parking impact assessments and revised landscaping plans.

The application says the facility will employ a maximum of 16 staff members with the operating hours proposed to be 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday

(excluding public holidays).

Parking would include 15 spaces for staff including 10 within a stacked parking arrangement and 15 parent spaces including an accessible carparking space.

“Within close proximity to Narara railway station, the subject site is within walking distance to a place of public worship (Wyoming Community of Christ), Goonak Parade Playground with a local neighbourhood shop (Ezy Deanz Minimart) situated on the other side of the train lines,” the application says.

Family Home with Endless Opportunities

This family home boasts multiple living areas, providing plenty of space for relaxation, entertainment, and family gatherings. With five good sized bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s ample room for everyone. While the property is in need of some updates, it offers a great foundation to transform into your dream home, allowing you to add your personal touch and modernise as you see fit.

Five-bedroom, three-bathroom house with multiple living areas

• 1565 sqm (approx) block with an oversized lock-up carport

Swimming pool and large backyard with endless possibilities

• Located near local schools, arterial roads, and public transport

AUCTION 3rd August 2024 Onsite at 3pm

“The development site is also within close proximity to an industrial precinct with local bus stops situated along the Pacific Highway with services

between Gosford and Ourimbah (Route 37) within a 450m walking radius from the site.”

The applicant, Goonak Pty Ltd, said the development

would play a positive and valuable role in increasing childcare places within Narara.

One public comment noted the additional traffic to the area that would result from the centre, saying it would have a negative impact on the flow of the surrounding traffic and further exacerbate current safety issues for both motorists and pedestrians.

It said the Traffic & Parking Impact Assessment report indicated the Goonak Pde/ Pacific Hwy intersection was unusual and was an unsafe arrangement.

Workshops for arts workers

Central Coast artists, arts workers and arts organisations can now upskill and connect at the Creating+Labs series of professional development workshops being presented by Central Coast Council.

The series features workshops running through until October, covering a range of topics relevant to all creative disciplines.

A workshop on Funding Fundamentals with Creative Business Plus will take place from 10am-noon on August 8 at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

It will help you build the skills you need to get funding, manage funding and maintain it.

Culture Segments with Morris Hargreaves McIntyre from 10.30am-noon on September 4 at The Art House will help you rethink your understanding of audiences

and how to engage them.

The Power of an Arts Alliance with the Hunter Creative Alliance from 10.30am-noon on September 20 at Musicians Making a Difference in Mann St, Gosford, will explore what it takes to build a local arts alliance.

Creative Industry Wellbeing with Hey Mate from 6pm7.30pm on October 3 at Gosford Regional Gallery will talk about being a creative.

Making a Safe Work Environment in the Arts with

BUSINESS BRIEF Agreement on pub renovations

Woy Woy Hotel (affectionately known as the Old Pub) has reached agreement with Central Coast Council in the Land and Environment Court on its forthcoming renovations.

Council refused the pub’s development application a year ago, citing insufficient information on many issues but also saying that the ”proposed development involves works that detract from the heritage significance of the pub”.

But since then the parties have reached agreement following a number of conciliation conferences and their agreement has been approved by the Court.

The proposal was amended and plans for flood management, heritage impact, acoustics, traffic and parking were developed.

The Court upheld the appeal on July 19 for the amended plans including internal alterations to the ground floor and installation of a beer garden and play area with a second frontage at Chambers Place, also known as Oval Ave.

An upstairs residential component was removed.

Hey Mate from 10am-noon on October 4 at Laycock Street Community Theatre will help you make sure your organisation is creating safe spaces for artists and art workers.

Youth Mental Health First Aid for Teaching Artists with Hey Mate on October 17-18 is an accredited two-day workshop for artists, teaching artists and arts providers who work with young people.

It will be held at Musicians

Making a Difference from 8am3pm on Thursday, October 17, and from 8am-4pm on Friday, October 18.

All workshops are free, but bookings are essential.

Artists, arts workers and arts organisations are encouraged to explore the Creating+Labs workshops and book their spots today.

Search ‘Creating+Labs’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for more information and registrations.

The existing building has a maximum height of 6.8m; and the proposed development does not result in any change.

The site is classified as a flood storage area and is subject to low flood hazards in the one per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event.

“The proposed development will be managed to ensure that in the event of a flood, all occupants will be capable of evacuating the site,” the judgement says.

The heritage-listed pub, built in 1896, includes a detached shed, drive-through takeaway liquor shop and an outdoor parking lot.

The applicant, Pmando Holdings Pty Ltd, is to pay Council’s $7,500 costs resulting from the amendment of the development application.

AUCTION: 34-36 Macdougall Crescent, Hamlyn Terrace

The proposed site

The workshops continue through until October

Large-scale battery powers ahead

Origin Energy has approved the second stage development of a largescale battery at Eraring Power Station, committing to invest about $450M, as the company continues to execute its strategy to accelerate renewable energy and storage in its portfolio.

