Coast Community News #458

Friday 4 October 2024, 12pm - 1pm

The Erina Centre - Meeting Space 3, Erina Fair North South Road, Erina (adjacent to Erina Library)

Flying flags start surf season

Rescue meeting too late for Long Jetty carnival

Organisers of Long Jetty Festival were blindsided when Central Coast Council refused to allow the event to go ahead this Sunday, October 6.

They said this year’s rejection was unexpected as most years the festival development application (DA) was not approved until just prior to the event, and last year permission from Council came through a day before the event.

Long Jetty Festival has now been rescheduled for Sunday, March 30, 2025, to give all agencies enough time to thoroughly work towards approval over a five-year period to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

The popular festival features hundreds of stalls, and showcases all things art, culture and music, attracting about 20,000 people which is a major economic boost for the area.

Despite being a “proud sponsor” Council and the local police listed the national rugby league grand final, traffic issues and increased crowds already at The Entrance for the October long weekend as reasons for the refusal.

A rescue meeting was held with Council on September 23 but time had run out.

“Despite successfully hosting this event for years, activating the streets

and the community of Long Jetty without incident, our new DA has been declined by the Council, with the backing of Police,” organisers announced on their website late last week.

The festival is presented by Kingdom Sounds, Wise That and Smile On Clinics and directors said they were “incredibly disappointed” it wouldn’t be going ahead in October.

“We have been working tirelessly to address the issues and now feel more confident we are moving forward with Council support,” the directors said in a statement.

“We especially thank Member for

David

of the Australian

and Mitch

Association who arranged a rescue meeting with Council to bring the key stakeholders together on Monday, September 23,” the directors said.

The discussions focused on items that were “misunderstood by Council and Police” but the key issue in getting a review of the DA was the time required.

“A period of 28 days was needed for a review which meant the event could not legally proceed.

Continued page 10

The Entrance

Mehan

Wilson CEO

Festivals

The familiar red and yellow flags mark the start of the Summer beach season

Surf Life Saving Central Coast held an official flag raising ceremony on Saturday at Avoca Beach.

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Time for the Central Coast to decide on its leadership

With the declaration of the Central Coast Council election results, we now have our 15 councillors ready to take on the challenge of governing our region.

The next crucial step will be for these councillors to elect a mayor at their first official council meeting on Tuesday night.

EDITORIAL

popularly elected mayor, giving residents a real say in who led their community.

So why didn’t we have this referendum for the Central Coast this time around?

However, this narrative is only partially true.

The reality is that the council’s executive team and the state government share equal responsibility for the failures of the past.

This region deserves leadership that reflects the will and vision of its people, and the best way to achieve that would be through a popularly elected mayor.

What the Central Coast has desperately needed all along is stable and clear leadership, the kind of direction that a popularly elected mayor could provide.

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

But it begs the question: Why can’t the citizens of the Central Coast elect their own mayor directly, like many other major local government areas?

Before the amalgamation, Wyong Council held a referendum that supported a

Instead, we were presented with a half-baked referendum, concocted by administrators, about their preferred reduction in councillor numbers.

Sure, that passed, in the wake of the administrators laying all the blame for the previous council’s downfall squarely on the councillors themselves.

Now, we must pin our hopes on these newly elected councillors to find among themselves a leader who can unify this diverse body, strengthen the council’s internal culture, and rebuild the organisation’s reputation and productivity.

CCN wants to hear from you, our readers. Who do you think would make the best mayor among the newly elected councillors? Take part in our online survey, and we’ll pass on your opinions to the councillors themselves as they consider who should lead the Central Coast for the next two years. It’s time to let your voice be heard!

Gathering on Saturday for family historians

96.3FM Coast FM www.coastfm.org.au

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

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

Do you have links to the Preston, Bailey, Craft, Robinson, Rowe, Manson, Crump, Ferguson, Dening and Duffy families?

Meet Jennifer Burgess - she was born in Gosford with family lines linked to these families. She has been a family history researcher since 1996, a member of Family History ACT

and an expert researcher striving for accuracy in family research.

Her presentation will focus on Elizabeth Smith 1799 to 1846 whose headstone is at The Glen, the original Bailey property at St Albans.

In 2017 Burgess began using DNA to assist her research and to help others.

DNA assists researchers to find their true family lines and Burgess can give examples too of how DNA has disproved family stories. She will be at Central Coast Family History Society on Saturday, October 5. The gathering will get underway at 1pm in Lions Community Hall, 8 Russell Drysdale St, East Gosford.

1st Ettalong Guides started 75 years ago

Blackwall/Ettalong Girl Guides will celebrate their 75th anniversary on Saturday, October 12.

The 1st Ettalong Girl Guides formed in early October 1949 before later joining with Blackwall.

Enough girls attended the first meeting to form three patrols.

Twins Jean and Joan McLachlan and Brenda Woodhouse were the first patrol leaders and Mrs Norma McAsh was the first captain.

Girls rode their bikes from as far as Pearl Beach to attend.

Brownies had started in the area in 1945 so it wasn’t long before they were flying up to become Guides with almost 40 girls and

five patrols at one stage.

The Guides moved to their present hall at Memorial Ave, Blackwall, built by Woy Woy Rotary Club and officially opened on February 2, 1964, according to historical photos and notes from the time.

Local Rotarians still maintain the building.

The anniversary get together will be held at the guide hall, at 2pm on October 12 with afternoon tea at about 3pm.

Guest speaker will be a Guide from the early days who will bring back memories of Anzac parades, camping, hikes, swimming carnivals, and the weekly meetings.

RSVP by October 8 to bronwyn.weatherstone@ girlguides –nswactnt.org.au

• Do you support electing the Mayor directly? • Which councillor would make the

Mrs W.C. Wentworth presenting 1st Ettalong’s first Queen’s Girl Guide award to Judith Mallam - with Captain Norma McAsh looking on

The Sea Ranger Crew for older Guides was established later

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Jennifer Burgess

New councillors to meet on Tuesday for election of mayor

The 15 new Central Coast councillors have been officially named after the NSW Electoral Commission declared the numbers on Monday, September 30.

Four distinct groups have emerged after the count was declared with five Labor, five Liberal including one Independent Liberal, three Team Central Coast and two Independent conservationfocused councillors.

Three former mayors and one former federal Member of Parliament will grace the council chamber.

The race is now on to elect the all-important new mayor and deputy mayor at the first council meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 8.

In theory, any one of the councillors can be elected mayor and deputy mayor for two-year terms, though in practice the parties and/or groups with the most votes will get their candidate in.

The two most likely mayoral candidates are former preamalgamation mayors Lawrie McKinna, the former Gosford Council’s final mayor; and Doug Eaton, the final mayor of

the former Wyong Council.

However, alternative candidates at the vote by councillors will likely be former MP Belinda Neal and former Central Coast Council mayor Jane Smith.

Other previous councillors include Kyle MacGregor, Labor councillor for the Wyong Ward, who was suspended along with Smith when the first Central Coast Council went into administration in October 2020, followed by the sacking of councillors in March 2022 as a result of the Public Inquiry into the council’s financial issues.

Labor’s Belinda Neal, a former senator, MP and Gosford councillor,and John McNamara, a former Wyong councillor, have both been elected: Neal in Gosford West ward and McNamara in the Wyong ward.

New councillors include two from McKinna’s Team Central Coast: CEO of Regional Development Australia Central Coast John Mouland in the Budgewoi ward, and Kyla Daniels in the Wyong ward.

Other first-time councillors included three Liberals – Trent McWaide in Gosford West ward; Jared Wright in Gosford

The yes vote in the referendum asking residents if they were in favour of reducing the number of Central Coast councillors from 15 to 9 out-polled the no vote in all but four of the more than 100 polling booths.

The final count saw the yes vote win by 61.74 per cent

East ward and Rachel Stanton in The Entrance ward; and three Labor councillors – Helen Crowley in Budgewoi ward, Sharon Walsh in the Gosford East ward and Margot Castles in The Entrance ward.

The new councillors start work this Saturday, October 5, even before their first official council meeting on Tuesday, October 8, where they will take the oath of office.

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer invited the councillors, hours after they were named on September 30, to a full day induction and orientation session on Saturday. It will be followed by another onboarding session on October 8 from 2.30pm.

The official mayoral and deputy mayoral election will be held later that day from 6.30pm.

The 15 new councillors were officially confirmed 24 hours after Monday’s distribution of preferences.

The 24 hours was given for any candidate to request a recount.

Electoral staff confirmed no requests were received so the Monday list was declared on Tuesday as final.

Central Coast Councillors

Yes: Coast votes for fewer councillors

against the no vote of 38.26 per cent.

Only booths at Umina Public School, Wagstaffe, Mooney Mooney and Mangrove Mountain voted in the majority for the current arrangement of 15 councillors.

The total vote counted was 212,315 votes with 4.47 per cent informal with a total number of both residential and

non-residential electors enrolled in the area being 260,408 people.

The referendum question asked if residents wanted to reduce councillors from 15 to nine and the wards from five wards to three.

The new reduced councillors and ward system will take effect from the 2028 council elections.

Between now and then, the newly elected 15 councillors will have to oversee the arrangement of the five wards down to three wards and plan for their own reduction down to nine councillors.

The outcome of the referendum is binding on the Council.

Most candidates in the election advocated for a no

vote but the Administrator Rik Hart said he considered nine councillors to be a much more effective number to govern the community.

“I strongly believe that reducing the number of councillors should lead to greater cohesion, less disruption and improved decision-making,” he said in August.

He also said that reducing the number of councillors would lead to at least $1.3M saved during the term of the Council.

“This is a significant saving that could be re-invested into community services,“ Hart said.

Wyong ward (left): John McNamara, Kyla Daniels, Kyle MacGregor

Gosford East ward (left): Jared Wright; Lawrie McKinna; Sharon Walsh

Gosford West ward (left): Trent McWaide; Belinda McNeal, Jane Smith

Budgewoi ward (left): Doug Eaton, John Mouland, Helen Crowley

The Entrance ward (left): Rachel Stanton, Margot Castles, Corinne Lamont

Garbage truck dumps its load as fire erupts in rubbish

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews suspected lithium-ion batteries, thrown out in household rubbish, were the cause of a garbage truck fire on Wednesday, September 25.

The truck caught alight just before 2pm at Hamlyn Terrace, forcing the quick-thinking driver to dump his burning load onto Sparks Rd.

A FRNSW crew from Hamlyn Terrace was quickly on the scene, backed up by Warnervale Rural Fire Brigade, and the fire was well developed as aerosol cans and other refuse exploded.

Firefighters attacked the blaze with two lines of hose, as flames spread to grass, backing onto houses nearby.

Once the pile of rubbish was cooled, the crew hit it with compressed air foam to reach the seat of the flames.

Central Coast Council then brought in a backhoe to disperse the rubbish for easier extinguishment.

Firefighters examined the smouldering trash and

discovered lithium-ion batterypowered items including a robot vacuum cleaner, a mobile phone and children’s toys, leading them to suspect the

cells have gone into thermal runaway when compacted by the garbage truck or have at least intensified the fire. Thermal runaway can occur

when lithium-ion batteries are compromised or damaged.

When the cells overheat they can set off a chain reaction, releasing toxic gases before

exploding in flames.

FRNSW urges households and businesses not to throw lithium-ion batteries out in the rubbish.

Instead, contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice.

Other tips include: never sleep or leave home with your lithium-battery-powered devices charging; don’t leave them constantly on charge; don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials; try to charge devices outside if possible; always buy reputable lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components; and beware of cheap, substandard lithium battery-powered devices.

FRNSW also advises to avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells; store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials; install active smoke alarms in your home/garage; ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire; and don’t store or charge lithium-ion-powered devices near exit points in your home.

Safe battery disposal to cut landfill and fire risk

The Buttonderry Community Recycling Centre in Jilliby is taking part in a new NSW Government trial to help households dispose of problematic embedded batteries found in wireless household products, lightup toys and disposable vapes.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is joining forces with Central Coast Council to make it easy for households and small businesses to safely dispose of embedded batteries.

This will reduce both the number of products going to landfill, and the risk of batteries sparking fires in bins and waste facilities.

As part of the trial, the Community Recycling Centre in Jilliby, operated by Central Coast Council, is now accepting

household embedded battery products free of charge.

Embedded batteries are small batteries which are built into products and cannot be removed.

They have become increasingly common thanks to a rising demand for compact, long-lasting wireless devices.

Often found in household items such as single-use vapes, electric toothbrushes, e-bikes, smart watches, portable speakers and vacuums, the batteries are uniquely challenging for the waste management sector because they are made of materials, including lithiumion, that are difficult to recycle and a significant fire hazard risk.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said there were 193

battery-related fires in NSW this year between January 1 and August 1.

He said that was an 18 per cent increase on the same period last year. In 2023, the number of lithium-ion batteryrelated fires in NSW jumped to 285, more than double the previous year.

The Community Recycling Centre in Jilliby is one of 21 centres across the state participating in the new EPAled trial, with dedicated waste bins now on site to collect embedded battery products.

E-waste that may contain embedded batteries, including laptops, gaming controllers

and tablets, should still be directed to Central Coast Council’s e-waste collection service.

More information about the NSW Government’s embedded batteries trial, which is active now and will run until September 2026, can be found on the NSW EPA website: www.

epa.nsw.gov.au/embeddedbatteries

“This trial is a much-needed initiative that will help protect our local community and environment by reducing the number of embedded battery products that are mistakenly disposed of in yellow and red kerbside bins,” Harris said.

