Hopes for a rejuvenated Old Sydney Town have taken an upward turn after members from the community group Bring Back Old Sydney Town (BBOST) met with the site’s owners on August 22 to discuss future plans.
Spokesperson Jake Cassar said government agencies had been meeting with the owners to discuss moving forward with the revitalisation and reopening of the Somersby site, which was a popular tourist attraction for more than 25 years before it closed in 2003.
“We want to ensure that the community is consulted every step of
the way, and that certainly includes Traditional Custodians from the Guringai and Darkinoong people,” Cassar said.
He said the meeting with the site’s owners took place next to the large dam inside Old Sydney Town.
“It was amazing to spend some time in this iconic place and see all of the colonial-style buildings, most of which are still in decent condition,” he said.
The group had previously met with the owners in March 2022, raising strong concerns that only about a third of the original site would be retained in the proposal at that time.
Nurses and midwives outside Gosford Hospital on August 26
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Council Administrator Rik Hart’s departure marks a new chapter
After four tumultuous years, Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart is preparing to step down, leaving behind a legacy marked by both accomplishment and controversy.
Hart has played a key role in stabilising the Council, first as interim General Manager/CEO and later as Administrator.
EDITORIAL
some previously elected officials who were often less willing to engage with public questioning.
with community housing corporations.
Under his stewardship, the Council’s finances have been repaired after years of mismanagement.
However, this recovery came at a steep cost to residents.
left holding the bag for the poorly executed amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong Councils. What was once promised as a cost-saving measure for ratepayers instead led to spiralling fees and diminished local governance.
Material that is offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.
All contributions should be emailed to the above email address.
CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines.
Managing Editor: David Abrahams
Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins
Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale
Graphic Designer: Brad Yee
Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff
Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric
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Throughout this period, Coast Community News (CCN) has provided extensive and detailed coverage of every critical decision and development, making it the community’s go-to source for understanding this complex journey.
Hart has been mostly open to media scrutiny, a refreshing change from the attitude of
This transparency has allowed for more comprehensive reporting by local outlets like CCN, which has consistently documented both the triumphs and challenges of his tenure.
The extensive archives of CCN articles offer a thorough record of Hart’s actions and the impact they’ve had on the community.
Hart has introduced some innovative reforms in affordable housing by implementing land lease projects in partnership
Large increases in rates, fees and charges have been implemented, alongside controversial asset sales and reductions in infrastructure and services.
Many in the community feel these decisions have left a sour taste, as the financial burden fell squarely on their shoulders, resulting in poorer representation and fewer services.
It is also worth noting that Hart has, to some extent, been
The state governments of both major parties have effectively left Hart with the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess, turning him into something of a fall guy for their failures.
As the region prepares for new elections and the return of elected representation, it’s clear that Hart’s tenure, while stabilising, will leave a complex legacy.
David Abrahams, Managing Editor
Recreating an historic boat journey
Soldiers Beach Surf Club is preparing to embark on an IRB re-enactment of a 50-year-old odyssey from Sydney to Coolangatta.
The re-enactment will see two crews in Inflatable Rubber Boats (IRBs) journey from Sydney Harbour to Coolangatta just in time for the IRB World Championships.
“In 1974 some of our life members, including John Fallon and Cliff Spong, did the trip in 31 hours all the way to Queensland in an IRB to show the durability and reliability of the boats,” spokesperson Kate Keys said.
“It was such an amazing and enormous effort back in the 70s and it really changed the way people were rescued and the face of Surf Life Saving Australia.
“We are really excited to be recreating this trip 50 years later”.
The two boats will leave Sydney Harbour on September 2 under escort from the local authorities, then turn north and follow the coast all the way to Coolangatta.
“We have planned to make the journey in four days and will
be stopping for fuel and supplies at many of the local surf clubs all the way up the coast,” Keys said.
“We see it as a great way to promote inter-club relationships and we will hopefully be joined for part of
the way by these clubs as we travel up
“Trying to prepare for this massive journey has been a challenge.
Two IRBs will undertake the re-enactment
“Making sure the crews have all supplies and contingencies has taken hours and hours.
“We are lucky to have such a great experienced team, with all the crew fully qualified and experienced in all conditions.
“We will be following the crews closely with our support bus and will have radio contact at all times, but I’m glad I will be warm on the bus, and not out in some of those seas.
“We will be lucky enough to have an original crew member Graeme Lewis join us for part of the journey.”
The departure will be from Jeffery Street Wharf, Kirribilli, at 7am on September 2.
The 1974 crew
Meeting to oppose Kariong development packed out
More than 100 residents gathered on August 23 to oppose plans for bushland developments at Kariong proposed by Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC).
After receiving the news that DLALC had successfully claimed land next to the Scout Camp and Eco Gardens at Kariong, conservationists and Traditional Custodians from the Guringai and Darginoong people called a town hall meeting to discuss the implications of the land claims.
Traditional Bloodline Custodian Tracey Howie, from the Guringai People, said it was “standing room only” as community members came out in force to show their support for protecting the Kariong bushland.
If this current rezoning at Kariong sacred lands is approved, it could set an incredibly dangerous precedent where no vacant Crown land is safe,” she said.
“As a part of the local Aboriginal community, I’m very
much in support of Indigenous organisations being included as entities within the economic landscape when it comes to development and construction.
“There’s plenty of areas where sustainable development and new infrastructure is wanted and greatly needed.
“But not in areas that will erase our ancestors’ history by destroying engraving sites and devastating the native plants and animals that it is our duty as Custodians to care for and protect.”
Traditional Bloodline Custodian from the Darginoong People, Renee Sales said the original reason for establishing Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council was to support Traditional Custodians in caring for Country.
“My family was actually instrumental in helping to set up DLALC to ensure that happens,” she said.
“While that’s clearly not happening, to draw a positive out of the situation, it’s brought the community together, including the Guringai and
Darginoong who’ve been meeting in Kariong sacred lands for thousands of years.
“Our family were hopeful that the establishment of DLALC would provide an avenue for local Traditional Custodians to regain some of our traditional lands, and have it returned to our people after we were so cruelly dispossessed during the frontier wars of early settlement days.
“It is critically important to the very survival of our culture that we are allowed to continue our cultural responsibility and practices on the land and
preserve our sacred places.
“This connection is key in improving the mental health and wellbeing of our people.”
Spokesperson for Save Kariong Sacred Lands and Independent candidate for West Gosford ward in the upcoming Council election, Lisa Bellamy, said there was a great range of diversity in those attending the meeting.
“We need a much better system in place to ensure that our most ecologically and culturally sensitive areas are protected, while private developers, such as DLALC still
have access to developable land to help meet affordable housing targets and to reach their economic goals,” she said.
“Surely local government can team up with the state and federal government and find a resolution where DLALC won’t feel the need to attempt to develop extremely sensitive bushland areas.
“Since our community organised this gathering DLALC have come out with a public statement saying ‘DLALC currently has no plans to develop land adjoined to
Kariong Scout Camp and Kariong Eco Village for housing’.
“While we are somewhat relieved DLALC have expressed that they ‘currently’ have no plans to develop these areas that are full of cultural heritage and endangered flora and fauna, we will certainly be keeping an eye on their future plans.
“To date, no developer has ever been permitted to develop on C2 (conservation zoned) land due to its ecological and cultural sensitivity.
“All we are asking is that the government abides by the very environmental protection laws that they themselves implemented.”
(It will be) a decision from the State Government as to whether or not the rezoning of C2 land at Kariong is approved or rejected.
Opponents are urging the community to write to State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch to show their opposition to development next to the Scout Camp and Eco Gardens at Kariong.
Child protection workers walk off job over staffing crisis
Child protection caseworkers stopped work on Wednesday, August 14, to protest outside the Community Services Centre in Gosford over the staffing crisis they say is putting thousands of vulnerable kids at risk on the Central Coast and across NSW.
At present nine per cent of the child protection workforce is missing due to workers compensation claims according to the Public Service Association (PSA).
A further 10 per cent of the workforce positions are vacant and being advertised, while a significant number are also absent due to long-term leave (sick/extended/parental
leave) or secondment.
The PSA union says 45 per cent of child protection caseworkers leave employment within the first 24 months and the figure increases to 63 per cent in the case of Aboriginal caseworkers.
As a result of this acute staffing crisis, four out of five children identified as being “at risk of significant harm” are not being seen, says the PSA.
Child protection caseworkers walked off the job demanding: the urgent recruitment of another 500 caseworkers; an immediate and substantial pay rise for caseworkers to attract and retain talent and deprivatisation of foster care to “stop the rot”.
PSA Assistant NSW General
Secretary Troy Wright, who joined Central Coast caseworkers in their protest, said the problem was now unsustainable by any measure.
“Burnt out and undervalued child protection workers on the Central Coast are rushing for every exit,” Wright said.
“And the caseworkers left behind are simply not able to see 80 per cent of identified atrisk kids.
“This is a social disaster in NSW.
“What caseworkers are demanding is a sense of urgency from the NSW Government.
“How many of these at-risk kids being ignored are getting hurt right now?
“How much childhood trauma is mounting in this state because we’ve ignored this problem and allowed it to fester?
“Child protection workers have had to earn Degrees and they use their skills and knowledge to do one of the most important jobs we have.
“But the current system is just unsustainable.
“It’s broken and we need the government to recognise it for the emergency it is.
“Child protection workers on the Central Coast don’t stop work lightly.
“They know how important every minute of their work is, but they know they just can’t go on like this and something has to give,” Wright said.
Rally to protest shark nets
This Sunday, September 1, a rally will be held at The Entrance Memorial Park protesting the NSW Labor Government’s decision to reinstate shark nets on Central Coast beaches this Summer.
Protesters say despite overwhelming evidence that the nets do not effectively protect swimmers and are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent and endangered marine animals each year, the government has chosen to move forward with the “harmful practice”.
The decision to reinstate shark nets comes in the face of strong opposition from the community and significant support for a ban from the NSW Legislative Council.
Animal Justice Party (AJP) MP Emma Hurst put forward a Notice of Motion calling for a review of the shark net program, highlighting ethical and environmental concerns and advocating for more humane alternatives.
AJP candidate for The Entrance ward in the September 14 Central Coast Council election, Sarah Ryan, will speak
at the rally alongside veteran Central Coast marine activists, Cathy Gilmore of Marine Wildlife Rescue and Ronny Ling from Dolphin Rescue.
“Getting shark nets out of Central Coast beaches is one the many reasons I am standing as a candidate in the upcoming local elections,” Ryan said.
“We must make our voices heard and fight for a safer, more compassionate approach to beach safety on the Central Coast.
“Drones are now capable of not only spotting sharks in the water, but they can identify breeds.
“If we had drones at every patrolled beach, we could monitor our beaches and alert swimmers of any sharks in the area, allowing swimmers and surfers to exit the water.”
The rally will be held at 1pm with organisers hoping for a large number of people advocating for effective, humane alternatives to shark nets.
“Together, we can help protect our marine life and promote beaches that are safe for everyone,” Ryan said.
PSA Assistant NSW General Secretary Troy Wright, who joined Central Coast caseworkers in their protest
Sarah Ryan prepares for Sunday’s rally
Organisers of the Kariong meeting
High-speed rail plan for Central Coast line on track
A business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage of the much-anticipated High Speed Rail network is due to be delivered by the end of the year.
Nearly 30 boreholes being drilled in along the NSW eastern coast rail corridor will support critical geotechnical investigations required to determine the locations for the new rail line.
The geotechnical investigations are being undertaken by the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as part of the business case being developed for the first stage linking Sydney and Newcastle.
High-speed rail will connect Australian regions, cities and communities – delivering more job and lifestyle choices, greater housing options and
new economic opportunities.
Plans are for a high-speed rail network that will connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia.
The first stage will connect Newcastle to Sydney – a nationally significant corridor – to create a fast, reliable and regular link between the two largest cities in NSW.
Work has started on drilling 27 boreholes in key areas between Newcastle and Sydney to better understand geological conditions along the route.
The information from this work will help in: determining the proposed depths of new rail tunnels; assessing geological and geotechnical conditions to cross the
understanding the geological complexities of traversing the escarpment into the Central
new opportunities for regional
in
more locations and giving people greater choices in where they live, work, study and play.
“It is a nation-shaping investment to support a growing population, which will better link workers with opportunities while delivering a sustainable low emissions form of transport,” she said.
“High-speed rail will help shape Australia for decades to come.”
The Federal Government has committed $500M for the planning and corridor protection with a business case for the Newcastle to Sydney stage due to be delivered by the end of the year.
More information can be found at www.hsra.gov.au
Coast student bound for New York
Central Coast fashion student Phoenicia Mawad is set to depart in September for the Big Apple.
The National Fashion College student will attend New York Fashion Week and going behind the scenes of one of the biggest cultural events in the world.
Mawad, 19, said she had always enjoyed the rich history of fashion and the impact it has had on the world.
“(Things such as) the endless possibilities of a simple pair of denim jeans have always excited me,” she said.
“During my final years of high school I had noticed that I kept gravitating towards the thrilling
world of fashion from my small corner of the Central Coast.
“After discovering the National Fashion College, it didn’t take me long to realise that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion.
“The college has equipped me with a vast network of amazing people in the industry and as I continue my studies I am constantly meeting new people, learning and gaining new experience.