The second stage of the Eraring battery will add a 240 MW / 1030 MWh four-hour duration grid-forming battery to the 460 MW / 1073 MWh two-hour duration first stage

battery development already under construction at the site and anticipated to come online at the end of the 2025 calendar year.

The combined energy storage of the stage one and stage two batteries will be more than two GWh, enabling Origin to help keep the grid stable and support more variable renewable energy coming into the system.

Origin has executed agreements for equipment supply and construction, with works on the second stage

scheduled to begin early next year.

Stage two is anticipated to come online in the first quarter of the 2027 calendar year.

Origin’s head of energy supply and operations Greg Jarvis said the latest investment reflected the company’s belief that storage would play an important role in the changing grid by helping to firm up variable supply from wind and solar.

“The second stage of the Eraring battery will be over four

hours’ duration and it will be capable of absorbing excess solar generation during the day to support reliable energy supply when needed, such as through the evening peak,” he said.

“Eraring is a strategic site with high quality connection infrastructure.

“Confirmation of the second stage of the Eraring battery development is a key next step as we look to transform the site for the future so it can continue to support the energy transition.”

Battery equipment for stage two of the Eraring project will be supplied by Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, with design and construction services to be provided by Enerven Energy Infrastructure (Enerven).

Origin has now committed to more than 1.5 GW of largescale batteries across its three owned projects at Eraring and Mortlake, along with tolling agreements for the offtake of the Supernode battery stage one and two.

Eraring is Australia’s largest

power station and supplies up to a quarter of electricity supply in NSW.

It is scheduled to close in August 2027, as part of an agreement with the NSW Government to support security of supply through the transition and while there remains uncertainty regarding the timing of transmission, renewables and firming infrastructure coming online.

Stand for your community

DACS

Services

under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP). You can also pay for DACS services privately.

Services offered include:

Domestic Assistance

Social Support

Allied Health

Flexible Respite

Home Maintenance

& More

This September, the NSW Government is calling on people from all backgrounds to stand for election to their local council. Your council does more than just look after roads, rates and rubbish. It plays a vital role in your community and councillors’ decisions affect your daily life. Councils need to be diverse to better represent your local community.

You, or someone you know, could help make life better in your community. No formal qualifications are required and training is available for elected councillors.

The large-scale battery at Eraring Power Station

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

DOWN IN THE GARDEN:

Growing From Seed

Spring is on its way and that means our garden centres will be awash with seas of seedlings.

These seedlings naturally are born from seeds, and you can be like the ‘big guys’ and start planting seeds too.

Why bother?

Well, there is a far greater variety of plants available in seed form and they are a lot cheaper than seedlings.

The down sides are that you need to be prepared for failure of germination of at least some of your seeds, you may lose some to transplant shock, and there is sometimes more work involved.

Overall, I personally love the fact that I can find heirloom, unusual and a more plentiful supply of plants when purchased in seed form.

This week I take a look at growing your own plants from seeds.

Buying Seeds

Standing in front of a display wall of seed packets can be rather overwhelming for the newbie gardener and overtempting for the more experienced.

Don’t gather those packs like you are creating a stash of pick and mix lollies.

Have a plan before you go and pretty much stick to it.

The reason is, that like any organic matter, seeds have a

use by date.

While it is true that they can survive beyond this, they will not usually germinate as readily.

Know what you are shopping for and be open to suggestion.

You will also need to know what is best planted for the time of the year for your area and while there is no problem with buying ahead, make sure the seeds will still be in date.

All this information is printed on the seed packet.

Seeds can also be purchased directly from seed saving companies and individuals and while the information may not be directly on their packaging, it will be in their catalogues/ online store listings.

Don’t be shy with reaching out to these people for help with your purchases.

GARDEN PLANNER

If you are planning to plant tomatoes this Spring then it’s time to prepare beds with lots of compost and chook manure pellets.

Water in well and cover with a light mulch. You can plant the following now: culinary herbs, artichoke suckers, asparagus crowns, beetroot, broad beans, cabbages, carrots, cress, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, rhubarb crowns, silverbeet, African marigold, delphinium, dianthus, English daisy, gloxinia, gypsophilia, mignonette, spider flower, statice.

the foundation and the care, the better the results.

Follow the directions given by the supplier of the seeds for the best chance of success.

MISSING LINK

The other great thing about smaller businesses, groups and individuals is that they are a treasure trove of heritage, new and unusual seeds so are very worth adding to your resource list.

Resources: theseedcollection.com.au, diggers.com.au, happyvalleyseeds.com.au

How to Plant Seeds

Sounds simple, poke a seed in the dirt, water it and up comes a plant.

While that is mostly true, like any endeavour in life, the better

You will find that some seeds do far better when planted directly into the earth while others can be started in seed

trays or containers a little earlier so that increased heat and protection from the elements can be given.

Another tip that for some seeds is a requirement is to soak your seeds in water for a few hours before planting.

