Coast Community News 282 by Central Coast Newspapers

5 MARCH 2021

ISSUE 282

News

Chertsey kids shine at park opening

Pressure is mounting on the NSW Government to hold a public inquiry into the causes of Central Coast Council’s financial crisis... See page 3

Out&About

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, was on the Central Coast on Friday, February 26, to officially open the highly anticipated Gosford Leagues Club Park.

Live theatre is returning to the Coast, with the Laycock Street Community Theatre announcing a line-up of performers for its 2021 season.

See page 5

See page 17

Gardening

Five lucky students represented Chertsey Primary School at the opening of the Leagues Club Park in Gosford on February 26. See page 34 NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, opening Leagues Club Park with Chertsey Primary School students, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

LANDMARK INTERVIEW: Rik Hart, Council's Acting CEO, unpacks council's financial troubles - See our website for more

New CEO takes the reins With almost 40 years’ experience in local government in NSW and Queensland, David Farmer is the new Chief Executive Officer of Central Coast Council. His appointment was announced by Administrator, Dick Persson, at a press conference on March 2. An accountant by profession, Farmer will take up the position on April 12. “His experience is crucial in leading Council toward recovery and will provide strong reassurance to the community that the tough decisions taken now will not be wasted,” Persson said. “David has had up to 40 years’ experience in local

government in NSW and Queensland, with each of his last three roles involving major challenges in governance and finance. “These are the same challenges that face this Council and I’m encouraged knowing that David is well equipped in leading the Council through these issues. “David has a proven track record of success in operating large councils and has been selected based on this solid experience. “The Central Coast community should feel very reassured that a new and strong CEO will deliver the positive outcome everyone wants to see.” Farmer said at the press conference that it was going to

David Farmer

be a long-term process to earn the public trust and he would go on the journey with staff who have been traumatised by the Council situation. He has been the Chief Executive of four councils over the past 23 years; Mudgee in

western NSW, Cairns City in far north Queensland, his hometown of Wollongong and recently Ipswich City Council, the fastest growing council in Queensland. Each of his last three roles has involved major challenges in governance and finance. Farmer has assisted an elected council successfully return from a period of administration in both Wollongong and Ipswich. In Cairns he oversaw the recovery of the organisation, taking more than five years after a poorly implemented merger. This involved turning around a deteriorating financial situation and correcting a failed IT systems implementation.

Two of his proudest achievements are the major foreshore projects of the Cairns Esplanade and Wollongong’s Blue Mile. Across these diverse locations he has been able to partner in developing major industry growth in sectors such as tourism, agribusiness – particularly wine - and urban development. In Wollongong he led the city as it successfully transitioned from its dependence on its traditional industries of coal and steel making into tertiary sectors such as financial services and international education. Source: Media release, Mar 2 Central Coast Council

In response to a large volume of requests from readers, gardening guru, Cheralyn Darcey shares a range of organic measures to get rid of garden pests. See page 23

Sport

The Central Coast Mariners withstood a late charge to record a 2-1 win over Perth Glory, cementing their spot at the top of the A-League ladder. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

PAGE 2 5 MARCH 2021 CCN

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ABOUT US

Coast Community News is published weekly on a Friday by Central Coast Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family-owned business. CCN publishes three local, independent newspapers – Coast Community News, the Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 distribution points right across the Central Coast. Most of our stories, as well as our digital programs such as “Friday 5@5”, can be viewed online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au CCN aims to serve the interests of the community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful interests to account through high-quality, independent journalism without fear or prejudice; 2. To provide an affordable medium for local businesses to advertise their products and services, including discounted rates for eligible not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local issues and ensure that important public notices are available to ALL members of the community irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances. Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN Coast Community News would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win an Osmo Math Wizard Magical Workshop game.

sources, including media releases, websites and public notices. All our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www.coastcommunitynews. com.au/aboutus/editorialstandards Wherever possible, our news includes source lines that provide information about where information was sourced so that readers can judge for themselves the veracity of what they are reading. Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: Coast Community Pelican Post - Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News - Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Coast Community Chronicle - Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263. Coast Community News is published weekly and its coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, Gosford. Ross Barry, Publisher

Maths can be stressful enough as it is, especially in the foundational years of a child’s schooling. Osmo’s new Math Wizard series aims to quell the anxiety around maths to prevent delayed learning and understanding of the subject, by allowing kids aged 6-8 to learn at their own pace, experiencing maths through fun, hands-on, narrative and adventure-driven games, where kids actually learn maths by touching, manipulating, and experimenting how it is used every day. Magical Workshop (available for iPad retails AUD$99.99 at playosmo.com and jbhifi.com. au), is an addition and subtraction adventure, where

DO YOU WANT TO SEND US A STORY? CCN welcomes contributions from all members of the community, including citizen reports, media releases and letters to the Editor. All contributions should be emailed to editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us in our publications and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce information at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial standards.

For your chance to win, write your full name, address and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News Math Wizard Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on March 17. The winners of the Airfly Competition were Jason Cruisy of Ourimbah and Morgan Bloodworth of Lisarow.

kids brew potions with dragon claws and sparkle dust to master place value, and they continue their quest by counting balloons to help dragons fly! Magical Workshop contains a collection of four games and the box contains: 1 Mixing Mat; 2 Sticker Sheets; 1 Spell Book; 28 Counting Cubes; 6 Counting Rods.

DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE? All requests for advertising should be directed to manager@centralcoastnews.net. Advertising rates are impacted by three key things: – the size of the advertisement, e.g. a half-page or a one-quarter page; the number of editions that the advertisement runs; and the number of newspapers (one, two or three) in which the advertisement is run. CCN offers significant discounts for advertisements that run over multiple editions and across multiple newspapers –

Letters to the Editor will generally be published in their original but possibly edited form, while other published material sent to us may vary from its original form. Material that is offensive, defamatory or overtly political will not be published. We may publish promotional information based on our assessment of the level of genuine news content, and any material used which is clearly advertorial in nature, will be marked as such.

Next Edition: Coast Community News 283

see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au/ aboutus/advertisingrates We also offer discounts for not-for-profit organisations and other community groups. Advertisers are invited to talk to us about becoming a DIGITAL PARTNER, which provides exclusive opportunities to promote your product, services or events on our digital platform as well. If you would like to be a DIGITAL PARTNER please call us on 0401 000 475 or email us at keeper@centralcoastnews.net

Deadline: March 10 Publication date: March 12

2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Merilyn Vale, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Maisy Rae, Haakon Barry - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

19 FEBRUARY 2021

26 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 280 24 FEBRUARY 2021

News

It’s opening!!

Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

ISSUE 227

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Molly Picklum wins her first World Surf League pro series

News

25 FEBRUARY 2021

News

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, while accepting responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice”...

See page 8

Out&About

Woy Woy is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

A free community event on the day will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day... See page 17

Business

The first event in the World Surf League’s (WSL) 2021 Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series came to its conclusion on Friday, February 19, with Shelly Beach resident and newly risen young gun, Molly Picklum, taking out first place.

See story page 4 The revamped Leagues Club Field is set to open on February 27

Exclusive

Sacked CEO sets the record straight

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has accepted responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

CCN

Murphy, who has been blamed by Administrator Dick Persson for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered. He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact restricted funds were being used for operational purposes. Murphy has added his voice to those calling for an inquiry

Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

in the Council’s finances. He says that because the impact has been so farreaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said he has been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30-day report. He tells his side of the story about claims he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months. Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

organised a review of the books to check the Council was financially stable. He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019. “Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said. The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”. The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks; to improve the budget process and develop a robust long-term financial strategy. Continued page 12

See page 25

Sport

BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Labor MPs strengthen their call for an Inquiry into Council problems The four Labor MPs on the Central Coast have individually given notice in State Parliament that they will each be putting Motions at the next sitting of Parliament in March calling for an independent inquiry into the financial collapse of Central Coast Council. The MPs David Harris, Yasmin Catley, David Mehan and Liesl Tesch want Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, to establish an inquiry to examine the financial position of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils pre-merger, factors post-merger and the role of councillors and the executive. Harris said that we now know why the financial difficulties

happened, but now it is about the structural weaknesses of Council and the problems that it has faced since amalgamation. Catley said the “triple whammy” of service cuts, staff layoffs and rate increases showed that there was a structural problem underpinning the Liberals’ decision to amalgamate the two councils. Administrator, Dick Persson, has previously said that amalgamation costs were not one of the major contributing factors to Council’s financial difficulties. Harris said that one of the causes is because Central Coast is one of the largest councils in the state and the only Council in the Illawarra,

Sydney and Hunter that operates water and sewerage in-house. “A lot of the cost over run and the debt is actually related to water and sewerage,” he said. “If you separate the figures for water and sewerage instead of combining them with general operations, it actually paints quite a different picture. “Most of the $317M debt that was carried over was water and sewerage debt. “The water and sewer should be set up as a separate business. “It can still be within Council, but the financials and assets would be separate, like it used to be under the Joint Water Authority,” Harris said. He said that Wyong used to

have its water department and Gosford had its own, and there was a Joint Water Authority, but when they merged the councils, they brought it all under one roof. “I’ve written to the Administrator asking some questions about how the water and sewerage fits in with the puzzle because if you go through the financials when they had the overrun it was all water related, such as $1.3M added for a generator at Mooney and the Mardi to Warnervale water pipeline, which were included in the general Council figures. “They are very major projects, but they’re water and sewerage related, and other councils don’t have those costs in their

Sue Murray

Aged care nurses and supporters protested in Gosford on February 24 to highlight the need for staffing ratios...

Macmasters Beach artist and author, Nina Angelo, is currently showcasing her artwork series, Show & Tell, at Like Minds café at Avoca Beach. See page 19

The Coast’s own Jemma Rix is starring as Elsa in the hit musical Frozen at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre.

Business

Education

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, was in Killarney Vale on February 26 for the sod turning ceremony to mark the start of a major upgrade at Brooke Avenue Public School.

See page 17

Charlie Hunter, is setting new heights for Australian middle distance running in the US, he has set three new Australian records. See page 40

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Peninsula ratepayers could end up paying 42 per cent more in rates on average from next year if IPART approves a 15 per cent rate rise. The added increase comes from the harmonisation of rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas. Calculations on how much some residents would pay with the proposed 15 per cent rate rise increased to 42 per cent for some ratepayers, Central Coast Council has conceded, if you include harmonisation. The Council has adjusted the figures by which average rate bills will increase or decrease in its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

There are still winners: former Wyong residents will pay less than they are now, albeit the average reduction has gone down to $2 a week, from $3 a week. But residents of the former Gosford Council area have done the sums and worked out the increase for some areas is actually more like 42 per cent. Council agrees and says it is a difficult message to get across when there are two steps involved. Step one is the harmonisation of rates between the two former council areas and step two is the 15 per cent rise, if approved. Step one will mean that on average, Wyong ratepayers will pay an average of 20 per cent less on land valued at 43 per

cent less than Gosford land. For former Gosford area ratepayers, step one sees them paying an extra 25 per cent on average on land valued 43 per cent higher than Wyong land. Then the 15 per cent rate rise will be added, if IPART agrees. So, Gosford area ratepayers, including Peninsula residents, will pay on average about 4042 per cent more. Wyong residents will pay on average about 10 per cent less than they do now. Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, explained the system when she was interviewed by Scott Levi on ABC radio last week. One caller said the figures Council had submitted to IPART showed the percentages.

“I think most (former) Gosford ratepayers, like myself, will be shocked and horrified to learn they are actually being slugged with a massive 42 per cent rate hike rather than the 10 per cent or 15 per cent numbers they heard during the consultation,” the caller said. He accused Administrator Dick Persson of being economical with the truth in not providing the real percentage increases during the consultation. He said Persson hid behind sound bites like $7 a week but even that was inaccurate. “The figures he has lodged with IPART show the average Gosford increase to be significantly more than that at over $420 per year,” he said. Cowley said the caller was

completely correct. She agreed the $7 a week cited was actually more than $8 a week. She explained that rates had been legally frozen since amalgamation and legally had to be harmonised this year. Cowley said IPART wanted the Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) calculations, not the blended figures of the rate harmonisation with the rate rise, even though the Council’s numbers had to include both. “We just have not blended the two processes,” she said. The caller responded that he didn’t believe the Council was being transparent. Merilyn Vale

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy gives his perspective. See page 26

Sport

Killcare SLSC is reminding community members of the importance of surf safety, respecting ocean conditions, and swimming in between the flags. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

See page 3

Out&About

An e-petition calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council has reached its target of 20,000 signatures and will now be debated in State Parliament. At 2pm on February 25, the number of signatures had reached 21,141, a day short of the petition’s February 26 deadline. Organised by two residents, Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton, the petition asks the State Government to hold a judicial inquiry into the financial crisis facing Council, which has seen it argue it needs a rate rise of 15 per cent on top of rate harmonisation. It needed to attract 20,000 signatures by February 26 to ensure it is debated in Parliament and in less than three weeks achieved its target.

Petition organisers Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton Photo: Merilyn Vale

The petition calls for an inquiry into how the financial crisis happened, who is responsible and what reforms are needed to the Local Government Act to protect the community in the future. It also asks what impact the amalgamation had on the problems and if councillors and senior staff were negligent in their duty to properly manage

the Council and whether they have been dealt with appropriately. The petition also requests the Minister for Local Government delay any application by the Council to IPART for a Special Rate Variation and any decision on the sale of Council assets until residents can consider the findings of the judicial inquiry and its recommendations.

Greene said she and Hamilton were thrilled at the community’s response. “It’s such an important thing to find out what’s been going on with our Council,” she said. “The message from the Administrator that we are so called shareholders and we are responsible for the debt of this Council - I think that really

shocked people. “And if that’s the case maybe Council shouldn’t be allowed to have debt.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, congratulated the women for their work in putting the petition together. “I think the Central Coast community has spoken very clearly about what they not happy with in regard to Council,” he said. “I welcome this petition. “I met with Susan and Marianne and encouraged them to do it; I think it’s a great opportunity to show what the Central Coast feels about this.” You can still add your name to, the petition at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ la/Pages/epetitions-list.aspx Terry Collins

Clean up Australia Day is on Sunday, March 7, offering many locals the chance to act and help clean up our beaches and lakes, parks, bush land and streets. See page 17

Health

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, was on the Central Coast on Friday, February 26, to officially open the highly anticipated Gosford Leagues Club Park.

Live theatre is returning to the Coast, with the Laycock Street Community Theatre announcing a line-up of performers for its 2021 season.

See page 5

See page 17

Gardening

Five lucky students represented Chertsey Primary School at the opening of the Leagues Club Park in Gosford on February 26. See page 34

See full story, page 37

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, opening Leagues Club Park with Chertsey Primary School students, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Online petition for judicial inquiry into Council reaches target

Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

Sport

Pressure is mounting on the NSW Government to hold a public inquiry into the causes of Central Coast Council’s financial crisis...

See page 5

See page 17

Bateau Bay resident Ben Brown is one of two peer support workers involved with a new... See page 33

ISSUE 282

News

Chertsey kids shine at park opening

Out&About

See page 12

Woy Woy resident, Brendan Abbott, has been awarded second prize in the Australia-wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach.

See page 17

News

NSW Labor is demanding that the Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, put her hand up and take responsibility for the Council mess.

See page 5

Out&About

A small group of residents gathered outside the Ettalong Centrelink on February 12 as it prepared to close its doors for the last time

The Aboriginal story of the Wyong area and Tuggerah Lakes is being told in a huge mural by artist Jodie Freeman at the historic Alison Homestead.

Health

Council concedes Peninsula rates could rise by 42 per cent books because Sydney Water and Hunter Water do that. “This isn’t saying that it should be privatised or anything like that, but the general Council accounts and the water and sewerage accounts should be split so that the residents can actually see the two separate operations. “The Administrator in his report said that Council’s bank account took a hit because of the IPART decision on water and sewerage, a loss to Council of $39M. “Water should pay for itself, so that it’s not a $39M hit to general revenue, and the charges for water should cover that,” Harris said.

ISSUE 228

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Premier launches start of major upgrade

News

See page 39 Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March...

5 MARCH 2021 3 MARCH 2021

News

Jemma lets it go

See page 12

See page 8

Out&About

Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

ISSUE 281

ISSUE 008

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

Award for Woy Woy photographer

Principal Owen Dalkeith (left), school vice captain and school captain, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Kirsten Booker from the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

To encourage teamwork and cohesion, Year 9 Advisor at Central Coast Sports College, Richard Moolman, took his students to complete the Raw Challenge to see how they went up against mud, obstacles and slides. See page 35

Sport

Central Coast Crusaders’ small forward, Matthew Kenyon, has played a key role in the Australian Boomers win over New Zealand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifier. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

David Farmer, an accountant by profession, and with almost 40 years’ experience in local government in NSW and Queensland, is the new Chief Executive Officer of Central Coast Council. His appointment was announced by Administrator, Dick Persson, at a press conference on Tuesday, March 2. Farmer will take up the position on April 12. “His experience is crucial in leading Council toward recovery and will provide strong reassurance to the community that the tough decisions taken now will not be wasted,” Persson said.

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast Council has a new Chief Executive Officer

“Each of his last three roles involved major challenges in governance and finance. “These are the same challenges that face this Council and I’m encouraged knowing that David is well equipped in leading the Council through these issues. “David has a proven track record of success in operating large councils and has been selected based on this solid experience. “The Central Coast community should feel very reassured that a new and strong CEO will deliver the positive outcome that everyone wants to see,” Persson said. Farmer said at the press conference that it was going to be a long-term process to earn

David Farmer

public trust and that he would go on the journey with staff who have been traumatised by the Council situation. He has been the Chief Executive of four councils over the past 23 years, being

Mudgee in western NSW, Cairns City in far north Queensland, his hometown of Wollongong, and recently as the CEO of Ipswich City Council, the fastest growing Council in Queensland. Farmer has assisted an elected council successfully return from a period of administration at both Wollongong and Ipswich. At Cairns, he oversaw the recovery of the organisation, taking more than five years, after a poorly implemented merger. This involved turning around a deteriorating financial situation and correcting a failed IT systems implementation. Two of his proudest achievements are the major

LANDMARK INTERVIEW: Rik Hart, Council's Acting CEO, unpacks council's financial troubles - See our webiste for more

foreshore projects of the Cairns Esplanade and Wollongong’s Blue Mile. Across these diverse locations he has been able to partner in developing major industry growth in sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, particularly wine, and urban development. In Wollongong he led the city as it successfully transitioned from its dependence on its traditional industries of coal and steel making into tertiary sectors such as financial services and international education. Source: Media release, Mar 2 Central Coast Council

Central Coast Local Health District’s free childhood immunisation drop-in clinics have resumed practising across the Coast. See page 33

Sport

Tascott based high jumper, Nicola McDermott, has reached the Olympic qualifying mark at the Coles Summer Super Series in Canberra on February 25. See page 40

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

David Farmer

In response to a large volume of requests from readers, gardening guru, Cheralyn Darcey shares a range of organic measures to get rid of garden pests. See page 23

Sport

The Central Coast Mariners withstood a late charge to record a 2-1 win over Perth Glory, cementing their spot at the top of the A-League ladder. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

/centralcoastnewspapers

/CoastNewspapers

2021 OFFICIAL

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS

PAGE 3 5 MARCH 2021

Pressure mounts for public inquiry into Council crisis Pressure is mounting on the NSW Government to hold a public inquiry into the causes of Central Coast Council’s financial crisis, with an e-petition which attracted more than 20,000 signatures set to be debated in Parliament on May 6. While the e-petition calls for a judicial inquiry, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the Local Government Act does not provide an option for a judicial inquiry, but does allow for a public inquiry. He has indicated he would welcome such an inquiry and denied claims that Premier Gladys Berejiklian had indicated she is not in favour. “The Premier never said that she doesn’t support an inquiry into the Council,” Crouch said. “(She) did say that the NSW Government will make a decision at the conclusion of the Administrator’s term on April 29. “While the Administrator has exposed the cause of Council’s debt, I believe that further investigations will be required over the next few months.” Regardless of how the debate

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren (front) and Coast Labor MPs (from left) Liesl Tesch (Gosford), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), David Mehan (The Entrance) and David Harris (Wyong)

goes in Parliament, the ultimate decision on whether or not an inquiry is held will rest with Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, who will choose at the end of the period of administration to either reinstate the councillors or commence an inquiry. But Central Coast Labor MPs say the community doesn’t have to wait that long. They say the Premier has the power to call for a judicial inquiry immediately and it could be held and completed

within months - well before the next local government elections in September of this year. NSW Labor is specifically calling for an investigation of how the amalgamation of the former Gosford and Wyong councils have impacted Council’s finances. Coast Labor MPs claim the amalgamation was a “financial catastrophe”, despite the fact that Council Administrator, Dick Persson, has stated that while amalgamation costs were a contributing factor to the

financial crisis, they were not the major cause. Labor MPs are not convinced and called on March 2 for the State Government to “foot the bill for the excessive and crippling costs associated with the merger” and allow residents to hold a referendum into the possible demerger of the Council. Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren, said it was clear the “shotgun marriage” between Gosford and Wyong councils did not

work. Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, said allowing Central Coast residents to hold a referendum examining a possible demerger was the fair and sensible option. “The government must let residents on The Central Coast have their say and make a decision about their future,” Mehan said. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said a public inquiry was “non-negotiable”. “Our community must have

transparency and certainty moving forward,” she said. But Crouch said the councils were never forcibly merged. “Central Coast Council was voluntarily formed in 2016 with majority support from councillors, and strong support from our community,” he said. “A voting bloc of six Labor councillors and two Independent councillors presided over endless confidential meetings where the Council’s appalling financial situation was concealed from the community and the NSW Government.” Whether Minister Hancock opts for a public inquiry or not, it is unlikely to be early enough to have any impact on a decision on a proposed rate rise of 15 per cent. A decision on the Special Rate Variation requested by Central Coast Council will be handed down by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) sometime in May. The e-petition called on the State Government to hold a judicial inquiry before any decision was made on a rate rise. Terry Collins

Central Coast, it's time to talk water, sewer and stormwater prices. Did you know your water, sewer and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)? Central Coast Council is currently preparing a submission for IPART's next review of the prices for the Coast and we want to ensure your views are considered. We want to ﬁnd out what's important to you about how we provide water, sewer and stormwater services. This information will then be used to form our submission to IPART. Have your say by completing our online survey.

Council are required to prepare and lodge this submission on water, sewer and stormwater prices due to timing previously set by IPART – it has not been brought forward in line with Council's application to IPART for a Special Variation on rates.

yourvoiceourcoast.com

PAGE 4 5 MARCH 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

No action on wetland weeds A year after Coast Community News reported an uncontrolled weed infestation at the Springfield Wetland, residents are frustrated that a solution is still not in sight. The iconic wetland is partly owned by Central Coast Council, with the remainder in private ownership. While Council has acted to remove invasive weeds on its section of the wetland, the privately-owned section remains inundated with a proliferation of three noxious aquatic weeds, putting the wetland in peril and other waterways at risk. Friends of Springfield Pond Wetland spokesperson, Glenys Ray, said the issue had a long history and she had raised it with Council Administrator, Dick

Persson, at the Council’s February 23 meeting. “I spoke from the heart about the passion we have for this wetland and our frustration at the lack of any action on behalf of the landowner,” Ray said. “The community feels strongly about the importance of this wetland. “Our first shock was at how quickly the three weeds spread over Christmas, 2016. “Our second shock was that only half the wetland was in Council ownership and the other half is part of a 4ha property, privately owned.” Previously a refuge for flocks of a diverse range of birds the wetland has seen a drastic reduction in wildlife, with fears the noxious weeds could spread to other waterways by air-borne seeds.