“We hope to empower Central Coast residents with new and necessary knowledge about embedded battery products, including how to identify them, the types of risks they pose and why correct disposal is so important.”

“The NSW Government is pleased to be working alongside Central Coast Council to tackle this emerging issue and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for all,” Harris said.

Ombudsman investigates council performance order

The NSW Ombudsman is examining the legality of the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) imposed on Central Coast Council by the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig. The move comes after a Central Coast resident looked at the fine print of the PIO. Coast Community News has kept the identity of the informant private.

The resident believes a PIO could have been given to the 2020 group of Central Coast councillors but questions its use on a brand-new group of councillors, still yet to hold their first meeting.

The resident believes PIOs are meant to be early response mechanisms to councils and councillors in the hope of staving off administration, not be used against a council coming out of administration.

However, it is the wording of the PIO and what’s missing from it, compared to other PIOs given to other councils, that the resident noticed.

A Public Interest Disclosure was submitted to the NSW Ombudsman alleging misconduct by the Minister because the wording of the PIO does not meet the requirements of the Act.

Hoenig imposed the PIO on September 19 after giving

Administrator Rik Hart notice of his intention in early September.

The resident said Hart should have asked for legal advice on the PIO.

“One of the things I noticed was one of the earlier councils that had a lawfully issued PIO sought legal advice before responding to the Minister with their feedback,” the resident said.

“That legal advice was held confidential, but if Rik Hart had

asked for legal advice, then this might have been picked up.’’

The resident says he finds the mistake interesting because all the recent PIOs given to councils not in administration have the correct wording but the Central Coast PIO is missing a section.

Other councils coming out of administration and issued with PIOs are missing the same section.

The section outlines what the

consequences would be if failing to meet the requirements of the PIO, and include the option of going into administration.

“Given that the notification does not satisfy the requirements of the Act, it and everything that followed is unlawful,” the resident said.

The resident said the excluded information would suggest the PIO was being inappropriately used.

New disposal program for batteries at Buttonderry tip

Fire crews on Sparks Rd, Hamlyn Terrace

Coast Connect

Council election and referendum results

The Central Coast Council election was held on 14 September 2024. The NSW Electoral Commission have declared the following candidates for election.

Ward Councillors

Budgewoi Ward

Gosford East Ward

Gosford West Ward

The Entrance Ward

Wyong Ward

• Councillor Helen Crowley

• Councillor Douglas Eaton

• Councillor John Mouland

• Councillor Lawrie McKinna

• Councillor Sharon Walsh

• Councillor Jared Wright

• Councillor Trent McWaide

• Councillor Belinda Neal

• Councillor Jane Smith

• Councillor Margot Castles

• Councillor Rachel Stanton

• Councillor Corrine Lamont

• Councillor Kyla Daniels

• Councillor Kyle MacGregor

• Councillor John McNamara

On the same day a referendum was also held, with the community approving the reduction of the number of wards from five to three (61.74% Yes, 38.26% No). Each ward will elect three Councillors in the next election term in 2028. The next stage in this process will involve extensive community consultation to determine the new ward boundaries. Find out more on the referendum search ‘Council Referendum 2024’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, 6.30pm 29 October.

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

What’s on

Flags up beach season starts

Council lifeguards patrol our shorelines 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on the weekends and public holidays. Council’s lifeguards patrol the Grant McBride baths seven days a week.

Search ‘beaches’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au to find your nearest patrolled beach

What’s open for community consultation

Central Coast Council is seeking community feedback on a number of projects and plans to create a Coast that you want to live, work, and play in.

Gosford Leagues Club Park Upgrade –Share Your Voice

We’ve secured a $1.65 million Federal Grant to upgrade Gosford Leagues Club Park, focusing on the tidal terrace area. This funding, together with a $165,000 contribution from Council, will enable significant upgrades to the park.

You’re invited to help shape these improvements, provide feedback until 21 October 2024.

Draft Central Coast Public Toilet Strategy

We are inviting the community to help shape the future of our public toilet network via Central Coast Council’s draft Public Toilet Strategy. The draft Strategy outlines Council’s vision for a comprehensive network of public toilets across the Central Coast that meets the needs of residents and visitors. Have input until 25 October.

Draft Plan of Management for Council Community Land Update

We have drafted an update to the Plan of Management for Council Community Land to include newly acquired, identified or re-classified land lots, and the re-categorisation of some lots already in the plan. View the draft update, associated mapping, and make an online submission with your feedback or attend a public hearing in November. Have your say until 25 November.

Have your say at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Works forging ahead to repair landslip sites

We have secured $28.3 million in funding for remediation works on Wisemans Ferry Road. Repair and betterment works are now underway for more than 40 landslip sites in Spencer and Gunderman. This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.

For more information and to view the online interactive site map search ‘Wisemans Ferry Road’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Recruitment opens for youth leadership program

The Coast’s next generation of young people is being called upon to apply for Central Coast Council’s Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Leadership program. The program provides local 15-24 year olds with experience in leadership, project management and event planning. Applications open now until 15 November.

Search ‘youth for youth leadership’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

You asked we answered!

We are dedicated to improving our customer experience

We have listened to your feedback and the message is clear. We need to make interactions with Council simple and easy, whichever way you want to contact us. We are rolling out a clear plan of action to ensure this happens.

Read more and provide feedback search ‘customer service charter’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Bowling day raises $3,900 for Guide Dogs

A charity bowling day hosted by Ettalong Bowling Club on Sunday, September 29 raised $3,900 for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Even though the day was showery a large group of bowlers from Ettalong and Pearl Beach, members from the Central Coast Guide Dogs Support Group as well as a team from Guide Dogs Head Office, enjoyed a fun-filled morning of exciting and competitive bowls.

For many it was their first time on a green with a bowling ball.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provides quality and customised orientation and mobility for people with impaired vision including the provision and training of guide dogs.

They also provide a state-ofthe-art eye imaging service to the general public. Services are provided at no cost to the client.

The Central Coast Support Group, which formed in 1983, has held many fundraising stalls at shopping centres and share their experiences with visitors how the Guide Dogs organisation provides services to help people with low vision and blindness.

In addition to raising vital funds, the group is actively involved in community education and awareness campaigns including International Guide Dog Day and White Cane Day.

During the charity bowls day friends and visitors generously supported the auction of a gift box donated by Umina Flowers & Gifts as well as raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

The next fundraising stalls will be on Thursday, October 17 at Deepwater Plaza, Woy Woy, and Thursday, November 14 at Erina Fair near the Shaver Shop.

For more information go to: www.guidedogs.com.au

Hear ye, hear ye, let it be known that Central Coast Town Crier Stephen Clarke has won the 2024 National Town Crier Championships held at Parkes.

Clarke was the overall winner, the Champion of Champions, and also won Best Cry of the contest hosted by Parkes Shire Council on Saturday, September 21.

Criers are judged on poise, bearing and confidence, sustained volume and clarity, content of the cry and accuracy in delivery as well as their regalia.

The town criers had to present a cry about Parkes, better known as the Elvis Capital of Australia thanks to its annual Elvis festival, and their hometown cry which for Clarke promotes the Central Coast.

“My regalia is in gold, blue and green which stands for

Town Crier Clarke wins again

golden beaches flanked by sparkling surf and lush, green hinterland, and represents our colonial era 1788-1810,” Clarke said.

“Instead of ringing a bell as my attention seeking device I play a fanfare on the bugle.

“This is very significant because at the top of the Gosford city coat of arms there is a cockerel standing on the bugle.”

This latest win adds to Clarke’s achievements of Australian Champion in 2012 at Moree, 2013 at Alice Springs, 2016 at Redlands in Queensland, 2018 in Victoria’s Warrnambool, 2019 in Echuca and now 2024 from Parkes.

Champion of Champions is the highest honor a crier can achieve in Australia.

In 2005 at the World Championships in Maryborough, Queensland,

competing against 65 of the world’s best criers, Clarke came third and on January 26, 2021 Clarke was honoured with the Order of Australia medal.

Town crier competitions are held under the authority of The Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers, who are appointed by their local councils.

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai steps up for Coast’s community transport

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai

Community Transport has taken over the empty space left on Friday, September 20 when Community Transport Central Coast Limited (CTCCL) suddenly ceased operating.

HKCT has also indicated it will take over operation of the Shirley Shuttle, a non-Transport NSW contracted service, until the end of the year.

CTCCL closed on Friday, September 20 with less than 24-hour notice to both staff and customers, citing operational challenges which had placed significant pressures on the commercial viability of its services.

Since 2013, CTCCL’s transport services had supported the frail aged, those living with a disability, and those who were financially or geographically isolated to remain engaged in their community.

The Shirley Shuttle had been operating for more than 15 years, started by Barb Galvin in

2008 as part of a bequest from her mother Shirley, but more recently under the CTCCL organisation.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said it had been an anxious time for all involved and he was glad arrangements could now be put in place to ensure passengers weren’t left in the lurch following Community Transport Central Coast’s decision.

“The NSW Government thanks Hornsby Ku-ring-gai

Community Transport for stepping up to support community transport users on the Central Coast,” Harris said.

“Community transport is a vital part of the fabric of our region and I’m glad local residents will continue to receive this essential service.”

Central Coast clients can now call 02 4355 4588 to discuss their service needs with the new provider.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said he was pleased to see services

Boost for recreational fishing

Davistown is one of 21 newly funded projects by the NSW Government to make recreational fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.

Under the 2024/25 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program, $11,035 will

go towards replacing an ageing platform and building a pedestrian bridge with disabled access at Davistown.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said she was pleased to see fishing licence fees being put to work to improve the state’s

recreational fishing facilities and open up fishing to more people.

“There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people … and the NSW Government is committed to supported the recreational fishing community,” she said.

In 1990, Clarke became the Gosford City Council Town Crier and after council amalgamated with Wyong in 2016, he was formally appointed the inaugural official Central Coast Council Town Crier.

“Sydney Town Crier Graham Keating taught me to cry back in the 1980s when we performed at Old Sydney Town at the Woolshed Bush Dances,” Clarke said.

Keating also won the top spot many times.

The first town crier in Australia was Samuel Potter, who was part of the Second Fleet, arriving in 1790 after being convicted of robbery and receiving stolen goods.

Official jobs include assisting with citizenship ceremonies, leading street parades, greeting VIPs and special visitors to the area as well as compering community and charity events.

returned and he looked forward to working with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to ensure staff of the former CTCCL were looked after.

But earlier this week TWU

NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said it was unacceptable that some long-serving, dedicated drivers were being left out of employment after the collapse of Community Transport Central Coast.

“The NSW Government made it clear that as many of these drivers as possible should be re-engaged, yet we’re seeing selective outreach from HKCT,” Olsen said.

He said the TWU had been working closely with the NSW Government to ensure the quick re-establishment of these essential services on the Central Coast, with the expectation that former drivers would continue serving their communities.

“We’re calling on the NSW Government to step in and ensure HKCT is conducting a

fair and transparent process that gives every driver the chance to be re-employed,” Olsen said.

“These workers are highly experienced and deeply committed to the people they serve—it’s time for HKCT to do right by them.”

HKCT General Manager Helen Crouch said discussions with former employees of the previous operator were welcome and an ongoing process.

“We are focused on providing critical trips to eligible clients to provide continuity of access for the community,” she said.

“In addition to this, we are considering the appropriate operational model to deliver critical services, which includes workforce requirements to deliver these services in a manner that is sustainable for the foreseeable future.

“We are committed to supporting local people who rely on community transport,” Crouch said.

Champion of Champions: Stephen Clarke, the Coast’s town crier

Community transport is now back on the road

Frank Baxter boys get behind canoe refurbishment

Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club is getting a helping hand from boys at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre in Kariong to renovate and refurbish two donated canoes.

The Department of Communities and Justice is supporting the project which will see the boys help restore the canoes and paddles donated to the club from a number of affiliated clubs in Queensland.

Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club president Louise Vangestel, who also is 2024 Terrigal Woman of the Year, said the exercise would not only teach the boys new skills, but would also help break down barriers and form better connections with the community.

“The Department of Communities and Justice has confirmed they will support the project to renovate these canoes,” she said.

“We will be doing the refurbishment as a program with the boys in a fantastic space inside the centre.

“The boys will work with us on each canoe at the centre as a project to teach them new skills and further our relationship with them.”

The club, which opened just one year ago, is an inclusive community-based not-forprofit group that operates in partnership with Bara Barang Corporation.

It aims to improve fitness while promoting cultural awareness of the land and ocean.

The club based at Terrigal

Haven, has planned a number of youth programs for local high schools and the Frank Baxter Detention Centre, where there is a 60 per cent Aboriginal representation in detention.

Presently, up to 15 Frank Baxter boys participate in three paddling sessions a week and enjoy competing in races and regattas.

Vangestel said the two extra donated canoes would mean more boys can get out on the water.

“This experience has been so humbling, the bigness of what it’s delivering and the way it’s evolving into areas I never thought it would,” she said.

The club is now planning its inaugural regatta for March next year, the 2025 Darkinjung Downwinder, in which a number of boys will compete.

Offering creatives $40,000 commission for new works

An opportunity is on offer for local creatives to receive up to $40,000 commission through the Creative Art Central program.

