Coast Community News #454

Election fever ramps up

Locals Ryan and Waugh chase Wyong Cup win

It would be a dream come true for young local trainer

Sara Ryan to win the prestigious Wyong Leagues Group Cup.

Ryan is one of two Wyongbased trainers planning to saddle up runners in the $. 250,000 Listed feature race on Friday, September 6.

Her hopes lie with last start Rosehill winner Roma Avenue, while Camaguey will represent Kim Waugh.

The six-year-old was runner up in the Wyong Cup Prelude over 2000m on August 18.

Ryan is a relative newcomer

to the training ranks at Wyong, having taken over as Domeland’s chief trainer in mid-2022.

She had been working for the Chinese based company for the previous five years supervising the pre-training and spelling of their horses from their base at Kulnura.

But she was spiralled into the spotlight when unexpectedly offered the position as chief trainer.

She has relished the responsibility and enjoyed great success in her first full season as a trainer, 2023/24

Election fever is ramping up in the region as the countdown continues to the September 14 local government election for new Central Coast councillors.

As residents prepare to go to the polls for the first time since 2017 to elect local representatives, Coast Community News is committed to making sure they are privy to as much information as possible before the big day.

In our print edition this week we will continue our preelection coverage with the latest pledges by candidates and a rundown on the ballot papers for each ward.

Next week we will present a full listing of all candidates in each of the five wards, with headshots and brief policy

statements from all who provide them.

Next week’s Forum page will also be devoted to electionrelated letters from readers.

As we have previously reported, there are four former mayors and six other former councillors among the 77 candidates, which has sparked some debate within the community.

Among the candidates are former Wyong mayor Doug Eaton, former Wyong mayor Greg Best, former Gosford mayor Lawrie McKinna and former Central Coast Council mayor Jane Smith.

Former councillors set to stand are Kyle MacGregor, John McNamara, Sue Wynn, Dee Bocking, Trevor Drake and Belinda Neal, who is also a former NSW senator and

Federal Member for Robertson. Residents could be forgiven for being a little confused with so many candidates in the running, but CCN is committed to making as much information available as possible to help voters in making informed decisions.

With so many contributions coming in from candidates, some have been truncated for inclusion in our print coverage, but statements and pledges can be accessed in full on our website: coastcommunity news.com.au/council

Candidates are reminded to submit a headshot and twosentence policy statement to ccn@centralcoastnews.net by September 9 if they want to be included in our candidate summary.

with 24 winners and 31 placegetters to her name from 149 runners.

At just 30, Ryan would become the youngest trainer to win the Cup if Roma Avenue were successful and the first local to win since Neville McBurney’s victory with Spiritual Star in 1996.

She saddled up two runners in the 2023 Cup; Parry Sound, which finished fourth; and The Mediterranean, which sadly had to be euthanised after falling during the race.

Continued following page

the latest election news see our website:

Kim Waugh; Sara Ryan

Photo: Bradley Photographers

From previous page

Locals Ryan and Waugh chase Wyong Cup win

Ryan believes she has the horse to get the job done in Roma Avenue, despite the sixyear-old never having raced over the 2100m Cup distance.

“He’s a good honest horse and has always struck me as a horse who will get over more ground,” she said. “He’s been a bit of a handful getting him to settle but he was able to do so in his last start at Rosehill and Reece (Jones) came from behind and got the job done.

“Reece has found the key to him and will ride him in the Cup.

“To win the Wyong cup would be great.

“It hasn’t been done by a local trainer for some time and would be a great boost to my career.”

The other local hope, Waugh’s Camaguey, has won four of his 32 starts, including last year’s Mudgee Cup.

Despite being the leading

Wyong trainer for the past eight years, Waugh is yet to taste success in the Cup and will be hoping this is the year.

Our locals will have to contend with strong competition from “outsiders” including a likely three representatives from the Chris Waller stable.

Waller, who has dominated the Sydney training ranks in recent years, has the most Wyong Cups to his name, having claimed the race eight times, opening his account with Hawk Island in 2010.

The stable has nominated Group 1 Victorian Derby winner

Manzoice, lightly-raced Irish import Etna Rosso, was last start Rosehill winner over 1900m, and former New Zealand stayer Medatsu, which has put together back-to-back metropolitan wins in August.

Victorian Let’sbefrankbaby brings strong form from the

Race 7 - 4:35PM WYONG LEAGUES GROUP WYONG CUP (2100 METRES)

south, the five-year-old mare having claimed the Group 3 South Australian Classic in May last year.

Trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths and Mathew De Kock, she went out a winner with a Caulfield victory over 2400m in May and will be resuming in the Wyong cup if an acceptor.

John O’Shea has won two Wyong Cups in the past three years with Berdibek in 2021 and Benaud last year.

He and new training partner Tom Charlton will be shooting for another victory with the talented Lion’s Roar.

A recent addition to the stable, the seven-year-old has the Group 3 Summer Cup to his name and finished second in the Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury in his latest outing.

Leading NSW provincial trainer Kris Lees tasted his first Wyong Cup success in

2016 with Slow Pace.

He has Great Britain imports Age Of Sail and Luncies among the nominations.

Luncies’ six career wins include the Group 3 Tatt’s Cup at Eagle Farm over 2400m in June 2023.

Age Of Sail has only had six Australian starts; his sole victory coming via a 1600m BM72 at Warwick Farm in January.

Lees’ former apprentice Dylan Gibbons, who joined the senior riding ranks this year, will partner Age Of Sail.

He is shooting for back-toback Cup wins, having partnered O’Shea’s Benaud last year.

For the first time the Wyong Cup carries Big Dance Eligibility with the winner guaranteed entry to the $2m Big Dance at Randwick on November 5.

Sara Ryan was successful in last year’s Big Dance with Attractable.

A Short History of the Wyong Cup

The Wyong Cup is a prestigious horse race held annually at the Wyong Race Club.

It is a key event on the regional racing calendar and a notable part of the lead-up to the Sydney Spring Carnival.

The race had its inception in the late 1800s and has provided a century and a half of rich racing tradition.

In 1918 racing at Wyong racecourse was formalised at its current location.

Over time, the Wyong Cup has grown in importance, attracting top-quality horses, trainers and jockeys.

It is traditionally run in early September and is contested over a distance of 2100 metres,

making it a true test of stamina and strategy.

This year the combined prize money for the race is $250,000 making it a highly desirable event for trainers and jockeys.

The race’s significance stems from its role as a stepping stone for horses aiming to compete in bigger events such as the Newcastle Cup, Metropolitan Handicap, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, all of which are part of Australia’s prestigious spring racing season.

Winners of the Wyong Cup often go on to achieve success in major races, adding to the event’s allure.

The 2022 Wyong Cup winner Durston went on to win the

$5,000,000 Caulfield Cup in the same year.

The 2023 Wyong Cup second place getter Bois D’Agent finished fourth in the $5,000,000 Caulfield Cup and subsequently won the $1,000,000 Doomben Cup, with 11th place getter in the Wyong Cup going on to win the $400,000 Brisbane Cup.

In addition to being a highlight of regional horse racing, the Wyong Cup has become a social and community event, drawing large crowds to the racecourse for a day of excitement and entertainment. Throughout its history, the Wyong Cup has maintained its reputation as one of the premier country cup races in NSW.

Benaud

Photo: Bradley Photographers

New councillors to be monitored by State Government

The councillors who are elected on September 14 will have their performance monitored by the State Government, with 16 strict new conditions to be imposed on them for the first 12 months.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig is proposing to implement a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) on the new Council, which is currently under administration.

The PIO would stop them being able to change the CEO, restructure the Council or change its code of conduct unless the Office of Local Government (OLG) agreed.

The new Council must: implement

the recommendations from the Public Inquiry; get approval from its audit risk and improvement committee for any changes in its priorities; and publicly disclose the impacts of any changes to its long-term financial plan.

Decisions cannot adversely impact its financial metrics as measured through the Office of Local Government’s financial indicators.

Administrator Rik Hart welcomes the PIO and has called an extraordinary meeting for Friday, September 6, to formally “note” the intention.

“Council welcomes your intention to issue a PIO, setting clear expectations for the incoming Council,” he said in a reply to Hoenig.

“We concur with your view that the PIO will serve the purpose of ensuring that the good work undertaken over the last four years is not lost in the transition to an elected Council.

“It will be very important that incoming councillors are able to represent their constituents effectively and can do so without adversely impacting the position of

the Council now, or into the future.” Hoenig has invited Council to make submissions to him within seven days before he makes a final decision on whether or not to impose the PIO.

He said it was not a critique of the administrator’s work but to “ensure the process of improvement he had created would continue”.

The snakes are out early!

Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig

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Gosford CBD’s renaissance signals a bright future for the region

At long last, Gosford is finally getting the attention it deserves as the capital of the Central Coast.

This week’s topping out ceremony of the twin towers at Aland’s Archibald development, attended by Premier Chris Minns, is a clear signal that Gosford is on the map for both state leaders and private investors.

EDITORIAL

Gosford is not just about the Archibald towers; it’s about a concerted effort from both public and private sectors to revitalise the entire city.

Significant investments are being made in key infrastructure projects that will redefine Gosford for generations to come.

the Council.

Even more promising is a serious waterfront planning process which, if executed properly, could become the crown jewel of Gosford, drawing visitors and locals alike.

It will be important to see future local councillors step up to ensure this progress continues.

Gosford’s renaissance is no longer a distant dream; it’s seriously happening now.

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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This event marks a pivotal moment for the Gosford CBD, which has struggled for decades to realise its potential as a regional capital.

The transformation of

These include the construction of a new regional library and the establishment of a University of Newcastle campus, supported by major sewer and water upgrades by

The city’s cultural life is blossoming too; key venues have been holding cultural events in the city, led by a group of entrepreneurs including The Fun Haus, Drifters Wharf, the Railway Hotel and Gosford Hotel among others.

The momentum must not stop there.

With ongoing investments and dedicated leadership, the Gosford CBD is poised to become the vibrant hub that the Central Coast has long needed to validate it as a region worthy of attention.

The journey ahead is exciting, and it’s a future that we should all look forward to.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

What it takes to be medico on the rescue helicopter

There are few paramedics who know better than Jeremy Veness the extent of training required to secure a place on the Central Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter critical care medical team.

He joined NSW Ambulance in 2004 and worked predominantly in North Sydney before completing his intensive care paramedic course.

From there he transferred to the Central Coast where he completed his special operations training and in 2014 he joined aeromedical and began working with the rescue helicopter.

Veness’s professionalism, experience and knowledge as an aeromedical critical care paramedic (CCP) was soon recognised by NSW Ambulance and he became a paramedic educator.

“I’m a relief paramedic educator in aeromedical, which means I spend half to three quarters of the year as a ‘line CCP’ predominantly at the Belmont base (where the Central Coast rescue helicopter is based) and the other half to

quarter working in the Aeromedical Training Department based out of the ACE Training Centre at Bankstown,” he said.

“Hopefully it’s the right balance of staying current as an operational CCP that can still keep me handy and relevant in the training realm.”

The diversity of training includes Ab-Initio for CCPs –clinical, access, rescue crewmen and down the wire training, induction training for new doctor registrars and cyclic training.

Cyclic training is the bulk of the work for the training

department, with four cycle blocks in a year.

All critical care paramedics will go to Bankstown for a week at a time, four times a year, to conduct training to remain current in clinical, aviation and access skills as well as be introduced to new skills, equipment and procedures.

“Each cycle block usually has a theme; for example, cycle block one had a paediatric clinical theme, along with a review of certain pharmacologies; aviation training involved water winching and vessel transfers and the access component

was vertical mobility and rescue skills,” Veness said.

“I really enjoy the role; it keeps me on my toes and fresh.

“Things are always moving and changing, and this role ensures I stay on top of all the different operational, clinical and access skills the CCP position involves.

“I also get to work with and help facilitate training to a very smart and motivated group of paramedics, doctors and aircrew.”

When he’s not at ACE delivering training, Veness enjoys the opportunity to work locally, providing training to local NSW Ambulance and NSW Health staff, as well as other emergency service providers.

“I assist with the training from Belmont, with ab-initio doctor flight training, water and vessel recency training for the paramedics out of Lake Macquarie,” he said.

“I also have the opportunity to work with other response agencies like Marine Rescue, NSW Water Police and Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Lifeguards.”

Challenging Wills Seminar

Jeremy Veness conducting a training session

Toowoon Bay Surf Life Saving Club is gearing up to celebrate its 70th anniversary this season, with two exciting events lined up to mark the milestone.

It was during the summer of 1953 that resident Bob Roberts became aware of the need to establish a surf club, and in time a clubhouse, at Toowoon Bay due to the increasing numbers of residents and visitors that were getting into trouble in the waters around the bays.

“Bob Roberts hired surf-oplanes, beach shelters and truck tubes from his shed near where the current clubhouse now stands,” Club historian Lyn Waters said.

“He approached several regulars and most agreed to join the proposed surf club; their very first meeting was held in Pierce’s hairdressing shop.

“Wyong Shire Council passed a Motion at a meeting in 1953 after the Health Inspector was satisfied with the proposal and donated 50 pounds to establish Toowoon Bay Surf Club.

“A brick building with a flat concrete roof was to be erected at a cost of 490 pounds.

“Materials and manpower were provided by many of the original club members.”

It’s time to cast the spotlight on individuals and groups who are making the Central Coast a better place to live by nominating them in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025.

Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the annual awards highlighted the local achievements of the best and brightest from across the region.

Toowoon Bay surf club celebrates 70 years

And so the club was born, with the first group of bronze medallion members – Max Hazlett, Mick Bailey, George Freeman, Brian Burns, Max Sheen and Jim Starkey –trained at The Entrance beach. By October 1954, the first patrol was on the beach alongside a rescue reel donated by Council.

A carnival was held at Toowoon Bay, attended by the other nine existing surf clubs at the time.

Due to limited space for storing equipment, the Hazlett family, who ran the boarding house on land above the beach, allowed the club members to store their boards at their house

“By the mid 1960s, an increase in members saw the need to expand the old brick building and over the next three

years, members again donated materials and time to erect the new two-storey building,” Waters said.

“Many fundraising nights were held to raise the necessary funds to buy and maintain equipment.”

The Nipper program for boys was established in 1968 and the Nipperettes in 1978 and the inclusive Stingray Program has been running since February 2017, offering a modified nipper program for children with disabilities.

“There have been many changes over the past seven decades,” Waters said.

“The first main rescue equipment was a surf boat rowed by four members with a rescue reel in the bow of the boat.

“The other piece of important equipment was a rescue line

operated by a belt man (swimmer), linemen and reel man.

“The surf boat was replaced by jet boats, then IRBs (inflatable rescue boats) and now jet skis.

“The surf reel was replaced by rescue boards and tubes.

“Over the decades, rescues have included the saving of 50 RAAF men in the water off The Entrance in 1974 and assistance with the Maitland flood rescues in 1955, along with swimmer and craft rescues within the two bays as well as dry land CPR and first aid situations.”

In the early 1970s, a bunk house was set up in the club for use by male members only – no females were permitted; it cost 50 cents to sleep per night.

Females were allowed to commence training in the use

of radios in 1978 and in May 1979 females were finally allowed to join the club as active members.

The first female gained her bronze medallion in 1980 and the club has had several female club captains and one female president to date.

In 1984, Toowoon Bay’s new clubhouse was officially opened.

One year later, Toowoon Bay was announced as the winner of the National Award Incentive Scheme and Best NSW Club.

In 2006 a newer, bigger clubhouse was again officially opened.

The club now has 852 members, with the clubhouse needing another extension.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary, a cocktail party will be held from 6.30pm on Friday, September 13, in the

Nominations open for Australia Day awards

“They are the people and groups making positive contributions to our local community,” she said.

There are five categories for the awards including Volunteer, Young Person, Senior Citizen, Community Groups, and Community Life.

Nominations for the five award categories opened on August 26 and close on September 27, 2024.

All winners, including the overall winner who will be

named Citizen of the Year, will be announced at an awards ceremony in January 2025.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the awards often highlighted achievements by unsung heroes across the region while encouraging excellence and community spirit.

“The Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards are an important touchstone for our growing community, showcasing and celebrating individuals and organisations

who enrich our region,” he said.

“I am calling on residents and businesses to explore the five award categories and nominate a local Coastie or local group making our Central Coast community an even better place to live.”

To find out more about the awards and lodge a nomination, visit www.centralcoast.nsw. gov.au and search Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025.