Glenys Ray at the infested Springfield Wetland

Council made use of a $125,000 grant from the State Government to remove weeds on its side of the wetland in 2019, but the owner rejected a suggestion to take advantage of the large machinery Council was using and share the costs, Ray said.

She said residents were grateful for Council’s collaboration in removing weeds from its section but were frustrated that negotiations with the landowner to address the remainder were still ongoing. “Council told me it had initially tried to work with the landowner

and had now commenced enforcement action,” she said. “I can’t believe that he is still refusing to do what we believe is legally and morally right and that Council has to waste time and resources on placing orders on him.” Ray said Administrator Dick Persson had told her he hoped a resolution was “imminent”. A spokesperson confirmer that Council staff were in “continuing discussions” with the landowner. “Council staff will consider application of powers conferred through the Biosecurity Act 2015 as required in the resolution of this matter,” the spokesperson said. “It is hoped that through current negotiations the landowner will undertake actions to manage the infestation of weeds, otherwise

enforcement action will be required. “It is unfortunate that weeds such as Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) are so prolific and readily dispersed in our environment and that for many weeds such as this, eradication altogether from our environment will not be achievable. “Much focus is provided by Council’s biosecurity officers each year in identifying potential new weed incursions on the Central Coast, and preventing those weeds from getting a foothold, so that they do not become a problem like already established weeds such as Salvinia.” Attempts to contact the owner of the privately owned section of the wetland were unsuccessful. Terry Collins

Coast Connect Central Coast Council’s weekly news and community information

From Council In looking into what has gone wrong with the Council, I formed a strong view that a major contributor was the 15-member council. Fifteen councillors are too large a number if you want them to act collaboratively. While a smaller number provides no guarantee, nine people would increase chances significantly. Part of the Councillor’s job is to act as a governing board over a very large business. This is the piece they messed up. Too often key actors played politics instead of acting in the interest of ratepayers. Just look at some of the last council meetings on the website. To change the number of elected councillors there needs to be a 50% plus vote at a referendum. This is something the people can decide at the ballot box. Accordingly, I have announced that there will be a referendum on this question at the time of the September election. The question will ask if you agree to reduce the number of councillors from 15 to 9. If the number changes, then there would need to be a change to the Ward structure. The choice would be between having no wards (councillors represent the whole Central Coast), or there would be three wards, each having three councillors. I am seeking your opinion on this and a formal consultation starts this week. I look forward to hearing from you. Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Provide feedback on water, sewerage and stormwater prices

Water, sewerage and stormwater prices are set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), who undertake a review of pricing every four years. To meet this timeline, we are required to propose pricing for these services by September 2021, that will take effect from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2026. It is important to note that this does not mean prices go up automatically.

In 2018, we proposed a modest reduction in the water usage charge and a harmonisation of the services charges across the Central Coast, following community consultation. IPART then determined Council’s prices to be significantly less again than the reduction we proposed. Community feedback is a crucial part of putting together Council’s proposal.

We need to asses and understand how much it costs to produce water and balance that with what the community think is a reasonable price to pay for this essential service. Have your say by completing an online survey at yourvoiceourcoast.com/waterpricing

The four-year reoccurring review of water, sewer and stormwater prices is completely separate to Council’s on-off Special Variation application – they have just happened to occur around the same time.

Council meeting

To find out when the next Council meeting is and to view it online go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ meetings

Development Applications and Consents Development Applications and Consents can be inspected at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au by searching ‘Development Applications’ or in person at Council offices in Gosford and Wyong 8.30am-5pm weekdays.

Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2019, submissions on Development Applications are required to be published on our website. Submissions lodged using Council’s DA Submission Form or online portal will have personal contact details and signature redacted. All other submissions will be published in full. Your submission may also be reproduced in full in Council reports or in Court proceedings.

Future water options

It is important that we continue to plan for the Central Coast’s future water needs and there are many things we need to consider to ensure there will be enough water for the Central Coast into the future.

We are currently investigating and considering nine different water option types: •

Conservation of water

•

Desalination

• • • • • • •

Dams

Groundwater

Recycled water (non-drinking) Stormwater harvesting

Water sharing between regions Purified recycled water

Environmental flow substitution

You can learn more about each of these options by reading the factsheets and video available on yourvoiceourcoast.com. Simply search ‘Planning our water future’.

We also want to better understand how you feel about the different water supply and demand option types we are considering, and invite you to take the survey available on the same website.

Council’s financial situation

Council has adopted a Recovery Action Plan that will review all aspects of Council’s operations. For up-to-date information search ‘news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Be the

first

to know!

at Sign up today .gov.au/ sw .n centralcoast enews

Council Offices 2 Hely St Wyong / 49 Mann St Gosford | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 1300 463 954 NEXT ISSUE Don’t miss the next issue. Sign up for our e-news at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NEWS

PAGE 5 5 MARCH 2021

Leagues Club Park opens NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, was on the Central Coast on Friday, February 26, to officially open the highly anticipated Gosford Leagues Club Park. The $10M play space features a tidal terrace, nature-inspired play equipment, barbecue shelters, new toilets and a green field space. The Premier unveiled the park’s plaque with help from Chertsey Primary School students, who had helped decorate the totem poles with their hand prints. Berejiklian said Leagues Club Park was another example of

the NSW Government’s commitment to investing in public space that would benefit locals and attract visitors from all over NSW. “The Central Coast is a rapidly growing part of the state and projects like Leagues Club Park strengthen its appeal as a destination while creating economic benefits,” she said. “The park is a major revitalisation project for the Central Coast and demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment in driving urban transformation.” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, was also present at the opening

and said the park set the standard for what’s possible in a city park, creating an inclusive public space that will act as Gosford’s new cultural hub. “We’ve gone beyond a plastic playground and jungle gym to create a park that brings nature into an urban centre, with an innovative tidal terrace, natureinspired play equipment and quality green space,” Stokes said. “The space was designed from the ground up to encourage visitors – regardless of age, background or ability – to explore and play in line with the Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said interactive Aboriginal art, designed by local artist Gavi Duncan, celebrates the Indigenous significance of the site. “The Central Coast has an incredibly strong Aboriginal community and I am so pleased the Darkinjung have been front and centre of the planning and construction of Leagues Club Park,” Crouch said. Source Media release, Feb 26 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, enjoy a stroll through the new park

One-woman pothole warning system One Saratoga women is doing her bit to keep the community safe, spray painting circles and love hearts around potholes in her neighbourhood. Jennifer Hartich said unfinished road works on Moonah Ave, Warilda St, Davistown Rd, and further onto Malumba Ave, Saratoga, have caused large potholes to form and left loose bitumen on the

road, making it unsafe for the community. “The Council said they would clean it up so it would be safe; it is not safe,” Hartich said. “I call them little volcanos erupting everywhere on the road between Moonah Ave and Warilda St. “We have a seam opening right up at Malumba Ave, which I have watched cars go over, and it was spongy, and you

could see the road moving. “There are potholes everywhere, it is so uneven and such a mess that we have to drive slow. “This is why I have sprayed all of these potholes.” Hartich said her biggest concern is the unsafe environment the uneven road causes for children and the elderly getting off the bus. “One gentleman was telling

me that he is afraid when he has to get on and off the bus, as he is walking with a walking frame and thinks he might have an accident and might fall over.” To assist her, members of the community have started donating more paint cans so she can continue highlighting the holes. A Central Coast Council spokesperson said the recent

stage of works undertaken in 2020 at the intersections of Moonah Ave and Warilda St had been concluded in December last year to reduce capital works expenditure due to Council’s financial situation. “There are currently no further upgrade works for Davistown Road planned for the 2020/21 financial year” the spokesperson said.

Memorial Sites Available at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

Located in a picturesque, woodland location, Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens are a conveniently located and stunning venue. The chapel is fitted with audio-visual facilities and spacious seating, with livestreaming available for services. Enquire with the friendly team about prepaid memorial sites in the stunning gardens today.

02 4369 2013

palmdalegroup.com.au

Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 6 5 MARCH 2021

NEWS

Central Coast voters will be asked to consider reducing the number of councillors from 15 to 9 and a consequent re-evaluation of the Ward system when they go to the polls for the local government election on September 4. Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the current number of councillors should be reduced to nine for better governance and collaboration for the

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Referendum set for September 4 benefit of all residents. “As you know I’ve been looking into what went wrong here (with Council’s financial collapse), who’s at fault, what we can do about it and how we get out of it,” he said. Persson said he had formed a strong view that a major contributor to Council’s financial disaster was the 15-member Council. Persson said 15 councillors was too large number if Council was to “act collaboratively”.

“While a smaller number provides no guarantee, nine people would increase chances significantly,” he said. “Part of the councillors’ job is to act as a governing board over a very large business. “This is the piece they messed up. “Too often key actors played politics instead of acting in the interest of ratepayers. “Just look at some of the last Council meetings on the website.”

Persson said to change the number of councillors, there would need to be a 50 per cent plus vote at the ballot box. “Accordingly, I have announced that there will be a referendum on this question at the time of the September election,” he said. “The question will ask if you agree to reduce the number of councillors from 15 to 9. “If the number changes, then there would need to be a change to the Ward structure.”

A survey on the Wards issue is now open to the public. “The choice would be between having no wards (councillors represent the whole Central Coast), or three wards, each having three councillors,” Persson said. “Ward systems require the same number of councillors in each ward, so if we went for nine councillors, then we’d need three wards (as opposed to the current five wards). “There are arguments for and

against and the information we will be providing will help you identify the pros and cons of the different options and when I’ve heard from the community I’ll make my decision and go forward with a referendum.” For more information and to complete the survey go to Council’s website yourvoiceourcoast.com Terry Collins

Copa Men’s Shed plans on hold Plans to build a Men’s Shed at Copacabana in January were dealt a blow when Central Coast Council refused to allow any construction to begin until the project is fully financed. Copacabana Men’s Shed Committee had intended to begin building while continuing to apply for additional grant funding. “This is very disappointing because it was always our intention to complete the shed in two stages and it was our understanding that Council

accepted this,” Shed Coordinator, Mike Mitchelmore, said. “We have applied for numerous grants over the last year but have been unsuccessful owing to the volume of applications and limited funds available. “In our last application only six per cent of applications received funding.” The committee has launched a public GoFundMe Campaign and is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses to raise the $110,000 needed to

complete the project. “The aim is to raise enough funds to fully complete all aspects of the shed and have a fully functioning and operational shed from day one after completion of the build,” Mitchelmore said. “The committee would like to ask all residents to consider making a donation. “Even if it is only the price of a coffee, it will help us towards reaching our target.” A Central Coast Council spokesperson said the development application for a

Men’s Shed on Council-owned land at 86A Copacabana Dr was approved by the Local Planning Panel on August 6, 2020, following the receipt of 15 submissions/objections to the proposal. “There have been some very minor amendments to the approval, including permission to remove one additional tree that was shown to be in poor condition,” the spokesperson said. “Before entering into an agreement to lease the land, Council has a responsibility to

ensure the association has secured adequate funding to fully complete the construction of the proposed development. “This avoids a situation where the construction may be partially completed, should funding issues arise, which would pose a safety risk to the community and open Council up to the risk of needing to take on the liability to complete the project.” The Shed committee thanked the following businesses which have already signed up as part of the sponsorship drive: Emma

Kennedy from Central Real Capital; Adam Lowe from Adam Lowe Earthmoving Pty Ltd; Scot Harvey from George Brand Real Estate’ and Andrew and Peta Thomson from Stone Real Estate. Sponsorship details are available at copamensshed. org.au You can contribute to the fundraising campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/ please-help-us-make-copasmens-shed-a-reality. Terry Collins

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads

Police and Emergency Services Public housing

Trains and public transport

Authorised by Liesl Tesch, 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

How can I help?

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 4342 4122 Peninsula News - half page - Aug 20.indd 1

30/10/2020 10:20:13 AM

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

New funding for sand dune restoration Forresters Beach, Wamberal Lagoon, The Ruins at Wamberal and Winney Bay at Copacabana are four of nine sites identified on the Central Coast for dune stabilisation and restoration works to be funded with a State Government grant of $82,750. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the funding boost would enable Central Coast Council to carry out regeneration and dune stabilisation activities, as well as targeted weed management along the coastline.

“Revegetating dunes is a simple but effective way of retaining sand on our beaches and reducing the impacts of coastal erosion,” Crouch said. “Council submitted a compliant application through the Coastal and Estuary Grant Program, and the NSW Government is pleased to provide this funding.” Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the funding would help Council undertake targeted weed management, regeneration and dune stabilisation activities across some of the Coast’s most vulnerable beaches.

NEWS

PAGE 7 5 MARCH 2021

“Central Coast beaches are amongst the most dynamic on the east coast of Australia,” Persson said. “We are thankful for this funding contribution which will see Council remove invasive weeds and replenish the dunes with native species to improve their natural defence against severe weather events.” Other sites to share in the funding are: Hargraves Beach (Noraville); Shelly Beach; Putty Beach (Killcare); Pearl Beach; and Umina Beach. Source: Media release, Mar 3 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Forresters Beach is one of the sites to be regenerated

JP services continue The NSW Justices Association has advised that Justice of the Peace sessions are alive and well on the Central Coast. Director of Marketing, Kevin O’Donnell; said JP services were among the first community desks to re-open under COVID safe conditions.

“We reopened in July 2020,” he said. “Lend Lease at Erina Fair assisted us with privacy screens to protect the JP and client, markings on the floor, separating the desks and providing hand sanitisers. “The Council libraries similarly have provided all the necessary privacy screens, QR

sign ins and hand sanitisers. “We are offering nine desks each week on the Central Coast from Gosford to Umina under totally safe conditions.” O’Donnell said there was a continuing need for more JPs to expand the service’s footprint on the Central Coast. “We still are not allowed to

sign ‘Proof of Life’ certificates in NSW, as per JP services regulations,” he said. “Centrelink staff can sign these certificates to offset pensions in Australia from overseas governments. “We are still not covered by indemnity by the Government, as are other states, if we accidently make a mistake

while executing our duties. “The NSW Justice Association has provided an indemnity cover for members working on community desks across NSW.” JP Services are available at: Erina Fair, 9am-1pm Monday and Thursday; Imperial Centre, Gosford, 9am-1pm Monday; Gosford Library, 9.30am-1pm

Tuesday and Friday; Erina Library, 9.30am-1pm Wednesday; Umina Library, 9.30am-1pm Monday and Wednesday; and Kincumber Library, 9am-1pm Friday. Source: Media release, Mar 1 NSW Justices Association

1 and 2 bedroom units for sale Yallambee village Surrounded by thirteen acres of pristine landscaped grounds and gardens Variety of plans and aspects to choose from bush view, water views, courtyard or balcony

24 hour emergency response team Daily pharmaceutical service Village bus transport to local shopping centres, onsite café Recreational activities

Enquire today 4349 2300

www.evergreenlifecare.org.au

PAGE 8 5 MARCH 2021

NEWS

CEN asks residents to put biodiversity before bikes The Community Environment Network (CEN) is urging residents to put biodiversity before bikes by making a submission against Central Coast Council’s plans for a full-blown Mountain Bike Strategy. CEN spokesperson Jackie Pearson said a discussion paper on the issue, which is on public exhibition until March 22, is flawed. Pearson said Council is considering a strategy to build and manage mountain bike tracks and parks in Councilowned reserves, including in the Coastal Open Space System (COSS). “The Community Environment Network supports mountain biking but we are concerned about its suitability in the Coastal Open Space System (COSS),” Pearson said. “We are urging our members, supporters and the broader community to oppose any plans to build new trails in COSS or approve existing illegal trails. “The discussion paper acknowledges that the construction of unauthorised mountain bike trails poses

environmental, heritage and reputational risk to Council as well as significant community concern for the protection of COSS described as ‘highly valued by the community’. But Pearson said the

discussion paper’s section on environmental impacts is inadequate. “(It) has no information about Endangered Ecological Communities and Regionally Significant species found in

Council reserves,” she said. “It fails to inform the community about the fragility of the fauna and flora in COSS. “The discussion paper does not consider the environmental value of the reserves that could

become regional mountain bike parks. “It understates the damage already caused by illegal trail building and use (and) fails to mention the illegal tree removal, damage to hanging

swamps and rainforest, interference with creeks and damage to sandstone platforms that has already occurred. “Turning Kincumba, Rumbalara, Katandra or Ferntree reserves into a regional mountain bike facility has the potential to completely undermine their biodiversity value.” Pearson said the extensive network of illegal trails through COSS has already resulted in significant environmental damage. “Council’s draft trails approval process implies mountain bike groups will be able to propose sites for new trails in an openended fashion, posing the risk of environmental degradation across swathes of bushland,” she said. “If residents think sensitive COSS lands need to be kept for passive recreation and conservation and other, more appropriate, locations found for mountain bike riding, we urge them to have a say before March 22 at yourvoiceourcoast. com.au.” Source: Media release, Mar 3 Community Environment Network

Caring for our community • • • • 204/1 Bryant Drive PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259

COVID-19 Medicare NDIS Centrelink

02 4353 0127

• • • •

NBN Veterans’ Affairs Jobs & Training Congratulatory Messages

I Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au I emmamcbride.com.au

Authorised by Emma McBride, ALP, 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 9 5 MARCH 2021

Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute Opens Mid-2021 Around 550 student places for medical and allied health students administered by the University of Newcastle. $85 million project jointly funded by the Federal and NSW State Governments and the University of Newcastle at Gosford Hospital.

Creating hundreds of local jobs in the heart of Gosford.

LUCY WICKS MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 lucy.wicks.mp@aph.gov.au

lucywicksmp.com

LucyWicksMP

Authorised by Lucy Wicks MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

02 4322 2400

PAGE 10 5 MARCH 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Kangy Angy rail facility officially opened The first New Intercity Fleet trains are set to enter service on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line over the coming months and the region is ready to service and maintain them. The new multi-million-dollar Kangy Angy Rail Maintenance Facility was officially opened on February 24, ahead of the rollout of the new trains. Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance, said the purpose-built facility would provide ongoing employment for more than 90 staff. “There are already about 30 staff at the new Kangy Angy Rail Maintenance Facility and recruitment is underway for additional roles in engineering, procurement, planning, and supervision,” Constance said. The new Kangy Angy facility

“UGL Rail is operating the maintenance facility under a 15-year contract, providing sustainable jobs, including five apprenticeships, which will be filled by the end of the year.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said more than 1,600 people worked on the construction of the new facility and across the network, including platform extensions and track work. “The New Intercity Fleet trains will enter service once rigorous testing is complete,” Toole said. “The state-of-the-art fleet includes improved wheelchair accessibility and accessible toilets, comfortable seating with extra leg room, charging points for mobile devices and dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said local businesses would benefit from ongoing contracts at the facility, including for security and cleaning. “Having this facility based on the Central Coast guarantees jobs for local people and businesses for decades,” Crouch said. “The 24-hour-run facility is where the New Intercity Fleet will be washed, maintained and serviced. “It is close to 500,000 square metres in size, has about six kilometres of electric rail lines, a new rail bridge, new access roads and offices and amenities for staff.” Source: Media release, Feb 24 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

NSW Plastics Action Plan coming – Crouch Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, has hit back at claims by NSW Labor that the State Government is dragging its feet on the issue of banning singleuse plastics. Shadow Environment Minister Kate Washington said the recent announcement by the Victorian Government to ban single-use plastics, and the start of South Australia’s broad plastics ban, had

highlighted the NSW Government’s “longstanding strategy of delay and inaction”. “NSW is already the only state in the country where single-use plastic bags are not banned,” Washington said. “Now, the other states and territories are going even further to protect their environment and marine species. “South Australia, Queensland, the ACT, and Victoria have announced or introduced

broader bans on plastic straws, plastic utensils, and other single-use plastics. “NSW Labor has introduced legislation to ban single-use plastic bags four times in the previous four years, but the NSW Liberal-National Government have voted against it every time. “On the last occasion – in 2019 – Environment Minister Matt Kean claimed that he could not support Labor’s Bill because it did not go far enough.

“In the two years since, the Government has failed to act.” Washington said NSW generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, and only 10 per cent is recycled. ‘Every year of delay means more and more plastic ending up in our environment and waterways,” she said. “There’s a world-wide war on plastics. But when it comes to protecting our environment from plastic pollution, NSW is coming dead last.”

But Crouch said the Government is committed to tackling the environmental threat of single-use plastics. “Last year two discussions papers on plastics were published and community feedback was requested,” he said. “The NSW Government is currently working through the 16,000 submissions that have been received from the two discussion papers.” Crouch said the two

discussion papers specifically sought feedback on a proposal to: phase out key single-use plastics; triple the proportion of plastic recycled in NSW; significantly reduce plastic litter items; and make NSW a leader in national and international research on plastics. The NSW Government’s Plastics Action Plan is expected to be released in the next few months. Terry Collins

Live Well at Home during and beyond COVID-19

We Do Home Care Differently CHSP, NDIS & Home Care Packages • Leading provider of in-home care services, including personal care, meal preparation, household task, Social support, transport, gardening and more! • 24/7 Live-in, Post-Hospital, Respite and Casual Care throughout Central Coast & Hunter Region Call Today to arrange a FREE • Experienced with advanced care needs, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In-Home consultation! • Providing care services to NDIS clients to achieve their goals • Consistency of care with carefully matched Carers • Zero exit fees, low case management fees – more care hours available!

02 4353 1700

WWW.COASTWIDECOMMUNITYCARE.COM.AU - ENHANCING LIFE, EXCELLING IN CARE

CCN

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE

CALL 02 4325 7369 OR SEE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 11 5 MARCH 2021

LETTER TO THE CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY

As a ratepayer myself, I am furious at Central Coast Council’s financial situation. I do not support the proposed rate rise. It’s outrageous that our community might be forced to pay for the mistakes and failures of a group of Councillors and Council senior staff. The Administrator has made progress in exposing the cause of Council’s debt totalling $565 million. However I believe that further investigations will be required to ensure a sustainable financial situation can be restored. Over the past couple of weeks, I have raised concerns about Council on the floor of Parliament five times. I will continue to ensure the Central Coast community’s concerns are heard loud and clear.

Adam Crouch MP Member for Terrigal

Adam CROUCH mp Member for Terrigal 02 4365 1906 adamcrouchmp

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

adamcrouchmp.com.au

Authorised by Adam Crouch MP, Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250, funded using parliamentary entitlements.