The program, run by Central Coast Council, is designed to support local creatives to produce new and contemporary works that demonstrate a strong connection to community.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith is calling on local practitioners to be inspired to collaborate and create with the community.

“We’re inviting local emerging and established creative practitioners that specialise in visual, performance, digital, literary, community arts and crafts to register their interest in developing a new work that encourages community participation during its production,” Smith said.

“This may be developed through an interactive community program or public presentation which encourages community engagement and participation.

“By providing opportunities to commission new works and investing in the local creative landscape, Council not only

assists with nurturing the growth of local creative practitioners but also in promoting stronger partnerships within the creative industries on the Coast.

“Our community can view videos online to hear from previous year participants about their experiences with

the

program, which have produced a diverse range of projects including a large-scale sculpture, documentary and short films, and other initiatives across the performance and community art space,” Smith said.

Registered practitioners who are ranked in the top 10 against the eligibility criteria will each be awarded $1,000 in seed funding to further develop and

refine their initial concepts over a three-month period. Successful recipients will then be announced in May 2025.

Registrations in the program are accepted between October 7-21, search ‘creative art central’ at centralcoast.nsw. gov.au

New owners of Kanwal petrol station ordered to clean up

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a clean-up notice to the new owners of the Kanwal petrol station, requiring remediation of the site to begin immediately.

The site, which has operated as a petrol station for about 40 years, was declared significantly contaminated in 2018 when the EPA found soil and groundwater was contaminated due to fuel spills and leaks from an underground petroleum storage system over a long period of time.

NSW EPA Acting Executive Director Operations, Adam Gilligan said the new owners, RAS Kanwal Group Pty Ltd, were expected to implement the Remedial Action Plan in full and clear deadlines have been established for each stage of work.

“Over the past few years, we have taken multiple actions that have required the former owners to complete interim remediation works at the site to reduce further pollution impacting neighbouring properties,” Gilligan said.

“While some repairs have

been made, extensive work is still required.

“This includes removing underground fuel tanks and infrastructure, the excavation and remediation of contaminated soil and treatment of contaminated groundwater.

“Additionally, ongoing groundwater monitoring will be required both on-site and offsite.

“We are also working with neighbouring property owners to better understand if groundwater contamination

has extended beyond the boundaries of the petrol station.”

As remediation work is finalised, the new owners will be expected to provide reports to the EPA.

There is currently no evidence that contamination is impacting local waterways, and surrounding properties have access to town water, which is safe to drink.

The clean-up notice can be found on the EPA website at ViewPOEONotice.aspx (nsw. gov.au)

From left: Craig Bisset, Louise Vangestel, John Seisun, Sione Ofahengaue and Sue Garske with the donated canoes

petrol station at Kanwal

Creative Art Central

Creative Art Central is a merit-based art in community program with an independent panel of judges.

This large scale seahorse sculpture by Christopher Diaz is outside Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal; Mother Tongue, a short film by filmmaker Amelia Foxton, was in the Emerging category of 2021/22 Creative Art Central

Flags are up as surf lifesavers return to beach patrols

The 2024/25 beach patrol season kicked off last weekend, with the familiar red and yellow flags being raised across 15 Central Coast beaches from Saturday, September 28.

There was an official raising of the flags ceremony by Surf Life Saving Central Coast on Saturday at Avoca Beach.

Council lifeguards patrol Central Coast shorelines between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers keep everyone safe on the weekends and public holidays.

Both organisations work closely to provide a seamless seven-day-a-week service keeping beachgoers safe.

Council’s beach lifeguards will also monitor The Entrance Channel throughout the October school holidays on weekends and public holidays, as well as patrol The Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance seven days a week.

This patrol season will also see a new blue uniform worn by Council lifeguards, introduced to align with other council lifeguard services across NSW.

During the busy Christmas holiday period, from December 21 to January 31 the 15 beach locations and The Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled for an extra an hour (9am6pm).

Council also has a suite of serviced beach wheelchairs

available for free hire, along with beach matting installed at several beaches across the Coast.

Council’s Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said the new ramp at Soldiers Beach, adjacent the surf club building, was expected to be finished in a few weeks, enabling easy access for lifeguard and lifesaver teams to access the beach with vehicles.

“The completion of this access ramp is the third of four new infrastructure projects at Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach, and we know the community will welcome the completion of the ramp,” he said.

“Apart from Council’s lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers providing search and rescue services for our coastal beaches, as well as emergency medical care when required, they also play an important role in educating swimmers and visitors on beach and water safety.

“This is a timely reminder to the community that while we have lifeguards and lifesavers on patrol, it is important to stay up-to-date with safety messaging so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable season.”

Key safety tips include: take the time and drive five more minutes to a patrolled beach and swim in between the flags; if you get into difficulty, stay

calm, raise your arm and yell for assistance; never run or dive into the water, as the depth can change quickly.

Children should always be supervised by an adult at all aquatic locations; ask a lifesaver if unsure of the conditions; always listen to lifesavers; avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution; be aware of obvious signs of pollution such as litter, odours and surface scum following heavy rain; and rock fishers should plan ahead, wear appropriate safety equipment, carry a charged phone and let other know where you are going.

Rescue meeting too late for Long Jetty carnival

From page 1

“We truly sympathise with the community, especially the vendors, artists, performers, sponsors, workers, and local businesses affected by this,” the directors said.

“We’d like to express our gratitude to our supporters, including Local MPs David Mehan, Liesl Tesch, David Harris; Mitch Wilson (CEO of Festivals Australia); Josh and Lauren from Mushroom Events; Paul Anderson from PM Consultants; Greg Carey (President of Central Coast Music & Arts Committee); NSW Police; Central Coast Council; The Over 50s Club; The Long Jetty Hotel; local businesses; our sponsors; Traffic Plan Professionals; First On Scene Medical; Security Worx; and everyone who has stood by us over the past few days.

“We are committed to bringing the festival back next year and delivering the incredible event this community deserves. We’re not giving up on this.”

The Council concerns included the festival adversely

affecting residential amenity, placing unreasonable demands on safety and security services, traffic and pedestrian impacts, parking, public drop off and pick up zones and the timing of the event over the October long weekend coinciding with the football grand final.

Council said the festival failed to provide detail in its Transport Management Plan in relation to

delays and contingencies for the road network.

It cited a single proposed parking area 2.5km away, holding only 360 cars with one shuttle bus for an event expecting to attract 20,000 attendees.

Tuggerah Lakes Police District said the Long Jetty Festival presented a significant challenge for local police, with

an increased workload associated with the event.

“Officers will be responsible for maintaining public safety in large crowds, a role that demands vigilance, constant monitoring and a quick response to any potential threat,” police said in a submission to Council.

“Additionally, the presence of three licensed premises within the festival’s footprint adds

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fiji holiday boost by $100,000

A Norah Head man on holiday in Fiji had his spending money boosted by $100,000 after winning a recent Lucky Lotteries draw.

He said he’d seen multiple missed calls coming from an Australian number while he was sitting back and relaxing on his Fijian vacation but was completely oblivious to his newfound treasure.

“You’re joking” he laughed, when he finally answered a call from an official from The Lott confirming his prize.

“I’m in Fiji on holiday right now,” he said.

“I’ve been sitting on the beach all afternoon and noticed my phone kept buzzing.

“We haven’t been on our phones much this trip, so I thought it was odd.

“When I saw you’d called a few times, I knew it must be something important but I had no idea it would be The Lott trying to call me.

“I’m absolutely stoked right now – my wife and I are looking out at the sunset and grinning cheek to cheek.”

They won first prize in the Super Jackpot 10878 drawn on September 27.

another layer of complexity.

“Monitoring these venues for compliance with alcohol regulations, preventing disorderly conduct and responding to potential incidents demands substantial resources and attention.”

Police said the cumulative effect of these responsibilities could lead to considerable strain on the police force.

“The Long Jetty Hotel, The Savoy Hotel and Liquorland are expected to face significant challenges due to the upcoming event, as road closures on Pacific St, Long Jetty are set to be enforced starting Saturday October 5,” the police said.

“Coral St carpark will be parked-out by Friday due to holiday stays in The Entrance,” police said.

“The fact that the organisers have even nominated Coral St carpark would indicate they have no idea about the increased population of The Entrance over a long weekend and have not considered this with the selection of the date of October 6.”

Traffic changes at Gorokan

There will be changed overnight traffic conditions for the next three weeks on Wallarah Rd at Gorokan to carry out survey investigation work between the intersection of Lake Haven Dr and Cornwall Ave.

Work will start on Monday, September 30 and carried out overnight intermittently over three weeks between 7pm and 5am on Sunday to Thursday, weather permitting.

Traffic control will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

For the latest traffic updates, call 132 701, visit livetraffic. com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

The official flag raising at Avoca Beach included the traditional march past by members of Central Coast Surf Club

Last year’s Long Jetty Festival attracted 20,000 people

School holidays packed with enriching experiences

Excitement is building for the Spring school holiday program, with a range of student workshops and classes designed to cater for all ages, levels of experience and interests.

Bookings are now open for the program on Central Coast Council’s What’s On pages.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said this Spring program featured previous popular activities for younger kids, while offering new workshops to cater to older tweens and teens and their divergent interests.

“Children living on the Coast have a huge selection of activities to choose from, delivered by our regional gallery, libraries, leisure centres, environmental and youth services teams, with the majority being free or affordably priced,” she said.

“We have amazing art tutors in our libraries, where kids can discover their inner artist through drawing Harajuku Fashion, Aussie icons like Bubble O’Bill or painting their own Squishmallow portrait.

“We also have papier-mache mask making, Mandala painting on silk, and Halloween

jewellery and tote bag workshops.

“Tween tech-obsessed kids will love Mario Kart switch gaming or our Ozobots robotics experience.

“Teens will love Dungeons and Dragons, Skateboard Deck Art, Warhammer – Mordheim! fantasy miniatures, and using the library’s iPads and Cricut machine to personalise their own t-shirt.

“For our animal lovers we have two amazing projects they can get involved with, Pet Pals and the Platy-project Kayak Tour.

“Platy-project is a community platypus survey event, where

kids can explore Ourimbah Creek by kayak to learn more about where this elusive creature lives,” Smith said.

Other activities include the Pet Pal workshops at Council’s Charmhaven animal care facility on October 2 and 10, where kids can learn how to be responsible pet owners and ensure safety around animals.

Activities will also include Parker Gets a Pet storytime, dog toy making, and puppy and kitten meet and greets.

Laycock Street Community Theatre will captivate kids with performances of Apricity: a reimagining of the Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, which

COPING WITH GRIEF

could be a little scary for younger kids, and The Ultimate Magic Show with Jonas Jost, where kids will be speechless with wonder.

Council’s Leisure Centres are always hubs of activity with the swim and sport programs, intensive learn to swim classes, stroke clinics to improve swimming technique, plus pool inflatables, a water slide and a water park for the kids who love water.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s school holiday program was vital for the community as it provided children with enriching experiences.

“By engaging our youth in fun and educational activities, we nurture their development, strengthen community bonds, and ensure every child can explore, learn, and thrive during the school holidays,” he said.

To find out what’s happening in your part of town, visit Love Central Coast’s School Holiday Guide by visiting www. lovecentralcoast.com and searching for School Holidays Central Coast. Check out centralcoast.nsw. gov.au/events and select the ‘School Holidays’ category to show the full program on offer.

Saturday 16th November 2024

10.00am – 11.30am

Hillside Chapel

Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park, 57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale NSW 2258

Helping someone who is grieving NALAG Guest Speakers

We invite you to attend an informative session with guest speakers from NALAG – National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc with us to discuss Coping Strategies, Helping someone who is grieving, Christmas can still be special.

Coping with Christmas has much to do with challenging your expectations of the ‘perfect’ Christmas. It is important to acknowledge that you are not totally responsible for others’ happiness, but also that they cannot assist you if they are not aware of your pain or concerns.

Be gentle with yourself, trying not to expect too much of yourself or those around you, makes good sense, but often needs planning.

Local pools are hubs of activity with swim and sport programs

Proudly developed by

Stadium ready for busy season after $2.5M upgrade

The Niagara Park Stadium upgrades to improve accessibility are now complete in time for a busy season of regional and state championships.

The $2.5M project received $850,000 from the NSW Government for the upgrade works, with Central Coast Council funding the remaining contribution of $1,650,000 from planned capital expenditure.

With a focus on improving accessibility and delivering benefits to the community, the works included: disabled car park improvements; new driveway, accessible pedestrian pathway and entrance; improvements to player facilities including new accessible amenities; and new signage, improved façade and lighting for improved safety.

Upcoming events that will benefit from the upgrade include the Physical Culture

Central Coast Champion Ladies Tournament, Central Coast Futsal Cup and Australian National Futsal League, as well as the Coastal Classic Basketball Tournament.

Importantly, the stadium is also home to a range of school and club activities including basketball, netball, martial arts, futsal, indoor hockey, volleyball, trampolining and wheelchair sports.

Director Community and Recreational Services Melanie Smith said Council undertook community consultation to inform the design and construction of the venue, which had resulted in an accessible modern facility.

“Niagara Park Stadium is a regional indoor sporting complex, and its facilities are widely used by schools, sporting clubs, and regional and state sporting organisations,” she said.

“The upgrades will support

the increased access for people with a disability and enable them to participate in sport in the region and provide an opportunity to host both state and national events.

