Coast Community News #465

Budding young artists showcased

This year’s award winners

Central Coast Council and the State Government are being urged to “seize a golden opportunity” to make use of the new $10M dredge being built for Lake Macquarie Council to help save more than 5,000 homes around Tuggerah Lake from flooding.

Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said while the dredge was being constructed for Lake Macquarie Council, it could be available for use up and down the coast in areas such as The Entrance and Ettalong.

“It doesn’t need to be working in

Forty-two young Central Coast artists received grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 at the annual Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Showcase Awards Day at Wagstaffe Hall on Sunday, November 10. See page 13

Lake Macquarie 52 weeks of the year,” Conroy said in a recent interview with Central Coast ABC.

“We designed this so that the dredge could be made available for other local needs.”

The Federal Government provided the $10M to build the dredge and associated equipment which will be handed over to Lake Macquarie Council once constructed.

The State Government has agreed to provide $6M annually to operate the dredge to keep the Swansea Channel open.

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Championing Central Coast voices –CCN’s adapting for the future

As your trusted news source on the Central Coast, Coast Community News (CCN) has always been dedicated to delivering accurate, reliable and meaningful stories to our readers.

Today, as the media landscape evolves and costs rise, we’re making some changes to ensure we can continue to thrive and serve you better.

EDITORIAL

our partnerships with CoastFM, EasyFM and online radio stations engage over 70,000 local listeners each week.

Altogether, CCN now reaches more than 200,000 people every week, both here on the Coast and across the nation.

To adapt to these changes and manage rising print costs, we are adjusting our print distribution model.

Moving forward, we will boost our major distribution points, such as shopping centres and supermarkets, and reduce smaller distribution locations.

content that “engages” but often misinforms.

Rest assured, CCN remains committed to promoting trusted, validated news that uplifts and informs our community.

We’re proud to be a growing, thriving news service for the Central Coast.

Material that is considered offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

Please send contributions to the above email address along with a high-res image (if applicable).

We reserve 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

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We’ve seen a remarkable surge in demand for our digital platforms, with over 100,000 individual readers visiting coastcommunitynews.com. au every week.

Tens of thousands of print versions are quickly scooped up every Thursday and read increasingly on our popular digital flipbook layout.

Our social media, email and messaging services reach another 65,000 people, while

This growth is a tribute to the strength of our local storytelling and we’re immensely proud of it.

Our online archive of 25,000 local stories generates 2.1 million Google search results each month, showcasing Central Coast stories on a national stage.

While many communities have lost their local news services, ours is growing, thanks to your support and our team’s commitment to high-quality journalism.

While this shift may cause some inconvenience, we’re already planning new ways to bring the print edition to smaller locations soon.

This adjustment is part of our broader strategy to strengthen our news services across platforms by committing to trusted local journalism.

It is an understatement to say the media industry is challenging.

Social media platforms increasingly deprioritise local journalism in favour of either propaganda or divisive

None of this would be possible without you our readers, listeners and advertisers.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us grow the Central Coast through trusted journalism. Whether in print, on radio, on social or online, you are the heart of CCN, and together, we are championing the stories that matter most to our region. We look forward to continuing to serve you as we adapt and evolve for the future.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Maddison is state’s Young Australian of the Year

Maddison O’Gradey of Bateau Bay has been named the NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2025.

Recipients for NSW were announced at a ceremony in Sydney on November 12 and will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on January 25.

A mental health advocate and researcher, O’Gradey-Lee said taking out the state honour “still seems surreal”.

Currently completing a PhD and Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of NSW, the 27-year-old is committed to improving mental health outcomes.

“When I was doing my honours research on anxiety and depression I recognised the importance of being able to measure mental health from a child’s perspective,” she said.

“And there was nothing for First Nations people in that area.

“I thought of all the wonderful First Nations people who had supported me and I wanted to give back to the community.”

She set out to improve methods of measuring the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through her PhD research and in 2020 cofounded the Orygen Global

Youth Mental Health Fellowship with Nataya Branjerdporn.

“We held consultations with young people globally and kept hearing that mental health advocates with passionate lived experience felt really alone, with no real training available,” she said.

“We wanted to bridge that gap and create a support network.”

So she and Branjerdporn founded the fellowship program, for young people aged 18 to 30 from Australia or any ASEAN country who are passionate about youth mental health and want to create change in the mental health landscape in their respective countries.

The five-month fellowship builds the capacity, skills and voices of young people to create positive change in mental health awareness, policy and systems reform.

The program comprises weekly online sessions and additional mentoring opportunities.

“In our first year we were still building the ship as it sailed,” O’Gradey said.

“But the fact we had over 700 applicants for the first intake showed how important it was.”

The program has now seen 76 participants progress through three fellowship programs across 42 countries.

More than 21,000 young people have been reached through the direct and indirect impact of the program.

Once she completes her university studies, O’Gradey will continue to work in the mental health field, with a special interest in measuring the wellbeing of First Nations children.

“We are also looking to grow the fellowship globally, work in more countries and double our impact,” she said.

“The fellowship is open to everyone, although we do get a high interest from Indigenous people and members of the LGBTQI community.”

For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit australianoftheyear.org.au

Terry Collins

Maddison O’Gradey with her award Photo: Salty Dingo

Council urged to reconsider toilet block demolition plan

Central Coast Councillor

Corinne Lamont has called on Council staff to meet with Bateau Bay residents and Blue Lagoon Resort representatives to investigate options for repairing and upgrading a toilet block at Blue Lagoon Reserve slated for demolition.

Lamont and Councillor Margot Castles met with residents last week to discuss their concerns over plans to demolish the toilet block under the Council’s Central Coast Public Toilet Strategy.

Resident group Save Our Stairs (SOS), which formed to fight for new access stairs to the reserve after Council demolished the existing stairs earlier this year deeming them unsafe, is calling on Council to reconsider plans to demolish the toilet block.

Following SOS’s successful campaign, Council agreed to apply for a State Government grant for funding to go towards constructing new stainless steel access stairs which should be finished next year.

The group was astounded to then learn the toilet block at the reserve could be demolished with one reason being poor access to the reserve.

“We were very grateful for the councillors’ interest and for listening to us share the background of the reserve and how much locals have missed using it,” committee member Lee Mowbray said.

“We appreciated being able to point out the toilet block, where the new stairs will be built and other features of the reserve.

“The committee looks forward to the Council’s continued support in addressing their concerns about the demolition of the toilet block.”

Resident Judy Townsend, who led the charge to save the stairs, said local tradies had even offered to renovate the facility as a community project.

“Gorgeous new stairs will be in place to access the reserve in June 2025, and we can start planning family reunions, playgroup and picnics on our reserve once again, but only if

we don’t let Central Coast Council demolish the toilet block,” she said.

Council says the toilet block is reaching its economic end of life with poor access and there are other existing facilities in close proximity to Shelly Beach.

Townsend said the toilet block had been a target for vandals and management had replaced the ceramic bowls with stainless steel ones at their expense.

She said the stairs would allow proper and open access to the reserve which would help deter vandals.

Lamont has written to Council staff regarding the residents’ concerns.

“I fully agree with their concerns,” she said.

“The rationale for demolition, as outlined in the strategy, seems to overlook the unique needs of the reserve and its users.

“Given the significant community concern, I wanted to formally raise the issue with Council and request further discussion to consider alternative actions to demolishing the toilets at the reserve.

“The local community, along with the owners of the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, are eager to explore options with Council to either repair or

Lucy Wicks to stand again for Robertson

upgrade the existing toilet block rather than proceed with demolition.

“Once the stairs are repaired the reserve will again become a popular central beach hub for local families and visitors, and access to public toilets is essential.

“The other toilet facilities located at Shelly Beach are simply not close enough, nor easily accessible for people, particularly those with young children, the elderly, or those with mobility impairments.

“Having toilets on-site is a critical component of the reserve’s ongoing usability.

“The current toilet block is well-positioned for its intended purpose, and with some investment in repairs or upgrades, it could continue to serve the community for many years to come.

“I look forward to Council working together with the community and stakeholders to find a solution that meets the needs of our community and supports the broader goals of Central Coast Council.”

The Liberal Party has announced that former Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks will once again contest the seat in the federal government election to be held early in 2025.

Wicks lost the seat in May 2022 when Dr Gordon Reid became the electorate’s first Labor MP in almost a decade, achieving a 6.9 per cent swing against Wicks, who had held the seat since 2013.

A Liberal Party spokesperson said Wicks had successfully delivered infrastructure upgrades, better services and

a strong local economy as the former Member.

“With a deep, long-standing connection to the Robertson community, forged growing up in Point Clare and attending high school at Narara, Lucy has always been a strong advocate for the Coast,”the spokesperson said.

Wicks, a former high school teacher, says she has always believed the Central Coast is the best place to live and raise children.

“I am committed to giving back to the community that has been so supportive of our family – as members of the

local church community, Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club and the Terrigal Trojans Rugby Club,” she said.

She said she had worked with the community to deliver upgrades to 29 of the worst roads across the Coast, hundreds of new jobs for Gosford and the world-class Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute.

“While Labor had promised so much to win Robertson, the Albanese Government has failed to deliver and let our community down,” she said.

“Our region deserves its voice back.

“I want to be that strong local voice for Robertson to advocate and fight for the better days ahead that people on the Coast deserve.”

Wicks also takes credit for continuous mobile phone coverage and free Wi-Fi at 19 train stations from Wyong to Hornsby, the Health on The Streets program for people sleeping rough, the first culturally-appropriate rehabilitation facility for women The Glen, and environmental protections including improving the water quality in Avoca Lagoon, funding Clean4Shore and standing up against the PEP-11 licence.

Rail strike set to cripple network on

Local rail travellers and commuters are bracing for major disruptions with the Sydney rail network set to grind to a halt from early Friday until Sunday morning November 22-24 due to industrial action by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).

The action comes as negotiations over a new enterprise agreement between the RTBU and the NSW government continue to stall.

The action was originally set to commence at 10pm on

Friday and Saturday

Thursday, November 21, but the union has agreed to run normal services on Thursday, including the planned 86 additional services to Olympic Park for a Pearl Jam concert.

The RTBU had issued an ultimatum to the NSW government, demanding all rail lines operate around the clock from Thursday-Sunday or risk a complete network shutdown.

While the government initially agreed to the union’s demand last weekend, NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen revealed that running a full 24-hour

service this week was not feasible.

Instead, the government proposed limited all-night services between Hornsby and Strathfield.

That compromise was rejected by the union during a meeting on Tuesday, with the RTBU deciding to proceed with its planned strike.

The unprecedented industrial action is expected to bring Sydney’s rail system to a standstill, causing widespread delays and significant disruptions for commuters

across the city. Transport for NSW has indicated it is planning to commission hundreds of buses to ease the burden, though says customers should consider other travel options as demand will be high.

A spokesperson said Sydney Trains and NSW Trains remain committed to finding a resolution to the dispute before Christmas.

Readers are advised to seek updates to this story online to keep abreast of the situation.

Lucy Wicks

The toilet block at Blue Lagoon Reserve slated for demolition

Renewed call to shut down greyhound racing industry

The Greens are ramping up calls for the closure of the greyhound racing industry after 20 dogs were injured in a single meeting recently.

Greens spokesperson for the Central Coast and NSW Spokesperson for Animal Welfare Abigail Boyd said there had been at least 228 greyhounds injured on the Gosford track so far this year – about five per week.

Gosford was the first track upgraded under the NSW Government’s $30M safe tracks program, at a cost of $762,570, in 2018.

The then Minister for Racing Paul Toole said at the time that the improvements would make

A celebration of the turtle island which was launched at Springfield a month ago was held on Sunday, November 10, at the wetland.

About 100 people enjoyed a free sausage sandwich and caught up with neighbours at the event, which was organised by Springfield Residents Association as part of the NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant, which also funded the island.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna and Dr Ricky Spencer from University of Western Sydney and the 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program talked about the significance of the turtle island project.

It is a world-first citizen science project and the first of its kind for the Central Coast.

Spencer said the Springfield Wetland could support 100200 turtles as residents learnt more about the local turtles and how to protect them.

Spokesperson Glenys Ray said residents were excited to learn more about the eastern long neck and Murray River

Gosford “one of the safest tracks in Australia”.

Boyd said Greyhound Racing NSW had been under scrutiny for years for failing to ensure all tracks were compliant with their own minimum standards for racecourse design and construction, despite the racing body and its clubs being granted tens of millions of dollars by the former NSW Government to carry out capital grants safety upgrades.

“Gosford is supposed to be one of the safest tracks in Australia, and yet we’re still seeing shocking numbers of injuries,” she said.

“If the safest track in Australia can still end up with 20 injuries in a single event, it’s obvious

it’s the act of racing itself that is dangerous.

“What more evidence do we need to demonstrate that the greyhound racing industry is incapable of reform?

“Even when hundreds of thousands of dollars of public money are spent on so-called safety upgrades, dogs are still being terribly injured and dying at a horrifying rate.

“The Minister for Racing (Wyong MP David Harris) is allowing this to happen in his own backyard, at the only track near his electorate on the Central Coast.

“Place this story in the context of the steady drumbeat of leaks that have so shocked and appalled the public in recent months, of greyhound abuse

and neglect by industry participants, and you have to ask at what point does this government finally say enough is enough?

“How many last chances will the NSW Government give this industry?

“Time and again the greyhound racing industry has proven itself incapable of reform, with zero regard for either greyhound welfare or accountability.

“I’m calling on Minister for Racing David Harris to finally put an end to the suffering of these gentle and affectionate companion animals and shut this industry down for good.”

But the plea is likely to fall on deaf ears.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said he was aware the November 12 meeting had been abandoned after multiple dogs sustained injuries.

“I am advised by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) –who had stewards and a vet present at the meeting – the majority of injuries were abrasions to the dogs’ paws, incurred as they slowed to stop post-race,” Harris said.