PAGE 12 5 MARCH 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Greens want a popular vote on Council de-amalgamation The Central Coast Greens are calling for a popular vote on the deamalgamation of Central Coast Council, but Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, says Council’s resources should go to restoring its financial situation rather than squandering funds on a demerger. The Greens say people should be given the chance to say whether or not they support returning to separate Wyong and Gosford local government areas. “The push for the amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford councils lacked a popular mandate and has angered locals with resentment still present in our community,” The Greens spokesperson, Sue Wynn, who was a Wyong councillor from 2008-2012 and elected Deputy Mayor in 2011, said. “If a poll determines that the community wishes to deamalgamate, we believe the

State Government should commit to a de-amalgamation and guarantee to cover the costs.” The Greens say the sale of Gosford council offices should immediately be put on hold until the community has had its say. The offices are on the list of properties to be liquidated through the Administrator’s asset sale program to help improve Council’s financial troubles. “The State Government and its ill-conceived amalgamated Council have badly let down all residents,” Wynn said. “Any situation resulting in the Council’s CEO or Mayor having to appeal to the Local Government Minister for financial assistance to meet staff and creditor obligations is shocking and completely unacceptable. “During my time on Council, we managed to get Wyong Shire into the black through good financial management while also being prepared to make unpalatable financial

The Greens’ spokesperson, Sue Wynn

decisions in the interests of future financial sustainability,

so the current debacle is particularly galling.”

Central Coast Greens want the Coalition State Government to accept some ownership for the amalgamation’s financial consequences by reimbursing all amalgamation costs. “The initial estimate of $20M does not even cover the cost of integrating the two IT systems of the two former councils,” Wynn said. “So far, we have heard reports from Council staff that estimate the amalgamation costs as upwards of $80M.” The Greens claim that Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, has refused to provide any State Government financial assistance. “The Minister, via the NSW Treasury, could have provided interest free loans to Council but instead it has forced ratepayers to incur additional costs by the loans taken out by the Administrator,” Wynn said. A statement from Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, said the interim administrator stated clearly in his 30-Day Report that the amalgamation was not to

blame for Central Coast Council’s financial crisis. “In fact, Council had a $65M surplus at the time of the merger,” the statement said. “Rather, Council failed to manage the budget from the time of amalgamation or realise efficiencies and savings from the merger. “Council’s resources ought to be directed towards restoring its financial sustainability and delivering quality infrastructure, facilities and services to the local community rather than squandering funds on a demerger.” A spokesperson for the Minister said the interim administrator performed the role of the mayor and councillors and the Minister could not direct a governing body to hold a referendum. Inquiries from Central Coast Newspapers on whether a popular vote was something the Administrator would consider were left unanswered prior to publication. Sue Murray

Greenpeace activists target Optus in Re-energise campaign GREENPEACE activists on the Central Coast dialled up the pressure on Optus on February 27, urging the telco giant to commit to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025. A group of Greenpeace supporters rallied outside the Optus store at Erina Fair surveying staff and customers and urging the installation of solar panels. Armed with cardboard solar panels and hi-vis vests, activists conducted a COVIDsafe action calling on the company to follow brands such as Telstra, Woolworths and Bunnings and commit to sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2025. Spokesperson, Simone Cooper, said that it was time for Optus, as a major energy user, to reduce its climate impact. “Optus is one of Australia’s biggest electricity users, and we’re making the call - it’s time for Australia’s second-largest telco to go 100 per cent renewable,” she said. “Telstra committed to 100 per

cent renewable electricity last year, but Optus is still not receiving the signal. “That’s why we dialed up the pressure and turned up to Optus Erina Fair. “We also talked to Optus staff and shoppers to find out their views on how choosing to buy products and services from companies that have committed to clean energy is an important way that shoppers can stand up for our climate. “Renewable energy is cheaper, cleaner and better for business.” Activists also called for the Federal Government to stop all fossil fuel projects, including gas projects, and commit to 100 per cent renewable electricity projects from the wind and sun. “Gas is not the solution to tackling the climate emergency,” Cooper said. “According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the release of methane, which is the primary component of gas, is 86 times stronger than CO2 at trapping heat over a 20 year period and 34 times stronger than CO2 at trapping heat over

a 100 year period. “Many Australian states and companies are already embracing renewable energy; they have realised the potential from an economical as well as an environmental point of view. “It just makes good business sense. “But we need all companies to commit to 100 per cent renewable energy sooner rather than later, and that’s why Greenpeace has the REenergise campaign where we target the top companies who are the highest energy users to get that commitment from them.” A spokesperson for Optus said the company was “passionate about the environment” and was “taking a positive, scientifically-backed approach to decreasing the impact of our operations”. “We care about providing the best, most reliable and sustainable services for our customers and strive to deliver this while minimising our environmental footprint,” the spokesperson said. Source: Media release, Mar2 Greenpeace

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 13 5 MARCH 2021

You’re invited to our

Autumn Open Day SATURDAY 20 MARCH 10am to 1pm

Cheers

ITH TO 2021 W * $

10,000

A change of season… why not a change of lifestyle?! Join us at Ingenia Lifestyle Sunnylake Shores for our open day where you can view our community clubhouse, recreational facilities, and lakefront location. Plus, walk through our brand-new display homes and find out more about our lakefront homes, which are coming soon! Enjoy complimentary refreshments from food trucks, meet our friendly staff and residents, and find out how your life could change for the better at Ingenia Lifestyle Sunnylake Shores. To celebrate the new year, we’re offering a $10,000* bonus on selected homes for a limited time.

BRAND NEW HOMES FROM $279,000† ACTUAL DISPLAY HOME

Call Jenni on 0458 018 332 today to RSVP for this event – numbers are limited. 2 MACLEAY DR, HALEKULANI liveinsunnylakeshores.com.au *Terms and conditions apply visit liveinbethania.com.au for details. Eligible buyers must deposit before 19/03/21 and settle by 28/05/21. +Price is based on owning your home and leasing the land and is correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

PAGE 14 5 MARCH 2021

FORUM

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

An exciting government report? I never thought I would feel excited enough to share my views about a 242page government report with your readers. What I’ve just read is the Indigenous Voice Co-Design Process Interim Report to the Australian Government. As a Central Coast resident since 2002, I am pleased to learn that the Barang Regional Alliance based in Wyong is part of Scenario 1, outlined in pages 106-109 as an example of “mature existing arrangements”, that could lead to it becoming one of the Local and Regional Voices for NSW. As a retired bureaucrat for various Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian governments over 30 years, I’m enthusiastic about the description of their Stage two consultation and engagement flowchart on page

FORUM 144. For the first time I’ve seen opportunity offered for “Freestyle participation” through sharing songs, stories, poems, artworks and more. Some of the 176 friends I emailed about this consultation process on January 30 have told me they feel optimistic about the recent impacts made by First Nations Peoples on the rest of Australians through their arts and environmental work. Are we approaching another watershed moment in Australia’s political life as we did in 1967? I do appreciate the time and resources the Federal Government has allocated to this impressive Co-Design policy process, since its receipt of the Report of the 2018 Joint

Climate impact is coming

Select Committee. However, I am utterly disappointed by its strict Terms of Reference to the 52 members of the three Co-Design groups they appointed in 2019 and 2020. These expressly rule “out of scope” any recommendations on constitutional recognition, or the establishment of a Makarrata Commission as called for by the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Since receiving my T-shirt, I’ve enjoyed being a local billboard in support of this beautiful Statement, which I’ve been pleased to see displayed in Central Coast libraries. I call on residents to participate in the consultation process before March 31. Email, Mar 3 (Dr) Romaine Rutnam, Avoca Beach

Another argument for fixed terms The recent rape allegations in Parliament House have certainly scuppered the PM’s chances of calling an early election based on the handling of the COVID pandemic (which was

FORUM performed by the states anyway); it’s become an albatross around his neck. This is all the more reason for

Cut the overtime I agree with Paul Phillips of Lisarow regarding maintenance crews working on a Saturday. On my Saturday morning walks in Kariong recently I have seen Council workers mowing

FORUM Peppermint Park with a slasher, mowing grass verges and raking mulch next to a footpath. Surely these jobs aren’t that important that they can’t be

Perhaps, he was studying Tony Abbott’s photographs of Manly Beach and could see that there was no change in the water line. Unfortunately, if climate change continues at the same rate and more ice is lost from the ice caps, the present slow rise will soon seem of no significance. There is enough ice in the world to raise sea levels by about 150 metres, and the loss of a fifth of that mass will be enough to inundate substantial parts of the Australian coast. As for the idea that there is no correlation between carbon dioxide concentrations and rising temperatures, we are seeing a continuous increase in

done during the week rather than paying overtime? A waste of borrowed money if you ask me. Email, Feb 20 S Hatton, Kariong

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper global temperatures since the start of the Industrial Revolution and, at the same time, increases in carbon dioxide concentration from 300ppm in 1950 to over 400ppm today, accompanied by an increasing rate of concentration from 0.6ppm/ year in the 1960s to 2.5ppm/ year today, the highest in 20 million years. There have been warnings about the potential impact of the greenhouse effect since, at least, the 1950s when I first read of it, and none of the climate-change deniers has been able to offer an alternative plausible explanation for the

shifts taking place. Of course, I agree that all the political talk of dealing with this issue will come to nothing. Conditions will gradually deteriorate, extreme climate events will increase, the seas will become more acidic, and our whole environmental condition will change. Developed countries will make grudging concessions and, luckily, possess the technological capabilities to limit the impact. Developing countries will be devastated, there will be growing international and internal conflicts, mass migrations of people will become the norm, and much of the world will become a hazardous place to live in or to visit. Loss of species is accelerating, and nobody knows how a contraction of biodiversity will affect human life. Email, Feb 27 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Vaccination certification an intrusion on civil liberties

fixed-term elections, just like the rest of the country; you’ll face the people when you have to, not when you want to. Email, Mar 1 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

FORUM

It would be interesting to know how Gary Clifford “proved” that there had been no change in sea levels (CCC 227), given that the CSIRO is recording a steady rise of 3mm per year from observations and satellite imagery.

The news that the NSW Government is considering COVID 19 vaccination certification via the Services NSW App is extremely disturbing. The Australian Government’s own vaccination consent form states that acceptance or rejection of this vaccination is a free choice. This is as it should be, because many have serious reservations about its potential side effects, particularly long

FORUM term, for which there is obviously no research information. Should our State Government authorise or promote any form of certification, this will enable any institution – theatres, restaurants, sporting venues, shopping centres etc. – to permit or refuse entry based on vaccination history. This is a gross intrusion on civil liberties and makes the

vaccination de facto mandatory for everyday life. This proposal must be vigorously resisted because optional vaccinations are a private matter between an individual and his/her medical practitioner. They should remain on confidential medical records and are no business of any third parties. Email, Mar 3 John Anderson, Erina

• Motor Vehicle Accidents • Workers Compensation • Personal Injury and work related claims • Total Permanent Disability Claims • Life Insurance - Death Benefit • Public Liability claims

We have a dedicated team of lawyers with over 50 yrs combined experience 25 Alison Road WYONG 4353 1248

98 Mann Street GOSFORD 4322 6666

NO WIN... NO FEE* *Conditions apply

YOUR INSURANCE SPECIALISTS

Ken Knight’s Antarctic paintings I am encouraging everyone to get along ASAP to the Gosford Regional Gallery to view the current art exhibition of plein air paintings by Central Coast artist Ken Knight. These 47 paintings are a product of Ken’s visit to Antarctica in February 2020. In the exhibition are 28 small scale paintings completed on the voyage with a further 19 larger scale done afterwards in his studio. A video of his trip and in his studio later is also on show. I have visited Antarctica myself and these paintings are an absolutely incredible

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

FORUM

PAGE 15 5 MARCH 2021

A question for Adam

FORUM depiction of the beauty and majesty of that unspoilt (to date) continent. Immerse yourself in the wonder of this awe-inspiring place without needing to wear at least five layers of warm clothing. The Gallery is at 36 Webb St, East Gosford.The free exhibition continues until March 21. Do not miss it.

I notice Adam Crouch MP has taken out a full-page ad in your paper assuring us he opposed the 42 per cent rate hike. So, I have some questions for Adam. Will you support your electorate by voting in favour of a judicial inquiry, and why did Gladys Berejiklian say on TV that Coasties “don’t want review after review” when she knows 21,400 have just asked

FORUM for one? Why did State Government Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, allow her State Government Administrator, Dick Persson, to apply for this rate hike? As his boss, she could have stopped him? Why were you unable to persuade your State

Government colleague Shelley Hancock to stop her Administrator from applying for this rate hike? Did you even try? Why does Hansard report you on February 11 as saying in Parliament “the administrator released an interim report … it stated that the amalgamation of Central Coast Council had nothing to do with the financial (situation) the Council find itself in”?

You must know that report actually said: “The claim that CCC financial woes are due to amalgamation is more complex. It is certainly not the major factor but it is clear it has contributed.” So, tell us exactly what you are doing in State Government to stop this rate hike - and I don’t mean party political posturing in State Parliament? Email, Mar 2 Tom Colosimo, Booker Bay

Email, Feb 27 Lyndall Davis, Green Point [OK, so it’s a little promotional … but I’ll be going! Publisher]

Can’t ignore 20,000 signatures The mere fact that over 20,000 e-petition signatures have been amassed regarding Central Coast Council’s rates grab should send a message to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her lot that action must be taken to ensure this debacle never happens again here or at any other council.

FORUM Administrator Dick Persson says ratepayers are shareholders (and) we are also responsible for the shortfall. Must be a dead portfolio as we have not received a dividend in 28 years of residence. Email, Feb 35 Peter Killen, Kanwal

Well done on Leagues Club Field It’s great to see the Leagues FORUM Cub Field in Gosford changing into something beautiful and worthwhile after being let out to disgusting circuses with animals for so long. Well done! Email, Feb 21 Paul Croft, Umina

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper

FREECALL - 1800 891 691 4324 7699

131-133 Donnison Street Gosford brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

FREE SEMINAR Challenging Wills Seminar

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast This free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where they stand in: • Challenging a Will; or • Defending a Will from Challenge The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been

left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best deal with challenges. Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation

The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions. You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.

WHEN: 9 March 2021 TIME: 6.45pm to 8.00pm WHERE: Mingara Recreation Club HOW: Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

PAGE 16 5 MARCH 2021

ON THE BEAT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Five new officers for Brisbane Water police Brisbane Water Police District has received five new police officers following the NSW Police Force graduation ceremony on February 26.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with Commander for Brisbane Water Police District, Superintendent Brett Greentree (third from left), and the new recruits

Man charged with sexual touching on train A 26-year-old man has been charged with sexual touching offences following four separate incidents on public transport across Sydney on March 1, after one of the incidents was reported at Gosford railway station. The man allegedly touched a 17-year-old girl around 11am at Central Railway Station before boarding another train bound for Newcastle and allegedly approaching a 21-year-old woman about 11.20am, making her feel uncomfortable. She moved away to an

adjoining carriage before the man exited the train at Epping. The woman remained on the train and reported the incident to police at Gosford railway station. Following two further incidents, at Macquarie University Metro Railway Station, the man was arrested by Ryde police at around midday. At the time of the arrest, officers attached to the Police Transport Command (PTC) North/Central were monitoring CCTV and liaising with PTC

officers across the network as part of inquiries into the earlier reported incidents. As a result of inquiries, police established a link between all four incidents. The 26-year-old Koonawarra man was charged with various offences and refused bail to appear before Hornsby Local Court on March 2. Inquiries are continuing. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Mar 2 NSW Police media

Another six have joined the Tuggerah Lakes Police District. Class 345 of the NSW Police Force includes 139 men and 55 women with some recruits entering the Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades, including teachers, ambulance officers and even a jockey. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said community safety on the

Central Coast had just received a great boost. “Following eight months of foundational training, 11 Probationary Constables will report to local police stations this morning for the first time in their policing careers,” Crouch said on March 1. “Every day our men and women in blue put their own safety on the line to protect others, and I commend these new Probationary Constables for choosing a career of service. “I want to thank each of our 11 new officers for joining the NSW Police Force and I wish them all a safe and successful career.” Minister for Police and

Emergency Services, David Elliott, congratulated the new officers. “Over the course of last year, we have seen first-hand the crucial role our police officers play in protecting the community and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts,” Elliott said. “These officers will join a NSW Police Force that has been strengthened by investment from the NSW Government, including the delivery of 1,500 additional officers over four years and the commitment to a $60M upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.” Source Media release, Mar 1 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Firearms seized in Lisarow

Four firearms were seized from a storage shed at Lisarow on March 2. At about 3.15pm, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District executed a search warrant at a storage shed on the Pacific Hwy.

During the search, police located four firearms – including three rifles and a shot gun – and a large amount of ammunition. Inquiries are continuing into identifying the owner of the

firearms. Anyone with information is urged to contact Gosford Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source: Media release, Mar 3 NSW Police media

Legacy helps brave families who’ve lost a loved one in the defence force. Please donate to keep us going.

WE SALUTE YOU

SOLID BATHROOMS

Builders Licence Number 204179C

Phone 1800 534 229 or visit www.legacy.com.au

LICENSED TRADESMAN AND QUALITY WORK ALL LOCATED ON THE CENTRAL COAST Scotty from Solid Bathrooms is a licensed builder with over 13 years What our clients are saying experience on the Central Coast. Hiring a builder means that all bathroom work

“Thank you, Scott, for your excellent advice and well-priced solution for our new bathroom.”

and workmanship is managed by one project manager and is fully insured.

“Each of your tradespeople who worked on our new bathroom were prompt, polite, tidy and talented.”

In addition, any reconfigurations are easily managed, for example, if a wall needs to be pulled down or a bath removed to have a larger walk in shower, you know the builder can manage this efficiently.

“I recommend Solid Bathrooms without any hesitation.”

WWW.SOLIDBATHROOMS.COM - PHONE 0401 601 082 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 5 MARCH 2021

Live theatre returns to Laycock St

Live theatre is returning to the Coast, with the Laycock Street Community Theatre announcing a line-up of performers for its 2021 season. Kicking off the season, The Whitlams frontman, Tim Freedman, will play theatre on March 12. Freedman will be performing his trademark mix of cabaret and rock in his sardonic style in a show he calls Hot Summer Nights. The Whitlams formed in late 1992 in Newtown with the

band’s name chosen out of admiration for former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and his wife, Margaret. Over the following two years, they performed over 300 shows across Australia and released a mini-album, Introducing The Whitlams, in 1993 and their first full-length album, Undeniably The Whitlams, in 1995. Ahead of the release of their first new music in 14 years, The Whitlams have announced the Gaffage and Clink 2021 National Tour, which will see them visit all capital cities and

several regional centres during August and September. Freeman will bring his grand piano to Laycock St and preview three songs from The Whitlams’ forthcoming album, Gaffage and Clink, and premiere reworkings of some of his favourite tracks from Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Randy Newman. The performance will take place at 7.30 pm on Friday, March 12. Coming to the stage on March 28 and 29 is The Gruffalo’s Child, a musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

On April 8, the show, Brass Monkeys, will be perfect for little kids and grown-ups who like to laugh, offering a show bursting with high calibre acrobatics, a ton of comedy, live music and high flying tricks. The Victorian State Ballet will present The Little Mermaid in a full length magical classical ballet production over two days at the beginning of May. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said Laycock St is ready to accommodate the strong

appetite for quality shows on the Coast. “We’ve been starved of live theatre for nearly 12 months, and it’s so exciting to once again welcome incredible artists to perform on the Coast,” Vaughan said. “Laycock is an incredible live theatre venue – it combines quality with an undeniable energy, and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.” Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said Laycock St Community Theatre is a vital component of the Coast’s thriving arts scene.

“It is impressive to see a community theatre attract such a strong line-up of performers, and I encourage locals and visitors to take advantage,” Persson said. Other shows scheduled until the end of November include The Alphabet of Awesome, JUST! Live, Newk (The John Newcombe Story), Girls on Tap, FoRT, and James Morrison Quintet. Source Media release, Mar 1 Central Coast Council

Fundraising breakfast on International Women’s Day Not-for-profit organisation, She Story, will hold a breakfast on International Women’s Day at the Entertainment Grounds to launch its new grant program, She Starts, aimed at empowering female youth by offering financial aid. Vice President of She Story, Dallas Youles, said a portion of the tickets sales for the event on March 8 would contribute to the program’s funding. “She Starts is open to young

women aged between 13 and 21,” Youles said. “We want to help them discover and explore their passions, whatever they may be, by providing them with the financial support to do so. “We also wanted to ensure that attendees of our International Women’s Day events could feel proud that a portion of their ticket cost was donated to the program and collectively, we can make a difference to a young woman’s life.

“The She Story Committee feel that it’s incredibly important to support young women, and we wanted to come up with a program to help them feel empowered to follow their dreams.” The breakfast will include speeches from: Criminal barrister and former Survivor Australia contestant, Sharn Coombes; Emotional intelligence and wellbeing coach, Ami Rankin; and 14-year-old musician, Emma Rogers, among others.

Youles said applications for the She Starts program would be open from March 5. “With the generous support of The Agency, a local real estate firm, we have been able to kick start the funding for the program, and we can’t wait for it to launch this International Women’s Day,” she said. Tickets for the event are $80, and applications for She Starts can be found on shestory.com. au. Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 18 OUT&ABOUT 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

New music festival set for Gosford In May this year, the Entertainment Grounds in Gosford will play host to one of NSW’s newest regional festivals, featuring a full line up of local Aussie talent. The NEXT EXIT festival will feature Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane, Dear Seattle, Merci, Mercy, and the CLEWS. The festival has been created to help performers and musicians restart following COVID-19 restrictions. There will be an emphasis on engaging local businesses to take part in the event, to help drive economic activity, encourage regional tourism and highlight local tastemakers and artisans. The festival will visit four regional towns over the last two weeks in May, starting in Tamworth on May 21, the on to Gosford on May 23, Batemans Bay on May 28, and Mudgee on May 29. Psych-rock band and Triple J Hottest 100 winner, Ocean Alley, is one of many bands which has had to take time off from performing due to COVID. Guitarist, Mitch Galbraith, said despite the pressure of having to stop, the band had tried to spend the last year

Ocean Alley will be performing in Gosford on May 23 Photo: The Sauce

catching up with family, friends, and each other. “It has been a bit of a struggle because performing is our bread-and-butter; that’s what we love to do,” Galbraith said. “We have spent the last three years performing, not just in Australia but across the world. “To have it all come crashing down and cancelled was a bummer.