“Three weeks into my studies at NFC I was part of the biggest Australian fashion event of the year.
“Appointed Assistant Model Co-ordinator of my own area at Fashion Week I was straight
into the world of runways, models and so much hairspray.
“During my fourth week at NFC I landed my dream internship at Vogue Magazine.
“The hustle and bustle of the city is a drastically different atmosphere to the calmness of the Central Coast but I look forward to the commotion; for me, it’s exciting.
“I have also worked on other runways, castings and photo shoots.”
Mawad said she was most looking forward to seeing the industry on such a large scale.
“I’ve never been to New York so I am also really excited to see if it’s the same as it’s portrayed in movies and
shows,” she said.
“I know that this experience is invaluable.
“Since beginning my studies in May I have hit the ground running and going to New York is no exception.
“I look forward to meeting like-minded people and hopefully making some genuine connections in the industry that will last a lifetime.
“Seeing the city of New York turn into a fashion playground for a week is something that I know will open a whole new world for me … that will forever impact the way I view fashion and the endless possibilities for my future.”
Hopes for rejuvenated Old Sydney Town on the rise
From page 1
But Cassar said the owners were now proposing to restore 70-80 per cent of the original buildings and re-establish another tall ship in the dam.
“In the original plans, it was only a small portion of the site that was to be retained, and only 10 per cent of the buildings, so we’ll take that as a significant win for our community,” he said.
“We’ve been pushing for this for well over a decade now,” Cassar said.
“We are motivated not only by the thousands of local jobs it will create, boosting our local economy, but also by maintaining our cultural identity as a nation.
“I had many childhood memories come flooding back as we walked down the main street and past the courthouse
to meet with the owners.
“I really hope that others can experience that with their children and grandchildren in the very near future.”
Long-time campaigner and group member Sara Powter said she felt residents’ ideas, wants, and needs were finally being genuinely listened to.
But she agreed that the community needs to see the detailed plans before fully supporting the proposal.
“We stressed that keeping the era; any new building must look the part,” she said.
“For any non-themed developments, we suggested moving them a little further
away and out of eyesight from the inside of the Old Sydney Town venue.
“I was impressed that the main buildings were still structurally sound (well, the basic bases).
“The shingle and timber roofs have fallen in, but, as many were built in the 70s with a 12-
year life, they have done well.
“As to the future of the venue, we now have great hope.
“Yes it will be different, but we’re hoping that it will be bigger and better.
“I was delighted to see that the grounds had been maintained.”
The group urged the community to join its Facebook page Bring Back Old Sydney Town for future updates.
Cassar said Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris had informed him the site was going through the normal consultation process required under Gateway.
The purpose of the Gateway Determination is to ensure early in the process that there is sufficient strategic and sitespecific merit for the planning proposal to progress.
Nothing will go on display until there is agreement to move to the next stage.
Public consultation is a requirement under the rezoning process and will occur when a formal proposal is submitted.
Terry Collins
Phoenicia Mawad
Hawkesbury River; and
Coast and on to Newcastle. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister
Catherine King said high-speed rail would present
Australia, creating more jobs
A business case for the Sydney-Newcastle state is expected to be delivered this year
The buildings have largely fared well, despite some shingle roof collapses
The grounds have been well maintained
More than 100 public sector nurses and midwives at Gosford Hospital stopped work for an hour on Monday, August 26, as the state’s nurses ramp up their fight for a 15 per cent pay increase.
They were among NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members from 100 hospitals and health facilities statewide who walked off the job this week to demand respect from the government and call on the Treasurer to pay nurses and midwives what they deserve.
A stop work was also held at Wyong Hospital on Wednesday, August 28, and at Woy Woy on Thursday, August 29.
NSWNMA Wyong Hospital
Branch President Kelly Falconer said the stop works would allow members to vote on and discuss further actions to get the State Government to listen.
“The nurses and midwives
Nurses ramp up call for better pay
are exhausted and experiencing burn-out at an alarming rate,” she said.
“(They are suffering from) poor morale, injury and ongoing psychosocial hazards from continually working short staffed with increased demands of the job and higher acuity patients.”
Falconer said in the past three
weeks 625 nursing shifts at Gosford and Wyong hospitals were unfilled due to nurse shortages.
“A medical ward at Gosford has seen five senior staff resign in the past week due to recent pressures of short staffing,” she said.
“New graduates are being paid 17 per cent less than
Queensland nurses.
“Why would nurses want to stay in a job that is not valued by its government, underpaid, under-resourced?
“(These are) the very staff that were called the heroes and the backbone of health during COVID.
“Safe staffing is nowhere to be seen and is a long way off
on the Central Coast.
“Our nurses and midwives are demanding better – better for our patients and better for our profession.”
NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish said after more than 10 negotiation meetings with the government, there had been no progress on the union’s pay claim.
Training day for emergency responders
“The State Government needs to know we are serious and we are fed up,” she said.
“Wages for the state’s largest female workforce have been suppressed for more than a decade.
“Labor must fix this gender inequity and show that it respects our nurses and midwives and the work they do caring for our communities.
“NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in the country.
“If the State Government wants to rebuild the nursing and midwifery workforce and is serious about retaining its hardworking and dedicated staff, it must step up and pay nurses and midwives a wage that reflects their incredible contribution.
“It’s time Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey recognised the value and worth of nurses and midwives.”
Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) ran an emergency simulation day for medical students, NSW Rural Fire Service and VRA Rescue NSW on August 22.
Run in partnership with NSW Ambulance, the day aimed to further develop interagency collaboration and optimise responses to real life emergency situations.
Wyong Hospital Emergency Medicine Staff Specialist and NSW Ambulance Associate Director of Medical Services, Dr Hemal Patel, said teams from NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, VRA Rescue NSW and medical students from the Central Coast Clinical School (University of Newcastle) took part in a series of workshops and simulated emergency scenarios with CCLHD staff at
Charmhaven RFS.
“We created a number of realistic scenarios for teams to practise their response to emergency situations,” he said.
“This included a burning building, a pedestrian hit by a car and a person injured while using heavy machinery.
“We used actors and set up the simulations to make them look and feel as realistic as possible to give teams the opportunity to practise their skills from the pre-hospital care they provide right through to transferring the critically unwell patient to an emergency department (ED).
“It was all about supporting
the learning of new procedures and the development of critical thinking skills so we are better equipped in emergency situations.
“A shared training experience like this has a range of benefits – firstly, it allows us all to come together and share skills and knowledge.
Award for marine conservation group
Terrigal-based marine conservation group Friends of Kurrawyba has won a Blue World Valerie Taylor 2024 Ocean Prize.
Group spokesperson Izabela Sajdok said she and other members accepted the prize at a ceremony held as part of Science Week at Sydney’s Maritime Museum on August
16.
“The $1,500 prize money will help Friends of Kurrawyba to keep holding events and raising
awareness about the need to respect and protect our marine life,” she said.
Taylor, a renowned diver, photographer and trailblazing conservationist, has dedicated her life to protecting and inspiring support for ocean and marine life.
The aims of the annual Valerie Taylor Ocean Prizes include: to make a direct impact on ocean protection and restoration; and to create wonder, inform and activate communities to protect and care for our oceans and
particularly NSW marine ecosystems.
The prizes were assessed according to the focus and potential impact of the project, its feasibility and cost effectiveness and innovation and creativity of the project.
“It is uplifting for our group to know that Blue World had confidence in Friends of Kurrawyba to make a difference by engaging the Central Coast community about the importance of marine life,” Sajdok said.
“We have some exciting events coming up including a beach clean-up day in September and we are starting work on a Summer Marine Festival supported by the Blue World Valerie Taylor prize.
“If you love the ocean as much as we do and want to make a difference to protecting marine life, keep an eye on our website www. friendsofkurrawyba.com and join the group.”
“It also creates a close understanding of the different roles we play while building relationships and fostering a sense of teamwork between local emergency services and our ED staff.
“This ultimately leads to better, safer outcomes for our patients and the whole community.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the training promoted collaboration between paramedics, doctors, nurses and all emergency first responders.
“Simulation training days like this are vital for fostering productive working relationships between health and emergency agencies,” he said.
“Paramedics, emergency first responders and emergency department doctors and nurses work together every day to provide the very best care to the community.
“Our paramedics are continuously training and running through real life multiagency simulated scenarios on a regular basis further optimises our responses to major incidents.”
A range of emergency scenarios were simulated
Emergency workers and medical students attended
Nurses and midwives outside Gosford Hospital on August 26
Group members with Valerie Taylor at the presentation
WYONG HEADSPACE
WYONG
8.30am - 5pm TuesdayThursday 28 Hely Street Wyong
www.headspace.org.au/ headspace-centres/wyong/
Gosford
headspace offers free mental health support and care for young people aged 12 to 25 years old.
“I first visited headspace in 2019 after opening up to my dad about how I’d been feeling. I confessed that I had been feeling depressed, anxious and engaging in unhelpful coping strategies. I was afraid to ask for help and initially felt like I was a failure. However little did I know that by taking that first scary step it would completely change my life. 5 years later and now not only can I say I’m in a much healthier headspace, but I’m also proud to be a member of the headspace Wyong Youth Reference Group. I get the privilege to use my story and lived experience to advocate for change. I preach stories of hope whilst actively making headspace a safe, welcoming space for all young people.”
Lily, 20
Former mayor Jane Smith will lead a team of community based Independents running for Gosford West ward at the September 14 Central Coast Council election.
“Local government plays an important role in people’s everyday lives – not just roads, rates and rubbish – but also local parks, community facilities, sporting fields, libraries – and broader issues such as planning and how local communities can respond to the challenge of climate change,” Smith said.
“Our team brings together a group that has worked with, and is a part of, local communities.
Former mayor leads Independent team
“Over the past 24 years, I have been involved with local resident groups, supported community initiatives and campaigns.
“I was active in supporting the community campaigns on Mangrove Mountain landfill and dumping at Spencer.
“Over a long period of time, local residents raised alarm bells and they should be commended for their efforts.
“As a result, the first Motion that I moved when elected to Council was to establish the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee in order to keep this issue front and centre.
“I am proud that Council acted and has followed through
in court action – but there is still more to do”.
Alison Wade is a sixth
Rosemary de Lambert will stand as an Independent for the Gosford East ward in the September 14 Central Coast Council election.
The Hardys Bay resident said she has had 20 years of management experience in banking and finance, working for Macquarie Bank, overseeing big corporations and assessing risk.
But she’s no typical banker -she says motorbikes and fast cars are her weakness.
“I thought to stand out and to save time, maybe I should ride a race bike around the area handing out my leaflets and cards,” she said.
Having stepped back from the corporate life, de Lambert said
generation rural landowner with volumes of knowledge about the area she lives in.
When not teaching, she is assisting the community through her role as captain of
Ex-banker set to run for Council
she wants to put her passion and financial skills to work for the community as an independent councillor.
“A friend said to me, if you really want to make a difference for the community get on the council,” she said.
She has lived part-time on the Central Coast for almost 30 years and moved here permanently in 2020.
“The Central Coast is such a beautiful prosperous area to live in and yet we had a dysfunctional council,” de Lambert said.
“I know numbers, I understand their importance, they underpin our economy and I know I can make a great contribution in getting back on track.
“The council has a chance for a fresh start and an opportunity for what I describe as sensible development.
“My skill set will come in very handy when it comes to negotiating with other councillors and getting things done.
“We need firstly to listen to the community and work out priorities, make sure they are attended to, and everything is done correctly and to budget.”
her local rural fire brigade.
Lisa Wriley has been involved with Kariong Eco Garden since it started nearly 20 years ago. She is passionate about zero waste, zero emissions and connecting with nature.
“Gosford West ward faces some challenges, especially in terms of delivery of basic services, population and development pressures, the impact of climate change, including heat island effect on the Peninsula, and protection of our drinking water catchment and agricultural lands,” Smith said/
“We want to work with local communities to address those issues.”
She sees mental health as an area which needs urgent attention, with 11 per cent of the region’s population suffering.
She said the Council can help.
“For example, on a grass roots level there’s been a lot of volunteer effort to create a community shed here in Killcare,” she said.
“I think it could be combined with a community garden initiative which also has huge local support.
“Both projects have stalled at council level.
“It’s initiatives like this though that would really go a long way in helping people get out of the house, stay well or get back to good health.”
Central Coast Heart team stands for Budgewoi
Edna Wacher will lead a three-person team standing for the seat of Budgewoi in the September 14 Central Coast Council election under the banner Central Coast Heart.
“Harmony in diversity is a cry of my heart,” the well-known community activist said.
Migrating to Australia in 1988 from the Philippines, Wacher is involved in helping culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people better integrate into Australian society.
“This was my first job,” she said.
“I was the case worker for the then Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs for over a decade; thereafter, I worked for the Central Coast Local Health
District as Multicultural Health Development Officer.”
Wacher holds tertiary qualifications in two health related disciplines (BA Psychology and Diploma in Community Services – Welfare), a Graduate Certificate of Immigration Law and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment in Education (TAE).
She volunteered actively for people to access Australian health care, has served on the Central Coast Cancer Advocacy Network and has chaired various committees such as the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee and the then Wyong Shire Council Multicultural Advisory Committee.