“I am also advised the premeeting track inspection conducted by GWIC showed up no issues.

Turtle island a success already

short neck turtles that live in the wetland.

“I had no idea so many people were enthusiastic about turtles and wanting to be involved in their protection and future,” she said.

“It is incredibly encouraging to have so much passion shared with other locals.

“The island concept is designed to provide a safe nesting place for turtles away from foxes which roam the wetland.”

Ray said the future of turtles hangs in the balance, with 95

per cent of turtle eggs in NSW destroyed by foxes and eggs further threatened by road kill and wetland destruction.

She said that until the wetland was cleared of its devastating weed infestation she had no idea turtles were inhabiting it and it was a surprise to the community when they appeared.

“It is hard to protect something if you don’t even know it’s there,” she said.

Spencer swam out to the island and estimated at least three or four turtles had used the nesting box already.

The nesting box in the centre of the wetland can accommodate about 20 lots of eggs.

Spencer also explained that plants which had been put in vegetation pods on the side of the island hadn’t died but had been scavenged by the waterbirds.

His underwater footage under the pods showed that native vegetation is taking hold and is already putting down root systems which will provide habitat for the hatchlings as well as filter the water.

“I have also been informed GWIC stewards will conduct an inspection of the track to determine its suitability for racing before the next scheduled meeting.

“Any incidents of greyhound injuries are concerning.

“The NSW Government supports a greyhound racing industry with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity.”

“I have been informed GWIC has investigated the matter with track owners, the NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association who have since conducted a full renovation of the track with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) to correct the sand profile.

Spencer also put a motion sensitive camera on the island which sends an alert when there’s activity.

“The same night he installed the camera a turtle was recorded laying eggs around 8.15pm,” Ray said.

“Locals were surprised yet again, learning that the turtles also lay at night, and were thrilled to see the footage.”

Central Coast Council is set to install another information sign to explain the turtle island and to provide a QR code so observers can connect to TurtleSAT to record turtle

sightings, nesting and other relevant information.

Data recorded will significantly improve the understanding of turtles in Australia and how to help with their conservation.

Ray said turtles were vital to ecosystems like this wetland as they are scavengers which clean up any decayed material, keeping the wetland as healthy as possible.

“Their future here at Springfield Wetland seems more positive than ever,” she said.

Dr Ricky Spencer swam out to the island

Georgina and Greg Shaw, Peter Ray and Irma Smith were among residents who attended

Terry Collins

Greyhounds in full flight at Gosford track

Abigail Boyd at the Gosford race track

Photo: Noel Fisher

Central Coast public hospitals saw surgeries being postponed and longer wait times in emergency departments on Wednesday, November 13, as nurses and midwives joined colleagues statewide in a 24-hour strike.

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary Shaye Candish said the union had been forced to take the action after no progress on pay increases had been made during the fourweek intensive negotiation period.

“This strike action isn’t taken lightly, but the government has left us no other choice,” she said.

“It cannot continue to underestimate the anger within the nursing and midwifery professions.

“Our members are extremely frustrated and disheartened.

“They have been holding on for an outcome on better pay, juggling challenging working conditions, trying to manage their bills in a cost-of-living crisis, and now they feel terribly let down.

“Not only is the State Government not willing to put any new money on the table to pay nurses and midwives adequately for the work they do, it also doesn’t have a solution to address the interstate pay and gender pay disparities.

Longer waits in ED as nurses strike

“We have some of the lowest paid nurses and midwives in the country, yet we continue to see record activity in our emergency departments and across the public health system.

“It’s no wonder nurses and midwives are continuing to move interstate or re-evaluate their careers.”

Candish said other femaledominated workers such as teachers, early childhood educators and aged care workers were well paid.

“Almost 70,000 public sector nurses and midwives across the state are worse off, and they will continue to slip further down the pay and conditions

ladder, if this government doesn’t step up and deliver a decent wage increase for its single largest female workforce,” she said.

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites said despite repeatedly saying that the wages cap had been removed, the government was refusing to put an offer to nurses and midwives that would address the underlying problems.

“This contradicts the government’s claims that they are trying to fix the gender pay gap or that they had any intention of negotiating with us,” he said.

“Instead, they are just offering the same to our workforce as every other public sector worker and failing to take our issues into account.

“From May to October, we have showed up to Ministry of Health negotiations and participated in good faith.

“We identified savings to fund our claims, but no formal offer was made on pay, night duty penalties or salary packaging.

“The government says it’s delivering nurse-to-patient ratios and that it can’t provide a decent pay increase too.

“The government expects that nurses and midwives stay low paid in order to staff the hospitals.

“The very real risk is that ratios will be no more than a commitment on paper unless they deliver competitive and attractive rates of pay so they can recruit.

“We are calling on the Premier and Treasurer to intervene and direct new money into the health budget to address the interstate and gender-driven wage disparity impacting nurses and midwives.

“The government cannot afford to lose any more nurses or midwives.

“It must fix this now, or the public health patients of NSW will suffer.”

A spokesperson for Health Minister Ryan Park said the Government had engaged in intensive negotiations with the union over four weeks as recommended by the Industrial Relations Commission.

“The parties reached inprinciple agreement on each and every non-wage claim sought by the Association, including: consecutive days off; no night shifts before annual leave; no changes on published roster without consultation and additional union consultation,” the spokesperson said.

“We worked through a range of options to fund and deliver a new increased wage offer and we have asked the Industrial Relations Commission to progress the matter to arbitration.

“Unions fought to establish an Industrial Relations Commission and Court free from the wages cap.

“The Government and Association agreed to the recommendation of the Industrial Relations Commission that industrial action would not be taken until this matter was resolved through negotiation or arbitration if the Government provides an interim three per cent pay.

“While the government has acted in good faith in delivering on the interim pay rise, regrettably, the Association has backtracked on its commitment and called a strike for November 13.”

Can the Swansea dredge help solve our issues?

From page 1

Part of the scheme will also see new permanent pipes transfer the sand to nourish nearby beaches like Blacksmiths Beach.

Conroy said the Central Coast could benefit from a similar arrangement.

“I encourage Central Coast Council to engage with the State Government and state representatives on this issue,” he said.

“The Federal Government has already provided the dredge, so effectively all they’re asking the State Government to do is to pay for the operating costs for a few weeks each year to really improve the situation.

“It’s a golden opportunity and I’d certainly encourage them to seize it.”

Tuggerah Lakes Care, a local group of concerned residents and businesses which represents the interests of more than 10,000 people, has

welcomed the proposal.

“Tuggerah Lakes Care and thousands – 5,500 plus – of flood impacted residents welcome collaboration with Lake Macquarie and its new dredge,” a spokesperson said.

A Council spokesperson said the proposed dredge appeared to be for deep water dredging, reducing the risk of the larger boats in the channel getting stuck in sand build-up in the Swansea Channel.

“At this stage Council does not know enough about the actual style of the dredge or its capabilities, however it may well be suitable for dredging at Ettalong, but that is a State Government issue and any questions on that should be directed to the local state MPs,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Council had a procedure for managing The Entrance Channel in flood to best mitigate flood risks which worked well

in recent heavy rain events.

“Council believes that recurrent dredging programs at The Entrance Channel are costly and do little to mitigate flood risks,” the spokesperson said.

“Council agrees that sand won from dredging programs

in The Entrance Channel for foreshore nourishment can offer some benefit but will not be sufficient to offset impacts of a single significant coastal erosion event.”

Minister for Central Coast

David Harris said he looked forward to exploring future

opportunities to use the new dredge.

“I am advised that Swansea Channel in the Lake Macquarie City Council LGA requires more regular dredging to remain navigable,” he said.

“The federal government funding has assisted with

providing the infrastructure, dredge and sand transfer that will allow us to dredge more consistently on the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government is developing a 10-year plan of management for dredging on the Central Coast to ensure we have a strategic and aligned approach.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said the proposal was an “opportunity that needed to be looked at”.

“If it can reduce the food risks, we do need to explore it further,” he said.

“We need to explore any opportunity that can reduce flood risk, and the dredge could be another string in our bow.”

Lake Macquarie Council released the tender to build the new Swansea dredge on Monday, November 18.

The tender will close on December 18.

Denice Barnes

Nurses and midwives rallied outside Woy Woy Hospital earlier this year

The dredge may offer a solution to regular sand build-up in the Ettalong Channel

Photo: Andy Smith Photography

Coast a dangerous place to live, says interim report

An interim report from a Citizens’ Inquiry into the health impacts of coal-fired power stations conducted recently at Budgewoi has found that the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie are dangerous places to live, work and raise children.

Conducted by the community environmental group Future Sooner, the Inquiry saw residents share stories about suffering chronic health conditions including asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancers that they attributed to living close to coal-fired power stations.

They told the Inquiry they were tired of their fears being ignored by politicians,

regulators and operators.

“A panel of experts heard testimony to the Inquiry from more than a dozen local residents concerned by the high rates of asthma, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and a range of other illnesses that were affecting them, family members, friends and even their pet dogs,” Inquiry

Chair Dr Ian Charlton said.

“The panel also received just on 20 submissions from individuals and organisations concerned about the toxic emissions that are polluting the air, soil and water, including underground water.

“The failure of governments to fulfil their duty to protect their citizens was a common

theme of witness testimony and the submissions received.

“The panel was told by residents that even their doctors have advised that what comes out of the coal-fired power stations is dangerous to people’s health.”

The report says government failure is often combined with corporate malfeasance.

It says the panel found there was evidence of governmental disregard for the health of its

citizens and a parallel disregard by the owners of the coal-fired power stations.

Residents told stories of how ash dust from coal ash dams swirled across the road, of wiping ash off surfaces and of watching planes dump a bluegreen solution onto the Vales Point Power Station ash dam.

The Citizens Inquiry is seeking answers from the NSW Government, MPs and the Environmental Protection Authority on what they are prepared to undertake to protect citizens’ health.

A final report from the Citizens’ Inquiry, with recommendations, will be released in the first quarter of 2025.

Firefighter memorial at Mangrove Mountain

Mangrove Mountain Rural Fire Brigade members officially opened their memorial garden earlier this month in memory of Life Member of the brigade, the late Phillip Williams.

The garden was established to honour past and present members and their contribution,

commitment, dedication and sacrifice to the community.

The site is designed to be a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.

Acting District Manager Inspector Shane Geerin attended the special ceremony on November 9 and acknowledged the hard work

and dedication of the brigade leadership group and members un creating the wonderful memorial.

Special mention was made of the community support and generosity with many local businesses and organisations contributing to the community asset.

Shearwaters wash up on the Coast beaches again

Most years in late Spring Central Coast beaches become a resting place for hundreds of short-tailed shearwaters, or muttonbirds, which wash up exhausted and lifeless after their gruelling migration.

In recent weeks, local beachgoers from Umina to Toowoon Bay have once again been met with the tragic sight of shearwaters lying along the shore; most dead, others barely clinging to life.

It’s a familiar but haunting scene, a reminder of the relentless journey the birds make each year.

The short-tailed shearwaters’ annual migration from the northern hemisphere to Australia covers an astonishing 30,000kms.

According to local birders (ornithologists), it’s the last leg of this journey, as they return to their breeding grounds in Tasmania and Victoria, where many simply run out of steam.

In recent years, the situation seems to be worsening, with climatic changes disrupting oceanic currents and food sources, pushing the birds to their limits.

Cyclonic weather patterns, shifts in fish populations, and plastic pollution might all contribute to the situation, leaving many of the iconic migratory birds starving or disoriented.

Rare beaked whale beached at Killcare

A rare beaked whale, normally found well offshore, was sighted at Killcare Beach at about noon on Thursday, November 14.

The whale was spotted earlier in the day in distress at the northern end of the beach and eventually beached itself in the middle of the beach.

Locals tried to push the badly scratched whale out to sea, but

Avoca Dr upgrade

The long-awaited upgrade of Avoca Dr through Kincumber is a step closer with the eTender to carry out the design and environmental impact assessment now being advertised.

The technical service will consist of preferred option selection, design development, environmental impact assessments, site investigations and specialist studies.

The federal and state governments are investing a combined $130M towards the upgrade.

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said about 26,000 vehicles travelled through Kincumber on Avoca Dr every day.

“During my 2022 election campaign, I doorknocked hundreds of houses in Kincumber and surrounding communities, and people told me how important it was that Avoca Dr received an upgrade,” he said.

“I will continue to update our community as works progress.” More information is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/ projects/current-projects

ABC Friends

The ABC Friends Central Coast branch will hold its Christmas lunch on Friday, December 6, at the Elanora Hotel, East Gosford.

The day will start at 10.45am with a presentation from ABC journalist Scott Levi, who will talk about some of the memorable moments in his career as a broadcaster. Bookings are essential at www.abcfriends.net.au/ central_coast_20241206

Christmas trees

The region’s Rotary clubs will conduct Christmas tree sales on Saturday November 30, Sunday December 1, Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8 from 7am until sold out.

they decided against it after sharks were spotted.

People from ORRCA, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and a vet attended the scene to render assistance to the whale during the afternoon.

The animal died later in the day while being cared for.

Its body was loaded onto a truck and will be taken to Taronga Zoo for further examination.

Locations will be: the Woolworths car park at Lisarow; the Rotary Park at Terrigal; the Anaconda parking lot at West Gosford; Greenpoint Christian College; Mingara Recreation Club at Tumbi, Umbi; and the railway commuter car park at Woy Woy. For details, go to www. rotaryChristmastrees.org See

coastcommunitynews.com.au

Dr Ian Charlton addresses the Inquiry

The new firefighter memorial

David Abrahams Dead migratory shearwaters on a local beach this month

A rare beaked whale beached itself at Killcare Beach Photo: Lisa Sanasi

One-woman crusade continues for all-accessible ocean pool

Elaine Norling of Copacabana has been on a one-woman crusade for 10 years to get an allaccessible ocean pool on the Central Coast and she’s not about to give up anytime soon.