“It is just frustrating to have things cancelled, and it is definitely not how it was a year ago. “But we are not in too bad of a position to deal with this. “We have been enjoying the breaks at home; (now is) a good time to catch up and get back into the groove.” The NEXT EXIT festival will be one of the first larger events the

band will be playing following the lifting of restrictions. “We managed to do a few gigs before the New Year,” Galbraith said. “We did a few shows up (on the) Queensland Sunshine Coast, but then everyone went back into lockdown again. “It has been a smattering of gigs.” MJR Presents created the

festival after receiving Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) funding from the Federal Government. Head Of Touring Australia, Scott Mesit, said the original concept for the NEXT EXIT Festival was to help bushfireaffected towns regenerate tourism and hire as many local suppliers as possible. “We pass so many ‘Next Exit’

signs on the highway and often drive past with only our destination in sight,” Mesit said. “So much has happened since then but our aim remains the same. “We have designed a safe festival that can be delivered under current restrictions and will employ many people from our industry who have sat on the sidelines for too long.” Galbraith said band members were excited to play in some regional towns they had never been to before. “The big cities get all the attention, but it is so much fun to go somewhere off the beaten track,” he said. “Festivals in these places are important for their communities, but they’re also important for the artists, performers, and the crew that is working. “Many have lost their livelihoods, so it’s important to put on shows wherever and whenever we can.” Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, March 9, at 10am via mjrpresents.com. Jacinta Counihan

COASTAL DIARY EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

FRIDAY, MAR 5 Frog Spotting Night, Wadalba - exact address will be given on registration, Free, 7pm - 8:30pm

Ourimbah, 9am - 12pm International Women’s Day Expo: Women in Art Exhibition & Artisan Markets, The Entrance Gallery, Free, 10am - 4pm Exhibition runs till the 17th

Phoenix Collective Tango Quartet, Greenway Chapel, Green Point, Ticketed, 2:30pm www.trybooking.com

MONDAY, MAR 8 Central Coast Mariners V Macarthur FC, Central Coast Stadium, 7pm

Live streaming of the “All Ocean Beach Meditation, Ocean Beach Umina About Women” event from OBSLC if raining, the Sydney Opera House, CBWN: International 6:20am - 7:30am Sydney Symphony Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah Women’s Orchestra: Andrew Haveron Free - Booking required, Day Breakfast, International Women’s Day Performs Bach, 10:45am - 4:30pm Ticketed, Mercure Waters, Celebration Breakfast, The Art House Wyong, 7 - 9am, The Entertainment Grounds Ticketed, 7pm Clean Up Australia Day, International Women’s Day Gosford, Ticketed, Register online Luncheon, 7am Multi Sports Festival, cleanup.org.au Pullman Magenta Shores Point Wolstoncroft Sport Resort, Magenta, CCCWHC celebrates and Recreation Centre, 12 - 2pm Clean Up Women #Choose to Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan, Australia Day, Challenge, 9am - 3pm, SATURDAY, MAR 6 Mackenzie Reserve. Community Women’s Registrations essential Meet at the sand area Health Centre / The Red at Mackenzie Reserve, Tree Theatre Tuggerah, SUNDAY, MAR 7 near the footbridge. free/booking required, 10am - 2pm Look out for the www.cen.org.au/events

Wildplant Community Nursery, Community Environment Network, Office, Brush Rd,

Waterwatch flags, 9am - 11am Register at Knife in the Boot:

www.cen.org.au/events

WEDNESDAY, MAR 10 Creating Collaborative Housing Solutions- Focus

on Older Women: Forum, The Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah, Ticketed, 9am - 2pm Tribute: Olivia Newton-John, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 11am

Autumn Open Day, Sunnylake Shores - 2 Macleay Dr, Halekulani, RSVP required, 10am - 1pm 0458 018 332 liveinsunnylakeshores. com.au

Annual Forum, CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, 9am - 4pm, Ticketed - Register at https://cen.org.au/events/ cen-calenda

SATURDAY, MAR 27

lifejacket self-service clinic, Deerubbin Reserve Boat Ramp, Mooney Mooney, 10am, 11am & 12pm SUNDAY, APR 4 Easter Sunrise Service,

Troubadour Folkclub: Breakaway Autumn Soldiers Beach SLSC Reserve, 5 - 9am “We Mavericks” Markets: Car boot sales SATURDAY, MAR 13 Prize winning Folk Duo and market stalls, SATURDAY, APR 10 From NZ & Melb, Rayon Riot III - International Camp Breakaway - 80 Everglades country Highview Avenue, Women’s Day Cabaret, 2021 Paddle NSW club Woy Woy, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, San Remo, 8am - 1pm Marathon, Ticketed, 8pm Ticketed, 7pm Illoura Reserve Davistown, Flavours by The Sea, 43426716 7am 2pmTerrigal Memorial SUNDAY, MAR 14 trybooking.com.au Central Coast Mariners V Perth Glory, Central Coast Stadium, 4pm

SATURDAY, MAR 20

Foreshore, 10am - 10pm

SUNDAY, MAR 21

Central Coast Mariners V Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Stadium, 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 4 Bluey’s Big Play, The Art House Theatre, 4 & 5/5, mutiple sessions

SUNDAY, MAR 28 Have you serviced your inflatable lifejacket? Community Register for a TransEnvironment Network port for NSW inflatable

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee. Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 5 MARCH 2021

Coast Opera goes from strength to strength Coast Opera Australia (COA) has welcomed a new CEO to the team in preparation for some enticing operatic events lined up for the year. COA founder and artistic director, Angela Brewer, said bringing on new CEO Monique Cardon helped her focus on the company’s artistic elements. “I feel relieved, encouraged, excited and thrilled, as Monique and I discussed; I’m an artist firstly, not an administrator,” Brewer said. “So, I want someone in this role who has the experience and who knows what they are doing. “This will ensure that the artistic events will reach a national level and will be as professional as always.” Brewer also welcomed a new board member, David Abrahams, to the team. The head of Digital Services at Coast Community News, Abrahams has extensive knowledge and experience on the Coast. She said that bringing enthusiastic and dedicated people onto the board benefited the company and the community as well. “I look around, and I feel extremely humbled,” Brewer said. “They are people who understand that world, have experience in that world, and are very generous to be able to give back and see the value in an artistic company that is just starting up.” CEO, Monique Cardon, said she’d been a Coastie for over 30 years and had watched as the community’s artistic and

From left: COA Chair, Virginia Henderson. Artistic Director, Angela Brewer, and CEO, Monique Cardon

cultural sectors grew. “I’m really thrilled to be on board; I’ve been associated with the company for the last couple of years, and struck up a great friendship with Angela, so it feels like a very natural way to help and work with the organisation,” Cardon said. “We are seeing this culture come to the Coast with beautiful music and performing arts, but a professional opera company is something else— it’s a step above. “What we want to do is make sure that it’s accessible to every person, not just an elite few and not just those who can afford it.” Cardon said she was excited to showcase local artists and operatic talent to the community with a season full of events across the year.

“I can see that Coast Opera Australia is going to really have a footprint in this community as we roll out a calendar of events, where people will get to know us and what opera is,” Cardon said. “Once we do little tasters for people, they will understand that its accessible, affordable and an absolutely beautiful art form.” Kicking off 2021, COA organised Opera Afloat, a postpandemic performance planned for February 28 at Saddles in Mount White. The event, which would see opera singers performing and floating on top of the water, was unfortunately postponed due to the uncertainty of COVID-19. Brewer said she was delighted to announce that the muchanticipated event would be

going ahead later in the year. “It had to be pushed back for obvious reasons with the COVID-19 shutdown over Christmas time, and a large majority of our audience is not just from the Central Coast, but also from Sydney (and) were unable to come,” she said. “So, therefore, it had to be delayed, and it was the right thing to do for the artists, the businesses, and for the company so that we could literally stay afloat.” Brewer said the events planned for the rest of the season would be on a smaller scale and would all be COVID safe. “For our audience members and our artists, we will be hosting events that are structured (to be) smaller and

more intimate,” she said. “And of course, after the success of last year’s ANZAC Day performance, we are hoping to repeat and build on this important commemorative event.” To help fund these upcoming events and projects planned for the Coast, COA is looking into government grants and other ways of raising money. Cardon said they needed to cover costs for the artists, lighting, sound, and other technical elements that came with running an opera company. “We are not affluent at all; we are an organisation that has survived COVID-19 like all performing art companies across Australia,” Cardon said. “We haven’t been able to have live events, so there has

been no money coming in—for the organisation to grow and prosper in the future, we will be looking for donations, sponsorships, partnerships, and other fundraising means.” COA is now an organisation with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status which means it can accept and receive public monies and private donations. Chair, Virginia Henderson, said starting an artistic company during COVID-19 was an act of utter faith but was pushed along by the board members’ dedication and community support. “My personal experience has been over the last 30 years in building companies from the ground up, and I think it’s been about the ability to match and understand what might motivate people to be involved in this company, but further and most particularly to hold the vision,” Henderson said. “I think what we have done is put a team of people together who have come from professional backgrounds, and therefore any supporter can be ensured that their money is in safe hands. “The thing that I have found the most satisfying is working with some incredibly talented individuals—seeing the potential for something to really get behind, and someone (Angela) who I think has profound courage and strength of vision. “It’s time to begin looking ahead and seeing this little embryonic thing turn into a butterfly very soon.” Hayley McMahon

Mangrove DISTRICT

MARKETS

NOW AT CORNER GEORGE DOWNES DRIVE and BLOODTREE ROAD • home style preserves & Food and more

EVERY SATURDAY ALL WEATHER 8.30am to 3pm NEW STALLS WELCOME PHONE MARGARET 4374 1255

Watercolour 'Plein Air' Art Classes For Beginners

Call 0416 179 789 To Book Now

CENTRAL COAST ART MASTERCLASS

PAGE 20 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Sunday 7 March

Saturday 6 March

Friday 5 March

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 11:00 The Pacific: In The Wake Of 12:00 Captain Cook With Sam Neill (PG) [s] 2:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 3:00 1:00 Back Roads (PG) [s] 4:00 1:30 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] 5:00 6:00 2:00 Rake (M v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 7:00 8:30 4:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Gardening Australia [s] 8:30 Vera: Tuesday’s Child (M v) [s] 10:00 Mum: Thursday (M) [s] 10:30 State Of The Union: 10:30 Dolphins (M l) [s] 11:30 10:45 ABC Late News [s] 12:00 11:00 The Vaccine [s] 11:15 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] 11:45 Aftertaste (M) [s] 12:15 rage (MA15+) [s] 2:00 6:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 11:00 rage Retro Month (PG) [s] 12:00 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Romeo & Juliet (PG) [s] 2:30 Old People’s Home For 4 Year 5:00 5:30 Olds [s] 3:35 Prince Harry’s Story: Four 6:00 Royal Weddings (PG) [s] 7:00 4:30 Landline [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC *Live* From 7:30 Dolphin Stadium, Redcliffe [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) [s] 8:30 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] – Sister Frances is at a loss when she cares for diabetic and recovering cancer patient Albert Calthorpe, whose capable wife Grace refuses to accept further 10:00 help despite having to care for her family. 9:30 Harrow: Per Stirpes (M v) [s] 12:00 10:25 Apple Tree Yard (MA15+) [s] 6:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 9:00 Insiders [s] 10:00Offsiders [s] 12:00 10:30The World This Week [s] 1:00 11:00Compass y (PG) [s] 1:30 11:30Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] 12:00ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 12:30Landline [s] 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 2:30 Australia Remastered (PG) [s] 3:30 The Mix [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 11: 4:00 5:00 Canberra United v Brisbane Roar *Live* From Viking Park [s] 5:30 6:00 6:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 7:00 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Grand Designs New Zealand: 9:00 Wanaka Wedge [s] 8:30 Harrow: (M v) [s] 9:25 Silent Witness (M l,s,v) [s] 10:25Patrick Melrose - Bad News (MA15+) [s] 11:30 11:25Line Of Duty (M v) [s] 12:25Wentworth: Mercy (MA15+) [s] 12:30 1:15 rage (MA15+)

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] 9:00 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 Movie: “Must Love Dogs” (M s) 12:00 (’05) Stars: John Cusack 1:00 House Of Wellness [s] 2:00 The Chase UK [s] 3:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 4:00 The Chase Australia [s] 5:00 Seven News [s] 6:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:00 Movie: “Tag” (M v) (’14) – A group of five friends, who have 7:30 been playing the game of tag for thirty years, decide to play one last game before the wedding of their undefeated player. Stars: Ed Helms Ambulance: Code Red (M) [s] Surveillance Oz: Dashcam 8:30 (PG) [s] Movie: “Stolen Youth” (M s) 10:50 (’96) Stars: Ashleigh Aston Moore, Ashley McDonogh, Brian Austin Green 1:00 1:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Weekend [s] 12:30 Seven’s Horse Racing: 1:00 Flemington/ Randwick [s] 1:30 Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s 2:00 Front Line (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Border Security - Australia’s 4:00 Front Line: (PG) [s] 4:30 Movie: “Men In Black: 5:00 International” (PG) (’19) – 5:30 Agent M, a probationary member of the MIB, teams up 6:00 7:00 with Agent H and uncovers a sinister plot that reveals a traitor 7:30 8:30 in the organisation aiding an alien invasion. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson Movie: “Wrath Of The Titans” 11:30 (M v) (’12) Stars: Sam 1:30 Worthington, Liam Neeson 2:00 Movie: “Borderline Normal” (M s) (’01) Stars: Robin Dunne 5:30 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show 11:00 Weekend (PG) [s] House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 12:00 1:00 Beach Cops (PG) [s] Highway Patrol: Sandwich Pursuit (PG) [s] Movie: “Grown Ups 2” (PG) 3:00 (’13) Stars: Adam Sandler, 3:30 Kevin James, Chris Rock, 4:00 David Spade, Salma Hayek Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Ultimate Tag (PG) [s] Movie: “Kingsman: The Secret 8:30 9:30 Service” (M v,l) (’14) Stars: 10:00 Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Samuel L 11:45 Jackson, Sophie Cookson, Sofia Boutella 12:35 World’s Deadliest: 1:05 Bail Outs (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Amazing Grace (PG) [s] Desperate Housewives: Something’s Coming (PG) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Escape To The Chateau: Slow Gin, Library And Ceiling Rose (PG) [s] – Dick is determined to make sloe gin with the last of the berries. Angel gets to work creating a library in the pepper pot tower and brings a ceiling rose back to its former glory. Movie: “Coming To America” (PG) (’88) Stars: Eddie Murphy Movie: “Be Cool” (M l,s,v) (’05) Stars: Dwayne Johnson Surfing Australia TV [s] Home Shopping Easy Eats [s] Weekend Today [s] Today Extra - Saturday [s] Destination WA (PG) [s] Award Winning Tasmania [s] My Way [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] Netball: Constellation Cup: Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds *Live* From Baypark Arena, Tauranga [s] The Pet Rescuers (PG) [s] The Garden Gurus [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] Getaway (PG) [s] NINE News Saturday [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Space Invaders (PG) [s] Movie: “Mission Impossible Fallout” (M v) (’18) Stars: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill Movie: “Empire” (MA15+) (’02) Stars: John Leguizamo My Way [s] Home Shopping Wesley Impact [s] Easy Eats [s] Weekend Today [s] Sports Sunday (PG) [s] AFL: Women’s Footy (PG) [s] The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] Netball: 2021 Constellation Cup: Silver Ferns v Australian Diamonds *Live* From Baypark Arena, Tauranga [s] Customs (PG) [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] David Attenborough’s Dynasties: Tiger (PG) [s] NINE News: First At Five [s] Territory Cops (PG) [s] NINE News Sunday [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] 60 Minutes (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] Uncovered: Killed By Hate (M) [s] Young, Dumb And Banged Up In The Sun (MA15+) [s] My Way (PG) [s] The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] Home Shopping

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

TEN (C13)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, [s] Subtitles Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

Advert

SBS (C30)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 The Living Room [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Australia Says Yes (M l) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Todd McKenney (PG) Justine Schofield [s] 4:30 Great British Railway 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Journeys: Pontyclun To Ebbw 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Vale Town (PG) (PG) [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Living Room [s] 7:35 Viking Murder Mystery (M v) 8:30 The Graham Norton Show 8:30 Going Places With Ernie (M l,s) [s] Dingo: Cooktown (PG) 9:30 Program To Be Advised 9:00 Who Do You Think You Are 10:30 Just For Laughs (M) [s] UK?: Boy George (PG) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:10 The Royals And The Nazis (M) 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] (In English/ French) 1:00 The Late Show With Stephen 11:10 SBS World News Late Colbert (PG) [s] 11:30 Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The 2:00 Home Shopping Opry (M) 1:00 Deep Water (M l,v) 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Which Car? [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 7:30 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 1:00 PBS Newshour 8:30 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 Figure Skating: ISU European Figure Skating Austria 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 3:30 Destination Flavour China 12:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Bitesize 12:30 Destination Dessert [s] 3:35 Algeria From Above 1:00 10 Minute Kitchen [s] 5:25 Who Do You Think You Are 1:30 Everyday Gourmet With UK?: Mark Wright (PG) Justine Schofield [s] 6:30 SBS World News 2:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] 7:30 Sydney Gay And Lesbian 2:30 Australia By Design [s] Mardi Gras (M) 3:00 My Market Kitchen [s] 11:30 Movie: “Call Me By Your Name” 3:30 Jamie & The Nonnas: (PG) (’17) Stars: Timothée Piedmont [s] Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, 5:00 10 News First [s] Victoire Du Bois, Vanda 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 6:30 Program To Be Advised Capriolo 7:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] 1:55 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 7:30 Program To Be Advised 2:45 Movie: “Kiki, Love To Love” 9:00 Ambulance UK (M) [s] (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Natalia de 11:20 Inside The Children’s Hospital Molina, Álex García, Jacobo (PG) [s] Sánchez, Paco León, Ana Katz 12:00 Program To Be Advised (In Spanish) 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 8:30 Australia By Design: 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Hitler’s Last Mystery (PG) Innovations [s] 4:00 Sportswoman: Sally 9:00 Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] Fitzgibbons/ Lara Trott 5:05 Football: Indigenous v NPL: 12:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Highlights 1:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 My Market Kitchen [s] 5:35 Hitler And Churchill (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 2:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] 7:35 Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 3:30 Roads Less Travelled (PG) [s] 9:20 Killer Bridges (PG) (In English/ Italian) 4:00 Program To Be Advised 10:20 Michael Mosley: 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] Coronavirus Special (PG) 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 11:20 Contagion (M) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 12:30 Travel Man: Marrakech (M) [s] 1:00 Do I Have To Take Care Of 9:00 FBI: Most Wanted: Everything? (PG) (In Finnish) 1:10 Cycling: Paris-Nice 2021 *Live* Winner / Prophet (M) [s] Stage 1 11:00 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 3:10 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

6:00 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 10:00 Four Corners [s] 12:00 11:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 2:00 Poldark (M v) [s] 2:00 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:10 Grand Designs: House Of The 3:00 4:00 Year (PG) [s] 5:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 6:00 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 7:30 8:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 9:00 8:30 Catalyst: Venom [s] 9:30 The Truth About Getting Fit At Home [s] 10:20 QI: Public And Private (PG) [s] 10:50 ABC Late News [s] 10:00 11:25 Q&A (M l,s) [s] 12:35 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 11:00 1:25 rage (MA15+) [s] 11:30 3:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 4:30 The Drum [s] 12:30 5:30 7.30 (PG) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Fugitive At 17” (M) (’12) Stars: Marie Avgeropoulos, Christina Cox, Casper Van Dien, Danny Blanco Hal Criminal Confessions: Baton Rouge (M) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Ultimate Tag (PG) [s] The Good Doctor: Lim (M) [s] – Chief of Surgery Dr. Audrey Lim struggles to cope with the residual emotional trauma of COVID-19. The Resident: Requiems & Revivals (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: I Fought The Law (M l) [s] Home Shopping

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:00

6:00 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 10:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 10:30 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 12:00 11:00 The Record [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 National Press Club Address 2:00 1:35 Media Watch [s] 3:00 1:55 Poldark (M v) [s] 4:00 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:10 Grand Designs: House Of The 6:00 7:00 Year (PG) [s] 7:30 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:30 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 10:30 8:30 The Weekly (PG) [s] 11:00 9:00 Aftertaste [s] 9:30 Why Are You Like This (M l) [s] 9:55 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 12:00 10:35 Staged (MA15+) [s] 11:00 ABC Late News [s] 11:35 Four Corners [s] 12:20 Media Watch [s] 1:00 12:35 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Dreamhouse Nightmare” (M v,s) (’17) Stars: Rachel G Whittle, Terese Aiello Criminal Confessions: Edmonton (M) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] The Pembrokeshire Murders (M v,l) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Criminal Confessions: The Kill Club (MA15+) [s] Code Black: One Of Our Own (M) [s] – While rescuing an injured firefighter, Rox is hit by a drunk driver and rushed to Angels Memorial. Home Shopping

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:00

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Australian Story [s] 10:30 Compass [s] 11:00 The Record [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 1:30 The Weekly (PG) [s] 2:00 Poldark (M v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:10 Grand Designs: House Of The Year (PG) [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 6:55 Sammy J [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Back Roads [s] 8:30 Q&A [s] 9:35 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 10:05 Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (PG) [s] 11:00 ABC Late News [s] 11:30 Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal: Pleasure v Duty (PG) 12:25 Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

Tuesday 9 March

Monday 8 March

12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show (PG) [s] Seven Morning News [s] Program To Be Advised Criminal Confessions: Waterloo (M) [s] The Chase UK [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Ultimate Tag (PG) [s] 9-1-1: Jinx (M) [s] – The 118 has a day from hell with a never-ending series of bizarre emergency calls. The Rookie: Under The Gun (M) [s] – Officers Nolan and Harper escort four juvenile offenders to a Scared Straight program at a correctional facility. The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Crash And Burn (M) [s] Home Shopping

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

6:00 10:00 11:30 12:00 2:00

NINE (C81/80)

Wednesday 10 March

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Landline [s] 11:00 Grand Designs New Zealand 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Death In Paradise (M v) [s] 2:00 Rake (M l,v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:00 Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Australian Story [s] 8:30 Four Corners [s] 9:15 Media Watch [s] 9:35 The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill: Resolution And Hawaii (PG) [s] 10:20 You Can’t Ask That (M l) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:25 Catalyst (PG) [s] 12:25 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 1:15 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 4:30 The Drum [s]

PRIME (C61/60)

Thursday 11 March

ABC (C20/21)

3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:00

11:00 11:30

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:30 9:45

10:45 11:15 12:30

9:00 10:00 11:10 11:40 12:30 1:30

11:00 11:30

12:20 1:20 1:30

11:00 11:30 12:20 1:20 1:30

5:30 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Dead At 17” (M v) (’08) 12:00 1:00 Stars: Barbara Niven, John 1:30 Bregar, Justin Bradley 3:00 Criminal Confessions: 4:00 Placentia (M) [s] 5:00 The Chase UK [s] 6:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:30 Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Wife Swap Australia: Peterson 9:55 And Cowles Families (PG) [s] 10:40 11:10 Ant Middleton & Rebel Wilson: Straight Talking (M l) [s] – Ant takes actress Rebel on the trip of a lifetime through Mexico, with just a 4x4, a backpack and each other for 12:00 company. The Latest Seven News [s] 1:00 Celebrity Obsessed: 1:30 Jodie Foster (MA15+) [s] Home Shopping

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

TEN (C13)

PAGE 21 5 MARCH 2021

SBS (C30)

Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised Getaway [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Tipping Point [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Toohey [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful NINE News [s] (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] – 5:00 10 News First [s] The couples are introduced to 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Intimacy Week, a series of 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia challenges designed by new (M) [s] expert Alessandra to enhance 8:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem intimacy. (M) [s] Under Investigation: The 9:30 The Graham Norton Show Disappearance Of Janine (M l,s) [s] Vaughan (PG) [s] Australian Crime Stories: The 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] Money Or The Bomb (M) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] NINE News Late [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen The First 48: Bad Medicine (M) Colbert (PG) [s] Tipping Point [s] 1:30 Home Shopping Home Shopping