Toowoon Bay SLSC clubhouse.

Tickets are limited and cost $100, which includes food, drink and entertainment in the iconic venue overlooking Toowoon Bay Beach.

Entertainment will be provided by Nouveau Vintage. To buy tickets email office. toowoonbayslsc@gmail.com or call 4332 2411 or 0406 116 603.

On Saturday, September 21, a Party on the Beach will take place from 10am-4pm with support from Central Coast Council.

The day will include lifesaving demonstrations and free entertainment by the Shott Boys.

The Village Kiosk will have an assortment of food options on offer.

Last year’s winners

Facelift for Tascott playground

Central Coast Council is set to receive $50,000 towards the upgrade and renewal of Murrumbooee Place Playground in Tascott thanks to the NSW Government’s $37.2M Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the playground was a beloved space for younger Coasties and their families.

“It’s so important that young families and their children have great playspaces … places where kids can simply be kids,

and do things like climbing, spinning, or swinging … or performing imaginary plays,” she said.

“Murrumbooee Place Playground and its equipment were in desperate need of renewal, with outdated and broken play equipment, and roots emerging from bark, causing tripping hazards.

“I am thrilled that this playspace will be renewed for generations of Coasties to continue to enjoy for years to come.”

Tascott mum Hannah Gibbins

first brought the playground to Tesch’s attention in 2022.

“The park is often buzzing with activity, from parents chatting and mingling while their toddlers play in the morning, to primary school aged kids who hop off the bus at the stop out the front,” Gibbins said.

“It’s an important and well used meeting place for families in the Tascott community.

“It’s been a sad thing to see a see-saw often broken and unused because it simply looks precarious.

“It will be so satisfying to see the old metal slide replaced with something modern.

“The main fill in the park is bark, and soft fall surfaces would represent a real improvement.

“When you have a park that already exists it’s important for them to be well-maintained for the enjoyment and safety of the community.”

The tender for Murrumbooee Place playspace is expected to open towards the end of the year, with construction likely to be undertaken in 2025.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with children at Murrumbooee Place Playground

The first Toowoon Bay beach patrol in 1954; The club today

Sunday, September 1, was a sad day for ocean lovers, marine conservationists, and many residents who gathered at The Entrance to protest the deployment of shark nets along Central Coast shores as Spring began.

The Animal Justice Party Central Coast hosted the Father’s Day rally at Memorial Park, with community members gathered to voice their concerns and learn more about the detrimental effects of the nets.

Cathy Gilmore from Marine Wildlife Rescue, who has been advocating against shark nets for more than a decade, shared powerful stories of marine rescues and her first-hand experiences witnessing the devastating effects of these nets on marine life.

She highlighted how ineffective and harmful the

Rally against shark net deployment

outdated methods are.

Jackie Pearson, a respected local conservationist, independent journalist and publisher, highlighted the harmful effects of shark nets on biodiversity and ecosystems.

She stressed the crucial role sharks play in sustaining ocean health and advocated for more effective and humane

Following months of advocacy by Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and the community of Narara, Central Coast Council has confirmed that it plans to renew Deane St in Narara this September.

Council said it would undertake road renewal works subject to favourable weather and contractor availability.

alternatives to safeguard both marine life and beachgoers.

Nada Pantle, a pioneering long-distance ocean swimmer and underwater filmmaker, shared her personal experiences with marine animals, highlighting their gentle nature and the critical need to protect their habitats.

“Understanding the ocean

and its inhabitants is the first step toward protecting it,” she said.

“You’ll realise there is nothing to fear and everything to gain.”

Sarah Ryan, the AJP candidate for The Entrance in the September 14 council election, delivered a powerful speech on the outdated use of shark nets, highlighting that the 1937

technology has remained unchanged in 87 years, despite non-harmful and effective shark mitigation options like drones being readily available.

She criticised the NSW Government’s complacency, which has resulted in the unnecessary killing of hundreds of animals including sharks, dolphins, rays and seals and

Upgrade for Deane St in Narara

The outcome has been a long time coming for the community of Narara and surrounding suburbs who have had to navigate Deane St and deteriorating road conditions.

“I welcome the update from Central Coast Council that it plans to renew Deane St this September,” Reid said.

“It should not have taken months of advocacy by my office and the community to

secure what all ratepayers should expect as the bare minimum – that is safe and reliable local roads.

“I thank everyone in the community who has written to me and supported our petition to Central Coast Council to get this road renewed.

Narara resident Martin Gallagher said about 7,000 people lived in Narara and the surrounding areas, with the

only two roads in and out being Deane St and Carrington St.

“This road renewal will be welcome news to all the motorists that use this road every day,” he said.

“Deane St is an important thoroughfare for the community and bus services.

“This renewal will improve safety and accessibility.”

the worsening threat to endangered species including leatherback turtles and grey nurse sharks.

“Despite the relentless efforts of AJP MP Emma Hurst and our local community, this Government has failed to listen to the voices of the people, the councils and the NSW Legislative Council,” she said.

“I believe our best chance at this stage is to push for local governments to be responsible for deciding if they continue to use shark nets, and this is one of the main motivations driving me to get elected as a Central Coast Council councillor.”

The DPI reported that in the 2023/2024 meshing period 255 animals were entangled in nets in NSW, 94 per cent of which were non-target animals, with 25 per cent of them endangered or protected species.

Yacht rescued in high winds

Marine Rescue Central Coast volunteers had a tricky one on their hands last week as they assisted a yacht amid a strong tidal current and high winds, coupled with having to navigate shallows and narrow channels.

At 2.30pm on August 28 a call

was received from the skipper of a 25ft yacht which experienced engine failure and subsequently became grounded, just 30m off the rocky shoreline at Hardys Bay.

Winds and a rising tide meant the yacht was in danger of being pushed further towards the dangerous shoreline.

Road safety grants on offer

Grassroots community groups across the Central Coast can now apply for a share in $400,000 in funding to promote safer road use.

The news is especially timely, given that September is rural Road Safety Month.

The NSW Government’s Community Road Safety Grants program empowers communities to address road safety on a local level, leading and delivering initiatives that make a positive impact.

From supplying vulnerable families with safe children’s

car seats, to road rule education for newly-arrived refugees, grassroots community groups can submit proposals for initiatives that will make a difference locally.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the grant program was a great opportunity to think outside the box to make our roads safer for everyone.

“I strongly encourage local organisations and groups across the Central Coast to apply for the Community Road Safety Grants – you know our community best and can ensure we are putting the

money to good use in our region,” she said.

“We must continue doing everything we can to save lives on our local roads and across the state, and these grants will be invaluable to driving lives lost towards zero.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting these grassroots efforts, ensuring that every community has the tools and resources needed to keep their roads safe.

“This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact.”

The Community Road Safety Grants support not-for-profit

community groups, implementing local projects that align with the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan.

Since its inception in 2015, the program has delivered more than 200 projects worth more than $3M, benefiting communities across NSW.

Grants of up to $30,000 are available and applications close on 4pm on Monday, September 16.

For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, go to www.transport.

nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/ community/community-grants

Rescue vessel CC22 arrived on scene at 3.25pm and was able to get a towline to the crew of the yacht.

Pulling the yacht free backwards from astern after its crew had retrieved the anchor which had become firmly stuck in the seabed, CC22 was able to tow the yacht up between Wagstaffe and Half Tide Rocks

where it was then brought alongside for easier manoeuvring onto its mooring in Ettalong Channel.

Both crews were tired and relieved when the yacht was securely placed on its mooring, with the safe outcome being the result of intensive training of the Marine Rescue crews.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison

The yacht finally under tow after a tricky rescue

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and resident Martin Gallagher on Deane St

Dozens of people rallied at The Entrance

The Australian Reptile Park has issued an urgent warning to be vigilant for venomous snakes as unseasonally high temperatures continue to increase.

With Spring beginning on September 1, snake sightings have been reported earlier than usual due to the recent warm weather along Australia’s east coast.

As temperatures rise, snakes are emerging from their hiding spots earlier than usual, making it important for families to exercise caution.

Snake catchers have already reported a significant increase in callouts, a phenomenon rarely seen at this time of year.

Typically, snakes do not come out of brumation until September.

Park Operations Manager Billy Collett said snakes did not go out of their way to harm people.

“Snake bites mostly occur when people are trying to catch

The snakes are out early!

or kill the snake, so if you don’t do either of those things, there’s a greater chance that you’ll be okay,” he said.

“However, it is important to know snake bite first aid, so if the worst-case scenario occurs you are prepared.”

First aid for snake bites includes keeping the bite victim calm and immobile, removing all jewellery and/ or watches, applying a pressure-

immobilisation bandage to the bite site, then bandaging the entire limb (not just the bite area) and seeking emergency medical assistance immediately by calling an ambulance or going directly to the hospital.

“By applying the pressureimmobilisation bandage, the venom cannot easily spread through the body, slowing down the envenomation

process by buying the bite victim more time to seek medical attention at the hospital,” Collett said.

“Anyone who visits us here at the Reptile Park knows our team spends as much time as possible educating people on snake safety.

“While the Australian Reptile Park saves approximately 300 lives each year through our antivenom program,experience

tells us basic awareness and safety can also help save lives.”

To deter snakes from backyards, the Park advises householders to keep grass areas around the home mowed and well maintained.

Avoid piling up leftover firewood or accumulating stick piles.

Tin sheets or any household items like these that are piled up can draw in heat providing

Meals on Wheels celebrates national day

a perfect man-made habitat for snakes.

Depending on the species of venomous snake, a bite could destroy blood cells, cause blood clots or excessive bleeding and destroy tissue. If not correctly treated with first aid immediately, a fatality can occur in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the amount of venom injected by the snake, the toxicity level of the venom and the type of snake.

The Australian Reptile Park is the only facility in the world that milks Australian terrestrial land snakes for the production of antivenom.

With 2,000 reported snake bites occurring annually in Australia, having rookies undergo rigorous training to contribute to the venom program becomes crucial, as it directly translates to saving an estimated 300 lives each year. This is done with the help of CSL Seqirus, which transforms the raw venom into the final product of lifesaving antivenom.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast celebrated National Meals on Wheels Day on August 28, reflecting on more than 55 years of dedicated service to the Central Coast community.

Beginning as 10 small services in the 1960s, Meals on Wheels Central Coast has grown into a single, unified service that now covers the entire region.

This year’s celebration was particularly special, with several guests joining in to help deliver meals and spread joy to clients.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan joined representatives from Home Instead Central Coast, Lexus of Central Coast, Worthington Motor Group, Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab and Central Coast Health

Promotion Service to help deliver meals.

“Their involvement brought smiles to our clients and added a special touch to the day’s events,” a spokesperson said.

“A special thank you goes to Cakes By Kyla for their generous donation of delicious cupcakes, which were a delightful treat for our clients.”

To commemorate National Meals on Wheels Day, clients and volunteers received branded chiller bags and volunteers were recognised for their incredible contributions.

With more than 1,000 clients, 180 volunteers, 18 staff members and nine board members, Meals on Wheels Central Coast continues to play a vital role in supporting the community by delivering more than 20,000 meals every month.

Services extend beyond meal delivery to include community restaurants, assisted shopping and a social bus program, all designed to help clients live a flourishing, independent life.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast has also launched a new 2024/2025 menu with more than 145 meal options, blending new dishes with beloved favourites.

The 2024/2025 menu

Men’s shed looking for members

Terrigal Community Men’s Shed has been offering a safe welcoming space where men can meet, pursue their hobbies, chat and generally socialise for more than 18 years.

With about 24 active members, the group is having a recruitment drive and inviting prospective members to check out the space.

The modern, well-equipped shed has woodworking,

metalworking and general repair sections, with members working on their own projects and items to be donated to several church schools.

Any men interested in joining are welcome to pop in between 8am and 11.30am any Tuesday or Thursday.

The shed is at 380 Terrigal Dr, near the Uniting Church.

The recruitment drive couldn’t be more timely, with the Australian Men’s Shed

Association (AMSA) celebrating Men’s Shed Week from September 1-7.

Beginning with a humble idea in regional Australia, there are now more than 2,500 sheds operating in 12 countries around world.

More than 50,000 Australians directly benefit from participation in the grassroots movement each year.

“We know that when men retire, it’s a big change and

they are at risk of social isolation which can lead to anxiety and depression, and that can affect physical health too,” AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers said.

“It often takes someone else to recognise this and suggest they do something about it.

“If you know someone who might like to learn some new skills and meet some new mates, send him down to the shed.”

features new serving sizes, common allergy icons such as garlic and onion, and an easyto-follow meal heating guide.

New meal options include meatballs in tomato sauce, chicken scallopini, Hawaiian

chicken, fish cake with parsley sauce, vegetable curry, savoury beef mince, meatloaf and gravy, and garlic prawns.

Meals on Wheels Central Coast CEO Neridah Morris said National Meals on Wheels Day was a wonderful reminder of the incredible work done by volunteers, staff and Board members every day.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved – our clients for trusting us with their care, our volunteers for their tireless dedication, our staff for their unwavering commitment, and our Board members for their strategic guidance,” she said.

“Together, we make a real difference in the lives of so many people across the Central Coast.”

For more information call 4357 8444.

Meals on Wheels volunteers with Options Disability Support members

Member Keith Gower on the bandsaw

A Red Bellied Black Snake; A Tiger snake

Photos: Australian Reptile Park

Coast Connect

Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

‘Stop and consider’ election campaigns

Central Coast Council elections are just around the corner, and we welcome the return of Councillors.

A lot of information will be shared, news stories published, and interviews conducted. We’re fortunate to have 77 people registered as candidates, and that gives voters choice. We will be receiving a lot of campaign information, and it’s important that residents consider what’s being proposed, and the impacts these proposals may have.

Ideally, candidates will be concerned about matters that benefit the whole of the Central Coast and align with the work that’s been done to restore Council’s financial situation.

Voters must be aware of promises being made during election campaigning that may potentially affect financial resources or compromise projects currently being delivered. All Councils follow an integrated planning and reporting process that starts with listening to what the community wants, and results in a program of works and budget being developed that supports this, within the resources available. Candidates whose campaign focuses on a single issue may be making ‘unfunded’ promises, and there’s no guarantee these promises will be supported by the full Council and go on to be funded in a future budget.

To ensure people can make informed decisions, the NSW Electoral Commission has been running a ‘Stop and Consider’ campaign, that encourages voters to check the facts about electoral information they see or hear. The campaign reminds voters to think about the information that’s being presented and consider whether it is reliable, current and safe, and this is great advice. You can find out more about this on their website.

I also urge voters to go one step further and consider if a candidate’s platform will benefit the whole community and support their vision for the future.

Nominate a Hero

Every day, amazing people on the Central Coast make our community better. From dedicated volunteers to inspiring young leaders, they all work behind the scenes to create a positive impact. Say thank you by nominating individuals and groups for one of five categories in the Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards 2025, including the prestigious Citizen of the Year. Nominations are now open and close 27 September.

Search Australia Day nominations at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Free movie nights

Get ready for a magical, free cinema experience under the stars. There will be a variety of activities at each location from 4pm before the movie starts at 6pm.

• The Entrance 6 Sept

• Toukley 7 Sept

• Gosford 13 Sept

• Wyong 14 Sept

Go to lovecentralcoast.com/events

Election and referendum – Saturday 14 September

Central Coast election

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

You may be asking:

• How do I vote?

• I need to vote at a location in my ward, but which ward am I in?

• Who are the candidates for the Central Coast?

Visit NSW Electoral Commission’s website elections.nsw.gov.au

Façade Improvement Program

Applications are now open for businesses in Gosford, Terrigal, The Entrance, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong to receive up to $5,000 in matched funding to enhance their facades, improve accessibility to their premises and create a more welcoming environment for customers. The program is time limited and covers works that can be completed by 31 May 2025. Don’t miss out! Applications close 30 September.

Search ‘façade improvement’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Draft Open Space Strategy on public exhibition

We are inviting the community to view the draft Central Coast Open Space Strategy, now on public exhibition for community feedback. 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. Provide feedback at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 5pm, Friday 20 September.

How will you vote in the referendum?

A referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast councillors will be held on the same day.

You will be asked: “Do you favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast councillors from fifteen to nine? This will result in three Wards with each Ward electing three councillors.”

You may be asking:

• What happens if I vote yes, or no?

• What are the factors to consider - for and against the change?

To answer these questions and more, search ‘referendum’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Merilyn Vale reminisces on the headlines of 40 years ago just in time for History Week.