In 2014, Wyong Council named her Citizen of the Year for her community services.
She is also a Justice of the Peace.
“Community is my passion,” she said.
“I have lived here for 36 years and brought up my four children; they are now successful in their own careers.
“Standing for Council election is my way to repay the community for the happy life my family have enjoyed on the Central Coast, and to help ensure that newly arriving families share the same good fortune.”
Her team-mates are Diana Lazatin and Anabelle Alcanar, both working mothers employed by the Central Coast Area Health Service.
“We understand that the most important council issues are those that concern its
constituents – from water usage to waste reduction, road and parkland maintenance, better playgrounds, safety footpaths, children and aged care support and strategic planning for newly arriving families,” Wacher said.
“With the rising costs of living, if elected, I will advocate for free sports for children and minimise rate rises.
“NSW is one of the most diverse and inclusive societies in the world.
“However, communities that speak a language other than English at home are underrepresented, as are female delegates.
“Obviously, a more diverse representation will help ensure the needs of different groups in the local community are taken into account.”
From left: Lisa Wriley, Jane Smith and Alison Wade
From left: Anabelle Alcanar, Edna Wacher and Diana Lazatin
Rosemary de Lambert
Rosemary de Lambert says motorbikes and fast cars are her weakness
Independent Sandra Harris runs for Budgewoi
Sandra Harris will run as an Independent in the Budgewoi ward in the September 14 Council election.
The 46-year-old mum has lived on the Coast for 45 of her 46 years and has a background in horticulture.
“For the past 14 years I have operated a small garden maintenance business working in our local community with
mostly elderly and disabled.
“I am also currently studying my Certificate IV Trainers and Assessors.
“I have no affiliation with any party, group or team.
“I am solely doing this off my own bat and out of my own pocket.
“I’m hoping to influence transparency between Council and the community and bring back proper
community consultation.
“Development needs to be slowed if not stopped; it’s having a detrimental impact on our environment and community.
“From what I can see the only parties that have benefited from the over-development are the developers and Council.
“Infrastructure is well behind the mark, our bushlands are disappearing, native animals
are displaced and confused and people are living on top of each other – and it’s only going to get worse.
“I understand there needs to be progress and development, but it (can be done) in keeping with a community’s character.”
Harris believes a diverse range of candidates with integrity and strong community relationships can help the community make informed decisions.
Local government committee urges No vote
The Central Coast Local Government Committee is supporting a No vote in the September 14 referendum.
To be held in conjunction with the Central Coast Council election, the referendum will ask voters if they are in favour of reducing the number of councillors from 15 to nine from 2028 with a resultant reduction in wards from five to three.
“Voters need to vote No in the upcoming referendum,” Committee Chair Vicki Scott said.
“Central Coast Council is, by population numbers, one of the four largest councils in metropolitan NSW.
“Geographically it covers the area between Mooney Mooney in the south to Gwandalan/ Summerland Point in the north, and the beach suburbs (The Entrance and Terrigal) in the east to Spencer and Bucketty in the west.
“In terms of the other large metropolitan local government areas (LGA) the Central Coast Council is geographically much larger.
“The three other large councils, and many others in the metropolitan area, have councils made up of 15 councillors.
“A large LGA like ours would be poorly represented if we were to operate with nine councillors.
“There would be one councillor (ie, elected representative) for every 38,511 residents, as opposed
Scott said it was crucial to good representation and good governance that councillors have the opportunity to meet with residents as often as possible.
“This happens at public meetings, council meetings, meetings held by organisations such as progress and community associations, sporting groups, P&Cs and P&Fs, service clubs and many
that involve them.
“A smaller number of councillors would seriously impact on the work of councillors and council and residents would suffer.
“The Central Coast Local Government Committee calls on voters to vote no for the referendum on September 14, and in doing so, protect residents’ democratic rights to
“I have read many posts on social media community pages and what I take from those is that community members are disgruntled and have become untrusting of our Council and administration over the past number of years,” she said.
“I’d like to be the community’s voice in Council.
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
Sandra Harris
NEWS IN BRIEF
Earthquakes felt across Central Coast
Two earthquakes originating in the Lower Hunter in the past week were felt by residents on the Central Coast and even as far south as Penrith.
Geoscience Australia reported that Denman, near Muswellbrook, was the location of the quakes, the first of which was at 12.02pm on Friday, August 23.
The 5.0 magnitude earthquake, reportedly 10km underground, was recorded by measurement stations at Mangrove Dam and Kincumber High School, with stations as far away as Canberra also recording the activity according to official Geoscience Australia data.
A second quake at the same location was recorded at 4.31pm on Saturday, August 24 with a magnitude of 4.7, with aftershocks continuing throughout the weekend and into Monday.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Citizens Inquiry unearths horror health stories
Future Sooner will compile a report to go to all levels of government following its recent Citizens Inquiry into pollution from burning coal, which unearthed disturbing health stories from long and short-term residents living near Eraring and Vales Point power stations.
Panel Chair Dr Ian Charlton said there were stories presented of life-threatening asthma, emphysema, respiratory disease and bowel, brain, blood, breast, sinus, throat and mouth cancers.
“People are worried that the coal-fired power stations are making them sick, and the government is silent,” he said.
“Impacted communities were promised a public health study as the outcome of a Parliamentary Inquiry in 2022 but nothing has been done.
“Some of the stories are overwhelming.”
One resident, Corinne, said she, her husband and family had had active healthy lifestyles.
Both she and her husband received cancer diagnoses, and their very healthy daughter was diagnosed with asthma as a teenager.
Another attendee, Steve, said his perfectly healthy grandmother died of emphysema 15 years after moving to Budgewoi.
His father moved up from Sydney to look after her only to develop emphysema and cancer himself.
In the past 12 months his aunt had oral cancer removed.
Steve moved up from Sydney to look after his father and his aunt and now he has developed oral cancer and an autoimmune condition doctors cannot trace to a cause.
He said four of his dogs died from rare cancers.
The Inquiry heard that some
people had been intimidated because, as part of their previous employment, they had to sign non-disclosure agreements.
One anonymous witness described being a non-drinker and non-smoker living within a few kilometres of Munmorah power station and being diagnosed with throat cancer which metastasised to lymph nodes and lungs.
Another told about a man who had worked at both Vales Point and Eraring power stations who was diagnosed with severe asthma and blood cancer.
Charlton said there was a mountain of evidence already
in the public domain from reliable sources about the health impacts of microparticulate pollution and heavy metals and the Citizens Inquiry had given the community its first chance to tell their stories about how it affected their health.
“As there is only one major industry on the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie – coalfired power stations – given the number of respiratory and cancer diseases that were presented to the Inquiry, on the grounds of probability one must point the finger to Eraring and Vales Point power stations,” he said.
“We will now take all the
evidence gathered and from our intensive ongoing research of the impacts from coal fired power stations and their ash dams and put together a report.
“Our final report will involve all levels of government as well as international organisations such as the United Nations and World Health Organisation.
“The panel will work hard to produce a report that reflects both experiences and the evidence and make recommendations that benefits the community.
“Let’s hope the Citizens Inquiry recommendations, unlike (those of) the Coal Ash Inquiry, will be immediately implemented.”
The panel heard some disturbing stories; The inquiry was packed
Greyhound march called into question
So, a “massive” crowd of less than 100 marched in Sydney calling on the closure of greyhound racing – and this warrants a front page coverage (Issue 452)?
This deluded group calling themselves the Animal Justice Party are not based in the real world – over many years they have been pushing the following causes: They want to stop people owning a pet by abolishing the property status of animals; they want to ban all animal farming therefore all people to become vegans; they want to ban all forms of animal racing, zoos, rodeos, etc; they want a shift away from road transport since it harms animals and a shift towards walking and cycling.
They have no concept of the high level of care racing animals receive.
Thankfully the Premier and
FORUM
Read more forum on our website by scanning the QR code or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum SCAN ME
our local MP have a rational approach to animal racing.
The Premier has been recently quoted as saying there are absolutely no plans to ban greyhound racing, or any other form of racing for that matter.
Both racing codes are highly regulated.
Contrast that with the favourable reporting on the last page of your newspaper (Issue 452), headed “Fashion and thoroughbreds shine at Wyong” .
Yet thoroughbred racing and greyhound racing codes are grounded in the same principles.
Of course, greyhound racing is occupied by “battlers” and is an easy target while
thoroughbred racing is certainly the sport of “kings”.
This latest article seems to be part of an extremely biased, ill-informed campaign by this newspaper; perhaps a focus on more pressing (real) issues such as youth crime, domestic violence etc would be more meaningful.
Email, August 25
Wal Simmons, Gwandalan
Council needs to be proactive
Central Coast Council fails to enforce (fine) and/or act on complaints.
From illegal parking to rubbish on the kerb side, dogs off leads, illegal building works etc, the Council takes very little
action if any on these matters.
If you call ranger services the issue is often (resolved) before the ranger arrives or the perpetrators have gone.
There is no deterrent to stop repeat offenders.
Furthermore the Council has a reactive approach to complaints not a proactive approach.
Complacency has set in, where there should be zero tolerance.
Email, Aug 21
Glen Hughes, Avoca Beach
Be careful how you vote
My goodness, there are enough of the powerhungry old guard standing again for Council for it to be of concern.
Not only did they lead the Council blindly into huge debt, but focussed on power politics whilst paying lip service to their electorates.
The zeitgeist of the moment
Caught at almost double speed limit
Drink-driver caught speeding
A 61-year-old man had his driver’s licence suspended immediately when he was detected driving 43km/h over the speed limit and registering mid-range PCA.
Brisbane Water Highway Patrol spotted the driver just after 6pm on Thursday, August 22, on The Scenic Road, MacMasters Beach, travelling at 93km/h in the 50 km/h zone.
When police stopped the driver he was submitted to a roadside breath test, returning a positive result and then placed under arrest and taken back to Terrigal Police Station where he supplied a sample of breath for analysis returning a mid-range PCA reading of 0.102.
The driver was issued with a penalty notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h, copping a $1,097 fine plus five demerit points. His licence was immediately suspended and he was issued with a court attendance notice to appear before Gosford Local Court on the DUI charge.
Fireball at Charmhaven tobacco shop
A charred mess has been left at a Charmhaven shopping centre following the second fire attack this month on a tobacconist shop on the Central Coast.
Rick’s Tobacconist and Gift Shop on the Pacific Hwy is a crime scene being investigated by Tuggerah Lakes Police after a vehicle rammed into the shop and then set alight in the early hours of Thursday, August 22.
Emergency services were called at about 2.15am and NSW Fire and Rescue officers worked quickly to extinguish the blaze but the shop was extensively damaged.
The hairdressing salon and bike shop on either side were also damaged and have been forced to close.
Police have not received any reports of injury, and no-one was located at the scene when they arrived.
Security footage showed a vehicle slamming into the front of the shop and two people in
balaclavas dousing the car with fuel to set it alight, erupting into a fireball. They were seen on the footage running away, one of them trying to put out flames on their upper body. This is the second attack this month at a tobacco shop, among fears that a “turf war” is escalating.
A newly opened tobacco shop at Ettalong Beach was ramraided on August 6, followed by a firebombing at the same premises on August 9.
The proliferation of tobacco outlets, selling “chop chop” tobacco with no excise or duty paid has been discussed at a recent Regional Advisory Council Meeting at NSW Business Central Coast. Central Coast Council and
is that voters have had enough of party politics in local government – Independents are the go.
However, the title of Independent is like the label on a jar – read the small print.
Our next councillors must work for local issues and accept genuine input from the people on the ground; no taking the party line and ignoring local voices.
More than ever before, voters must be careful where they place their X.
We can’t afford to be “Trumpian” and go backwards.
Email, Aug 23
Susan Zgraja, Fountaindale
Bouquets to Gosford Hospital
Late in July my husband suffered a severe bladder bleed and went into Gosford Hospital emergency department at about 9pm on a Friday.
He spent the next five days under the care and watchful
eyes of the medical team.
Back home for a couple of days then back into emergency, again on a Friday night, and another three days with more treatment and procedures.
My husband is vision impaired and being in a strange place is extremely difficult for him.
I particularly want to compliment all of the medical team on level four J block, day and through the night.
They were fantastic, always smiling, always there when he needed them and always professional and skilled with his medical care.
I also want to thank the paramedics from local ambulance bases who indicated Friday nights can be challenging, but said my husband was an easy patient to transport.
They also ensured that when he arrived at emergency he was assisted with special care. Bouquets to Gosford emergency department.
ON THE BEAT BRIEFS
Teens to face children’s court
Two teenage boys have been charged to face a children’s court hearing over 27 combined alleged driving and property offences.
At about 3am on Sunday, August 18, police were called to a shopping centre at Erina following reports of a break and enter.
At the scene police were told that several teenagers allegedly arrived at the centre in a stolen SUV before smashing the windscreen of a parked car and stealing from a number of businesses within the centre.
The group then allegedly travelled to a shopping centre at Bateau Bay where several
kiosks and food outlets were allegedly ransacked.
Early on Thursday, August 22, a number of similar offences allegedly occurred at the same two shopping centres.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested at a Bateau Bay home and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with 15 offences.