Once you are ready to plant

seeds, make sure that the earth in your garden plot is well tilled and moist.

Potting mix must be suitable for seed raising and kept moist while seeds are germinating.

Light is crucial as is soil warmth and if need be, use heating pads.

Once germination occurs, feed with a liquid fertiliser once a fortnight and gradually move out into the final position in your garden.

How to Save and Store Seeds

Now here is how the magic happens!

You can collect and store your own seeds and then either grow them next season, sell, swap or share.

I wasn’t joking about magic either as you may end up with some interesting varieties when collecting seeds in the

average suburban garden. This is in fact how many great gardening discoveries have been made.

Seeds are the result of plant breeding that occurs during pollination.

If the pollen from the same plant or genetic equal occurs, then you will have seeds that will produce plants pretty true to their parents.

If however there are other plants around that vary in their characteristics, you may well end up with a whole new variety and although I did say this can be exciting, it can also be bitterly (pun intended) disappointing with sometime inedible produce.

To save seeds you need the fruit to fully ripen and then gather and allow seeds to dry completely before storing.

Seeds from fleshy and fibrous fruits and vegetables will need to be cleaned first and those from wet fruits, like tomatoes, will need to be soaked in water first for a few days.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place in an airtight container.

Make sure you label with name date of harvest and any notes on planting or interest.

Resources: ‘The Seed Savers Handbook’ Michel Fanton and Jude Fanton.

Visit our website (or scan the

Signarama Tuggerah is hitting significant sustainability milestones, catapulted by a groundbreaking sustainable signage project for the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) at the 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Paris.

Under the leadership of Director Melissa Marshall, Signarama Tuggerah – the Central Coast’s biggest signage and print manufacturing plant – has become a foundation for innovation and sustainability in the print industry.

The 12-month AOC project, injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy, involved inventing, designing and manufacturing world-first eco-friendly signage solutions for highprofile locations in France,

Signposting the way to sustainability

including five hotels, two shipping containers and seven sporting venues.

Organisers of Paris 2024 aim to halve the Games’ carbon footprint of previous years, implementing innovative solutions across energy, food, venues, transport and signage.

Integral to this effort is the circular economy strategy to reduce resources, make better use of resources and ensure resources have a second life.

Assisting wayfinding and communication, Olympic signage helps showcase Australia’s identity and cultural heritage, while ensuring athletes, officials and supporters feel a sense of unity.

Marshall said the scope of the work was complex and broad, substituting plastic with cardboard to create hundreds of bespoke applications including structures, furniture,

artwork, packaging and signage.

“Inventing indoor and outdoor signage using organic materials was challenging and required a rapid innovation process to conceptualise, design, prototype and test new methods,” she said.

“This effort required innovative thinking and collaboration with global leaders like Spandex, Avery Dennison and HP.

The company has also transitioned to using HP Latex printers, which employ waterbased inks that are odourless and free of hazardous air pollutants

Embracing sustainable materials, such as Spandex’s Evergreen signage and digital films, further reduces their carbon footprint, measured by cradle-to-gate life cycle assessments, Marshall said.

Signarama Tuggerah has become a significant voice in the Australian print industry, educating business leaders on the benefits of sustainable signage.

Signarama Tuggerah’s innovations met AOC’s standards and proved highquality sustainable signage is achievable.

“As a result, Signarama Tuggerah pioneered recyclable, reusable and repurposable signage materials and packaging produced with 22 per cent less carbon, based on certified carbon quotas.”

Specialist disability housing in Wyong

A three-storey residential building with 16 units for disability housing is being planned for 29 Byron St, Wyong.

The development proposal is for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) specialist disability accommodation to help address a shortfall of accommodation available for people with a disability in the

local area.

A Social Impact Assessment with the development application says it is a “suitable and appropriate location for NDIS/SDA given its close proximity to public transport, local shops and services such as medical centres”.

The 1,416sqm site is a corner lot with frontages to Byron St and Ethel Lane at the side.

This

•

Two separate buildings will comprise 15 one-bedroom units for residents plus a carer’s studio unit and roof-top communal open space above part of the building.

Internal lifts will take residents to the upper levels and the two buildings will be linked on levels one and two with a corridor along the Ethel Lane side.

The team’s efforts have influenced industry-wide adoption of better practices and prevented thousands of tonnes of waste from going to landfill — a significant achievement for the Central Coast small business.

Each of the upper floor units will have balconies facing either Byron St, Ethel Lane or the rear boundary.

Ground floor units will have adjoining terraces, private open spaces as well as a communal open area.

Car parking for 14 vehicles will be on ground level under the front building with access from Byron St.

The site is zoned medium density residential and the surrounding area is a mixture of residential and church and church-related uses.

It is only 400m from Wyong Railway Station and is subject to the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 which aims at increasing housing availability by developing areas around

FREE SEMINAR

transport hubs.