“We thank the patrons of the stadium and the community for their patience during the works and hope that everyone will

enjoy the opportunity the upgrades now provide,” Smith said.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the region was rapidly growing which was why we needed facilities upgrades like these to improve accessibility in sport for all who

lived and played on the Coast.

“The NSW Government understands the importance of facilities like this, so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to contribute $850,000 in funding to these crucial upgrades,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing how

these improvements will be utilised by our local sporting clubs, schools and state sporting organisations in the future.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart thanked the NSW Government for their funding support and said the Niagara Park Stadium upgrades provided people with a disability with the choice on how they wanted to participate in sport.

“It is important that Council adapts its facilities and equipment to become more accessible and inclusive for the entire community,” he said.

“Council is continuing to improve accessibility to its facilities for people living with a disability in the region.

“There are a lot of people who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle by either playing or participating in sport and so our facilities need to be inclusive so that all residents and visitors can enjoy these activities.”

Kincumber residents concern over tree removal

A group of Kincumber residents concerned about the possible removal of trees in their neighbourhood plan to meet with Central Coast Council staff to discuss the issue this week.

Residents say some trees, which back on to Field 2 at Patrick Croke Oval, are around 40 years old and provide a privacy screen for the homes backing on to the oval.

Resident Wayne Rigg said he and his neighbours understood Central Coast Council was proceeding with plans to develop the site for sporting

teams and a dog training school although there was an existing large sporting field adjacent to the proposed site.

There are also concerns the installation of lighting towers will shine into properties.

“The trees were planted by residents, with council approval, over 40 years, as a privacy screen as the back yards, verandas and bedrooms, especially on the raised blocks, are completely exposed at the back to the public,” Rigg said.

“Their removal is very disturbing to all the local residents.

“This will remove all privacy at the rear of our properties and cause excessive noise every week from sporting teams, during weeknights and weekends, and around 50

barking dogs every Saturday, immediately behind our fences.

“How can this be legal?

“The vegetation is also a big asset for the area, a rare area

for general use that is not sport focussed, and a habitat to many animals.”

He said Council’s aim was to accommodate the needs of sports people and dog owners, although there were multiple other existing sites.

“Teams and dogs will use the area occasionally while very much affecting the quality of life of residents 24/7,” he said.

“Surely the residents should have a greater say.

“Surely a buffer between existing residents and these activities is essential.

“Surely quality of life should be our main priority?”

Rigg said residents were also concerned about issues with parking.

“There has been no oversight by an elected council,” he said.

“It seems the trees are due for removal in a few weeks before the new council has a chance to review the plan.”

Council representatives were expected to meet with residents on site on October 3 at 3pm.

Decades of orchid conservation recognised by Council

Environmentalist and researcher Boris Branwhite’s decades of documenting and conserving rare and threatened orchids across the Central Coast have been officially recognised by Central Coast Council.

A Letter of Appreciation signed by Administrator Rik Hart on behalf Council was presented to Branwhite at his Toukley home recently which he said he was “gobsmacked” to receive.

“It’s not about an award for me,” he said.

“The ecology of the Central Coast is unique and therefore needs to be preserved.

“For too many years, the ecology of the Central Coast has been under-valued by

settlers and governments leading us towards ecocide.

“My life has been dedicated to ensuring that didn’t happen.”

Born Alan Eddie Branwhite in 1946 in Albury, he comes from a long line of environmentalists.

He assumed the name Boris during his high school days.

He was the eldest of three Branwhite brothers, all with significant involvement in Australia’s orchid world.

They grew up in Wodonga where their father was a radio engineer and newspaper editor, then farmer, and their mother was involved in the Girl Guides and encouraged the boys to join the Gould League.

Branwhite said the family’s interest in nature was driven by their mother Val during their childhood.

All three brothers were heavily involved in the preservation of orchids, travelling extensively around most of Australia collecting specimens.

Branwhite went on to do most of his orchid research on the

Central Coast area, finding a number of new species and causing the former Wyong Council to take orchid matters seriously.

Council records in 1996 showed 12 orchid species in the then Wyong Shire and now

there are more than 160 species recorded, many of which have stopped clearing for development.

The Council’s Letter of Appreciation acknowledged his significant contribution to the decades-long study and commitment to the identification of orchid species across the Coast.

“Your passion for searching and discovering new populations of common, rare and threatened orchids in the region has inspired local ecologists, as well as people who have a passion for our local environment,” the letter said.

“Today, many individuals, including Central Coast Council staff, who may have otherwise disregarded these cryptic species, have gained a

heightened appreciation for the unique diversity of orchids in our region.

“Thank you for your commitment and advice and especially your willingness to share your knowledge with those around you.

“Biodiversity conservation on the Central Coast has benefited from your dedication and the time you’ve spent researching and documenting many flora species.

“Your acts of service and commitment to the conservation of the environment are highly respected and esteemed by Central Coast Council and the wider community.”

Several championship events booked in for upgraded stadium

Denice Barnes

Boris Branwhite, who has been in ill health recently, receiving his Letter of Appreciation from Central Coast Council

Denice Barnes

A portion of Patrick Croke Oval at Kincumber where Council is proposing tree removal

Familiar names on council

Democracy has returned to our local government area but sadly I see familiar names elected that are symbolic of past failures, excesses and misbehaviour.

Joe Public is renowned for having a short memory, but in this case, I think it is not the lack of memory but the indifference to the situation that has resulted in the return of some of the new councillors and the passing of the referendum.

If things go pear-shaped again I hope that voters accept their responsibility in the situation.

If things dramatically improve I am sure they will claim credit. Human nature will prevail.

Email Oct 1

Aidan Cuddington, Umina Beach Council should seriously reconsider desal plant

One wonders what Central Coast Council is thinking with their proposal of a desalination water treatment plant at Noraville (Coast News September 19).

The plant will have an extraction pipeline at either Pebbly Beach or Jenny Dixon Beach, with the leftover brine being discharged at Norah Head ocean outfall.

This area is one of the most significant beauty spots on the northern sector of the Central Coast, with high tourist attraction during the Summer season popular with both locals and tourists enjoying holidaying and swimming at the beach and the safe swimming enclosure of the Norah Head

FORUM

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

rock pool, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

This is all put at risk with a desalination plant in this location.

The increased size of this proposed plant located in what is a residential coastal area is of concern together with the detrimental impact of discharging toxic brine and other toxic chemical contaminates into the ocean at this location impacting the marine environment, coast ecosystems, and swimmers alike.

Central Coast Council needs to seriously reconsider the location of this desalination plant.

Email, Sep 27, Eileen Williams, Buff Point

Observations of council election voters

What have we learned from the recent Council elections?

By voting yes in the referendum the voters have expressed their disgust at the quality of councillors and believe that nine bad ones are better than 15.

By voting for Liberal candidates who remained very silent during the campaign it has demonstrated that all the “meet the candidates” meetings were a waste of time, that we ignore social media, radio and press and have demonstrated a distinct entitlement mentality rather than an enlightened one.

We have even voted back in by a large majority one candidate who agreed that many of the problems that exist in Gosford today are a result of his decisions as mayor when he was in office.

There appears to be a swing

No pets in rental property

As it sit at my kitchen table, the sun shining in on the morning Letters page, I can’t stop myself responding about “the brutal Australian rental market”.

Some years ago my partner and I bought the house next door to prevent a “MacMansion” and a life of Winter shade in both our kitchen and loungeroom. Sometimes rented to friends

Shock over transport service closure

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the closure of Central Coast Community Transport. My husband is disabled and in a wheelchair and relied on this wonderful service to take us to many

against Labor and Independents which may well be a general feeling in the community that we are unhappy with the current State and Federal Governments and their lack of action with the real issues we face today.

We have resigned ourselves to the fact that things will not improve so we may as well keep the old guard and surprisingly there may well be a feeling that an administrator is the preferred model.

Email, Sep 29, Geoff Mitchell, Kariong

medical appointments. I really hope someone will take over this essential service as I know many people will be relying on it.

Email, Sep 28 Lyn Barnett, Bateau Bay

(always below market rates), part of our reasoning was to gain some income (I have no superannuation), but it was always determined to provide fair and reasonable rental.

Today it is returning $100 below the market average in South Umina but we have wonderful tenants and no pets. Should the Minns Government make us accept pets we will remove the house from the market.

Also, on another topic, the “toothless watchdogs” and the expose of Coles and Woolworths raised by a previous

correspondent relating to petrol pricing really needs examination.

For years now I have been purchasing my diesel from an independent Metro supplier which is always cheaper than the big two.

Last Sunday I saved 35 cents per litre, possibly an Australian record.

Has the ACCC never bought petrol from a Metro station or even bothered to look at the price board while driving past?

Email, Sep 29, Bryan Ellis, Umina Plea to

youngsters to be more mindful

Last Friday morning a tall, teenage male ran flatout diagonally across Brisbane Water Dr, Point Clare, cutting between a line of cars going south and then a line of cars going north, all of us doing in the region of 60km/h.

As I was driving north he cut in front of me and fortunately for him I saw him coming and was able to brake.

And I was fortunate that the driver behind me was far enough back not to go into me.

But had that young man tripped, I hate to think of what the outcome could have been.

And what if one of us had swerved and hit another pedestrian?

Youngsters! Even if you view yourselves as being at the peak of fitness physically and mentally so that you can gauge your movements to the split second, please recognise that there are factors of which you can’t be fully aware including the skills of motorists, the braking capacity of their vehicles and unseen potholes.

Wait until you can cross safely at a walking pace; if that means waiting for minutes or taking a

detour to a controlled crossing, so be it.

Otherwise, you risk not only your own wellbeing, but other people’s too.

Email, Sep 27 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

Well done to helpers at accident

This is a bravo to the southern Central Coast Peninsula community.

On Tuesday, October 1 I was first on scene to assist a woman who had fallen and injured herself on the footpath outside Ettalong Pub.

I just happened to be closest by, but within seconds of my stopping to help other passersby also stopped.

They generously provided expertise in directing first aid, by calling an ambulance, and collaborated in taking instruction from me to inform the call to 000.

I would like to particularly commend a kind young woman who took the initiative to sit beside the injured woman, providing comfort by talking gently and compassionately to her throughout all the hubbub that swirled above.

While we waited for an ambulance to arrive, another 10 or so people stopped to offer assistance; they quietly moved on when it was clear that this calm young woman had control of the situation.

There were nil gawkers; nil phone cameras.

The whole situation was handled discreetly, in the interests of the patient.

I wish all the best to the patient, and I commend all who, without acclaim, stepped in to help.

Art, sound and movement collide in Wayfinder

A kaleidoscopic fusion of dance, music and visual art will explode as Wayfinder takes to the stage at The Art House Wyong for one night only on Friday, October 11.

This new work from Dancenorth Australia is an immersive and joyfully upbeat experience directed by Amber Haines and Kyle Page

Visually stunning and sonically mesmerising, this

high-intensity contemporary work incorporates a custom inflatable stage to empower dancers to perform incredible mid-air feats.

More than 60kms of salvaged wool will also be incorporated into the performance.

Vividly dyed and weaved into dynamic textile installations by more than 150 volunteer finger-knitters, these flowing, ethereal pieces inspire rainbow-tinged wonder as they flex from towering monuments

Lately I have happily been led down the path of the enigmatic Jack Hawksworth who is the star of bestselling author, Fiona McIntosh’s nail-biting thriller series.

In her words “Jack is as comfy in the pub with a beer and a gang of blokes as he is making a risotto for a single female dinner guest but he’s no Lothario ... he’s good company, good looking, he’s kind, he’s heroic, he’s got frailties, he has humour”.

The DCI Jack Hawksworth series

By Fiona McIntosh

I was happy to go with Jack on his adventures as he traverses the world to solve crime and bring about justice.

The saga begins with Bye Bye Baby (2007) which is an excellent read and a great series starter, with twists and turns littering the pages, with flashbacks to the past and the events leading up to present day, and it was easy to see the frustration of police.

Two years later came Beautiful Death (2009), the transition being seamless and

Hawksworth’s team is well depicted, the characters finely drawn and believable.

Tension mounts as the crooks decide to jump ship, and Jack is presented with an interesting surprise at the end, one which neither he nor I saw coming.

It took a while to get the next instalment, then they followed in quick succession - Mirror Man (2021), Dead Tide (2023) and Foul Play (2024).

Jack Hawksworth is very charismatic, he is charming

to individual threads.

The production also utilises more than 100 luminous ‘pearls’ designed in collaboration with JapaneseAustralian visual artist Hiromi Tango.

These sound and light emitting balls will be distributed throughout the theatre, with each containing a speaker that acts as a cipher for an individual voice.

When activated together, they

create their own immersive sonic and lighting installation. Grammy nominated Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote and sound artist Byron J. Scullin have also been enlisted to create Wayfinder’s distinct soundscape, creating a soaring composition that perfectly expresses the overarching themes of joy, discovery, and connection.

This playfully complex show is a sensory feast of movement and ideas.

and draws you in and this could quickly become a cliché, but Fiona gives him such honesty, emotion, and heart; you will absolutely love him.

These books are eloquent, imaginative, and wonderfully creative. It takes serious skill to craft a plot so complex and sticky that, as a reader, you’re genuinely surprised by the outcome.

FRIDAY

Flowing ethereal pieces made from salvaged wool

Sound and light-emitting balls are distributed throughout the theatre

Photo: David Kelly

Woytopia talks and music line-up announced

Anyone with an interest in the environment and green living won’t want to miss the Woytopia sustainable living festival on Sunday, October 13.