A second 15-year-old boy was arrested at a Killarney Vale home and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences. They will face children’s court hearings and have both been refused bail. before their court appearance.
Illegal tobacco supply charges
Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch have been asked to investigate. Regulation of tobacco products sold in retail shops in NSW is under the jurisdiction of NSW Health.
Anyone with information about the either the Charmhaven or Ettalong Beach incidents is urged to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sue Murray
A man has been arrested and charged for allegedly supplying illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes on the Central Coast.
At about 9pm on Friday, August 16, Tuggerah Lakes Police stopped a white Hyundai SUV for a random breath test at Tuggerah.
The driver, a 25-year-old man, was known to the police for alleged illegal tobacco and
vape supply.
Police searched the vehicle and allegedly located and seized an amount of cash, mobile phones, two knives and a number of knuckle dusters.
The man was arrested and charged with recklessly deal proceeds of general crime $100,000 or more and other offences.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court.
Email, Aug 23
Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach
The charred mess at Charmhaven shopping centre
Photo: Jordan Wilson
The Entrance artist takes out Gosford Art Prize
Maree Azzopardi from The Entrance has taken the major $15,000 award in this year’s Gosford Art Prize for her artwork The Crossings.
With a total of $28,000 in prize money, this year’s award attracted 908 entries from across Australia, with 135 of the artworks selected as finalists for exhibition.
Judges artist Peter Godwin and curator Libby Knott had a tough job but were unanimous in selecting Azzopardi as the winner.
Godwin said he enjoyed the historical metaphor and symbolism of the artwork.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Gosford Art Prize was known for making a real difference to an artist’s career.
“The Gosford Art Prize offers an exciting range of opportunities for visual artists working in any art form to showcase their work to a large audience and potentially become an acquisition of the Central Coast’s art
collection,” he said.
“Once again, the calibre of artists from around the country was extremely high – however it was fantastic that the winner was local artist Maree Azzopardi from The Entrance and that 30 per cent of the finalists were from the Central Coast.
“This is a real indication of the strength of the art scene on the Coast.”
Hart offered congratulations to category winners and to all the artists who entered from across Australia.
Regional Gallery Director Tim Braham said the selection panel aimed to include a variety of styles, content and techniques with fierce competition amongst a range of artwork.
“Events such as this annual Gosford Art Prize provide opportunities for both local and national artists to bring quality contemporary art to the Central Coast,” he said.
“The Gosford Art Prize has evolved from its humble beginning in the 1970s, to now
be recognised as a significant goal for artists to aim for.”
The second prize of $5,000 went to Kim Fasher for Missing Mythology.
Winner of the $2,500 Aboriginal Artist Prize was Ethan-James Kotiau-Gurrba for Fishing Net and Kelly Austin took out the $2,500 Gosford Ceramics Prize with her artwork Stilled Composition.
Collecting Highly Commended prizes of $1,000 each were: Armando Chant – Dusk Over the Mountain; Elle Kaufmann – Mellow Yellow; and Lihnida Krstanoska-Blazeska – A Faithful Dog Killed in Error.
Braham said the Viewer’s Choice Award would be announced at the end of the exhibition, after gallery visitors had a chance to cast their votes.
The winner will receive $500 in prize money.
The 2024 finalist exhibition will be on display at the gallery until October 20 from 9.30am4pm daily, with free entry.
Council Administrator Rik Hart congratulates winner Maree Azzopardi
The winning entry, Maree Azzopardi’s The Crossings
Photo: Michael Wolfe
Dr Gordon Reid and Labor are delivering
From 2012-2015, Search4Hurt was a popular show on ESPN as contestants were pushed to their fitness limits.
The brainchild of Erina Heights local Adam McDonald, the show has returned after a hiatus of almost a decade, screening live at 1.30pm each Saturday on 7 Mate Live.
The new version has resulted from McDonald’s own health journey and follows four contestants as they undergo a series of extreme challenges presented by trainer Matt Moore and Commando Steve Willis of The Biggest Loser fame.
“We stopped doing the show for a myriad of reasons,” McDonald said.
“It ran for three seasons and Disney presented re-runs in 2016, but Matt Murphy, who was the star of the show, wanted to move to Victoria and our potential viewing audience diminished as viewing habits changed.
“Also, I was extremely unwell and decided to focus on my own health.”
McDonald was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, fatty liver disease and high cholesterol after what he describes as “a
Search4Hurt returns to our screens
decade of destruction”.
“I was travelling a lot, eating out too much and consuming too much alcohol,” he said.
“I noticed I was putting on weight and was not as fit as I used to be and an emergency trip to a doctor resulted in blood tests revealing how unwell I was.
“Twelve months later I felt a lump in my neck and discovered I had thyroid cancer.”
With his health now back on
track following treatment, McDonald decided the time was right to relaunch Search4Hurt.
“When the show was picked up by Channel 7 I came into the relaunched season (Season Four) with a new mindset, which is all about helping the general population to become more healthy,” he said.
“I wanted to do things a bit differently and Channel 7 was keen on a new format.
“Matt Moore, who is the
Zoo comes to Red Tree Theatre
Don’t miss Zoo by Lily Bevan when it plays for a short season at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre from September 4-8.
A Miami zoo curator befriends a British bat enthusiast in this heart-warming play about courage, soulmates, sloths, flamingos and amorous penguins.
The latest Bare Theatrical Productions play takes place at Miami’s Cherokee Valley Zoo and Conservation Centre, where the most dangerous thing that ever happened was the tapir’s caesarean section.
That is until Hurricane Jonas sets itself on a crash course straight towards it.
Now animal curator Bonnie (Annette Rowlison) must rush to batten down the hatches and ensure the safety of her animals – and herself.
At the same time, she’s recording it for a CNN interviewer (Micaela Elphick) who also appears in other key roles as the story unfolds.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world in the Yorkshire Dales, Bonnie’s best friend Carol (Cath Maguire) from the North Yorkshire Bat Group feels
the repercussions of that tempestuous night.
Can this bat lover help from afar?
Or will the dangers they face turn out to be deeper and darker than just a spot of bad weather?
Zoo will preview at Red Tree Theatre on Wednesday, September 4, at 2pm and then be performed at 7.30pm on Thursday and Friday, September 5 and 6, at 5pm on Saturday, September 7, and at 2pm on Sunday, September 8. For bookings go to www. redtreetheatre.org.au
presenter, trains people for extreme events and Steve was keen to get back on TV.
“Next year he will be even more present in Season Five, which we are hopeful of expanding into hour-long episodes.”
More than 300 fitness enthusiasts who applied to be on the show were invited to participate in a gruelling 24hour Hurt Camp at Industree Group Stadium, with four people chosen for the series –
two men and two women.
They are three-time F45 world champ and owner of two F45 Studios in Sydney Peter Day, NSW firefighter Lachlan Dansie (who featured in Season 2 a decade ago), owner of BFT Indooroopilly Sammy Hankins, and special ed teacher and pro adventure racer Laura Newton.
Over six months they trained with leading experts to prepare them for some challenges designed to mentally and physically push
them to their limits.
These include a backyard ultra, powerlifting, Xterra, beach obstacle racing, turf games, chase the sun, hyrox and obstacle enduro.
Search4Hurt Season 4 comprises nine half-hour episodes, which screen live at 1.30pm each Saturday on 7 Mate Live and are then available for streaming on 7 Plus.
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON
Gates open: Markets:
Jumping castle (ages 4+)
Kids superhero arts and crafts: Toddler softplay (ages 0-3):
Petting zoo & baby animal feeding:
Face painting: Pony rides:
Superhero character appearances:
Family acro & circus skills fun:
Dads Big BBQ:
Kids fashion fun parade: Parent & child fashion fun parade:
TIME 11:00am 11:00am to 5:00pm 11:00am to 5:00pm 11:00am to 4:00pm 11:00am to 4:00pm 11:00am to 4:00pm 11:00am to 3:00pm 11:00am to 3:00pm 11:00am to 2:00pm 12:00pm to 1:30pm 12:30pm to 2:30pm 1:30pm to 1:45pm 1:45pm to 2:00pm
Don’t forget! Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
Terry Collins
Commando Steve with the contestants
Adam McDonald
Annette Rowlison and Micaela Elphick in Zoo
Outdoor movie nights set for September
Central Coast Council invites residents to experience the magic of twilight cinema, with free family-friendly outdoor screening of Shark Tale in September.
The outdoor movie nights have been designed to unite the community by bringing families and friends together for a fantastic evening of film, fun and local flavour.
Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the movie nights were designed to also support the local economy and enhance the town’s night life for families.
“We invite you to come along
Old friends sing Sondheim in Gosford
The critically acclaimed cabaret show Old Friends Sing Sondheim will come to Gosford on August 31.
The Fun Haus Factory will play host to an unforgettable evening of music, humour and camaraderie, celebrating the timeless works of legendary composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.
Old Friends Sing Sondheim is the brainchild of comedy icon Mark Trevorrow (Bob Downe), Rupert Noffs and leading music director Bev Kennedy, whose shared love of Sondheim’s extraordinary songbook has
resulted in a show that is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. It features a mix of beloved classics and lesser-known gems.
Best known for his creation Bob Downe, Trevorrow is a comedian, singer, actor and broadcaster with a career spanning over 40 years.
From the stages of Melbourne to the bright lights of New York, he has graced television screens and theatre stages worldwide.
Rupert Noffs, grandson of Rev Ted Noffs, is a singer and actor
with a rich artistic heritage.
Trained at NIDA and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he has performed around the world, including playing the son of Jacki Weaver for MTV, and being a guest judge of Channel Seven’s hit show All Together Now, hosted by Julia Zemiro.
Bev Kennedy is one of Australia’s leading musicians and musical directors.
Her resume reads like a who’s who of musical theatre.
From Billy Elliot to Wicked, her talent has been showcased in
more than 30 major productions. Her expert musical direction in Old Friends adds depth and brilliance to an already stellar show.
As you enjoy the show, treat yourself to dinner by Beau’s Burgers and pair your meal with a refreshing $10 cocktail or mocktail.
Old Friends Sing Sondheim will be performed at 7.30pm on Saturday, August 31, at the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford, with tickets selling fast.
Book at www.funhausfactory. org.au or call 4313 6004.
to The Entrance, Toukley, Gosford, or Wyong events, grab dinner or some takeaway, set up a picnic, sit down under the night sky and enjoy an evening of entertainment,” she said.
“There will be a variety of activities at each location, with circus performers, face painting and lawn games, so get there at 4pm and join in the fun before the movie starts at 6pm.”
Attendees can also support local food vendors at each of the movie night locations, by perusing the Love Central Coast Eating Out Guides for recommendations on local eateries for their evening meal.
The outdoor movie nights will be held at: Memorial Park The
Entrance on Friday, September 6; Toukley Village Green on Saturday, September 7; Kibble Park Gosford on Friday, September 13; and The Chapman Lawn at Wyong on Saturday, September 14.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said movie nights activated the town centres across the Central Coast, benefitting both local businesses and the community.
“Outdoor movies also offer a chance to relax with family and friends and be entertained under the open sky,” he said. To view the full event program, visit: lovecentralcoast.com.au and search ‘Outdoor movie nights’.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
By Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir brings the popular phrase “don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs Robinson” into sharp focus.
Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition.
It was her mother’s dream that her only daughter become a star and McCurdy would do anything to make her mother happy.
In I’m Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy recounts the horror of her upbringing, just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true.
Even as a small child she went along with her mother’s calorie restriction, eating little and weighing herself five times a day.
She endured extensive athome makeovers; this is a tale of physical abuse, severe
eating disorders, emotional manipulation and abuse of power.
McCurdy was showered by her mum until she was 16 and had to share her diaries, email and income with her mother.
Jennette McCurdy’s memoir offers up a tough take on her upbringing and stardom on the iCarly Nickelodeon show.
Other recommendations include Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, and The Less People Know About Us the Better by Axton BetzHamilton.
Julie Chessman
Forced to follow her mother’s dreams, she is held hostage by the impossible expectations and abusive demands of a mother who controls her fan club, her finances and her social media.
Rupert Noffs and Mark Trevorrow (Bob Downe)
Bringing families and friends together for a fantastic evening of film, fun and local flavour
OUT&ABOUT BRIEF
Mamma
Mia
singalong
Get ready to sing your heart out when Pearl Social Reels hosts its premier event on September 14: a Singalong Movie Night featuring the ever-popular Mamma Mia the Movie.
To take place at Pearl Beach Memorial Hall, the evening will kick off with at 5.30pm, with the movie to be screened at 6.15pm.
Admission is $15 per person for membership to Pearl Social Reels, which grants you free popcorn at this event and access to future screenings.
Children under 14 can attend for free as long as accompanied by an adult.
Memberships can be purchased online at www. pearlbeachnsw.com.au/ singalong or at the door.
BYO drinks and snacks and feel free to wear Mediterranean attire or ABBA costumes.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Coastie takes part in World Monologue Games
The World Monologue Games, a premier event for monologue performers, is set to return for its eagerly awaited fifth season with Central Coast actor JeanPierre Yerma to be featured.
The global event attracts top talent from more than 100 countries and is often referred to as “the Olympics for actors”.
Yerma is among 250 outstanding actors who have been chosen for this year’s regional finals, which will be judged by heads of international acting schools, Hollywood producers and Emmy-winning casting directors.