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:55 Hillary: Golden Girl (M l) 3:00 Warrior Women With Lupita Nyong’o (PG) (In English/ Fon/ French/ Yoruba) 3:55 Movie: “Vote Yes For Aborigines” (PG) (’11) Director: Frances Peters-Little 4:05 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses (PG) 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 9:25 The Story Of The Songs: Aretha Franklin (M) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Outlander (MA15+) 11:55 Movie: “Butter Lamp” (PG) (’13) Director: Tamdin Dorje (In Tibetan)

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] The Garden Gurus [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Botched (M) [s] Australian Scandal: Love Hurts (M s,n) [s] NINE News Late [s] Labour Of Love: 10 Things Kristy Likes About You (M) [s] – Kristy spends time in the fatherto-be house and gets to know the men on a deeper level. Tipping Point [s] 9Honey - He Said, She Said: What Does The #Notallmen Stand For? (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] 8:30 NCIS: True Believer (M v) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Beneath The Surface (M) 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:55 Hillary: Becoming A Lady (M l) 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:00 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Australian Railway Journeys: Adelaide To Perth 8:40 24 Hours In Emergency: Nothing Can Divide Us (M) 9:35 Michael Portillo’s Abandoned Britain: Local Heroes Manchester Fire Station (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 12:00 Calling (M l) 12:15 Cycling: Paris-Nice 2021 *Live* Stage 3 2:15 Vice Guide To Film (M l,n,v)

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Amazing Grace (M) [s] New Amsterdam: Essential Workers (M) [s] – After becoming the medical director of one of the United States’s oldest public hospitals, Dr Max Godwin sets out to reform the institution’s neglected and outdated facilities. NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med (MA15+) [s] Tipping Point [s] Explore [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Cube (PG) [s] 8:30 Bull: Excessive Force (M) [s] 9:30 Bull: Justice For Cable (M) [s] – Business becomes personal for Bull when TAC assists with a civil suit against the bank that funded the terrorists responsible for Cable’s death. 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:55 Hillary: The Hardest Decision (M l) 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: Patti Newton (PG) 4:05 Great British Railway Journeys: York To Frizinghal/ Sheffield To Nantwich (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Tony Robinson - Britain’s Ancient Tracks: Dartmoor (PG) 8:30 Australia In Colour: Family (PG) 9:30 Departure: Vanished (MA15+) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Romulus (MA15+) (In Old Latin) 11:50 Movie: “Oh Lucy!” (PG) (’17) Stars: Shinobu Terajima, Josh Hartnett (In English/ Japanese)

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Destination WA [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] NRL: Storm v Rabbitohs *Live* From AAMI Park [s] NRL: Knock Off [s] NINE News Late [s] Manifest: Grounded (M) [s] – Ben forms an alliance with a student from Flight 828, whose callings either uncovered a violent crime or helped him commit one. New Amsterdam: Good Soldiers (M) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 8:00 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 8:30 Gogglebox (M) [s] 9:30 Law & Order: SVU: Hunt, Trap, Rape, And Release (M) [s] 10:30 Law & Order: SVU: I Deserve Some Love Too (M) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:55 Hillary: Be Our Champion, Go Away (M l) 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: John Newcombe (PG) 4:00 Great Indian Railway Journeys: Amritsar To Shimla (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces (PG) 8:30 Michael Mosley: What’s My Diagnosis (M) 9:35 Shadowplay (M) (In English/ German) 10:40 SBS World News Late 11:10 24 Hours In Police Custody (M) 12:00 Movie: “Julian” (PG) (’11) Stars: Ed Oxenbould

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

PUZZLES

PAGE 22 5 MARCH 2021 1

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

1 Gossamer (6) 5 Like many Sherpas (8) 9 Affliction of cats and other fur-lickers (8) 10 Skin condition sought by beachgoers (6) 11 Science of logic, quantity, shape and arrangement (Abbr.) (5) 12 Tacit (7) 15 Owner of a business (10) 17 Inert gaseous element (4) 18 Sour (4) 20 Place for American children in the holidays (6,4) 22 Galilee native (7) 23 Spread out (5) 27 Small restaurant (6) 28 Elongate (8) 29 South American boa (8) 30 Person in the petroleum industry (6)

12 13

23 25

Down

Across

3 Navy vessel (7) 4 Spoiled child (4) 5 World’s longest river (4) 6 Autopsy (4-6) 7 Wool fat (7) 8 Private room on a passenger ship (9) 13 Hollywood (10) 14 Stub (5) 16 Economic decline (9) 19 Severe (7) 21 Uppercase (7) 24 Cub leader (5) 25 Entreaty (4) 26 Keen on (4)

TAKEAWAY & HOME DELIVERIES continue to be available. Thank you for your continued loyalty and support

2 D-Day beach (5)

Ph 4365 5525 www.boonsthai.com.au

Shop 15/7 Link Rd. Green Point Shopping Village Green Point NSW 2251

FILL IN THE WORDS BLOTS

Place all the words listed into the grid. Each word can be used once only. The first word has been filled in. 5 LETTERS Acres Arson Ashes Baste Blots Chomp Deeds Eases Evoke Fasts Fused Heave House Kneel Ogres Passe Renal Rouse Shorn Sighs

V T

E 23

E R

4 9

U N E

M L

E D

S 24

S S

E S

C E

R E

T N

E 18

E S

C A

P D

G O

L E

A H

E T

P I

L R

V K

R A

L H

T N

26 28

O O

I I

E L

P O

E I

I O

7 LETTERS Grimier Peasant Redeems Skaters

1 8 3 4 8 3 2 9 5

2 2 9 5 7 3 3 1 2 9 1 8 9 6 5

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

CCN 1

Sleds Sneak Speak Sprig Stale Stare Teeth Tiled Trite Until Whack Wiper

A N

TR I ES COMB S R URAN I UM H OP T I C DRAMA EAGER WR E C K S L EEK DESKS K S T I NGE OC T E T F LASH ADORN FAT T Y RESE T O EER I ES T M RHYME T EDDY

Sudoku Ha

3 4 5 9 8 1 6 7 2

7 9 8 2 6 4 5 3 1

2 6 1 5 3 7 8 4 9

8 7 2 4 1 6 3 9 5

4 1 9 3 7 5 2 8 6

6 5 3 8 9 2 7 1 4

1 2 6 7 4 8 9 5 3

9 8 4 6 5 3 1 2 7

5 3 7 1 2 9 4 6 8

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Get Rid of Pests, Organically SHARE

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

5 MARCH 2021

repeat. Neatly cut the top third of a plastic drink bottle off (I use the 1.25l ones). Insert the top into the bottom, creating a funnel that the insects will go into, attracted by whatever bait you use and be drowned in water that you need to add. Wasps: Use mashed up fruit in about 3cm of water and make sure that a few bits of fruit stick up from the water. (Set on ground near places you have noticed wasps.) House Flies: Old raw meat in about 3cm water with some sticking out from water. Make sure this trap is set in the sun. Stink Bugs and Moths: a battery-operated light in the bottom of trap. Set in a dark place in your garden. Bowl Traps CHERALYN DARCEY

“Help! I need an organic alternative.” This was once the cry of radical greenies and hippies, but these days most of us have realised we just don’t want to consume, inhale or be in the presence of chemicals. If we can find an safer alternative that works, most gardeners will give it go. I have found and that’s not only good for us, but for our environment and the creatures we share it with. Why do we need pest control? The simple truth is that native plants rarely have problems in their native environments – they have evolved to live in symbiotic relationships with the other plants, animals, birds and insects and even the microbes in their natural environment. But in our home gardens, we are usually asking plants from across the world to not only adapt to the weather and environment but to everyone and everything living in our gardens, including a wide range of introduced pests. While the best way to have a healthy and pestresistant garden is to plant natives, most of us want tomatoes, lettuce and roses, so we need to find ways to protect them and to enable them to thrive. Other than companion planting, all other pest control measures should be only employed when the pest population is proving to be out of control. Your pest controlling methods, even organic ones, should be stopped as soon as your garden situation improves because no matter how careful you are, unfortunately these measures can effect native living things as well. GARDEN HEALTH CARE Healthy plants are much better equipped to combat the invasion of pests. They recover quicker, and they can better resist subsequent disease challenges as well. Water, feed and care for your plants properly as per their individual needs to keep them in tip top health. When working in the garden clean and disinfect tools and your hands when moving on to another plant as this helps stop the spread of pests and disease. You must remove damaged and diseased materials quickly to stop the spread. I would never plant anything in my garden without a fortnight quarantine. You can’t see the microscopic eggs of some pests or other problems at times so having an area of your garden just for new plants to quarantine is a great way to not introduce problems. My area is next to my driveway, well away from most of my garden. BUG TRAPS Bottle Traps These are incredibly easy to make, cheap and they do work. Once full, you simply throw away or wash and

You need to get a little craftier with fruit flies. Into a clear glass bowl place a chopped-up piece of ripe fruit and cover with fruit juice mixed with ¼ teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Cover with plastic cling film drum tight and punch about 3 to 6 holes, depending on size of bowl with a bamboo skewer or similar. Underground Container Traps A good way to combat a slug or snail invasion and use up beer dregs! If you don’t have beer around, mix up 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar and a packet of dry yeast to make a beer substitute. Use plastic containers about the size of a margarine tub with lid and cut away about a third of the lid. You want to create a cover for the container but have enough room for slugs and snails to fall in. Bury container to soil level, fill with beer/yeast mix and then put the lid on. You can also use half a scooped-out orange or grapefruit in the same way but without a ‘lid’. ORGANIC BUG-OFF SPRAYS All of these mixtures should be tested on a small part of the plant first and never used on stressed, dry or thirsty plants. Use in the evening and reapply as required to control pests. The All-Rounder This is suitable for a broad range of pests and the majority of plants. 6 unpeeled cloves garlic 3 whole hot chillies ½ cup of chopped tomato plant leaves 500ml water ½ teaspoon liquid soap Blend all except soap in a blender and then mix in soap, strain into a spray bottle. Test on a leaf first and watch for adverse reaction over 24hours. If none, spray all over plant when plant is not stressed and in the cooler evening. The Sure-Shoot Mix up the above recipe and substitute the tomato leaves with any one or you could try a mixture of the following: Ants: basil, mint, pennyroyal, tansy, wormwood Aphids: coriander, dill, mint, chives Weevils: catnip Mice: wormwood Cabbage White Butterflies: tansy, wormwood Slugs and Snails: wormwood, rosemary Mosquitos: pennyroyal, lavender, rosemary Spider mites: coriander, dill Gnats: pennyroyal Fleas: wormwood, lavender Flies: lavender, pennyroyal, tansy Beetles: Tansy Moths: wormwood, tansy, lavender

Cockroaches: catnip Carrot Fly: basil, chives COMMERCIAL ORGANIC SOLUTIONS Johnalene from East Gosford Community Garden is having great success using ‘Nature’s Way Caterpillar Killer, DiPel Bio-insecticide Spray’ particularly for the White Cabbage Butterfly. This preparation in also safe to beneficial ladybirds and bees. Pyrethrum based sprays do work and are very safe for humans but can kill bees so that needs to be taken into consideration. NatraSoap is a commercial preparation that can be strayed directly on insects and works well. A range that I have had success within my garden is ‘Eco organic garden’. COMPANION PLANTING Growing an abundance of natives, especially along the perimeter of your garden can help. A lot of introduced pests find our Aussie botanical life rather uninteresting or even repulsive so they make great barriers. Other plants below will help you send pests the other way: Aphids: Summer Savoury (Satureja hortensis) Cabbage White Butterflies: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) Whitefly: French Marigolds (Tagetes patula) FEED THE HUNGRY PESTS An alternate angle that can work well is planting crops that your pests would rather eat than your garden treasures. You can plant as barriers to your whole garden or around more valued plants. Caterpillars: Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) Slugs and Snails: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) INVITE THE PREDATORS OVER There are beneficial creatures and insects that you can encourage into your garden to help control pests for you. These include other less destructive to your garden insects along with birds, frogs and lizards. Keeping chickens will help if you can manage them. They love snails and slugs as well as a host of insects. Spiders and even wasps, as much as you might not like them, do a fantastic job of munching their way through a lot of annoying insects. The local bird population will love your bug problem so invite them in as well. How do we let the predators know we are open for their dinning pleasure? You can encourage them by having a water source such as a bird bath, a pond, nesting boxes and hives/ insect hotels. BARRIERS

This includes nettings to stop pests getting to your crops. Just make sure they are fine, breathable and white or clear and well anchored, so they do not entangle birds and animals. Things put on the ground that pests like slugs and snails won’t cross include crushed eggshells, nutshells or gravels. Copper is also known to be something snails and slugs won’t cross, and you can purchase copper tapes that can be effective along the edges of raised garden beds. YOUR HANDS Yes that’s right, your gloved hands! Get out there and pick those pesky bugs off and squash them into the rubbish bin. Evenings are best for bug catching as most are more active then. Also don’t leave rotting fruits, flowers and leaves on plants or fallen as these attract bugs. Pick them up and either compost or dispose of if unsuitable due to disease. Pests are a fact of life in the garden. You really are never going to rid yourself entirely of them, but a healthy, well managed garden will make them less of a problem for the majority of time. On some occasions, you just can’t fight nature and you might be better off planting things that don’t seem so appetising to the munching visitors. DOWN IN THE GARDEN MAIL Neil from Kanwal writes: I’m looking to add flowering Australian natives to my front garden. The main problem is heavy summer shade from a large deciduous ornamental pear tree which keeps the house cooler in summer and lets in winter sun when the leaves drop. Overall, the other plants around the area I want to plant are; dodonea viscosa, ahoy grevilleas, mountain devil, winter fire grevillea, callistemons, native mint bush, acacia sophorae and leptospermum and now a re-emerging correa from a previous planting. I’d welcome suggestions as to what might work. Cheralyn: Hi Neil, that is a little tricky and I see you have a few good ideas. The problem you have pointed out is that the tree you are planting under is deciduous so your underplantings need to handle both sun and shade. Other plants you might consider include any of the Boronia’s, Chorizema cordatum, Crowea exalata, Hibbertia obtusifolia, barema sapindoides, Acmena Smithi, Hypocalymma augustifolium, viola betonicifolia. Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on Coast FM. Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Celebrating the Coast’s women To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, a range of events will be held across the Central Coast as part of the Central Coast Festival of Women. The annual festival will run between March 5 and 17 and include many businesses and organisations run by women or supportive of them. Sally Jope is one of the volunteers who has helped organise the festival. She said it all started six years ago when they began an International Women’s Day Expo. “For the first couple of years, the Expo was at Ourimbah University, then we had two years

CCN

CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

Free social French conversation groups, small classes at East Gosford and Bateau Bay Inquiries - Nathalie 0416 303 804 www.afcentralcoast.org.au afcentralcoast@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

Lectures, demonstrations and discussion. Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre. Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

Join us for the fun and enjoyment of art! Attend a weekly art group with mentors, exhibitions, workshops and a monthly members meeting with guests and prizes, held on the 4th Thurs of the month at The Entrance Community Centre 4333 8387 www.tlas.org.au president@tlas.org.au

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

Would you like to read, write and share your poetry. We hold workshops and create anthologies. We meet the second Saturday each month. Wyoming Memorial Community Hall. Contact us by email

CCN

Other key events include breakfast and lunch with the Community and Business Women’s Network (CBWN) on March 5, an International Women’s Day Celebration Breakfast with She Story on March 8, and a cabaret performance called Rayon Riot by the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus on March 13. International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 1900s in the USA, with its first celebration officially marked by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on March 19, 1911. Jope says it is important to recognise the hard-working, successful and talented women

on the Central Coast. “It is about celebrating women and everything we do and everything we do,” she said. “Different organisations have a different slant on it on the day. “It would be great for some entrepreneur to pick this up and make it a non-volunteer thing and be able to create a bit of income for them to run with it. “That hasn’t happened so far, but hopefully, that will take place in the future because I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t.” Information can be found on the Facebook page, Central Coast Festival of Women. Jacinta Counihan

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE

info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

at Erina Fair Shopping Centre, and then last year we were at Tuggerah Shopping Centre,” Jope said. This year, the International Women’s Day Expo and Artisan Market will be held at The Entrance Community Centre and is only one of many other events. “The Central Coast Festival of women is basically to celebrate women and everything we do and our achievements and successes. “We will stream the All About Women one day event from the Sydney Opera on Sunday, March 7. “That is often booked out, but we can provide that for either a no-cost or a low-cost.”

1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth Mon-Fri FELLOWSHIP OF Wed of each month. Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor FIRST FLEETERS Maree 0419 418 190 bowls, knitting, line dancing, For anyone interested in early origami, painting, pencil HANDWEAVERS, history. drawing, scrabble, DYING WITH DIGNITY SPINNERS AND TEXTILE Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. anneglazier@y7mail.com scrapbooking, sit & sew, table Campaigning to give those ARTS GUILD Point Clare Community Hall tennis, Ukulele suffering unrelievable terminal Spinning and weaving, 2nd Sat 10:30am CENTRAL COAST MARINE 4304 7065 or incurable illness the choice patchwork and quilting, felting 4392 1926 4311 6254 DISCOVERY CENTRE to receive legal medical and other fibre and fabric The revamped CCMDC is open. assistance to die. GOSFORD-NARARA crafts, community quilting bees Schools and Group bookings Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. NEIGHBOURHOOD - Day and Night Groups welcome by appointment. 0434 426 486 CENTRE 4325 4743 Building has special needs robyncameron@y7mail.com COASTAL A CAPPELLA www.cottagecrafts.net.au School Holiday activities, access and toilets Award winning women’s playgroup, multicultural Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. a cappella chorus. PROSTATE CANCER programs, community activities CENTRAL COAST Terrigal. Music education provided. SUPPORT GROUP Rooms for Hire WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY 4385 5027 Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ Last Fri 9.30am 4329 4477 Art society for artists ccmdc@bigpond.com Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. Terrigal Uniting Church admin@gnnc.com.au painting in watercolour www.ccmdc.org.au Performance opportunities. 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal Workshops, beginners Hire us for your next event. 4367 9600 classes and paint outs 0412 948 450 TERRIGAL WAMBERAL www.pcfa.org.au Details on our website coastalacappella@gmail.com RSL SUB-BRANCH 0435 466 526 ALCOHOLICS Pension and welfare officers MEALS ON WHEELS POLITICAL PARTIES ccwsinc@gmail.com ANONYMOUS available to assist with DVA Delicious meals delivered free www.centralcoastwatercolour. Someone cares. compensation claims and Join us for a midday meal com.au Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall benefits CENTRAL COAST GREENS Help with shopping and Henry Parry & Wells Breakers Country Club Local, state wide, national and cooking classes COMMUNITY GROUPS Street East Gosford Wed & Fri 10am – Midday international issues and 4363 7111 Meet 2nd Sat 10am campaigns ABC - “The Friends” AL - ANON FAMILY 4384 2661 Council and parliamentary Safeguard ABC’s S.A Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. GROUPS HEALTH representation independence, funding, & org.au. We offer hope and friendship Is Internet porn destroying your 3rd Thur standards. Meetings through life. for people affected by centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au the year & social mornings We may be able to help. someone else’s drinking. centralcoastgreens@gmail.com U3A CENTRAL COAST Well-known guest speakers We are a 12 step fellowship Al-anon family groups Enjoy a diverse range of 0400 213 514 like AA. meet weekly, please contact courses and activities for LABOR PARTY www.fabcnsw.org.au Meets every Sat at 7pm on the 1300 252 666 seniors. Keep your mind active OURIMBAH/ NARARA Central Coast al-anon.org.au and make new friends. CENTRAL COAST BRANCH Contact for further details 0408 704 701 Discussion/action community CARAVANNERS 0473 631 439 BETTER HEARING www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au Issues – 3 levels of 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov newcastlesagroup@gmail.com AUSTRALIA Government Trips Away, Social Outings, Hearing loss management VOLUNTEERING Function Room, Grange Hotel, 4323 3890 friendship with like minded Support and educational Wyoming folk CENTRAL COAST groups providing practical 7.30pm 1st. Monday Geoff 0447 882 150 Refer potential volunteers to HENRY KENDALL experience and confidence 0410 309 494 community organisations & COTTAGE & 4321 0275 Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com provide support to them. COMMUNITY LEGAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM Training to volunteers and Visit our c1838 Cottage & CENTRE CENTRAL COAST PROBUS CLUBS Museum with exhibits of early Not for profit service providing managers of volunteers Info ASBESTOS DISEASES sessions held regularly. settlers. School and group free legal advice SUPPORT GROUP 4329 7122 bookings. Members & Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm AVOCA BEACH Support for those suffering recruit@volcc.org.au volunteers welcome. Open 4353 4988 PROBUS CLUB with asbestos diseases and contact@centralcoastclc.org.au Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am COMMUNITY CENTRES others interested in asbestos with a great social program, 2:30pm. West Gosford guest speakers and optional issues. You are not alone, meet LEARN TO DANCE 4325 2270 bistro lunches. Google our with others who can share www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Social ballroom dancing for all GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE name for our fully informative their experiences. Bring a Brisbane Water Historical Society ages, all you need is a desire AND LEARNING CENTRE newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd family member or friend. or you may ring Clive 0419120347

Mon each month at Avoca Beach Bowling Club.

to learn and dance, no partner required. meet every Wed -15 Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm Anne - 0409 938 345

avocaprobus@gmail.com

SERVICE GROUPS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY Make new friends & have fun while serving your community Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month 0478 959 895

MUSIC

HEALTH GROUPS

HISTORY GROUPS

WOMEN’S GROUPS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRES

Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER

Making a difference in the lives of women & girls through awareness, advocacy & action 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal sibrisbanewater@siswp.org www.siswp.org

SPORT DOYALSON WYEE SOCCER CLUB

Football club for the local community. Juniors from under 5 to senior teams. Kerry 0410 045 981

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369 or see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

president@doylowolves.com.au

KOWAKAN AIKIDO

Kids from 7yrs and adults, Fri and Sun, East Gosford Scout Hall. See website for details 0411 725 823

www.kowakanaikidocentralcoast. com

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 5 MARCH 2021

Business & Property Broady on the block

The old Broadwater site will be sold as is

The future of the former Boadwater Hotel site on Mann St, Gosford, hangs in the balance, with Central Coast Council resolving to decline all tender submissions for demolition and continue to sell the site as it currently stands.

Council had planned to demolish the dilapidated site while considering the best option for its long-term future usage. A tender for the works was issued in August-October, 2020, and Council was in the process of evaluating 12 tender submissions.

But in response to Council’s financial crisis and as part of its Business Recovery Plan, the site was included in Tranche 1 of Council properties to be offered for sale. Along with other assets which Council considers to be underperforming or surplus to its current and future needs,

the Broady, along with the nearby Gosford Council chambers building, will be put on the market. The formal resolution to decline all tenders associated with the Broadwater demolition provides for the progression of the site for sale, along with other Council assets.