Highlights include introductions to permaculture with Kerrie Anderson, and to deep ecology with renowned NSW environmentalist John Seed.

For those keen to learn about

our local flora and fauna, the festival will feature native animal shows by Australian Wildlife Displays, while Jake Cassar will introduce local edible and medicinal plants.

On the home front, Ian Garradd will answer questions about reducing power bills, solar and batteries, while local architect Milos Obradovic will discuss sustainable home design with

a focus on reusing materials. There are gardening workshops on aquaponics, composting, natural pest control and garden tool maintenance, as well as by leading native bee expert Dr Tim Heard.

A new feature of the festival is a clothes swap. Bring some clothes and swap them to freshen up to your wardrobe.

Canines shine in fun and flamboyant dog show

The Puparazzi Pooch Parade is one of the highlights of Coastal Twist Festival’s Coastie Carnie Fair Day in Umina Beach this weekend.

This isn’t a typical dog show – this is all about attitude –whether you have a stylish pedigree, a mutt with sass, or a completely unique furball, it’s time to bring them to the spotlight.

The Puparazzi Pooch Parade kicks off on Sunday, October 6, at 10:45am, as part of the free,

all-ages Coastal Twist Fair Day.

It will feature 45 minutes of furry fashion and fun, hosted on the main stage by the iconic, award-winning First Nations drag queen Timberlina, known for dazzling crowds with her larger-than-life presence and signature style.

The categories are packed with flair and fun: DogsDoingDrag celebrates the most stylish, gender-bending pooches, while WhoWoreItBetter puts owners and dogs in a look-alike showdown.

Show off your dog’s talent in TurningTricks and let them shake their tails in HottestTwerker to see who’s got the best moves.

Amazing prizes are up for grabs, including a $2,000 event package from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club, a $350 tattoo and merchandise pack from Ocean Beach Tattoo, and vouchers from Puppylicious Dog Washing, Margarita Daze, Beau’s Burgers, plus goody bags from Paws on the Coast and handmade goodies from Tinker & Co, and more.

The music line-up has also been announced, and this year the focus is on emerging local artists.

The morning starts with the soulful Jonah Cass and contemporary folk from Mia Petra before cranking up a notch with groove-focused psych-rock from Turtle Custard and Goblet, and a 70s and 80s retro yacht rock vibe from The Cat Snatchers.

The line-up is headlined by Phegans Bay’s Ruby Archer and her band the Groovy Doobies.

She was the winner of the 2023 Triple J 15 Years of Unearthed High and her songwriting embraces an eclectic mix from jazz to punk.

There are also market stalls, food vans, free yoga sessions, lots of children’s entertainment and more, making it a great day

out for the whole family. Woytopia is organised by the Peninsula Environment Group (peg.org.au) and takes place on Sunday, October 13, 9am-4pm, in the grounds of Woy Woy South Public School, Waterloo Ave, Woy Woy. Entry is free. Sorry no dogs allowed on site.

Program times and details are on www.woytopia.org website.

Little Quirks star attraction at Reclaim the Night

Central Coast band Little Quirks will be headlining at Reclaim the Night Festival at The Entrance Memorial Park on October 18.

The performance coincides with the release of their selftitled debut album.

With a sound reminiscent of mid-2000 bands like First Aid Kit, Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons with soaring choruses that are perfect for mass singalong, the band comprises sisters Abbey (vocals/guitar) and Mia Toole (drums/backing vocals) alongside their cousin Jaymi (vocals/mandolin).

performances at The Great Escape (Brighton, UK), SXSW (Austin, Texas) and Bluesfest 2024 amongst their career highlights to date.

The Reclaim the Night Festival performance will be part of their 14-date national tour to celebrate the release of their debut album.

community spirit, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display.

Aside from the live music which also includes performances by Ella Powell and Pati Telea, there will be fire twirling, market stalls, food trucks, face painting, a resource tent offering information, amusement rides and bungee trampolines.

Little Quirks, described as a

The new album was mostly recorded in The Garden – a small studio their father Adam built in their backyard – as well as Central Coast based Grove Studios, owned by Australian record producer Scott Horscroft.

dynamic folk-pop band known for their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, have performed at some of Australia’s most prestigious music festivals and venues, including Splendour in the Grass, Woodford Folk Festival, Byron Bay Blues Festival, and The Factory Theatre.

The festival is being presented by the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee and is a non-ticketed, drug and alcoholfree festival advocating for the rights of women and children to be safe wherever they are.

They are well known for their lively shows and have been touring relentlessly, including

The event, which kicks off at 5.30pm with a street march to Memorial Park with drummers, promises a night filled with music, entertainment, and

The event is being supported by NSW Police, Central Coast Council and Mounties Group and is described by organisers as not only a celebration, but also a powerful statement of the community’s commitment to ensuring that women and children feel safe everywhere and are free from sexual violence.

Ruby Archer A new feature of the festival is a clothes swap

There will be plenty of children’s entertainment

Little Quirks

The wonder of dogs a highlight of Fair Day

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Halekulani

book fair and fete

Halekulani Community Library at Budgewoi is inviting residents to its annual Book Fair and Fete from 9am-1pm on Saturday, October 12.

To be held at Halekulani Hall in Noela Pl, Budgewoi, the event promises something for everyone.

As the largest annual fundraiser for the Halekulani Community Library, which is completely run by volunteers, the event offers an extensive selection of pre-loved books. Browse through thousands of novels across all genres, including Australiana, biographies, children’s literature, fantasy, general fiction, mystery, romance, scifi, sport, true crime, war chronicles and westerns.

There will also be a wide array of reference books on topics like cars, cooking, crafts, gardening and wellbeing.

This year’s fair will feature three raffle prizes: the Pamper Pack; the Homewares Pack;

and the Gourmet Food Hamper Pack.

Raffle tickets are affordably priced at $2 each or 3 for $5, providing a chance to win while supporting a great cause.

In addition to the book sale, a variety of other offerings will include locally homemade cakes, potted plants, cuttings, DVDs, puzzles and handcrafted items.

Make it a memorable day by exploring the charming Budgewoi area; from delightful cafes, bakeries and restaurants to boutique shops and health food stores, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Don’t miss the beautiful Lakes Beach, where you can take a dip or simply admire the scenic views, including the picturesque Birdie Island.

For more information email halekulanicommunitylibrary@ gmail.com

Chooks to boycott Mangrove Mountain Fair but the doodads will be there

If the ghost of the late, great rhythm and blues artist and songwriter Mack Rice visits the Mangrove Mountain and Districts Country Fair this year he’ll no doubt be humming his famous hit “Ride Sally, ride…” as he watches everyone enjoying the fun.

Everyone but the chooks.

The annual country fair is fast approaching.

Saturday, October, 19 will see faces new and old rushing to the corner of Wisemans Ferry Rd and Waratah Rd, in Mangrove Mountain.

Well, people will be rushing but in a demure way and being

mindful of all the pedestrian traffic as people walk from their parked cars, said spokesperson Bucketty (Simon Perry).

This year’s country fair will provide a great range of rides and activities for kids of all ages including a swinging pirate ship, and supervised rock wall climbing.

The climbing activity requires no prior experience, and is a fantastic opportunity for children to stretch themselves (figuratively and literally) as they scale new heights.

Of course a country fair wouldn’t be a country fair without animals.

Expect sheep shearing, bottle-fed goats, ducklings, Clydesdale horses, cows, young calves, and heifers, not to mention horse and donkey performances, and dog agility displays.

“Sadly, despite the fact that our Elite Squad of Chooklympians have been training hard they will likely brood out the fair this year due to Avian Flu,” Bucketty said.

“We hope to see them again next year.”

The country fair will host antique machinery.

“No, that doesn’t mean someone’s old Nokia phone but old tractors with implements,

and a range of stationery motor-driven doodads,” Bucketty said.

“Doodad” is a technical word for some sort of machinery that sits there chugging smoothly away turning assorted belts and wheels for purposes entirely beyond me.”

So dust off your best hat, give your elastic-sided boots a quick brush, and save the date, October 19, and get yourself down to the 2024 Mangrove Mountain and Districts Country Fair between 9am and 3pm.

For more information go to: www.mangrovemountain countryfair.org.au

Friday 11th October 2024

At the Davistown RSL starting from 6:30pm. Tickets are $65 per head and are on sale at the Davistown RSL. The evening will provide a 2-course meal + tea/coffee/cake and entertainment. There will also be raffles, auctions (both live and silent) and Lucky Draws.

Sunday 13th October 2024

This is our foundation event, and we invite you to celebrate the boating legacy of the Davistown area.

• 30-50 Wooden boats and Putt Putts

• The Putt Putt Challenge and Grand Parade

• Amusement rides

• Market stalls

• Premium food and much more

Proudly sponsored by:

Crowds converge on Mangrove Mountain for the country fair

There will be a wide variety of displays in the community hall

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Bouddi Arts Trail and Show on this long weekend

Artists and artisans across the Bouddi Peninsula are putting final touches on their respective works in preparation for the biggest weekend of the year.

Those looking for something truly special to do this long weekend, the Bouddi Art Trail and Bouddi Art Show are the perfect events to get a dose of culture, community and creativity.

This is the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant local art scene, where artists open up their personal studios; a rare treat that only happens once a year.

What’s really exciting about the Bouddi Art Trail is the chance to go behind the scenes.

This is the one weekend of the year when local artists throw open the doors to their private studios and let us in on their creative process.

Not every day you get to chat with artists in their own space, surrounded by their works-inprogress, inspirations, and finished pieces.

Look out for the iconic red flags fluttering outside each studio.

To make the journey even more enjoyable, there’s a

stunning map of the area that shows exactly where each artist’s studio is located. If you grabbed last week’s newspaper, you might have seen it printed in a large, easy-to-follow format.

The map is also available at The Fat Goose café and other local spots, and on the Bouddi Arts Trail website.

The Bouddi Art Show will also be open over the weekend at Wagstaffe Hall where you’ll find an incredible collection of artworks, from paintings to sculptures, showcasing the diverse talent that the Bouddi region has to offer.

AI entertains at Flash Festival, also topic at business meeting

Artificial intelligence was the theme in the winning original play at Woy Woy Little Theatre’s annual Flash Festival.

It was one of six sensational plays, written, directed and performed by exceptionally talented Central Coast artists.

All the plays were brilliant but artificial intelligence (AI) is the theme of the moment.

Even this article has been written by AI – (who knew

artificial intelligence would inject so many opinions and try to mix it with a business story?)

Shop AI won best unpublished play, best production and was the people’s choice at the Flash Festival.

It was written by Jenna Arnold, directed by Eden McGilchrist and Frank Wiffen, Michelle King, Takara Markwell and Trudi Slaven made up the cast.

The judge’s special award

Artist inspired by business duo

Local artist Yvette Pritchard’s painting, Ron and Helga – Bremen Patisserie Umina, was one of the finalists in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and is presently on display in the Gosford Regional Gallery.

It portrays Ron and Helga Bruns in the bakery of their iconic patisserie in West St, Umina Beach.

This business has been a popular coffee shop and bakery for 34 years in the same premises, particularly famed as the ‘home of the flaming Ron’, an award-winning pie so

spicy that a waiver must be signed when purchasing it.

Ron was featured on Channel 7’s Morning Show some years ago, with Ben Fordham and

Karl Stefanovic performed a ‘flaming Ron challenge’ to eat the pie live on TV.

“Ron and Helga are truly amazing,” Yvette said.

“The shop is open seven days a week, with a never-ending stream of customers, eagerly queuing up for pies and wonderful pastries and fresh cream cakes, notably, the Bavarian Beesting and Black Forest gateau.

“I admire them both for their dedication and hard work, and Ron for his artistry as a talented and creative pastrycook.”

Pritchard’s painting is one of 136 works selected from more than 900 entries in this year’s Gosford Art Prize and the art show is open until October 20 at the Regional Gallery in Webb St, East Gosford.

went to actor Sue Kemp for her performance in A Place in Time.

Judge Carl Caulfield, a professional writer, actor and drama lecturer, who earlier in the year facilitated Flash workshops for writers, actors and directors, said Kemp delivered a reflective and sensitive performance without being patronising.

Best actor went to Louise Sullivan in The Wunder Of You. Caulfield said Sullivan was

given the gong for being so relaxed inside the role but delivering a combination of comedic timing and emotion. Meanwhile, just to prove AI has written this article, and doesn’t realise you can’t mix topics, Gosford Erina Business Chamber is holding a networking event focused on unlocking the power of AI in marketing strategies.

It’s at the Sunken Monkey, 207 The Entrance Rd, Erina, on October 24 from noon to 2pm.

Enjoy the view down Brisbane Water from the Terrace Rooftop Bar at Central Coast Leagues Club while being entertained by Half Nelson Jazz Band from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, October 6. This Newcastle band, with vocals by Sheridan Nelson, will take the audience from the back alleys of New Orleans and the smoky dives of the 1920s Harlem with the sounds of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, through to the soulful 50s and 60s mainstream jazz.

Hughesy coming back to Wyong

Hughesy is coming back to perform in Wyong, showcasing his natural comedic ability in his new show Fully Furnished at The Art House on October 12.

Often referred to as your typical Aussie bloke, Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes is actually an unusual success story.

From working class roots, the university dropout and former abattoir worker has risen to become one of Australia’s most popular and successful standup comedians.

Known for his sharp wit and quintessentially Aussie charm, Hughesy has seamlessly transitioned his comedic talent from stand-up to become a

mainstay on radio and television.

His current television presence extends to guest appearances on shows such as The Hundred, The Weekly, and The Project.

Naturally charming and unmistakably Australian, he is one of this country’s sharpest comedic minds, turning

everyday foibles into rich and hilarious routines.

Passionate about comedy, Hughesy was born to do standup and continues to perform regularly at venues nationwide including the Central Coast, having sold-out The Art House with his 2023 show Too Good.

He will once again showcase his natural ability to leave

audiences in stitches when he returns with his new show Fully Furnished.

The performance is on at 8pm and comes with an adult themes and coarse language warning and recommended for those aged 15-plus.

Catch Dave Hughes at The Art House

A work from artist Cate Cotrell

Woy Woy Little Theatre president Christine Vale (left) with Best Actor Louise Sullivan

Yvette Pritchard’s painting of the Bremens

Dr Gordon Reid and Labor are delivering

Business & Property

Erina Fair and Central Coast Mariners Football Club have renewed their partnership for the 2024/25 season.

This is the second consecutive year Erina Fair will be the MyClub Membership sponsor and once again, the centre will be giving away 1,000 memberships to local children that will offer free tickets to home games, discounts and more.

The Erina Fair MyClub

Membership is just one of a range of new promotions, giveaways and community events members and supporters alike can look forward to Erina Fair hosting over the coming months.

More information about upcoming events will be accessible through the Erina Fair website.

Building on the success of the 2023/24 partnership, Erina Fair and the A-League champions club will continue to strengthen the connection with supporters

Supporters the winners in Erina Fair and Mariners alliance

Mariners and Erina Fair have teamed up again for the second year

and continue the shared goal of developing healthy communities.

Established in 2004, the Mariners invest heavily in grassroots community activity, both through the Mariners Academy and its affiliation with local sporting clubs.

Last season, the women’s team made the finals while the men’s team became the first Australian team to win the treble.

After such an historic season,

Erina Fair welcomed the club and thousands from the community to the centre to gather, connect and celebrate.

For the upcoming season, fans will continue have access to events with the Mariners men’s and women’s teams, and the four trophies the club won last season.

Stephen Ross from Erina Fair Centre Management said they were proud to once again be a partner of the Mariners this season.

WILLS & ESTATES

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

• Binding Financial Agreements

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

“The team plays a significant role in the local sporting community and their work with junior sporting organisations and schools shows their commitment to leaving a positive legacy,” he said.

“Building on the success of last year’s historic season, this partnership with Erina Fair will provide the Central Coast community with even more opportunities to engage and interact with their favourite local football club.”

Head of Commercial

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

“We look forward to continuing the positive impact we are creating for families and the younger generations in our region and we’re delighted to expand our outreach and continue the positive impact we can create together,” he said.

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford FAMILY LAW

COURT APPEARANCES

• Criminal Law

• AVO Matters

• Traffic Matters

• Drink Driving

Email: lemery@lindaemery.com.au

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Operations for the Mariners Teli Taktikos the collaboration with Erina Fair reflected their shared commitment to giving back to the community.

Animal welfare benefits from tax returns

Gosford accounting firm

Tax Stuff has joined forces with SoCares to support animal rescue efforts on the Central Coast.

The animal rescue organisation received a $20 donation from Tax Stuff for every tax return filed during July and August this year –amounting to a total $4,060.

Tax Stuff plans to run the program again next year to help support SoCares in their vital work to rehome dogs and cats across the Central Coast and to help provide food and supplies for the animals in care.

Owner/director of Tax Stuff

Brad Anthonisz said he had a special connection to SoCares, having adopted his beloved dog Charlie, a cheeky staffy x ridgeback, from their Charmhaven shelter in 2022.

“Since then, Charlie has become an integral part of my life and even serves as the

unofficial mascot of Tax Stuff,” he said.

“I’m a huge advocate for the

incredible work that SoCares does for the Central Coast community.

“When I adopted Charlie, I saw first-hand the dedication of the team to animal welfare.

“Charlie has brought so much joy into my life, and I knew I wanted to give back in some way.

“I encourage anyone looking for a pet or a worthy cause to support to consider SoCares,” Anthonisz said.

SoCares (Society of Companion Animal Rescuers) manages the only two animal shelters on the Central Coast – Charmhaven and Erina – in partnership with Central Coast Council.

Since 2014, SoCares has been a leader in pound reform, rehoming stray animals and helping them find loving homes.

As a registered not-for-profit charity, SoCares plays a vital role in the local community, ensuring the welfare and care of countless animals.

Skip the queues for Centrelink

Skip the queues at Services Australia centres at Wyong, The Entrance and Gosford by using the new national online booking system.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said that after a successful pilot in Hobart earlier this year, Australians could now use the new online booking capability to make appointments in more than 300 service centres nationally.

“The online appointment booking option will be particularly helpful to older and younger Australians, people with disability, parents with young children and carers, who are part of the cohort this new system was designed to assist now,” Shorten said.

Centrelink customers can book a 15-minute phone appointment or 30-minute

face-to-face appointment with a staff member at their local service centre.

Customers can book, reschedule or cancel some appointments using their

Centrelink online account through myGov or the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app.

The range of appointments that can be booked include: ABSTUDY; Age Pension; Carer

Payment; Digital Coaching; Disability Support Pension; JobSeeker Payment; Parenting Payments; Youth Allowance and general face-to-face appointments for My Aged Care.

“People can go online and choose a time that suits them for an appointment, either on the phone or at their chosen service centre, and they don’t have to spend time in a queue,” Shorten said.

“The recent onboarding of an additional 3,000 staff has already reduced claims backlogs and phone wait times.

“The online appointment booking capability is another step in the right direction toward improving access to services.”

For details: visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/ appointments

Ready’s at Doyalson the newest go-to venue on the Coast

After four months of planning and development, the newest social hotspot, Ready’s Bar, has opened its doors at The Doylo.

Ready’s has casual dining and entertainment with funky play spaces and is home to SportsPlus, an innovative immersive simulator experience, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking for something new and interactive.

One of the many features is to 360-degree sports viewing so patrons can watch their favourite sports action from every angle.

Whether you’re looking to catch the latest footy action, unwind with friends, soak up the live music, or get your competitive socialising on with SportsPlus, Ready’s is the new go-to destination on the Coast.

Taking guesswork out of knockdown/ rebuild process

It is now easier for those considering the knockdown and rebuilding of a home to plan, build, and move in, with comprehensive information on the process added to the popular myHome Planner tool.

Critical information from 48 government sites on the knockdown/rebuild process has been pulled into the online tool making it a valuable resource.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says the myHome Planner is an easy-to-use digital platform that takes away the guesswork when doing a new build, providing reliable information on key steps, obligations, and approvals, in a single location.

“This is a fantastic resource for helping people research, plan and design a home,” she said.

“I have taken a look through myHome Planner and it is clear that it is a comprehensive ‘single source of truth’ for current and prospective homeowners.

“Building a new home can be exciting and equally it can be fraught with complexity, which can lead to information overload.

“It is wonderful to see how practical information from 48 government sites has been brought together to guide users step by step.

“We need more homes built and expanding this digital resource to include information on knockdown rebuilds makes it that little bit easier,” Tesch said.

Current or prospective homeowners can enter the property address and gain access to relevant council information, zoning, ratings,

easement information, developer guidelines such as building heights and minimum block size, and relevant planning controls such as bushfire and flood risk.

The NSW Government is seeking to reach the NSW National Housing Accord target of 377,000 well-located new homes over the coming five years, following reforms to low and mid-rise housing, which commenced on July 1 this year.

Tesch said these changes allowed development applications for dual occupancies and semidetached dwellings to be submitted in more R2 residential zones, such as duplexes and semis.

“Enabling dual occupancies in these locations allows homeowners with suitable blocks to replace one existing home with two dwellings.

“Other low and mid-rise housing reforms will commence later in 2024.

“These will include townhouses, terraces and two storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low density residential zones across Greater Sydney, the Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra regions and mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium density and R4 high density residential zones across these regions,” Tesch said.

The myHome Planner was developed in collaboration with the Department of Customer Service and is available at the NSW Planning Portal at www. planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ myhome-planner

Jo Parks and Federal Member for Roberston Dr Gordon Reid at Services Australia, Gosford

The simulator games at The Doylo

New planning tool a valuable resource for rebuilding home

From left: Tax Stuff owner Brad Anthonisz with his dog Charlie, Louis Fairbrother and SoCares CEO Marilyn Jurlina

Buying land as an alternative entry into home ownership

As the value of established property has been rising strongly over the past few years some homebuyers might be drawn to considering vacant land and building as an alternative due to lower entry costs.

This is the theme of the latest Month in Review report, September 2024, from Herron Todd White, one of the largest independent property valuation and advisory groups in Australia.

The upside with a vacant site is that the buyer eventually gets a home that suits their list of needs as they start with a blank canvas, and according to Director Todd Beckman, the Central Coast has a myriad of vacant land possibilities.

“Whether you’re looking for proximity to schools, easy access to transport links or a particular neighbourhood vibe, there’s plenty of options across

different locations and market segments,” he said.

In the northern areas of Warnervale, Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace and Crangan Bay the average-size blocks range from 400-850sqm with good access to the M1 Motorway which makes commuting and travelling relatively easy.

“If your focus is on Hamlyn Terrace, Woongarrah, Wadalba and Warnervale you will notice that in some areas there are smaller block sizes,” Beckman said.

“These smaller lots are strategically located close to schools and shopping facilities, making them ideal for families or individuals who prioritise convenience and proximity to amenities.

“Each area has its own set of advantages, so your choice might come down to what suits your lifestyle best – whether it’s easy freeway access and

larger blocks, or proximity to schools and shopping with more compact lots.

“These suburbs offer a variety of residential land estates, each with their own characteristics and price points.

“Many of these estates are selling off the plan, with prices typically ranging from the low $400,000s to the mid $600,000s.

“This range reflects the different sizes and features of the blocks, as well as their locations within the suburbs; for instance, larger blocks or those in more sought-after spots might be at the higher end of the spectrum, while smaller or irregular shaped and steep blocks could be priced lower.

“The estate known as The Glenning in Glenning Valley has recently released registered land for sale starting from $680,000 and ranging up to

$900,000. “Don’t expect the new vacant land lots to be around for long – this 44-lot land subdivision should prove to be just as sought-after as the nearby land releases in The Glades estate.”

Beckman said established homes have been selling for premium prices in the marketplace, ranging from $1.1M to $1.8M depending on the quality of the dwelling.

“In the southern areas of the Central Coast, which are more established and built-up, the availability of vacant land is indeed limited,” he said.

“This scarcity drives a trend where older-style homes in desirable locations are often demolished to make way for new developments and many older homes are being replaced with new, modern residences.

“This allows homeowners to upgrade to contemporary living standards while staying in their preferred locations.”

Beckman said that in response to the limited land availability, there was an increasing shift towards higher density developments.

“This includes villas, townhouses and low-rise unit complexes, which can provide more housing options in sought-after areas such as Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Woy Woy,” he said.

“These changes reflect the evolving needs of the community and the increasing demand for housing in wellestablished locations.

“Beachside vacant land typically offers a unique and highly desirable opportunity, especially in sought-after coastal areas such as Wamberal.

“A 651sqm vacant land site, a stone’s throw from the beach at 107 Ocean View Dr, Wamberal, sold through Di Jones Real Estate for $2.444M in January 2024,” Beckman said.

The property market indicators in the Herron Todd White report for September showed there was stronger demand for units over houses, the trend in new house construction was steady and the volume of house sales was increasing with the market showing a start to recovery for both houses and units.

There were no surprises that the rental vacancy situation showed a shortage of available houses relative to demand but a particularly severe shortage of units.

There is a strong demand for units but the trend to build new units is significantly declining, according to the property market indicators in the report, although the volume of unit sales is increasing strongly and occasionally selling at prices exceeding their potential resale value.

Prestigious business award for disability service

Breaking Barriers Disability Services has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Community Service Award at the recent Central Coast Local Business Awards. This accolade celebrates the organisation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive community.

The Central Coast Local Business Awards recognises exceptional local businesses.

Breaking Barriers Disability Services, based in Wyong, stood out in a competitive field due to its wide selection of service programs, dedicated staff, and impactful outreach efforts.

CEO Lonestar Makoni said that since Breaking Barriers started in 2020 the service provider had strived to provide exceptional tailored care to individuals with disabilities using their matching rather

than allocating process when pairing participants with support workers.

“We do not just send anyone to support our participants, we match,” he said.

“The wide range of services includes supported independent living, community access, community nursing, support coordination, daily

personal activities, and transport.

“The organisation has made a significant impact on the lives of many Central Coast residents.

“The Outstanding Community Service Award is a celebration of these efforts.” Makoni said the organisation’s dedication extended beyond direct service provision and it

actively engaged with local businesses, schools and community groups on the Central Coast to foster a culture of understanding and inclusivity.

The Breaking Barriers Disability Service community outreach program includes The Blue Haven Public School Citizenship Award presented to a young student for his/her stellar school achievement.

The organisation has also worked with Gosford CBD Community Hub to donate goods of more than $500 including blankets, towels, socks, hygiene products and groceries.

Breaking Barriers offers services to participants aged between seven and 65 years old.

“We work with individuals, their carers and others in the community to ensure the best care and support are developed for each individual’s needs,” Makoni said.

The team from Breaking Barriers Disability Service

Vacant land for housing at Woongarrah

Wamberal land that sold for more than $2.4M in January

coastfmgardeninggang@gmail.com

Apart from gaining a great tasting harvest, growing an Australian Bush Tucker Garden will help provide food and shelter for local wildlife.

These plants are naturally suited to the local environment and so will generally need less watering, no or very little fertiliser and not much in the way of soil improvement.

Eaten and used by Indigenous Australians for centuries as a food source and in some cases as a medicinal aid, it is only fairly recently that these powerhouses of flavour and goodness have been considered as a regular addition to the home garden by most.

Some plants, like Lily Pilli, Davidson Plum and Lemon Myrtle have enjoyed wider spread moments of popularity but there is so much more to discover and a whole banquet of Bush Tucker that you can plant and cultivate at your place to bring life to the environment as well as your table.

Here is a sample of the plants that you can grow at your place right now.

For more information I highly recommend the classic: ‘Wild Food Plants of Australia’, Tim Low and for a complete growing, buying and cooking guide, ‘First Nations Food Companion’, Damien Coulthard and Rebecca Sullivan is brilliant.

CHERALYN DARCEY’S

DOWN IN THE GARDEN Growing Australian Native Flavours

Warrigal Greens (Tetragonia tetragonioides)

Eat as you would English spinach but raw it can be a little bitter for most so blanch first.

The tiny flowers are also edible and look pretty sprinkled on baked goods.

Although tolerant of most soils, it will do far better in a moist loamy free-draining medium.

Growing to only 20cm in height and spreading out to over 2m, it will do well in either full sun or part shade.

Warrigal greens die back in winter and then come back in spring.

Finger Lime (Citrus australasica)

You will need patience as it can take up to 15 years until you are enjoying the caviar-like inner of this delicious fruit if grown by seed and although they can grow from cuttings, the success rate is very low.

Most home gardeners fall back on grafted stock obtained commercially which also only attain a height of about 3m.

Grow in a wind-sheltered location in full sun to part shade.

Most soils are tolerated and fertilising requirements are minimal.

Regular citrus feeding at half strength every 3 months will be sufficient for grafted varieties.

Keep moist during fruiting and flowering times.

BUSH TUCKER FORAGING

I spoke with local Bushcrafter Jake Cassar about the possibility of foraging our own bush tucker.

While it seems like a natural thing to do there are a few cautions to be aware of.

“There’s heaps of Aussie Natives you can eat when you are out and about and there’s also a lot of introduced plants.

As always, you need to be 100% sure of the identification of plants before you eat them as some can make you very sick or even cause death.”

Although there are books, phone apps and websites that can assist with this identification process,

Old Man Saltbush – Tjilyitjilyi (Atriplex nummularia)

The seeds and the leaves are the harvestable part of this plant and as the name suggests, imparts a salty flavour to your cooking.

Use the leaves like you would any leafy vegetable.

A hardy shrub, it will grow 1 to 3m in height and 5m wide and prefers full sun to part shade.

Tolerant of most soils and requires no feeding and only

mistakes can still be made, especially by the inexperienced.

As Jake points out, a lot of plants, their fruit included, can look very similar to each other.

Additional care must be taken to ensure plants have not been sprayed with chemicals and when collecting you have to be aware of spiders and snakes.

Attending bushcraft training or foraging with a guide is a good way to educate yourself about plant identification and safety.

“You have to be aware also that it is illegal to forage, even for food, in our national parks.” Jake also cautioned

regular watering until established.

Midyim Berry – Midgen (Austromyrtus dulcis)

Growing up to 1m in height (sometimes 2m) and 150cm in width these easy to grow plants are gaining popularity as a super food with their high antioxidant properties.

You will be harvesting delicious tangy berries after the first year.

Does well in most soils and in full sun or part shade.

and while you can forage on private land, permission must be granted.

With a passion for our environment, he prefers to focus on foraging for introduce species like blackberries, as this helps regenerate our local bush.

Some of the local edible natives that are found across the Central Coast include Lilli Pilli, Sour Current Bush, Yams, and Native Raspberries.

Jake as a lot of resources on his website and social media and his local bushcraft courses are a great way to learn more about experiencing our Australian bush safely.

Find out more at: Jakecassarbushcraft.com

Watering only required to established and when fruiting and flowering.

Feed with a native specific fertiliser as per directions during fruiting and flowering.

Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens)

If you go down to the beach today, you will probably see these gorgeous bright flowers and their juicy foliage but you can easily grow Pigface at home as well.

The leaves can be eaten raw

or roasted and used as a salt substitute.

Look out for the fruits that give this plant it’s ‘Pigface’ name as they are delicious with a salty strawberry flavour. The flowers too are edible and look fabulous in savourybased dishes and drinks. It will grow up to 20cm in height and to around 2m in width so makes a fantastic rockery or edging plant. It can be easily propagated from cuttings, loves a welldrained soil and it will tolerate both full sun and part shade. Water until established and you can hold back on feeding. Planting Guide for Your Garden This Week This week you can also plant the following: culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, celery, , chicory, choko, cress, cucumber, eggplant, endive, leeks, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, spring onions, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, raspberry, rubarb, rosella, salsify, silverbeet, squashes, sweet corn, sweet potato (shoots), tomato, zucchini, ageratum, alyssum, amaranths, aster, California poppy, coleus, cosmos, carnation, dianthus, everlasting daisy, gazania, gerbera, gypsophila,impatiens,marigold, nasturtium, petunias, phlox, portulaca, salvia, snapdragon, sunflowers, torenia, verbena, vinca, zinnia

cheralyn

cheralyn.darcey

Cheralyn and Wayne host the Gardening Gang every Saturday 8-10am on Coastfm963

Health & Education

Legal Studies students from the Central Coast Adventist School visited NSW Parliament House in Macquarie St, Sydney, recently to immerse themselves in the realworld applications of their studies.

Legal studies students experience real-world systems

Legal Studies students from Central Coast Adventist School

Students explored the chambers where key debates and decisions occur and learnt about the complexities of lawmaking and the legal system as part of their Part 1: The Legal System and Part II: The individual and the law of the Legal Studies Syllabustopic.

Mothers and their young families needing support during the highs and lows of early motherhood can now find their village at The Village Collective.

The Village Collective is home to mother’s groups, workshops, masterclasses, baby drop-in clinics, playgroups and more, in a fresh inviting space at The Galleria at Ettalong Beach.

It is home to a collective of pregnancy, postpartum health and wellness practitioners and allied health services who offer services alongside courses, workshops and masterclasses.

Central Coast Adventist School teacher Martin Kane said the students had a wonderful time on their visit.

President of the NSW Legislative Council Ben Franklin said it was inspiring to see the next generation engaging directly with the workings of the parliament and seeing it first-hand.

“The curiosity demonstrated by the students was a great reminder of why we need to foster a strong understanding

“It was great for the students to witness the roles and functions of parliament firsthand, rather than just learning about them in the classroom,” he said.

of democracy from a young age,” Franklin said.

Member for Lake Macquarie and Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Greg Piper highlighted the inclusivity of the education programs offered by the parliament that give all students the opportunity, regardless of their location, to get involved in civics education.

“While here, the students got to meet with the local Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch to

learn how he represents their electorate,” Piper said.

Interactive programs and learning resources are available online for students in regional areas across NSW in addition to the many programs and events held at NSW Parliament House in Sydney.

In 2025, travel subsidies to help schools from regional, remote and rural areas will be offered.

New village to support mums and bubs

The programs available to schools include guided tours, legal studies workshops, interactive online programs, a short film competition and leadership events including a Secondary Student Leadership Program, Young Women’s Seminar and the Constitutional Convention.

Visit the Parliament of NSW Education website: education. parliament.nsw.gov.au to find out more.

Stoneman runs doula service

Mamma Nurture and BlanninFerguson is a registered midwife with Breast Help.

They said the early years of motherhood were often stressful and confusing and they aimed to share valuable information and support for mums and families.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch commended the pair for establishing wraparound supports for young mothers.

“We are so fortunate to have such fabulously creative new people moving into our community and pursuing great opportunities to build and grow the great space where we live,” Tesch said.

“I had the privilege of

Friends and founders Kathryn Stoneman and Harriet BlanninFerguson saw the need to create a space on the south end of the coast which encompassed all the support mothers need through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenthood under one roof.

dropping in on a Mums and Bubs yoga session and it felt like heaven.

“You hear all too often that motherhood can be a lonely experience at times, and it is fantastic to see two pioneering local mothers passionately dedicated to supporting mothers and families, providing a hub where lasting connections with others at similar stages of life are built.”

Practitioners include acuneedling, doula services, lactation consultant, holistic sleep consultant, perinatal mental health services, family and individual counselling, women’s health physiotherapist, osteopath, remedial and pregnancy massage, MumSafe personal training, sacral somatics therapy and a naturopath.

make the trip to NSW Parliament House

Liesl Tesch meets the mums and bubs at the new Village Collective

Therapy dog Beanie a big hit with school children

One of the standout stories that emerged in celebration of Therapy Dog Awareness Month in September, was how Beanie had changed the lives of pupils at Brooke Avenue Public School in Killarney Vale.

Beanie is a three-year-old therapy dog who has been a valued member of the school for the past 18 months, bringing a sense of calm and comfort to the children.

Trained at a Richmond facility starting in 2020, Beanie was matched with a special needs teacher who had applied for a therapy dog in October 2022.

The dog’s calm, patient nature and mix of cuddles and playful fetch sessions make him a comforting presence for students.

Beanie supports about 20 students aged six to 12, with Autism and emotional disturbances, by quietly participating in lessons and joining students during breaks.

His absence on non-school days is keenly felt, and his presence fosters empathy and supports emotional and social development, underscoring the

value of therapy dogs in NSW schools.

Beanie’s presence aims to contribute to a more empathetic and positive school environment for students with Autism and emotional disturbances.

Guide Dogs NSW launched its Dogs with Jobs campaign as part of Therapy Dog Awareness

Month in September to shine the spotlight on the incredible dogs program and the significant impact they have on the lives of everyday Australians.

While Guide Dogs NSW is renowned for pairing guide dogs with individuals who have low vision or blindness, therapy

dogs play an equally significant role.

They provide crucial emotional support in various settings, including police stations, courtrooms, schools, nursing homes, and clinics.

Therapy dogs also serve as Canine Court Companions in 11 courts across NSW, offering comfort to victims of crime and helping to create a more supportive environment.

Guide Dogs Alternate Pathways Manager Samantha O’Keeffe said Guide Dogs invested significant resources into training guide dogs.

“Not all dogs are suited for the specialised role of a guide dog, but many of our dogs possess the skills and temperament needed to excel as therapy dogs,” she said.

“These therapy dogs offer essential emotional support, encourage physical activity, and provide unwavering friendship.

“We take such pride in this program and the impact these dogs have had across NSW has been incredible.

“We strive to support those who benefit most from their presence.”

Walking to raise awareness about clean water access

Wyoming resident William Morris is about to embark on a powerful journey to raise awareness for clean water access worldwide.

Morris will be walking 60km over two days from Wyoming to his Sydney office as part of WaterAid Australia’s Walk for Water.

Walk for Water asks participants to walk five days, fundraise for change and take steps for clean water.

“I’ll be walking from my home on the Central Coast to Constructability Recruitment’s Sydney Office to raise awareness and funds, so people worldwide can access clean water,” he said.

“Every day, millions of women and children walk long distances to collect water for their families, often missing school or work, and sometimes the water they collect isn’t even safe.

“By walking 60km, I am helping ensure clean water reaches those who need it most.”

This is an extra special year for WaterAid’s annual

fundraising event Walk for Water as it celebrates its 20year anniversary.

Walk for Water invites participants nationwide to walk, run, or ride for five days, raising funds and awareness for WaterAid Australia water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

The event aims to shed light on the daily struggles of millions who endure long journeys to access clean water, a hardship that affects their health, education and quality of life.

Shockingly, 703 million

people worldwide – one in 10 – lack access to safe water close to home.

For many children, particularly girls, fetching water starts early and continues throughout their lives, often forcing them to sacrifice their education.

By joining Walk for Water, participants will symbolically experience the trek many endure daily for water, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

The event not only raises awareness about the challenges posed by water

HEALTH BRIEFS

Children’s author at Erina for book signing

Central Coast author, Rebecca J. Chaney, will be signing copies of her successful children’s novel, Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops, at Book Face

Erina Fair on Saturday, October 5 between 10am and 2pm.

Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops was the first children’s book shortlisted for the Newcastle Writers Festival Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize.

It also received Honourable Mention in the 2024 Kids’ Choice Kidlit Writing Contest, a global competition where books for young readers are judged solely by young readers.

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

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

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

Then Stu runs into a pair of casino thieves with an amazing ability – they can stop time!

But when the whole world freezes in place, Stu keeps moving and when Stu discovers he can stop time too, the thieves come up with a criminal plan for him.

What follows is a jam-packed adventure full of science, mystery and laugh-out-loud moments, as Stu struggles to master his new powers and stop the thieves while also

finding the courage to make new friends.

Will he succeed? Only time will tell.

Chaney has previously worked as a bookseller, publishing assistant, school science program co-ordinator and even a platypus monitor.

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

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

“This book is aimed at nineto-13-year-olds which research shows is the age at which many boys lose interest in reading.

“This story has been described as Ocean’s Eleven meets Home Alone and I’m hoping that its humour and fast-paced action, along with its nod to science, will keep boys turning the pages as much as girls during the school holidays.”

Lock-in at Tuggerah library for HSC study

Tuggerah Library is hosting an HSC lock-in event and will be open after-hours over four Thursdays during October.

scarcity but also celebrates the progress made by WaterAid Australia in providing clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene education to vulnerable communities.

In the past 20 years, WaterAid Australia has reached 5.7 million people with its water, sanitation and hygiene programs.

The event has garnered significant support from Australia’s water sector, with corporate teams spanning the country enthusiastically preparing to participate.

The event, which is exclusively for Year 12 students, will see students invited to come in and cram for exams

with the library supplying Wi-Fi, snacks, and study space. Lock-in sessions are October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24.

All sessions are on between 5.30 and 8.30pm

Bookings essential either online or by asking any library branch or phoning 4350 1560.

William Morris is walking 60km to raise awareness about lack of water access for millions around the world

Tuggerah Library

Therapy dog Beanie supports a number of school students with Autism and other emotional disturbances

Rebecca J Chaney with her book Stu and the Sketchy Time Stops

Grand challenge to find solutions to sustainable future

The University of Newcastle’s Grand Challenge is back, posing the question: What can we do to work towards a future of net zero carbon emissions?

The Net Zero Grand Challenge is calling for innovators from the Central Coast and Hunter regions, and beyond, to get involved and submit applications for their big ideas that will empower organisations to be accountable for their environmental performance.

Being an expert in the energy sector is not essential, the

Challenge is calling for applicants from all walks of life, including business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, students, coders, and designers.

The winning teams will share in $30,000 to develop their solution and test prototypes with the help of the university’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N).

Applications close on Wednesday October 9, with winners announced at the University of Newcastle Art Gallery, Callaghan campus on Thursday October 17.

With large organisations required to disclose their Scope 3 emissions by 2027, the Grand Challenge wants to facilitate

solutions that will help these organisations to better reduce and record these emissions across their value chain.

Scope 3 emissions occur as a result of a company’s actions and include indirect greenhouse gas emissions, employee

commuting, and end-of-life treatment of sold products.

By requiring companies to disclose these emissions, the government aims to enhance transparency, accountability and ultimately drive emissions reductions across the economy.

All information can be found on the Grand Challenge website, where you can find videos of expert panels that discuss the problem and solutions, FAQs, and more helpful events coming up in the schedule.

Meals on Wheels much more than a delivery service

Central Coast Meals on Wheels is more than just a meals delivery service, now offering a social support program.

The organisation hosts a number of weekly community lunches across the Central Coast, connecting seniors over lunch with games and activities.

Volunteers are being sought to help with the social support program which assists people with everyday tasks like their weekly grocery shopping.

Demand has rapidly increased for the service with Meals on Wheels volunteers delivering more than 200,000 meals across the Coast in the past 12 months.

Meals on Wheels caters to NDIS participants who have meals included in their packages, and anyone over the age of 65.

The Central Coast has the fastest growing senior population in NSW, making the role of Meals on Wheels vital in supporting older people to live

happy, healthy, and independent lives.

Federal Member for Dobell and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, recently visited Meals on Wheels to thank the volunteers for their contribution.

“I would encourage anyone who is able to volunteer with Meals on Wheels,” she said.

“It is more than just a delivery service, it offers people connection and helps them retain their independence.

“Access to affordable delivered meals is so important and that’s why Meals on Wheels plays such a significant role locally.”

There are more than 145 meal options at affordable prices with mini meals starting from $5.95 and main meals starting at $7.50.

To order meals or to contact Central Coast Meals on Wheels, go to any of their four locations: Tuggerah 4357 8402, Charmhaven 4357 8417, Green Point 4363 7111, and Woy Woy 4341 6699.

Emma McBride and volunteer Brodie with a surprise cake for his 25th birthday

Some of the team working on the Grand Challenge concept

Gosford club holds State blind bowls championships

Blind Bowls NSW/ACT held their annual State Championships at Gosford City Bowling Club under perfect blue skies.

Twenty-two bowlers from all across NSW came with their directors to play-off in their individual sight categories.

The Central Coast featured in quite a few winning teams.

John Carr with director David Cameron from Gosford City Bowling Club combined with Jim Grech and Robert Heinginger from Gloucester Bowling Club to win the gold in the B1 pairs.

In the B2 singles, Scott Jones and director Ian Evans from the Everglades Bowling Club won gold.

In the B2 pairs Violeta Lucas with director Heather McColl and William Ng with director Bill Gardner all from Gosford Bowling Club won gold.

The rookie shield was presented to Deborah Moxon from Gosford City Bowling Club.

The club hopes to continue for many years into the future, despite Central Coast Council’s plan for the site.

Council has earmarked the land for a “higher use” as part of its activation of the Gosford waterfront and a masterplan for the area.

But bowlers say an activated city will need its community spaces such as the bowling club.

Vision impaired bowling makes lawn bowls accessible to people of all ages and abilities with vision loss. The benefits are both social and physical and the game enhances the lives of all those who participate.

Vision impaired bowlers can be classified as either B1, B2, B3 or B4 (B1 category being no vision).

The directors become the seeing support person for each

The NSW/ACT championships have been running for 47 years and this is the biggest group participating in recent times.

bowler, and they give them instructions on where to aim the bowl and information about where their bowl has landed in relation to the jack.

Teamwork in this game is imperative, and the bond between each player and the

director is crucial in enabling a successful tournament.

“There were many great battles throughout the tournament where games were decided by a single point or a count back,”a spokesperson for the club said.

“One thing is for sure – there were many bowlers who went home feeling great about their performance on the weekend.

“New friendships were forged and old ones rekindled and they’re all looking forward to next year’s championships.”

“If you know someone who has been a bowler that has stopped playing after losing their sight or someone who is vision impaired, come and see us at Gosford City Bowling Club,” the spokesperson said. Contact Heather on 0423 626 423 to find out about joining. A full list of State champions is on Gosford Bowling Club’s Facebook page.

Radcliffe triumphs in hard-fought tennis final at Empire Bay

A big crowd turned out recently to witness the men’s singles final at Empire Bay Tennis Club with the two finalists emerging from a quality field from Empire Bay, Woy

Woy and Copacabana tennis clubs.

Spectators witnessed an enthralling three set battle which saw reigning champion Lloyd Radcliffe come from one

set down to win in three sets over a courageous Davyn de Bruyn, who struggled with cramps in the final set of a long hard-fought match played in hot conditions - 5/7, 6/4, 6/2.

Representatives from Tennis

NSW were there to witness the match and were highly impressed with the standard of play and crowd levels.

The final was the feature of the clubs gala day which proved a great success.

Tuggerah hosts 700 boys in school rugby league carnival

The annual Ross Kelly Cup Rugby League Carnival presented by Clontarf Foundation was a big hit with 56 NSW schools competing at Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.

Regional Manager NSW Central Coast Rhys Matsen said that earlier this month the fields at Tuggerah saw more than 700 boys across NSW in Years 9 and 10 participate in the program, making it the largest Clontarf sporting event in the country.

“The carnival has been going for 10 years and hosted for the second time at the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex,” Matsen said.

“It has grown exponentially since its inception in 2013 when it featured just 100 boys.

“The Ross Kelly Cup stands as a significant highlight of the Clontarf calendar, embodying the values of commitment,

sportsmanship and teamwork that Clontarf works to instil in its participants.

“The program supports

young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to improve their self-esteem and confidence which assists them

to participate in education, employment, excursions, camps, and a wide variety of activities relating to wellbeing,

leadership and personal development and sports skills.”

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said Clontarf created a safe environment of trust and support to allow opportunity for young males to participate in sport.

“Earlier this year the foundation partnered with Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi campuses), Wadalba Community School and Wyong High School,” he said.

“The event brought our local schools together sharing a day of fun and commitment whether it was playing football or helping out on the day.”

The Mount Austin Academy from Wagga Wagga came out victorious over Dubbo South from Dubbo in the grand final.

Winning combinations: Jenny Davis Gold Medal Winner of B4 Singles and her husband George (Director) from Gosford City; Fono Skipps and Bec Fish (Director) Silver Medal, Avalon Bowling Club; Allan Hall and Terry Willesee (Director) Bronze Medal, Avalon Bowling Club

The Wadalba team with Member for Wyong David Harris

Lloyd Radcliffe (left) and Davyn de Druyn

Wamberal boardriders benefit from government funding

The Wamberal Express Boardriders Club will receive $10,000 towards new equipment for surfing competitions and athlete development programs thanks to the NSW Government’s $37.2M Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

“The $10,000 funding is an exciting outcome for the Wamberal Express Boardriders Club and the local community,” Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said.

“Getting out and active on our beautiful coastline is such a wonderful way to improve community health, both physical and mental.

“The NSW Government is proud to support community sport and the Wamberal Express Boardriders Club, which has so many benefits for the health and identity of local people.”

NSW Government spokesperson for Terrigal Mark Buttigieg said the government had committed funds to the program which helped small local projects and programs that strengthened communities and provided improvements at a local level.

“Local surfers in Wamberal have scored big time thanks to the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program,” he said.

“This $10,000 investment into Wamberal Express Boardriders Club will assist in the club’s competitions and athlete development programs, importantly drawing more surfers to Wamberal.”

For further information on the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program visit www. nsw.gov.au/grants-andfunding/lsca-home

Mariners stumble in AFC Champions League clash

Central Coast Mariners suffered a disappointing night at Gosford on Tuesday, slumping to a 2-1 defeat against Thailand’s Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Elite.

In front of the adoring home crowd, the Mariners struggled to find their rhythm, finishing the game with 10 men and leaving fans frustrated after a tough 90 minutes.

The visitors from Thailand were quick to stamp their authority on the game, with Buriram’s Brazilian striker Guilherme Bissoli breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute.

Bissoli latched on to Dion Cool’s cross from the right flank, poking the ball past the Mariners’ defence and giving Buriram the lead.

It was a blow to the Mariners, who struggled to regain momentum against the wellorganised Thai outfit.

The situation took another turn for the worse just after half-time.

Former English Premier League player Curtis Good, now starring for Buriram, found himself unmarked in the 50th minute and calmly headed home Goran Causic’s pinpoint cross, doubling the visitors’ advantage.

The Central Coast defence, usually so reliable, seemed to be caught napping, leaving Good with an easy chance that he didn’t miss.

The Mariners’ night went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic was shown a straight red card just seven minutes later.

Pavlesic charged out of his box to stop the charging Bissoli, who had beaten the clever offside trap, but ended up

taking him down in a desperate challenge.

It was a clear decision for the referee, and the Mariners were left to battle on with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Despite the setback, the Mariners managed to find a glimmer of hope in the dying moments of the game.

In the fifth minute of injury time, Lucas Mauragis unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, firing home a consolation goal that brought a momentary cheer from the loyal Mariners supporters. However, it was too little, too late, as the final whistle blew shortly after.

This result leaves the Central Coast Mariners rooted to the bottom of the 12-team East Zone league table, having also suffered a 3-1 defeat to China’s

Shandong Taishan in their opening match.

Meanwhile, Buriram United remains unbeaten after two rounds, following up their goalless draw with Japan’s Vissel Kobe in week one.

Mariners’ manager Mark Jackson admitted the team missed the presence of star defender Trent Sainsbury, who is sidelined with an upper body muscle injury.

The Mariners will need to regroup quickly and find their form if they want to make an impact in this prestigious tournament.

Despite the setback, the Mariners faithful know there’s still a long way to go in this campaign, and they’ll be hoping for a turnaround in fortunes when the team returns to action in the AFC Champions League.

Jaimie Potts, Liesl Tesch and Peter Hayes

Lucas Mauragis goal scorer in action

Photos: CCM Media

The Office of Sport is partnering with Central Coast Council and local pickleball organisations to deliver an extended weekend of free pickleball activities from Thursday, October 10 to Sunday, October 13.

Pickleball is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports.

It’s a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton, but players don’t need experience in any of these sports to enjoy pickleball.

It is relatively easy to learn which makes it perfect for people of all ages and abilities.

Recognising World Pickleball Day on October 10, the weekend events will be for

Hire a kit to play in World Pickleball Weekend

is a sport for all abilities and all ages

players of all abilities at venues across the Coast.

World Pickleball Weekend aims to introduce new players to the sport, enhance the skills of current enthusiasts, get people more active and foster social connections through pickleball.

Events will be held at a range of venues, including Peninsula

Leisure Centre, Gosford Tennis and Pickleball Club, Breakers Indoor Stadium, Bateau Bay PCYC, Summerland Sporties, Kariong tennis courts and Pat Morley Oval Bateau Bay, which will host an event specifically for people with a disability.

For those looking for a selfguided introduction to pickleball, simply borrow a kit

from either Kariong, Kincumber or Bateau Bay Library or Old Mates Kitchen at Green Point Shopping Centre and head to a local court.

The kits have everything needed to play pickleball, including a net, balls, paddles and simple instructions on how to play.

To find a local court go to sportcentralcoast.org.au/ sport/pickleball/

For more details on the range of World Pickleball Weekend events across the Central Coast or to make a booking go to sportcentralcoast.org.au/ world-pickleball-weekend

Pickleball