TOD allows a maximum building height of 21m (about six storeys) and a floor space ratio of 3:1,but this development proposal is only 13m and the floor space ratio is 0.8:1.

The development application (933/2024) is on public exhibition for submissions until Friday, August 23, on Central Coast Council’s website.

The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions.

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.

How the new units will look; The site on the corner of Byron St and Ethel Lane

Director Melissa Marshall at Signarama Tuggerah

DonateLife Week urges people to sign up as donors

With DonateLife Week starting on July 28, new data from the Australian Organ Donor Register has revealed that 54 per cent of people living in the Central Coast local government area are registered organ and tissue donors.

This will be Australia’s 13th annual DonateLife Week – July 28 to August 4 – and the theme this year is “be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life”.

Acting General Manager of the NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service Juliana Celcer said DonateLife Week was the perfect time to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor, as the newly released data revealed the need for more people across the state to register as donors.

Celcer said opportunities for organ transplants were missed because families were uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor and it was

important for Australians to not only register, but to tell their families they wanted to be a donor.

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our

donation rate,” she said.

“We encourage NSW residents to go online and pledge to give the gift of life to those in need.”

There are currently about 1,800 Australians on the organ

waitlist and 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure who need Australia’s help.

Sadly, more than 50 Australians died last year while on the organ transplant waitlist.

While four in five Australians

say they support donation, only 36 per cent are registered (41 per cent in NSW).

If an extra three million Australians registered, about 90-100 more people would receive a life-saving organ

Registrations open for Relay for Life

Registrations are now open for one of the most celebrated community movements in the fight against cancer – the Mingara Relay For Life.

The overnight event that will take place at Mingara Athletics Track from Saturday, October 12, to Sunday, October 13.

Organised by passionate

local volunteers, Mingara Relay For Life gives the Central Coast community a chance to join forces in support of everyone affected by cancer, have fun at a community festival, and raise vital funds for Cancer Council’s world-class research, prevention, advocacy and support services.

Jaynie Moloney from Cancer Council NSW said the event

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

brought the community together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and empower locals to raise money to fight back against cancer.

“Mingara Relay For Life is open to the entire community to enjoy live entertainment and activities,” she said.

“It’s about taking something serious that affects too many of

• Binding Financial Agreements

transplant every year.

The best way to do this is to register as a donor at donatelife. gov.au or with three taps in the Express Plus Medicare app. Then, tell your family you’ve registered.

In NSW last year 47,132 people registered as organ and tissue donors on the Australian Organ Donor Register, 142 people died and became organ donors, which was up by 16 per cent and 392 people received organ transplants, up by 22 per cent.

“Our dedicated organ donation teams across NSW work tirelessly to maximise every opportunity to save a life through transplant,” DonateLife NSW Co-State Medical Director Elena Cavazzoni said.

“But the reality is, there simply aren’t enough donors in NSW to match the waitlist.

“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone in NSW to please register as an organ and tissue donor.”

us and doing something about it in a fun way so we can work towards a cancer free future for all.

“This year we have so many fantastic activities planned that the whole family can enjoy from Kids Zone to Motiv8 Sports, Hip Hop Workshop, Relay’s Got Talent, live enertainment on stage all day, a candlelight vigil and so

WILLS & ESTATES

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

much more.”

Mingara Relay For Life welcomes locals of all ages.

Teams of friends, families and colleagues raise money in the lead-up to the big day, where team members take turns walking around a track to signify that cancer never rests.

This year’s local Ambassador Elle Sproll is a cancer survivor

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

with a story to tell and a passion to educate people to live their best lives through health and wellness.

She will run a Free Own Your Own Health Workshop at the event and will share her story with participants.

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

The overnight event will take place in October

Some teams choose to dress up

This year’s theme is be the reason someone gets a second chance

HEALTH BRIEF

App could save lives

Member for Robertson

Gordon Reid, himself a doctor, has praised a new program aimed at empowering members of the community to respond quickly when someone nearby goes into cardiac arrest.

Reid said more than 9,000 people experienced an out-ofhospital cardiac arrest in NSW every year.

Cardiac arrest is often unexpected, and for every minute a patient doesn’t get chest compressions – also called Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – their chances of survival fall by 7-10 per cent, he said.

NSW Ambulance has partnered with GoodSAM to provide the new app program.

Members of the community can register as a volunteer, download an app, and help save lives when someone nearby goes into cardiac arrest during the period before Ambulance NSW paramedics arrive.

“The GoodSAM App is integrated with the NSW Ambulance Triple Zero (000) dispatch system and connects volunteers to patients in the critical first minutes of a cardiac arrest until paramedics arrive,” Reid said.

“If you are willing and able to perform CPR, and are aged 18 or older, you can sign up to receive alerts when someone needs help.

“GoodSAM will also show you any publicly accessible defibrillators.”

“By registering as a GoodSAM volunteer, you can help save a life, while paramedics arrive.”