There at least six ocean pools spanning the coastline from Pearl Beach to Norah Head and Norling said none can be accessed by those who are physically challenged.

She has now contacted all the new Central Coast councillors as well as the Coast’s State and Federal MPs asking for the issue to be addressed and for a cost study to be undertaken.

“One in five people are considered disabled, but our parking spots and ocean pool facilities do not accommodate for these numbers,” Norling said.

“For most of my life I swam in the ocean every day of the year.

“Now I just have to sit and watch.”

She has spent years researching the issue and believes the most likely place for an all-accessible pool that does not rely on the tide would be the Avoca Beach ocean pool.

Although the pool can be too shallow at times depending on

tide, Norling believes it has many advantages over other coast ocean pools.

“The pool could be designed to retain the natural look with rock walls retaining water regardless of the tide,” she said.

“There is easy access and parking, and it is adjacent to lifesavers.”

While there is a ramp at Avoca, Norling said it was in the wrong spot, at the northern end, and was virtually useless.

“The Avoca all-access ramp is a joke, situated as far away

from the pool as could be and mostly under cover of a thick layer of sand,” she said.

“The Entrance pool has three disabled parks for the entire Coast and is the only so called all-accessible pool at the moment.

“Swimming in the ocean is so healing.

“I used to swim every day, but it’s been three or four years since I’ve had a swim.”

Several of the new councillors have responded to her emails including Councillors Sharon Walsh, Kyle MacGregor and Trent McWaide promising to

look into the situation..

A Central Coast Council spokesperson said the Grant McBride Ocean Baths at The Entrance was designed for allability access with three disabled parking bays available via the Boondilla Rd entry which allowed for wheelchair access into the pool complex area.

A separate wheelchair access ramp into the 23m pool and children’s wading pool was also available at the site.

The spokesperson said the two No Entry signs currently erected along Boondilla Rd

were installed to deter the general public from using the disabled parking bays and Council staff have requested the signage to be updated to Disabled Parking Only.

This year Council has also installed beach matting at Toowoon Bay, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Terrigal Beach to improve access for people who are less mobile.

The spokesperson said those beaches were chosen because erosion was low to moderate, and they were less prone to large waves.

She said Avoca Beach rock

pool was a tidal pool with water levels fluctuating with the tides.

“Council worked with the local community on the design and delivery of the Avoca Beach Southern Foreshore Upgrade works, which were completed in 2019 using a $2.8M grant from the Stronger Communities Fund,” she said.

“This upgrade has been well received by the local community and included improved access through the construction of three ramps, one being an allaccess ramp at the northern end of the works.

“Although the Avoca Beach rock pool is a modified environment, it is still considered an important marine habitat by Council and NSW Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries, and unlikely to have support for any further modification.

“Also, any further adaption of the Avoca Beach rock pool would cost a significant amount of capital investment, substantial ongoing maintenance and running costs, and as such Council does not have any future plans for a project such as this.”

Denice Barnes

Christmas MEMORIAL

SERVICE

Saturday 7th December 2024 Commencing at 10am

Hillside Chapel, Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park 57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale NSW

We invite you to attend a beautiful memorial service with our community to offer comfort and to show that we do not grieve alone.

Our service will include: Music, song, a candle-lighting ceremony, a Christmas ornament with your loved one’s name for you to take home and light refreshments to share.

We invite you to bring a photo of your loved one for display during the service

For further details and RSVP please call 1300 130 955

Elaine Norling at Avoca Beach rock pool

Dr Gordon Reid and Labor are delivering

Joe Coyte, Executive Director of The Glen Group which operates the largest Aboriginal communitycontrolled drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in NSW, continues to express concern over the NSW Drug Summit 2024.

The Glen for Men has been at Chittaway Point for 30 years and The Glen for Women opened at Wyong Creek two years ago.

Coyte, who last year undertook a Churchill Fellow Trust six-week world tour to explore international approaches to assessing longer-term benefits of drug and alcohol treatment programs, said the summit

NSW Drug Summit 2024 cause for concern

needed to hear from the “experts”.

“They need to hear from the experts who are the people whose lives are impacted by drug use,” he said.

The NSW Government made an election commitment to hold a drug summit in its first term to build consensus on the way NSW deals with drugrelated harms.

The summit was meant to bring together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.

It has included two days of regional forums, one at Griffith and one at Lismore, with

another to be held in Sydney on December 4 and 5.

“It’s the drug summit you have when you’re not having a

Following safety concerns and community feedback, the Ettalong foreshore boat ramp at the end of Kourung Ave, Ettalong, will close from Monday, December 2.

A Central Coast Council spokesperson said safety issues had been raised by residents, NSW Police, Transport for NSW – Maritime, local MPs and Council staff regarding vehicle congestion, illegal parking and potential hazards to the public from towing vehicles on the busy beach area.

“Closing the boat ramp complements Maritime’s recent changes in this area, making a safer environment for swimmers, families, and beachgoers at Ettalong

drug summit,” Coyte said and revealed that he had to push for invitations to both regional summits.

“It was an election commitment, but I think other priorities like cost of living have overshadowed the issue.

Ettalong boat ramp set to close

foreshore,” the spokesperson said.

“Council has been working closely with Maritime to improve safety for beach and waterway users in this area.

“In response to the community feedback and safety assessments Maritime has now introduced a 300m zone that limits the foreshore beach area to paddlecraft only.”

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the ramp closure would make the beach more accessible and safer for paddlers and swimmers and their families.

“Ettalong Beach is popular with many in our community as well as visitors and holidaymakers to the area,” he said.

“This change supports a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

“By closing the boat ramp, we’re acting on community feedback and putting safety first.

“We want everyone to enjoy some on-water fun, being safe on the water is key.

“The Central Coast has many wonderful options for boaters and watercraft users nearby and we encourage them to make use of the well-equipped alternative boat ramps.

“This change isn’t just about safety, it is also about creating an improved, sustainable waterfront environment that everyone can enjoy.”

Member for Gosford Liesl

Tesch has welcomed the move.

“I am so glad to see Council take this step,” she said.

“I have written to Council on a number of occasions indicating that the closure of this boat ramp is an important piece of the puzzle in addressing antisocial behaviour along the Ettalong foreshore.

“I thank Council for listening to our community and taking this step.”

Nearby boat ramps include those at Blackwall (2.9km away), Lions Park at Woy Woy (5km away), and Correa Bay Reserve (6km away).

To locate alternative boat ramps across the Central Coast, visit the online site: Boating | Central Coast Council

“I am concerned it could be a drug summit disaster; they’re not getting the right people in the room and they’re not hearing the right voices.”

Coyte invited Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park to visit The Glen, but both declined.

Drug summit co-Chair John Brogden has agreed to a visit.

“One of the key recommendations of my Churchill (Fellow Trust) report is the importance of giving people a voice,” Coyte said.

“And looking at how the process will impact the outcomes on the ground.

“It’s too important, we won’t get another summit for 20 years.”

Action plan for MacMasters Beach erosion

MacMasters Beach is increasingly at risk of severe erosion, making it a priority for action in the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan (2017).

Central Coast Council engaged coastal engineers to put together a draft design for protection works at the southern end of the beach and is now inviting public feedback on the proposed works.

Council says the purpose of the temporary works is to protect the MacMasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club from coastal hazards while further investigation into long-term management options can be undertaken.

Draft designs were created with feedback from key community groups.

The design includes installation of rock bag armour units to protect and stabilise an

80m section in front of the surf club between the steps down to the ocean bath and the

vehicle

further landward.

At present, there are Bulka bags filled with stabilised sand providing informal coastal protection in front of the surf club.

These were placed in June 2016 in an emergency response to erosion after large ocean swell and tides but this structure has since deteriorated and continues to degrade while only providing a very limited level of protection over a small section of the foreshore.

Council previously had a draft design for a typical rock revetment, however, in more recent public consultation rock bag armour units became the preferred option.

Other concept options, including vertical seawalls, were investigated and considered but advantages of

the rock bag armour units won the selection.

These include a reduced footprint, compared to typical rock revetments and the previous design, reducing beach access and visual impacts.

Rock bag armour units are cost effective, flexible and can be easily removed and re-used elsewhere if adverse outcomes are experienced.

Additionally, it is easy to raise or modify the structure to adjust to changing conditions.

The MacMasters Beach Temporary Coastal Protection Works draft design is on public exhibition for community feedback until December 9 –visit Your Voice Our Coast on Central Coast Council’s website.

Joe Coyte with Indra McCormack, the Australian Ambassador to Portugal during his Churchill Fellow trip last year

The surf life saving club at MacMasters Beach

An aerial picture showing the boat ramp’s position

Fast train service a pipedream

The federal government is squandering another $500M of our money to pursue the pipedream of a fast-train service between Sydney and Newcastle.

The UK government has just announced that it is scaling back its high-speed-train project between London (15 million population) and Birmingham (four million population), because the cost/ benefit equation doesn’t add up.

But our government thinks it can build one between Sydney (five million population) and Newcastle (300,000 population), through the most incredibly difficult terrain that one would be likely to encounter anywhere, and, on completion, generate the volume of paying custom that would be necessary to make it viable.

This is despite the fact that almost the whole length of the

FORUM

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

route would have to be bored through the sandstone plateau, carried in underwater tunnels or supported on viaducts – a herculean task that would be unmatched almost anywhere in the world.

All this to achieve a short time-saving for a tiny population.

The sum of money contemplated for this exercise could go a long way to making the present system more comfortable, convenient and safe than it is now, with immediate benefits for the large number of people who actually use and need the service, but would get no benefit from a new project serving such a small number of travellers.

So, how has this new priority been arrived at?

There are numerous reports on the topic that have been prepared in the past and that have come to the unanimous decision that the project is unworkable: many of these reports can be consulted on line and appear completely convincing, so what has changed?

It seems that nothing has changed, except a political calculation that this will make a good selling point for the next election, and, after all, it’s only taxpayers’ money with which politicians can afford to be generous, as an election approaches.

I am always reluctant to say “never”, but this is an ambition of such preposterous cost and

so little return that I’d be willing to wager a large sum of money that nobody alive today will see it come to fruition.

Email, Nov 16 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

A battery just won’t do the job

Central Coast News advises in issue 463 that a ‘large’ battery is to be built at the Eraring Power Station.

Given the connection to the NSW grid, this location makes sense.

According to the article, stage 1 and stage 2 of this will give six hours’ supply.

Big deal.

Any reliance on weatherdependent intermittents needs much more storage than that.

And it is not said how much of the Central Coast (consumption) this battery storage refers to.

The Munmorah ‘super’ battery is only a stabiliser for the grid, only needed because

Two charged over alleged drug supply

A man and woman have been charged over alleged drug supply offences following a vehicle stop at Tuggerah.

At about 9am on Tuesday, November 12, Tuggerah Lakes Police stopped a vehicle on Joule Pl, Tuggerah, following a concern for welfare report.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized more than 60ml of 1,4-Butanediol and

7.17g of methamphetamine.

A 24-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man were arrested

at the scene and taken to Wyong Police Station where they were charged on three

counts of supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable and less than commercial quantity), possess prohibited drug and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period. They were refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, November 13, where the woman was granted strict conditional bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday, November 27.

Road rage leads to Kariong stabbing

Police are appealing for information after a man was stabbed at Kariong on Thursday, November 14, following a road rage incident.

Emergency services were called to James Russell Dr following reports of an assault at about 8pm.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District attended and established a crime scene at the location.

Police were told a 42-yearold man was assaulted by two men following a road rage incident at Milyerra Rd, Kariong.

During the altercation, one of the men produced a knife and stabbed the man in the abdomen.

Before the arrival of police, the two men left in what is believed to be a bright blue Holden Commodore sedan with a red stripe at the rear of the vehicle.

The injured man managed to

drive his car to a nearby home on James Russell Dr before collapsing and the residents administered first aid until emergency services arrived.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being conveyed by ambulance under police escort to Gosford Hospital in a critical condition.

Police established multiple crime scenes, and commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As inquiries into the incident are ongoing, police are appealing for anyone to come forward with information or dashcam vision in the vicinity of the M1 or James Russell Dr or Milyerra Rd at Kariong.

Police are appealing for information to identify the vehicle seen in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Brisbane Water Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Inquiry into train assault

Can you help police identify this woman?

Police are seeking assistance from the public to identify a female who might be able to assist with their investigation into an assault.

The alleged assault occurred onboard a train near Wyong railway station at about 8am on Wednesday, August 14.

Police from the Transport Command are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have

of the destabilising effect of too much rooftop solar.

The article acknowledges that Eraring is Australia’s largest power station, supplying a quarter, or less, depending on the weather, of NSW’s energy needs.

Shutting down Eraring, which is what some believe should be done, will put NSW’s energy security at risk.

Shutting down Eraring is complete insanity unless there is a replacement for it, ready to go.

There is none at this time, certainly not with a piddly little battery or two.

Australia exports far, far more coal than is used at Eraring.

Australia has a NIMBY problem (Not in My Back Yard).

Don’t the clean, green energy adherents understand that CO2 accumulates the same in the atmosphere, wherever it is produced?

If we don’t export coal, someone else like Russia will supply it.

We are still all dependent on coal, a very inconvenient truth to the elite virtue signallers. Australia must rank as one of the most NIMBY, hypocritical nations on Earth.

Sorry, but this includes the wonderful Central Coast of NSW.

Email, Nov 8 Charles Hemmings, Woy Woy

Parents need to be responsible

I was disgusted when I read the letter about an 80-year-old woman being terrorised (Time to act on youth crime, Forum CCN 464).

One has to wonder just what their parents thought their little darlings were up to at that time of night.

I see no reason why they should escape responsibility.

Nov 18

knowledge of the identity of the person depicted to come forward.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw. crimestoppers.com.au and quote the reference number C174848901.

Operation Amarok VIII is a statewide police operation aimed at targeting domestic violence offenders and arresting those wanted on outstanding arrest warrants for domestic and family violence offences.