History Week 2024 runs from Saturday, September 7, to Sunday, September 15 – which is fitting because some Central Coast Council candidates will make history by the Sunday, or they will be history as far as their council ambitions go.

The theme for this year’s History Week is Marking Time, again another fitting theme if we’re talking about Central Coast Council as we celebrate the move back to democracy.

Or will we soon mourn the loss of the administrator, fondly recalling Rik Hart, “the Riktator”.

Will someone be reading this article in 40 years’ time, wondering about it just as I have been doing while reading an article I wrote 40 years ago.

Forty years ago, local architects were wondering if the Gosford Council Chambers was a building for the future – a building to show the heritage of the 1980s.

It opened in 1976.

“So what are we now creating in our environment to pass on to our children and grand children as the heritage of the 1980s,” asked architect Don Neil in an article I wrote in April 1984.

“What are we building that will stand the test of time?

“We are creating a wasteland, a proliferation of western suburbs on the Central Coast.

“It is a great shame about this area, I’m not confident we will have anything, a small handful of houses and public buildings but nothing great.”

Mr Neil said there was no real urban design for the Central Coast.

Marking Time for History Week

“The overall plan is piecemeal and we are building mile after mile of boxes.”

He said the authorities were not setting much of an example and that the Coast was being destroyed.

“We talk about tourism but we are destroying what the tourists are coming here for in the first place.”

The same article also quoted Gary Oliver, an architectural draftsman, who said the life expectancy of “today’s” buildings was only 20 years.

“The old church at Kincumber was built to last but these days buildings are thrown up quickly,” Mr Oliver said.

(Notice how back then we used courtesy titles such as “Mr” when naming the people we were quoting? That’s history now.)

And then Beryl Strom, president of the Gosford District Historical Research and Heritage Association, and a name still synonymous with the Coast for many historical reasons, was quoted.

Mrs Strom said historians in the future would need to determine what represented the 1980s.

“The buildings which will stand out later will be the ones which are examples of our history today, for example service stations and shopping complexes,” she said

“Homes being built today are to us very modern but one day they will be of historical value, like the weekenders built after the First World War.

“Nobody would have dreamt that one day we would want to save them for posterity.”

(OK, as a cadet journalist I actually wrote prosperity – but reading it now I realise my mistake.)

Mrs Strom said the Woy Woy Council Chamber represented a particular period in our history.

“History is being made all the time,” she said.

“We are not aware of the importance of a modern building until later.”

The article then talks about the now-former Gosford Council chambers and presents two views of its value but doesn’t actually quote anyone.

The council building has been empty since 2021 when the administration moved to Wyong.

It has been earmarked for sale to NSW TAFE but so far, the money has not been put in the State budget.

“Gosford city Council Chambers – a building for the future?” the article asks.

“Unless dwarfed by other buildings, will it stand out as a feature of the Coast, a good example of an office block with finesse and functionality or should it be demolished in 20 years time and replaced with new trends?

“Does it represent the heritage we wish to leave future generations?

“According to a local architectural expert it is not only visually intimidating to the general public but it has an ‘Insurance Office approach’.”

The article included a photo of a service station and said it could stand as an historic

building in its own right, as a symbol of the frantic pace of the 20th century.

“Service stations could be obsolete by the turn-of-thecentury as research finds an alternative to petrol,” the caption stated.

Hmmm.

What else happened of note on the Coast in 1984?

(I was only covering the southern part of the greater Central Coast so the former Wyong council area didn’t get much attention. Back then, it had its own local paper.)

Council was in the Land and Environment Court after residents attempted to stop it from dredging Avoca Lake.

Funding boost for Gosford Cubbyhouse

Gosford Cubbyhouse Long Daycare Centre has received $121,500 from the Federal Labor Government’s Community Childcare Fund for capital upgrades and sustainability support.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the support will ensure the centre remains sustainable and retains staff.

“Our phenomenal early childhood educators do outstanding work each and every day educating our young people to ensure they grow up to live happy and fulfilling lives,” he said.

“This builds on the Government’s recent

Bay Village at Bateau Bay opened.

There was an asbestos scare at Woy Woy Tip.

Cracker Night was a real big deal.

Local reaction to the introduction of the $1 coin was mixed.

Back in 1984 we used to do street polls in the main street of Gosford on the news of the day. The $1 coin was too small according to people who mistook it for a ten cent coin.

A resident wanted Council to clean up seaweed at Tuggerah Lake and Council’s engineers department explained that kelp was a stabilising medium in the sand, binding it together.

Pharmacists must change with the times was the headline on one article with the president of the Pharmacy Guild visiting the Coast to discuss the introduction of Medicare and other changes they were facing.

The new Punt Bridge just past the East Gosford shopping strip opened and my article noted that drivers would no longer be waiting in built-up traffic and window shopping from their cars.

Hmmm.

Eraring Power Station was officially fully operational.

I wrote about its “impressive” circulating water system.

“Water is drawn from Bonnells Bay through a five kilometre intake canal,” I wrote.

“To pass the water under Dora Creek, a 260 metre concrete caisson was sunk to avoid any disturbance to the creek’s normal flow pattern.” OMG, I could go on, but you know, time passes. And I’ve marked enough of it for now.

announcement to increase the wages of early childhood educators by 15 per cent,” Reid said.

Gosford Cubbyhouse Long Day Care Centre Management Committee President Ailie Thomas said the funding was especially welcome at a time when the centre was facing cost of living pressures and region-wide staff shortages.

“The funding will go a long way to supporting our educators to achieve their development goals and improve overall job satisfaction, as well as alleviate some of the budget barriers to attracting new recruits as a not-for-profit organisation,” she said.

“A portion of the funding will also be put toward a muchneeded overhaul of our outdoor play areas, to give our educators the opportunity to further encourage social connections and interest-based learning, and provide our kids and families with a new naturebased play setting that we can all be proud of.”

Gosford Cubbyhouse Long Day Care Centre is located at 3 Henry Wheeler Pl, Gosford.

The Community Childcare Fund helps early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities stay open and increase the number of children in care.

The former Gosford Council chambers building

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with staff and children at Gosford Cubbyhouse Long Daycare Centre

Council Election 2024

Candidates defend RDA roles

Two candidates in the September 14 council election have defended their roles at Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDA CC) and have said there is no conflict in them wanting to be councillors.

Lawrie McKinna, a candidate in the Gosford East Ward Ward, is the Chair of RDACC and John Mouland, a candidate in the Budgewoi Ward, is the CEO.

Funded by the Federal Government, the organisation’s job is to facilitate connections across all levels of government to support economic development.

McKinna said RDA governing body members and staff are not restricted from participating in local government elections.

“We have 14 RDAs in NSW and the majority of chairmen have been former mayors of their regional area and some still could be,” McKinna said..

“The Chairman’s role at RDA CC is an honorary position and for the upcoming elections I will step down as the Chair on

Monday, September 9, and Anna Cruikshank, deputy chairperson, will step into my position for the week of the elections.”

McKInna said that if he was to be elected to Council he would be looking to step down as the Chairman.

“Not because I have to but if I am going to be elected to Council I want to put as much time as possible into the new role as I can give, like I did before when I was the Mayor of Gosford,” he said.

Mouland said he would not be standing down as CEO and explained why.

He said the national RDA network was made up of local leaders who work across government, business and community groups all with the goal to improve their local region.

“This is achieved by supporting economic and workforce development, local procurement, strategic regional planning and informing government programs and infrastructure investments,” Mouland said.

“Across Australia, RDA committee members are passionate and dedicated local leaders who act as an effective

conduit across government, industry and with the community to support the development of their regions.”

He said the RDA CC committee and staff were not decision makers in any regional issues.

“Any formal decision that is related to a Regional Development Australia Central Coast Committee focus area is made by Local, State and Federal Governments or their delegated authorities,” he said.

He said he had formally advised the Committee of his nomination as an independent candidate.

He said that he was not a member of the Committee and did not have a vote in any matter that the Committee decides to formally undertake.

“If I have the opportunity to be elected as a councillor, Central Coast Council has a Code of Conduct Policy, adopted in July 2024, that I have read in full that addresses in part, Pecuniary Interests, NonPecuniary Interests and Disclosures,” he said.

“This same document applies

to all councillors,administrators, members of staff of councils, delegates of councils and includes members of council committees that are delegates of a council.

“As such, if elected I would not only ensure disclosure of my role at Regional Development Australia Central Coast, but I would also proactively disclose any other actual or perceived pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests that are relevant to my position as an elected councillor.

“Due to my 30+ years senior leadership experience in both the private and public sector, being an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, undertaking the Company Director Course and many other directors’ courses, and professionally delivering the expertise required to professionally hold Board Chair and Governance Committee roles, I won’t be standing down as the CEO of Regional Development Australia Central Coast if elected.”

RYSS wants commitment to youth

Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) has asked candidates to reveal their top priorities for young people now and in the future on the Central Coast.

“We want to know their vision for space/places for young people and improved intervention services,” CEO Kim McLoughry said.

“After two successful awardwinning years funding ended in April 2024 for the Youth Hub in Erina St, Gosford.

“The dedicated Youth Hub staff and partner services (government and nongovernment) assisted more than 3,000 local young people across the region.

“RYSS and a team of 20 NSWwide youth providers are now campaigning for new support for the Youth Hub model of early

intervention to address the causal youth issues.

“In our region we need to provide assertive outreach

services in anti-social ‘hot spots’ in at least six key locations across the region -Tuggerah, Bateau Bay, Lake Haven, Kariong, Gosford CBD and the Peninsula.

“Evidence shows that targeted, individualised supports will impact vulnerable young people and save costs on mental health, incarceration and early school leaving and address violence in our communities – breaking the cycle.

“The previous Youth Hub also provided life-skill building groups and addressed the lack of engagement in learning too.

“The Youth Hub directly tackled the impacts of mental

illness, violence, sexual abuse and homelessness.

“It has been exciting to see the former Parkside model streamlined in to this tailored Youth Hub one-stop multiservice model, which is being researched as a model for youth service best practice in NSW.

“We have changed the trajectory of thousands of local young lives – let’s keep this great work moving.

“All attempts for new funding have failed to date, our youth centres are not used for local youth.

“We can all do so much better together with such a relatively small financial commitment.”

Harris calls on candidates to back airport masterplan

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris is calling on all candidates in the upcoming council election to commit to supporting the Central Coast Airport masterplan.

Harris said a region like the Central Coast needed a general aviation facility which could leverage its geographic location between NSW’s two major cities, Sydney and Newcastle.

“A well thought out

development can support training, jobs and tourism,” Harris said.

“Already the Central Coast Airshow is a winner with thousands of local residents and visitors.

“Many locals are training for their pilot licences, including young people.

“Central Coast Aero Club is currently advertising for jobs for mechanics and other aircraft related jobs.

“One of the first tasks new councillors will have is

considering the Airport Master Plan.

“I have seen first-hand the

benefits of training young pilots locally and see great potential in expanding maintenance capabilities.

Candidates forum

Empire Bay Progress Association will host a Meet the Candidates night on Wednesday, September 11, at the Empire Bay Progress Hall.

Following the 7.30pm meeting, candidates for the Gosford East ward will each give a short speech, followed by questions from the floor.

Backing airport

The 15 Independent candidates of Team Central Coast have thrown their support behind the Central Coast Airport Draft Masterplan.

They will advocate for its implementation to attract business investment, develop tourism and generate employment opportunities.

Roads a priority

The Gosford East ward Labor team has set improved infrastructure, roads and service as top priorities.

Candidates say extraordinary rate increases and hiked fees and charges have failed to deliver better infrastructure or services.

Accountability

Labor candidates in the September 14 election have signed an Accountability and Transparency Pledge and challenge other candidates to do the same.

Team leader Belinda Neal said accountability, transparency and access to information are essential.

Sport fee freeze

The Labor team standing in the Wyong ward will advocate for a freeze on fees and charges for sporting and community groups.

“Council candidates should commit to retaining and growing the capabilities of this important regional asset.

“In February 2021 there was bipartisan support to repeal the Warnervale Airport Restriction

Bill following a public inquiry in the Legislative Council of the NSW Parliament, because it was recognised the airport is valued and has potential.

“If the site has appropriate environmental guidelines, then we should back this important asset.”

Team leader Kyle MacGregor said freezing fees and charges would build a better Central Coast for all.

Backing Gosford

Celebrated local celebrity chef and restaurateur Daniel Abou-Chedid is running for the Gosford West ward with a vision which includes enhancing the Gosford CBD’s cultural and economic vitality, supporting local businesses and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Lawrie McKinna John Mouland

Kim McLoughry

The Stage 7 blueprint in the latest masterplan for the Central Coast Airport

UDIA NSW is calling on candidates for the September 14 Council election to commit to delivering on affordable housing and jobs for the growing region.

UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia) released its Central Coast 2024 Local Election Platform this week.

“As a key stakeholder in the growth and prosperity of the Central Coast, UDIA NSW and the local development industry highly value a functional and committed elected council to foster thriving communities

UDIA outlines election wishlist

across our region,” Central Coast Chapter Chair Allison Basford said.

“Our vision is rooted in promoting housing options that are affordable and sustainable, enhancing infrastructure and supporting economic opportunities to provide more jobs locally for our growing region.”

Basford said UDIA was committed to working collaboratively with the elected council to achieve these priorities on behalf of residents.

“By focusing on housing, planning, governance and

infrastructure, we can create a thriving, sustainable, and prosperous Central Coast,” Basford said.

The UDIA Central Coast Local Election Platform outlines four key pillars; housing, planning, councillors/governance and infrastructure.

“We are very optimistic about the future of the Central Coast,” UDIA NSW CEO Stuart Ayres said.

“The election of a new council, post a period of administration,is an opportunity to build critical momentum.

“Our Election Platform is a

blueprint for success.

“It’s up to the Central Coast to take control of its own future under strong, focused and determined local leadership.

“UDIA stands ready to support a council willing to step up and meet this challenge.

“Home buyers and renters on the Central Coast are feeling the pinch of the housing crisis and will be watching closely how the new council tracks against its target of 9,400 homes by 2029.”

UDIA is calling on candidates to commit to working with industry on the priorities.

Call for litter bins at bus shelters

Community activist Joy Cooper is calling for litter bins at all bus shelters on the Central Coast.

Cooper said the move would be a simple yet effective solution to the pervasive issue of litter at bus shelters.

“It’s a common sight to see rubbish scattered around bus shelters, creating an unsightly

and unsanitary environment for commuters,” Cooper said.

“The lack of readily available bins contributes to this problem, as people often have nowhere to dispose of their waste.”

Waiting at a bus stop recently, Cooper said she realised firsthand the need for a bin at each bus stop.

“Too often we see small bits of rubbish accumulation around shelters,” she said.

“It is a well known fact that a little rubbish ‘breeds’ more rubbish and having bins at all bus stops will help to stop this cycle.”

Cooper will stand for the Labor Party in the seat of Budgewoi at the September 14 Central Coast Council election.

“As a councillor with Central Coast Council, I will prioritise this issue and work diligently to ensure that every bus shelter has a convenient bin for the public to use,” she said.

“By taking this small but proactive step, we can make a significant difference in keeping our region clean and beautiful.”

UDIA NSW CEO Stuart Ayres addresses the recent Central Coast Developers Forum

Joy Cooper says litter bins are needed at all bus shelters

Council Election 2024

Tough gig for Independents to get your vote

History shows that Independent candidates have a tough time getting elected here on the Central Coast.

Results from the 2017 council elections on the Coast show most of us voted for one of the two major political parties as our first preference.

Out of 15 councillors elected, two thirds were either Liberal (4) or Labor (6).

The Budgewoi ward voted in two Labor councillors and the Liberals missed out in that ward altogether.

But in the four other wards, both Labor and Liberal each had one councillor elected.

After the 10 party members, another five Independents, one per ward, were elected.

Only in the Wyong ward did an independent candidate beat one of the two major parties to come in second.

In all other wards, the Independent was the third candidate to get in.

In the 2017 election, there was only one candidate below the line who received enough votes to become a councillor.

That was real estate agent Bruce McLachlan in The Entrance Ward.

He is not standing in 2024.

The 2017 election saw 82 candidates stand and nine were below the line.

This year we have 77 candidates and 12 are below the line.

Below the line means voters have to ignore the boxes above the line and vote for at least three individuals below the line.

In each ward, informal votes averaged below eight per cent in 2017 and voter turnout was about 82 per cent.