The GoodSAM App is available to download from Apple and the Google Play Store.

You will need to register as a volunteer before downloading the GoodSAM app.

For more information, visit: www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/ goodsam

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Thousands of school students from across the Central Coast are set to put their maths skills to the test in the annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition.

Starting on Monday, July 29, classrooms across the Central Coast transformed into vibrant maths hubs, buzzing with the excitement of Year 5 and 6 students eager to demonstrate their skills.

Among last year’s Central Coast region winners were Roy Feria Amador, Alex Shi, Daniel Yang and Reggy Wu from Gosford Public School and Yian He from Wyong Public School.

This year also heralds the arrival of a new director, Zak Nicholls, poised to bring fresh enthusiasm to the event.

“It’s an honour to take on the stewardship of this longstanding competition,” he said.

“As a kid, I participated in maths competitions myself, and it ignited my passion for the subject, even if I didn’t solve every problem perfectly back then.

He said careers in engineering and advanced technology fields were on the rise, and a strong foundation in mathematics was an excellent starting point for budding young minds.

“Most importantly, the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition is all about giving it a go – even if you don’t get all the questions right,” he said.

Maths whizzes get set to shine

“My favourite thing about being a maths tutor is witnessing that ‘light bulb’ moment when students grasp a concept.

“So for primary school kids, this competition is about learning, improving and hopefully having a few of those light bulb moments!”

With 45 minutes on the clock, students will tackle 35 challenging questions.

The problems, inspired by real-life scenarios like measuring ingredients for a recipe or balancing a household budget, ensure practical maths skills are in play.

In keeping with tradition, the competition remains steadfast

in its rules – no calculators and no rulers.

Chief Distribution Officer of Newcastle Permanent Paul Juergens said for many students across the Central Coast, the Mathematics Competition was a family tradition, with parents and even grandparents having taken part.

“Maths is integral to everyday life, from balancing a budget to time management,” he said.

“These are essential skills for kids to master, and this competition provides a fun and challenging way to hone those abilities.

“For over 40 years, this event has been a platform for young minds to excel and find joy in

Have a go at the PM’s

All young wordsmiths on the Central Coast are being encouraged to enter this year’s Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.

The free online competition is for Australian school students in Years 3 to 8 across all states and territories.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee was a fun competition that could help

mathematics.

“The problem-solving skills they develop here will serve them well in all areas of life –and we look forward to seeing the impact of this initiative continue for generations to come.”

The competition is one of Australia’s largest and longestrunning primary school mathematics contests.

Since it began in 1981, it has seen more than half a million participants, becoming a beloved tradition in NSW primary schools.

Newcastle Permanent presents a range of awards and prizes to winners and high performing students and schools across the state.

The 2024 competition will run from Monday, July 29, to Friday, August 2.

Try your hand at these example questions:

How much would Alice be paid for delivering 400 pamphlets if she is paid 6 cents per pamphlet? (Answer: $24).

Jasmin spent 3/5 of $30 –how much is left? (answer $12).

The marked price for a bike is $1,250 – what would it cost if a 20 per cent discount is given? (Answer: $1,000).

A paddock on a farm is a rectangle 1.2km long and 200m wide – what is the area of the paddock? (Answer: 24ha).

spelling bee

promote an appreciation of words and language in students, as well as develop broader confidence.

“It is a great way for schools and their students to develop a passion for prose, which helps improve literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking,” he said.

“I would love to see all our local schools across the Central Coast getting involved and demonstrating the talent of this

region’s students.”

Reid said schools on the Central Coast could register to take part in the free competition by Friday, August 23, by visiting: www.spelling-bee.com.au

The national champion in each age group will travel to Canberra to meet the Prime Minister, and also win an iPad, a HarperCollins book pack and a $1,000 voucher for their school.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with Education Minister Jason Clare

Last year’s highest achievers

Crusaders go down to Manly in semis

After a hard-fought journey to the playoffs, the Central Coast Crusaders women went down to the Manly Sea Eagles in the NBL1 East semi-finals on Sunday, July 28.

The third seed Sea Eagles were the favourites heading into this one having lost only four games in the regular season.

The matchup took place at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Stadium, giving the Sea Eagles yet another advantage as the match tipped off at 1pm.

The Sea Eagles came out of the gates blazing with all of their starting five nailing shots, pulling away early to win the quarter 22-16.

slipping out of reach heading into the fourth quarter.

The Sea Eagles had everything going for them in this one including an amazing performance off the bench from Brooke Flowers who scored 21 points on an outstanding 83 per cent shooting.

The final score was 103-70 with the Sea Eagles taking the win for the home fans and moving on to the Preliminary Final.

Men’s game going down to the wire.

The Youth Women took the win 56-49 on a strong allround performance from the team with multiple players in double digit points.

The Youth Men had a close one on their hands as Jamal Shoaib hit the game with only a few seconds left on the clock to give the Crusaders a 78-77 win.