“Being part of this year’s World Monologue Games is incredibly exciting,” he said.
“I am joining an elite group of performers from across the world and I’m proud to be representing Australia.
“I can’t wait to share my work with the event’s audiences.”
Founded in 2020 by leading Australian producer Pete Malicki, World Monologue Games has grown stronger each season.
“The quality of submissions has significantly improved since we launched the event at the beginning of the pandemic,” Malicki said.
“I’m excited to see what this year’s competitors bring to the table after an incredibly strong qualifying round.”
Yerma will present a compelling monologue about
emotions evoking regret, sadness and a general sense of resolution and hope.
“The central message in my monologue is to value the present moment, as everything ultimately fades away,” he said.
“Life is too short to hold on to grudges.”
The regional finals will be broadcast on YouTube from late September to mid-October.
The best of the best will advance to November’s global finals, where performers vie for cash prizes and the prestige of being crowned the Global Champion.
Join the global audience at worldmonologuegames.com/ watch
Michael Hing heads for Wyong
Fondly known as Hingers, the comedian Michael Hing will bring his new show to The Art House in September. You might recognise him from The Project, Spicks and Specks, Celebrity Letters and Numbers but he also is a broadcaster,
actor, improviser and podcaster who once auditioned for the Magic Mike stage show.
Hing said his latest show was basically an hour of jokes and stories that various producers and censors had forbidden him from telling on air, but he won’t let them go to waste.
Michael Hing – Live will be performed in The Art House Studio, a more intimate venue that gives off comedy festival vibes.
The show will be at 8pm on Saturday, September 7.
Jean-Pierre Yerma
See Michael Hing live at The Art House
ACROSS
1. Baseball glove 4. Factory cafeteria
8. Mexican money unit 11. Borneo prince 13. Once more 15. Woodland meadow 17. Jerk
18. Halt
20. Distress call (1,1,1)
21. Hurled
24. Around
27. Masticated cow fodder
28. Camera image
30. Idiom
31. Baby-bottle tops
33. Dictator
34. Give concrete form to
35. Revise (text)
36. Islamic ruler
39. Eye-watering vegetables
42. Confine (3,2)
44. Between
45. Elected
46. Satisfied sighs
48. Seasoned rice dish
49. Conserves
50. Colony insects
52. Fine (day)
54. German title
55. Pleasure cruiser
56. Japanese martial art
57. Several
60. Ancient Peruvian
62. Hunted, ... upon
65. Disgusts
67. Subterfuges
69. French river
70. Bivouacs
72. Tree blood
73. Proclaim
75. Narrow land links
77. It is (2’1)
79. Storage box
81. Full-time golfer
82. Cheyenne dwelling
84. Apple-shaped fruit, ... pear
85. ... not, want not!
86. Movie discs (1,1,2)
87. Pressurised can
88. Rock-pool crustacean
DOWN
1. Large cups
2. Garbage
3. Smidgen
4. Single-name actress/ singer
5. Fool
6. Hire (employee)
7. US/Europe alliance
8. Filled pastry
9. Execute (law)
10. Unpaid
12. Pier
14. Behaved
16. Bounded along
19. Seaweed-wrapped snack
22. Terrible
MISSING LINK
MISSING LINK
23. Disruptive periodic climate pattern (2,4)
25. Attacked vigorously
26. Perfect society
29. Sofa footstool
32. Positive vote
35. Goes by (of year)
37. Niggard
38. Resin wine
40. Agile
41. Teapot nozzle
42. Red hair rinse
43. Starkers
44. Startle
47. Bravery
51. Best protected
52. Least outgoing
53. Hooray!
54. Seize (aircraft)
58. Celebrity, ... Winfrey
59. Extended play recordings (1,2)
61. Hindu social rank
63. Breathers
64. Lower (of voice)
65. Peeves
66. Endures
68. Tip upside-down
71. Highland musician
72. Skim swiftly
74. Opera song
76. Monk’s hooded habit
78. Belgrade native
80. Crack task force (1,1,1)
83. Et cetera
Central Coast Council’s gallery container at the Toukley Village Green provides an innovative space which hosts a rotating roster of local creatives to exhibit work and installations, present workshops and collaborate with other artists throughout the year.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services
Melanie Smith said the innovative and creative program fostered multiple benefits for the community.
“Our Creative Spaces program aims to support local makers and creators and local businesses by attracting visitors to Toukley town centre,”
Creative Spaces brightening up Toukley
she said.
“This program, which follows a successful 2023-24 program, has a proven ability to activate and create a vibrant space for the local community and visitors to connect and experience local culture, whilst supporting local businesses.
Now exhibiting until September 27 is Grace Agnes Art (Grace Vuetaki).
Vuetaki is obsessed with creativity and sharing this love with visitors to the Toukley Village Green.
View the gallery shop and artist studio, or check out the calendar for mini-market days, visiting artist exhibitions and artists workshops.
Council Administrator Rik
Hart said the Central Coast was home to some of NSW’s top creatives, from sculptors to painters, furniture makers, ceramicists, weavers and textile designers.
“The contemporary program has proven to be important in developing and supporting talented people working in creative industries across the Central Coast,” he said.
“Creative Spaces add vibrancy, contribute positively to cultural life and increase visitation to Toukley’s Village Green for the benefit of the local economy.”
For more information and calendar of events, go to lovecentralcoast.com/ creative-spaces
LEGO lovers converge on Ourimbah for Brickfest
Calling all Central Coast LEGO lovers on the Central Coast – don’t miss out on the first Ourimbah Brickfest LEGO Fan Event on September 7 at Ourimbah Public School.
Join in the family-friendly community celebration and get immersed in the incredible world of LEGO.
There will be more than 50 tables of LEGO on display, with everything from LEGO City to Star Wars, Disney and much more.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, this event promises something for everyone.
It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow LEGO enthusiasts and spark your creativity. From interactive displays and speed building competitions to exhibits and vendors, there’s so much to explore.
The event will be run by RainbowBricks, a not-for-profit LEGO fan group, and Ourimbah Public School P&C.
Father’s Day jazz show
Central Coast Jazz League will present a very special show on Father’s Day, September 1.
The New Empire Ballroom Dance Orchestra will appear fresh from its recent appearance at the Newcastle Jazz Festival.
The band will play music from the 1920s as well as some of the great tunes from the swing era.
There will be plenty of room on the large dance floor whether your preference is ballroom, swing dancing, jive or rock’n’roll.
The concert will take place in the Parkview Room at the Central Coast Leagues Club, Dane St, Gosford from 2pm5pm.
Entry of $10 includes a strip of raffle tickets with great prizes on offer.
There will be exhibitors from across NSW with their Lego creations and all profits from the event will go to Ourimbah Public School.
The school will be hosting a sausage sizzle and bake sale on the day too.
Book tickets via www. trybooking.com/CRTIE or get them at the door on the day.
It’s on Saturday, September 7 between 10am and 4pm.
The New Empire Ballroom Dance Orchestra
The Creative Spaces gallery container at Toukley
LEGO lovers will love Brickfest at Ourimbah Public School
Business & Property
The Central Coast is being “gentrified” with people on very low and low incomes being pushed out because they simply cannot afford to live in the area, says Central Coast Council.
Social housing has been in decline and the Coast has become more socially polarised, with growing concentrations of severe disadvantage.
“Housing affordability is an issue for the Central Coast region, and the evidence shows that the area is becoming far less affordable for very low and low-income households,” Council said in a submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly Select Committee
Gentrified coast pushing out low-income residents
on Essential Worker Housing.
The suburbs of Wyong, Gorokan, Lake Haven, San Remo, Toukley and The Entrance are in the most disadvantaged 10 per cent of areas for Australia according to the Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA).
When a household is paying more than 30 per cent of their income for accommodation, they are considered to be in housing stress and those who are paying more than 50 per cent are considered to be in severe housing stress.
Council said that migration from the northern parts of Sydney, compounded during the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed up property prices
causing pressure to flow on to marginal populations, significantly increasing housing stress, social vulnerability, and homelessness.
“Recently, the region has seen a reduction in the number of people on very low and low incomes because they simply cannot afford to live in the area,” Council said.
“This is referred to as gentrification and reflected in the out-migration date.
“In 2021, there was a loss of low-income renters tracking at a 0.8 per cent loss per year since 2016.
“There was also a notable reduction in housing stress from 24,200 in 2016 to
20,297 in 2021.
Council said there was also a significant mismatch in housing demand and supply, and a low level of housing diversity, which was particularly serious in the context of a much older than average, and rapidly ageing population.
The rate of high-density development was much lower in comparison to Greater Sydney and had experienced little growth over the past decade.
Council said there had been very limited growth in private rental stock, and an actual decline in the proportion of social housing.
The Committee’s Inquiry is focused on establishing an
appropriate definition of essential worker housing for the NSW Government to adopt, as well as identifying options to increase housing supply for essential workers.
Council’s recommendations include giving priority to people on very low incomes which would service key worker cohorts in health care and social services, trade and construction, clerical and administrative and general labourers and other key worker industries such as early education, sales and marketing and hospitality which are secondary employment sectors on the Central Coast (see separate story).
In 2019 Central Coast Council adopted the Central Coast
Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy, with 27 actions for intervention to address the increasingly critical under-supply.
“From 2016 to 2021 the Central Coast region has become more socially polarised, with growing concentrations of severe disadvantage,” Council said.
Compared to Greater Sydney, the region has a much older age profile, a much lower level of household income and greater need for assistance according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics from 2021. More on housing crisis: Key workers don’t qualify for social housing, see page 26
Building site for units being built on the Coast
Merilyn Vale
Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer performed better than satisfactorily and mostly achieved the actions and achievements contained in his performance agreement, an annual review has found.
A performance agreement for 2024/25 has also been developed and agreed upon –but the gate left open for new councillors to amend after the September 14 elections.
The review of Farmer’s performance was conducted on August 5 as required under the Local Government standard contract for general managers.
CEO performance “better than satisfactory”
In this review, Farmer received an overall rating of 4.05 out of a possible five.
The score fell into the “mostly achieved“ rating and was
considered a better than satisfactory rating as considered in the contract in the Office of Local Government guidelines.
Farmer was appointed to the role of CEO of Council on April 12, 2021.
He replaced the current Administrator Rik Hart who had been Acting CEO since November 2020 when the Interim Administrator Dick Persson appointed him.
A new contract term for Farmer was entered into in April this year which will take him through to April 11, 2029 before his contract expires.
Administrator Hart and independent member Cath Roach, who is managing director of SINC Solutions Proprietary Limited, conducted the review.
Council said Roach had significant experience in the local government sector including governance, administration and working with elected bodies .
Farmer submitted a self assessment prior to the review and he was given an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the past 12 months and summarise his achievements against the set targets.
The administrator and the
CEO also discussed goals and objectives for the next review.
“It is noted that pursuant to clause 7.3 of the contract, the performance agreement can be varied from time to time during the term of the contract,“ a Council statement said.
“Should the newly elected governing body establish a performance review panel and the panel wishes to discuss variations to the agreement with the CEO, this is contemplated in the contract”.
The review panel noted that the CEO had entered into a new contractual arrangement in April 2024 and total remuneration package was
New pool for Canton Beach
Canton Beach Holiday Park will get a new swimming pool area to add to its multitude of recreational campground activities.
It’s one of four holiday parks owned by Central Coast Council and is located on the shores of Tuggerah Lake at 1 Oleander St, Canton Beach.
The holiday park has been a consistent winner over the years of a variety of tourism awards.
reviewed at that time with no changes made. Farmer earns $531,298 a year.
The performance details were confidential for both the review and the agreement for 2024/25.
The CEO performance review was recommended to be noted at the August 27 ordinary council meeting.
See previous stories: coastcommunitynews.com. au/central-coast/news/2023 /12/five-more-years-forcouncil-ceo
The proposed addition to the holiday park entails construction of the new swimming pool, water play area, fencing, bicycle racks, outdoor showers, shelters and seating areas, a plant room and an additional garden area. It will also include landscaping and some associated traffic works such as speed humps. The development application (DA/980/2024) is currently on exhibition at Council’s website.
Merilyn Vale
CEO David Farmer
The proposed new swimming pool at Canton Beach
BUSINESS BRIEF
Engaging with the community
Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape how it engages with residents on future decisions.
A draft Community Engagement Strategy, including the Community Participation Plan, is now open for public comment.
The new strategy outlines how Council will involve the community in decisions about plans, projects and initiatives that affect the future of the region.
It will replace the current Engagement Framework and Community Participation Plan, consolidating them into a single, comprehensive document.
This will provide residents with a clearer understanding of how Council engages with them and how their voices are incorporated into the decisionmaking process.
Submissions can be made by Monday, September 30, via the Your Voice Our Coast website.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Strategy to promote active lifestyles
Central Coast Council has developed a draft Central Coast Open Space Strategy, which is on public exhibition for community feedback until September 20.
Council Director of Community and Recreation Services
Melanie Smith said the strategy was being developed to support and promote active and healthy lifestyles, and increase participation in outdoor recreation and sport, with greater diversity in offerings.