The NSW Electoral Commission website has all the voting results for the 2017 election and in each ward, the Independent candidates below the line attracted very few votes.

First preference totals by aggregated vote type showed that in Budgewoi the ungrouped independent below the line attracted 1.14 per cent of the vote; Labor as a group got 43.28 per cent and the Liberals 16.6 per cent.

The grouped Independent who got in had 16.25 per cent of the vote at first preference but beat the Liberal candidate by the 17th count.

In Gosford East, the one ungrouped Independent below the line attracted 2.53 per cent of first preference totals and the grouped Liberals attracted 37.42 per cent of the vote.

Labor was a long way back in

second place with 22.22 per cent.

In the Gosford West ward, the two ungrouped Independents garnered 4.51 per cent of the vote.

Labor had 25.62 per cent and the Liberals had 22.24 per cent at first preference.

In The Entrance, where McLachlan got in, his first preference total was 25.83 per cent of the vote so it proves it can be done if enough people vote below the line.

Labor had 27.67 per cent and Liberals had 26.40 per cent.

In Wyong, the ungrouped Independent attracted 0.56 per cent of the first preferences votes.

Labor had 32.17 per cent and Liberals 20.58 per cent.

This election, to be held on September 14 and with pre-poll voting starting a week earlier, the Coast has 12 ungrouped below the line candidates standing; two in Budgewoi; four in Gosford East, two in Gosford West; one in The Entrance and three in Wyong.

Above the line, there are Independents standing in groups.

In Budgewoi this is: John Mouland as lead candidate in Group D.

Above the line Budgewoi also has Greens Group A, Labor Group C and Central Coast Heart is Group E.

Also above the line is former Wyong mayor Doug Eaton’s group which is linked to the Liberals although it is not named as a Liberal party group.

Eaton is the president of the Warnervale Branch of the Liberal Party.

The two below the line are Sandra Harris who has been running her own garden maintenance business for the past 14 years and Kenneth Kozak who volunteered with the Rural Fire Service until he retired.

In Gosford East, there are four Independents and one group below the line and two groups above the line: one led by former Gosford Council mayor Lawrie McKinna; and one Labor team.

The Liberal team is below the line as groups need three members to get a box above the line.

The third Liberals nomination was not accepted by the Electoral Commission and no reason has been given but elsewhere in the State Liberal candidates did not make the deadline for nominations.

The four ungrouped candidates below the line are: Clive Launton,

a salesman with a passion for building houses more cheaply; Sharon Andrews, who has been a volunteer with Ronald McDonald Family Room Gosford for 11 years; Rosemary De Lambert, who has recently retired from high level jobs in banking and says she will bring a can-do attitude to council; and David Kings, who runs a large whole bakery business, Kings Baked, on the Coast.

In Gosford West, there are six groups above the line and two Independents below the line.

But despite Gosford West having at least three meet-thecandidate sessions so far, neither of the two ungrouped Independents, Julian Richards and Andrew Baker, have attended any of them.

Above the line the race is on with Group A led by Daniel AbouChedid, better known as Chef Daniel; Group B led by the first mayor of Central Coast Council Jane Smith; Group C is led by community activist Kevin Brooks; Group D are the Liberals; Group E is Labor; Group F is led by Kariong Progress Association president and activist with Save Kariong Sacred Sites Lisa Bellamy.

The contest could be tight in Gosford West.

And also in The Entrance Ward.

There is one ungrouped below the line candidate – Rebecca Smiley, who is better known as Miss Smiley the muso to kids in early childhood centres across the Coast.

Smiley is up against Labor in Group A; the Animal Justice Party in Group B; Liberals in Group C; Wamberal Save Our Sand no seawall activist Corinne Lamont in Group D and former P&C Federation state president Sharryn Brownlee leads Group E.

The Wyong Ward, which in 2017 saw the Labor team gain 32.17 per cent of the first preferences votes compared to the Liberals’ 20.58 per cent, has the fewest number of candidates of any ward.

It has three below the line candidates in radio announcer and public servant Michael Whittingham, Daniel Craig who moved to the Coast in 2017, has experience in education and is a volunteer with Red Tree Theatre; and Jara Millward who manages LEAD Disability Services on the Coast Groups above the line are Group A Liberals; Group B with Kyla Daniels, from Cakes by Kyla, the lead candidate and Group C Labor.

Merilyn Vale

Wyong Ward

The Entrance Ward

Gosford West Ward

Gosford East Ward

Budgewoi Ward

Leave greyhound owners in peace

I wish to comment on the front page story in CCN452 – Rally to ban greyhound racing.

I find it quite surprising that a dozen so-called passionate protestors can get front page coverage.

First and foremost, they spoke of ongoing cruelty and misconduct within the greyhound fraternity.

These people have no idea of how well greyhounds are cared for 24 hours a day by their owners.

They are walked three times a day, they are taken to specially licensed tracks, they are fed the best of diets and regularly checked by qualified greyhound vets, they are given baths, wormed, fully vaccinated and raced – which, by the way, they love doing.

There are thousands of greyhounds in Australia – it’s great to see so many going to private homes as we all know they make wonderful pets, but what happens to the rest?

What happens to the hundreds

of businesses that rely on the greyhound industry for their living and the employees?

These people really have no idea of how well off greyhounds are compared to a lot of other breeds.

I have been walking greyhounds for more than 50 years as have many others and, believe me, they are the only reason we are still active and alive.

Please, protesters, make sure of your facts before accusing us greyhound people of being cruel to greyhounds.

Most of the accusations are false and put up by certain organisations to achieve their goal.

Greyhound racing is like many other sports – sometimes there are injuries.

Would you stop your son or daughter from playing soccer or footy or any other sport because they might get hurt?

Please let us enjoy our beloved greyhounds in peace.

Email, Aug 24 Bill DeGuara, Woongarrah

Let’s all agree It’s Time

Made famous in 1972 by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, It’s Time is the mantra we need to bring forward into 2024.

One of the best-known slogans in Australia’s history, It’s Time is a position we ratepayers should adopt and take a proactive vote at the upcoming Central Coast Council election.

It’s time ratepayers hold councillors accountable and do so from the outset.

It’s time councillors treated every one of our hard-earned dollars with respect and with more caution than they would their own money.

It’s time we didn’t elect anyone from the hard left, or the hard right, or an overzealous green and certainly not anyone pushing social engineering issues. Leave that to state and federal politicians.

Our last Council left us in a precarious financial position, described by some as the ‘greatest financial calamity’ in

the state’s local government history.

None of us wants a repeat of that fiasco.

It’s time we had a Council free from self-interest and conflicts of interest, the only interest being the wellbeing of the region and its citizens.

As a former general manager of Business Central Coast and an inaugural joint CEO of its replacement organisation, Regional Development Australia Central Coast, I witnessed first-hand the difficulties a board has when members have a duplicity of roles.

Ratepayers need to know what conflicts our potential councillors will have, and we are entitled to ask the question. Governance will be the key to a successful Council and its Mayor leads and shapes the conduct of the councillors.

Lead candidates Lawrie McKinna and John Mouland for Team Central Coast are two potential councillors who will have ongoing issues with conflict of interest on several issues due to the duplicity of their roles and organisational objectives.

Safety concerns at Erina intersection

Several locals sprang into action to supply jacks or physically hold-up a Mitsubishi Triton ute to relieve pressure off the man trapped inside until rescuers arrived at a crash scene in Erina last week.

A collision occurred on August 28 between a small Hyundai vehicle and the Triton ute, causing it to flip and roll onto its roof.

Michael Parfitt was among the first on the scene and said emergency services were there within five minutes and the road was blocked while rescuers freed the trapped man and ambulance paramedics treated him, his passenger and the young female driver in the other vehicle.

He said NSW Fire and Rescue

Photo: Michael Parfitt

crews used a winch to flip the car upright again and police and tow trucks quickly cleaned up the area.

The driver of the ute was treated at the scene for his injuries including broken ribs and transported to hospital for further treatment.

Locals say that the crash site

on Barralong Rd near Aston Rd has been the cause of concern for some time with multiple complaints to Central Coast Council about the obscured line of sight because of an advertising sign at the bus stop on the corner which was installed by Council in mid2023.

Council says the bus shelter was provided in accordance

with relevant legislation and Council specifications.

Officers from Council’s traffic team assessed the available sight distance at this bus stop location, and advised that when entering Barralong Rd from Aston Rd, the available sight distance was satisfactory.

Earlier this year Council made line marking improvements including the installation of Give Way signage and continuity line marking on Aston Rd, at its intersection with Barralong Rd, to further enhance safety and sight distance at the intersection.

On Tuesday, a Council spokesperson said that a recent inspection confirmed that motorists at the Give Way restriction had clear line of sight past the bus shelter and along Barralong Rd.

Learner rider booked for dangerous speeding

Two motorcyclists – one a learner and the other a P-plater – will face Gosford

Local Court later this month on charges of driving at speed dangerous to the public.

The pair was spotted travelling together by Brisbane Water Highway Patrol at about 8pm on Tuesday, August 27,on Central Coast Hwy at Erina.

Police said that one of the

riders performed a wheelie past them and accelerated rapidly towards East Gosford.

At this time another Brisbane Water Highway Patrol vehicle observed both these riders travelling towards them at a high rate of speed,merging around other vehicles.

Both Highway Patrol vehicles moved to intercept the riders

with their speeds being checked at 154km/h in the sign posted 70km/h zone and entering the 60km/h zone, and bringing them both to a stop in East Gosford.

The first male, a 17-year-old Learner was issued with a field court attendance notice for driving at a speed dangerous to the public, exceeding speed limit by more than 45km/h, and not displaying Learner Rider L plates.

The conflict is created by Lawrie’s position as Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast and John’s position as CEO of the same organisation.

According to RDA’s website their role is to work together with all major Central Coast stakeholders to advance economic development for our region.

They facilitate collaboration between all levels of government and both sides of politics to achieve the best possible outcomes for the Coast.

Their partners include Central Coast Council,NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment, Central Coast Industry Connect, Greater Cities Commission and Business NSW Central Coast.

As a paid employee Mouland is more exposed to a conflict of interest.

Conflict occurs where there is a conflict between the public duty and personal interests of an employee in the performance of his or her duties.

But conflict of interest is far broader than just that

as it includes relational, financial, competitive and confidential conflict of interests.

It is hoped Lawrie and John informed their fellow board members of their intention to run for Council and the impending complications of that.

It would be in the best interests of Council and RDACC for both to resign from RDA therefore committing fully to Council and not being restricted on discussion and voting where it really counts.

Leadership like that wins votes.

It’s time we had the best candidates with only our best interests at the epicentre of their hearts.

Maybe then we ratepayers can relax and be without fear of further forced rate increases created by our elected representatives.

Sep 3 Kerry Ruffels, Wamberal

ED’s NOTE: Lawrie McKinna has said he will step down from RDACC if elected to Council. John Mouland has said he would continue is his role at RDACC if elected and it would not be a conflict of interest.

ON THE BEAT BRIEFS

Teen sustains burns

Around 7.30pm, on Tuesday 27 August, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to a person who had sustained facial burns at Lake Haven.

His licence was immediately suspended and the number plates seized from the vehicle.

The second male, a 23-yearold Provisional 1 licence holder, was issued with a field court attendance notice for driving at a speed dangerous to the public and exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h. His licence was immediately suspended and the number plates seized from the vehicle.

A teenage boy was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and transported to Wyong Hospital.

The patient was stabilised further by hospital staff and the helicopter’s critical care medical team before being flown to Westmead Hospital.

Boat fire spreads to house

It took multiple fire crews to extinguish a blaze which started in a boat at Gwandalan on Thursday, August 29.

Fire crews were alerted at about 10.45am and by the time Gwandalan Summerland Point Rural Fire Brigade arrived the fire had escalated to a structure fire.

The house was also alight and fire crews had to contend with many hazardous materials.

Firefighters Lake Munmorah RFS, Wallarah RFS, and Fire and Rescue crews from Doyalson, Budgewoi, Hamlyn Terrace and Berkeley Vale helped to bring the fire under control.

Two teens charged

Brisbane Water Police are investigating a number of property offences in Terrigal during the early hours of Sunday morning, September 1.

On Tuesday, September 3, police conducted search warrants and arrested two teenagers aged 15 and 16. They have been charged with a number of offences including

aggravated enter dwelling with intent to steal (in company), two counts of aggravated break enter and steal, larceny, being carried in conveyance without consent of owner, attempt steal motor vehicle and possess prohibited drug.

The teenagers were refused bail until their appearance at Woy Woy Children’s Court on September 4.

Email,

There have been concerns about the crash site for some time

Powerhouse vocals in tribute show

Two of Australia’s vocal powerhouses – soprano

Clarissa Spata and tenor Gaetano Bonfante – will come together on September 15 for Bocelli & Brightman – The Tribute Show.

They will be accompanied by the country’s finest musicians, led by maestro Glenn Amer, at The Art House in Wyong.

Bonfante is no stranger to the Central Coast after spending almost every Summer holiday at Bateau Bay since he could remember.

“It is wonderful to be finally performing on the Central Coast,” he said.

Bocelli & Brightman is a tribute to two of the greatest and most influential classical crossover artists of this generation and is packed with hit songs like Memory, Nessun Dorma, Phantom of the Opera, and The Prayer.

Bonfante was born in Australia to Italian parents, growing up in his father’s fruit shop in one Sydney’s Italian suburbs surrounded by beautiful Italian produce, popular Italian movies, classic Neapolitan songs and every dialect imaginable, and a healthy passion for the operatic art form seemed only natural.

His vocal journey began in the school choir at age 10 and Panis Angelicus would be the piece that would introduce him to the immense world of classical music.

Later in his teens, Gaetano began entertaining his beloved community with the beautiful folk songs of southern Italy, popular Italian song and eventually all that was Andrea Bocelli.

Gaetano became the go-to singer for many Australia’s most prestigious events and weddings.

It is here that he learned to connect with an audience, work with an orchestra and grow as a young performer. His repertoire took Gaetano to some of the most prestigious venues around the world, singing as a special guest on luxury yachts, and in casinos and theatres, and private islands.

The concert stage has been where Gaetano has spent most of his performing life over the past few years with various prestigious engagements throughout Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

Gaetano’s operatic roles includeTamino(DieZauberfloter), Belmonte (Die Entführung aus dem Serail), Alfredo (La Traviata), Rodolfo (La Boheme) and was a principle on the concert platform for the Angeli Custodi Company in Lucca (Italy), Puccini’s hometown.

In January 2016, Gaetano sang the role of Alfredo in Verdi’s La Traviata in 18 cities throughout China with the Australian International Opera Company, performing to audiences who were hearing

Verdi live for the very first time.

Australian-Italian soprano Clarissa Spata is one of Australia’s most versatile and exciting artists.

She seamlessly performs across the genres of opera, music theatre and classical crossover which makes her one of the most sought-after artists in the country.

She began her journey towards an operatic career when at age 11, she became a part of the Opera Australia’s Children’s Chorus performing in several seasons of Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci, Turandot and La Bohème.

Principal roles with Opera Australia include Frasquita in the national tour of Carmen, Musetta in La Bohème on Sydney Harbour, and Papagena in the national tour of The Magic Flute.

This year she will be headlining alongside The Italian Tenors on their national Australian tour, and for the second time she will be a guest artist for the Ricordi di Sanremo concerts touring at the Sydney StateTheatre,Melbourne Palais, Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide, The Fortitude Theatre Brisbane and The Astor Theatre in Perth.

Recently, she made the quarter finals of The Voice Australia, season nine, performing a mix of well-loved arias, opera-rock pieces, and even a twist on a famous excerpt from a choral work.

Central Coast Council

Australia Day Awards 2025

Central Coast Council Australia Day Awards are your chance to acknowledge the achievements and actions of community members on the Central Coast.

The awards spans across 5 categories

• Community group

• Community life

• Volunteer

• Young person

• Senior citizen

The citizen of the year award will be the overall winner chosen from the 5 categories

For further information and to nominate use the QR Code or search ‘Australia Day Awards 2025’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Refer to the website for nomination eligibility criteria.

Nominations open Monday 26 August, 9am and close Friday 27 September, 4pm.

Soprano Clarissa Spata and tenor Gaetano Bonfante star in Bocelli & Brightman

Photo: Benjamin Gallion

Hardys Bay Club has announced the winner of its second annual Hardys Archie competition, with about 100 people attending the small Central Coast community club for the presentation on Saturday, August 24.

David Eddie was announced as this year’s winner for his portrait of Terry Baker, a local artist and recycled boat maker.