SPORTS BRIEF

New scoreboard

The extensively used electronic scoreboard in the sports hall of Peninsula Leisure Centre in Woy Woy is getting a $9,820 upgrade, thanks to Community Building Partnership Program funding from the NSW Government.

Both Youth teams are in prime position for the playoffs as the season comes to a close heading into Round 19.

The Crusaders’ Darneka Rowe did everything in her power to drop the deficit but the Sea Eagles proved too strong on their home court.

NBL1 East Womens Match

The backcourt trio of Zoey Miller and the Delaney sisters led the charge in the second quarter as the Crusaders struggled to keep up despite Kristina Moore’s valiant efforts.

between Central Coast Crusaders and Manly Waringah Sea Eagles on the 28th of July 2024, at Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, Warriewood, NSW.

Shooting woes plagued the Crusaders and the game was

The Crusaders’ valiant effort this season should be celebrated considering their finish on the ladder last season and just how far they’ve come.

Meanwhile, the Waratah Youth League Crusaders hosted the Bankstown Bruins at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium on Saturday, July 27.

Both Crusaders teams took home the win with the Youth

The Youth Women still sit in first place on the ladder and the Youth Men aren’t far behind tied for third place.

The Waratah Youth League Crusaders host the Inner West Bulls at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium on Saturday, August 3, with the women tipping off at 1pm and the men at 3pm.

Mariners bid farewell to Liberty A-League players

Tiarna Karambasis, Alexia Karrys-Stahl, Maya Lobo and Briana Woodall have all departed Central Coast Mariners at the conclusion of their contracts.

All four players will be remembered as part of the squad that helped the Mariners make their mark in the return season to the Liberty A-League, as head coach Emily Husband’s team finished fifth and reached the semi-finals.

A versatile footballer, Karambasis played 16 games for the Mariners, making her Liberty A-League debut in the midfield against Newcastle Jets at Industree Group Stadium before mostly being deployed as a centre back.

Karambasis scored one goal for the club, an important strike against Adelaide United at Industree Group Stadium.

Karrys-Stahl also made 16 appearances in yellow and navy, regularly coming off the bench for Husband in a variety of attacking roles.

She provided an assist to Annalise Rasmussen to seal Mariners’ 3-1 win over Perth Glory in March, a big victory that kickstarted a four-game winning streak that helped solidify the team’s spot in the top six.

Midfielder Woodall joined partway through the season, making her debut against Western Sydney Wanderers before featuring once more

Copa tennis club powers ahead

against Melbourne City.

Young defender Maya Lobo also made two appearances for the club, featuring in both memorable victories against Wellington Phoenix.

Husband expressed her gratitude for the efforts of all departing players, wishing them the best for the future.

“I’d like to thank all the departing players for their effort and commitment during the 2023/24 season,” she said.

“They all played a valuable part in what was a successful season for the Central Coast Mariners.

“On behalf of everybody at the club, I wish them all the best in the future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the hall got such a good workout every day from a variety of sportspeople –basketballers, runners, gym enthusiasts, pickleballers, volleyballers and numerous others.

“There’s little doubt that the electronic scoreboard is in need of a bit of a breather and a refresh,” she said.

“The upgrade of the electronic scoreboard will have a positive recreational outcome for users of the sports hall.”

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said the upgrade would add another level of professionalism to games played in the hall.

“Team sports are a huge part of the Central Coast community, and Council is committed to ensuring that the facilities being used for matches are the best they can be,” he said.

Fencing upgrade

Charmhaven Tennis Centre has received $50,000 through the NSW Government Community Building Partnership program to remove and replace fencing around court three and four.

On the final Sunday of Wimbledon, Copacabana Tennis Club held its (now traditional) Christmas in July Wimbledon Tennis Party from 10am-2pm under the sunny skies.

Members and tennis enthusiasts were treated to fun tennis games followed by a banquet meal and drinks and a surprise visit from Copa’s own Santa Claus (aka Navy veteran Roque Hammal) to ensure all attendees are on Santa’s “nice” list.

This was one of many regular social tennis events held since the change of the guard in the club management at last year’s AGM in September.

Lead by new club president, local GP Dr Risto Cvetkovic, the club has opened its tennis

court gates for new members.

Saturday morning social tennis open day from 10amnoon has continued to be popular since its introduction in November 2023.

Tennis balls (and racquets) are provided and it’s free for members and only $5 for nonmembers.

In March 2024, the club introduced a competitive play for Division 1 players (both men and women) on Monday evenings from 7-9pm and on Wednesday afternoons from 3-5pm.

The fee is $5 per person for daytime and $8 each for night sessions and includes new tennis balls.

Non-members are welcome.

March also saw the introduction of a new tennis

coach at Copacabana Tennis Club.

Mikie Boddy is available Tuesdays to Sundays for private and group tennis lessons.

He offers racquet restringing and a range of popular brands of tennis racquets and selected tennis gear.