Brisbane Water Police are seeking information to locate Kimberly Harwood who could be in the Wyoming, Gosford or Green Point areas. (Reference

number: W64933467)

Tuggerah Lakes Police are searching for Matthew Whitton who is known in the Niagara Park area, Luke Johnson who could be in the Gwandalan district, and Belinda Clarence who is known to frequent Long Jetty and The Entrance. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Email,

Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Matthew Whitton Belinda Clarence

Kimberly Harwood

Luke Johnson

Police are looking for this woman

Some of the drugs found by police

Budding young artists showcased

Forty-two young Central Coast artists received grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 at the annual Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Showcase Awards Day at Wagstaffe Hall on Sunday, November 10.

The Foundation, which has been championing young talent in the region since 2011, awarded a total of $78,600 this year, empowering emerging

young artists to pursue their dreams.

Chairman, acclaimed actor and director John Bell, led the presentation, setting the stage for an afternoon of song, dance, and jaw-dropping acrobatics as 10 recipients showcased their talents.

“Every year, I am astonished at the depth of talent among young people from the Central Coast,” Bell said.

“And 2024 is no exception; indeed, the level of artistry displayed seems to be improving despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the arts across Australia and the world.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 273 grants, totalling more than $540,000.

This year’s 42 grants covered an array of artistic pursuits –

Catch captivating jazz fusion of 80s anthems

Experience a captivating fusion of eras when international jazz vocalist Hetty Kate brings her British New Wave concert to the Avoca Beach Theatre on November 21.

Four Generation X jazz musicians will reimagine the anthems of the 80s through a modern jazz lens.

This sophisticated concert features music from icons including David Bowie, Kate Bush, A Flock of Seagulls, XTC, Bronski Beat and The Eurythmics.

As incongruous as it may seem to use a jazz language to revisit a genre that rose from the rebellious ashes of punk, both jazz and British new wave created vibrant new sounds that impacted society, fashion and culture across the globe.

from classical and contemporary dance to music, singing, and songwriting, acting, theatrical design, filmmaking, writing, visual arts, tap dancing, circus acrobatics and more.

Winners were chosen from 92 applicants, with 54 finalists auditioning before panels of industry experts.

Mentoring, no-cost studio time, and coaching are also selectively provided.

This year, 44 per cent of grants supported young Central Coast artists facing economic, social, or cultural challenges, and five per cent were awarded to Indigenous artists.

In its 14 years, the Foundation has helped the careers of 19 Indigenous artist recipients.

This represents 6.4 per cent of all grants, with 4.9 per cent of the Central Coast population being Indigenous. Applications for next year’s grants open in March/April 2025.

To learn more visit bouddiarts.org.au

SAIGON - MEKONG & TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

album releases, roles on stage, film and television and appearances at clubs and jazz festivals in 28 countries.

Joining Kate are awardwinning Melbourne guitarist James Sherlock (musical director and arranger), New Zealand-born bassist Brett Hirst and celebrated jazz drummer Toby Hall.

Together, they form a creative quartet celebrated for their virtuosity and intuitive musical rapport.

New Wave Reimagined is not about nostalgia; it’s about listening with new ears.

SAIGON (Ho Chi Minh City) CAN THO - MEKONG SAMPAN CRUISE

CHAU DOC - PHNOM PENH

SIEM REAP (Angkor Temples)

Join Glenn on a fully escorted small group 16 night deluxe journey from 9 September 2025.

Explore Saigon and the Mekong delta in Vietnam and Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia.

From $ 8455 per person twin share (Airfare additional - Your choice of Economy, Premium Economy or Business class)

Paris-based, British-born, and Australian-raised Hetty Kate leads this musical journey.

band and touring with him for more than five years.

She honed her craft in Melbourne’s vibrant jazz scene before joining Australian jazz luminary James Morrison’s

Based in France since 2017, her impressive career includes performances with eight symphonic orchestras, 11

This one-night-only event, part of Hetty Kate’s 2024 Australian tour, promises a fresh take on the music that shaped a generation, artfully blending jazz improvisation while keeping true to the originals.

For details contact your journey escort Glenn today 43 63 1699

Hetty Kate

Nath Valvo comes to The Art House

Nath Valvo will bring his live stand-up to The Art House on November 23.

His comedy brings a charismatic and relatable take on everyday life that audiences get on side with.

Winner of Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe 2018, Valvo presents physical, high-energy

comedy, impressing critics and crowds alike with his perfect blend of cheeky and witty insights.

Audiences will know him from the chart-topping podcast

The Buck Up with Kate Langbroek, his appearances on Question Everything and his Tik Tok presentations which have clocked more than

12 million views.

For audiences with a Paramount Plus subscription, Nath Valvo’s most recent stand-up special I’m Happy for You is available to stream.

Valvo will perform an hour of stand-up comedy at The Art House at 8.30pm on Saturday, November 23.

Drag bingo returns

Drag Bingo returns to Gosford’s Fun Haus Factory on Thursday, November 21.

The lively and inclusive night of hilarity, glamour and community fun draws crowds of all ages and backgrounds.

Hosted by Foxxe Faux, an AFAB drag dynamo, the highenergy event promises cheeky banter, saucy humour and a fierce stage presence.

Nine games are packed into the evening with fabulous prizes including $100 cash, show tickets, cocktail giveaways, and more.

The fun kicks off early with a $10 cocktail happy hour from 6pm–7pm and burgers, empanadas, and street food from Beau’s Burgers.

Entry is free, but savvy players are encouraged to book their bingo books in advance to save.

The adults-only event is the ultimate night out for friends, families, or neighbours looking for laughter, glamour, and unforgettable entertainment.

Games start at 7pm.

Book at funhausfactory.org. au/whats-on/

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Carols at The Entrance

Carols In The Park will return to The Entrance on December 24, Christmas Eve.

Memorial Park will once again be alive with traditional carols, roving holiday-themed entertainment and fireworks over the course of the night.

Assemble the family, friends, picnic blankets and chairs and be in the park for Christmas fun from 6pm.

Markets wind up

The final Sunday Avoca Beachside Markets of the year will be held on November 24 from 9am2pm on the banks of Avoca Lagoon at Heazlett Park Foreshore.

And the last Twilight Edition of the markets will take place from 4-9pm on Saturday, December 7.

The Markets will return on Sunday January 19 as a special one off third Sunday due to Australia day and then resume its normal monthly schedule on every fourth Sunday of the month.

Foxxe Faux

Nath Valvo

New space for creativity and wellbeing

A new space for creativity, healing and personal transformation has opened at Woy Woy, with a program of events lined up to promote holistic wellbeing.

Theia is the brainchild of psychotherapist, artist and author Samantha Fin and yoga teacher, creative freelancer and unifier Lauren McDonnell.

“Theia is fast becoming a hub for expression in all forms,” CoDirector McDonnell said.

“From therapeutic engagement to art and storytelling, we are thrilled to

be able to offer an ever-evolving space that celebrates the brave souls who seek to connect to their community with intention and authenticity.”

Theia’s suite of offerings includes monthly artist residencies.

Each month, Theia hosts an artist in residence, offering both emerging and established artists the opportunity to showcase their work in the onsite gallery space.

These residencies invite the public to explore a rich variety of talents, celebrating the power of creativity and

expression as well as providing a platform for artists to engage with the public through an exhibition, artists talks and workshops.

Woy Woy artist Gordon Cumming’s show Ambiguity will run until December 10.

Gifted, a collection of local artists and artisans showcasing small works, ceramics and jewellery offering handmade, original and intentional gifts will be open from December 10 to January 10.

Tessa Hudson’s solo exhibition, A Kaleidoscope of Colour, will run from January

Audience in for wicked night of fun at movie premiere

Audiences will be in for a wicked night of fun when the Inner Wheel Club of North Gosford hosts a fun and quirky charity night at Avoca Beach Theatre on Sunday, November 24 at 6pm.

Featuring Wicked the Movie, the night will help raise funds for the Cancer Council and local charities.

The story is about two young witches – Elphaba whose skin is green, and Glinda, who is blonde and beautiful.

Audience members are invited to join in the fun by dressing up as their favourite witch or simply wear black, green or pink.

Suzie Matheson, a talented singer from Ourimbah, will be entertaining the crowd with her guitar and melodious tunes.

Inner Wheel is famous for its food, and light refreshments will be provided, and drinks will be available from the theatre.

Inner Wheel is the largest women’s voluntary service group in the world.

The members enjoy working together to help charities, to make a difference and improve lives.

Members try to make a positive impact on those in need, particularly families and children.

10 to February 10 with an opening celebration on Thursday, January 16.

Resonance: A Night of Spoken Word is an evening of spoken word, poetry, and song which will run monthly at the centre.

A series of informative and engaging presentations will feature experts from various wellness and allied health fields covering topics such as naturopathy, heart-centred financial advice, astrology, branding, and coaching.

The lectures are designed to equip attendees with practical insights and skills that can

enhance their personal lives, expand their understanding of holistic wellness and introduce them to some of the Coast’s leading practitioners.

The first will feature Avalon Breen talking on The Purpose of Astrology: The Meaning Behind the Stars on December 4 and 18.

The second will see Samantha Fin and Lauren McDonnell present Like Nobody’s Business: How to brand your business with integrity and intention on January 22.

In addition to the anchor events, Theia will host

workshops run by leading experts that are open to the public, including breathwork, mindfulness practices and other empowering tools for self-discovery.

The centre also features a place for therapists to see clients.

The space is functional and accommodating to individuals with sensory sensitivities.

For more information and to buy tickets go to @theiastudios. au on Instagram.

For those wanting to come along and have fun watching Wicked with this coven of witches can book online at www.trybooking.com/CUWTB

Tickets are not available directly from the theatre.

The cost is $25pp and it is guaranteed to be a fabulous night.

Inquiries Kathy 0438 282 699

The Inner Wheel of North Gosford will also be holding a street stall at Kincumber Village Shopping Centre on October 25, 9am to 4pm.

There will be beautiful, handmade items for sale right in time for Christmas.

Theia offers a space for artists to exhibit their work; The space is functional and calming

Inner Wheel comitteee members Karen, Trudy, Kathy, Maria, Glenis and Karen

Reliving Doris Day hits on stage at Avoca

Melinda Schneider will be on stage at Avoca Beach Theatre on November 24 to pay tribute to the legendary Doris Day.

The world lost one of its biggest stars with the passing of Doris Day in May 2019 at the age of 97, leaving behind an incredible body of work including iconic movies and unforgettable songs.

Doris Day had millions of fans around the world including chart-topping Australian singer songwriter Melinda Schneider, who has recorded two albums of Day’s songs, co-written and starred in a theatre show based on Day’s life, and had sell-out tours celebrating her work.

Melinda Schneider’s show, A Farewell To Doris, is a nostalgic concert with timeless hits such as Que Sera Sera, Sentimental Journey, Everybody Loves a Lover and Secret Love plus classic songs from the movies Calamity Jane, Love Me or Leave Me and The Pajama Game, as well as a number of Day’s big band standards.

Schneider’s love affair with

Doris Day started when she saw Calamity Jane when she was just eight.

“I thought she was the best of everything a woman can be, and when I grew up I wanted to be just like her,”she said.

“Whenever I revisit some of her old movies, I’m transported back to that place, a place of happiness and pure joy.”

In 2010, Schneider released

the acclaimed tribute album

Melinda Does Doris – A Tribute To Doris Day, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA jazz and blues chart, remaining there for nine weeks.

The following year Schneider starred in her own hugely successful original theatre show, Doris Day – So Much More Than The Girl Next Door, which she wrote with David

Mitchell of Dusty/Shout fame.

Before the show was staged, Schneider sent Day the script.

“I wanted to make sure she was happy with the way we had portrayed her, and she came back giving me the thumbs up, which made me very happy,” Schneider said.

Then Schneider created a concert production of the show, Melinda Does Doris: A Tribute to

Feast of Spanish music

Pearl Beach Progress Association will present a concert featuring guitar music from Spain and Latin America at Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on Friday, November 22.

Great Guitars Allegria Ole will also feature a special appearance by young guitarist and Pearl Beach Community Scholarship winner Jerome Drobot.

Master guitarists Strazz and Johns will perform an electro acoustic journey of AfroBrazilian jazz through their awarded original compositions

and music by composers such as Corea, Jobim, Sting and Miles Davis

Strazz has previously performed at Pearl Beach and is a renowned guitarist and awarded composer.

Johns is one of the world’s most celebrated session guitarist and performers and has recorded and toured extensively.

Recipient of the 2024 Pearl Beach Community Music Scholarship, Jerome Drobot is a 16-year-old student who started playing guitar when he was eight years old and now

Celebration of Mercedes Sosa

Doris Day, which was on national tour in 2016, followed by a second Doris Day album, Melinda Does Doris…Again –The Movie Songs.

In June 2017 she teamed up with Tom Burlinson for another sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, as well as in Melbourne and Brisbane, celebrating the hits of Doris Day and Frank Sinatra in a show called Young At Heart.

“Doris was multi-talented, a true triple threat: a world-class singer, dancer and actor,” Schneider said.

“But it is her beautiful spirit that will stay with me.

“Doris was so likeable and exuded such sincerity and joy and all that is good.

“There will never be another like her.

“Singing her songs and telling her incredible story of resilience has been an absolute honour, and I’m happy to have the opportunity to celebrate her wonderful talent with audiences once again.”

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF Search for next wave of Central Coast authors

The Words on the Waves Local Author Book Launch program is going from strength to strength, with expressions of interest now being accepted from writers for 2025.

It is run in conjunction with the annual Words on the Waves Writers Festival.

learns from Guy Strazz.

He already has many notable experiences in his music career.

The evening will start with dinner at 6pm (BYO drinks), followed by the concert at 7.30pm.

Bookings are essential at great-guitars-allegria. eventbrite.com.au

For more information call 4344 2319.