The founder of the competition, Kerrie Pentecost, said the presentation at the club made for an entertaining evening

“It was a very good night, everyone was very happy,” she said.

“It was fun and that’s why we do it.”

Eddie said he was new to the

Hardys Archie winners announced

area, having moved to the Central Coast from Sydney just a few years ago, but has become a regular visitor to Hardys Bay Club.

“It’s unique, it’s community-

run in that you know it’s managed by our community,” he said.

“There’s a lot of heart and soul at the place when people go down there.

“It’s fantastic with getting in touch with people.”

Modelled on the Archibald Prize, administered by the Art Gallery of NSW, Hardys Archie is a competition where local

artists paint portraits of local people.

Entries are accepted from Hardys Bay, as well as the surrounding suburbs of Wagstaffe, Bensville,

MacMasters Beach, Killcare and Empire Bay.

The idea for the competition originated from The Garage Girls — a group of women who meet weekly and paint together in a garage at Pretty Beach.

The 22 portrait submissions have been on exhibition inside Hardys Bay Club since July 12, with the artists remaining anonymous during the voting period.

Club President Steve McKenzie said the standards have lifted each year.

Second place this year went to Jenny Trovato for her painting of Pete Hermann and third place to Swan, who painted her sister Annie Reid.

The very popular People’s

Dare to Dream with the talented Phil Burton

This year’s tour of international dance sensation Burn the Floor will star the much-loved and supremely talented Phil Burton from globally renowned supergroup Human Nature.

The national tour comes to

The Art House at Wyong on September 11 following shows in Western Australia, Queensland,Victoria,Tasmania, South Australia, and then at Sydney Opera House in September 21.

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of Burn the Floor

and this year the legendary production will feature the great Aussie rock classics including INXS, John Farnham, Cold Chisel, Sia, AC/DC, Keith Urban and music from one of the world’s finest pop vocal groups Human Nature.

Titled Dare to Dream, this

year’s show reflects the dancer’s mantra as each dancer pushes the extremes bringing their famous, infectious, rebellious energy to the stage every single night wearing stunning costumes and engulfed in rock ‘n’ roll lighting.

Phil Burton with dancers OA Phil burton

Choice award went to Ed Berti who painted Clelson from the Old Killcare Store.

David Eddie and Terry Baker - artist and subject of the winning artwork; The People’s Choice award went to Ed Berti for his painting of Clelson

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Shining a light on Paris

Lumières de Paris – a musical kaleidoscope celebrating The City of Lights will play at the Laycock Street Community Theatre on September 11.

Paris has always had magic and awe about it, with a long tradition as a city that has attracted and inspired some of the most famous composers, songwriters, and artistes.

Lumières de Paris is a new musical kaleidoscope featuring award-winning entertainer Milko Foucault-Larche, accompanied by Parisian-born Corrine Andrew and Australian soprano Emily Garth.

With a combination of opera, operetta, musicals and French variety, audiences will enjoy songs from Bizet to Offenbach, Piaf to Puccini, as well as music from the composers of Les Misérables and more.

The wonderful morning of music will take place at 11am on Wednesday, September 11. Book on the theatre website.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Peasant Prince for lovers of Mao’s Last Dancer

Little princes and princesses across the Central Coast are in for a treat when The Peasant Prince opens at The Art House Wyong on September 19 and 20.

The children’s version of the international best-selling autobiography turned feature film, Mao’s Last Dancer, this extraordinary stage play about a peasant boy who overcomes all odds to become one of the world’s most cherished dancers, will captivate and inspire audiences young and old.

Parents and grandparents, if you loved Mao’s Last Dancer, don’t miss this rare chance to share this magical story with your children.

Exploring themes of family, belonging, resilience and hope,

the play centres on 10-year-old Li Cunxin.

Plucked from poverty to attend the most prestigious ballet academy in China, Li leaves behind everything he knows and loves for a fleeting chance at a better life.

Feeling lost and alone, the story follows Li through years of gruelling training, trials and tribulations.

Determined to make his dream come true and to make a better life for himself and the people he loves, through hard work and dedication, an adult Li finally steps onto the world stage –from peasant to prince.

Going on to lead an illustrious dance career, including time as Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, Li now

calls Australia home.

Charming and true, this modern-day fairy tale is a revival of the critically acclaimed 2016 production from Monkey Baa Theatre Company – Possum Magic, Edward the Emu – and is a moving and faithful, albeit simplified, homage to Li Cunxin’s treasured memoir, as well as the picture book of the same name, which won the Australian Publishers Association’s Book of the Year for Younger Children.

The Peasant Prince is perfect for families with children aged 10 and under, history buffs and literature lovers, with dedicated school group sessions and an after-school special for families.

Performance times are Thursday, September 19, 6pm, and Friday, September 20 at 10am.

Ceramic sculptures on show

If you haven’t visited the Piano Palace and Pink Onion Sculpture Garden at Pearl Beach, September 7-8 could be your opportunity.

Over two days, the Unreal Flowers exhibition of ceramic sculpture will be held in the sculpture garden featuring works by Gaby Porter, Jan

Hohne, Maggs, Di Swalwell and Mary V.

The garden will be open from 10am-4pm each of the days.

Gaby Porter and John Haymes installed a piano three years ago in front of their house at Pearl Beach and built a shelter for it, in front of the Pink Onion Sculpture Garden.

by are

There are more than 50 sculptures created by

over the years, but this event is special with contributions from other artists.

The Pink Onion Sculpture Garden is at 61 Crystal Ave, Pearl Beach.

Authorised by Mark Ellis, Rothwell St, Woy Woy

The Peasant Prince opens at The Art House in September

Passers

welcomed to play the piano and wander through the sculpture garden.

Porter

The Unreal Flowers exhibition will feature ceramic sculptures

Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

Shop 127, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Lake Haven Drive, Lake Haven, NSW 2263 Open 7 days a week

Mon - Fri 8am - 7pm Sat - Sun 9am - 7pm

We’re strengthening Medicare to make healthcare better and more affordable.

After experiencing a deep cut on my hand, I sought treatment at the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Lake Haven.

From reception through to treatment, the care I received was brilliant.

I am grateful to have had access to professional and prompt care so close to home.”

Marion

Warnervale

Like Marion, thousands of locals have now received fully bulk billed care at the Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

Breakout theatre at its best coming to The Art House

What happens to a lifelong friendship when two ordinary men are ordered to do the unthinkable?

Find out in Guards at the Taj when it opens at The Art House Wyong this September. Coming to Wyong courtesy of Riverside Theatre, this new dramedy about brotherhood, betrayal, and bloodshed, explores the mythology around the Taj Mahal.

Framed around two lowranking guards with the dubious privilege of graveyard shift during the Taj’s construction, they spend their nights keeping the soon-to-be wonder of the world away

from prying eyes.

Childhood friends, one idealistic dreamer Akkshey Caplash, and one stoic loyalist Idam Sondhi, they pass the long nights bickering and bantering, never allowing themselves a peek at what they’re protecting, until everything changes on the eve of the opening.

To ensure that nothing as marvellous is built again, the emperor orders his guards to carry out an unspeakable task.

Playing out across a series of pivotal moments from dusk until dawn, the story interweaves history with hearsay as it explores themes

of beauty, power, resistance, and loyalty.

Featuring a heartbreakingly funny and relatable friendship tested and broken by extreme and brutal circumstances, enhanced all the more by incredible set, costume, and lighting design, Guards at The Taj is breakout theatre at its experimental best.

Popularised on the West End and having wowed Sydney theatregoers, audiences should not miss this rare chance to see this incredible new Australian take on the play.

Guards at The Taj opens at The Art House on Tuesday, September 10.

Will Clift heads for Terrigal

Sunshine Coast soul/R’n’B artist Will Clift is set to tour the east coast of NSW to celebrate the release of his latest track Sublime and will appear at Mumbo Jumbo’s at Terrigal on Wednesday, September 11.

Known for his impressive acrobatic vocals and dynamic stage presence, Clift and his talented band blend moving melodies with

Learn the wonders of the Los Cedros Reserve

Narara Ecovillage Education will present Dracula Orchids, Mushroom Mimicry and Other Wonders of the Los Cedros Reserve, an evening with Professor Emerita Bitty Roy, University of Oregon, at Narara Ecovillage Hall on September 5.

It will be a benefit for the Los Cedros Biological Reserve in north-western Ecuador, one of the most biologically diverse and endemic habitats on Earth.

Roy is an ecologist who grew up in Colorado, where the Rockies have great flushes of late summer boletes which line the mountain trails like pancakes and contributed to her early interest in mushrooms.

Her PhD included the discovery of a rust fungus that mimics flowers, which she followed up on with a National Science Foundation Fellowship at UC Davis.

Her first professorship was at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology where she received tenure and continued her work on mimicry.

She moved to the University

of Oregon in Eugene in 2001, where she has divided her research time between Oregon and Los Cedros.

Roy maintains species lists for Los Cedros for plants, mushrooms, birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and also a publication list and is author on 12 papers about Los Cedros.

Narara Ecovillage’s John Seed and the Rainforest Information Centre have been working in Ecuador since the mid 1980’s including the Los Cedros Biological Reserve

which they helped create in 1988 with the help of a substantial grant from AusAID.

Over the years, Los Cedros has been saved over and over from all manner of threats like illegal logging, poaching and colonisation so that it is now, in the words of Roy, the best forested watershed in western Ecuador.

The presentation is on from 7pm to 9pm and the coffee cart will open from 6.30pm for drinks and treats.

Tickets from https://shorturl. at/TXc4z

exceptional musicianship.

Sublime is the latest release from his work with mentorturned-collaborator Matt Corby at his Rainbow Valley Studio.

“Sublime is the second track Matt and I have worked on together; we wanted to create something that would make people smile, get them dancing, and leave people feeling inspired,” Clift said.

“The song is about overcoming hardship and not conforming to expectations which is something Matt and I have had to deal with personally.

“Writing a song like this with Matt was something I’d always dreamed of and the song is super nostalgic for me.”

Until recently, Clift was playing rugby full-time while trying to pursue music, before

committing full-time to his path in music last year. He began recording with Corby and landed a mentorship as part of the Wild Turkey 101 Music Mentorship program. Since his 2018 debut, Clift has accumulated more than 500,000 streams to date. Tickets are available at https://linktr.ee/Willcliftmusic

Solito offers a unique and important glimpse into the immigrant experience and is perfect for book clubs not afraid of discussing gritty topics with challenging and emotional themes, and real-world events.

This memoir is the story of Javier Zamora, who at the age of just nine migrated from El Salvador to the US to reunite with his parents – a mother who had left four years before and a father he barely remembered.

He leaves behind his beloved aunt and grandparents, his school and the only life he knows.

Readers put themselves in Javier’s shoes as he faces tremendous physical, mental

and emotional obstacles on his journey through Central America, Mexico and the Sonoran Desert.

How can parents leave their child behind in a dangerous country while they head off to find sanctuary in the US?

Javier expects his trip to

By

last two weeks bit it expands into two life-altering months.

A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments.

Solito twisted up my heart and left it mangled leaving me dreaming about this character.

Good reads that are similar to Solito include Unforgetting by Roberto Lovato, Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, and American Dirt by Jeanine Cummings.

Learn about the wonders of the Los Cedros Reserve

Julie Chessman

Javier Zamora Solito

Catch Guards at the Taj coming to The Art House in September

Photo: Noni Carroll

Will Clift

Inspiring photographic exhibition empowers women

Following the successful launch at The Red Tree Theatre in June where it was extended another month by popular demand, photographic exhibition Inspire – Women Empowering Women now moves to The Art House before leaving the Central Coast.

Opening night of the exhibition by multi-award-winning photographer and business owner Victoria Fitzmaurice will be on September 6.

She has urged women to come along and see for themselves why this exhibition has received such positive community feedback, together with A Recognition Statement from NSW Parliament for her vision and commitment to helping women.

Following many viewer responses, Fitzmaurice is now eagerly reaching out to galleries in rural NSW.

Conceived during COVID times through reflection of her photographic journey, she said she was inspired by the amazing women she had been privileged to meet.

The incredible depth of their stories made her increasingly aware of the humanity and complex nuances that exist in our society.

“It takes a village” sparked the nurturing vision for this exhibition.

“Women connecting and empowering other women on so many topical issues and injustices that subtly, or profoundly, affect us as women was predominant,” Fitzmaurice said.

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

“Insightful stories align each participants portrait –articulating individual experiences – offering hope and inspiration to female audiences of all ages, influencing beyond gender.

“This exhibition has the potential to touch many lives.

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

“For many it will afford the

Night of Fringe theatre at Laycock Street

knowledge that they are not alone.”

“This exhibition celebrates these inspirational women with the aim to empower other women.

“It has a bold vision to drive conversations that spark proactive change for better outcomes, particularly for those suffering at the hands of abusive crimes, and to amplify voices against discrimination on every level.”

Opening night is Friday, September 6 at 6pm.

Tickets are $25 and includes canapes, glass of sparkling wine and meeting our inspiring women

Bookings via The Art House www.thearthousewyong.com. au/whats-on or call 4335 1485.

Laycock Street Community Theatre will present a Night of Fringe on September 6, with a double bill comprising Plenty of Fish in the Sea and Oyster Boy.

This fun, inventive, cheeky, absurd double bill is sure to delight and entertain with its old-school theatricality.

Returning from a successful season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with five-star reviews, Plenty of Fish in the Sea takes you on a journey to the devout fishing village of Saint-Cotriade and a rescued traveller who finds himself in an ancient monastery and faced with a strange kind of ‘hook-up’ culture.

Plenty of Fish in the Sea is the work of Clockfire Theatre with the esteemed Kate Gaul (The

Magic Flute – Opera Australia) as creative producer.

The work has been developed through physical collaboration and influenced by training at Jacques Lecoq Theatre School in France.

In the second act, Oyster Boy is a dark, absurd comedy for anyone who has tried to fit in, and failed.

It is the creation of comic duo Kyle Walmsley and Elizabeth Millington; a tale of transition sure to shock and delight.

This double bill of contemporary, absurd and humorous fringe programming is suitable for audiences aged 15 and over.

It will be performed at 7.30pm on Friday, September 6.

Buy tickets at laycockstreettheatre.com

Beethoven’s epic piano sonata performed at Conservatorium

It was a case of better late than never, when acclaimed concert pianist Daniel Herscovitch announced he was going to perform Beethoven’s epic Hammerklavier Sonata at Central Coast Conservatorium’s Robert Knox Hall on Sunday, September 8.

More than a year in the making, the Hammerklavier –German for piano – is regarded as the hardest, and by some degree the longest, piano sonata Beethoven ever composed.

Described as gargantuan and Olympian in scale by some and poignant, complicated crazy

and monumental by others, it’s not a piece any pianist would take on lightly.

“I have been fascinated by the Hammerklavier Sonata for most of my life, but it was only this year, when I was asked to perform it that I seriously began to work on it,” Herscovitch, Associate Professor of Piano at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, said.

“Most pianists who play it learned it in their teens or 20s so I am only about half a century late.”

The ‘Everest’ in Beethoven’s sonata output, the Hammerklavier Sonata includes his most expansive and profound slow movement,

which is followed by a blistering fugal finale.

Regarded in Beethoven’s day as unplayable, this sonata still posits unique challenges to all who attempt a performance of this masterpiece.

The program also features some of Beethoven’s most unusual works such as his Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 81a – known as Les Adieux or The Farewell – which was written between 1809 and 1810 and is one of the composer’s most challenging sonatas due to the mature emotions that must be conveyed as well as the technical difficulties involved.

This will be followed by Five

Variations on Rule Britannia, and finally his collection of exquisite miniatures, the 11 Bagatelles, Op.119.

Herscovitch said the program showed the huge range of Beethoven’s musical appeal.

“We all think of Beethoven as a supremely dramatic composer which he undoubtedly is but there is also the lyrical Beethoven such as Pastoral Symphony, the humorous Beethoven in the 8th Symphony, and much more besides.

“It is the all-encompassing universality of his music which never ceases to fascinate me,” Herscovitch said.

Daniel Herscovitch

Victoria Fitzmaurice

Enjoy a night of fringe theatre at Laycock Street

The NSW Liberal Party has announced their candidates for the upcoming Central Coast Council elections, with a team of experienced professionals committed to fighting for a backto-basics approach to help get the Central Coast back on track. Gosford East Ward will be led by Jared Wright, an Avoca Beach local and financial services consultant at Australian based firm Honner.