You can him on 0422 722 150.

Long-time coach Mark Presdee (0403 499 308) is also available for coaching on Monday afternoons.

The club also offers tennis towels and caps with embroidered club logo (available for pre-purchase order at $25 each).

“Tennis is such a beautiful sport, played at all ages,”

Cvetkovic said.

“It engages the entire body and mind and thus is excellent for health and recreation.

“It also has this social element with it and promotes court etiquette and fair play, striving for the best and fairest –something both children and adults can benefit from.”

If you are interested in becoming a club member, playing socially or competitively, or in tennis merchandise, pop along to the next social tennis open day or contact copatennis21@gmail.com

For court booking, news and social events visit the website: play.tennis.com.au/ copacabanatennisclub or the Copacabana Tennis Courts and Copacabana Tennis Club Facebook pages.

Manager Brett Bevan said the centre offered a range of services from tennis classes, coaching and lessons as well as tennis court hire for adults and children.

“The high-quality fencing helps safeguard the tennis courts from unauthorised access,” he said.

Member for Wyong David Harris said many members would benefit over 300 members.

Harris said not-for-profit groups in the Wyong electorate shared in $300,000 in Community Building Partnership funding helping the groups to build, refurbish or repair community infrastructure or to buy equipment or vehicles.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Tiarna Karambasis scored her first Liberty A-League goal during the Pink Round

Darneka Rowe with the floater over the defender

Members at the July Wimbledon party

Art installations honour sporting champions

Twenty-four Central Coast sporting legends have been honoured with their own art installations as part of a new Walk of Champions in Gosford.

The project is a joint venture between Central Coast Council and Sport Central Coast and was designed by students at Lisarow High School under the guidance of teacher Adam Walsh.

The art installations are an impressive two metres in height and show the sport stars in action.

The Central Coast Sporting Hall of Fame was established in 1998 by local resident Sheldon Kidd with the assistance of then Gosford Mayor Chris Holstein.

The Walk of Champions is an

extension of the Sporting Hall of Fame and can be found on the ground floor of the Baker Street Parking Station.

The Central Coast Sporting Hall of Fame recognises the historical significance of the region’s world-dominating athletes and honours their elite achievements.

One of the main objectives of the Hall of Fame is to inspire local youth and show them that it is possible to live on the Central Coast and also be able to achieve at the highest levels in their chosen sports.

The athletes inducted into the Central Coast Sporting Hall of Fame and honoured at the Walk of Champions are: Megan Anderson (netball); Murray Braund (surf life saving); Alison Broadbent (netball); Dale

Buggins (motorcycle jumping); Ross Clarke-Jones (surfing); Alan Davidson (cricket); Billy Dunk (golf); Graham Eadie (rugby league); Mark Edmondson (tennis); David Fairleigh (rugby league); Nicole Hackett (triathlon); David Hall (tennis); John Hutchinson (football); Chris Lawrence (sailboarding); James Patterson (skiing); Peter Reynolds (swimming); Vicki Roycroft (equestrian); Wayne Roycroft (equestrian); Mark Sainsbury (surfing); Paul Singleton (athletics); Mark Skaife (motor racing); Liesl Tesch (basketball/ sailing); Guy Waters (boxing); and Troy Waters (boxing).

Further information can be found at sportcentralcoast.org. au/central-coast-sportinghall-of-fame/

Winning Mariners coaches sign on for three more years

The Central Coast Mariners have re-signed treblewinning coaches Mark Jackson and Danny Schofield on a new threeyear deal, keeping the duo on the Coast until 2027.

Joining the Mariners just weeks away from the start of the 23/24 League season, the pair inherited a team filled with fresh faces off the back of the 2023 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship.

What followed was the club’s most successful season in history and the most trophies won by a single Isuzu UTE A-League team in one campaign.

Jackson and Schofield led the club to a historic treble, starting with its first Premiers Plate since 2012, secured on the final day against Adelaide.

This was followed by the mariners’ first ever Asian continental title and just the second in Australian club football history.

In the 12 games Jackson and Schofield were in charge of in

the AFC Cup, not one loss was recorded, with the club scoring 37 goals while only conceding nine.

After over 100,000km of travel, it culminated in a 1-0 win against Al Ahed in the Final at Muscat.

The Mariners’ Grand Final win at Our Paradise completed the treble, as they ran away 3-1 winners over Melbourne Victory in front of over 21,000 fans.

In the pair’s 42 games in charge so far, they have lost

only six times, with a club record win percentage of 66 per cent.

Jackson also won a remarkable five Isuzu UTE A-League Coach of the Month awards, as well as being named the Isuzu UTE A-League Coach of the Year in his first season in Australia.

All of this success was accomplished while still sticking to the club’s philosophy of developing the next generation of players, winning

the treble with the second youngest average team in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Mariners Sporting Director Matt Simon said the club was excited by the contract.