“With the anticipated population growth expected for the Central Coast, this framework will provide for the supply and development of adequate open spaces, such as parks, reserves and sportsgrounds, and ensure they are well-designed, inclusive, and accessible, while also ensuring culture, heritage and environmental significance is appropriately considered in the planning and design of public open space,” she said.
“The strategy (2024-31) identifies sport and recreation action plans that need to be reviewed or developed to ensure that sport, recreation and physical activity opportunities on the Central
Coast will be well planned and actioned in a timely manner.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the draft Open Space Strategy had been developed with input from the community and key groups to support healthy lifestyles for a growing community.
“Extensive community consultation was undertaken in 2021, when the project was known as Active Lifestyles Strategy, with 438 people participating in a survey so we
could understand how the Central Coast community likes to keep active, and how Council can support this within our managed open spaces,” he said.
“The Central Coast is blessed with an abundance of beautiful open space areas, and I encourage everyone to jump online to check out the draft Strategy and tell us what you think.”
Results of the Active Lifestyle Survey in 2021 showed that of
the 438 respondents, more than 75 per cent were longterm residents of the Central Coast (10-plus years), predominantly in the 35-59 age group, and the three most popular sporting categories were: mountain biking (57 per cent), swimming (49 per cent) and walking (49 per cent).
“Of the range of reasons preventing people from increasing or participating in an activity, the most frequent response was lack of available
Your local Central Coast Labor Team
facilities,” Smith said.
“The facilities rated as the most important attractors for local parks, reserves and trails, were bike and walking tracks, access to amenities and parking and a good quality activity surface.
“With an ageing population there will be an increase in self-directed exercise and recreation such as walking and cycling.
“This places a greater focus on use of parks and beaches, and active transport links with, and connectivity to residential areas.
“The strategy has been drafted to reflect these needs and ensure adequate and quality sports and recreation facilities and supporting infrastructure to encourage active lifestyles in open spaces.”
Future planning for natural areas, aquatic and leisure centres, community halls, individual sport and mountain biking in natural areas and land not managed by Council is excluded.
View the draft Open Space Strategy and provide feedback via the online submission form at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 5pm on Friday, September 20.
Your local Central Coast Labor team will help you with the cost of living by keeping council service fees down.
Your local Central Coast Labor team will defend our unique environment by protecting and extending our Coastal Open Space System.
Your local Central Coast Labor team will deliver a core council services guarantee to secure quality roads, drainage, sporting fields and childcare
Your local Central Coast Labor team will ensure infrastructure keeps up with development.
Residents want to see more outdoor facilities like the newly upgraded Peninsula Precinct at Umina Beach
Local Heroes finalists announced
The finalists of the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program have been announced, with three worthy recipients shortlisted for Westfield Tuggerah.
Czelaw Lawicki of the Disabled Surfers Association Central Coast has dedicated the past six years to enriching the lives of disabled individuals through surfing.
As vice president of the organisation, he ensures everyone can experience the
thrill of riding a wave.
Each session brings together about 200 volunteers and 60 surfers.
If Lawicki is successful, the money will be used to purchase modified surf and beach equipment and pay running costs such as insurance.
Erin Jacob of Coast Shelter is dedicated to supporting disengaged young people.
As the community, wellbeing, and education manager at Coast Shelter, she co-ordinates in-school programs across four
schools identified by local police as needing additional support.
Participants learn about power and control, shame, choice, empathy and emotional regulation.
If Jacob is successful, the grant will be used to take her youth support program into more schools, allowing twice as many young people to receive support.
Helen Chisholm of SPCC Young Parents College is dedicated to helping young
parents break generational cycles and improve their futures,
She addresses issues like domestic violence, mental health and parenting struggles. Her classes on parenting, sexual health, cooking and nutrition aim to empower young parents to thrive.
If she is successful, the money will be used to pay for mental health and wellbeing support for young parents
Now in its seventh year, the Westfield Local Heroes
program recognises and celebrates the individuals and organisations dedicated to their communities and environment.
Each Westfield destination will award the finalist who receives the most votes a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, with remaining finalists each receiving a $5,000 grant, so they can continue to provide valuable support to the community.
The winner will be announced in October.
Fibre broadband available for thousands of Coasties
More than 20,000 households and businesses on the Central Coast can take advantage of the benefits of fibre broadband thanks to significant National Broadband Network upgrades delivered by the Federal Government.
The Government is investing $2.4B over four years to provide an additional 1.5 million fibre connections – including 660,000 in regional communities – with speeds of up to one gigabit per second.
Eligible households and businesses across the Robertson electorate can now access full-fibre broadband upgrades, capable of delivering faster, more reliable broadband. This includes parts of:
Blackwall, Booker Bay, Erina, Ettalong Beach, Green Point, Kincumber, Narara, Niagara Park, Pearl Beach, Saratoga, Springfield, Terrigal, Umina Beach, Wamberal, Woy Woy and Yattalunga.
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the average household was consuming more data across more connected devices than ever before.
“This is an opportunity for eligible local families and businesses to enjoy faster speeds while working or studying from home, streaming their favourite shows and gaming,” he said.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said Australians were more data hungry than ever.
“The reality is that the slow copper broadband rolled out by the Coalition is not capable of delivering the speeds and reliability Australians need in 2024,” she said.
“These upgrades will enable locals to enjoy the benefits of a faster, more reliable world-
class fibre connection.
“I encourage residents to check the NBN website to see if they are eligible for upgrade and take advantage of the benefits of high-speed broadband”.
Fibre can deliver speeds 18x faster than the average copper
connection, and is less likely to drop out or degrade.
NBN estimates users save more than 100 hours and $2,580 per year in travel time and costs.
The average Australian home now uses more than 22 connected devices, with data usage expected to soar in the coming years.
By the end of 2025, 90 per cent of premises on the fixedline footprint will have access to download speeds of up to one gigabit per second.
Full-fibre upgrades are available on-demand when an eligible premise orders an eligible higher-speed plan.
To find out if you are eligible, visit: www.nbnco.com.au/ residential/upgrades/morefibre
Car and dog wash for Tuggerah
A new 24/7 car and dog wash is set to be established along Tuggerah Straight in front of BCF at 158 Pacific Hwy.
Central Coast Council is considering the proposal to install a drive-through automatic car washing bay, a self-wash bay, two vacuum bays and a dog wash station. It will use a water recycling system to minimise the use of mains waters and a holding tank will be located beneath the car wash to enable storage of recycled water ready for use.
For more detail see the development application 1237/2024 on Council’s website.
Childcare centre at Warnervale
A development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council to establish a childcare centre at Warnervale for 161 children.
The plan is to amalgamate two lots, 141 and 143 Railway Rd, demolish the existing structures, and remove 30 trees to accommodate the new childcare centre across the one combined lot of 3,899sqm. It is in an area zoned for lowdensity residential development and the proposed hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm.
The development application 1231/2024, including an operational plan, can be viewed on Central Coast Council’s website.
See full stories online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
De facto
• Children's Issues
• Property
• Binding Financial Agreements WILLS & ESTATES
• Probate, Wills & Disputes
• Power of Attorney
• Enduring Guardianship
CONVEYANCING
• Purchase & Sale of Property
• Refinancing Mortgages
• Purchase & Sale of Business
• Leasing
• Retirement Villages
COURT APPEARANCES
• Criminal Law
• AVO Matters
• Traffic Matters
• Drink Driving
Erin Jacob; Czelaw Lawicki; Helen Chisholm
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid inspecting fibre optic cables with NBN Co workers at Saratoga
Call to shut down Kanwal business over fuel tank leak
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris is calling on the owners of a Kanwal service station to shut down operations until leaking petrol storage tanks on site are fixed.
The tanks have been found to be contaminating the site and nearby properties for at least eight years.
Harris said Zoya Investments Pty Ltd was the owner of Kanwal General Store and Fuel Supplies at 68 Craigie Ave in August 2017, when adjoining business Seaforth first notified the company, Central Coast Council, and the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of pollution suspected to be from leaking petrol and other fuels, with claims it had been occurring since at least 2016.
On December 11, 2018 the EPA declared all of the service station property and part of adjoining business Seaforth’s property at 70 Craigie Ave as “significantly contaminated” following an assessment.
The EPA found the soil and groundwater beneath the site was contaminated by petrol and had potential to impact human health and the
surrounding environment.
On February 21, 2020, the EPA issued Zoya Investments with a Management Order to undertake rectification works on its underground petrol storage tanks and provide a report detailing those works.
Harris said Zoya Investments failed to comply with the Order, despite being granted deadline extensions until July 29, 2022 – 679 days after the initial April 2020 deadline.
He said that during this time, it was estimated 3,000 litres of petrol could have leaked from the underground storage tanks into the adjoining properties.
By September 16, 2021, the EPA had commenced proceedings against Zoya Investments for failing to comply with the Management
and Environment Court.
The fine comprised $180,000 for breaching the Contaminated Land Management Act and a further $140,000 for the time it took to comply with the Management Order.
On October 7, 2022, the EPA issued a clean-up notice to Zoya Investments, which Harris
Commission documents showed that on November 13, 2023, the assets of Zoya Investments, including the petrol station, were transferred to a new entity – RAS Kanwal Group Pty Ltd, a company with the same directors, shareholders and registered office as Zoya Investments.
“On April 18, 2024, Zoya declared no assets in an apparent attempt to avoid payment to its creditors,
including Seaforth, which it owed $8.45M, and the Australian Tax Office ($4.5M) and to avoid responsibility to clean up the petrol station site,” Harris said.
On August 15, Harris raised the case in the NSW Parliament.
“I urge the owners of the service station at 68 Craigie Avenue, Kanwal, to shut down until it is proven that the leaks in their underground fuel tanks have been addressed and no further contamination is occurring,” he said.
“This business is damaging the environment and potentially impacting on the health of local residents.
“It is very concerning that although regulatory action was enforced, there has been no evidence of clean-up or any attempt to alert local residents to the ongoing potential health danger.
“It is doubly concerning the owners have attempted to avoid fines and reparations by putting their business in liquidation but then continuing to trade under a different entity,” Harris said.
The Kanwal petrol station
Coast’s key workers don’t qualify for social housing
Central Coast Council’s Facade Improvement Support Program opens on Sunday, September 1.
The program offers financial assistance to businesses and commercial property owners in the town centres of Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong.
Grants of up to $5,000 can be used to enhance building facades and improve accessibility.
To ensure a smooth application process, Council will host a free online information session at 5.30pm
Key employment industries on the Central Coast have entry level pay rates that price employees out of both the rental and home ownership markets.
The entry level income for an employee in health care and social and community services is $965.60 per week which is consistent with the range for a very low-income household, being less than $1,174 per week (ABS 2021).
Central Coast Council argues that, therefore, workers in this industry would require affordable rentals priced at less than $352 per week and affordable homes priced at less than $287,000.
“The same can be deduced for other key industries on the Central Coast such as general building and construction
which has an entry level rate of pay set at $984.35 and clerks and private sector which is set at $945.10,” Council said.
“Employees in both these industries require housing options priced at the very low income benchmark to meet their affordability needs.
“In general, the Central Coast’s prime industries are occupied by low paid key workers on very low incomes.
“These employees do not qualify for social housing and require affordably priced market products within their range.”
Council says priority should be given to the facilitation of housing for people on very low incomes which would service key worker cohorts in health care and social services, trade and construction, clerical and
Help in sprucing up business façades
on Tuesday, August 27.
This session will cover program guidelines, eligibility criteria and important dates.
Council Director Community and Recreation Services
Melanie Smith said the program received a strong response in 2022 and 2023, with 21 out of 28 applications from last year’s program recommended for funding.
“We aim to support businesses in enhancing their offerings and accessibility, contributing to the revitalisation of our town centres,” she said.
“By improving shopfront
1. Demonstrated previous experience as a Principal Contractor with at least 3 educational developments of a contract value of minimum $15M.
6. Evidence of certification numbers for certified WHS, Environmental and Quality Management Systems
7. Provide financial statements.
Note: Submissions that fail to adhere to the above evaluation criteria will not be considered. Tender will be last quarter of 2024.
aesthetics and accessibility, we hope to create vibrant and inviting town centres that attract more visitors, boosting the local economy and enhancing the overall community experience.”
The program offers dollarfor-dollar matched funding, with a maximum of $5,000 (ex GST) per eligible property.
This year, the program has a total budget of $150,000
(excluding GST).
“Project ideas can range from simple and cost-effective measures like painting and signage to installing new awnings or accessibility ramps,” Smith said.
“Even small improvements can make a big difference, facade enhancements don’t have to be costly.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the program had noticeably contributed to the revitalisation of the region’s town centres over the past two years.
“We are pleased to continue
administrative and general labourers.
“This same approach could be applied to other key worker industries such as early education, sales and marketing and hospitality which are secondary employment sectors on the Central Coast,” Council said.
The comments are contained in a submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly Select Committee.
The Committee’s Inquiry is focused on establishing an appropriate definition of essential worker housing for the NSW Government to adopt, as well as identifying options to increase housing supply for essential workers.
offering this program, which enhances the overall amenity of our town centres,” he said.
“This funding, allocated from Council’s operational budget, demonstrates our commitment to supporting local businesses and improving our community’s appearance.”
Applications close at midnight on Monday, September 30.