Leading The Entrance Ward is Rachel Stanton, a Berkeley Vale local and Major Projects and construction and infrastructure lawyer.

Prominent small business owner and East Gosford resident, Trent McWaide, will be leading the team in Gosford West Ward. Mr McWaide operates three commercial and retail

automotive businesses across the region, employing more than 20 local residents. He is also a former NSW Police Officer.

John McNamara will be leading the team in Wyong Ward. Mr McNamara has strong local government experience as a former Deputy Mayor of Wyong Council. He has also served as Global Telecommunications Director at AT&T.

Completing the party’s team is Doug Eaton OAM standing as an Independent Liberal in the Budgewoi Ward. Doug has degrees in Commerce and Law and is a participating Solicitor. He was the longest serving Mayor of Wyong Council and built the Wyong Art House. The Liberal Central Coast team said their priority

is getting the Council focused on the needs of local residents - with road repairs, stemming rate increases, repairing the Council debt, revitalising community spaces and ensuring responsible development.

Council must stop doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. We will examine the Operational Plan line by line and make changes where necessary, while also maximising funding and grant opportunities from the state and federal governments. We commit to deliver the essential infrastructure that our local residents deserve and expect, starting with fixing our roads. With sound decision making, we can reduce the debt and provide for our community.

ACROSS

1. Rush (hour)

4. Shipping route (3,4)

8. Tug sharply

11. Breadth

13. Deep-pitched instruments

15. Fawning creep

17. What?

18. Spanish friend

20. Donkey

21. Joiner’s machine

24. French heroine, Joan ... (2,3)

27. Light touch

28. Fraudster

30. Preamble

31. Linger

33. Grunts like a pig

34. Salt solution

35. Hot water dispensers

36. Svelte

39. Curled (of smoke)

42. Hunting lure

44. Single entities

45. Rewrote (essay)

46. Profoundly wise

48. Reply

49. Large violin

50. Close (envelope)

52. Monitor

54. ... & that

55. Electroshock weapon

56. Nuns’ garments

57. Clasp

60. Commander

62. Meekly

65. Blood fluid

67. Beef cut (1-4)

69. US bird emblem

70. Artist’s stand

72. August zodiac sign

73. Grind (teeth)

75. Abundantly

77. Rapid eye movement (sleep) (1,1,1)

79. Furious

81. Porridge flake

82. Atmosphere layer

84. Sudden burst

85. Bitter (taste)

86. Golf-green stroke

87. Inappropriately employs

88. Fire fuel

DOWN

1. Flat circular bread

2. Swamped

3. Trick

4. Filmed

5. Parthenon city

6. Finds repugnant

7. Famous volcano

8. Root vegetable

9. Stage whisper

10. Round handle

12. Singer, Bob ...

14. Rashers

16. Hollywood prize

19. Herbs, bouquet ...

MISSING LINK

22. On bad terms (2,4)

MISSING LINK

23. Here

25. Frothed

26. Heavy horned animals

29. Gist

32. Zoo’s physician

35. Lie

37. Fishing spools

38. Travelled by car

40. Overthrow, coup ... (1’4)

41. Shut out

42. Trench

43. Masted vessel

44. Desert spring

47. Japanese hostesses

51. Crime fighters

52. Actor, Orson ...

53. NYC district

54. Glittery Xmas strip

58. Vary

59. See over (1,1,1)

61. Director, Woody ...

63. Hostility

64. Triumphant hollers

65. Dinner crockery

66. Town boss

68. Bluster

71. Wear away

72. Drooping

74. Interrupting cough

76. Whistle balls

78. Encounter

80. Expression of rebuke

83. Metal fastener

Burlesque Festival promises dazzling and glamorous fun

Celebrating 15 years, the Australian Burlesque Festival will once again be touring Australia nationwide including a performance at the iconic FunHaus Factory at Ettalong on September 7.

The Australian Burlesque Festival is renowned internationally for its unique array of theatrical, glamorous and avant-garde styles performed by exceptionally talented entertainers.

Thes past 15 years have seen audiences delight in the sensational talent on offer with glamorous tease, exciting neoburlesque and more erotic seduction than they can handle.

Being the largest touring burlesque festival in the

southern hemisphere, the 2024 Australian Burlesque Festival is a unique theatrical experience uniting burlesque artists from all over Australia in a monthlong tour of sizzling showcases and educational workshops.

The festival features an impressive line-up with touring international headliner Aria Delanoche and host Task York, performing along with many special guest performers from across the country.

Founded and established in late 2009, The Australian Burlesque Festival was born out of a passion to celebrate Australia’s outstanding burlesque community.

Australia’s renowned burlesque star and icon, Dolores Daiquiri continues to operate,

direct and produce the festival contributing greatly to its huge success.

In 2022 Dolores partnered with the talented Cherry Velour who shares the same passions for its success.

Today, the festival continues its tradition of producing the highest quality shows to sold out audiences across Australia.

Each year gets bigger and better and this 2024 national tour promises to be even more lavish, exciting and most importantly fun for audiences and performers alike.

The lineup includes: headline act Aria Delanoche from the USA; host Tash York; special guest performer Dolores Daiquiri and artists Salvador Darling, Paloma Negra,

Fontaine and Cat Bolitho.

Prepare to be dazzled as performers shimmy across the stage in spectacular fashion, meanwhile teasing their way into your hearts.

The evening will be a homage to the golden era of vintage tease and variety, offering a tantalising glimpse into the world of classic burlesque and variety entertainment.

It will be held at the FunHaus Factory, 5 Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong Beach and for more information go to www. funhausfactory.org.au/whatson/the-australian-burlesquefestival/

Sneak peek at melodrama

The Frantastics are packing their bags and heading to Norfolk Island to take part in the island’s annual theatre festival, but not before they perform a preview at Woy Woy on September 16.

They are hoping to back-up last year’s success at the island festival when they won two awards.

This year the group will present Positively Vile, a short melodrama with a Norfolk Island flavour written by Frantastics founder Fran Kendall, who also directs and acts as accompanist.

Included in the cast are Pam Brown, Ann Wilden, Helen O’Shea, Bev Jones, Patricia Wilden, Barbara Morris, Doug Baker, Lindy Nankivell, Roberta

Catherine Broady. The group will present a preview of the show at 1pm on Monday, September 16, at the Walter Baker Hall, Woy Woy. Entry is $5 which includes light refreshments, with proceeds going to Leukemia Research.

Tangerine Storm, Dallas Fox, Sofonda Blackmen, Ruby De Rouge, Frankie

Aria Delanoche will be the headline act Photo: Bettina May

Boni, Alicia Nissen, Sarah Nissen and

Business & Property

View from Gosford’s new Archie is stunning

NSW Premier Chris Minns was the special guest on September 2 t a topping out ceremony for the Archibald building, a mixed-use development in the heart of Gosford, being built by Aland.

“Congratulations to Aland on such an exciting addition to the skyline of Gosford,” Minns said. He said there was still an “astronomical” amount of red tape associated with development at the same time that the state had a huge housing crisis and something had to change.

Minns said the NSW Government had to continue its process of reform.

The September 2 event marked the topping out of Archibald’s highest tower at 28 storeys.

Named after Archibald Acheson, the second Earl of Gosford, the development includes 327 residential apartments, a 130-room hotel and six hospitality venues, including the Central Coast’s highest rooftop bar.

The Archibald was named Australia’s best mixed-use development at the 2024 Asia Pacific Property Awards.

Aland founder and owner Andrew Hrsto said the building’s distinctive curved facade was inspired by the white sails often seen on nearby Brisbane Water.

Premier Chris Mins (centre) and associates enjoy the view

We wanted to capture the energy and natural beauty of the Central Coast,” he said.

“The public spaces, apartments and guest rooms also channel that relaxed, coastal lifestyle vibe but with a splash of European sophistication,” Hrsto said.

The Archibald precinct consists of two towers (27 and 28 storeys respectively), a 130room voco® hotel, ground floor pub with pizzeria and pasta bar, a swimming pool with swim-up bar and a grand ballroom and rooftop bar on level 28.

Food and beverage venues are being curated by Sydney chef Dany Karam and include a signature restaurant

on level five.

The precinct is on a site bound by Donnison St, Mann St and Baker St, where the old Union Hotel used to be.

Hrsto said the $375M Archibald precinct would not only bring new life and employment to Gosford’s downtown area, but also help reposition the city as the state’s newest tourist and conference destination.

“There is nothing like this in Gosford,” he said.

“Voco Gosford will appeal to Sydneysiders looking for a short break, the corporate and conference market and general travellers who want to explore the Central Coast.”

Buyer demand for apartments has seen 95 per cent of the apartments already sold.

Aland CEO George Tadrosse said Gosford has much to offer the visitor, such as the nearby Brisbane Water, magnificent national parks and a string of beautiful beaches.

“Being located between Sydney and Newcastle, Gosford is also very accessible for both domestic and international visitors,” he said.

Tadrosse said the Archibald precinct complements other major developments, such as the new $63.8M University of Newcastle campus, which are helping to revive the local Gosford economy.

“The six new bars and restaurants are going to bring locals back into the city, while the conference facilities and grand ballroom will provide a venue for events that Gosford has never been able to host before,” he said.

Once it is up-and-running the hotel will employ in excess of 200 people, creating opportunities for people who want to pursue a career in catering, hospitality or event management.

“This is the beginning of a great new chapter for Gosford,” Tadrosse said.

Council finances look good as administration ends

Central Coast Council says it is ending its four years under administration in a strong financial position, with a reduction in debt of $150M.

Council’s debt at the commencement of the administration period was just under $350M, due to having to take out two emergency loans; it now sits at less than $200M.

Acting CEO Marissa Racomelara said Council was put in administration because of inadequate financial management leading to a crisis.

In response, during the period under administration, the focus has been to repair Council’s financial settings and the associated processes.

“As well as delivering the Financial Recovery Plan, over the past two financial years Council has significantly improved its financial processes and delivered financial statements that satisfied audits undertaken by the NSW Audit Office and were completed within the legislated timeframe,” Racomelara said.

“Council has progressively turned annual operating losses into appropriate surpluses.

“This means that Council ‘s performance favourably exceeds one of the most important indicators of Council’s financial health.”

During 2023-2024, Council contained expenditure within the income that was available, while delivering services and projects to the community and ensuring that the organisation was able to absorb any adverse financial impact that arose during the year, Racomelara said.

“As a result of this prudency, Council has achieved an operating surplus of $38.6M,” she said.

“Over the past three financial years we have accumulated surpluses totalling $114M.

“While this is still short of the more than $160M in losses

accumulated over the three preceding financial years, our focus going forward is achieving sufficient surplus to make up the gap, and to remain sustainable into the future.

“During the year we have repaid more than $100M of borrowings, including one of the emergency loans taken out during the financial crisis.

“At the same time, we were able to draw down the first $10M to deliver the upgrade of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant project.

“This project is a good example of good debt.

“It will benefit many generations to come, so spreading the cost over many years by borrowing is the fair approach to take.”

Administrator Rik Hart said he was pleased to leave Council in a positive financial position.

“It’s gratifying that the Financial Recovery Plan we put in place in late 2020, following four years of loss, has achieved all its milestones and Council’s financial position has been successfully restored,” he said.

“During the last financial year, we added more than $360M to the value of our community’s roads, drainage, buildings and water and sewer infrastructure assets.

“We have invested over $170M in renewing our community’s assets, to keep up with deterioration occurring during the year, as well as addressing shortfalls in renewal expenditure accumulated

over earlier financial years.

“Over the past three years we have increased the proportion of assets that are in the required condition, reducing the backlog from 2.62 per cent to just over two per cent of the value of Council’s assets.

“Notwithstanding the continued expenditure on renewing and replacing assets, like most councils, we do face the challenge of consistently maintaining a proactive maintenance approach for all assets.

“Council has been often criticised about what assets are upgraded and when, particularly where roads are concerned – it is natural that residents want their roads or community facilities upgraded first.

“However, as has been explained many times, we maintain assets based on a priority basis driven by risk and limited resourcing, while balancing other expenditure areas that are important to our community.

“The incoming Council will also need to understand this and will need to continue to engage with Central Coast residents to help them identify the programs and services that

are most important to our community and prioritise resources accordingly.”

Council’s cash position remained strong in 2023/2024.

As at June 2024, Council had total cash of $773M, with most of it restricted or set aside for specific purposes, leaving $104M in unrestricted cash.

“Council had an approximate debt of $565M by late 2020 and is now at a healthy level, repaying the loans whilst Council continued providing services and investing in infrastructure,” Hart said.

“As Council continues to manage its financials in a responsible manner and its financial position continues to improve, I am confident that along with a strong CEO and executive leadership team, the groundwork is in place for the incoming councillors to make sound decisions that propel this Council forward.

“As I conclude my time as Administrator I am also confident that, through the checks and balances now in place, Central Coast Council will be able to continue to deliver on its Delivery Program, Operational Plan and LongTerm Financial Plan.”

Acting CEO Marissa Racomelara; Administrator Rik Hart

BUSINESS BRIEF

Village open days

Keyton Central Coast will hold two open days in the coming week to highlight the benefits of its retirement villages.

On Friday, September 6, from 10 am to 1 pm. Brentwood Village in Scarsbrook Dr, Kincumber, will be open with tours throughout the day and no need to RSVP.

On Sunday, October 9, from 9 am to 3 pm, Henry Kendall Gardens will be open in Maidens Brush Rd Wyoming.

The open day, to be held in conjunction with Garden Clubs of Australia, will be a celebration of National Gardening Week.

The free community event will also celebrate Spring and the joys of retirement.

There will be expert advice available, along with garden tours, market stalls and local produce, plus food and fun activities for all ages.

For more information go to keyton.com.au

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Full steam ahead at Gosford uni campus

Construction on the first floor of the new Gosford uni campus is set to begin following the completion of its ground floor slabs.

The $67M Central Coast campus of Newcastle University at 305 Mann St, Gosford, will be near the university’s Clinical School and Gosford Hospital.

It will offer a safe place for students to study on the Coast locally and build their skills without having to travel long distances.

Concrete cores will be built in coming months to prepare for the mass timber installation scheduled for the end of the year.

The University has collaborated with the Australian and NSW Governments (each of which has contributed $18M) to deliver a new worldclass facility set to enhance education pathways and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Gosford City’s CBD.

The campus will be close to TAFE NSW, government offices, businesses, public transport and amenities, acting as a catalyst for development and investment.

The new Central Coast Campus will feature versatile

teaching and learning spaces suitable for a range of courses.

“This game changing new education facility in the heart of Gosford will provide a range of new learning opportunities and pathways for the Central Coast community,” Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said.

“To date, the building contractor, Hansen Yuncken, has put in 24,000 person hours for the project, which is an awesome accomplishment.

“When finished, the facility will have four floors and be a

highly sustainable building developed to achieve a six-star ‘design as built’ rating.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the region was one step closer to opening a worldclass educational facility.

“You only need to look at the skyline to see that Gosford is growing, and it is so important that during this phase of significant growth, high quality infrastructure such as the UoN’s Gosford Campus are embedded in the new cityscape,” she said.

“I am a passionate champion

for the importance of Gosford City to our region and … (the State Government’s) commitment to the future of Gosford City is clear.”

A unique sustainable concrete mix that uses 80 per cent recycled water and contains 60 per cent less cement than standard concrete is being used on the project, with mass timber being used for the interior frame to reduce carbon emissions.

The building will feature a distinctive glass façade with curved elements, a frit pattern

and double glazing to achieve the highest design and sustainability standards.

State Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Adam Crouch recently checked out progress with the project team and reinforced that it was the previous Liberal State Government’s vision to develop Gosford into an education and innovation hub, providing the necessary land and the $18M commitment.

“When a government works side by side with a great university like the University of Newcastle, we can achieve real results for our region’s future,” he said.

But Crouch said while the uni campus was powering ahead, the same could not be said for the proposed new TAFE in Gosford.

“There has been utter silence on the proposal for a state-ofthe-art TAFE in the heart of Gosford, which was part of the former government’s education plan for the Central Coast,” he said.

“This is yet again reflective of this government’s lack of delivery and vision for thriving region, and the longer this project languishes, the more the Central Coast will suffer.”

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.

Wade

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)

 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

Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid, State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, State Minister for the Central Coast David Mehan and representatives from the University of Newcastle and builder Hansen YunckenBP Gosford uni1

Jane Smith

Alison

Lisa Wriley

Accolades for two Coast businesses

Two small businesses from the Central Coast have been nationally recognised at the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards and the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards, held in Sydney on August 23 and August 24 respectively.