“What the pair did last season in their first campaign in charge, not only with the success that they achieved on the pitch leading us to the treble, but also the culture that they brought, was incredible,” he said.

“Both their characters and

work ethic align perfectly to who we are as a club, and it is really exciting to have them continue with us to grow not only the first team but the Mariners as a whole.”

Head Coach Jackson said he was delighted to extend his contract alongside Danny Schofield.

“We had a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve when we arrived, we worked extremely hard with the rest of the staff to achieve that last season and we want to continue to build on that,” he said.

“We want to continue to develop the players and team

to be a club that everyone on the Coast can be proud of.

“We did that last season, giving the fans a lot to cheer about, and it is our job to do that again.”

Schofield is also pleased to be staying on the Coast for another three years.

“Last season was an incredible experience, and we are all extremely proud of what we achieved,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working with Jacko, the rest of the staff and most importantly the players to develop our football and to continue our successes.”

The Walk of Champions in Gosford

Mark Jackson and Danny Schofield

Rugby union heads into finals series

The 2024 Central Coast Rugby Union season is now heading into the final series to culminate in the grand final on August 24 at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford.

Round 14 on July 27 was the last of the rounds when Avoca Beach travelled to Woongarrah Oval to meet home team Warnervale in what proved a cliffhanger from start to finish, with Warnervale winning the match 13-8.

The win sees Warnervale leap into second spot on the competition ladder and they will meet Minor Premiers Terrigal in the major semi-final on August 10.

Avoca Beach opened the scoring with a penalty goal in the opening few minutes of the match, with the 3-0 score remaining in place until half-

time, with neither team able to cross for a try.

Warnervale took the lead in the first few minutes of the second half, crossing for a converted try to lead 7-3.

Avoca Beach responded with their own try but two penalty goals to Warnervale later in the half sealed the victory.

Best players for Warnervale were flanker Tevita Piukala, centre Sione Piukala and hooker Matt Willmott.

Avoca Beach had several good performances, but none were better than hooker Cooper Elliott, fullback Michael Houssenloge, centre Liam Jenkins and winger Tyler Park. It was a significant victory for Warnervale, who now get a week’s rest, while Avoca Beach will meet the Razorbacks on August 3 in the minor semifinal.

Terrigal hosted Gosford at The Haven Oval, with the home team securing a 70-24 victory.

Terrigal got away to a great start and opened the scoring with a converted try after 15 minutes.

This was followed by two quick tries, and suddenly Terrigal had jumped to a very handy 21-0 lead.

Gosford never backed off and maintained the effort but Terrigal went to the half-time break leading by 35-7.

Terrigal continued to attack in the second half and were able to post a further 35 points in the second stanza, with Gosford posting four tries.

Best players for Terrigal were hooker Ethan McInnes, who was playing his 100th Premier 1 match and who also scored two tries, No.8 Lachlan Sooialo and flanker Edward Bookalli.

Gosford was best served by No.8 Taylor Mildren, centre Will Sharpe, winger Max Farmer and halfback Ben Shelley.

Terrigal will have the week off and then meet Warnervale in the major semi-final on August 10.

For Gosford, it was an end to the 2024 season.

Terrigal also holds on to the Challenge Shield for this season.

Lake Macquarie cruised home with a 99-31 win over Woy Woy match at Woy Woy Oval with 19 tries scored in the match.

Lake Macquarie was always in control on the scoreboard and on the paddock, going to the half-time break leading by 54-12.

Best players for Lake Macquarie were centre Isaako

Enosa, flanker Jarod Scott and hooker Matt Bartley.

Woy Woy had several good performances but none were better than hooker Daniel King, who crossed for three tries, lock Tofua Fifita and centre Guy Blades.

Both teams see their season completed for 2024.

At the end of the final round, the Premier 1 point table sees Terrigal on 55, followed by Warnervale on 41, the Razorbacks on 38, Avoca Beach on 36, Lake Macquarie on 23, Gosford on 17 and Woy Woy on 1.

The CCRU Women’s 12s competition saw The Lakes and the Razorbacks draw 10all, which was enough for The Lakes to make the finals.

Wins were also secured by Lake Macquarie, who finish as Minor Premiers, and

Avoca Beach.

These two teams will meet in the major semi-final on August 10.

In the President’s Cup competition, the Razorbacks defeated The Bay on Friday night, and on Saturday, Avoca Beach, Terrigal, Kariong and The Lakes all recorded victories.

The minor semi-finals will be held on August 3 at Woy Woy Oval, kicking off at 11am with Warnervale playing Kariong in the President’s Cup.

At 12.25pm, the Women’s 12 minor semi-final sees Terrigal take on The Lakes, followed at 1.35pm by the Premier 2 minor semi between Avoca Beach and The Razorbacks.

The Premier 1 minor semifinal kicks off at 3.15pm –again between Avoca Beach and the Razorbacks.

Warnervale beat Avoca Beach 13-8

Photo: Gary Sinclair