For more information, including registration for the information session, funding guidelines and the application process, search ‘Facade Improvement Support Program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Merilyn Vale
Past grant recipient Forest Fruit Market Toukley with improved facade signage
CHERALYN DARCEY’S
DOWN IN THE GARDEN:
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is amazingly easy to grow and as the Central Coast is a temperate climate, this generally means that you can grow most lettuce year-round.
In fact, if there is no danger of frost, the cooler weather is usually better for lettuce crops.
Personally, I’ve found Cos Lettuce does really well here, but you may wish to also consider ‘Great Lakes’, ‘Green Cos’, ‘Butternut’, ‘Diamond Gem’ or ‘Green Salad Bowl’. All of which grow exceptionally well in this environment.
You can plant seedlings but as
with all plants, you will find a far greater selection available in seeds so check with local nurseries and online suppliers.
Plant seeds 6mm in depth and 20 to 30cm apart.
One important note for Coast gardeners: If the soil temperature is greater than 25C you will find difficulty in getting your lettuce seed to germinate so seedlings may be a better solution in the warmer parts of the year.
Lettuce needs a moist and rich soil.
It detests drying out and can bolt (come into flower) or die rather quickly if water levels fall sharply so
good drainage is a must.
Ensure damp soil, not waterlogged for your lettuce and water the ground, not the leaves in the early morning and never at night or during the day. This will help deter
pests and disease.
A nitrogen-rich feed every fortnight will improve the leaf growth and general strength and health of the lettuce.
Alternate weeks use a seaweed-based solution for
GARDEN PLANNER
While the temperatures are rising, be careful in frost-prone areas as it’s still a little early for some plantings. 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
good health as well.
If you have loose-leaf varieties, harvest individual outer leaves carefully during growth and whole plants on maturity.
Probably the most challenging problem you may face once you have your lettuce growing is pests.
Those tender green leaves are so tempting to snails, slugs and any hungry garden visitors, especially in winter.
The best solution for chemical free, environmentally safe lettuce is to net your garden bed.
Aphids can present a problem
so regular checking and treatment may be needed. Handpick them off and squash and spray lettuce with lightly soapy water to deter them.
For snails and slugs, there are organic pellets available but two of the best ways best ways to get rid of them is to pick them off by hand.
Although beer and yeast traps are somewhat popular, to avoid trapping native snails, don’t use these traps, instead invest in planting sacrifice crops of lettuce around the edge of your main crop with a barrier or just pick off unwanted snails and slugs by hand.
Join Cheralyn, Bec and G with The Weekend Panel from 8am Saturdays on Coastfm963
When a small group of dancers from Central Coast Modern Jive Dance took over hiring the auditorium at Club Wyong for dance classes, it was decided they would ask the Mounties Group for free rent.
The request, granted by the Group which also operates Halekulani Bowling Club and The Breakers, meant the small entry fee charged for dance classes could be donated to charity.
“We don’t give cash to charities, we would simply ask them what their needs are, and we buy what they need,” dance teacher Graham McMullen said.
“So far this year we have been sponsored by The Mounties Group, Baby Bunting at West Gosford, Lakes Printers at Tuggerah, Simply Mad About Christmas at Tuggerah and Honey Manic Nails at Gorokan.
“We have made donations to
We Care Connect at Wyong where we purchased baby car seats and capsules with free fitting by Baby Bunting, Toukley Neighbourhood Centre food
hampers for the needy and Christmas decorations as requested for the children’s ward at Gosford Hospital.
“Last Christmas two of our
dancers opened up their home for a Christmas party where we raised a substantial amount of money to purchase toys and gift cards for Toukley Neighbourhood Centre.”
Group members recently paid a visit to Gosford Hospital’s children’s ward to drop off two huge boxes of Christmas decorations, gratefully received by nurse unit manager Kerry
Urgent care clinic clocks up 10,000 visits
The Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) has appointed Sara Foster as its new CEO.
As one of the Coast’s leading women’s health and wellbeing organisations, CCCWHC is dedicated to providing safe spaces and services for women, by women.
Foster joins the team with extensive experience in the public, corporate, and higher education sectors, most recently serving as the Head of Strategy for UNSW Global.
CCCWHC Board Chair Janet Attwood welcomed Foster to lead the organisation, which is set to launch a new strategy aimed at expanding growth and impact, enabling more women across the Coast to
Hope and hospital play specialist Gerri Murray.
“We had so much fun with the hospital and gave the staff free dance lessons,” McMullen said.
“The kids ward should win the competition for the bestdecorated Christmas ward this year.”
Over the years McMullen and his wife Colleen have been involved with multiple dance schools on the Central Coast, Sydney, and Newcastle.
“We find it a great social activity and, of course, our main aim is to teach people to dance both as beginners and up to intermediate levels with many of our dancers competing in a competition,” McMullen said.
The Learn Modern Jive classes are held at Club Wyong on a Monday night.
Partners are not required and experienced teachers in fun classes extend warm greetings to all participants.
Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride has welcomed news that the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Lake Haven has seen 10,000 visitors.
At the last election, McBride committed that, if elected, a Labor Government would deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for the northern Central Coast.
In December last year, the Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened its doors, offering an alternative to the hospital emergency department for urgent but not lifethreatening care.
The clinic offers bulk-billed care seven days a week, over extended hours.
One in three visits are children aged under 15, demonstrating that the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is a trusted alternative to the emergency department for local families.
Earlier this year, McBride welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Lake Haven where they toured the local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
Across the country there are more than 60 Medicare Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, with the Albanese Labor
New CEO for women’s health centre
access support and holistic health care services.
“We look forward to working closely with her as we strive towards our goal of safe and healthy futures for all women across the Central Coast,” Attwood said.
“CCCWHC works tirelessly to provide choice, access to healthcare and safe futures for girls and women.
“As a not-for-profit organisation that is small in size but large in mission, it’s vital that our leader is passionate about making a difference.”
Foster said she was ”honoured and excited” to join the team.
“CCCWHC has a proud history of providing integrated healthcare for women and creating safe spaces where every woman’s story is heard, respected, and believed,” she said.
“I am particularly passionate about our commitment to serving the most marginalised women in our community and our team’s dedication to working directly with women impacted by violence and trauma, helping them recover and find a way forward.
“I look forward to strengthening CCCWHC’s voice, building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, Theresa Mason,
and leading CCCWHC into a future where safe and healthy futures for all women are not just a goal, but a reality.”
Mason led CCCWHC through a very significant period during her five-year tenure as CEO, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Her leadership was instrumental in the recent landmark increase of funding for 21 Women’s Health Centres across the state,” Attwood said.
“Theresa has been a tremendous leader and leaves a positive and enduring legacy having ensured CCCWHC has a stable financial base, allowing us to grow over the next five years, meaning we can support more women.
“We thank her for her passion, commitment, and hard work to
Government providing $227M in the Budget to expand the network to 87 clinics.
There have been more than 700,000 presentations nationally since the first clinics opened in June last year.
“I worked at Wyong Hospital for almost a decade, and I know just how important access to urgent care is for people on the Central Coast,” McBride said.
“Since it opened, more than 10,000 local people have visited the Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, receiving fully bulk-billed urgent care.”
safeguard CCCWHC’s future, and wish her well in retirement.”
Founded in 1976, CCCWHC listens to women, believes them and works with them.
With three centres at Wyoming, Wyong and Woy Woy.
These are safe spaces where all women and girls can access healthcare and integrated services that support their overall wellbeing.
Services provided include healthcare, counselling and case management, information and education, health and wellbeing, drop-in support, childcare, parenting support and advocacy.
You can become a member or donate at cccwhc.com.au
New CEO Sara Foster
Outgoing CEO Theresa Mason
Member for Dobell Emma McBride with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the clinic
Dance group members Mick and Ruth Shaw, Jannine Ryan, Julie Weatherstone, Shazz Laird and Graham McMullen with Club Wyong representatives (back row) David English and Noelle Bosch
HEALTH BRIEF
Catching up on surgeries
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has welcomed the release of new preliminary data which shows the overdue planned surgery waitlist at NSW public hospitals has reached its lowest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the NSW Government established the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce in March 2023, the state’s public hospitals have reduced the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for a planned surgery by 86 per cent, approximately from 14,000 to 1,900.
Tesch said Gosford Hospital had seen a 30.8 per cent increase in the number of elective surgeries performed on time compared with the same quarter last year.
Further, there had been an 85 per cent improvement in patients waiting longer than recommended for elective surgery at the end of the quarter, she said.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
When 20-year-old Josh Griffiths of Gosford found a strange lump on his neck during his regular morning shave, he wasn’t too concerned at first.
But what came next was a rare cancer diagnosis which took him from his brand-new job at the Army Barracks to the biggest battle of his life.
Last November, his life was turned upside down as he underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
Aside from the lump, he had no other signs or symptoms and felt completely fine, but when a colleague pointed out the same lump later that day he decided to get checked by the doctor on base.
Diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer, he was sent to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney.
“Cancer wasn’t a consideration at first, but as all the testing went on, it became a possibility,” he said.
“I was just angry rather than sad because I had just got into the Army and that had taken so long to get there.
Go the distance to support Josh and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
“I had gone through a full year of Army training just to get cancer.
“During one of my first talks with the doctor he said you’re probably wondering why this happened to you.
“He said there is no cause, I was just unlucky.”
The Griffiths family lives in Gosford, so his mum and dad were grateful to stay at the YouCan centre at Chris O’Brien
Lifehouse while Josh received treatment.
Now that treatment stopped a month ago, he has not only resumed working two days a week at his local Army Reserve base, he has also decided to share his story to support, promote and participate in the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Go The Distance challenge.
Throughout the month of September, participants can
swim, bike, run or walk to help raise funds to bring lifechanging cancer care closer to home for regional patients.
“I am aiming to do whatever I can throughout the month,” Griffiths said.
“It will probably be swimming now that the weather is warming up.”
Money raised will help fund research, purchase cuttingedge technology, and support
holistic services like transport and accommodation to ensure the best case is accessible to all people living in NSW.
“Everyone at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is really, really good at their job and really really kind,” Griffiths said.
“I can’t say I had one bad experience.” To find out more about the challenge visit Go the Distance
Our team of Independents
Jane has lived on the Central Coast for over 34 years. She is a part-time teacher however started her career in IT. Jane has been active in community organisations for over 24 years and has served on a range of Boards and community committees. Jane has been a Mayor and councillor.
Jane is committed to a Council that is open and transparent. Jane is concerned that poor planning is leading to congested roads and poor amenity. We want planning that ensures delivery of infrastructure, protects our quality of life, local character and the places we love.
Alison is a down-to-earth person who lives with her three kelpie dogs. She focuses on teaching students all about the environment we live in, here on the Central Coast.
Alison is a 6th generation rural landowner giving her volumes of knowledge about the area she lives in. When not teaching, she is assisting the community through her role as Captain of her local rural fire brigade.
Lisa has been involved with Kariong Eco Garden since it started nearly 20 years ago. She loves composting and worms, and is passionate about zero waste, zero emissions and connecting with nature. She has worked as an Environmental Educator on the Central Coast since 2000.
Lisa is inspired by the words of The Lorax “unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better it’s not.” (Dr Seuss)
HOW TO VOTE
Supporting local groups and community voices to protect and enhance what we love for future generations
Giving communities an effective voice in our Council
Accountability and transparency in Council's actions and decision making
Better planning that retains the character of the Central Coast while providing the infrastructure that the community needs
Working with the local communities to identify priorities for improving local roads, drainage and footpaths
Protecting our COSS lands, open space and the places we love - urban reserves, the bushland, waterways and beaches
Creating new local jobs, supporting existing and new sustainable industries
Working with local communities to better understand and prepare for the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events
Providing efficient and cost effective waste and recycling services
Protecting our drinking water catchments and agricultural lands
Josh Griffiths during his treatment at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
Jane Smith
Alison Wade
Lisa Wriley
Top racing action on Father’s Day
Wyong Race Club has a huge afternoon planned for Father’s Day, with multiple activities for families paired with great provincial racing.
It was trainer Kim Waugh’s season in 2023/24 and a winning month in August has set her up for a strong title defence on Sunday, September 1.
She will be chasing further success, with several horses nominated for the eight-race meeting, including Selfless Act in the $200,000 Domeland Mona Lisa Stakes.
Some of the state’s leading jockeys and trainers will join Wyong-trained horses competing across the eight races.
Waugh recently claimed her eighth successive Wyong Trainers Premiership with 40 winners.
Having shared the 2022/23 title with Kristen Buchanan,
she finished last season with a winning run and was nine wins ahead of Buchanan at season’s end on August 31.
Damien Lane was third with 30 wins, while Sara Ryan had a super result in her first full season of training, her team claiming 24 races.
With a strong start to 2024/25 it’s shaping up as another big season for Waugh, five winners
and three placings in the first 18 days from just 27 winners one of her best starts in recent years.
The run of wins sees Waugh with an impressive winning strike rate of 18.5 per cent, placing her among the top echelon of NSW trainers.
Her most successful season to date was in 2020/21 when she trained 48 winners and 69
placegetters from 276 runners. Waugh and her husband, former Australian cricket captain Mark Waugh, relocated to their base at Jilliby in late 2013.