Central Coast Clutch and Brake, with two centres at Gosford and Tumbi Umbi and servicing the Central Coast for

more than 50 years, took top gong in the automotive services category at the Trades awards.

Indigo Early Learning Centre of Forresters Beach took out the 2024 Champion Early Childhood Services title at the women’s awards.

More than 50 of the nation’s most dynamic, innovative and best-servicing tradies were crowned at the second-annual Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards, hosted by Nine News’ Peter Overton.

The Trades awards pay tribute to the vital role of small businesses in the trade sector as the backbone of the nation’s construction industry, and a significant contributor to Australia’s overall social and economic prosperity.

They also spotlight tradesbased small business owners’ invaluable contributions to their local communities and to their fields of specialty –including their encouragement of future generations of Aussie tradies.

The Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards are the biggest celebration of women in small business with this year’s awards seeing 60 accolades presented at the third annual awards, hosted by Nine journalist and Today show presenter, Jayne Azzopardi.

Precedent Productions coordinates the Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards and the Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards.

“Being selected as a champion of these major events – from a national entrant pool of thousands – speaks volumes of the tenacity and quality of leadership at these small businesses,” Managing Director Steve Leo said.

“Each is making an indelible mark on their field of specialty and as such, ought to feel immensely proud of their achievements.”

Touted as the Logies of small business, the glittering gala events saw approximately

1,000 small businesspeople from myriad retail, services and manufacturing industries converge at The Star on each of the two awards nights.

For a full list of 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion Awards winners, visit championawards.com.au/ trades

For a full list of the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards winners,visit championawards. com.au/womens

Keeping businesses on the Central Coast

Central Coast Council has developed the region’s first of its kind Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Survey, designed to strengthen and support the local economy.

The survey will help identify what’s needed to keep and grow businesses and industries on the Central Coast.

Acting Council CEO Marissa Racomelara said the initiative was aimed at gathering valuable insights from local businesses to help ensure the continued growth and success of the business community.

“The BR&E Survey is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to foster a thriving environment for businesses and industries,” she said.

“Local businesses and industries are vital to our local economy, providing employment for thousands and anchoring the region’s continued prosperity.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the inaugural survey was a great opportunity for local businesses and industries to have their voices heard and share their experiences and challenges.

“We want each Central Coast business owner and manager to know that taking the time to complete the Business Retention and Expansion Survey is an investment in the future of their business,” he said

“The insights provided will inform the initiatives that address the specific needs of our growing business community.”

The survey covers key areas such as infrastructure requirements as well as

workforce and training, along with sourcing investment and future growth plans.

The information gathered will be used to identify trends and connect businesses to targeted support programs and resources.

The survey will run from Monday, September 2, to Monday, September 30.

For more information and to have your say, search “Business Retention and Expansion Survey” on Council’s Your Voice Our Coast website.

The survey aims to help keep and grow businesses in the region

Representatives from Central Coast Clutch and Brake accept their award

The team from Indigo Early Learning Centre

Mingara Recreation Club

Dr Gordon Reid and Labor are delivering

A tax cut for every Australian taxpayer

Unfunded roads blocking new housing projects

Construction of 2,000 new homes could be unlocked with $28.5M in targeted investment, according to the Central Coast Building Blocks Report Update by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).

The report says that government investment is needed for seven currently unfunded infrastructure projects across Chain Valley Bay East, Lake Munmorah, Warnervale and Kanwal, which are blocking the delivery of much needed new housing on the Central Coast.

The infrastructure required is state road upgrades and

two local roads.

“Developers are already making a contribution to critical infrastructure and we need to see government step up with funding so up to 2,000 much needed homes can be delivered,” CEO of UDIA NSW Stuart Ayres said.

The NSW Government has given the Central Coast a fiveyear Housing Accord target to deliver 9,400 new completed homes by 2029 which assumed 5,900 dwellings will be delivered because they are already in the planning system.

UDIA partnered with ADW Johnson to update the UDIA Central Coast Building Blocks Report for 2024 which identifies

about half of the 9,400 Housing Accord target are in 13 development areas that together could supply 4,786

new dwellings in the next five years if a total of $53.4M in enabling infrastructure is delivered.

About half of that cost still needs a funding commitment, says the UDIA.

Beyond the five-year Housing Accord timeframe, UDIA’s Building Blocks report identifies a strong Central Coast pipeline of 12,786 additional dwellings that could be delivered in the 5-10-year timeframe if those sites are rezoned as expected, and if another $64.8M in infrastructure is delivered, of which $45.6M still needs funding.

UDIA is calling on the government to begin investing in infrastructure for the future (5+ year) pipeline today and collaborating with landowners on their requirements.

New place for religious studies

The property to be converted to a place of worship

A residential property adjacent to Impact Church at Erina could be converted to a place of public worship.

Central Coast Council is considering a development application for the site at 373 Terrigal Dr, Erina, near the roundabout intersection with Chetwynd Rd and Tarragal Glen Ave.

At present it contains a

single-storey weatherboard building and dual garage centrally located on the 5,433sqm property.

It is proposed to convert the building to be used for religious studies, education, social gatherings, exercise and wellbeing classes and relevant functions for the congregation of Impact Church.

The DA stipulates the building will not be used as a

place public assembly.

Car parking for 45 vehicles will be provided and the access driveway will be widened to six metres.

A Traffic Report says that Terrigal Dr is the only road from which access to the site is possible and the proposed use will not generate more than 200 vehicular movements per hour to and from the site.

Potential could arise, on a case-by-case basis, to bring forward this future pipeline into the Accord period, including addressing the current slow planning system and biodiversity approvals, to help with reaching the five-year housing target.

“The election of a new council is the perfect time for a renewed sense of collaboration between the local government, state government and industry to ensure the Central Coast doesn’t fall further behind in its housing requirements and more people who love the Coast can have a place to home,” Ayres said.

An unnamed tributary of Erina Creek separates the dwelling portion fronting Terrigal Dr from the rear of the property which adjoins the Impact Church.

The rear of the property is heavily vegetated with remnant rainforest and a minimum setback to the riparian corridor has been applied, meaning no work is proposed within 10m of the top of the creek bank.

Infrastructure required to release new housing projects

Many herbs die back over winter and will need replacing.

Most herbs need at least six hours of sun every day to ensure strong, healthy growth and flavour.

While herbs such as mint, lemon balm and most parsleys can survive on less than six hours, others like rosemary, oregano and thyme need their full six-hour quota.

Drainage is also crucial as most will not survive getting their feet wet.

Soil that is friable (light and crumbly) is also needed and although most herbs do not require an over-rich soil, organic compost, and the addition of well-rotted manure prior to planting will help them to thrive as will the addition of a light watering of a seaweed

DOWN IN THE GARDEN

How to Grow Herbs

emulsion every month to encourage strong root growth and as a tonic against disease.

If planting in pots, you must have lots of drainage holes and don’t allow water to pool in the bottom of any saucers you might want to use.

Grouping of plants with like needs will help create a microclimate that will protect your herbs from the extremes of heat and cold and make caring for them easier.

Growing herbs indoors is a little challenging but can be done if you have the right light conditions.

Just make sure that this position is not directly next to a closed glass window as there is a danger of the plant becoming burnt.

Some seeds do better if you sow directly in beds, while

others can be raised up in starter pots to seedling stage before transplanting.

Check information for each type.

To grow from seed, dampen a good quality seed raising mix and lay this on top of your garden bed or use in seed pots.

Plant your seeds and if there is still the danger of frost or cold conditions, cover with a cloche.

This can simply be a clear bottom of a drink bottle.

Mulch around your plants, not too close to stems to help retain moisture and to keep soil temperature constant.

For tender herbs such as chives, parsley and dill I recommend sugar cane mulch as it will help reflect heat in

A lot more expensive, lucerne mulch is also an option for all herbs.

Seeds can be allowed to slightly dry out between watering’s to encourage root development, but new seedlings will require watering each day for the first week and then most will need to be watered once or twice a week depending on herb type and rainfall.

Feeding your herbs with a complete balanced fertiliser or a homemade organic mix every month will help boost the growth.

Herb plants need you to eat them!

Harvesting regularly promotes them to grow

TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK

This week you can plant the following: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, cabbage, cape gooseberry, capsicum, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumber, eggplant, endive, leeks, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, parsnip, pumpkins, radishes, rhubarb, rosella, salsify, silverbeet, spring onions, squashes, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes, ageratum, alyssum, amaranths, aster, Californian poppy, carnation, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dianthus, everlasting daisy, gazania, gerbera, gypsophila, impatiens, marigold, nasturtium, petunias, phlox, portulaca, salvia, snap dragon, sunflower, verbena, vinca, zinnia

Top award for Spotted Frog’s little scientists

Lake Haven’s Spotted Frog Kindergarten has been awarded the NSW Excellence in Early STEM Education Award at the 2024 Little Scientists Early STEM Education Awards, receiving an equal top score with Bambini’s Childcare Centre Centennial Park.

Their innovative project, The Mighty Mathematicians –How Math Became Our Superpower, captivated the judges by turning their preschoolers’ concern – fruit disappearing from their play shop – into a STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) project for submission

in the awards.

To solve their problem of disappearing fruit, the children experimented with counting, classifying, and using tallies to track their toys and even extended these skills into everyday life by tallying their emotions and the colours of passing cars.

Spotted Frog Kindergarten’s hands on approach to STEM learning is intentionally designed to put children in the driver’s seat and develop their STEM skills, like critical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity from the earliest years.

Little Scientists Project

Lily all set for Japan study tour

When 20 students from across NSW head off to Japan on a special scholarship in September, Henry Kendall High School student Lily Arendse will be among them.

Lily will travel under the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarships program, joining other successful students from across NSW for an historical study tour, learning more about our nation’s involvement in WWII.

During the program, students will visit a number of significant sites, including a former Australian POW Camp in Naoetsu, the Yokohama War Cemetery and the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial.

Lily, who wants to pursue a career as a museum curator, said the news of her success in the scholarship “felt crazy”.

“I got it and I screamed,” she said.

“I dropped everything to tell my teachers and friends.

“I think I’m going to love it; it’s going to be great.

“For me, history is personal, it’s human.

“So, I think that standing where these battles were fought and where I have read so much about is going to be pretty cool.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch met with Lily to discuss her upcoming tour.

“With 180 students from 152 schools across NSW applying for this scholarship, it is testament to the strength of Lily’s personal essay that she was selected for this opportunity,” Tesch said.

“It is so important that our future generations are provided

the opportunity to learn about the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, and about the military history of our nation.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our NSW

Gosford and Wyong TAFEs will be among 68 statewide share a funding boost of $74M over two years to improve digital infrastructure.

Gosford TAFE will receive a $569,000 digital and WiFi upgrade and Wyong campus will receive $741,000 to fund digital devices and Wi-Fi networks.

The multi-million-dollar investment includes upgrading the outdated 2009 network, enhancing connectivity across the 68 campus locations, and providing 14,900 new devices for students, employees, and teaching spaces.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the upgrades were essential for supporting modern educational needs in

Director Emma McGarrity praised Spotted Frog’s efforts.

“Spotted Frog’s project is a shining example of the importance of early STEM education for young children and their access to fun, empowering, and creative early STEM learning experiences,” McGarrity said.

“Maths has certainly become these children’s superpower, and they will carry this love of STEM with them into primary school.”

An awards ceremony will be held to celebrate these outstanding achievements on September 3 at Spotted Frog Kindergarten, Lake Haven.

students to visit important sites of Australian military events, while accompanied by a military and social historian, to give deeper insights into our nation’s military history.”

Minister for Veterans and Member for Wyong David Harris said the students would have a deeply meaningful experience.

“As a former school principal,

Digital upgrade for Gosford TAFE

hybrid learning environments.

“In this day and age, good quality digital infrastructure isn’t a nice-to-have learning tool, it is a critical aspect of

providing engaging, worldleading education and skills to our next generation of workers,” Tesch said.

“I am thrilled to see that Gosford TAFE has received

$569,000 in funding for digital and WiFi upgrades, ensuring that its fabulous educators and students are best placed to enter the job market in emerging industries.”

Member for Wyong David Harris said the upgrades would make learning more accessible and convenient, allowing students and teachers to easily access information and

it means a lot to me that our government supports students and current generations to continue to learn about the important military history of NSW and our nation,” he said. Scholarship applicants submitted a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their school, initially assessed by history teachers, followed by a selection panel including representatives from NSW Government, the Anzac Memorial and the History Teachers Association of NSW. Lily is kicking goals across the board, having also been announced as Henry Kendall High School’s newest school captain last week, alongside fellow captain, Pavani Pathak. Together, Lily and Pavani are the first all-female captain team in Henry Kendall history.

resources for studies and help students learn and succeed in an academic setting.

“The upgrades also complement the new specialist animal studies facility which is currently being built on site at Wyong,” he said.

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said investing in technologyenriched campuses would enable TAFE NSW to better deliver skills for critical and emerging industries.

“Investing in TAFE NSW ensures that the capacity to deliver skills for critical and emerging industries for a modern economy is increased, and key workers in priority industries are trained to build a robust, scalable, and skilled workforce,” he said.

The staff from Spotted Frog Kindergarten at Lake Haven

Lily Arendse discusses her coming study tour with Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch at Gosford TAFE; Member for Wyong David Harris at Wyong TAFE

HEALTH BRIEF

Safe staffing levels on the way

Gosford Hospital is one of 12 across the state set to introduce staffing levels in emergency departments as the NSW Government continues to deliver on its major staffing reform.

The implementation of the reform is set to improve the experience of patients and boost retention and capability of staff in public hospitals.

The Safe Staffing Levels initiative involves the introduction of minimum staffing levels on every shift, which will result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state and better care for patients.

The staffing boost of frontline healthcare workers at these hospitals will enable a one-toone nursing care ratio for generally occupied emergency department resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.

The initiative will be rolled out in coming months at Gosford Hospital, along with Bankstown-Lidcombe, Campbelltown Hospital, Coffs Harbour, John Hunter, Nepean, Royal Prince Alfred, St George, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong hospitals, along with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

This will bring the total number of hospitals commencing the rollout of Safe Staffing Levels to 16 across the state following the earlier announcement of Liverpool, Royal North Shore, Lismore and Port Macquarie hospitals.

The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce, which includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health and local health districts, will continue to work through the preparations to determine the FTE (full-time equivalent) staff required to deliver Safe Staffing Levels at the sites over coming weeks and months.

Phase one of Safe Staffing Levels is initially commencing in Level 5 and Level 6 EDs, which treat the most critically ill patients, and will then be progressively implemented across other hospitals and departments.

Tuggerah preschool a national finalist in prestigious awards

Good Start Early Learning at Tuggerah has been announced as one of nine national finalists in the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards.

Nominated in the Advancing Pedagogy and Practice category, the centre was acknowledged for its innovative inter-ability program which fosters inclusivity, social skills, and empathy through interactions between neurodiverse individuals and children.

Overall, the program was found to have positively impacted children, families, educators, neurodivergent participants, and the wider community, fostering a culture of inclusion and support.

“Being recognised in the 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards is an amazing accolade for the power that authentic community partnerships can play in early childhood education and care,” centre director Tearne Martin said.

“It is recognition for the whole team at Good Start Tuggerah and our community partners at AMPEY for being brave and pushing the boundaries to develop a program that truly advocates for understanding, compassion, inclusion and equity for all.”

The awards, which have been running since 2010, recognise the front-line educators and carers at the very heart of Australia’s early childhood education system.

CEO

congratulated the finalists for their exceptional commitment to the early childhood and education sector and for their impact on children, families and the community.

“Congratulations to all the finalists on their remarkable achievements,” Blakey said.

“Their dedication, passion, and innovative practices are truly inspiring.

“The work they do to educate, care and develop our future

generation is of immense importance for children, families and the broader community.

“From building confident young leaders to improving outcomes for First Nations children and families, each finalist has excelled.

“HESTA is a proud partner of the sector, and we’re thrilled to champion these amazing educators and carers for their vital role in society.”

An independent judging panel

School reunion for Class of ’64

Gosford High School’s Class of ’64 will hold a 60th anniversary reunion dinner on September 7.

It’s been 60 years since they were last at school together studying for their Leaving Certificate (this was pre HSC).