Valuations have already been undertaken and contracts are being prepared with the properties expected to be put on the market sometime in March. Council says there has been a high level of interest in the properties and discussions are also being held with

Government agencies which may purchase sites of strategic interest directly from Council. Further information on the asset sales can be found on Council’s website. Source: Media release, Feb 24 Central Coast Council

Rate harmonisation coming from July 1 Regardless of the outcome of the 15 per cent rate rise now being considered by IPART, Central Coast ratepayers will see an increase or a decrease in their rates from July 1 depending on property values and location. The NSW Government has mandated that merged councils’ rates be harmonised by that date. The rates of the former Wyong and Gosford councils were frozen at the time of the merger (May, 2016) and will now need to be harmonised, with the former Wyong rates much higher than those in Gosford. Council’s Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, said rates harmonisation would not result in any additional income for Council. “This is about equity,” Cowley said. “A new harmonised rating

structure is about ensuring the spread of the rates burden is as fair as possible across the whole Local Government Area. “All Central Coast ratepayers will have their rates calculated in the same way which means that within each rating category and sub-category ratepayers with the same land values will pay the same amount for Council services. “With the current rate path freeze this is not the case.” Cowley said the change in the rates payable from rates harmonisation would be based on land value. “If you live in an area where land values have risen (such as the former Gosford Local Government Area) more than in other localities (such as the former Wyong Local Government Area) then you will experience a bigger rise in rates through this process,” she said. “For some former Wyong

Local Government Area ratepayers, rates will go down. “Council does not set property values – that’s done by the NSW Government Valuer General and is beyond the control of Council.” Administrator, Dick Persson, said he understood that the effect of the rates variation process and rates harmonisation would lead some ratepayers to have uncertainty about their payable rates in the short term. “Timing has not been kind to us,” Persson said. “We were required to urgently address Council’s adverse financial situation through an application for a rates variation, and we are also required by the State Government to proceed with rates harmonisation. “We know many people are doing it tough right now due to COVID – especially our business community and those who work in areas like services and

hospitality. “That’s why we have reviewed our Debt Recovery and Hardship Policy to give support to those who need help to pay their rates. “That is currently on exhibition and the community can view it and have their say up until March 9.” Details about the harmonised rating structure, including an online calculator to find out individual rate impacts can be found at yourvoiceourcoast. com. Ratepayers will face further rate increases if the Special Rate Variation of 15 per cent applied for by Council is approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. That decision is expected in May. Source: Media release, Feb 26 Central Coast Council Director Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley

PAGE 26 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

DUCTED PACKAGES FULLY INSTALLED ALL WITH 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY

NO DEPOSIT PACKAGE 1 7kW COOLING & 8kW HEATING • IDEAL FOR 3 BEDROOMS ONLY

4995

MONTHS INTEREST FREE#

Conditions apply. See store or website for details. Minimum purchase $1600.00

DUCTED PACKAGE 2 12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTER NEW • 6 OUTLETS MODE WITH 2 ZONES L

NEW MODE L

6995

DUCTED PACKAGE 5

DUCTED PACKAGE 6

14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER • 8 OUTLETS WITH 2 ZONES

20kW 3 PHASE • 10 OUTLETS WITH 3 ZONES

9295

10995

LY FUL LLED TA INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

LY FUL LLED A T INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW Cooling, 8.0kW Heating

LY FUL LLED TA INS

DUCTED PACKAGE 3

DUCTED PACKAGE 4

12.5kW DUCTED SYSTEM BONUS BAC WITH 14kW HEATING E CO T K LIT OU WA C H • 6 OUTLETS CO NT LL ROL WITH 2 ZONES

14kW COOLING & 16kW BONUS BAC HEATING INVERTER E CO T K LIT OU WA C H • 8 OUTLETS CO NT LL ROL WITH 2 ZONES

8295

LY FUL LLED A T INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

9295 5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

UP TO 17 METRE REACH

LY FUL LLED A T 5 YEARS 3HP INVERTER REVERSE I N S PARTS & LABOUR CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM WARRANTY! 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

2495

DAIKIN

2695

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

LY FUL LLED A T INS

1HP

2495

5 YEARS

1HP

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

2295

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

MULTIHEAD PACKAGE • 1 Outdoor and 2 Indoor Units • Ideal for 2 Bedrooms • Individual Control for Every Room

LY FUL LLED TA INS

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

3295

LY FUL LLED TA INS

5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1.5HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 3.5kW Cooling, 4kW Heating

1695

1HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 2.5kW Cooling, 3.0kW Heating

1349

2HP REVERSE CYCLE 5.1kW Cooling, 5.1kW Heating

1495

2/8 Kerta Rd, Kincumber, NSW 2251

www.globalrez.com.au WE SELL ALL THE MAJOR BRANDS. COMMERCIAL QUOTES ARE WELCOMED.

3/11 Accolade Ave, Morisset, NSW 2264 ph: 9371 1611 ph: 1300 781 855 Email: sales@globalrez.com.au

* Terms and Conditions apply. All prices are based on Single Story Homes and Back to Back installation on split systems or extra charges apply. Finance is subject to approval check with store for conditions and charges. Ducted Air conditioning pricing is based on single storey homes only or extra charges apply. Licence number 215189c.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 5 MARCH 2021

Terrigal Bowling Club a finalist in Clubs & Community Awards Terrigal Bowling Club has been selected as a finalist in the 2021 Clubs & Community Awards in the category of Health and Well-being for its contribution to the local community. The Clubs & Community Awards recognise clubs across NSW which have significantly helped out businesses, sporting clubs, and organisations in their area. Terrigal Bowling Club CEO, James Heddo, said the club was proud to be selected and hopes to build upon its commitment to the community in 2021. “Over many years, the Terrigal Bowling Club has supported many local groups; it’s nice to be recognised,” Heddo said. “We are quite secure financially, and we certainly allocate in our budget financially each year for various community groups. “We are by no means a big club, but we understand our role in the community and that our support is vital to many local, not-for-profit

Terrigal SLSC President, Kevin Porter (left), with Terrigal Bowling Club CEO, James Heddo

organisations. “Our community grants scheme, which has provided funding to Terrigal’s Surf Life Saving Club, Donnica Clarke Foundation, and Terrigal Neighbourhood Community Centre, to name a few, is reflective of our desire to enhance health and wellbeing, particularly in times of crisis.” In addition to donations, Terrigal Bowling Club also supports community groups

through offering services and facilities. “We recently hosted a group of Year Six special needs children from the support unit at Terrigal Public School, who were farewelling a classmate in the school holidays,” he said. “For some, this was their first-ever party, and I was incredibly proud of my team and to be able to work for an organisation that can support their community in such a special way.

“For the sporting clubs, we try to cap it at $1500, which we think is a good amount of money to enable them to purchase uniforms or to put to their training programs. “We find offering donations capped at $1,500, we can spread the money around to a wide range of groups, instead of throwing it all in one bucket. “Terrigal Bowling Club was created in 1947 as a place for locals to enjoy playing sport together.

“Since then, we have worked to ensure that lawn bowls and a sense of community are at the forefront of our existence, staying true to our roots. “We are proud to boast a number of highly successful professional men’s and women’s teams, and we cater to all levels of skill through barefoot bowls. “We also run initiatives such as our school bowls programs and free coaching sessions for all ages and abilities.”

ClubsNSW CEO, Josh Landis, said the way clubs have looked after their members and communities throughout such a tumultuous period was nothing short of outstanding. “We had so many aweinspiring entries for the Clubs & Community Awards this year, demonstrating how clubs have once again dug deep to help those in need,” Landis said. “From making welfare calls and sending out care packages to members during the COVID-19 shutdown, to providing shelter and food for those fleeing the Black Summer bushfires, clubs have gone above and beyond to support their communities, and this is their chance to be recognised for all their hard work.” The winners will be announced at the Clubs & Community Awards Night at the International Convention Centre, Sydney, on Thursday, May 20. Also named as a finalist is Gosford RSL in the COVID-19 Community Assistance category. Jacinta Counihan

New planning policy aims to create more liveable spaces A new planning policy being proposed by the State Government could have major design impacts for the Central Coast. Central Coast Council will look into how the new policy proposed by Planning Minister, Rob Stokes, would impact it, a spokesperson said. Stokes said design would be at the heart of the new policy, which aims to create more beautiful buildings, better public spaces and leafier suburbs. The Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP)

proposes to consolidate and replace existing designfocused policies, including SEPP 65 and BASIX SEPP to ensure good design outcomes for any new major development in the state. Stokes said the proposal represents a rare opportunity to re-shape the look and feel of the places we live in. “The proposed policy helps shift our thinking away from only designing beautiful buildings to designing beautiful neighbourhoods,” Stokes said. “Under the proposal, new developments will now have to show how they respond and contribute to the surrounding area.

“We want to create places that have beauty and character; that are green, liveable and bring people together with access to open space and active transport connections. “This policy will allow for innovation and creativity by giving designers and planners the ability to think outside the box so that good design isn’t stifled by prescriptive onesize-fits-all regulations. “It will also set expectations for developers early on, providing more consistency, clarity and certainty which will help speed up the planning processes for good development.” The proposed Design and

Place SEPP will encourage: greater innovation and design flexibility; greater housing diversity including better apartments for families; consistent guidance for state and local design review panels; better public spaces through new targets including controls for walking connections and shadier footpaths; greener spaces with tree canopy targets, green roofs and walls; and development that minimises energy use and carbon footprint. NSW Government Architect, Abbie Galvin, is overseeing development of the Design and Place SEPP. “This will guide us all to

design and prioritise healthy places for people, community and country,” Galvin said. “Design is about people, our shared history and our future. “This policy will help integrate the things we value about the design of our local communities and our cities. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment engaged with industry peak bodies on the development of the policy from July to October, 2020, and further collaboration across government and with councils, industry and community stakeholders is underway. The Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) for the Design and

Place SEPP is now on public exhibition until March 31. Further consultation will occur later this year and will include the Public Space and Urban Design Guide, Apartment Design Guide and additional guidance for BASIX changes. The SEPP is expected to be finalised in late-2021 or early-2022. For more information and to submit feedback, visit https:// www.planning.nsw.gov.au/ Policy-and-Legislation/StateEnvironmental-PlanningPolicies-Review/Design-andPlace-SEPP Source: Media release, 25 Planning Minister, Rob Stokes

Lodge Morning Star

What do you know about us? Lodge Morning Star has been inextricably linked to the Central Coast community since 1922. The Peninsula’s very own lodge will be celebrating its centenary in 2022 and as part of the celebrations we are producing a book detailing the fascinating history of our lodge. We have plenty of masonic information to include, but we really want to highlight the many interesting, funny, heart-warming and sometimes strange stories you may have about our lodge.

02 4344 5133

We also want to hear from organisations and individuals that we have helped or who have partnered with us over the years in our ongoing mission to improve the Central Coast community.

If you have, or know of, any stories, memorabilia or details related to our lodge, please get in touch with us. And if you’re interested in receiving a copy of the finished book, let us know.

email@lodgemorningstar.com

PAGE 28 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Put your savings to the interest-rate test WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine Not all savings accounts are created equal. Some have higher interest rates, some charge extra fees and others have “bells and whistles” to help you save more. So how do you know your hard-earned money is in the right savings account? How can you make the most of the account you have? Here are some pointers to get you started. Split your accounts: Do you have an everyday transaction account? The one you use when you go to the shops, pay your rent, pick up the occasional (or regular) coffee and buy stuff online? If you have more than $2000 at any given time in this account, it pays to link it to a savings account. This will attract a higher

interest rate on the money that would otherwise just sit there in your transaction account (check our Best of the Best issue from December-January to see the range of interest rates offered by various savings and transaction accounts). So, let’s say you have $7000 in your account and you split it into two, with $5000 going into a savings account that attracts a base rate of 1.68% and earns $84 a year. Assuming you don’t touch the savings account and you have unlimited transactions on your transaction account, then the interest you will earn over five years would be about $420. Test your fees knowledge: In 2017, the buy now, pay later provider Afterpay earned 24% of its annual income from late fees. And the consumer body Choice found that in the same year households paid nearly

$480 on average in banking fees. These figures are from 2017 because the industry has responded to criticism and now there are many products that will cost you nothing – so long as you understand the terms and conditions. For example, all big four

banks offer accounts with no monthly fee as long as you deposit a minimum amount each month. NAB’s Classic Banking Account doesn’t even require a minimum deposit. Outside the major banks, there are plenty of institutions

that now offer fee-free savings or transaction accounts. Other fees to watch out for include internet banking fees, EFTPOS fees, ATM fees (if you exceed the number of transactions you’re allowed to make), non-bank or foreign ATM fees (banks such as ME,

for example, would refund ATM fees), dishonour fees (as high as $30-$50) and “exceeding your credit limit” fees. If your bank still charges phone transaction or branch withdrawal fees, you may want to switch as this should be part of the service. M

able to claim a credit for the foreign tax paid upon their return, but only if they have the proper records and structures in place,” says Bembrick. For taxation purposes, shares and managed funds are usually assessed as if they were sold at market value on the date you move. “The good news is there would be no further Australian CGT implications if these

assets are actually sold while a non-resident. “However, if they are still owned when Australian tax residency is resumed, they – along with any new investments – will be deemed to be

re-acquired at that time for their current market value, so any future capital gains or losses on sale would relate only to the movement in value during the second period of Australian tax residency.”

Returning Aussies face a tax hit The pandemic has seen droves of Australian expats return home, with many more likely to follow in the months and years ahead. But they could be greeted with a hefty tax bill on their foreign investments. Tax expert Peter Bembrick, from HLB Mann Judd, warns of unique tax implications depending on the time spent

overseas and the jurisdiction. These cover income tax, shareholdings, employee share schemes, cash in offshore banks accounts and pension funds. “Property is another key consideration,” he says. “Some countries charge non-residents a higher rate of transaction tax or tax capital gains on profits from property investments and, in Australia, if you’ve retained

property while abroad, you may be better to move back into it first before selling. “This applies particularly to the former family home, as non-residents selling property are now excluded from the capital gains tax main residence exemption and the related ‘six-year absence’ rule.” Returning Aussies are also at risk of being double-taxed. “[Returning citizens] may be

Purchase the latest copy of Money magazine in all good newsagents on the Central Coast PURCHASE YOUR COPY AT: Ourimbah Newsagency • 37 Pacific Highway, Ourimbah Woolworths • William Street, Gosford Toukley Newsagency • Shop 1/30 Canton Beach Road, Toukley

Visit moneymag.com.au and click subscribe

IVE ME DEFENS ON THE NDS FOR INCO BUY BO

DS THE KI EEDOM INVEST CIAL FR SHOW SAVE AND G FINAN CREATIN HOW TO

REFORM BEAT THE VOLATILITY REFINANCE YOUR LOAN P DUTY ST WILL BE STAM WHY ETFSTH SWITCH TO A BETTER DEAL ARE HOT E CO WHAT

PLUSEXTRACT

BOOK ENT RETIREM PLE: MADE SIMNG EVERYTHI TO YOU NEED MARCH 2021 AUS $8.95 NZ $9.95 ISSUE 242 KNOW www.moneymag.com.au BY NOEL R WHITTAKE

241 ISSUE AUS NZ $9.95 @MoneyMag $8.95 RY 2021 au FEBRUA neymag.com. www.mo

50 PLUS PUT THE KIDS FIRST IN A DIVORCE SETTLEMENT

RARITY IS THE KEY TO MAKING PROPERTY PROFITS

ND SHARPEEARTY PRO YS BU MICHAEL CASSEL: LIVE THEATRE’S LUCRATIVE SIDE

UL’S VER PLUS PA

DICT TI

LD NICOLA FIE TOP STAY ON L GITA OF DIDAVID ING THORNTON BANK IS IT TOO LATE TO INVEST IN BITCOIN? R FIRST

BUYIN PS FOR

G YOU

SPOT THE RIP-OFF: DODG SEMINARSY FOR INVESTORS PAG

@MoneyMagAUS

TOP PADLEY MARCUS OF CHECKLISTALLY WHAT RES MATTER

BANKING CAN BE FUN NEOBANKS MAKE IT EASY

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

E 89

YOUR GAME PLAN

Make 2021 count: tips for investments, jobs and saving LY SUSAN HE WHERE A THERE’S ERE’S WILL TH A RISK PHIL SLADE YOUR INNER APE MECAN HOHOW COST YOU

DANIELLE WOOD A RETURN TO NORMAL ISN’T ENOUGH

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 5 MARCH 2021

Fashion dolls become big business The fashion dolls industry is a niche, yet large business, and Coastie, Jozef Szekeres, has become one of the big players. Five years ago, Szekeres started his own business, GlamourDollsOz, selling 18inch collectible fashion dolls. Fast forward to now and Szekeres’ doll, Kotalin Bizelle: Ribbon Reveal, recently became one of the winners in the Collectible Teen/Adult Dolls category for the American DOLLS Award of Excellence Industry’s Choice Awards. What makes GlamourDollsOz different from other dolls in the industry is their close-torealistic look and height difference. Instead of designing them to be the usual 16 inch height, Szekeres decided to make his dolls 18 inches but still able to wear the standard 16 inch fashion doll’s clothing and shoes. His collectable fashion dolls sell for over $400 and can be dressed in many different themed and non-themed accessories. Szekeres began his career in 2D animation, animating the Disney Princesses (such as Ariel and Jasmine) for Disney Animation Australia for 13 years. He co-designed the 2000 Sydney Olympic Mascots,

Founder of GlamourDollsOz, Jozef Szekeres, with his range of fashion dolls

including their first physical 3D sculpts. He also co-created and illustrated several comic book series published both locally and internationally for WaRP and Image Comics. Szekeres said his passion for fashion dolls began as a child when he had his own Barbie collection. “I loved Barbie growing up,” Szekeres said. “My mother would buy dolls for me, which I loved. “As a child, I would play with these dolls, wrap them in fabric to make mermaids, and paint

them… I did it in a creative way. “As a child, teased for owning and playing with Barbie dolls, I imagined what my own future glamorous doll might look like. “I remember going through the shops and seeing the Barbie doll which was $10-15, and then seeing right next to it the clone copy that had been made badly. “I would look at it and think, they had the same materials, the same jointing and articulation – the only difference was the artwork or the sculptor that has done this before. “I remember thinking, I want

to make them.” Between 2003 and 2007, Szekeres created his first fashion dolls, receiving great reviews. For the past two and a half years, Szekeres has lived in China on-site at the factory, overseeing production and also being involved in production and quality control. Szekeres said collectable dolls became more than just children’s toys back in 1995 when the famous American illustrator, Mel Odom, released his own line of fashion dolls. “What he did which was different to what was happening

in the marketplace at the time; he created his dolls to be 16 inches tall instead of Barbie’s height of 11.5 inches,” Szekeres said. “So it became a much larger scale when you could compare the two. “Around the time he released them, Barbie’s vintage original 1959 and 1960s garments and dolls were released and were going for crazy amounts of money on the secondary market; for up to $2,000$3,000 USD for garments, and dolls for much higher. “When his dolls first came out, it was quite different them

being a different scale because there wasn’t a huge catalogue of clothing for the doll to wear. “But he was very clever and released three dress dolls and then a whole wardrobe that could be purchased separately, so that got collectors on board straight away. “These dolls were made specifically for collectors because the price range was in the several hundreds of dollars.” Szekeres explained since the 16 inch dolls were larger, ultimately, the scale of the clothing was larger. This meant there was more focus on creating outfits made of higher quality materials, metallic jewellery, fabric shoes and bags, and accessories that presented in a much more high-end way. Szekeres’ products are some of the best in the business and are sold all over the world. He sells 10 different dressed doll limited editions, featuring the characters; Elizabet Bizelle and sister, Kotalin Bizelle, with Lucille Lei and Bindi Merinda. “Now as an adult, I make my own GlamourOZ Dolls,” he said. “I see my dolls as art. “What was once a source of shame, has now evolved into strength and beauty.” Jacinta Counihan

Vertical living on The Rise People aged over 55 now have the option to retire in style with the completion of the Central Coast’s first luxury vertical retirement building at Wood Glen retirement village in Erina. The Rise is a $46M boutique apartment project by RetireAustralia, consisting of 24 contemporary residences. The complex was officially opened recently by the RetireAustralia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brett Robinson, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and the village’s new and future residents. Robinson said The Rise at Wood Glen caters for a fundamental shift in the way modern downsizers are now

viewing retirement as more and more people look to apartments over houses. “It is a premium product; we see people are looking to the vertical option over the onground because they don’t want as much to do with a garden, yard or its upkeep,” he said. “I think for some people, particularly people from Sydney … they want to maintain apartment living but want to be on the Central Coast. “Our philosophy has been to create a lifestyle without compromise for residents at The Rise, along with tailored home care services to help them maintain their independence. “We’ve already welcomed our first residents and we are

looking forward to many more moving in during the weeks ahead.’’ Apartment prices range from $600,000 with penthouses closer to $1M. The building comes with a lift for easy accessibility, drawers instead of cupboards, larger light switches and more. Wood Glen also offers residents community facilities, including a resort-style lodge and bar, auditorium, hairdressing salon, library, pool, spa, gymnasium, outdoor entertainment areas and bowls green. The next stage of the project is planned for right next door and expected to start later this year due. Jacinta Counihan

Newspapers Central Coast

CCN

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 30 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

COME IN FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT COSMETIC DENTISTRY • DENTAL IMPLANTS • SINGLE TOOTH REPLACEMENT • FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION OVER 4-6 IMPLANTS • IMPLANT SUPPORTED DENTURES

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SMILE THIS NEW YEAR!

WE ACCEPT HOSPITAL VOUCHERS AND VETERAN AFFAIRS

NO GAP

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR EXPERIENCED & GENTLE DENTIST FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Exam and Clean appointment for Private Dental Health Insurance patients. Not with a Health Fund? Just pay $179 Includes FREE Xrays worth $160 Full Comprehensive Exam, Clean and Polish, OPG X-rays, Treatment Planning and Fluoride

A whiter brighter Smile in one hour PHILIPS Zoom White speed in chair teeth whitening special - only $595 (normally $950)

NOW ACCEPTING % INTEREST ON PAYMENT PLANS 90

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM CLEAN, FLUORIDE & X- RAYS

FOR KIDS ONLY.