She has had a firm grip on the premiership for nearly a decade and will be hoping to add to her winning tally over the remaining two days of the Wyong Carlton United Breweries Cup Carnival,
this Sunday, September 1, and Wyong Leagues Group Cup Day, Friday, September 6.
Waugh tasted success on day one of the carnival with Foolish and has Selfless Act nominated in Sunday’s $200,000 Mona Lisa Stakes.
The mare was runner-up in the prelude on August 18 and has been building a strong resume with four wins and seven placings from her 18 starts.
Fellow Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley has nominated Irish Kisses in the feature, while Rosehill trained Pajanti, who won the Mona Lisa Prelude impressively, will attempt to take out the Listed race.
Locals Sara Ryan, Kristen Buchanan, Damien Lane, John Cooper, Nikki Hodgson, Mark Cross, Daniel Robinson, Stephen Schofield and Rodney Bailey have horses nominated across the eight-race program.
Final fields will be out on Thursday, August 29.
Globe-trotting Socceroo returns to Mariners
FOOTBALL
Socceroo Trent Sainsbury is returning to the Central Coast thanks to a three-year deal with the Central Coast Mariners.
The 32-year-old has spent the past 10 years playing overseas, originally departing the Mariners in 2014 for Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle.
During his initial stint with the Mariners, where he made his professional debut against Newcastle in November 2010, he was a standout.
He won the 2012/13 A-League Championship, the Mariners’ first, while also being named Player of the Year in that same campaign.
This was his first as a regular starter in his professional career, with Sainsbury spending another six months
on the Coast before departing for Holland.
During his time with PEC Zwolle, Sainsbury added two further pieces of silverware to his cabinet – the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup.
While he was with them, Sainsbury also played a crucial role in Australia winning the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil.
The defender played every minute that campaign, scoring in the semi-final before putting a Player of the Match performance in against South Korea to help the Socceroos win the tournament.
In total, Sainsbury has made 61 appearances for the Australian Men’s National
Team, making the Socceroos squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and featuring in all three of its group stage matches.
He left PEC Zwolle in 2016 for Chinese Super League club Jiangsu FC, before notably signing for Inter Milan on loan, as well as Swiss outfit Grasshopper Club.
Sainsbury has also featured for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Maccabi Haifa and Kortrijk, while he most recently played for Qatari side Al-Wakrah SC.
“I’m super excited to be returning to the Central Coast,” he said.
“Coming back here was always the option for me, a real full circle moment having made
my professional debut for the club.
“What the team achieved last season was incredible, an amazing treble, and I can’t wait to add what I can to the club and squad.
“It’s going to be a huge season, and I’m ready to give everything to help the Mariners achieve more silverware.”
Mariners Head Coach Mark Jackson said Sainsbury had played at the highest level, had vast experience in the game and was a real leader on the pitch.
“He is exactly what we need in the group,” Jackson said.
Women bowlers converge on Bateau Bay for triples comp
LAWN BOWLS
Women’s bowls teams from all over the Central Coast and as far away as Windsor converged on Bateau Bay Bowling Club on Monday, August 19, to compete in Creighton’s Triples @The Bay. This annual event, sponsored by Creighton’s Funeral Service, attracts some of the best women bowlers all keen to share in the very attractive prizemoney.
The format of play was two bowl triples played over three games of 13 ends each game, with the winners determined by wins, ends and margins. To even things out each game was played on a different green with one game played on a
synthetic surface under the
Dome and the other two on different grass surfaces.
On their arrival for the day, players were treated to a morning tea consisting of a delicious selection of
homemade cakes, slices and savouries.
Players played two games during the morning before
Open bowls carnival a success
Lawn bowlers from across the Central Coast did not allow a bit of wet weather to dampen their spirits as they participated in The Hali Open Bowls Carnival recently.
Halekulani Women’s Bowling Club spokesperson Phyllis Hanzic said the Ladies and Men’s triples were washed out, but some great bowls were played on the other three days of the carnival.
The Ladies Pairs was won by Jilly Wilcock and Leanne Wadwell.
The Men’s Pairs saw Barry Harris and Paul Williams emerge as victors and the Mixed Pairs was taken out by Stuart Benjaman and Marie Tate.
New coach for Wyong Roos
Wyong Roos Rugby League Club has announced that Tony Gleeson will be the new Denton Cup coach for the upcoming two seasons.
Gleeson has a rich history with the club, having played several seasons with the Roos and winning a first-grade premiership in 1992.
After playing, his coaching career saw him lead both The Entrance and Berkeley Vale to premierships before moving to Newcastle to further his career. He excelled in his time at the Knights, showcasing a deep understanding of the game and what it takes to achieve success both on and off the field.
lunch and then finishing the day playing their vital match winning final game.
Competition was highly competitive, and the Ettalong Club showed the depth of their talent in women’s bowls by winning the major prize and filling four of the top five.
The Windsor visitors didn’t go home empty handed taking out fourth spot.
Community Liaison representative from Creighton’s, Monica Wastle, was on hand to present the winners with their prizes.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Cuthbert, Pam Donnelly and Rhonda Keenan from Ettalong on being the overall winners of the day.
Gleeson has an extensive coaching background with more than a decade with the Newcastle Knights, where he achieved great success, in junior reps and NSW Cup securing multiple premierships.
Wyong Roos Head of Rugby League Craig Sandercock said Gleeson stood out among a highly competitive list of quality candidates.
“He is a fantastic addition to the team, and we are all very excited by his appointment,” he said.
“Both Tony and the Roos are eager to tackle the challenges of the new season together and we are optimistically looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the club in the coming years.”
Kim Waugh with husband Mark and the connections of Foolish after his win in the 1350m Midway BM 64 on August 18
Trent Sainsbury
magnificent Stingray
Ettalong winners Rhonda Keenan, Pam Donnelly, Elizabeth Cuthbert and Monica Wastle from Creighton’s
Photo: Steve Hart Photographics
Alyssar Narey has been appointed first female CEO of the Central Coast Mariners Football Club.
Narey brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in sports administration, business development and agency management.
Having most recently joined the Mariners from the APL, she has consistently demonstrated an ability to elevate operations, rebuild relationships and create a strong connection between the football department and administrative sides of the business.
Under her leadership, Central Coast Mariners will continue its success, building on the remarkable achievements of
recent years.
Her commitment to the Mariners’ identity as “the community club” will see an increased focus on local engagement, developing talent and ensuring that the Central Coast remains at the heart of all the club’s endeavours.
“I’m really excited to lead a club with a rich history, filled with great people and with such a strong connection to the community,” Narey said.
“My goal is to make sure the Mariners continue to remain a pillar for the Central Coast and show what’s possible when a business and its community work together.”
Narey steps into the role after Adam Thomson, who served as interim CEO for the past six months.
Thomson played a crucial role in maintaining the stability and success of the club during this transitional period.
“I want to congratulate Alyssar on this well-deserved appointment,” Thomson said.
“The club is in incredibly safe hands under her leadership, and I look forward to seeing the Mariners continue to thrive.”
A spokesperson said the Mariners Board was confident Narey’s leadership would not only continue the club’s success but also set new standards and her appointment marked the beginning of an exciting new era for the Mariners.
The club has also announced that chairman Richard Peil would be stepping back from his day-to-day involvement
with the Mariners as he focuses on his other business ventures with his trusted business partner of many years, Jordan Smith, taking over as executive chairman.
Peil has been described as being instrumental in guiding the club through some of its most successful seasons.
“The past few seasons have brought me the most success and enjoyment I’ve ever experienced in football,” he said.
“However, the demands of my other businesses now require more of my attention.
“I have every confidence that Jordan and Alyssar will continue to lead the Mariners to even greater heights.”
Pathway to the Paralympics
A new initiative called Pathways to Play is helping people with disability to unlock their potential and have some fun with sports.
Launched by NDIS partner, Social Futures, the program is being rolled out across northern NSW, the Central Coast, and the Far West and Central Western NSW regions.
Pathways to Play aims to provide connections for people with disability aged nine and over, allowing them to participate in a variety of sports.
It could be their first step to the Paralympics, according to Program Co-ordinator and Sydney 2000 Paralympian, David Johnson.
“Pathways to Play is a gateway to something that could be a love for life,” he said.
“Every Paralympian dream started from just giving it a go.
“This is the essence of the program – it’s about giving it a go, and about having fun.”
Known as DJ, Johnson said people with disability faced multiple obstacles when it came to accessing local sporting opportunities in their community.
“Some people might need more support than others to access sports and often, parents and teachers of people with disability are focussed on other areas of their life,” he said.
“For most kids the access is there, the pathway is there, and it’s the norm.
“But people with disability are still being told what they can and can’t do.
“We’re coming to show people with disability there is a pathway and there is access to sport.
“There might be three or four
sports that you might try before you settle on one.
“You might not settle on any.
“But at least you can have the opportunity to make that choice.”
Through Pathways to Play, local Social Futures coordinators collaborate with various disability sport organisations, clubs and community groups to organise and promote come-and-try sports days.
These events are designed to showcase different types of sports and physical activities in a fun and welcoming
environment and offer a space for people with disability to explore their interests in different sports.
Social Futures co-ordinators then provide information and support to people with disability to connect in with local disability sporting opportunities.
“One of the biggest challenges for people with disabilities is a lack of awareness about the opportunities available,” Johnson said.
“And taking that first step can feel overwhelming.”
Johnson was a keen athlete who dreamt of representing his country before a car accident took his dream, along with his leg, when he was 19 years old.
“After my accident I felt lost in society, I had no purpose,” he said.
“Yes, I was alive, that was good.
“But I yearned for sport.
“Disability sports gave me a dream again, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“It’s not just about exercise; it’s about building a life filled with passion and dreaming big.”
Now he wants to give that gift to others.
“Most kids love sport because it’s fun right?” he said.
“This is not any different for people with disability; we want to have fun as well, and playing sport is one way.
“Sports have a powerful impact that goes beyond physical health; they also enhance mental and social wellbeing.
“We want participants to leave our events excited about their potential in sports, whether it leads to new hobbies, friendships, or dreams of competing
in the Paralympics.”
The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures is an NDIS partner delivering local area co-ordination services to people with disability aged between nine and 64. If you or someone you know is interested in the Pathways to Play Program, call 1800 522 679 or email socialfutures@ ndis.gov.au
To talk to a local area coordinator email socialfutures@ ndis.gov.au or call the local area co-ordination hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm).
Alyssar Narey is the Mariners’ first female CEO
Terrigal all the way in rugby union grand finals
It was Terrigal all the way at the Central Coast Rugby Union grand finals day on August 24, with the Trojans taking out the Premier 1 Premiership (along with the Minor Premiership), the Premier 2 Premiership and the President’s Cup Premiership (equal with The Lakes).
In the Premier 1 grand final Terrigal hung on to record a Premiership victory, defeating Avoca Beach by the narrow margin of 20-16.
The match went point for point for the entire 80 minutes, with great defence from both sides.
It was not until the 19th minute of the first half that the first points were posted when Terrigal five-eight Adam Danckert threw a great inside pass to winger Frankie Webber who crossed under the posts.
The conversion saw Terrigal take an early 7-0 lead but not long after Avoca Beach kicked a penalty goal to make the score 7-3.
Just before half-time Avoca Beach kicked a second penalty goal to make the score at the half-time break Terrigal 7, Avoca Beach 6.
Terrigal increased their lead in the 12th minute of the second half when a penalty
goal took their lead to 10-6.
This lead was further increased in the 20th minute with another penalty goal but in the 26th minute Avoca Beach crossed for their first try to reduce the Terrigal lead to 1311.
With five minutes to go Terrigal crossed for their second try to take a 20-11 lead but Avoca Beach responded quickly, crossing for their second try as tension mounted with the scoreline at 20-16.
Terrigal held on to take the victory, with best players on the day five-eight Adam Danckert, lock Isaac Riviere, halfback Jye Cornish and
centre Jake Farnworth. Avoca Beach was best served by hooker Cooper Elliott, centre Alex Halls and winger Michael Houssenloge.
Terrigal had secured both the Minor and Major Premierships and had gone through the season undefeated.
Terrigal also secured a comfortable victory in the Premier 2 grand final, defeating Avoca Beach by 29-5.
The first half was quite an even struggle, with Terrigal going into the half-time break with a 10-5 lead.
But they dominated the second half to secure a more than convincing win.
Best players for Terrigal were prop Antonio Cunha and flankers Will Shipton and Noah Hughes, while halfback Liam Davies proved strong for Avoca Beach.
The President’s Cup grand final saw The Lakes and Terrigal share the Premiership.
They were locked at 12 points apiece after extra time so were declared Joint Premiers for 2024.
The Lakes opened the scoring early on with a try with the 5-0 lead remaining until half-time.
Terrigal responded with their own try in the second half, locking the score at 12-all at full-time.
Extra time was intense, with both teams scoring converted tries. The Women’s 12’s grand final saw Lake Macquarie record a 31-14 victory over Avoca Beach.
Lake Macquarie opened the scoring with a converted try, followed by a further try, giving them a 12-0 lead going into half-time.
Lake Macquarie continued to control proceedings and soon jumped to 31-0.
Avoca Beach crossed for late tries but it was too late and Lake Macquarie claimed the Women’s 12s Premiership for 2024.
Terrigal took out the Premier 1 grand final with a 20-16 win over Avoca Beach