Five schools across the state electorate of Terrigal have secured more than $106,000 in funding through the NSW Government’s 2023/24 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the funds would deliver welcome improvements to the schools including upgrades to play equipment at Wamberal Public School and a sustainability garden at Empire Bay Public School.

“This is fantastic news for our

comprising sector representatives reviewed many outstanding nominations to select finalists across the Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Outstanding Service, and Individual Leadership categories.

Long-time awards sponsor ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ) has provided a total of $30,000 in prize money, which will be split equally between the three winners and used for professional or team development or to improve workplace services or processes.

BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle congratulated and thanked this year’s finalists.

“A big congratulations to this year’s finalists,” Boyle said.

“On behalf of ME, I extend my thanks for your dedication, passion, and hard work in guiding and nurturing Australia’s future generations.” HESTA will announce the winners at a dinner in Brisbane on Thursday, September 19.

Former students are flocking to the Central Coast from as far afield as Norfolk Island, Western Australia, Queensland and the ACT to take part. A spokesperson said this will be the last reunion for the Class of ’64 and it is expected to be a great evening.

More than 50 former students have accepted invitations to the event.

Extra funding for five schools

community with five local schools receiving muchneeded funding as part of the 2023/24 Community Building Partnership program,” he said.

“Under Labor, we have seen school funding through the Resource Allocation Model go backward, and have seen confirmed cuts of nearly $150M, which is why this CBP funding is absolutely vital for these schools.

“Funding streams like the Community Building Partnership grant allow our schools to get these costly but much-needed upgrades done

without having to source the funds from their existing budgets.”

The girls from the Class of ‘64; The boys from the Class of ’64

HESTA

Debby Blakey

The full list of successful

school projects in the Terrigal electorate for the 2023/24 CBP round are: Avoca Beach Public School for the purchase and

installation of two water bottle refill stations at both the junior and senior playgrounds; Terrigal High School for the replacement of the school hall’s vision system; Empire Bay Public School for the development of a sustainability garden with a worm farm, hand water pump and vegetable plots; Erina Heights Public School for the installation of heating and cooling facilities within the school hall; and Wamberal Public School for the installation of new permanent outdoor play equipment in the school playground.

Good Start Early Learning team Sharnee Fancett, Tearne Martin, Zowie Martin

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch hands over the cheque to P&C members and students at Empire Bay Public School

Learning first-hand the trauma of a trip to emergency department

Students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College

Berkeley Vale Campus recently experienced firsthand the journey of a patient rushed to hospital for life-saving treatment.

While an actor played the patient and the blood was fake, students observed real doctors and nurses in action as they simulated what happens when a trauma patient arrived at Gosford Hospital’s emergency department.

The students heard directly from trauma specialists, emergency department and intensive care doctors and nurses, allied health staff, police liaison officers, paramedics, an organ donation

specialist and a person with a lived experience of a traumatic accident.

The Prevent Alcohol and Riskrelated Trauma (P.A.R.T.Y.)

Members of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) have voted overwhelmingly (92 per cent) in favour of taking protected industrial action against Opal HealthCare over its “unacceptable pay and conditions offer”.

Opal runs five facilities on the Central Coast including Kanwal Gardens Care Community, Norah Head Care Community, Berkeley Vale Care Community, Killarney Vale Care Community, and Wallarah Point Care Community.

Union members are demanding an 18 per cent pay increase over three years to keep up with rising inflation and cost of living pressures.

They also want Opal to meet their mandatory care minutes obligations in 47 facilities across NSW, as well as increased sick leave.

program was developed to educate young people about the dangers of risk-taking behaviours before they are injured.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Trauma

Clinical Nurse Consultant Peter Mackay said the local emergency departments often

cared for young people who were suffering the consequences of risky behaviour such as driving too fast or taking drugs or alcohol.

“We don’t want to stop young people from having fun, but we also want to give them a different perspective to help them appreciate that a rash decision can have life-changing consequences,” Mackay said.

“We understand they’re only young once, but we want them to think twice.”

CCLHD Trauma Director Dr Nicol Alley said the goal of the program was to empower students to identify situations which could lead to an injury.

Aged care workers to take industrial action

Opal’s most recent pay and conditions offer was 9.75 per cent over three years for registered and enrolled nurses, and up to 10.2 per cent over three years for assistants in nursing.

NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish applauded members for taking a stand against Opal HealthCare.

“Our Central Coast aged care nurses and carers work under

extremely difficult conditions because of sector-wide staffing shortages,” she said.

“They feel like they can’t provide the dedication, attention and quality care residents deserve because of the workplace pressures.

“The current pay offer by Opal does not deliver competitive rates of pay that will help recruit and retain staff, ease extreme workloads and ensure

compliance with mandatory care minutes.

“The offer also doesn’t recognise the current economic climate and financial challenges being experienced by our aged care workers.

“In May, workers voted down Opal’s original offer of 8.25 per cent over three years.

“This was the first time Opal aged care nurses and carers successfully voted down an

enterprise agreement.

“They’ve now made history again, uniting to fight against Australia’s largest for-profit aged care provider by taking protected industrial action.

“This may involve wearing badges, distributing campaign flyers to residents and their families, overtime bans and work stoppages.

“Members are planning to kick off industrial action as

The P.A.R.T.Y. program is free and is aimed at students in years 10, 11 and 12.

The one-day program runs once per semester with about 25 students in attendance.

It has resumed after being paused due to COVID-19 and is extremely popular with local schools already expressing an interest in participating in next year’s program.

Central Coast Local Health District’s Trauma Service has been running the P.A.R.T.Y. Program in conjunction with Royal North Shore Hospital since 2016.

“By giving students this experience, we hope they will be motivated to make safer choices and adopt behaviours that minimise risk to themselves and others,” Nicol said.

early as next week.”

Candish said greater accountability and transparency was needed by Opal to meet its mandatory 200 care minutes per resident per day.

“The latest care minutes quarterly data from the Department of Health and Aged Care shows 20 out of Opal’s 47 facilities did not meet their registered nurse care minutes targets, while 42 did not meet their total care minute targets,” she said.

“On the Central Coast, Kanwal Gardens Care Community is the worst performing, with each resident missing on average 37 minutes of care per day, followed by Norah Head Care Community with 30 minutes being missed.

“Opal is also not coming to the table on our request for sick leave to be increased to 20 days, and instead insists on sticking to the legal minimum of 10 days per year.”

Prestigious scholarship for school counsellor

School counsellor Leanne Brooke from Kincumber High School has been awarded the Premier’s Anika Foundation Youth Depression Awareness Scholarship as part of the 2025 Premier’s Teacher Scholarships.

Now in its 25th year, the scholarship program was open to all NSW teachers from government and nongovernment schools and preschools, and to teachers at TAFE NSW Institutes.

Brooke will use the $15,000 grant to undertake a study tour to investigate best practices that support a return to school for students with emotion-

based school refusal.

The Anika Foundation scholarship was open to teachers, head teachers, student welfare, school

counsellors, and health, physical education and personal development teachers currently teaching students at risk of youth depression within NSW schools and TAFE NSW campuses.

Brooke, who is a teacher and a psychologist and who also works at various primary schools across the Coast including Central Mangrove and Somersby public schools, said she was surprised to have received the scholarship.

“I did put a lot of work into the application, but I was still surprised to have received it,” she said.

“I will be investigating programs and practices as part

of a study tour to see what schools are doing in the area of emotion-based school refusal.”

Emotion-based school refusal results in children unable to go to school due to anxiety or depression.

“It’s not about kids not going to school because they just don’t like school,” she said.

“They just can’t get there.

“I want to see what schools are doing to get these kids back to school and back to getting an education.”

The tour will include a trip to New Orleans in October this year to look at what major researchers are doing in the area as well as a tour of schools in Melbourne, Adelaide and

other parts of NSW next year.

“I have been involved in this area for eight years now and I am very passionate about it,”

Brooke said.

“I have seen how difficult this problem is for families, it’s very challenging.

“If I can just add a little bit to what our Central Coast schools are already doing, I will be happy.”

At the completion of her study tour, Brooke will deliver a final

report on her observations with the aim of raising awareness and an understanding of what schools can be doing to prevent the onset and escalation of depression in their students. Brooke was one of 11 of the state’s top public school teachers and education staff to have been honoured for their outstanding commitment to education at a reception at The State Library of NSW on August 1.

Notice For Claims

persons having claims against the undermentioned deceased estates are required to lodge the same with the Public Trustee, Hobart on or before the 5th day of October next. Particulars of assets held by any person are also requested.

Students saw first-hand doctors and nurses working to save a life

Shaye Candish

Wallarah Point Care Community

Leanne Brooke

Eileen Cuy late of Wyee in NSW

Coast scoops pool at surf lifesaving awards

Terrigal Club scooped the pool at the annual Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence event in Sydney on August 24, taking gongs for Club of the Year, Coach of the Year and Masters Athlete of the Year.

Taking the top individual honour, Mollie Murphy of Umina Surf Life Saving Club was crowned Surf Lifesaver of the Year.

Her award, coming less than a month after also being named a Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards winner, was the 24th and final award announced as volunteers from clubs up and down the NSW coastline came together.

The Central Coast notched up six awards in total – a quarter of the total awards on offer.

“It’s incredible to be the Surf Life Saver for NSW, but I’ve always just done it because I love it not for the recognition,” Murphy said.

“It’s pretty crazy but I’m very grateful.

“The community around the club I love, there’s so many people I’ve grown up with and it just makes for a real family.”

As well as taking the Club of

the Year crown, Terrigal also saw Ryan Quick take Coach of the Year and Paul Lemmon named Masters Athlete of the Year.

Director of Administration Julie Redfern said it was a “momentous occasion” and “an unexpected reward” as the club received its first ever Club of the Year award.

“We have been working so hard to improve our governance and inclusivity; we are also finally delivering a major renovation of our clubhouse that has been in the planning for almost 20 years,” she said.

“Terrigal has 274 strong and trained patrolling members,

serving a beach with large tourist numbers.

“They performed 22 rescues this season but this number could have been significantly greater as they were able to mitigate over 2,000 situations that may have escalated due to their vigilance on the beach.”

Director of Lifesaving Tim Pittolo said the club had members aged from five to 98.

“We have adopted a something for everyone philosophy whilst maintaining our core focus on keeping the public safe,” he said.

The Terrigal club has also been

actively engaging the wider community through a host of key events not only for locals but for the region as a whole, and has leant on strong, distinguished leadership through its Board of Management to secure critical facilities upgrades and mentoring future leaders of the club.

Club President Richard Green said volunteers had worked hard to achieve the accolade.

“To be named the top club in NSW for 2024 makes me happy beyond words and am so excited about the future, with an all new clubhouse opening later this year – this is the start of even

bigger things to come,” he said.

Other Central Coast award winners were Richard Grimmond from Ocean Beach SLSC (Trainer of the Year) and Jackie Sproll of North Avoca SLSC (Patrol Captain of the Year).

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib congratulated all the finalists on the night and thanked the state’s volunteer lifesavers for their commitment to keeping the coastline safe.

“It’s so difficult choosing just one winner out of a group of Surf Life Saving volunteers who sacrifice their precious time to help keep our beaches safe over the swimming season,” he said.

“These awards are a great way of bringing our amazing Surf Life Saving volunteers together to celebrate them and everything they do to keep us safe while we enjoy our beautiful beaches and other waterways.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew said that with 78,000 members, NSW was fully prepared leading into the Summer season.

“I’m very proud to be leading an organisation that represents so many people who have no hesitation in giving up their time to protect the lives of others,” he said.

Matilda and A-League champion signs with Mariners

Matilda and three-time Liberty A-League Champion Taylor Ray has signed with the Central Coast Mariners for the upcoming season.

The 23-year-old joins the club after spending seven seasons with Sydney FC, amassing 64 total appearances after making her debut in 2017 aged just 16. An energetic and tough ballwinning midfielder, Ray came off the bench and played more than 30 minutes in Sydney’s grand final triumph last season against Melbourne City, rounding out her sky blue career with another trophy.

Ray now joins the Central Coast Mariners fresh off the back of its successful return season to the Liberty A-League competition, where the team

made the semi-finals.

The 23-year-old will add extra experience and tenacity into an already strong midfield, having made her Matildas debut against Spain in 2022.

Ray said she was excited to start the next chapter of her footballing career on the Central Coast and was eager for the season to get underway.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Central Coast Mariners ahead of the upcoming season,” Ray said.

“Looking back at the team last year, they really flourished under Emily, and that is something that has really drawn me to the club.

“The team worked so hard to achieve success and were really ambitious, so I look

forward to learning and growing alongside my new teammates.

“Ever since my first conversation with Emily, she made me feel so welcome, I can’t wait for the season to begin and to be able to work with her.

“Mariners fans have always been incredible, and their support for the women’s team last season was amazing to see.

“I look forward to meeting them all this year and continuing to give them lots to cheer about.”

Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband is

pleased to have the midfielder join the club, seeing her as an important addition to the team.

“We are really pleased to have Taylor join us this season,” Husband said.

“Despite her young age, she brings a wealth of experience having been an established player in the league for some time.

“She has a fantastic technical foundation and will add a lot to our midfield, complimenting the players we already have really well.

“Taylor is not only good on the ball but is excellent at winning it back as well and has a lot of

PROPOSED ROAD DISPOSAL SECTION 152D ROADS ACT 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1: Crown road at Palm Grove within property 10 Moores Point Lane. (File Ref: 24/04087, Cluster: 646281)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement. Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 For the Manager, Business Centre Newcastle

For further enquiries please visit the website roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Kristy Rizzo by email at kristy.rizzo@crownland.nsw.gov.au quoting file references above.

the qualities that we look for in someone to become a Central Coast Mariner.

“This is the first of many

exciting player announcements that we have coming up which we look forward to being able to share with the Mariners family.”

PROPOSAL FOR 5G UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT THE EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE IN KARIONG

1. The site at which this works is being undertaken is located at 4 Dandaloo Street, Kariong NSW 2250 (Lot 491 DP755251). The proposed works include the installation of new 4G and 5G equipment and associated works at the existing 21m lattice tower. The proposed works comprise of:

• Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas (each antenna no longer than 2.8m in height) on new antenna mounts on existing structure,

• Installation and reconfiguration of associated ancillary equipment including but not limited to the installation of six (6) remote radio units (RRUs) on the existing mounts and replacement of one (1) GPS antenna with two (2) GPS antennas on the existing equipment shelter to ensure proper functioning of the facility.

2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed works as a lowimpact facility under Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com. au/2250037

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: CPS Technology & Infrastructure, (02) 9300 1700, submissionsVIC@cpstech. com.au by 5pm on Friday 20th September 2024

Terrigal was named Club of the Year; Mollie Murphy with her award

Matilda Taylor Ray in action against Spain in 2022

Bateau Bay bowler selected for NSW team

Bateau Bay bowler Ryan Wood has been selected to represent NSW in the 2024 Australian Para Nationals to be held at Broadbeach Bowling Club on October 9-12.

Wood will participate in the singles and the open pairs and while he is no stranger to representative status, he said he was very excited and honoured to be selected in the

Keno NSW Blues All Abilities Men’s Team.

He said Bowls NSW and Bowls Australia had shown commitment and energy to the promotion and elevation of the Para Bowls by ensuring that the event would run side by side with the other categories.

With lawn bowls an important event at the Commonwealth Games level and with the Parasport program at the games

being fully integrated with the open bowlers it provides opportunities for para bowlers.

Wood, 44, said he hoped his bowls would be good enough to earn him a spot on the Commonwealth games para team.

Following a surfing accident in 1999, life for Wood changed but he said he refused to let his disability hold him back or define him.

He currently plays at the top level of bowls on the Central Coast with his Bateau Bay Bowls mates, and they are the current Bowls Central Coast Grade 1 Champions.

The fact that he is competitive at this top level and accepted by his peers speaks highly of the sport of bowls and its inclusivity and acceptance.

Wood said he believed it was important to play through any

disability as sport was an important outlet, and what he has found in bowls is a physical, social and challenging diversion while the support he received from his fellow bowlers, the Bateau Bay Bowling Club and Wyong Leagues was “phenomenal”.

He will travel to Dubbo in September to compete in the Inland Petroleum City of Dubbo International Fours, a

prestigious invitational event with very substantial prize money.

His team is fully sponsored by Right at Home Care group. Wood’s busy life revolves around driving his twin children to school each day and working for his wife’s business Berkeley Book Keeping as a bookkeeper, somehow fitting in attendance at an IT course at TAFE and, of course, his bowls.

Ryan Wood