COSMETIC

al Lifel

al Lifeline

ulk Bill Under New Medicare's CDBS. 00 Free Dental Care- Ask us the Details) ntal Sealants # Customized Mouth Guards

ord Train Station

dentallifeline.com.au

We provide reasons to smile

$1,000 Free Dental Care for children age 2 to 17 Ask us for the Details

BOOK ONLINE

PORCELAIN VENEERS

FREE CONSULTATION

INVISALIGN

Dr. Meena Gambhir

Dr. Namita Mehta

YOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE

Saturday Appointments Available - We accept Veteran’s Affairs patients Shop 1, 201 Mann Street, Opposite Gosford Train Station, Gosford 2250 gosford@dentallifeline.com.au | www.dentallifeline.com.au

CCN

GOSFORD - BONDI - HORNSBY CALL 02 4325 7369 OR SEE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 5 MARCH 2021

Grooving together for sick kids Six Central Coast women have thrown their support behind a major fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Registrations are now open for the inaugural national Dance for Sick Kids fundraiser, a week-long dance challenge to take place from May 15-21 to raise money for seriously ill and injured children and their families across the country. Among the first to sign up were the Coast women, led by Rachel Jamieson of The Entrance. The six took part in a state trial of the initiative last year, under the moniker The Spice Girls. “We are from all parts of the Coast and we had a lot of fun last year,” Jamieson said. “We tried to get together every day and dance as a group and we also got our siblings, partners and family members involved. “We took videos of the dances and got our family and friends to sponsor us. “We managed to raise just over $3,000, which we were

Dance team Rachel Jamieson, Taylor Marks, Sam Hulme, Jayde Silk and Liana Levy; missing from the photo is Drew Marks

stoked about. “We will definitely take part this year and have already started sending routines to each other. “None of us but one are dancers - we’re complete amateurs but we found during COVID (the video dances were) a good way to break up the routine.”

The cause is close to Jamieson’s heart. “I’m part of the team which created the initiative but have also had personal experience, with my niece having been supported by Ronald McDonald House,” she said. “As soon as my friends heard about it, they were keen to jump on board and support

me.” The inaugural national event will feature virtual workshops with choreographer Marko Panzic and Jarryd Byrne from the 2020 season of Dancing with the Stars. The team at RMHC welcomes all skill levels, ages and stages to bust a move.

Panzic said he became an ambassador for Dance for Sick Kids after visiting the Ronald McDonald House at Randwick, where he cooked for the families with Ricki Lee Coulter. “Just from spending time in the House I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” he said. “Dance is fun – we all do it on

a Saturday night, we do it with our friends, so why not do it for a great cause and raise some incredible money for people who need it”. Funds raised through the Dance For Sick Kids program will go directly towards supporting seriously ill and injured children and their families across the country. Ronald McDonald House Charities relies on the support of communities to continue its crucial work. CEO Barbara Ryan said the past year has been especially tough for the families of seriously ill or injured children. “As a charity we are constantly adapting the way we operate to continue to support these families,” she said. “Whether it’s grooving at home on your own or in the office as a group, we need Aussies to put their dancing shoes on and get involved in this meaningful cause.” Registrations close on May 14. Register at www.danceforsickkids.com, Terry Collins

Supporting people after a suicide attempt Coast & Country Primary Care (formerly known as Central Coast Primary Care) has launched a new suicide program called The Way Back Support Service. The service has been designed by Beyond Blue, commissioned by The Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECCPHN), and funded by the Commonwealth

Department of Health and NSW Health. It aims to support people on the Central Coast during the critical three-month period following a suicide attempt when they are at high risk of attempting again. Coast & Country Primary Care (CCPC) CEO, Michelle Bradbury, said the organisation is proud to deliver the program to people on the Central Coast. “As a mental health specialist

organisation, we are familiar with the impact that attempted suicide has on the individual, their support networks, and the whole community,” Bradbury said. “We are proud to be able to provide this service in our community.” People will be referred to the program from local hospitals and will be assigned a Suicide Prevention Support Coordinator to guide them through their

recovery. Coordinators offer people non-clinical care, such as helping build a personalised safety plan and linking them to health and community services and clinical care if needed. Beyond Blue Chief Services Officer, Alastair Stott, said The Way Back provides critical support for people after they leave hospital. “The Way Back addresses a significant gap in the current

service system and eases people’s distress by guiding them towards the right support and informing them about how to stay safe,” Stott said. “Coordinators provide people with practical support for improving their situation so they can find their way back to life.” This comes at the same time as the not-for-profit’s rebrand, due to substantial growth and expansion of its services

Is your sleep as good as it should be? For over a decade, Pacific Sleep has been your local provider for sleep health solutions on the Central Coast. Proudly independent, we offer ongoing care and support with all major brands of sleep equipment. We won’t sleep until you get the sleep you deserve! Contact Pacific Sleep today for: • Home sleep testing • CPAP trials and rental • CPAP or BiPAP equipment and support • Home oxygen therapy solutions, including AIRVO ™ Conveniently located at North Gosford Private Hospital Specialist Centre and at the heart of Toukley shopping district.

Call 4339 1222 Email info@pacificsleep.com.au | pacificsleep.com.au | Pacific Sleep is an approved DVA supplier North Gosford Specialist Centre, Suite 2, 14-18 Jarrett Street | Toukley 45 Canton Beach Road

outside the Central Coast. Coast & Country Primary Care will now expand throughout NSW, with staff recruitment in Taree, Port Macquarie, and Coffs Harbour underway to provide specialised mental health services to people in those communities. Source: Media release, Mar 1 CCPC Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 32 5 MARCH 2021 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Getting started with seasonal eating

GEORGIA LIENEMANN In last week’s column we explored some of the benefits associated with seasonal eating. This week we’re focusing on how to gradually master the process. It’s ironic that reacquainting ourselves with such a simple, age-old tradition can require some initial effort. Before the development of such efficient global transport systems, seasonal and local foods were the only ones on offer. After only a few decades of relying on supermarkets for our

food, we’ve lost touch with the knowledge and skills required to eat this way. Most people no longer possess any awareness of which foods are in season or even an inherent understanding of the fact that most produce and even many animal foods, do in fact have a season! We’ve been sold the idea that we can have whatever we want all year round, when this is not how nature works. Supermarkets perpetuate this illusion by responding to consumer demand for apples, oranges and bananas every single day of the year.

If we want to co-create a thriving local food system and enjoy the myriad of other benefits we discussed last week, it requires a commitment to seasonal eating and thinking more locally. Here are my top tips for getting started. 1: Learn which foods are currently in season If you’re not familiar with what’s in season locally, download a guide (there’s a good one at www. seasonalfoodguide.com) and pin in to the fridge until you learn the ropes or simply start paying attention to the produce section at your local markets. Watch out for specials and onsale items as that’s generally an indicator that there’s an abundant supply. 2: Start cooking with more seasonal ingredients Focus on cooking with as many of these seasonal items as possible. This might involve trying new recipes or looking up creative ways to use or preserve them. Very few online recipes pay attention to seasonality and so you’ll often find a mix of seasonal and out-of-season ingredients in each one, which is not overly helpful. Try to locate resources that observe the seasons, understand the pros and cons of buying local produce, (often there’s less variety on offer at any given time) and provide suggestions for using up large quantities of fresh produce. Jude Blereau from Wholefood Cooking is a pioneer in this space and makes seasonal eating a breeze. Her books and newsletter emails are always jam-packed with fabulous suggestions, with recipes and ingredients right when you

need them. Aim to discover new favourite ‘strictly seasonal’ recipes that only include ingredients that are available at that time of year. Even if it’s just one or two each season, you’ll soon build a wonderful collection to enjoy once per year, as a family ritual. I’m planning to feature a seasonal cooking guide in the column throughout this year, so stay tuned for the Autumnal instalment over the next few weeks. 3: Decrease dependence on season items

your out-of-

The next step is to start paying a little more attention to foods you’re in the habit of purchasing outside of their season. Eventually, you can set yourself a challenge and begin practicing mindful abstinence, perhaps with just one food at a time. You’ll start to notice the sheer joy that is being reacquainted with a food, after waiting for the better part of the year for that moment. The way we feel about the season’s first cherries and mangoes can expand out to other seasonal food items. The idea is to begin to find alternatives that can see you through until your favourites are back in season. I adore making salad dressings with fresh lemon and orange juice, however in the warmer months I switch to vinegars. When fresh garlic is out of season in the cooler months, I switch to garlic powder, pickled garlic or my bulk stash of frozen cloves which I purchase every year in December. And my Summer salads are vastly different from my Winter

salads. Tomatoes, cukes and capsicum in the former and avocadoes (which grow May to September here on the Central Coast) feature heavily in the latter along with beets and other root vegetables. Most leafy greens grow well all year round – so thankfully we don’t need to overthink that component. 4: Step outside supermarket!

the

One of the best things you can do for your health is to step outside of the supermarket aisles. Not only is it one of the simplest ways to learn about seasonal eating and cooking, but you instantly acquire all the benefits we discussed in last week’s column without having to make any other radical changes. In a nutshell, you’ll be enjoying food that’s fresher, more flavourful and nutritious, whilst supporting local families and helping to co-create a robust local food system. And there are so many options on the table for those who want to support local. You can try farmers markets, ordering a delivery box that sources predominantly local products, joining a local co-op or buying direct from a farmer. We’re absolutely spoilt for choice here on the coast and in next week’s column I’ll be featuring a comprehensive list of all the best options. 5. Attend some seasonal food events Mark out some time in your busy year to attend as many seasonal food events that you can. It’s such a fun and organic way to reconnect with the provenance of our food and learn when and how it is harvested.

The most popular series of events here on the Central Coast take place during the Harvest Festival which runs in June this year. This is perhaps the best way to discover the farms operating in your local area and a lovely way to meet the people growing and raising your food. Many of these businesses provide farm tours or picking days all throughout the year, so take a look at the list next week, get connected with their social media pages and keep an eye on what they’re offering. 6. Grow something at home Even if it’s just one herb or some microgreens on the windowsill! Becoming a producer as well as being a consumer gives you an appreciation for all aspects of nature – not just the seasons. And if you have minimal room at home for a garden, rest assured it’s possible in the smallest of spaces, including balconies (think more vertically). Joining a community garden is another way to experience the joys of growing if you’re lacking space. We have at least thirteen community gardens here on the coast – a list can be found on the Central Coast Council website. Taking the first step My advice, as with everything diet related, is to start slow. Don’t approach this with a puritanical mindset and refuse all non-seasonal food items – you’ll exhaust yourself. Make it a process of gradually expanding your awareness, knowledge and skills bit by bit, until it becomes second nature. And it will, I promise!

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 5 MARCH 2021

Better Hearing at International Women’s Day Expo To mark the end of Hearing Awareness Week, Better Hearing Australia Central Coast will host a stall at the International Women’s Day Expo on Saturday, March 6, at The Entrance to highlight how timely and effective interventions can help people with hearing loss reach their full potential. President of Better Hearing Australia Central Coast, Jeannine Asciak, said ageing and excessive long-term exposure to loud noise, often in the workplace, are the most common causes of hearing loss in Australia. “Of especially great concern is hearing loss due to loud noise as it is preventable,” Asciak said. “As technology has advanced, many people with hearing loss

have benefited from hearing aids and cochlear implants, but, even with these innovations, communication can still be challenging. “The ability of people with hearing loss to hear clearly at noisy public events may be greatly improved by the installation of hearing loops and other systems.” The amplified signal from an electromagnetic wire hearing loop installed around a room’s circumference can be picked up by a telecoil wire in a hearing device and converted to a sound that can be heard with much-reduced background noise. “Hearing Awareness Week and World Hearing Day, on March 3, provide opportunities to focus on the needs of Australians who are hearing impaired, and to explain to the community about the need for

screening and the risks associated with long-term exposure to loud noise,” Asciak said. Almost four million Australians (one in six) are affected by some level of hearing impairment. The condition affects one per cent of people aged younger than 15 and 75 per cent of people aged over 70. By 2050 it is expected one in four Australians will be affected by hearing loss. Volunteers from Better Hearing Australia Central Coast will be at the International Women’s Day Expo at The Entrance Community Centre, corner Oakland Ave and Battley Ave, on March 6 from 10am. Source Media release, Feb 24 Better Hearing Australia Central Coast

Woolworths Dignity Drive to help with period poverty Residents in the Gosford area are being asked by Woolworths to help end period poverty by participating in Share the Dignity’s first Dignity Drive of 2021.

Gosford Woolworths team member Gai Munday

Throughout March, Woolworths will donate five cents from each period care product sale, including pads, tampons, liners and period briefs. The funds will support the installation and maintenance of Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense free period products to the growing number of women who are experiencing period poverty.

Kariong Quality Come in and see Jake Forbes and team for all your award winning sausages and quality meat.

Try some of our new sausage varieties available every week Mon - Fri 6.30am - 6.30pm - Sat - Sun 6.00am - 4pm

4340 1064 - 1 Arunta Ave. Kariong

Gosford Store Manager, Brian Robertson, said support from the community during the past three Dignity Drives had gone a long way to help Australian women have access to essential period care products, no matter their circumstances. “Together as a community we can make a difference, so we’re encouraging all our customers to get involved in the March Dignity Drive,” he said. The Dignity Drive will run across all Woolworths and Metro stores and customers can purchase any period care product, make a product donation in store via the collection boxes or add a cash

donation at the self-serve checkout registers. Woolworths has been in partnership with Share the Dignity since 2019 and has helped donate close to 84,000 care products in NSW over the last three Dignity drives. Residents are also encouraged to donate period care products via the pink Donation Boxes located at the front of each Woolworths and Woolworths Metro store. In 2020, Dignity Drive donations were negatively impacted by COVID-19 and restricted access to Dignity Vending Machines. Rochelle Courtenay, Founder of Share the Dignity,encouraged

residents to make a donation in the collection boxes. “Lockdown came in the middle of our March 2020 Dignity Drive and over half of the Dignity Vending Machines were closed,” Courtenay said. “As a result, many women and girls in need were unable to attend local community centres or schools to get a period pack. “We’re pleased to have the support of Woolworths for the fourth drive to raise awareness of the impact of period poverty in Australia.” Source: Media release, Feb 26 Woolworths

Does your dog have fleas? FREE FLEA TREATMENT

Participate in an exciting study to receive:



REE treatment for your dog against F fleas and ticks for 3 months!



LUS Coles/Myer vouchers up to P $400 for your participation!

Call or SMS TODAY 0408 016 676

Conditions and eligibility criteria apply

PAGE 34 5 MARCH 2021

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Chertsey kids shine at park opening Five lucky students represented Chertsey Primary School at the opening of the Leagues Club Park in Gosford on February 26.

Chertsey Primary School students with NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian

The park was officially opened by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, joined by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch. All of the students at Chertsey Primary School were involved in sketching their handprints for the decoration of the totem poles.

Chertsey Primary School Principal, Sarah Baldwin, said she was proud of the school’s involvement in the park’s development. “We are just lucky enough that Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, thought of Chertsey and asked whether we wanted the children to participate in having their handprints on the totem poles,” Baldwin said. “The kids were very proud of it because they can be part of something that specifically represents the culture of our Aboriginal people.

“It was really nice to take part in something that is going to forever be on the Gosford waterfront.” The Chertsey students unveiled the park’s plaque with the help of the Premier and Crouch. Baldwin said the day was a great way to show off Chertsey as a school to the public. “We are proud of our kids here, and we were able to show them off for the nice kids they are,” she said. Jacinta Counihan

Premier’s Reading Challenge kicks off Central Coast students from Kindergarten to Year Nine are being encouraged to jump into reading with the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge now open for 2021. The challenge encourages students across NSW to read between 20 and 30 books for leisure and pleasure, depending on their challenge level, from a reading list of quality literature. Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said last year almost nine million books were read during the challenge, a five per cent increase on previous years. “It’s important for children to discover what books have to offer because we know a passion for learning will set them up for the future,” Berejiklian said.

“Whether it’s picking up a book to boost your knowledge, relax at the end of a hard day, or look for inspiration from great figures, reading offers so much for anyone at nearly any age. “I would love to see as many children as possible develop an interest in reading like I did when I was at school.” Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, said last year an additional 38,000 books were read and 165 more schools joined the challenge. “It’s not too late for schools and students to join the Premier’s Reading Challenge,” she said. “All you need to do is register, pick up a book and start reading. “The ability to read well is one

of education’s greatest gifts, and everyone involved should be proud that the challenge continues to grow and encourages all students to explore the many benefits that result from a love of reading.” There is a particular focus in 2021 on ensuring representation on the reading list of literature by Indigenous authors and illustrators, with Bundjalung woman, author and illustrator, Dr Bronwyn Bancroft, providing this year’s promotional artwork. For more information about the Premier’s reading challenge visit https://online.det.nsw. edu.au/prc/home.html Source: Media release, Feb 28 NSW Education Department

Schools can still apply for tuition program Schools on the Central Coast can still apply for the NSW Government’s $337M tuition program. Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said more than 3960 educators were already on the ground at 1755 schools. The vast majority are retired

or casual teachers, supplemented by university education students and university tutors. “I’m thrilled to see members of the education community coming forward to help out students after a disruptive 2020,” Mitchell said. “This additional support is

tailored by the school, using both the data from last year’s Check-in Assessments and the knowledge of classroom teachers. “Having tailored models of support allows schools to be flexible so students can catch up in any areas where they’ve been struggling.”

Newspapers

Mitchell said the program is receiving excellent reviews from teachers and principals. “The feedback I have received is that school communities are ecstatic to have this extra support, and are already putting staff to work to ensure students benefit from the program as soon as possible,”

she said. Rural and remote school leaders will also have access to expert additional educators to develop tailored support models to implement the program successfully. Registrations are still open to educators interested in taking part at https://education.nsw.

gov.au/teaching-and-learning/ curriculum/covid-learningsupport-program. Existing Department of Education staff should register interest through ClassCover. Source Media release, Mar 3 NSW Department of Education

Central Coast

CCN

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 35 5 MARCH 2021

Rugby tips from Mahalia Murphy To celebrate their week of Women in Sport, Central Coast Sports College invited Australian footballer, Mahalia Murphy, to help professional coach and player, Inge Visser, train the school’s allfemale open session on March 4. Murphy is an Australian footballer who, in 2015, made her rugby league test debut for Australia before switching to rugby union and representing Australia in 2017. Head of Rugby, Max Malkin, said she came on board as a Rugby Union Ambassador for

the school in 2019. “We launched the Rugby Union Program in 2020 with her, but because of COVID, she hasn’t been to school again,” Malkin said. “Now there’s a bit of normality in 2021, this is the first opportunity for her to come along and get involved.” Malkin said Murphy and Visser were also joined by other female teachers and coaches from across the Central Coast. “We just want to shine a light on women in sport,” he said. “It is important for me to inspire these students because women sport doesn’t get

enough attention. “That is slowly rising and getting better, but we still have a responsibility for young girls to understand there is a pathway for them for whatever goal they have in sport. “We want to show them that if there is an opportunity and you want to go play at the top level, and you’re willing to work for it, you can. “It is important for them to have those role models who have put the effort in and realised the dream.” Jacinta Counihan Mahalia Murphy and a Central Coast Sports College student

Students warned of dangers of vaping Schools across the Central Coast are warning parents and students about the dangers of vaping. President of the Central Coast P&C association, Sharryn Brownlee, said people need to take vaping more seriously and understand its impacts. “For students, it has become a very trendy thing, and there is a lot of peer pressure around joining in,” Brownlee said. “It is the new risk-taking thing to do collectively away from parents, and it is unique to their generation. “Schools are doing the best they can to control it, but often it is happening at bus stops in the morning and the afternoon, and to and from school. “There has been a couple of episodes where there has been some vaping in the school

toilets, but schools have been quite good at getting onto that and putting extra staff on playground duty to try and curtail any playground activities around it. “But it is still quite of an epidemic at the moment.” Brownlee said another reason vaping has become more prevalent is because of the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. “Children can get them sent to a PO Box, or a friend’s home; they are cheaper and easier to hide; they can access them a lot easier than alcohol or tobacco; and whilst there is a smell, it’s nothing like cigarette smoke,” she said. Cancer Council NSW describes a vape as a type of e-cigarette that heats a flavoured liquid (popular

ATTENTION BUILDERS LOOKING FOR TILERS?

Homes to NV has a team of 4 licenced tilers, to tackle those big tiling jobs in a fraction of the time, keeping you ahead of schedule. Call Justin on 0439 589 426

Sharryn Brownlee

flavours include; strawberry, watermelon, peach and creme brulee) to an aerosol that can

be inhaled. The aerosol is produced using

FREE digital subscriptions to

Newspapers Central Coast

CCN

Simply tell us which paper you want to receive and we’ll send a link to your email address every publication day. COMMUNITY

COAST COMMUNITY

No paywall Complete newspaper available direct to you at no charge Comprehensive local news on line email: manager@centralcoastnews.net to be added to the list

a battery to heat a liquid which is sometimes called “e-juice,” “e-liquid,” “vape juice,” or “vape liquid”. This liquid is made up of flavours, chemicals and often contains nicotine. Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs. The device can be disposable (often allowing for up to 600 inhalations), or it can be reusable by refilling the device with e-liquid or a pod (containing e-liquid). A recent study showed an increase in the use of e-cigarettes over the past three years, with one in five students aged 16 to 17 trying them. Brownlee said people should not underestimate how easy it can be to become addicted to nicotine. “Parents should have a

conversation and make their child aware of the risks,” Brownlee said. “When I spoke to the Department of Education, my understanding was that this is covered in the PDH and health curriculum, but clearly, we still need stronger messaging from schools. “We need very current advice and information for primary schools as well as high schools. “There is a lot of pressure on those 12-13-year-olds to be cool, as it is a cool thing to do. “Parents having a conversation with their child is important, but because there is so much peer pressure around it, making sure you know where your child is and who they’re with is important too.” Jacinta Counihan

If you’re reading this, so are

160,000

other people COMMUNITY

CCN

CCN Imagine if it was a message about your business.

Call 4325 7369

or see the website www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

PAGE 36 5 MARCH 2021 CLASSIFIEDS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

ELECTRICIAN

TRADE SERVICES

BATHROOMS

ANTENNAS

A Better Picture

Antenna & Digital

Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas ray.hayward@gmail.com

0412 685 555

Bathroom Doctor BN: 98022397 - Lic 127 403c

WE TILE TO MAKE YOU SMILE • Leaking Showers • Waterproofing • Re-Grouting • Wall & Floor Tiling • Pool Coping • Pool Surroundings

ASBESTOS

BRICK LAYING

Asbestos Removal

Brick Laying & Concreting

Ph: Tom 0422 653 794 or 4393 9890 Safe Work NSW Lic. AD212564

ABOUT THE HOUSE

Asbestos Removal & Demolition DIY Sample Testing Drop-Off Service

www.aboutthehouse.net.au Like us on FaceBook @ aboutthehouse

P: 0414 012 747

All Aspects of both Trades 40 yrs Exp fully insured Phone Greg

FREE QUOTES

MGL CARPENTRY

Fully Insured - Call Gary

Lic 124312c

BUILDERS

Totally Building & Maintenance Building Repairs & Maintenance Basic Carpentry, Bricklaying, Paving and Concreting. No Job too small Fully Insured 25 years experience

Licence - AD212788

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING RATES Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is also published on line on the publication date, and is also read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free.

See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Central Coast Newspapers’ classified advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 20,000 copies of this newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations

As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non business advertisements. A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

Business and In Memoriam rates

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $10 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph. Classified advertisements in all 3 papers are only $40+GST each. Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance. Having a prepaid classified advertisement run for 6 editions only costs $250 + GST and $50 + GST more for colour. For 12 editions, it is $495 + GST and $100+ GST more for colour. For 24 editions, it is only $950 + GST and $200 + GST for colour, a saving of $290 + GST. Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently

0458 130 829

4341 1346 NO LABOUR & MATERIALS OVER $5000

ALL GENERAL CARPENTRY Stairs, pergolas, verandas, decks etc. Available now Call Michael Bennett Ph: 0407 281 046 Lic. 28352c

CLEANING

PEST CONTROL

A&R GARDENING

ACCESS PEST CONTROL

All types of gardens

Landscaping, Rubbish removal. Turf laying. Land & yard clearing. Hedge Trimming. High Pressure Cleaning inc Gutters, Tree services. Prompt Service - Fully insured.