Proceeds from the concert will go toward the maintenance of the Memorial Hall and environmental initiatives.

Since launching in 2022, the program has grown from three events to seven and has seen 12 local authors launched with nearly 500 keen book lovers in attendance and more than 160 books sold.

The Book Launch program is designed to spotlight the writing talents of the Central Coast.

Central Coast author Sally Jane Smith launched her latest novel, Repacking for Greece: A Mediterranean Odyssey, at a multi-author event on June 5 as part of the program and said the support she had received had been an emotional lift when she really needed it.

The Mercedes Sosa Experience, a world music tribute show direct from Chile, will play at the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford on November 22 as part of its first Australian tour.

Following sensational performances in Melbourne and Sydney, the iconic tribute show is a celebration of a Latin American artist Mercedes Sosa, affectionately known as La Negra.

Much more than an Argentine folk singer, she was a cultural

icon, a voice of the oppressed, and the conscience of Latin America.

Her music transcended borders, amplifying the struggles, hopes, and dreams of millions.

Sosa’s influence was so profound that she became known as the Voice of the Voiceless.

Mario Gonzavarg, an acclaimed Chilean singer with a 35-year career, brings her legacy to life.

The Mercedes Sosa Experience is an immersive journey into Sosa’s world, featuring her most emblematic songs in a powerful live performance with an audiovisual tapestry of stories and imagery.

Doors will open at 6pm on Friday, November 22, for happy hour with $10 cocktails and Beau’s Burgers serving up burgers, sides and empanadas. Book at funhausfactory.org. au/whats-on/

“It also has allowed me to get my foot in the door,” she said. Expressions of interest will be accepted on the Words on the Waves website until December 10, with successful applicants enjoying benefits such as venue hire, promotion, logistical support and mentoring.

Words on the Waves is a notfor-profit writers’ festival, the first of its kind to take place on the Central Coast.

Next year it will take place from May 28-June 1.

For more information and to express interest in the Book Launch program, go to www. wordsonthewaves.com.au

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Guy Strazz and Mark Johns

Sally Jane Smith with her latest book

Rachel Grace

Melinda Schneider

Barbra Streisand show hits Avoca Beach Theatre

Happy days are here again following news Rachael Grace will be bringing her Australian Barbra Streisand Show to Avoca Beach Theatre in November.

Grace boasts a show stopping six-decade long career and will be performing songs from the sensational catalogue of Streisand’s classic films, musicals and hit records.

Including a stellar band with musical direction by John

Thorn, the show will feature hits from Funny Girl, The Way We Were, A Star is Born and many more.

Grace described the production as her “love letter to Barbra” for unknowingly shaping her as the singer and performer she is today. With backing vocals by the beautiful songbird Kara Ciezki, audiences are transported through Streisand’s decades of platinum selling records and many musical genres.

From the big hits to the B-sides, while of course incorporating classics from hit films, The Australian Barbra Streisand Show keeps audiences captivated with haunting ballads, serenaded by beautiful duets and dancing to her disco era.

The Australian Barbra Streisand Show is guaranteed to provide a fun and playful night of hits.

It’s on at Avoca Beach Theatre on November 23.

Lang

Jeff Lang comes to the mountain

Triple ARIA winner Jeff Lang will bring his full band to Mangrove Mountain on November 23 as part of his More Life album launch tour.

Also on the bill will be fellow ARIA winner William Crighton. Lang has built a reputation for making influential music that is accomplished, intricate, melodic and loaded with soul.

He has released more than 30 albums, toured extensively around the world and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s national treasures in the music industry.

The new album More Life features collaborations with a who’s who of the Australian music scene including John Butler, Don Walker, Hatz Fitz and Cara, William Crighton and many more.

Great food and light refreshments will be available for buy on the night; BYO drinks welcome.

Doors open at 6pm.

Jeff Lang, with full band plus William Crighton will perform at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall on Saturday, November 23.

Tickets are limited; book at www.jefflang.com

Jeff

Rachel Grace

Special Wyong mass to install First Class Relic

Wyong Catholic Parish will hold a special mass to officially install a First Class Relic of their Patron Saint, St Cecilia, on November 23 at 11am.

It will be officiated by the Very Reverend Father David Ranson, Vicar General of the Broken Bay Diocese.

Relics of the saints are the most precious heirlooms of the church and seen as not simply historical mementos.

A First Class Relic is the “highest” form of relic and refers to a piece of the body of the saint – including bones, hair and other body parts.

The martyrdom of Cecilia is said to have followed that of

her husband Valerian and his brother at the hands of the prefect Turcius Almachius.

The legend about Cecilia’s death is that after being struck three times on the neck with a sword, she lived for three days and asked the pope to convert her home into a church.

St Cecilia was buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus and later transferred to the Church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.

In 1599 her body was found still incorrupt and seeming to be asleep.

Mari Palomares, the parish secretary at St Luke’s Revesby, was given the relic by Sister Cecilia Mahoney, a Josephite Sister in the early 1990s.

With a professional career spanning 52 years, Kevin Borich has done it all and now he’s headed for the Everglades Country Club at Woy Woy on November 30.

From his early days with the La-De-Da’s in New Zealand, where he wrote the classic hit Gonna See My Baby Tonight, to his Kevin Borich Express and The Party Boys, he has performed at some of the biggest rock events Australia has seen.

Borich has played and recorded with artists such as Renee Geyer, Richard Clapton, Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), John Mayall,

“Sister Cecilia wanted to give the relic to one who would appreciate it,” Palomares reported.

“Years later, like Sister Cecilia I wanted to pass it on where it would be treasured.

“After much prayer, it came to me that my niece belonged to St Cecilia’s Parish, Wyong.

“That’s when I approached her and offered her the relic for the church.

“I was so pleased that the parish accepted this offering, and I pray that it will be a blessing to the parish. I feel that now the relic is home.”

In 1904 a developer, Albert Hamlyn Warner, purchased a large parcel of land in Byron St

in Wyong and generously donated the same to both the Catholic church and the Anglican church.

The foundation stone at the entrance to St Cecilia’s states it was laid by Cardinal Moran on October 6, 1907.

It was laid on that date but not by Cardinal Moran as he was too ill to travel from Sydney to Wyong.

Instead, it was laid by his Vicar General, Monsignor Carroll.

The Cardinal was present for the opening of the church the following year when the building was completed and opened for worship on April 26, 1908.

Kevin Borich heads to Everglades

and members of Living Colour. He has toured with Jimmy

energy

Well

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

By Richard Bach

as being world class.

Borich also starred in the hugely successful 18 sold out Australia-wide Long Way To The Top 2002 arena concerts. He has been inducted into the Australian Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and has a string of awards to his name.

One of his biggest moments was in 1977 when he jammed with Carlos Santana before a crowd of 60,000 at the Rock Arena megashows in Sydney and Melbourne Santana described Borich as “one of the best guitarists I’ve heard”.

Borich will be joined at Everglades by two incredibly talented Aussie rock mainstays,

Jon Carson on drums and Chris Gilbert on bass.

The tour comes following the release of Borich’s latest album Duets, which met with rave reviews and shot swiftly to number one on the ARIA rock, blues and jazz charts.

Bringing together 12 music greats, Duets features a diverse mix of genres and style, combining professional brilliance in songwriting and stellar studio performances all distilled into one powerful record.

The Everglades show kicks off at 7pm.

Book your tickets at everglades.net.au

How many times have you looked at your bookshelves and drifted past well-read books covered in dust without much hope of being reread?

It was by chance that my finger brushed upon this long ago favourite and as Christmas approaches this is the type of feel-good novel for that most magical time.

Jonathon Livingston Seagull

is an allegorical fable novella written by author Richard Bach and illustrated by Russell Munson.

It is a book about the dreams, hopes, a search for freedom, perseverance, confidence, a sense of achievement, ambition, humility and respect of one young seagull.

His parents and flock do not understand him; although he respects his parents and elders he never wavers in his personal goals.

Soar with thoughts of wind and wonder as you see the sea and sky and people shrink to small dots; this is a book that can change your life –read it twice.

Bach said the book came to him as “a visionesque spooky thing”.

He stopped after he wrote 10 pages and didn’t pick it up again for a few years.

The book was rejected by several publishers before

Friede at

said: “I think it has a chance of growing into a long-lasting standard book for readers of all ages”.

Jonathan is a seagull like any other but with one difference; the other gulls fly for food – he loves to fly so that he can explore, overcome his limitations, learn new skills and have the freedom to be himself.

Julie Chessman

7am-1pm Cnr. Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy Great variety of stalls, BBQ, Tea & Coffee Vendors Welcome $25 per car Dunban Road Car Park

NB stall sites not open until 6.30am

Sunday of the

Taj Mahal

Barnes, Renee Geyer and Mark Hunter.

known for his high-

electric guitar style, his performance is hailed throughout the music industry

Kevin Borich

A special mass will be held to install a First Class Relic

Eleanor

Macmillan

Photo: Deb Kloeden Photography

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and parainfluenza type 3 virus (PIV3) infection are a significant cause of hospitalisation in older adults.

There are currently no vaccines available to prevent disease by hMPV or PIV3.

The current study uses an investigational mRNA-based vaccine to potentially combine protection against RSV, hMPV and PIV3 in a single vaccine.

Business & Property

Another major accolade for Spices 29

Spices 29 restaurant at Woy Woy has capped off a successful year by taking a silver medal in the Indian Restaurant category at the 2024 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus National Awards for Excellence.

The win, announced on November 11 at a gala dinner held in Melbourne, follows the restaurant’s win of the same category at the Sydney and Regional Hostplus awards in September and a win at the Central Coast Business Awards earlier this year.

It is the second year Spices 29 has excelled at the Hostplus

awards, being the state winner last year and attaining the bronze award at the national level.

Restaurant & Catering CEO Suresh Manickam said the National Awards for Excellence program recognised hospitality dining and service excellence across a broad range of categories.

They are the grand finale and the culmination of awards for excellence events in each state and territory.

“We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Australia’s most distinguished operators,” he said.

Kickstart for

Kincumber Village, owned by ISPT, has given Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre $10,000 to support its work within the community.

“Local groups play such a vital role in supporting and enriching the lives of their local communities and the Community Kickstart grant program aims to amplify these efforts by providing financial funding and support to help sustain and expand their projects and services,” a spokesperson said.

“The Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre provides community members

with a space to meet, learn, connect and find support.

“The Kincumber Community Eco Garden forms part of the centre and serves as a vital space for local residents to cultivate a shared passion for sustainable gardening.

“Through the Community Kickstart Grant, the eco garden will undergo a significant revamp to enhance accessibility, promote sustainable practices and improve overall facilities.

“This initiative will create a more inclusive, engaging and resourceful space, thereby strengthening the community

“To achieve gold, silver or bronze at the National Awards is a testament to the hard work and culinary excellence our winners have to offer the dining public.

“We are continually inspired by the passion, creativity and unwavering dedication displayed by all those who contribute to the restaurant and catering industry.

“From chefs and restaurateurs to all staff and suppliers, they all play a vital role in shaping the gastronomic identity of dining in Australia and enriching the lives of their patrons.”

The Restaurant and Catering Excellence Award is given annually to restaurants that demonstrate excellence in a variety of categories, including food, service, sustainability, and community involvement.

Spices 29 stood out not only for its authentic approach to Indian cuisine but also for its emphasis on forging relationships with local customers and communities.

Located in the heart of Woy Woy, Spices 29 has rapidly established itself as a beacon of fine dining.

Restaurant owner Nelson Fernandes, along with his

trained team, has built a reputation for serving traditional Indian dishes with contemporary flair.

Their passion for Indian cuisine is reflected in every dish,showcasing a commitment to flavours and Indian heritage.

Since opening its doors in 2018, the restaurant has garnered attention from food critics, guests, and industry professionals alike.

Its atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between modern elegance and welcoming comfort.

Looking ahead, chefs Praveen Kumar, Amarjeet Singh and the team are already working on new initiatives to further elevate the restaurant’s offerings.

“We’re constantly evolving,” Kumar said.

“We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries and creating new experiences for our guests.”

For now, however, the team at Spices 29 is celebrating its latest achievement.

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre

spirit and resilience in Kincumber.

“By directly benefiting 100 participants and indirectly impacting around 600 community members, the

project will foster a connected, healthy, and sustainable community.”

Kincumber Village Centre Manager Laura Fehlberg

thanked all groups which applied for the grant.

“There are so many fantastic and worthy local organisations within our community and Kincumber Village is very proud to provide grant opportunities to assist these groups to continue their wonderful and vital work”, she said.

“We believe that the

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre will utilise this grant to develop meaningful change, whilst assisting in delivering more projects and initiatives locally thereby making Kincumber an even better place to live.

“Kincumber Village recognises the hard work, care and time that goes on behind the scenes of community groups and organisations to keep our community united, so we are very pleased to be able to offer these grants.”

Each application was assessed against criteria including: commitment and investment into the local community; demonstration of innovation and solutions that benefit the local community, and the cultivation of a shared future.

For more information go to ispt.net.au

The Spices 29 team with awards won this year

The handover of the Kickstart funding

Wollongong muscles in on call for beach taskforce

Wollongong took over Central Coast Council’s motion about sand nourishment for beaches at the NSW Local Government conference in Tamworth this week, insisting that measured retreat was the only option for some coastal properties.

Central Coast Council had put forward a Motion that Local Government NSW should lobby the State Government to establish a Beach Taskforce to assist coastal councils to sustainably access offshore sand to improve beach amenity.

Councillor Corinne Lamont, who had submitted the motion beforehand to Council, which agreed to send it to the conference, was hoping it would be adopted without debate like so many other councils’ motions had been during the day.

But Wollongong councillor Jessica Whittaker asked for the words “the taskforce should also examine options for measured retreat” to be added to the original motion. Lamont refused to accept the addition.

So, Whittaker put forward an amendment which used Central Coast’s original words and with her measured retreat options added.

“If we are asking the NSW Government to establish a taskforce to look at the issues with coastal erosion on the Central Coast, we don’t have time to waste by only examining one option that is expensive, environmentally damaging, unsustainable into the future and resource intensive,” Whittaker said.

“The reality is measured retreat will be the only option for some coastal properties.

“This is an opportunity to canvas all our options, and beach nourishment might be feasible.

“However, by broadening the scope of the taskforce we have the opportunity to look at other options and start weighing up

difficult and expensive decisions that will need to be made into the future.”

The full Motion read:

That Local Government NSW lobbies the NSW Government to establish a NSW Beach Taskforce to develop and administer a program to assist NSW coastal councils to sustainably access offshore sand to return to beach ecosystems to improve beach amenity in a manner consistent with the Coastal Management Act 2016, incidentally protecting property and reducing the need for beach armouring. The taskforce should also examine options for measured retreat.

A councillor from Northern

Beaches Council supported the amendment saying every option needed to be looked at as billions of dollars of property was involved and the problem needed to be looked at holistically.

“Offshore mining of sand is environmentally damaging,” the councillor said.

“Measured retreat needs to be included – we might be forced into it.”

The conference delegates then noted and passed the amendment 60 per cent to 40 per cent.

Many councils increasingly face issues with coastal erosion, impacting beach amenity and property, Council had

said in explaining why it had put forward the Motion.

“An effective adaptive response to this issue is sustainable offshore-sourced sand nourishment,” Council said.

“For individual councils, offshore sand nourishment access is limited, especially compared with other states.

“Fortunately, statewide policy and legislation provides access rights to offshore sand sources for beach nourishment, however, councils look for state support with infrastructure and co-ordination to deliver sand nourishment as a ‘shared service’ along the NSW coast, integrated with local council and community action.”

Measured retreat is better known on the Coast as planned retreat and is a concept of preparing responses for sea level rises.

With the amended motion being adopted, the NSW Local Government peak body will now be expected to lobby the State Government for a taskforce.

Meanwhile, a second Central Coast Council motion asking the LGNSW to lobby the State Government to remove its performance improvement order was rejected. (See separate story)

Merilyn Vale

Intersection upgrade to improve access

The NSW Government will spend $6.7M on an upgrade of a critical intersection at Chain Valley Bay, which will help unlock more than 900 new homes and reduce travel times.

Residents are being invited to have their say on the planned upgrade at the intersection of Pacific Hwy and Chain Valley Bay Rd which provides vital access to Chain Valley Bay.

The upgrade will include installation of traffic lights to provide safe, efficient and reliable access to and from the highway for all road users.

Other key features of the project include: a dedicated right turn lane and combined left/right turn lane out of Chain Valley Bay Rd; extension of the right turn lane into Chain Valley Bay Rd from southbound Pacific Hwy; new active transport connections, including signalised crossings, an off-road cycle path and footpaths; and improved accessibility of public transport facilities.

The proposal will retain the existing U-turn bay for

northbound traffic.

Community members are invited to share their feedback on the concept design for the intersection upgrade by Sunday, December 15.

People can provide comments online via yoursay.transport. nsw.gov.au/cvbrupgrade

All comments received will be

considered as Transport for NSW moves to finalise the concept design.

Construction is expected to commence next year, with specific timing yet to be confirmed and dependent on project approval.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the upgrade would

increase capacity needed to support the future growth of the area while also providing a boost to safety and connectivity for the local community.

“We know Chain Valley Bay is tipped for residential growth which is why the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a strong and reliable road network,” he said.

BUSINESS BRIEF

New executive team elected

Pearl Beach Progress Association has elected its new executive team for 2025, setting the group up for another successful year.

New president Deidre Page will be supported by vice presidents Russell Grove and Victoria Crawford, treasurer Robyn Barrett, secretary Gary Phillips, assistant secretary Catherine Lancaster, publicity officer Lynne Lillico and ordinary members Malcolm Davison, Margaret Westcott, Penryn Maddrell and Paul Barclaire.

“There is a lot to learn and process and I am more than keen to do this,” Page said.

“The Pearl Beach Progress Committee is a small group of people who have achieved big things.

“I look forward to working with this committee to continue to bring activities and opportunities to the community that everyone can participate in.

“My background is in sales having owned and run my own business successfully.

“I believe my attributes are always moving forward to obtain a positive outcome –listen and learn – be respectful – achieving results.”

The progress association was formed in 1929 by some of the original residents of Pearl Beach who began meeting to improve services to the village.

Land at 9 Diamond Rd was purchased in 1943 by three members, and fundraising was conducted to construct a hall, which opened in 1949.

Hall maintenance has been a major focus this year, involving insulation and panelling installed on the ceiling, the sanding and finishing of the floor and the painting of the interior walls.

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the community had fought long and hard to make the intersection safer.

“Installing traffic lights and adding and extending turning lanes will go a long way towards improving this road as more people move, visit and enjoy our community,” she said.

A working party to look at developing a plan for the kitchen, storage and toilets has been formed.

Users will be consulted and members will be involved in the final decision, with all suggestions welcome.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Cr Corinne Lamont (right) meets Cr Jess Whittaker who moved the amended version of the beach taskforce motion that was adopted

The intersection to be upgraded

Conference backs order on Council to improve

Central Coast Council failed to gain the support of the NSW Local Government conference in calling for the Minister of Local Government to withdraw the Performance Improvement Order (PIO) imposed on it.

The conference voted 60 per cent to 40 per cent to reject the motion.

Speaking after the count, Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton said it looked like the Labor Party delegates had decided to support the State Labor Minister.

Councillor Belinda Neal said all Central Coast councillors were disappointed that the Local Government Conference did not support the motion requesting the withdrawal of the PIO.

Eaton had addressed the conference, saying the PIOs imposed on councils coming out of administration could be the thin edge of the wedge.

“If they do it to councillors coming out of administration who have done nothing wrong in terms of those who have been elected – they could do it to any council in NSW,” Eaton said. He explained the PIO effectively tied the hands of the councillors for 12 months and stopped

council from doing things such as sacking the general manager or changing the priorities of the budget.

But two speakers stood to oppose the motion.

Councillor Susan McMichael from Armidale Regional Council (ARC) said PIOs were individual for councils and important for governance.

As a councillor who was part of a PIO, McMichael said she was firmly against the motion.

“Having the Performance Improvement Order at Council assisted us as councillors and staff to turn around what was a difficult and poor council, to one which has done great things,” McMichael said.

It was her opinion the PIO was helpful for the staff, councillors

and the community and allowed everyone to see what had been achieved, and what still needed doing.

Councillor David Roenfeldt from Lane Cove Council said accountability did not cease when a council returned from administration.

“In fact all councils should subscribe to a philosophy of continual improvement,” Roenfeldt said.

“Performance Improvement Orders are issued either to encourage a council to lift their game if they are on a path of decline or to ensure that the recovery trajectory set by an administrator continues on that path until the completion of recovery.

“The election of a new council

Deepwater Plaza gets behind oyster festival

Deepwater Plaza Shopping Centre is set to continue its sponsorship of the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival, following a hugely successful collaboration this year.

The plaza was the major sponsor of this year’s festival held on Sunday, November 10, at Lions Park, Woy Woy.

The much-anticipated, family-friendly event delivered a festive day filled with fresh local oysters, vibrant entertainment, and activities for all ages.

As part of the festivities, Deepwater Plaza hosted a Santa’s Letter Writing Workshop where children wrote their own letters to Santa, guided by Santa’s elves, who helped them craft their Christmas wishes.

Each letter was placed in a special mailbox, ensuring it was sent directly to the North Pole.

While children penned their letters, parents were invited to join Deepwater Plaza’s exclusive database.

upon having come out of administration is no justification to ditch the roadmap to recovery.’’

He said the PIOs would ensure the recovery continued.

“It is in the best interests of councils hit with Performance Improvement Orders to earn their way out of it rather than expect a free lunch,” Roenfeldt said.

“Should a newly elected council prove to the Minister that a Performance Improvement Order is no longer needed then they can be proud that their hard work earned them the recovery turnaround and the lifting of such an order.”

Councillor Vincent De Luca from Northern Beaches Council spoke in support of the motion

as did another NSW councillor who said the Central Coast councillors had been made scapegoats.

With two speakers for the motion and two against, the vote was then taken with electronic counters showing that 60 per cent voted down the motion with 40 per cent in support.

The motion asked that Local Government NSW call for the Minister of Local Government to withdraw Performance Improvement Orders imposed on councils coming out of administration as a matter of urgency and to restore local democracy to those councils.

On September 19, only days after the council elections were held, Local Government Minister Ron Hoeing formally served Central Coast Council with a PIO.

Under the PIO, Council is required to obtain concurrence of the Office of Local Government (OLG) to make major staffing decisions, such as the termination of the General Manager, the restructure of the organisation, or budget allocations.

Council also has to meet additional governance requirements, including

obtaining OLG concurrence before amending its councillor and staff interaction policy, and developing a councillor request system that prevents disrespectful or excessive use.

It has to engage with Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee before any significant changes to Council’s priorities are adopted.

It has to ensure councillor briefings are open to the public unless there are grounds under the Act to exclude members of the public, such as to consider information that should not be made public.

Council is required to provide a quarterly compliance report to the OLG, including a quarterly business reporting statement, use of the councillor request system and any determinations of acts of disorder made at a council meeting.

Two other councils coming out of administration,Wingecarribee Shire Council and Balranald Shire Council, were also issued with similar PIOs.

“These orders are an unfair impost on the newly elected councils who played no part in the financial problems that caused the dismissal of the previous council,” Eaton said.

celebrating our local culture and cuisine.

“We were thrilled to support the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival as the major sponsor this year,” said Arthur J Raptis, Head of Retail of Raptis Investments, landlord of Deepwater Plaza.

“Deepwater Plaza is all about fostering community and

Those who signed up ensured their child received a personalised email from Santa. Festivalgoers enjoyed free parking at Deepwater Plaza, along with a complimentary shuttle bus running to and from Lions Park.

“As a family with deep roots in the seafood industry, we were excited to showcase the region’s finest oysters and create a memorable day for families.

“With the Santa’s Workshop, complimentary parking and shuttle service, we made it easy for everyone to enjoy the festival and make wonderful memories together,” Raptis said.

Councillor Doug Eaton addresses the conference.

Santa’s Letter Writing Workshop was a big hit

Have a say on future of playspace

Residents are invited to help shape the design of Karagi Point Reserve, which is due for renewal in 2025-2026.

The reserve, in Hutton Rd, The Entrance North, includes a carpark, foreshore and playspace, which is nearing its end-of-life.

Central Coast Council’s Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said families, caregivers and community groups are invited to participate in the consultation survey so the final design will reflect the area’s needs.

The renewal forms part of Council’s Playspace Strategy and Renewal program and the upgrade will provide a functional, accessible, and safe asset.

“We want your input to help

us select one of three options to upgrade this area, which is currently used as a playspace,” she said.

“We can replace the existing play equipment, create a nature-inspired playground –with natural elements and textures offering opportunities for structured and unstructured play and learning, or we can

It’s a career choice not many would make.

While many children dream of becoming firefighters or doctors, Dylan Wallis found his calling in the world of snakes.

Fascinated by the slithering creatures from a young age, Wallis began as a volunteer and is now the head of venom and reptiles at the Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.

Over the past seven years, Wallis has steadily advanced at the Park and is now running the life-saving venom program alongside colleague Billy Collett following intensive training.

During his training, he mastered snake care, venom processing, handling venom vials and understanding snake behaviour to handle them safely and effectively.

“I was so nervous milking my first snake,” he said.

“My adrenaline was through the roof, but I pushed through

develop a passive open space turfed area – for everyone to enjoy picnics or kick a ball around,” Smith said.

She said there are five playspaces within proximity to Karagi Point Reserve: Edith and Walter Dennis Park – 421m away; Terilbah Reserve – 600m away; The Entrance town centre – 1,300m away; Picnic

Point Park – 1,500m away; and Simpson St Park – 1,600m away.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council was committed to proactively engaging with the community and key stakeholders to better inform its decision-making process.

“By considering community and stakeholder feedback, we

Dylan’s risky career choice

and couldn’t have been prouder of myself.

“Now, four years later, I’m even more proud to be the head of venom.

“My love for snakes drove me to the Park, but the satisfaction of saving lives is beyond words.

“Contributing to a venom program that saves over 300 lives each year is

incredibly rewarding.”

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

With approximately 2,000 reported snake bites each year in Australia, the rigorous training rookies undergo is crucial, helping to save

hundreds of lives annually in collaboration with CSL Seqirus, which converts the raw venom into lifesaving antivenom.

Handling Australia’s most dangerous snakes, including the Eastern Brown and Coastal Taipan – the deadliest of all –requires extreme care.

Venom keepers, who handle snakes capable of lethal bites,

can align the proposed design with the needs and wants of families and individuals to achieve best outcomes, creating a space that will enrich our neighbourhood for many years to come,” he said.

“Interested members of the community are encouraged to visit the Your Voice Our Coast website to participate in the consultation survey and share their views about Karagi Point Reserve and how it can be best utilised.”

Search ‘Karagi’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com by 5pm on Monday, December 9, to participate in the survey, share your ideas and select the design option you feel would most benefit the community.

There is assistance to complete the survey at Council libraries with free access to computers and the internet.

BUSINESS BRIEF

Career path for women

Member for Dobell Emma McBride is encouraging organisations and groups to apply for the Building Women’s Careers Program.

With applications now being invited, the program aims to break down barriers for women in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and employment whilst addressing Australia’s growing skills shortage.

“This program represents a unique opportunity to empower women’s careers and foster a more inclusive, skilled workforce,” McBride said.

The program offers funding for both industry-led and community-led projects.

take on one of Australia’s riskiest jobs.

In this role, safety is paramount, as a single mistake could be fatal.

“Dylan has come so far –from milking King Browns to now handling the most venomous snake in Australia, the Coastal Taipan,” Collett said.

“Next, he’ll be learning to handle the unpredictable adult King Cobra.

“Venom training is extremely demanding and requires patience.”

Wallis is certified to work with all five snake groups essential to the Park’s venom program: Tiger snakes, King Browns, common Death Adders, Eastern Browns, and Coastal Taipans.

The Park’s new venom milking facility is set to open in December.

Visitors will be able to walk through and witness the lifesaving work first-hand.

Funded projects will focus on creating flexible, scalable and inclusive training and employment pathways for women that address the challenges women face including job security, career growth, and flexible work options.

A project could include culture shifts in workplaces and training environments to improve safety and inclusivity, flexible schedules for work and training, support for women to enter senior roles through VET, or expansion of recruitment and retention programs.

The program invites applications from a broad range of organisations, including industry bodies in fields like construction, clean energy, manufacturing, digital and technology, Group Training Organisations (GTOs), industry employers, unions, TAFEs, nonprofits and local government bodies.

Applications close at 5pm on December 2.

Grant guidelines and application details are available at business.gov.au

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Karagi Point Reserve

Dylan Wallis is now head of venom

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

The Central Coast is open for business, Mayor Lawrie McKinna announced to the audience at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Central Coast meeting on Thursday, November 14 - adding that he was pro development.

“We’re all aware that the NSW Government has recently proposed new housing targets for many councils across NSW, including us,” McKinna said.

“I can assure you we are working to understand these targets and how these might be delivered – particularly what needs to be put in place to support these targets.

“That includes understanding where the funding is coming from for the extra roads, schools, sports grounds, playgrounds and the other things growing communities need.”

McKinna said it was up to the new councillors, as a team, to build a foundation for future growth and to get things done again after four years in administration where the focus had been on financial recovery.

“So how will we do this? – it comes down to having The Four Ps in place – and these are our plans, processes, projects and partnerships,” he said.

The plans include the Central Coast Local Housing Strategy which was endorsed by the council administration in May this year.

“Two growth corridors have been identified as key locations

We’re open for business – Mayor

for the Central Coast’s future economic development, housing growth and investment,” McKinna said.

These are the Southern Growth Corridor and the Northern Growth Corridor.

The Southern Growth Corridor runs between Somersby and Erina.

The Northern Corridor is split into two areas: Tuggerah to Wyong and Greater Warnervale.

McKinna also talked about the Local Strategic Planning Statement, which outlines Gosford, Greater Warnervale, Woy Woy and Lake Munmorah as growth areas.

“Our vision is that Gosford will continue to grow as the undisputed capital of the Central Coast,” he said.

“It is our social and economic heart”.

He said Gosford had the highest proportion of highdensity homes across the Central Coast and it had the greatest capacity for more housing – about 25,000 additional homes are expected in the future.

“Gosford and West Gosford are attracting many young people due to great transport links, and higher density rental places,” McKinna said.

Greater Warnervale was also a regionally significant growth area.

“It has enormous potential and is expected to take most of our population, housing and employment growth until 2041,” he said.

Greater Warnervale is expected to grow from about 36,800 people to 64,000 by 2041 with an additional 10,000 homes.

“The new growth areas in Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba, Woongarrah and Warnervale are predominantly attracting a family housing market,” McKinna said.

“Our vision for Greater Warnervale is for a vibrant, safe town centre encouraging walking and cycling and we want to achieve a high standard of architectural design.”

McKinna then spoke about Lake Munmorah.

“Our Greater Lake Munmorah Structure Plan sets out a framework for this growth and estimates that 3,500 new homes will be built there,” he said.

“We’re proposing a variety of densities here to support a range of housing options.”

On Woy Woy, McKinna said the challenge was that the State Government had designated it as an area for increased residential density close to the transport hub but, at the same time, it had introduced limits on development in flood impacted areas.

He said Council would soon prepare a strategic plan for Woy Woy to guide its future growth.

He acknowledged the concerns about development application procedures and processing times and said an improvement plan was in place to address this.

“A challenge for Council is that we process the highest volume of development applications in NSW,’’ he said.

“In 2023/24 there were 2,170 DAs lodged across all DA types with around 200 new DAs each month.”

McKinna said there were more than 20 vacant positions

in the DA unit at the start of this financial year and Council was now nine key people short.

“Generally, senior roles are the most difficult to fill, as are the highly technical roles,” he said.

“We are looking for nine more staff members.

“We need these people for complex development applications and we’ve allocated $8M over three years to attract new planning staff.”

McKinna talked about projects such as the new Gosford regional library which is on track for completion mid 2025.

“Our library, along with the University of Newcastle’s Clinical School at Gosford Hospital, the arrival of their new Central Coast campus and the expansion of the Gosford TAFE, will create a world-class education and training precinct in the heart of our city,” he said.

In speaking about partnerships, McKinna said: “in all we do, our number one partner is our community.

“When we developed our Community Strategic Plan, our residents told us they want a growing and competitive region, a place of opportunity for people, balanced and sustainable development, and the natural beauty of the Central Coast to be protected.

“And we will ensure that future growth respects their wishes.”

Merilyn Vale

Discussion panel (from left) UDIA CEO Stuart Ayres; High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker, Regional Development Australia Central Coast Chair Anna Cruckshank and Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna

While staying on our tropical journey, I thought we could explore the frangipani as it provides what many of us are looking for in a Coast Garden with a bit of jungle theme.

Unusual branching, glossy deep foliage, exotically perfumed flowers and when we want the sun’s warmth in winter, most species comply by shedding their leaves.

No wonder the frangipani has become almost synonymous with this part of the world, so much so that many believe this South American tree to be a Sydney native.

Although they only grow approximately 20cm a year, they do have a small noninvasive root-ball and can easily be grown in large containers.

They just love the conditions over here and have settled right at home and so let’s explore this rather lovely favourite indepth.

How to Grow a Frangipani

First up, a little housekeeping: frangipani sap is toxic and a skin irritant so care must be taken with placement and with handling during gardening.

You will also need to be aware that frangipani will take a few years until the first flowers appear and that the vast majority are deciduous, meaning they will lose all their

DOWN IN THE GARDEN Fabulous Frangipanis

GARDEN PLANNER

tree, always remove entire branches if needed.

This tree can suffer from what is known as ‘frangipani rust’.

This week, you could plant artichokes, asparagus crowns, cape gooseberry, capsicum, beetroot, climbing and dwarf beans, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumbers, eggplants, endive, melons, squashes, lettuce, spring onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, sweet corn, alyssum, calendula, California poppy, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisies, gazania, gerbera, marigold, petunia, salvia, zinnia, kangaroo paw, nasturtium.

foliage in winter.

Most standard types attain a height of up to 6m with an umbrella shape to them and while they will tolerate light frosts, frangipani do far better in frost-free areas.

They need a free-draining sandy soil and detest getting wet feet so be careful not to overwater.

In winter, watering should be ceased altogether unless a succession of usually dry or hot days occur.

If you have a clay soil, they will struggle, and this is the number one reason this beautiful tree fails to thrive and can even die and although they can grow in most places, sun is critical and full sun most of the day is required.

They also respond very well to a fish-based fertiliser and seaweed-based boosters.

You will also find that an

increase in phosphorus in your soil can boost your summer flower show.

Ensure that the root area is well mulched but allow space around the trunk to avoid water pooling.

Cuttings can be taken at any time but will do best if removed in late spring to early summer.

Select a nice firm branch and cut a section about 30cm in length.

Carefully remove any flowers and leaves from the lower 6cm of your cutting and then place upright along an outside shaded wall or fence that is protected from rain and water for about a month.

Once the end has completely dried out, plant into a pot of course sand and water well.

Continue watering weekly and once roots form, transplant into your desired final position. Never tip-prune a frangipani

A fungicide is the answer and must be applied to all surfaces and dropped leaves disposed of in the regular rubbish bin.

Using a copper-based fungicide can also slow the rate of spread but if the tree overly effected, unfortunately you may have to remove entirely.

If your frangipani is failing to flower it could just be that it is still too young or that it is not obtaining enough sunlight each day.

Another reason could be a lack of phosphorous.

Try These Frangipani

Aside from its delectable perfume, frangipani is now available in over 300 identified colours.

They will generally flower across the Central Coast and much of Australia from late November through until midApril.

From whites through to creams, yellows, oranges, apricots, pinks of all shades to vibrant reds and on to even purple shades.

Here are a few that you might consider for your garden.

A little tip, any named ‘ruba’ will have the strongest scent.

Common Frangipani (Plumeria alba) big, beautiful trees and the stuff that millions of artworks, textile and home décor designs are based on.

Fruit Salad Frangipani (Pulmeria acutifolia ‘Rubra’) is what grows in my garden and is my firm favourite.

They are a tricolour plant variety that has a yellow centre melting to white and then

tinged in pinks.

Petite Pink Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa Dwarf) a popular potted frangipani that also works well as a hedge. Singapore Plumeria (Plumeria obtusa) also known as Pagoda Tree and Singapore Graveyard Tree; this frangipani grows sweetly fragrant flowers in bunches.

Darwin Blood Red Frangipani (Plumeria ruba) is probably a must for tropical inspired gardens with its brilliant re blossoms and deep coloured branches.

North Queensland Blue Frangipani (Plumeria spp.) with its intoxicating fragrance and what appear to be blue flowers, this rare variety is much desired plant collectors and the frangipani obsessed. The blooms are not blue but rather a light dusty purple that appear blue to the eye.

Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) is not related to what we think of as ‘frangipani’ and although the fragrance is similar, closer observation will bear this out.

The trees have a distinctive bark, are evergreen and the flowers are a lot smaller in size.

Cheralyn and Wayne host the Gardening Gang every

Health & Education Speaker of the House visits Gorokan

Speaker of the Federal Government House of Representatives Milton Dick was a special guest at Gorokan Public School on Friday, November 15.

He was joined by Member for Dobell Emma McBride who spoke to students about her dual roles as local MP and an Assistant Health Minister.

Since assuming the role of Speaker in 2022, Dick has travelled across the country to engage with school students in an effort to broaden knowledge about democracy and the Australian parliamentary system.

Gorokan students assumed the roles of Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Ministers and MPs in a mock Parliament

where they took part in a parliamentary-style debate, presided over by the Speaker.

This included a Question Time and a Parliamentary Vote where students had to divide to opposite sides of the room.

The question ‘Should pineapple be allowed on pizza?’ produced an overwhelming ‘no’ vote.

McBride said the Speaker provided students with an invaluable insight into the work of parliament.

“Students impressed the Speaker with their knowledge of the parliament and were excellent representatives of their school and students on the Coast,” she said.

A replica mace was used during the mock parliament.

Upgrades for Coast schools

Member for The Entrance David Mehan has welcomed a commitment from the State Government of more than $3M to be spent upgrading several schools in his electorate.

“Investing in our schools is an investment in our future,” Mehan said.

“These upgrades will enhance learning spaces, improve safety and support our teachers and students as they

continue to strive for excellence.

“With funding secured, these projects will begin to take shape over the next year, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.”

The scheduled works, which will roll out over the 2024/25 period, will take place at Valley View Public School, Niagara Park Public School, Berkeley Vale and The Entrance campuses of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, and Killarney Vale Public School.

At Valley View, three retaining walls will be built to improve site stability.

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus, Block B Technological and Applied Studies will be refurbished and concrete cancer in affected areas will be addressed.

Niagara Park Public School will see an upgrade of toilets in Blocks B, C, D, E, and F, covering a total area of 140sqm to improve hygiene facilities.

At Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, Berkeley Vale Campus, a drainage solution will be developed in the assembly area to prevent water ingress into Blocks E, F, and G.

Killarney Vale Public School will see stage one of electrical upgrades completed.

Mehan said the projects were identified in close consultation with school leadership teams to ensure the upgrades aligned with the schools’ most pressing needs.

The real mace enters and leaves the House of Representatives with the Speaker each sitting day, carried by the Sergeant-AtArms.

It is laid upon the table to represent the House being in session and is pointed towards the government to represent where the authority sits within the chamber.

Gorokan Public School is the 141st school the Speaker has visited as part of his effort to grow civics education for students across the country.

“The Parliament in Schools program is an integral part of improving civics education across Australia,” he said.

“These students are our future leaders, and it is

important that we equip them with the information and tools they need, to go on to be active and engaged citizens.”

Launched in September 2022, the Parliament in Schools program is a bi-partisan initiative to make civics education accessible to students regardless of their location.

McBride also recently welcomed students from Killarney Vale Public School, Wyong Public School and Central Coast Grammar School to Parliament House.

“Each sitting week it is wonderful to welcome many local students to Parliament House, where they’re able to understand how our democracy works,” she said.

Gorokan students with their special visitors

Member for the Entrance David Mehan at Killarney Vale Public School

Milton Dick and Emma McBride with the replica mace used during the mock parliament

Suite of improvements at The Entrance Public

Students at The Entrance Public School can now enjoy the outdoors and stay sun safe all year ’round with a new shade cover for their playground thanks to a $25,000 grant through the Federal Government’s Schools Upgrade Fund.

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride visited the school to see the finished project and presented Australian flags to student leaders.

The Entrance Public School has also received funding through the State Government to improve its classrooms and sports facilities and complete uts new soccer field, with further upgrades to come.

McBride toured the new learning spaces, including the renovated classrooms and an outdoor learning space featuring a vegetable garden and chickens which students are responsible for tending to daily.

The Entrance Public School has seen considerable changes over the past five years with community engagement strengthened through the Food Hub, afternoon soccer club and preschool.

The school has also seen growth in the student population with more than 400 students enrolled this year.

McBride took time to hold a Question-and-Answer session with student leaders, before presenting them with a new set

of Australian flags.

“The Entrance Public School works with students, their families and our community to create a positive, safe and supportive learning environment,” McBride said.

“As the school grows, it’s important classrooms and playgrounds are improved and expanded so students and teachers have safe and welcoming learning environments, both indoors and outdoors.”

Fee-free TAFE set to continue

The Federal Government is set to introduce legislation to establish fee-free TAFE as an enduring feature of the national vocational education and training system.

The legislation would see 100,000 fee-free TAFE places funded each year from 2027.

The move builds on the government’s partnership with states and territories to deliver 180,000 fee-free TAFE places in 2023 and 300,000 places over three years from 2024, with agreements being finalised for a further 20,000 construction and housing feefree places.

Fee-free TAFE started in January 2023, with more than 508,000 enrolments in courses in priority areas such as disability and aged care, digital

and technology, construction and early childhood education and care.

Enrolments have included 170,000 young Australians, 124,000 job seekers and 30,000 First Nations Australians

Of all places, six in 10 have been taken up by women, and one in three in regional and remote Australia.

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said free TAFE was proving to be an incredibly successful policy.

“As a government we are committed to removing the barriers to education, particularly in critical areas of the economy experiencing skills shortages,” he said.

“We want to be training more construction workers, nurses, and educators.”

HEALTH BRIEF Social enterprise group grant

A social enterprise group from Gosford, Maliga Ngura Services Ltd, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Westpac Foundation.

The grants aim to support community organisations and social enterprises create jobs and training opportunities for those facing complex barriers to employment, targeting groups with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.

The Gosford-based service grant will help the service adapt to more sustainable ecofriendly options for car washing, maintenance and lawn/garden maintenance and invest in necessary technology and training.

Four Foundations, established by Westpac Group, has awarded about $5M to more than 85 social enterprises and community organisations.

Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne Foundations’ grant programs focus on supporting people experiencing disadvantage by partnering with organisations that provide education,wellbeing and employment opportunities.

Westpac Foundation CEO Amy Lyden said 35 per cent of Inclusive Employment and Thrive Community Grant recipients are from rural or regional areas.

“Investing in the regions has always been incredibly important to us,” she said.

Funding across the four grant programs ranges from $50,000 to $300,000, offering both oneoff and multi-year grants to organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including refugees, people with disabilities and those from low socioeconomic status areas as well as other priority groups. See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Member for Dobell Emma McBride presenting a new set of flags to student leaders

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid with State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch at Gosford TAFE

Program helping get students back on track

Almost two years after it launched on the Central Coast, The Y NSW’s Alternative Suspension Program is seeing impressive results.

The program is redefining the future for young people facing school suspension, providing essential support and a positive path forward.

Designed to address behavioural challenges in a structured, compassionate environment, it offers students not only a second chance, but an opportunity to reclaim their futures and reset.

One hundred students have been referred to the program since it began on the Central Coast in February 2023 with the average age of participants being 14 – 60 per cent male and 40 per cent female.

On referral participants are scored on a series of presenting behaviours.

Topping the list on the Coast was physical violence (displayed by 55 per cent of participants), followed closely by bullying at 43 per cent and verbal abuse at 39 per cent.

Of the students completing the program, 86 per cent said what they had learned at the workshops should be useful at school and 98 per cent said they felt the program was a safe space.

In NSW public schools, 1 in 23 students were suspended at least once in 2023.

The cost of suspensions affect more than just the student, impacting on families, siblings, the school, other peers and teachers alike.

Equitable education advocate David Gonski said the

Of the 100 participants, 29 per cent were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders and 20 per cent had diagnosed disabilities.

Alternative Suspension program offered not only an alternative, but an essential resource in creating inclusive pathways for every student to succeed.

“This program exemplifies what’s possible when we invest in our youth,” he said.

“It can transform suspension from exclusion and marginalisation into an

opportunity for growth, allowing students to overcome challenges with the support they need.

“This program creates real opportunities for students who

Recognition for six special students

Six outstanding Central Coast students have been presented with Good Citizenship awards by the Probus Club of Gosford West.

Corey Spicer and Isaac Freeman from Glenvale School,

Madeleine Pugh and William Mallinson from Point Clare Public School, and Elise Bell and Max Gross from Henry Kendall High School received their awards during a special ceremony on November 14 at Narara Community Centre.

Awards have been given to

FAMILY LAW

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

two students from each of these schools for the past 40 years by the Probus Club.

The principal and staff of each school choose two students to receive the award each year.

Criteria for awards are:

• Binding Financial Agreements

might otherwise be left behind, helping them build resilience and thrive in ways that the traditional approach to a suspension at home simply cannot.”

The Y NSW’s youth workers who run the program work closely with referral support services including psychologists and alcohol and other drug counsellors.

Partnerships with the Eureka Benevolent Foundation, St. George Foundation, Department of Social Services, Matana Foundation and the Kimberley Foundation will pave the way for the program to continue on the Central Coast and in Western Sydney as well expanding to other parts of the state.

Schools can refer students to the program for a minimum of three days.

For more information visit alt. suspension@ymcansw.org.au

meritorious conduct both in and out of the classroom; diligence in performing allotted tasks; and compassion toward other children.

It was the second time Max Gross had received the award, having first received it four years ago as a Point Clare

WILLS & ESTATES

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

Public School student.

Present on the presentation day were Probus President Bevan Coulson and club members, principals or representatives of each school and students’ families.

The students were given a plaque with their name, school and the criteria engraved on it. They also received a framed certificate and a book voucher. There is also a perpetual shield for each school, with individual names added each year.

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

COURT APPEARANCES

• Criminal Law

• AVO Matters

• Traffic Matters

• Drink Driving

Email: lemery@lindaemery.com.au

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford

Elise Bell and Max Gross holding the Perpetual Shield for Henry Kendall High School with Probus Gosford West President Bevan Coulson and school representatives

William Mallison and Madeleine Pugh from Point Clare Public School holding their School Shield

Students work with youth workers for a minimum of three days

All welcome at Masters swim clubs

A Masters Swimming Club operates somewhere on the Central Coast on most week nights and adults who can swim at least 100m, be it fast or slow, are welcome to join.

Groups at Gosford Olympic Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre and Toukley Aquatic Centre are offering ‘come and try’ swim training sessions.

Joining up is also very affordable because the clubs are not-for-profit and operate purely for the love of swimming and to encourage everyone to swim regularly for fitness, friendship and fun.

Forresters Beach swimmer Paul Lemmon says the clubs are open to everyone.

“Don’t be in awe of the term Masters,” he said

“It doesn’t mean we’re exceptional swimmers, just that we’re over 18 years old.”

Generations Z, Y, X, Boomers and beyond are represented in Masters Swimming Clubs and each individual finds something good in the water.

Baby Boomer Paul Stalgis of Wyoming says Masters swimming helped him reclaim his fitness after his sporting life was crushed by injury.

“I loved touch footy, but by my early 30s, my knees were pretty shot,” he said.

“I asked the surgeon if he could fix my knees for the

upcoming finals … he said the ‘fix’ was to start swimming instead.

“It was hard leaving footy but I’m glad I did as swimming has kept up my fitness and even strengthened my knees a little bit.

“Masters swimming is a great option for people with an injury as you can exercise at your own level and stay relatively pain-free.”

Of the wide range of exercise options available to Gen Z, Meghan Cronin from Umina Beach recommends Masters swimming for being social and inclusive.

“We all swim a distance, then joke and chat while we rest before pushing-off again,” she said.

“If you share your personal swimming goal with the team, be it an ambitious fast time or

modest distance, they will adopt this into the training plan and cheer you on.

“The team helps you stay committed as you know you’ll be missed if you don’t go to training.”

Gen X’s Byron O’Loughlin from Toukley loves to travel and says being a Masters swimmer connects him with the locals.

“Now that my kids are old enough, my wife and I can travel more often,” he said.

“I’ve found Masters Swimming Clubs everywhere and they’re all very friendly.

“On holiday in Hobart, I looked up the local club and they made me feel very welcome to just jump into the water with them.”

Masters Swimming Clubs around the state and country also host race events and Gen

Y’s Lauren Bradley of Bensville always has one in her sights as the next challenge.

“Rather than group people by age, Masters swimming races you with swimmers of similar speed, so you truly get to compete against yourself,” she said.

“An upcoming race pushes me to improve my fitness and technique so, at the event my ‘win’ is improving on my own best time.”

Gen Y’s Greg Moeller of Point Clare says his ability at work or sports has been thanks to others with the passion and patience to share their knowledge with him.

“When I swim now, I have this urge to pay it forward and help others feel really good in the water,” he said.

“I love seeing the ‘wow’ expression on a person’s face

when they emerge after trying a slight tweak to their swimming stroke and getting an almost instant improvement.”

Every swimmer can be sure to find something positive at a Masters Swimming Club.

Dip your toe in with the ‘come and try’ sessions by reaching out to one of the Coast clubs.

Gosford Seagulls swim at Gosford Olympic Pool on Monday and Wednesday evenings; call Mike on 0439 628 559.

You’ll find the Ettalong Pelicans at Peninsula Leisure Centre on Thursday evenings; call Marion on 0413 827 479.

Toukley Aquatic Centre is home to the Wyong Wobbygongs on various evenings; call Byron on 0458 204 787.

Medals haul for Ettalong Pelicans

A team of seven from Ettalong Pelicans Masters Swimming Club brought home 27 medals from the Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG), held on the Gold Coast from November 6-9.

More than 15,000 athletes competed in 42 sports over the course of the Games, with 564 swimmers competing.

Ettalong finished in 20th

Mariners put young goalie on contract

Central Coast Mariners have signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan PeraicCullen to his first professional contract, keeping the Australian junior representative on the Coast until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

Peraic-Cullen arrived on the Coast at the beginning of the 2023 Academy season, after impressing for the Capital AllStars against the Mariners in a 2022 pre-season friendly at the age of just 16.

After being awarded a scholarship midway through 2023, the former Central Coast Sports College student continued to excel in the Academy, working closely with Danny Vukovic to develop his game.

He made his professional debut in Round One of the current Isuzu UTE A-League season against Melbourne Victory, becoming the Mariners’ youngest starting goalkeeper, and the Isuzu UTE A-League’s youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet when starting.

Peraic-Cullen has since retained the number one spot, playing six matches including two in the AFC Champions League Elite competition, keeping two clean sheets so far.

The goalkeeper also recently spent a week away with the Australian under-23s squad having been selected for their domestic training camp.

Head Coach Mark Jackson said the young player had exceptional talent and potential. “We want to secure our young players and help give them the platform to continue to get better and develop with us,” he said.

place from 93 countries and clubs competing from all over the world.

The Pelicans nabbed 11 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals with two PPMG records falling to Lauren Bradley and Meghan Cronin.

Bradley broke the 800 individual medley record and Cronin set a new Games record in the 800m backstroke.

Four of the competitors (from left): Mark Robertson, Shelley Barlin, Anne Birt and Lauren Bradley; Lauren Bradley (left) and Meghan Cronin

The Wyong Wobbygongs at Olympic Park

The Ettalong Pelicans

Dylan Peraic-Cullen

The Gosford Seagulls

Photo: Ben Hunt

Mariners women remain unbeaten

FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners women impressively continue their Ninja A-League campaign, remaining unbeaten in their opening three matches.

Coach Emily Husband was pleased when the team secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Melbourne City on Sunday, November 17, disrupting their opponents’ perfect start to the season.

Melbourne City had been in red-hot form, coming into the clash with five consecutive wins, including a dominant showing in the AFC Women’s

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is one of eight new members to be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame at an awards celebration held in Melbourne on November 18.

Tesch has represented Australia at seven Paralympic Games – five in wheelchair basketball and two in sailing.

She has won five medals, including two gold.

“This recognition by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is such an honour,” she said.

“It has been so wonderful taking a moment to remember the life I lived before I moved into representing my community in the NSW Parliament.

Club Championship last month, where they went three-forthree in their group games.

The match delivered fireworks from the start, with a fiveminute pulsating opening setting the tone.

City’s Alexia Apostolakis put the hosts ahead with a stunning strike just two minutes in.

But the Mariners responded quickly, as Annalise Rasmussen notched her first goal of the season to level the score before the five-minute mark.

City regained the lead in the 31st minute through a clever free-kick from Lourdes Bosch, whose low-driven shot slipped through a crowded box to

find the bottom corner.

The Mariners kept pushing and found their equaliser in the 76th minute as Izzy Gomez capitalised on a rebound from Jade Pennock’s parried shot, calmly slotting the ball home.

The goal capped off a remarkable week for Gomez, who received her first call-up to the Matildas just two days earlier.

The result marks back-toback away draws for the Mariners women.

They take on another Victorian team, Melbourne Victory, in the Sydney-based Unite Round at 2pm on Saturday, November 23.

Tesch inducted into hall of fame

“Sport has always been more than just the sport for me.

“It is a way of life which teaches self-discipline,

competitiveness, fitness, teamwork and leadership.

“But most importantly, sport is about the deep friendships

you make smashing goals and working together as a team to achieve what you set your mind to.

“Sport has taught me that no matter what you’re facing in life … with determination and a positive mindset, you can achieve anything.

“Sport has also given me a voice for advocacy and human rights for people with disability.

“I still have such incredible memories of my time representing Australia – in particular, winning silver in front of our home crowd during the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.

“The Sydney Paralympics was an absolute game changer.

“Having our home crowds see people with disability in a different light, as champions and incredible athletes, really changed how a whole generation viewed disability.”

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame recognises Australian athletes who have all achieved excellence at the highest level of their sport, sharing common values of respect, dignity, integrity, courage and humility.

Fellow inductees on November 18 were Mick Fanning, Sally Pearson, Mark Skaife, Karen Murphy, Mark Knowles, Gerry Ryan and Betty Watson.

The 2024 inductees join some of the nation’s biggest sporting names in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, including Sir Donald Bradman, Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Rod Laver, Louise Sauvage, Greg Norman, Lauren Jackson and many more.

Liesl Tesch at the awards ceremony

The Mariners women came away with draw against Melbourne City Photo CCM Media

WEDNESDAY 11 TH DECEMBER