Same day service Guaranteed

Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,

No job too small. Seniors Discount.

Carpenter & Joiner 40yrs Experience Decks, Pergolas, Doors, Windows etc

0456 895 943

Phone John 0417 285 585

www.bathroomdoctor.com.au

CARPENTRY

LicNo#98098R

Fully licensed and insured asbestos removals from houses, garages, sheds, bathrooms etc.

Donavan Sewell 0458 358 822

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

LANDSCAPING

FREE QUOTE - Seven Days

Lic number 265652C

0412 345 775

4308 6771

Lic 528150c

GARDENING

A&R GARDENING All types of gardens Landscaping, Rubbish removal. Turf laying. Land & yard clearing. Hedge Trimming. High Pressure Cleaning inc

Gutters, Tree services. Prompt Service - Fully insured. FREE QUOTE - Seven Days

0412 345 775

GUTTERING

REMOVALS

Allways Moving Removals House, office units No job too big or too small Affordable rates Call for free quote 0497 800 074

DECKS

0421 084 650

PAINTER

HANDYMAN

APT HANDYMAN Property BUCELLO’S SERVICES Painting Services Maintenance all home repairs

Contact Graham

including, painting, gutter cleaning + more

0407 454 354

SERVICING THE CENTRAL COAST

•R esidential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints

Free Quotes

All work guaranteed Lic346302C

Ph: 0410 576 613

0410 404 664

TAKEAWAY

TUE - SAT 11.30AM-2.30PM TUE - SUN 4.30PM-830PM

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

All types of rubbish, including asbestos, removed.

Fully licensed and insured. Also will demolish sheds, garages, small buildings, bathrooms etc.

Blake’s Demolition & Rubbish Removal

Ph: 0431 866 292

YOUR SPONSORSHIP CAN CHANGE A DISADVANTAGED CHILD’S LIFE 1 in 10 Australian children are living in disadvantage*. They don’t have the basics they need for their education such as the right uniform, bag or even books. By sponsoring an Australian child today you will give them the essentials they need to succeed at school. *Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013).

DELIVERY SERVICE

RUBBISH REMOVAL

Lic: AD205997

lic no. 325796c

CHANG THAI CALL 1800 POINT024 069 Thai & Asian THESMITHFAMILY.COM.AU CLARE food delivery 4322 6525

TUE - SUN 4.30PM-830PM changthaipointclare.com.au

COMPETITORS QUOTE

4322 8980

Call Graham: 0451 085 734

DINING

WILL BEAT ANY

NO CALL OUT FEE Credit Cards Welcome

Home & Office 15 years experience pressure and window cleaning and outdoor maintenance

Lic108085c

PH # 02 8605 6637

PAINTER

Cleaning Company

grahamnu@gmail.com

LIC# 5092837

SAME DAY SERVICE ALL ELECTRICAL WORK Poles, Aerials & Mains Phone Data & TV Switchboard Upgrades Oven Stove & Hot Water

Back2Basics

DECKS

ALL PESTS, ALL AREAS, TERMITE SPECIALISTS (PENSIONER DISCOUNTS)

CALL 1800 024 069 THESMITHFAMILY.COM.AU

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SPORT PAGE 37 5 MARCH 2021

Locals advance in Vissla Central Coast SURFING The Vissla Central Coast Pro launched at Avoca Beach on Tuesday, March 2 and brought with it the opportunity for Central Coast surfers, both veterans and newly rising stars alike, to find their feet in the home-bound World Surf League (WSL) competition. The event opened with the appearance of high profile elite surf coach Glenn ‘Micro’ Hall from Umina surfing his first WSL heat in over five years. The powerful goofy footer showed all he has maintained the skills that saw him compete on the elite Championship Tour in 2015 and 2016. “It was fun to put the jersey back on and compete again. “It’s about getting out there and doing my best, it’s not about winning and it’s a good opportunity while here at my home beach. “Don’t worry, this is not a comeback,” laughed Hall after his win. Despite the old boy’s words, his performance saw him advance through the first three rounds on Day One, leading to a match up to come later in the week against his team member

ADULT SERVICES

PRETTY WOMEN 21-30 yo

Avoca local, Macy Callaghan in her home element Photo: Ethan Smith!

and fellow local, Adrian Buchan in Round Four. “There’ll be no favours going Adrian’s way in that heat, maybe he can give me a few,” added Hall. As well as Hall, former event champion from Shelly Beach, Shane Holmes, revelled in the increasing surf of Tuesday. The powerfully built local Central Coast surfer also won his way through Rounds One, Two and Three today with a style focused on big powerful moves. “I have not competed since this event last year and it is so good to be back and doing what we all do best” said Holmes. “It’s good to be surfing in my local region and with this swell on the increase I feel good and confident I can keep advancing. “Let’s see though, the field is

extremely strong with some great top seeds.” Wednesday’s surf saw a new focus, with the Men’s rounds put on hold and the Women’s Sisstrevolution Pro taking centre stage. Two more Coasties took this opportunity to shine in their Round One heats, these being Great Lakes Pro winner, Molly Picklum and Avoca Beach local, Macy Callaghan. Picklum, who is coached by the aforementioned Micro, appeared very comfortable in the rugged conditions, winning her heat with a solid 14.90 two-wave total. After already finding gold in this Vissla NSW Series, and currently sitting in second place on the WSL APAC Qualifying Series rankings, the Shelly Beach natural-footer looked hungry to launch herself

into the top spot above current rankings leader Bronte Macaulay. “The waves were so much fun out there and I just felt like I wanted to keep surfing,” said

Picklum. “I surf here quite a bit with my coach, Micro, so I’d say I’m reasonably confident with the way the beach breaks. “I also think having Micro still in the event and watching him surf yesterday really inspired me to do well. Late in the day came Callaghan who won her heat with a two-wave score of 16.35, including a final 8.85 wave score to launch herself well above second place, Arabella Wilson. “I love competing here” said Macy. “It’s my home and this is the surf I grew up in, so it’s just a great event for me to fine tune before Newcastle. “I’ve set goals for this year now that I’ve surfed the CT for the past few years and I’d really like to push my way into the top 10 - It’s exciting to be back and competing.”

With the competition scheduled to go ahead with finals to be had throughout the weekend, the week will involve plenty of world class surfing to witness from locals, Aussies and Internationals at Avoca Beach. Source: Surfing NSW Media, Monday – Wednesday, March 1-3.

FOR SALE

18ft Silverliner half cabin fishing, skiing, all round family boat Too many extras to list I am the 2nd owner and need to sell due to illness Call Peter Ph: 0419 173 837

IN MEMORIAM

PUBLIC NOTICE

A memorial service for Kenneth Charles Clements 21-11-34 to 9-2-21 will be held at Tara Community Church, Tara QLD on 6-3-21 at 11am. Live stream video will be available for viewing at Alan and Maria Brook’s home at 2166 George Downes Dr, Kulnura, on the day, for Ken’s many friends. Enquiries June Hilton-Clements, Phone: 0490 857 711 no messagebank

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

but texts work.

wish to alter our valued customers that we will recommence our

MONTHLY MARKET DAYS After closing due to COVID, we are happy to advise our first market

20th March 2021 8:00am to 1:00pm

lots of new goods - Electrical / musical / household/ bric-a-brac We are excited that this will be the first in our new airconditioned building at the rear of the Church

92 Serpentine Road Terrigal PUBLIC NOTICE

Pretty Asian Ladies

Passionate Friendly Service

POSITION VACANT

NEW TO GOSFORD

DELIVER SMALL LOCAL PHONE BOOKS OWN VEHICLE REQUIRED ALL CENTRAL COAST AREAS IMMEDIATE START

LONG JETTY

SLIM, PASSIONATE AND GORGEOUS

0406 648 769

PH: 0419 009 517 OR PH: 0418 994 956

EFTPOS • Parking at rear www.prettywomen.biz

TILING

PUBLIC NOTICE

Escorts Available Call 0477 070 023

386 The Entrance Rd

4333 5800

Car Boot Sale

PERSONAL,PRIVATE FULL BODY MASSAGE

RELAX AS OUR MAGIC HANDS TEASE TENSION, STIFFNESS, ACHES AND PAINS FROM YOUR BODY. (NOT SEX) CATHERINE - MATURE AUSSIE

PH 0400 552 759 ADA 25 VIETNAMESE

PH 0439 704 839 YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A SMILE

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club

Wall & Floor Tiling Property Maintenance 0439 589 426

homes2nv@gmail.com

WE’RE BACK MAR 28 2021

7am to 1pm

Great variety of stalls ~ BBQ, Tea & Coffee. Vendors Welcome ~ $20 per car Now at Dunban Road Car Park NB stall sites not open until 6.30am Cnr. Ocean Beach Road Woy Woy

Expression of Interest Agent Services – Ettalong The Australian Government agency Services Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest from organisations to provide Agent services in Ettalong. We contract Agents to deliver services and programs on our behalf. Agents help people in rural and remote Australia to access government services. Agents provide a face-to-face information service and free self-help facilities. These include an internet enabled computer, Wi-Fi, telephone and scanner/ photocopier/printer to help people do their business with us. We’ll negotiate a remuneration package with the successful applicant, based on agreed hours of service. We’ll also provide training and equipment. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au and search for Agent EOI to view: • the selection criteria • general information on Agent services • the terms and conditions for this opportunity. For more information please contact Jaye Percy on 02 4041 5776. Expressions of Interest close at 5 pm, 19 March 2021. Email your Expression of Interest to: Jaye Percy, Agent Coordinator, Jaye.Percy@servicesaustralia.gov.au

Always Last Sunday (Except April & December)

Enq: 0478 959 895

servicesaustralia.gov.au

1815OP_1576

Open 24/7 Full service

ADULT SERVICES

PAGE 38 5 MARCH 2021

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Tokyo Bound ATHLETICS Central Coast born high jumper, Nicola McDermott has reached the Olympic qualifying mark at the Coles Summer Super Series in Canberra, February 25.

McDermott narrowly missing a 2.00m jump after already reaching 1.96m Photo: David Tarbotton, NSW Athletics

In her first performance for Sydney University this season, McDermott entered the competition at 1.82m and maintained a clean sheet through heights of 1.86m, 1.90m, 1.93m and finally at 1.96m, this being her fourth Olympic qualifier. McDermott raised the bar to 2m but could not clear in the final showdown. “I set the bar at 96 because I

know I can do it,” McDermott explained. “Then I went straight to 2 because I needed that intensity. “If I attempted 97 or 98, I would have been so happy with that I would have stopped but I know I’m capable of more, so I pushed myself today.” “My body wasn’t quite up to speed over the bar, but I had the clearance there. “I think in the second attempt my body was just trying to navigate my way around it. “By the third attempt, I was ready to clear it in my head and that’s the greatest mental battle I’ve had to face. “I was just excited to be in the mindset ‘I can do this’ rather than overwhelmed about how

high this is. “I had a bad jump a few weeks ago and we were a bit worried about my achilles and if it would come through. “I got the ‘all clear’ on Thursday last week to say you might be allowed to jump. “So, to jump today pain free was a miracle in itself. “The mental battle I have had to overcome every time I looked at a high jump bar felt like an injury, so to overcome that today was a victory. “Now I’ve overcome that barrier, I’m excited and ‘now let’s get jumping’.” Source: Media Release by David Tarbotton, NSW Athletics

Central Coast Wins at State Nippers SURF LIFE SAVING After four days of the 2021 NSW Age Surf Life Saving Championships at Redhead and Swansea Beaches in Newcastle, a number of clubs from the Central Coast Region have come away with wins for their young competitors from the Under 9’s to 14’s. From Thursday, February 25 to Sunday, February 28, the competition for the overall win was tightly contested, with Avoca Beach reaching a lofty seventh place after the first two days featuring the Under 9’s to 11s. However, in the end it was North Curl Curl who, after being in second place by the completion of Day Two, lifted themselves to take back the title with a 59 point lead. The water events at Swansea Beach got off to a start on Day One in challenging conditions, but fortunately the waves calmed down by Day Two and allowed the younger age groups to complete their busy program.

Meanwhile, Redhead Beach hosted the sand events to keep the 2,400 junior competitors from 71 NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs positively socially distanced. Gold medal winners from the Central Coast included Talia Tebb from Avoca Beach in the Under 10 Board Race and Billy McCarthy from Wamberal in the Under 10 Surf Race. Zach Mitchell from The Lakes could barely contain his delight in winning the Under 10 Board Race in a highly emotional finish that came down to the wire with an all-out battle to cross the line between him and North Steyne’s Felix Stephens. After braving the big surf, it was smiles all round for the boys who seemed like they’d been mates for years but only just met waiting in line for their race to be run. “I don’t know what happened out there, it was such a mission,” said Zach. “Felix, my buddy here, gave me a great race. “I was just, no matter what, coming down that wave I knew

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

FRI

12 FRI

0209 1.42 0827 0.72 1416 1.23 2021 0.68 0314 0.45 0942 1.87 1617 0.29 2215 1.44

I had a State medal. “It feels amazing and I’ll never forget that race. “This is my first medal. “These are such fun conditions to race in,” concluded the enthused Lakes young man. Day Three and Four involved the Under 12’s to Under 14’s and included more medals for the travelling Central Coasties. Will Tebb complemented his younger sister’s gold from Day One when he won the Under 12’s Board Race. Hayden McGregor from Terrigal won the Under 12’s Surf Race and the Ironman, whilst Umina’s Anwar El-Kurdi won the Under 13’s Male Beach Sprint and Beach Flags double. With the Under 9’s to Under 14’s accounted for, the Championships will return this coming weekend in Newcastle, from March 5 -7, for the Open competitors, and then continue over the following two weekends. Source: Media Releases by Surf Life Saving NSW, February 23-28.

Terrigal’s Hayden McGregor on a winning wave to the finish line in the U12 Ironman

TIDE CHART

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0239 1.64 0348 1.63 0503 1.64 0611 1.68 0038 0.62 0132 0.55 0924 0.55 1047 0.55 1203 0.51 1305 0.45 0709 1.73 0758 1.77 SAT 1519 1.25 SUN 1645 1.20 MON 1805 1.23 TUE 1906 1.30 WED 1354 0.40 THU 1435 0.36 2104 0.65 2219 0.70 2333 0.68 1954 1.38 2035 1.44 0356 0.45 0437 0.47 0516 0.51 0005 1.45 0043 1.44 0123 1.43 1022 1.83 1100 1.75 1134 1.65 0557 0.56 0641 0.62 0729 0.68 SAT 1653 0.32 SUN 1727 0.37 MON 1758 0.43 TUE 1209 1.55 WED 1245 1.44 THU 1326 1.33 2253 1.45 2330 1.45 1828 0.49 1900 0.55 1936 0.61

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SPORT PAGE 39 5 MARCH 2021

Order restored FOOTBALL The Central Coast Mariners withstood a late charge to record a 2-1 win over Perth Glory at HBF Park on Tuesday, March 2, cementing their spot at the top of the A-League ladder. 2021 has been a season of records for the Central Coast side so far and this game was no different. Going into the match having lost 24 of their last 25 games outside of NSW, as well as six of their last seven against Glory, the win was timely to say the least and has nestled the blue and yellow back to a four point lead over their nearest rival, Macarthur. The opening goal came for front man Matt Simon in the 5th minute, a combination play between him, Daniel Bouman and Stefan Nigro with the ball in the air. The initial cross from Jack Clisby met the head of the defending Glory striker, Bruno Fornaroli, who knocked it out of the box. Nigro met the ball with his own head and lobbed it back into a dangerous area in front of goal.

Bouman angled it to Simon, who found the space to take it on his chest then calmly swing his leg through it across goal into the back of the net. This early stab marked another record, being the earliest goal for Glory to concede at HBF Park in the A-League. The Mariners found confidence forcing Glory to chase and the hosts responded, causing Mariners to break their lines in the midfield and track back to cope with several counter-attacks.

Despite this, Glory found few opportunities to test Mariners keeper, Mark Birighitti, who always looked sure of his positioning, cutting out a number of the Glory crosses that became the team’s primary avenue toward goal. A 23rd minute hand ball scare may have given Mariners defender, Ruon Tongyik, painful flashbacks to their last match against Adelaide. A zipping, low cross from Nick Sullivan appeared to be fending away from Birighitti onto Tongyik’s hand, immediately

causing the rambunctious Perth supporter base to boom with dissent as the game played on, and soon a ‘VAR’ chant filled the stadium air. The VAR check did come, and the on-field decision was upheld, a welcome relief for the Mariners after the controversies of the technology last week. With the momentum turning towards Glory who were maintaining midfield dominance in possession and passing accuracy, it was Mariners man, Marcos Ureña who found a goal against the

5@5

flow of play. It was another set-piece goal for the Mariners, with Daniel De Silva’s cross from outside the corner of the box meeting Ureña largely unmarked a foot away from goal, allowing the experienced attacker to head the ball into his near side. For Ureña, the 40th minute goal opened his account, both for the Mariners and in the A-League and will look to many more over the coming weeks. More opportunities came in the second half for Simon and De Silva, but without success.

In the 65th minute, Fornaroli finally found the net off the side’s first successful cross after many attempts. Fullback, Kosuke Ota who crafted the ball into the box, finding Fornaroli in space and when he netted the ball the prospect of a home team come-back was very much on the cards. The opportunities kept coming for both sides, with an overload of Glory possession and attack in the final 15 minutes against a Mariners defensive structure that remained firm. After an eternal five minutes of injury time, final whistle blew and the Mariners had a welldeserved 3 points. Next up for the Mariners is Macarthur at Central Coast Stadium on Monday, March 8. This first verses second match-up is shaping as a season shaping event, with Macarthur having the opportunity to come within a point of the leaders, or alternatively, for the Mariners to shoot seven points clear in top spot. Haakon Barry

CCN

WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF

PLUS 100s of interviews on our website

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 40 SPORT 5 MARCH 2021

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Gosford challenge for Hoopers Cup Gosford’s Tyler Gunn striding well ahead in the 400m Opens Photo: David Tarbotton, NSW Athletics

ATHLETICS From Friday to Sunday, February 26-28, Mingara Athletics Club hosted the 2021 NSW Country Championships. Although still awaiting word on the final point tally, the hosts scored many podium places and will fancy their chances at retaining the much longed-for Hoopers Cup. The event was held at the Mingara Regional Athletics Centre and involved many clubs from the NSW Country,

both north and south of Sydney. Wyong, Gosford and Woy Woy Athletics Clubs also had gold moments throughout the event. Although competitors from each club were competing in tandem with points accumulating over the three days of events, there were many individual successes for Gosford Athletics. One stand out performance on Day Two was that of Tyler Gunn in the 400m Opens, whose second personal fastest time of 46.41 saw him stride more than two seconds ahead

of any opposition. “I felt really strong and really happy with the run,” said Tyler. “I like running at this track as I believe it is a fast track. Conditions were good so we pushed it. “I’m just taking each race as it comes and looking forward to the next race and hopefully getting better each time.” Before this, Day One presented multiple wins for Gosford through Myles Ashby in the 1500m Race Walk, Under 15’s, with a time of 7:41.60 and Kelly Hunter in the 40-49 years

Shot Put with 10.49m. Hunter also won the Discus with 39.80m. A string of track wins came for Gosford in the 1500m runs, firstly through Tahlia Lucas in the Under 13’s with 5:21.10, then Harrison McClusky and Kiara Garcia in the Under 14’s with 4:51.01 and 5:09.42. Soon thereafter came Chris Quick in the 30-39’s with 4:59.27, followed shortly by Ryan McKendrick in the 4049’s with 4:23.73, who also won the 800m with 2:09.51, the High Jump with 1.50m and

the Triple Jump. Day Two success in the 100m sprint came to Ernie Leseberg with an 11.51 time in the 4049’s, as well as in the Discus with a 24.41m throw by Julia Atilla (who also won the Javelin Throw) in the 30-39’s and Danielle McKendrick in the 3039’s High Jump with 1.10m. Both the Para Discus and Shot Put was won by Annabelle Rodgers with a 30.09m throw, then a 9.88m shot. On Sunday, Kannika Chuapram won the 80m Hurdles in the 40-49’s with a

time of 18.38. The 800m brought more gold medals for Gosford through Bryson Norris in the Under 11’s and Kiara Garcia in the Under 13’s, with times of 2:38.02 and 2:30.66. With this extensive list of gold medals alone for Gosford, the club will consider themselves in the mix for the Hoopers Cup. Source: NSW Athletics Live Results (March 1, 2021). David Tarbotton, NSW Athletics

Dog ‘Life Tracking’ introduced by Greyhounds NSW GREYHOUND RACING The NSW Government have introduced reforms to the State’s greyhound racing industry with the introduction of whole-oflife electronic tracking, aiming at protecting greyhounds throughout their racing careers and beyond. A $3.6 million investment into the tracking technology has come from the Government to allow the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission to take further measure to ensure that greyhound injuries and deaths

are recorded and that dog disappearances do not occur. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson spoke on the investment and what it will mean to the industry. “This is a game-changer for greyhound welfare in NSW,” Kevin Anderson said. “Once the new technology is implemented in the second half of this year, registered greyhounds will be sighted, scanned, and accounted for on an annual basis. “The community has an expectation that GWIC can account for all registered greyhounds in NSW at all times.

“This new technology will guarantee the tracking and monitoring of every single registered greyhound across its life and ensure a safer and stronger industry.” Although believing the investment is indeed a step in the right direction, Dennis Anderson, National President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) believes there is more to be done, particularly in order to protect greyhounds that are no longer registered once their racing careers are over. “The system will only track greyhounds as long as they are

either on the racing registrar or they have been retired to a ‘registered industry participant’,” Dennis Anderson said. “If a dog is retired a private individual, the new system will not track it.” Dennis Anderson cites the Greyhound Racing Act of 2017 as the reason for this, which limits the power of the GWIC to only tracking those dogs owned by industry participants. “There will be an improvement in the welfare of greyhounds that are owned by industry participants only, so it is the dogs that are not owned by

industry participants that we are concerned about.” Dennis Anderson noted that the current retirement rules allow for an industry participant to have a greyhound retired to a friend of theirs who is not a registered industry participant. He also expressed the CPG’s concern that dogs who are handed to private owners or councils pounds may end up as bait dogs for dog fighting rings, for Veterinary training specimens at universities, or used for blood donations to other dogs up ‘till death. Whole-of-life tracking was one of the key recommendations

accepted by the NSW Government when the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel reported on the greyhound racing industry in 2017, and the Government have stated their intention to explore connecting the new system to the new NSW Pet Registry. Source: Media Release (February 25), Kevin Anderson, NSW Government Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation. Interview with Dennis Anderson (March 3), President of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds