Coast Community news #475

Centenarians (almost) celebrate 77 years of marriage

Irene and Neville Keen on their 77-year wedding anniversary

Police address residents’ crime concerns

James Tarawhiti

Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson, will be attending a community meeting on Sunday, March 9 to provide information about police activities to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime in the area.

I enjoy working with clients to help them meet their financial goals. I am passionate about improving the financial position of my clients, their families and wider community by increasing their personal wealth and financial literacy.

He will be among several key community leaders at the meeting where hundreds of concerned residents are expected to attend to address a “significant increase in violent crime and armed robberies” on the Central Coast.

he wanted to clarify some data that was out in the community and causing some concern in relation to break and enters within the Brisbane Water Police District.

incidents (Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research).

I have over 15 years experience in financial planning working with clients on the Northern Beaches and Central Coast. I hold a Diploma Financial Services (Financial Planning) and I am currently studying a Master’s in Financial Planning.

Jobson said in a community message released on Friday, February 14, that

He said the latest official crime data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed that over the past 10 years there had been a decrease of 6.7% in break and enter incidents, year on year.

The figures are: Between October 2023 and September 2024 there were 342 incidents; from October 2014 to September 2015 there were 639 incidents; between October 2010 and September 2011 there were 1,064

Jobson said that in terms of recent incidents there have been eight break and enters across the Police District this month, with two matters in court, and inquiries into the others ongoing; There have been three robberies across the District this month; two matters are in court and inquiries into the other are ongoing.

No break and enter incidents have been reported this month for the coastal suburbs at the northern end of the District – Forresters Beach through to MacMasters Beach.

Brisbane Water Police District Commander, Superintendent Darryl Jobson

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A welcome rate cut – but will it reach you?

For the first time in four years, the Reserve Bank has delivered a 0.25% interest rate cut, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of mortgage holders across the Central Coast.

With cost-of-living pressures mounting, any relief on home loan repayments is a welcome change.

The so called big four banks, eager to appear responsive and consumer-friendly, have been quick to pass on the reduction in full.

EDITORIAL

As of Wednesday midday, reports indicate that several smaller lenders have yet to confirm whether they will follow suit.

This is concerning, as many Central Coast homeowners turned to alternative lenders after being knocked back by the major banks or drawn in by low introductory rates.

expense of struggling borrowers.

This is not the time for complacency.

If your lender has not announced a reduction in your interest rate, take action – call them.

Ask them directly if they will pass on the cut in full, and if not, why.

If their response is vague or uncommitted, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere.

At a time when every dollar counts, holding financial institutions accountable is more than just good sense, it’s necessary.

The Reserve Bank’s decision was made to ease pressure on households, but that benefit only materialises if lenders pass it on.

So check your loan, make the call and, if necessary, take your business elsewhere.

CCN encourages “community journalism”, including story leads, citizen reports, media releases, photos & letters to the Editor.

We reserve the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines.

But don’t assume your lender has done the same.

Material that is considered offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published. Please send contributions to the above email address along with a high-res image (if applicable).

Managing Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey

Now, those same lenders may be quietly holding onto the difference, increasing their profit margins at the

The home loan market remains competitive and by refinancing, some borrowers could save thousands over the life of their loan.

Loyalty to a lender should never come at the cost of your financial well-being.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Centenarians (almost) celebrate 77 years of marriage

At 99 and 100 years old, Irene and Neville Keen aren’t just defying the odds, they’re making history with what it means to grow old together.

Married for an incredible 77 years, their love story, which began in the 1940s, is one of the rarest in Australia.

Now residing under the same roof at Peninsula Villages, the couple has shared a lifetime of devotion, faith and resilience.

In the lead up to Valentine’s Day, the Keens were asked about their lasting love and Irene simply said: “there is no secret, we just get along”.

Neville, with a twinkle in his eye and a big smile, joked, “Well, it’s certainly been a long time”.

From meeting as childhood sweethearts at a church in Sydney to raising a family and dedicating their lives to service, the couple have enjoyed a wonderful life together.

Neville worked as a clergyman and Irene as a stenographer, enjoying a shared passion for sharing knowledge with others.

Peninsula Villages CEO Colin Osborne said the village celebrated their rare and

Here at Coast Community News, we were so excited to hear that long-time Woy Woy resident Stella McInnes was turning 101 that we announced it a month early.

In fact Stella, who still does her own shopping every fortnight, turned 101 on February 20.

Born in Adelaide, she moved to Pennant Hills when she married widower Les Bonarius, bringing up his three children

remarkable milestone with a special tribute, honouring a love story that has spanned nearly eight decades.

“Each Valentine’s Day the news is filled with wonderful stories of love but it’s always nice to hear about the more unexpected ones, in this case a couple who are quite simply, ageing together within the same village,” he said.

“In a world where lasting love stories are increasingly rare, Irene and Neville are a living testament to true commitment.

“Their bond is an inspiration and it’s a privilege to have them as part of our community.”

When Irene and Neville married in 1948, the world was a very different place.

Ration books were still in use after World War II, television had yet to arrive in Australia, and a loaf of bread cost just a few pence.

“At a time when many couples are separated due to health or living circumstances, Irene and Neville’s ability to stay together under Peninsula Villages’ care highlights the organisation’s

Stella turns 101

as her own and moving to Woy Woy in the 70s.

She now has six grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and seven great-greatgrandchildren.

Stella worked in textiles during and after the war, buying material to make uniforms.

She was a kitchenhand at Everglades and also worked at Gosford Leagues Club for a while.

Stella has been part of the Salvation Army for more than

50 years, attending church and charity functions.

She is still able to get around and lives in her own home.

She likes gardening and is blessed with great neighbours who chat to her every day.

As well as doing her own shopping, she goes out for lunch at least once a week and attends the hairdresser and doctor appointments.

Stella received a letter from King Charles last year when she celebrated her 100th birthday.

commitment to fostering love, companionship and continuity in aged care,” Osborne said.

“Their story serves as a powerful reminder that love isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s about a lifetime of shared moments, resilience and unwavering commitment.

“This is an incredibly rare milestone, fewer than 1% of couples both reach 100, and only a small fraction make it to 77 years of marriage.

“Irene and Neville’s story is a true testament to love, longevity and commitment.”

Irene and Neville Keen on their 77-year wedding anniversary

Stella McInnes last year on her 100th birthday

Bowling club a tool in fight against loneliness

The plight of Gosford Community Bowling Club, currently fighting for its future, was highlighted in a State Parliamentary hearing in February.

The hearing heard how community clubs were one of the tools in the fight against loneliness, radicalisation and misinformation, because they brought people together.

Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education (ASPIRE) Associate Professor JR Baker talked about Gosford Bowling Club while addressing the State Parliament Standing Committee on Social Issues’ Inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in NSW.

Baker said that over the past 40 years Greater Sydney had lost half of its bowling clubs –120 clubs.

He said that on his way to the Inquiry, he drove by Gosford Bowling Club, which he called a special “third place – one of those rare places between

Save Our Coast will hold a sunset gathering at Ocean Beach Surf Club, Umina, on Saturday, March 1, to celebrate the historic success of its campaign to save the Central Coast from offshore gas exploration.

The Commonwealth-NSW Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority officially refused two PEP-11 applications for renewed exploration in January.

Save Our Coast director Mark Mann said residents are invited to drop by to view the sunset from the surf club balcony to the sounds of the ocean.

There will be music, reflections and campaign memories to celebrate the strength of community spirit and celebrate the sun setting

home and work where community happens”.

“It’s where Bill Murphy, who is 91, finds his only social connection every day, after losing his wife 18 years ago,” Baker said.

“It’s where a group of stroke survivors who regained confidence and movement supported by familiar faces can grab a beer afterwards.

“It’s where deaf bowlers can turn up and know there’ll be people who understand them.

“It’s where 17 members who play are blind, the largest number of any club in Australia.

“It’s where people come from all over – from Quakers Hill and from Morisset – because this club welcomes people with a disability.

“It offers some of the only accessible greens in the region, and people with a disability are actively invited to play.”

Baker said the bowling club was a place where social capital is built.

“It’s where people from different walks of life meet, talk and form connections,” he said.

“It’s where they talk about what they have in common and avoid talking about their differences,” Baker said.

“It’s where intergenerational capital grows, older people can mentor younger people and wisdom can be shared across ages.”

Baker said it was where civic infrastructure was maintained, not in bricks and mortar but in relationships, trust and belonging.

“Yet these places keep disappearing, not because they’re not needed but because our system often values commercial returns more than civic wealth,” Baker said.

“But every lost club, every closed hall, every bulldozed gathering space is another crack in our social infrastructure.

“This cost isn’t just measured in dollars; it’s measured in the pain of loneliness,disconnection

and exclusion in the people left behind when community vanishes.’’

Baker asked where people go, once these places are gone.

“Our system we live in today is designed for disconnection – often not intentionally, although a lot of people actually do it intentionally for different reasons,” he said.

“For example, it’s easier to doomscroll or gamble from a toilet seat than play with your kids.

“It’s simpler to share conspiracy theories online or stalk a stranger’s pictures than share a meal with neighbours, and it costs a lot less.

“It’s more profitable to build algorithm-driven echo chambers than create real community spaces.”

Baker said that when a community tries to rebuild, often it is hit with a wall of regulation.

“You can’t lend a neighbour a power tool without worrying about liability,” he said.

“You can’t run a street party without expensive insurance and securing a range of permissions, and you can’t start a community group without drowning in paperwork as if you’re a corporation.”

Baker said communities had been regulated into submission.

“We need to design our communities, our services, our policies and our legislation for connection,” he said.

“A community isn’t about living alongside others; it’s about creating with them.

“Right now, we’re losing that expectation that people contribute.

“The opposite of loneliness, in many ways, is having purpose and being valued, and these are inherently tied to contribution.”

He said the cost of loneliness and isolation wasn’t just lost productivity or worsening health care.

“When people feel disconnected from their communities, they become

Celebrating the demise of PEP-11

on gas exploration along the coastline.

“The rejection of Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) by the Federal Government is a huge win for the community, the ocean and the planet – and a stunning success for the seven-year community campaign against offshore fossil fuel development,” Mann said.

“It’s an all-too-rare win for the community and the environment, so we feel we should take a moment to celebrate.”

Save Our Coast founder Natasha Deen said the previous rejection of PEP-11 by then-PM Scott Morrison was overturned (but) the Albanese government has followed due process to reject PEP-11.

“We are reassured that this time, despite possible future legal challenges by the proponents, PEP-11 will not be

resurrected – but we remain ready,” she said.

“We are humbled and moved at the powerful community

movement that we began in 2018, with 86,000 voices united to save our beautiful coast.

susceptible to extreme views and even radicalisation,” he said.

“When local papers close and community groups dissolve, misinformation often fills the void.

“When we lose our third places, we lose the informal connections that build democratic resilience.

“When people stop believing they matter, they stop showing up – first for their neighbours, then for their communities and then for democracy itself.”

Gosford Community Bowling Club is currently fighting for its future.

It has parted ways with Central Coast Leagues Club which used to control a lease with Central Coast Council for the bowling club to use the site. Council has given the bowlers six months to come up with a business plan and it may sign a lease with club directly.

But in the long term, the Council has earmarked the land for sale to developers.

“We united against PEP-11, a flawed plan to blast and drill for gas off our coast that risked harm to our coast, environment and communities’ wellbeing.

“We succeeded in getting every MP in the PEP11 zone, and two prime ministers, to join us in condemning PEP11, achieving this truly historic result.

“Our beautiful coast is safe.” Deen said it was time to reflect on the strength of community spirit.

The celebration will take place from 5.30-7.30pm on Saturday, March 1, at Ocean Beach Surf Club, 176 The Esplanade, Umina Beach. Entry will be free and nibbles will be provided, with bar service available.

One of many community rallies opposing PEP-11

Some of the bowlers at the Gosford club

Gosford Bowling Club in a fight for its life

Photo: Tracey Keogh

After more than a decade of frustration, the communities of Killcare, Wagstaffe and Pretty Beach have taken their battle for reliable mobile phone coverage straight to the Federal Minister for Telecommunications.

CCN has been following and reporting on this issue for many years.

Despite numerous attempts to secure a solution, residents continue to struggle with poor to non-existent mobile reception.

The Killcare to Wagstaffe Community Association sought a meeting through Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid, and finally sat down with the Minister on Thursday, February 13, at Parliament House in Canberra.

Telecommunications Minister Michelle Rowland met with the small delegation, who made the trip to push for a resolution.

Michael Alsop, President of the Killcare to Wagstaffe

Plea for fix on mobile black spots

Association, told the Minister that the lack of reliable mobile coverage posed serious safety concerns for both residents and visitors.

Emergency calls, daily communications and business operations remain affected by

the ongoing connectivity issues.

A mobile phone tower, planned to improve reception, was initially approved by the Local Planning Panel but was later halted by the Land and Environment Court in 2023 due

to technical objections raised by some locals.

The tower, which was to be attached to a council-owned water storage facility, was funded with $400,000 of Federal funding allocated in 2019 to Telstra and later Optus.

CCN now understands that due to long delays, the funding has been returned.

Optus has since lodged a new Development Application for the same site, with modifications aimed at addressing the previous concerns.

Government fights to keep banks open

However, many in the community fear the application could meet the same fate as the previous DA, which was rejected in court on technical issues.

Optus has stated that alternative sites or small-cell technology solutions will not resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, former Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks, who successfully lobbied for the original Federal funding, has criticised the current MP, Dr Gordon Reid, for failing to inform the public that the funding had been returned.

“I find it outrageous that the community has not been told about this,” Wicks told CCN.

Residents of the Bouddi Peninsula remain determined to secure a permanent solution to this ongoing telecommunications failure and are currently encouraging locals to put in a submission to the new development application.

CCN will continue to follow the issue as it develops.

With many bank branches closing on the Central Coast in recent years, Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid has welcomed a commitment from the major banks secured by the Federal Government to ensure banking services remain available in the regions.

“Banks are the lifeblood of regional and rural towns, and they play an important part in our local economies,” Reid said.

“The Federal Labor Government is working with the banks to ensure banking services remain in our regional and rural communities.

“This is a great outcome for all Australians.”

Since 2017, 36% of bank branches in regional Australia, including the Central Coast, have closed.

“People are increasingly using digital banking and payment methods, but face-toface services remain essential, particularly for people and small businesses in regional areas, where digital alternatives may not always be accessible or meet their needs,” a spokesperson said.

The package of commitments from the banks includes: NAB, CBA and Westpac have committed to no more regional branch closures before July 31, 2027.

The Government has also asked the banking sector to increase its commitment to and

Following discussions with the Government and Australia Post, CBA, NAB and Westpac

Building social connections for seniors

Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services in Wyong has received a $30,000 grant as part of the 2025 Connecting Seniors Grant Program which aims to reduce social isolation among older people.

Under the Connecting Seniors Grant Program 2025, the NSW Government awarded $840,000 to 28 organisations to deliver projects that foster and build social connections for older people.

The Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services project, Connecting Elders in Darkinjung Country, aims to foster community engagement and cultural connection among the senior members of the Darkinjung community.

It focuses on cultural revitalisation with seniors playing a crucial role in preserving and passing down traditional knowledge, stories, and practices to younger generations.

Regular gatherings and events are organised to

celebrate the rich heritage of the Darkinjung people, such as storytelling nights and cultural ceremonies, and intergenerational activities build strong bonds between the generations.

Essential services and support are provided to seniors, ensuring their wellbeing and active participation in community life, including help to learn social technology.

The Connecting Seniors Grant Program funds locally driven projects, programs or activities that support seniors to connect

with others, foster social inclusion for older people and address the challenges that contribute to social isolation.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said these projects could provide a social lifeline for seniors who often lived alone.

“It’s important that we provide as many opportunities as we can for seniors to stay engaged with their communities and even try new experiences.,” she said.

have all reached new in principle Bank@Post agreements, and ANZ has agreed to key terms on which it will join the service.

The Government also welcomes a decision by Macquarie and HSBC to start negotiations with Australia Post on Bank@Post services.

The Government will continue to work with regulators, industry and communities to ensure regions have access to fit for purpose and sustainable banking services over the long term.

This includes a focus on sustainable cash distribution and ensuring Australians can use cash to pay for essentials if they want or need to.

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said he was delighted that the Connecting Seniors grant program would help seniors in our community through the Connecting Elders in Darkinjung Country project.

“We want to ensure our seniors are staying connected to our community and feel included and valued – this project will help them do just that,” he said.

investment in regional banking through new Bank@ Post agreements.

NAB has committed to no more bank closures before July 2027

From left: Mike Alsop, Minister Rowland, Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid, Michael Corbett and Dr Ian Hickie

Member for Wyong David Harris

Unions NSW says thousands of Central Coast workers are set to suffer under proposed cuts to penalty rates for retail staff.

The organisation, which advocates and campaigns for workers in NSW, says crucial penalty rates and workplace entitlements could be lost if the Australian Retailers Association’s application to the Fair Work Commission succeeds.

The proposed cuts seek to abolish overtime, weekend and evening penalty rates, reduce rest time between shifts, remove work breaks and scrap annual leave loading for retail workers.

In exchange, workers will receive a salary increase of 25% under the proposal, which

Thousands of Coast workers to lose out

Unions NSW says falls seriously short of compensating for the significant loss of protections.

According to ABS data, 14,894 permanent awardreliant workers on the Central Coast could be affected by the proposal.

“If successful, the application could set a precedent for penalty rate cuts in other award-reliant industries including hospitality, healthcare, fast food and administration,” Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said.

Morey said the proposed changes undermined hardfought worker protections and severely impacted low-paid employees already struggling to make ends meet.

“Retailers are making billions in profits so it’s disgraceful that they’re targeting the penalty

Umina

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) believes a lithium-ion battery caused a house fire at Umina on Sunday, February 16, which left a man seriously injured with burns and two others suffering from smoke inhalation.

Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters were called to the home on Gwendolen Ave shortly after 4.30am.

On arrival, they found smoke issuing from the townhouse and quickly got to work to extinguish the blaze.

The fire was contained within 30 minutes and firefighters conducted a search and rescue operation to ensure no other occupants were in the property.

FRNSW provided emergency medical treatment to three

rates and entitlements of the very people who keep their businesses running,” he said.

“This is a cash grab at the expense of hard-working Australians.

“The proposed cuts target retail workers earning just $53,670 per year – just $6,000 above the minimum wage and far below the Fair Work Commission’s definition of a low-paid worker.”

Morey said the move was backed by some of Australia’s largest retailers including Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Costco, Mecca Cosmetica and 7-Eleven.

house fire sparks battery warning

people until NSW Ambulance arrived.

The man suffering burns was airlifted to hospital while the two other people were transported by road.

After initial inspections, FRNSW investigators believe that lithium-ion batteries exploded, which sparked the blaze.

The batteries were submerged in water to prevent reignition.

FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, said this was yet another example of how dangerous lithium-ion batteries can be if not used correctly.

“Lithium-ion batteries are a great convenience but if not treated with respect, particularly with e-bikes and e-scooters, they can be extremely dangerous,” he said.

“They can ignite with explosive force, issuing toxic gas, and causing intense fires that spread rapidly.

“If a fire involving a lithiumion battery occurs, it literally becomes an explosive device.

“When that happens, we urge people to get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).”

Officially, there have been 28 lithium-ion battery fires in NSW so far this year.

That number is expected to rise, with FRNSW recently recording a concerning surge in suspected lithium-ion fires.

There were 323 such fires in NSW last year, 272 in 2023 and 165 in 2022.

FRNSW advises residents never to sleep or leave home with lithium-battery-powered devices charging.

Devices should not be left constantly on charge and lithium batteries should never be put into general household rubbish; they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted.

Contact Central Coast Council or recycling centre for disposal advice.

Do not leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials; try to charge outside if possible.

Always buy reputable lithiumbattery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components.

Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-battery-powered devices and avoid dropping,

Police address residents’ crime concerns

“We’ve seen this happen before,” he said.

“When penalty rates were cut in 2017, workers across retail and hospitality lost thousands from their annual pay.

“We can’t let history repeat itself.

“These cuts will hit the lowest-paid workers hardest, especially in regions where penalty rates are vital to making ends meet.”

He said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition had voted eight times against moves to restore penalty rates for workers in fast food, hospitality, retail and pharmacy since 2017.

The Coalition is yet to comment on whether it will rule out cuts to penalty rates if successful at the 2025 Federal election.

crushing or piercing battery cells.

Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials.

Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage and ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire. Don’t store or charge lithiumIon-powered devices near exit points in your home.

Fire and Rescue NSW, along with NSW Fair Trading, the Environment Protection Agency and the Department of Customer Service is running a public safety campaign about lithium-ion batteries – Shop, Charge, Recycle Safely. For the safety video and further information, visit www. fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe

From page 1

No robbery incidents have been reported for the coastal suburbs at the northern end of the District since September 2024.

No youth-related robbery incidents have been reported for the coastal suburbs at the northern end of the District in the past two years.

“While instances of property crime have significantly reduced long-term, we are fully aware that behind every statistic are victims of crime, and we will continue to work to drive down crime in our area,” Jobson said.

“I am aware of community sentiment, particularly in

relation to young persons breaking into dwellings, and general anti-social behaviour.

“We take this type of offending very seriously and we have several active investigations, as well as putting several people before the Court.

“We are also implementing several disruption strategies and proactively deploying resources into certain areas based on intelligence.

“Everyone in our community deserves to feel safe and our officers will continue doing everything they can to apprehend those responsible for criminal offences.”

Jobson urged residents to report any suspicious activity

to police, and in an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

“And I wish to reiterate some important messages,” he said.

“Report all crime or suspicious behaviour to police; in the case of an emergency call TripleZero (000) immediately; for non-urgent police assistance, reporting minor crime and all general inquiries, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444; to report criminal activity, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000; lock homes and vehicles.”

For information in relation to personal safety and protecting your property visit www.police.

nsw.gov.au and search for ‘crime prevention’.

“Finally, I want to reassure members of the community that your local police are working to keep you safe, and I look forward to meeting with community members at the upcoming meeting,” Jobson said.

The meeting has been convened by Facebook Terrigal Community Noticeboard administrator Jo Coleman, following a get-together of local Facebook community page administrators who realised they were all facing the same crime-related issues.

Coleman said the community was calling for a 24-hour

presence at Terrigal Police Station which presently closes at 8pm, a dedicated taskforce of detectives as well as changed bail conditions for young people, longer detention sentences and sustained youth support both inside and outside detention centres.

She said community leaders who had agreed to attend included Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Federal Shadow Minister for Community Safety Jason Wood, Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, Brisbane Water Local Area Command Superintendent

Darryl Jobson, Regional Youth Support Services CEO Kim

McLoughry, a number of Central Coast councilliors including Sharon Walsh who is also chair of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee, Police Assistant Commissioner of Youth Services Brett Greentree, and Liberal candidate for Robertson Lucy Wicks.

A number of local residents will also address the meeting including Terrigal resident and former police officer David Brooke, Wamberal resident Tim Eaton and Bateau Bay resident and parent Adele Graham.

The meeting will be held on March 9 between 2pm and 4pm at Breakers Country Club, Wamberal.

Big retailers such as Coles are backing the proposal

A Umina house fire has sparked more warnings about lithium-ion batteries

Coast Connect

Central Coast Council news and community information

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Lawrie McKinna

Be safe on our beaches and waterways

We’re fortunate to have a beautiful 80km coastline, with more than 40 unique beaches.

In the warmer months, the Central Coast becomes a destination of choice for tourists and our beaches and waterways take centre stage.

Fifteen of our beaches are patrolled and our lifeguards do an incredible job. Tragically, many drowning incidents occur despite our best efforts.

I urge you to follow the advice of Royal Life Saving Australia.

Swim only at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags, read the safety signs, learn how to recognise hazards, actively supervise children and avoid swimming alone.

We are committed to improving safety and access by developing Coastal Management Programs that will support the long-term management of our beaches and waterways. You can find out more about these plans at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Mayor Lawrie McKinna centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/mayor

A wild rabbit control program will be underway from 3 March. Rabbit owners are urged to vaccinate their pets before 1 March.

To learn more, search ‘Wild Rabbit Control Program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, 6.30pm 25 February 2025.

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

What’s on

Dogs Day Out this weekend!

Enjoy a free, fun-filled day with activities for you and your pup.

• Saturday 22 February

• 9am-3pm

• Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North

For a paw-some day out, search ‘Dogs Day Out’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Gosford Regional Gallery 2025 Program highlights

Gosford Regional Gallery celebrates 25 years in 2025 and this year’s Program of exhibitions and events is set to bring people together through art.

Two remarkable exhibitions opened on 15 February and will show until 23 March:

• Art in Conflict: a touring exhibition from the Australian War Memorial which invites audiences to explore the power of creativity during war

• Dandhi-Grounded: Ethan-James Kotiau celebrates indigenous culture and its connection to the land and waterways

To view the full 2025 program, search ‘gallery program 2025’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Chain Valley Colliery Community Funding Program

Eight local community groups and NFP organisations have been awarded $43,967 (incl GST) in grants, to deliver community projects that enhance public infrastructure or services for the Chain Valley Bay, Gwandalan, Mannering Park and Summerland Point communities.

To read more, search ‘Chain Valley Colliery funding program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Creative connection and collaboration in Toukley

Be inspired and learn new skills with local artists at the Gallery Container in the Toukley Village Green.

Until 25 March, highly respected fauna, flora and birdlife watercolour artist, Debra Meier will be in residence. Debra will hold a series of workshops, classes and talks on topics such as art process, social media engagement and selling art.

From 31 March – 27 June, David Hough will return for his third residency showcasing his sculptures.

The Gallery is open Tuesday – Sunday, from 10am-2pm.

To view the calendar, search ‘Creative Spaces’ on lovecentralcoast.com

Gosford Bowling Club receives reprieve from Council

Council has offered a six-month seasonal booking to the Gosford Community Bowling Club, after their lease wasn’t renewed by Central Coast Leagues Club. This will allow the club to develop a sustainable business plan and funding models to keep on bowling.

To find out more, search ‘Gosford Bowling Club’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Nominate now

Youth Week Awards closing soon

Nominations for the Central Coast Youth Week Awards close this Sunday 23 February. Choose from ten categories to recognise an exceptional young Coastie who is making a difference.

To view eligibility, search ‘Youth Week Awards’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

An Ourimbah family is in the middle of a customer service nightmare.

The family in Brush Rd has been without internet connection for 13 days now (as at February 18) after Central Coast Council accidentally cut their telecommunications landline on February 5.

While the kids think its great because they can’t do their homework, which is all done on line, their parents are worried at their vulnerability.

They can’t make any phone calls or use their computers.

Their nearest neighbours are more than half a kilometre away.

The NBN doesn’t come as far as their house so the family relies on the landline for all internet communications as well as phone calls, including mobiles.

Most neighbours use Starlink so the extent of the problem is confined mainly to the one family.

Council apologised to the family and contacted Telstra on

Family in black hole after phone line cut

their behalf in an attempt to get the problem fixed.

But the family seen no end to their problems despite two Members of Parliament – one state, one federal – trying to help.

The problem began when communication lines were inadvertently damaged during roadworks along Brush and Edye Rds at Ourimbah on Wednesday, February 5.

Council emailed the family –noting it had tried to ring them “numerous times today”.

“I can confirm that Telstra was advised immediately … of this incident,” Council said.

“A technician from Telstra contacted Council on Wednesday afternoon to advise that they have investigated and there appears to be contributing factors for the low hanging wire, being that the pole showed evidence of rotting, possibly causing the pole to shift.

“They also mentioned that this asset is the responsibility of NBN and (they) would forward a fault ticket onto them.

“Therefore, I contacted NBN today to follow up on this and they advised that you (as customer) would need to contact your internet/telephone provider to advise them that you do not have any service.

“I then followed this up with Telstra (hoping it was your provider) who confirmed that it is their responsibility, however,

you would need to contact them.

“If Telstra is your provider, can you please call 132 203 and ask to speak to the complaints department, given that the incorrect information was provided to you.

“Can you also advise that the Case ID number provided … as this may assist with moving

forward with reinstating your service.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that this has caused to you.”

The family received a text message from Telstra after they had contacted Member for Dobell Emma McBride for help.

Telstra said the job was listed for March 14.

After explaining this seemed ludicrous and asking if contact with the telecommunications industry ombudsman (TIO) would move things along, the family received another text.

“I have requested immediate escalation and review of this matter to NBN via our pathways,” the Telstra representative said.

“You are more than welcome to reach out to the TIO as your external escalation point, just provide them your case number to avoid duplicates.

“Where my team sits the case would stay with me and the existing escalation paths, there isn’t really a higher escalation point past where you are.

“This case is technically being treated already as a priority under CEO/Member of Parliament escalations.

“I don’t have an ETA to compare to the 14/3, this date will be set as a goal post under the CSG (customer service guarantee) guidelines/ requirements.”

Meanwhile the family has no internet, phone or mobile service.

“My son missed the train this week as the bus broke down,” the mother told Coast Community News.

“He couldn’t contact me to let me know until I left home to collect him from Ourimbah train station.

“My 12-year-old had to wait at Wyong station for me to collect him from there.

“I was late as he wasn’t able to contact me.

“Gosh it’s been a challenging week.”

Coast Community News has contacted Telstra through the media channels as directed on its website.

Hold off on dropping paint cans to Buttonderry

Residents have been asked to temporarily hold off on disposing of paints and gas bottles through the Buttonderry Community Recycling Centre (CRC).

The plea comes from Central Coast Council, following advice from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), due to a recent fire at the St Mary’s waste facility of contractor Cleanaway.

The fire has also impacted some Household Chemical CleanOut events and Community Recycling Centres services, run in partnership by councils and the NSW EPA.

In the meantime,householders should store household problem waste in clearly labelled containers and in a cool dry place away from children and pets until services are back up and running.

The CRC is still accepting household quantities of E-Waste, cardboard, oils and commingled wastes via customer drop-off, until such time that safe storage reaches its capacity.

The anticipated timeframe for restoration of service is not known at this stage, but further information will be provided once Council is updated by the NSW EPA.

The EPA is working closely with Cleanaway to resume these services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Council will advise about local Chemical Clean Out events as soon as the EPA confirms dates.

For more information, visit Council’s waste and recycling web page, and refer to the Central Coast A-Z Waste Disposal & Recycling Guide.

To contact Council’s Customer Service team see Council’s web page, email ask@ centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or call 02 4306 7900.

Coasties urged to be bus aware

Busways is reminding the Central Coast community to behave safely on and around buses during the 10th annual Transport for NSW Bus Safety Week, which runs from February 17-23.

Head of Service Delivery

Steven Hawkins said pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and drivers needed to be bus aware and take steps to avoid preventable incidents.

He said buses had four main blind spots, which could pose risks to other road users.

“Motorists are reminded to

keep a safe distance from buses, slow down to 40km/h when bus lights are flashing, as children may be crossing the road, avoid cutting in front of buses, and give way when they are merging into traffic,” he said.

“Pedestrians are reminded to look up from their phones and look out for buses.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“In the past year, we’ve seen over 1,500 preventable incidents, including over 130 on the Central Coast alone.”

Hawkins said one of the most

common causes of incidents was motorists cutting in front of a bus, causing a driver to have to brake suddenly.

“Buses are big heavy vehicles that take time to slow, and we ask motorists to give way to buses and not cut in front,” he said.

“Another common safety issue is people on their phones, not checking properly for buses, or coming out suddenly in front of or behind a bus when other traffic cannot see them.

“Whether you’re driving, walking, or cycling, it’s important to stay alert and be bus aware.

“By working together, we can reduce these numbers and ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Transport for NSW reports that since 2019, there have been 45 fatalities from busrelated crashes across the state.

These include 13 pedestrians, six drivers of vehicles other than a bus, seven motorcyclists, four bus drivers, 11 bus passengers, three passengers of vehicles other than a bus, and one cyclist.

To learn more, visit the Be Bus Aware website or follow NSW Road Safety on Facebook.

The family contacted Member for Dobell Emma McBride for help

Busways is urging Coasties to be bus aware

Sign up to keep in the loop during emergencies

Central Coast Council is currently exploring opportunities for targeted SMS communication in coordination with emergency services.

And it says it welcomes feedback from the community on ways to improve how it reaches community members.

Council faced criticism when it sent out press releases and posted on social media after hours on Tuesday, February 4, about the need for residents in nine suburbs to boil their water as a precautionary measure.

The precautionary measure was lifted the next day after further testing cleared the Terrigal Reservoir Water Supply of any contamination.

But residents had a lot of questions about suburb boundaries and wanted assurances social media was not the only way Council was contacting residents. And it wasn’t.

Council explained that it uses a blend of communication channels to ensure it reaches as many people in the community as possible.

These include on-line social channels and traditional media channels such as ABC and commercial radio, print and TV;

as well as specific direct mail data bases, eNews etc to communicate during incidents and emergencies.

Where possible Council will organise live or pre-record interviews with the mayor and/ or CEO/director to speak directly to the community about a rapidly changing situation.

Council also has its customer service phone line available.

Emergency services and Council always encourage community members to check in with elderly neighbours during an incident and/or emergency.

ABC radio is the emergency radio broadcaster so Council always ensures it has real time information “as much as possible” a spokesperson said.

“We also note that many older people do actually use social media,” the spokesperson said.

“Recent Market Research undertaken in 2024 identified social media and email to be the most preferred communication methods.

“Following the Boil Water Alert we received an additional 850 Facebook followers.”

Council said that in an incident or emergency which affected the Central Coast community,

its priority was the safety of the community.

The spokesperson said Council regularly reviewed its processes in an effort to improve its communication.

“Where an emergency such as a fire/flood/major weather event happens, Council follows the lead of the lead agencies – such as Police, NSW RFS, NSW Health, etc,” the spokesperson said.

“Council welcomes feedback from the community to help us improve how we reach community members.”

Council said it also established a place on the Council website to answer frequently asked

questions (FAQs) during incidents and emergencies –updating FAQs in real time as needed.

It updates its social channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram in real time as often as required – including reposting lead agency messages if it is a wider emergency.

Council also has a weekly free ENews Coast Connect email everyone can subscribe to.

This database was used as a communication channel in the Boil Water Alert – as an immediate means of communicating to subscribers.

The alert saw another 372 people sign up as regular subscribers for the email.

It has about 16,000 subscribers now and Council would love more community members to subscribe at www. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ enews

Council’s role in an emergency can be found here: www. centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ residents/support-programs/ community-health-andsafety/emergencyinformation/councils-role

Merilyn Vale

NEWS IN BRIEF Volunteer JPs in high demand

The NSW Justices Association is inviting volunteers to join the Central Coast team on one of the Community JP Desks. Central Coast Justices of the Peace will hold their next meeting on Thursday, March 6, at 2pm in Georgiana’s Cafe, at the Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford.

A spokesperson said JPs were always in high demand and serving the community on these JP Desks was a rewarding and educational experience.

Free JP services are available at: Erina Fair, Monday and Thursday 9am-1pm; Gosford Library, every weekday except Thursday 10am-1pm; Umina Library, Monday and Thursday 10am-1pm; Kincumber Library, Tuesday and Friday 10am1pm; Erina Library, Wednesday 9.30am-1pm and Saturday 9am-12pm.

For more information phone 0404 094 776 or online at nswja@nswja.org.au See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Following the Boil Water Alert people signed up for Council’s emails and followed its Facebook page

Nine new NSW Ambulance paramedics in training are coming to the Central Coast following their official induction ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney on Friday, February 7. It was the first induction ceremony for 2025 with this group of 91 being part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course.

The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedics at university.

They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and now begin their on-road training as paramedic students.

Boost for ambulance service on the Coast

The PETP four-year course provides an alternative pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSWAmbulance.

Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.

The paramedics in training will initially be posted for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the fouryear course.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said paramedics were not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected

individuals in the community.

“These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most,” he said.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said he was thrilled to welcome the 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance service.

“They are boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community,” he said.

“The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired.”

Behind the scenes look at Marine Rescue

Residents will have the chance to get a close-up look at Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes and find out more about the lifesaving work the volunteers do on Saturday, March 1.

The day will also present an the brave men and women whose mission is Saving Lives on the Water. The family-friendly open day will get underway from 9am at 20 Peel St, Toukley. There will be live demonstrations, interactive

The Tuggerah Lakes Marine Rescue base

Nine of these new ambulance recruits are coming to the Central Coast

Let’s imagine a future for library building

For over two decades, the Gosford Library building has been slated for heritage listing, a fact well known within the community.

Why then, is Central Coast Council seemingly hesitant to embrace the opportunity to preserve a valuable piece of our history and create a vibrant community hub?

Our region faces significant demographic challenges.

With a projected rapid population increase, coupled with the needs of both a growing youth population and an ageing demographic, our Council has a crucial opportunity to demonstrate real leadership and vision.

FORUM

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

We need solutions that address these diverse needs and create positive outcomes for all residents.

The Gosford Library building, situated in Kibble Park, offers the perfect location to achieve this.

It’s time for our Council to “imagine,” as we did with the “IMAGINE” artwork that once graced our waterfront.

Let us envision a revitalised library building: a regional youth support service, complete with a cafe offering hospitality training; a space for seniors to engage in continued education and social

gatherings; and a central hub where these two demographics can interact and connect.

Imagine the energy and creativity that could be fostered by incorporating our vibrant arts community, bridging the gap between young and old.

This is not just about preserving a building; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community.

We desperately need leaders who can see beyond the shortsighted focus on demolition and maximising depreciation.

We need leaders who can imagine a better future for the Central Coast, a future where

community needs are prioritised over short-term financial gains.

The Gosford Library building presents a unique opportunity to realise this vision.

Let’s not waste it.

Email, Feb 18 Joy Cooper, Green Point

Renewable power there for the taking

Your correspondent would have been more credible if he had included some evidence for his outlandish claims (Cost of living taking its toll, CCN 474).

For example, (his claim that the Federal Government is) “wasting billions of taxpayers’ dollars on net zero madness” (whatever that means) sounds rather excessive.

Investigating pokies theft

Tuggerah Lakes Police District are currently investigating an alleged stealing related offence at a licenced hotel at Charmhaven.

At about 8pm on Sunday, December 8, 2024, a patron left a poker machine unattended

One thing is certain, though; this country cannot afford Peter Dutton’s nuclear fantasies, when renewable power is there for the taking.

Email, Feb 18 Dave Horsfall, North Gosford

Report noisy cars to the EPA

As a resident of Erina, I am disturbed by the number of vehicles with modified exhaust systems in the area which contribute substantially to noise pollution and reduce neighbourhood amenity.

This is particularly apparent on major roads such as Karalta Rd, Scenic Hwy, Avoca Dr, and Central Coast Hwy.

Fortunately, the NSW Environmental Protection Agency promotes online reporting of noisy vehicles to

the community via the ‘Reporting noisy motor vehicle exhaust’ page on the EPA website, which can be found at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/yourenvironment/noise/vehiclenoise/reporting-noisy-vehicleexhaust

In addition, the NSW Government has committed to trial a noise camera detection system to address noisy vehicles and anti-social driving. In the meantime, male drivers who are struggling with issues of inadequacy and need to make a loud noise to demonstrate their potency should really consult a therapist rather than broadcasting their rage to the rest of the neighbourhood who just want some well-deserved peace and quiet.

ON THE BEAT BRIEFS ON THE BEAT

for a short time in the gaming room at the Northlakes Tavern.

A short time later the patron returned to the machine and noticed an amount of credits missing.

Images obtained from CCTV footage, around the time of the incident depicts a female

person that might be able to assist police with their inquiries.

Anyone who has information about the incident, or knows the person depicted in the footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police report No. E 98201070 relates.

Police appeal over Terrigal assault

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault at Terrigal last month.

Emergency services were called to Terrigal Esplanade at about 2.05am on Saturday, January 25 following reports of an assault.

At the scene, police were told a 61-year-old man had been assaulted by another man who was believed to have been with a group.

He was taken to Gosford Hospital for the treatment of facial injuries.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District commenced inquiries into the incident.

As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives have released CCTV images of a group of men they believe might be able to assist.

Anyone able to identify the men, or with information about the incident, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Caught twice in one day

A 38-year-old man from Buff Point was caught twice in one day and charged for being a disqualified driver as well as drink and drug driving.

At about 4.05pm on Thursday, February 6, police stopped a black Nissan X-Trail on the M1 at Somersby for random roadside breath and drug testing.

The driver was unable to produce a licence advising police he was disqualified.

His breath test returned a positive result and the man

was placed under arrest and taken to Gosford Police Station where he returned a breath analysis reading of 0.108 grams of alcohol in 210 litres of breath.

The driver was then submitted to an oral fluid test which returned a positive result to cannabis.

His driver’s licence was confirmed as being disqualified until 2029 and he was issued with a field court attendance notice to appear before Gosford Local Court for the offences of Drive whilst Disqualified and Drive with Mid-Range PCA plus

Drive with Illicit oral fluid present.

At about 6.40pm on the same day police once again observed the same Black Nissan X-Trail travelling north along the M1 Motorway at Peats Ridge.

Police stopped the vehicle and found the same driver who had been dealt with only two hours earlier.

He arrested and submitted to another roadside breath test, returning a positive result.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station for another breath analysis which this

second time returned a reading of 0.075 grams of alcohol in 210 litres of breath.

He was then submitted to a second drug test returning a positive result to cannabis.

The driver was entered into custody and charged with Drive Whilst Disqualified, Drive with Low Range PCA and a further charge of Positive Oral Fluid pending to appear before Gosford Local Court.

He was granted bail with conditions not to occupy the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle.

Teenagers charged

Police have charged six teenagers after an alleged break and enter at a home in Booker Bay on Saturday, February 8.

The teens were allegedly chased out by the homeowner after producing a machete and threatening the homeowner.

Police found a group of young people hiding in bushes on Booker Bay Rd.

The group attempted to flee but four teenage boys found hiding under a wharf and two

teenage girls found nearby were arrested.

The four boys – aged 14, 15, 13 and 16 – and the two girls – both aged 14 – were all charged with aggravated enter dwelling with intent, knowing people were there.

The 14-year-old boy was refused bail to appear before Children’s Court the following Monday, while the other five teens were granted conditional bail to appear before Children’s Court on Friday, March 7.

Charmhaven arrest

A warrant to search a Charmhaven property on Wednesday, February 5, resulted in 14 charges being laid against a 39-year-old man.

The search followed an investigation by officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad into streetlevel drug supply in the Charmhaven area.

It allegedly revealed an estimated five ounces of methylamphetamine, a sawnoff 12-gauge shotgun, a homemade metal bolt-action pistol, numerous rounds of 12-gauge and .22 calibre ammunition, cash, identification in other people’s names, and stolen number plates.

The man was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with various offences. He was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court.

Mooney fatality

A man has died in hospital following a car crash at Mooney Mooney on

Saturday, February 8, when a car crashed into an embankment and rolled onto its roof.

The driver and two passengers were injured and taken to The Royal North Shore Hospital.

A 77-year-old man died in hospital on Thursday, February 13.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police think these men might be able to assist

Public appeal to identify this person

Email, Feb 14 Tim Hartnett, Erina

Katie is dead, but over a decade later she is still very much alive in the minds of the four women who witnessed her shocking death at book club.

The scene is set for Woy Woy Little Theatre’s first play of the year – Tracey Tinder’s dark comedy Killing Katie; Confessions of a Book Club, set to open for a three-week season on Friday, February 21. None of the women have met again since Katie’s demise or

dared to whisper her name –until now.

The play explores the intricacies, depths and power plays of female friendship groups.

How does the arrival of a new member upset the balance?

How do the others respond?

How did Katie die?

And who should feel guilty?

A shocking, funny and brutally honest play, Killing Katie will resonate with any man who struggles to understand the female psyche and any woman

who doesn’t want to end up dead on a coffee table.

Director Kelli Ward said she loved the play the minute she read it.

“A story about the relationships between five women who come together in a book club was one I could relate to,” she said.

“I’ve been in an all-female book club for 22 years.

“The relationships we develop, test and at times nearly break, are something that I’m sure most of us can relate to.

Dark comedy sure to please

Following the overwhelming success of Gossy Weekender, a threeday music program presented last November, Tubular now offers Gossy Summer, a week-long celebration of music from February 21-28.

The extended program is set to deliver an encore of

“And there would be at least one character in the play, if not more, that we all know in real life.

“Killing Katie shows us how the people we meet impact our lives.

“We change and grow.

“I feel blessed to have been able to make my debut as a director of a ‘big play’ for WWLT with the wonderfully talented and funny cast that agreed to join me on this ride.

“I know that you will love what they have created.”

That stellar cast comprises Jessica Dawson, Julie Black, Judi Jones, Sharon Hogan and Sam Young.

Playwright Tracey Tinder had a long career as television scriptwriter and story editor, working for all the major Australian networks and many production houses.

Her credits include Home and Away, Out of the Blue, McLeod’s Daughters, MDA, Always Greener, All Saints and Mirror Mirror.

Killing Katie was her first foray into live theatre, a new

Get set for Gossy Summer

performances, bringing live music back to a selection of venues featured during Gossy Weekender.

Building on Gosford’s status as an approved live music precinct, Gossy Summer is part of a strategic push to solidify the city as a thriving cultural hub.

Thanks to the support of

Central Coast Council and Destination Central Coast the initiative will keep the momentum alive, championing local talent while ensuring the city stays on the map as a premier destination for live entertainment.

The hero event – Central Coast Music and Arts Meetup – will kick off proceedings at

5.30pm on Friday, February 21, at Central Coast Conservatorium, followed at 7.45pm by Rumble On (all ages) featuring local acts Krankwalk and Motion Sickness.

With a different Central Coast creative location each month, this free gathering is an incredible opportunity to

connect with fellow creatives, network with like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and music scene of the Central Coast.

Entry is free with registration on the Gossyweekender Facebook page.

The hero event will be followed by a week of live

genre that she had hoped to continue.

The play was in development with Ensemble Theatre when she died in 2021 after a cancer diagnosis.

It was staged the following year, with the Ensemble Theatre later announcing the Tracey Trinder Playwright’s Award for women and gender-diverse authors.

The play opens on Friday, February 21, for a three-week season.

For session times and bookings go to woywoylt.com

music at various venues around Gosford.

Whether you missed out on Gossy Weekender or are eager for more, this is your chance to soak up the best of Gosford’s vibrant music culture.

For full artist line-ups, venue details, and programming updates, search events at www.gossyweekender.com

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club Sunday 23 February 2025

7am-1pm Cnr. Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy

Great variety of stalls, BBQ, Tea & Coffee Vendors Welcome $25 per car

Dunban Road Car Park

NB stall sites not open until 6.30am

Always last Sunday of the month (no

The cast of Killing Katie

Krankwalk will play at the hero event

The Rotary Club of Erina will host the Central Coast launch of Helen Mirren’s new film White Bird to support its humanitarian work in Timor Leste.

The event will begin at 6.30pm on Thursday, February 27, at Avoca Beach Theatre with light refreshments and nibbles served on the lawn to be followed by the screening.

A spokesperson said the Rotary Club had maintained a strong dedicated connection to Remexio in Timor Leste for the past decade, working to improve the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Film launch to support humanitarian work

“Our goal is to ensure that women and children in the region are supported to live full and healthy lives, and our substantial raffle prizes are well worth a ticket or two for this worthy cause.”

Since 2015, the Rotary Club of Erina has made significant contributions to Remexio, including the renovation of a birthing facility – doubling its size to provide a safe environment for women in need.

The club has also raised funds for water tanks, computers for the local high school, and water filters for the

“This year we are focusing on raising funds to improving the health and wellbeing of women in Remexio,” the spokesperson said.

primary school.

Over the past year, the club has been focused on building decent housing for the most vulnerable, including widows left without income and living in dire conditions.

Erina Rotary International Director Monica Hart visited Remexio in September 2024 and witnessed the challenging circumstances of these women firsthand.

“We’re pleased to report that

one home has already been completed, bringing great joy to the woman and her family,” she said.

“More homes are currently under construction, thanks to the generosity of donors and the local community.”

The film White Bird, a sequel to the 2017 film Wonder, is a film about the relationship between a young boy from New York and his French grandmother, played by Helen Mirren.

It delves into the grandmother’s experiences growing up in war-torn Europe, where she learned courage and resilience in the face of hardship.

Proceeds from ticket sales

and a substantial raffle will support not only the Remexio project but also other Rotary International initiatives, including its 23-year commitment to the School of St Jude in Tanzania and support for female students through Mahboba’s Promise in Afghanistan.

Book tickets at avocabeachtheatre.com.au Those interested in joining the Rotary Club can attend a meeting any Tuesday at 6.30pm at the Erina Leagues Club.

Email erinarotaryclub@ gmail.com or visit rotaryerina. org.au for more information or to get involved.

Enda Kenny performs at Everglades

The Troubadour’s next major concert featuring Irish-born Enda Kenny will be on Sunday, February 23, at the Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy.

Troubadour Central Coast is a folk and acoustic music club based in Woy Woy.

Described as something very special and not to be missed,

Kenny has delighted Australian audiences around the country for more than three decades.

Based in Victoria, he is referred to as the finest Irish songwriter living overseas and is a double finalist in the 2024 Australian Folk Music Awards (AFMAs) for Best Solo Artist and the People’s Choice Award.

An Irish-born singer and songwriter, Kenny made his home

in Australia in the late 1980s.

His thoughtful, descriptive stories of his adoptive homeland have struck a chord with festival audiences all over Australia and are always memorable and spiced with plenty of humour.

The Troubadour has booked the Everglades Country Club auditorium to accommodate the expected large audience.

Kenny will also be launching his new CD at the event, presenting great original Australian music with a distinct Irish accent.

Tickets are now available for just $20 members, $25 all others, at www.trybooking. com/CXOAG or www. attroubadour.org.au

THU 20 FEB

SCHITTS CREEK THEMED

TRIVIA: Budgewoi Hotel 7pm

FUNHAUS DRAG BINGO: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

SPIT SCREENING Q&A WITH DAVID WENHAM: Avoca Beach Theatre 6:30pm

FRI 21 FEB

GOSSY SUMMER: Music celebration: Various venues around Gosford * to 28 Feb [see page 13]

EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN: Kincumber Library 10:30am

KILLING KATIE - CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK CLUB: Woy Woy Little Theatre 8pm * See P13

SOUL STATION TRIO: Wyong Leagues Club, Wyong 9pm

GOSFORD COMEDY CLUB: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

THE MUSIC OF SPRINGSTEEN MELLENCAMP SEGER: Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca 8pm

DISGRACELAND ALBUM LAUNCH + SPACE BOOZIES: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm

SAT 22 FEB

OVERBOARD SKATE JAM: Umina Beach Skate Park 9am

CENTRAL COAST DOGS DAY OUT: Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North 9am

NARARA ECOVILLAGE: Open Day Tour 10am

TOOHEYS RACE DAY: Gosford Race Club 12pm

CB GHOST: Avoca Beach Theatre Lawn 6pm

LIVE MUSIC FT LOLO LOVINA: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

COMEDY FOR A CAUSE: Everglades, Woy Woy 8pm 18+

DURAN DURAN: (the Music Of): Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

MOST WANTED 80’S TRIBUTE: Wyong Leagues Club 9pm

SUN 23 FEB

Coast Community News (CCN) brings you a selection of events happening across the region this week. While we strive for accuracy, please check with organisers for updates. Have an event you want listed? Email whatson@centralcoastnews.net with your event name, location and start time.

RANDOM WEAVE

SCULPTURES: Gosford Regional Gallery 10am

MARK MOLDRE + INFINITY BROKE: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 2pm

ENDA KENNY: Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy 2pm

BRAVEWORDS: True Stories Told Well: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 4pm

WED 26 FEB

PETER WILLIAM - RETURN OF THE MEDIUM: Laycock St Community Theatre, Gosford 7:30pm

LEGO CLUB: Kincumber Library, Kincumber 3:15pm

HARRY POTTER TRIVIA NIGHT: Kincumber Library, Kincumber 6:30pm

O.B.3. FEATURING

MAGDALENA MIRA: Old Pub Woy Woy Hotel 6.30 pm

THU 27 FEB

LITTLE MELODIES: Playgroup: Bateau Bay Community Hall from 9:30am every Thursday

WELCOME CHOIR: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

FRI 28 FEB

SANDY LOUISE: Avoca Beach Theatre Lawn 6pm

FLEETWOOD MAC & STEVIE

NICKS: Tribute Show: Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

DRUGS IN SPORT, BIG EARPLUG + PURPLE DISTRURBANCE: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm

THE INXS TRIBUTE SHOW: Drifters Wharf, Gosford 8.30pm

SOUTHERN SONS: The Art House Theatre, Wyong 8pm

CENTRAL COAST MARINERS FC: Vs Western United FC 7:35pm

SAT 1 MAR

SMILES ON DIALS SURFING EVENT: Umina Surf Life Saving Club 9am

CENTRAL VISION: Gosford Regional Gallery 9.30am

SAVE OUR COAST: Rejection of PEP-11: Ocean Beach Surf Club, Umina 5:30pm

MICHELLE MURRELL: Avoca Beach Theatre Lawn 6.30 pm

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE: Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

MARDI GRAS VIEWING

PARTY: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

Want more exposure for your event? See our advertising opportunities by either scanning the QR code or visiting: coastcommunitynews.com.au/whats-on

One of the almost-completed homes in Remexio

Enda Kenny

Tubular presents

OUT&ABOUT BRIEFS

Avoca markets

Avoca Beachside Markets returns this Sunday, February 23, from 9am2pm on the waterfront of Avoca Lake.

Live music from 9am will include market favourites Troy Henderson, NEAV, Scarlett and Sophie Steele and David Craig.

Plant sale

Australian Plant Society

Central Coast will present a half price plant sale from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, March 8, at Phillip House, 21 Old Mount Penang Rd, Kariong.

Limited stock will be available with all plants selling for just $5.

Terrigal AGM

Terrigal 50 Plus Leisure and Learning Centre will hold its Annual General meeting at 9.30am on Tuesday, April 1.

Morning tea will be served after the meeting.

Only financial members will have voting privileges.

The centre is at 3 Duffys Rd, Terrigal.

Symphony announces 2025 season

Following the success of its recent extra concert, Classical Elegance, Symphony Central Coast has announced its formal 2025 Concert Season, comprising three concerts with a classical music theme and a concert for the whole family at the end of the year.

The concerts, all of which will be held at Central Coast Grammar School’s Performing Arts Centre will be: Tales from the Vienna Woods on April 6; Dramatic, Magic and Tragic on June 29; Prodigies Concerto Concert on September 21; and Wallace and Gromit’s How to Train your

Dragon on November 23.

Tales from Vienna will celebrate the famous waltzes, polkas and romances of the Viennese ballroom.

It will include music by Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Berlioz, Shostakovich and Chopin plus extra treats by Spike Milligan and Ennio Morricone.

The concert will feature leading Central Coast soprano Michaele Archer.

Dramatic, Magic and Tragic will include Beethoven’s opera Fidelio, Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and

Brahms’ Fourth Symphony.

The Prodigies Concerto Concert will feature four up-and-coming young musicians competing for a major prize.

Wallace and Gromit’s How to Train your Dragon will include a feature-length movies with live orchestra and more.

Check out the full program and make a booking at www. symphonycentralcoast.com.au

Special prices are available for those booking two or three of the classical concerts; to take advantage of this offer call 4365 8497 during business hours.

Men find benefits of group singing

Discover the benefits of singing

For more than 30 years, the Soundwaves Chorus in Gosford has brought men of all ages together to experience the joy of group singing. Their style of singing is designed for average or better voices.

There is a wide variety of songs in their repertoire and with the use of modern technology, support and encouragement of chorus educators, you could be learning songs in no time.

Chorus members are given the opportunity to be purely a social singer or take the next step to be a performance singer.

The Soundwaves Chorus is more than a group of singers, there is also a strong emphasis on social events which includes wives and partners.

They rehearse every Monday night in the Parkview Room of the Central Coast Leagues Club from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Those interested in finding out more about the benefits of group singing are welcome to

attend a rehearsal, or phone Dick Costin for more information 0413 301 124.

“Not only are you likely to meet new friends you’ll also have the ability to reduce stress levels, improve the rate of social wellbeing, improve your vocal skills and your overall health,” Costin said.

“And apart from that, it’s a lot of fun.

“Many chorus members form close bonds and lasting friendships beyond rehearsal and performance.”

At Reynolds Court Retirement Village you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if you ever need a little extra help, there is a comprehensive range of optional Home Care services designed to assist you to live happily and safely at home.

Whether you need domestic assistance, meals, transport, well-being services, or even personal care, you can be rest assured that services are close at hand. You’re liberated from the hassle of home and garden maintenance. We’ll take care of that.

Features include:

• Self-contained 1 & 2 bedroom units

• Newly renovated kitchens and bathrooms

• Air conditioning

• Maintenance and gardening included

• Community centre & chapel

• Outdoor BBQ

• Optional Home Care services

• Residential Aged Care onsite

Symphony Central Coast

Electrifying music at the Fun Haus

Get set for an electrifying night of global music when Lolo Lovina returns to Fun Haus Factory in Gosford on Saturday, February 22.

The band had the entire venue dancing last time they played there and this performance is set to be another unforgettable night of rhythm culture, and highenergy musical fusion.

Named after the Romani phrase for Red Beer, Lolo Lovina offers a blend of Unza, swing, and Balkan gypsy beats.

It is led by Sarah Bedak, a charismatic Australian-born Hungarian Romani-Gypsy singer.

With roots in Romani tradition and a passion for cultural fusion, Lolo Lovina’s sound blends tango, swing jazz and British pop.

The band has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across the world, including the Sydney Opera House, Havana World Music Festival (Cuba), Guca Festival (Serbia), SXSW (Austin, Texas) and many more.

Its music has been featured on ABC Radio National’s The Daily Planet and its album Rroma Sapien received a four-star review in the UK’s premier world music magazine, Songlines.

Lolo Lovina is Australia’s only ethnic Romani band, bridging the gaps between cultures and inspiring audiences to celebrate diversity, community and the joy of music.

Its albums Rroma Sapien and RromAntics have earned critical acclaim worldwide.

The powerhouse five-piece band also features Nenad Radic on drums, David Carr on guitar, Nathan Gatt on double bass and Stefan Nocevski on trumpet.

The evening starts at 6pm with a $10 cocktail happy hour and Beau’s Burgers serving up food.

Book at funhausfactory.org.au

Discover the beauty of cacti and succulents

If you’re fascinated by the beauty of cacti and succulents, why not join and find a green thumb’s paradise.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, the club is the perfect place to share your passion, expand your knowledge, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts.

The club is now in its 43rd year and meets on the third Saturday of every month at

New artists feature at Toukley

Central Coast Council has welcomed a new line-up of local artists to the Gallery Container in the Toukley Village Green as part of its Creative Spaces Program for 2024/25.

Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the Gallery Container provides a vibrant space where local artists can exhibit their work, host workshops, give artist talks and showcase unique exhibitions throughout the year.

As the program continues, artists Debra Meier, Karen Tracey and David Hough will be featured.

Meier, a watercolour artist inspired by the fauna, flora and birdlife of the Central Coast, will showcase a stunning collection of nature-themed artworks until March 25.

During her residency, she will host live watercolour demonstrations, weekly classes every Thursday and artist talks covering topics such as her creative process, social media engagement and selling art.

Joining her in Gallery Container is Karen Tracey, a local oil painter known for her vivid beach landscape artworks that capture the beauty of the Central Coast.

Exhibiting from March 31June 27 will be David Hough.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services

Melanie Smith said the program delivered multiple benefits for the community.

“Our Creative Spaces program not only supports local artists and makers but also helps boost the local economy by attracting visitors to the Toukley town centre,” she said.

“Following the success of the 2023/24 program, we are excited to see how this year’s line-up of talented artists will activate this dynamic space, connect with the community and celebrate local culture.”

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the program had a positive impact on the community and local businesses.

“The Central Coast is home to some of NSW’s most creative minds, from sculptors and painters to furniture makers, ceramicists, weavers and textile designers,” he said.

“Programs like Creative Spaces provide valuable opportunities for local artists to showcase their talent, help enliven public spaces and support our local businesses.”

For more information and the full Creative Spaces calendar, visit lovecentralcoast.com/ creative-spaces

Charmhaven Community Hall, 4 Narara Ave Charmhaven, from 1pm to 3pm, with plant sales kicking off at 12:30pm.

A search is underway for a more centralised place for the monthly meetings.

Each meeting is packed with informative workshops, knowledgeable speakers, plant competitions, and a friendly community of like-minded gardeners.

Participants can browse a

selection of stunning plants for sale and try their luck in the monthly raffle.

Twice a year, the club hosts two major sales events where people can discover rare and beautiful cacti and succulents.

The Autumn sale is held on the first Saturday in March and the Spring sale is held on the first Saturday in September.

Both events offer an incredible selection of plants, expert advice, and a chance to

meet passionate growers.

Whether you are looking to expand your collection, learn new growing techniques, or simply want to enjoy a great afternoon out, the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Club welcomes you.

For more information, contact the club by email –cccactusandsucculentclub@ gmail.com or find it on Facebook

From my review of Limberlost you will remember I am a fan of Robbie Arnott so I am delighted that his fourth book is here.

Dusk encapsulates his signature style and exemplifies why he is the recipient of several literary awards.

We have expectations about the kind of book this author is likely to conjure, and he again foregrounds the natural world in Dusk, braiding its beauty and violence into a narrative bracing and propulsive which sits comfortably inside the thematic and narrative territories he has previously explored.

Dusk features vivid descriptive prose and a concern for the environment

and our place within; it generates with a delicate literary ability and mixes genres while keeping a strong semblance of realism.

In the distant highlands, a puma named Dusk is killing shepherds.

Down in the lowlands we are introduced to Dusk’s

By Robbie Arnott

protagonists - itinerant twins Iris and Floyd Renshaw - who rely on and complement each other and have done so for the entirety of their 37 years.

The narrative flows back and forth in time, moving from the twins’ current exploits to tracking their history with recidivist parents who passed on their criminality, and blighted the surname Renshaw, “a barbed gift delivered at birth”.

As the twins journey into wild, haunted country, they discover there’s far more to the land and people of the highlands than they imagined and are forced to reckon with conflicts both ancient and deeply personal.

Dusk plays with mythical elements and is also about love and loss, about unbreakable sibling bonds.

The Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Club is on the lookout for new members

The Gallery Container in Toukley Village Green

Lolo Lovina

Famous Ivy-League college 48. Native New Zealander 49. Windmill blades 50. Eagerly expectant 52. Fundamental

Final 55. Racing driver, ... Mansell

Christmas songs

Mouth-to-mouth, ... of life

One time

62. Birds of prey 65. Wax taper

67. Fall behind

69. Carreras or Domingo

70. Older person 72. I am, we ...

73. ESP, sixth ... 75. Leotard fabric

77. Visualise

79. In the neighbourhood

81. Pea shell

82. As a group, en ...

84. Proficient

85. Malaysia’s ... Lumpur

86. International trade fair

87. Approve officially

88. Positive votes

DOWN

1. Consumes food

2. By oneself 3. Human male

4. Indonesian isle

5. Undoubtedly 6. Ransacker

7. Moved in water

8.

Get ready to giggle, guffaw, and possibly snort your drink because Fun Haus Factory’s Gosford Comedy Club returns on February 21.

Headlining this month’s comedy extravaganza is Danielle Walker, fresh from dominating the Aussie comedy scene and Taskmaster Australia.

Winner of Raw Comedy, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and a Most Outstanding Show nominee, her storytelling and quirky brilliance will leave you in stitches.

Keeping the night rolling will be John Glover, a two-time RAW Comedy state finalist with a

Get set to giggle and guffaw

cheeky charm and razor-sharp wit.

He’s been lighting up Melbourne and Sydney Comedy Festivals.

Also bringing the laughs will be Lauren Bonner and Esky Escandor, two of Australia’s most exciting rising comedians.

Bonner has toured major festivals with her hit shows Heartbreaker and Elephant and worked on-screen for the ABC, Channel 7, and Stan, recently wrapping up a role in Disney’s While You Were Breeding.

She co-hosts the cult podcast Big Natural Talents and collaborates with Danielle Walker on the web series Going Under.

Esky, a RAW NSW state finalist in 2023, draws from his upbringing in Mount Druitt as the son of Filipino migrants.

With credits on ABC’s Gruen Transfer and a debut at the 2024 Sydney Fringe Comedy Festival, his sharp storytelling and observational humour make him one to watch.

Doors open at 6pm with $10 cocktail happy hour running until 7pm.

Beau’s Burgers will be serving food.

Groups of five or more score a 15% discount at the 18+ event.

Book at funhausfactory.org.

au/whats-on/

Crestani’s annual garden party just around corner

Crestani Cancer Scholarships’ annual garden concert will take place at Gosford Regional Gallery and Japanese Gardens at East Gosford on March 16 from 5pm to 6.45pm.

Shane Edwards’ bright tenor voice will swing the crowd through the classics.

Roy Cooper and Mr James Band as well as the Coast Variety Dancers, will delight everyone with toe-tapping dance grooves for a lively evening by the beautiful Brisbane Water.

Bubbly and light refreshments will be served on arrival, with raffle prizes to entice guests.

Well over 100 people are expected to join in the fun which ultimately contributes to the Crestani Cancer Scholarships’ cause.

Funds go to advance skills and knowledge of medical professionals and researchers in the cancer space, to deliver better outcomes for cancer patients on the Central Coast.

Tickets are $60 but early bird purchases before February 24 are only $50. Numbers are limited and tickets are selling fast already. Visit the website crestanischolarships.org.au for more information. For enquiries, please contact 0412 993 253.

Danielle Walker; John Glover

Shane Edwards

The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is a bulk billed, walk-in medical service for children and adults with illnesses or injuries that are urgent but not life-threatening.

Since it opened in 2023, the clinic has seen more than 13,000 patients. I'm calling on the government to deliver another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in our area so even more people can access a bulk billed doctor.

Business & Property

CEN calls for wetland masterplan as a priority

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is calling upon Central Coast councillors to defer approval of the Central Coast Airport Masterplan until they have fully protected Porters Creek Wetland and are fully informed about an expanded airport’s future noise impacts.

Porters Creek Wetland is the Central Coast’s largest freshwater wetland and backup drinking water supply during drought.

It is an important green space representing a major junction for biodiversity corridors and providing habitat for threatened and endangered species.

CEN Chair Gary Chestnut said they were thankful that Council

was finally putting forward a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to cover 800ha of the wetland.

“But they could’ve done that five years ago when there was a Conservation Agreement ready to be signed off with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust,” he said.

“That agreement was canned by the Interim Administrator and senior staff even though the elected councillors of the day had agreed to its sign-off.”

CEN wants the airport masterplan deferred until a Porters Creek Wetland masterplan has been created and exhibited, along with a resolution to reclassify the wetland to community land so it cannot be sold and a plan of management be undertaken.

Porters Creek Wetland

Chestnut said councillors and the community needed to know about the additional noise impacts from the airport.

“Council’s own major planning document – Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (CCLEP 2022) – includes clause 7.5 which mandates that Council can’t grant consent to a development in the vicinity of the airport that would hinder or have adverse impacts on the safe and efficient operations of the airport.,” he said.

“In other words, the airport will take priority if development falls within an ANEF (Australian Noise Exposure Forecast) contour of 20 or greater.

“ANEF contours are based on the average daily noise exposure levels over a oneyear period and consider a

range of factors, including noise intensity, duration and aircraft movement. “

Chestnut says that there are still many questions that need answers.

“Why has the community not been shown flight paths and noise maps?

“This information is extremely important for the suburbs around the airport, but it has never been made public

“Why have council staff never published a full and comprehensive business plan for the airport?

“Wouldn’t it be prudent to ask for a comprehensive business case for selling the land or exploring more lucrative options for its use before

adopting the airport masterplan?

“Has the council even considered the benefits of utilising Porters Creek Wetland to attract blue carbon funding?

“Will the RFS really move to the airport from its established, purpose-built facilities at Charmhaven … where’s the signed lease agreement or even memorandum of understanding?“

Chestnut said Council should disclose the real boundaries of the wetland and airport, what areas of the wetland would require regular tree trimming if the masterplan was implemented, and exactly what land was going to be rezoned.

“Let’s be clear. CEN is not opposed to the airport and never has been, but we are

Funding for crisis accommodation

strongly opposed to the adoption of an Airport Masterplan in isolation without having a Masterplan in place for the Porters Creek Wetland at the same time.,” he said.

“An Airport Masterplan considered in isolation, taking precedence over the Porters Creek Wetland, does not promote sustainability and the long-term amenity of surrounding suburbs.

“The Central Coast is gaining credibility as an ecotourism destination; we are slated for significant population growth, particularly in the north during the next decade; and we are acutely exposed to the risks of climate change.

“An expanded airport at Warnervale is not conducive with any of these factors.”

Coast Shelter has received

$500,000 Federal Government funding to establish new crisis accommodation and transitional housing.

The funding will help Coast Shelter to deliver 32 dwellings on the Central Coast for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness.

Central Coast Federal Labor MPs, Emma McBride (Dobell) and Dr Gordon Reid (Robertson) announced the funding this week, to be provided through the Housing Australia Future Fund.

The government has announced 41 organisations across Australia will share in $100M for new crisis and transitional housing for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness.

The funding will help thousands of women and children across Australia and is another part of Labor’s housing reform agenda.

Hundreds of applications were received and were assessed through an opencompetitive grants process and all successful projects,

including Coast Shelter, demonstrated how the projects will meet the needs of women and children and older women at risk of homelessness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or

visit www.1800RESPECT.org. au for online chat and video call services.

Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au

New tourism awards a game changer

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Central Coast Visitor Economy Awards and will close Wednesday, March 12.

The inaugural awards will be presented by Business NSW Central Coast, in partnership with Gosford Erina Business Chamber and Central Coast Council, and are set to redefine how tourism excellence is celebrated.

Unlike traditional awards, the 2025 Central Coast Visitor Economy Awards will replace lengthy online submissions with a dynamic Regional Showcase Day.

Entrants will present their

submissions and success stories live in a supportive, collaborative environment in front of expert judges, peers and media partners. All finalists will benefit from oneon-one professional pitch and presentation coaching as part of the program.

Delivered by an industry expert, the tailored sessions will help participants refine their strategies, sharpen their messaging and boost their confidence.

Business NSW Regional Director Scott Goold said the unique coaching aspect was a gamechanger, ensuring final stage entrants walked away with

enhanced public speaking, pitching and business communication skills to elevate their businesses.

Six finalists will also earn a place in the Central Coast Council’s Tourism Excellence Program (valued at $2,000 each) designed to help operators create, sell and deliver outstanding tourism experiences.

“With Regional NSW recently recognised as the bestperforming destination in Australia, attracting 64.6 million visitors who spent $26.2B in 2024, there has never been a better time to celebrate,showcase

and elevate the incredible tourism experiences we have on the Central Coast,” he said.

“This award program goes beyond winning a trophy at the end.

“It is a transformative journey designed to highlight every outstanding contribution our businesses have made to the NSW visitor economy over the past 12 months.

“It will foster partnerships and collaboration and provide entrants with the tools to thrive in the everevolving tourism industry.”

There will be 16 categories, and a People’s Choice Award,

Lapsed medical centre DA resurfaces

showcasing a range of tourism experiences, including Outstanding Outdoor Experience and Luxury Escape, Outstanding Festival & Event, Outstanding Business Event Venue and the Food and Beverage Experience of the Year.

The Regional Showcase Day will be held on May 30, with winners of each category to be revealed at a gala ceremony on July 4.

For more information and to submit your nomination visit www.businessnsw.com/events /2025-central-coast-visitoreconomy-awards

A development application for a medical centre at Erina, which was originally approved by the former Gosford Council in 2013 and then lapsed, has come back for renewed approval by Central Coast Council.

The proposal is to build a new medical clinic over the concrete surface of the carpark at 207 The Entrance Rd, Erina, which has a frontage to Bonnal Rd and Erina Creek at the rear.

It will be a three-storey building with 20 car parking spaces at ground level.

A lift and stairwell will provide access for customers to the first and second levels where the reception area, offices, treatment and consulting rooms will be located.

A footpath and ambulance pick-up area are proposed on the street frontage, within the road reserve.

Minor demolition and excavation will be required for construction of building footings and service connections.

The medical centre is proposed to operate on weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 12 noon.

The DA 2073/2024 can be viewed on Council’s website.

Business NSW Regional Director Central Coast Scott Goold

Location of the clinic shown in red outline

BUSINESS BRIEF

Supporting would-be entrepreneurs

Aspiring entrepreneurs on the Central Coast now have access to a major innovation program.

The University of Newcastle is expanding its I2N PreAccelerator to Gosford in 2025.

The program has successfully supported startups in Newcastle and will now run at both the Newcastle City Precinct and Gosford campuses.

For the first time, the program will offer a Healthtech stream.

It will be delivered in partnership with the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, an initiative supported by the NSW Government and Central Coast Local Health District.

This new focus will complement the existing Cleantech and All-Industries streams.

The I2N Pre-Accelerator provides structured mentoring, industry connections, and foundational business skills.

It helps innovators turn ideas into viable startups.

The expansion to Gosford recognises the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

The Healthtech stream will connect clinicians, researchers and entrepreneurs.

It aims to drive new solutions for community healthcare challenges.

Dr. Courtney Molloy, Manager of the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, highlighted the impact this initiative could have.

“This program creates a powerful ecosystem for Healthtech innovation, helping to improve patient outcomes across our communities,” she said.

Participants will have access to purpose-built innovation spaces.

These include the Q Building in Newcastle and the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Precinct at Gosford Hospital.

The program is open to innovators across the Hunter and Central Coast regions, regardless of university affiliation.

Applications are now open.

For more information and to apply, visit www.newcastle. edu.au/pre-accelerator.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Average $22,000 saving on stamp duty for first homebuyers on Central Coast

More than 2,000 first homebuyers have found their dream home on the Central Coast thanks to the State Government stamp duty assistance program.

The 2,145 new homeowners have saved a combined $47.6M in stamp duty since July 2023.

The popular initiative has seen first homebuyers across the Coast save an average of $22,185, significantly easing the pressure for people saving for a deposit.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a full exemption from stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1M.

In Gosford, 628 buyers have saved a combined $13.5M, while 522 new homeowners in Wyong saved $11.3M.

In The Entrance, 307 buyers shared in $6.9M in savings, 65 buyers at Avoca Beach benefited by $1.3M, in Budgewoi 202 buyers saved $5M and in Toukley there were 181 buyers saving $4.4M.

At Umina Beach 107 buyers saved $2.3M, Woy Woy buyers saved $1.8M across 80 buyers, in Ourimbah there were 28 buyers saving $600,000 and 13 Terrigal homebuyers saved $300,000 between them.

Statewide, total savings for more than 50,000 first homebuyers topped $1B.

The 50,000 milestone coincides with the release of a helpful dashboard detailing the program’s impact suburb-bysuburb.

The First Home Buyers Assistance Dashboard also

provides program statistics across the Central Coast – as it does for every Local Government Area and regional classification in the state.

It will be updated regularly and can be viewed by searching: First home buyers assistance dashboard | Revenue NSW

First homebuyers can learn more about the program and calculate their potential stamp duty savings online at: First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme – how to apply | NSW Government

Chance for small businesses to win branding facelift

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the State Government’s program was fantastic news for the more than 2,000 families, couples and singles able to get into their first home sooner.

“The more than $22,000 in average savings per homeowner is making a big difference for people saving up for a deposit,” he said.

“Home is where the heart is, and there’s nothing better for Coasties to have a place to call their own in a region they love.”

Kwik Kopy Australia, regarded as the leader in print, design and largeformat marketing solutions, is giving away a transformative opportunity for small businesses to elevate their branding.

Five lucky small businesses will each win a $5,000-worth branding facelift as part of Kwik Kopy’s Australia-wide giveaway.

As a way of showing their support for local businesses, Kwik Kopy will also provide $500 vouchers as weekly prizes.

The promotion began in early February and will run for eight weeks, and small businesses are encouraged to submit their entries at WeMakePossible. com.au

To qualify, entrants must share why they believe their business deserves a signage facelift.

“I am thrilled to announce Kwik Kopy’s Project Facelift competition,” Kwik Kopy

Gosford owner Peter Clarke said.

“This is a fantastic chance for small business owners to give

their store fronts and street fronts a fresh, modern look, boost their visibility, and attract more customers.

“We look around our area here in Gosford and you can see businesses are struggling with the idea to spend money

on upgrading their signage at the moment.

“When in fact, now is the time when visibility to new customers is a standout aspect for small businesses.

“Project Facelift is the perfect opportunity for businesses to take the leap, get some great advice on what’s possible for their business signage.

“And you never know, they might just win the whole package.”

Each of the five lucky major prize winners will receive an updated branding package that includes large-format materials, such as custom signage, event displays, window decals, office wallpaper and more.

The major prize winners will be announced at the end of March.

Businesses can win a combination of small and large-format marketing

collateral that go beyond storefront aesthetic appeal.

Kwik Kopy will bring its expertise in ensuring the new branding provided establishes a renewed connection with the winners’ customers.

Aside from the major prizes, Kwik Kopy’s promotion will also provide smaller prizes with a total value of $12,000.

During each week of the promotion period, Kwik Kopy will randomly select three local businesses to each receive a $500 voucher – totalling 24 vouchers that are up for grabs.

Winners will be revealed on Kwik Kopy’s social media channels weekly, so entrants should consistently monitor.

Kwik Kopy Australia has been committed to supporting small businesses for over 40 years. This giveaway is an opportunity to create a community spirit among entrepreneurs and help businesses thrive.

Peter Clarke from Kwik Kopy Gosford store

When many of us think of a perfumed garden, I suppose that it is easy for the imagination to drift to the introduced cottage flower staples of roses, gardenias, frangipanis and lavender.

These are all introduced plants to Australia and although I love them too, I think many of us overlook our own perfumed beauties.

What’s more, the variety of fragrances will probably surprise you.

These are just a tiny fraction of the perfumed offerings from our bushlands that will be more than happy in your garden.

Spicy/Aromatic Fragrance

Cinnamon Wattle (Acacia leprosa) is a weeping wattle that grows as a large shrub.

Flowers form in early spring as sprays of pale-yellow balls.

The fragrance is very reminiscent of cinnamon and comes from the phyllodes.

DOWN IN THE GARDEN

Create a Fragrant Native Garden

These are flat leaf stalks that this species has instead of true leaves.

Southern Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum) is a forest tree that can grow up to 12 metres in height and requires a cool and moist position in the garden.

The bark of this tree also has a cinnamon-like fragrance and is used to create drinks including one once called ‘Victorian Sassafras’ that was an Australian export to Britain.

Tranquillity Mint Bush (Prostanthera askania) is a plant that is on the endangered list and endemic to the Central Coast so inviting this small shrub into your garden will not only envelop your garden with its sharp and aromatic fragrance, but you will also be helping save this precious plant.

The aroma emanates from it’s leaves and is stronger after rain.

Powerful Fragrance

Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) is a shrub that grows to about 8 metres in height and produces large bright yellow blossoms with a strong sweet fragrance in late winter through to early spring.

In the garden Silver Wattle helps by fixing nitrogen in the soil.

Brown Boronia (Boronia megastigma) is perhaps the most well-known of the boronias because of its fragrance.

It is a small shrub that usually grows in swampy areas and has small bell-shaped brown flowers that are a pale-yellow inside.

The fragrance is strong and heady aroma that is similar to yellow freesias mixed with a peppery layer and also violets.

Sweet Floral Fragrance

Spoon Lily (Alocasia macrorrhiza) is a gorgeous rainforest plant with large heart-shaped leaves that sets forth lovely lily-like flowers that do smell like Lily of the Valley.

Will need a warm position in the garden with filtered light and likes to be well-watered.

Can grow as a houseplant as long as you emulate the same conditions.

Native Gardenia (Randia benthamiana) is a shade lover with a lovely floral fragrance. You will need a very well-

(Philotheca myoporoides) has foliage that smells very much like apples.

Beans, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, cucumbers, endive, herbs, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, marrows, mustard greens, parsnips, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb (crowns), salsify, spring onions, silverbeet swede, sweet corn, zucchinis, turnip, ageratum, alyssum, boronia, calceolaria, calendula, cyclamen, forget-me-not, linaria, nasturtium, pansy, poppy, stock, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower

drained soil that is kept moist. Leatherwood (Eucryphia lucida) does need very good drainage and protection from very hot sun but in return you will be blessed with the most delightfully perfumed white flowers in summer.

You are also correct if you are thinking this is the source nectar of the equally lovely ‘Leatherwood Honey’.

Citrus/Fruity Fragrance

Lemon-scented Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) will grow up to 10 metres in most domestic situations and will require a protected position with a good level of water.

The soft white flowers cover the tree in summer in an

amazing display (see photo top of the page), but it is the leaves that produce the distinctive lemon scent tinged with eucalyptus when crushed but is also noticeable in the garden.

The leaves can be used in drinks and cooking and also hold anti-bacterial properties.

Lemon-scented Tea-Tree (Leptospermum petersonii) has foliage that releases a very lemony fragrance when touched and as an added benefit, the leaves can be dried and used to make a healthy tea.

It can grow to over 4 metres and is considered a large shrub or small tree which prefers a moist soil.

Long-leaf Wax Flower

The pretty bright white flowers have a long season from spring through to autumn and although they do best in a semi shade area in free draining soil, they are exceptionally hardy once established.

Mixed and Usual Fragrances

Sticky Wattle (Acacia howittii) doubles up in the perfume game with sweet, scented spring flowers and then spicy fragranced phyllodes (oval leaf-like parts) yearround.

It is very large shrub and makes a nice hedge.

Pale-Pink Boronia (Boronia floribunda) star-like flowers have a delightful, light floral fragrance and the foliage is aromatic.

The plant grows as a small shrub, only growing up to a metre in height.

Sydney Boronia (Boronia ledifolia) heralds the coming of spring along the east coast of Australia with its hot pink blossoms, but that is not where the distinctive and polarising fragrance comes from.

The foliage of this boronia releases a very strong aroma, especially on hot days or after rain and it is much detested as well as it is beloved.

THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT

Sydney Boronia

Brown Boronia

Call for focus on development from director of planning

Central Coast Council is finally advertising for a Director of Environment and Planning with CEO David Farmer spruiking the job on LinkedIn.

“Here is a great opportunity to lead environmental and development outcomes in a really diverse and complex area,” Farmer said on the online professional network.

“The role oversees urban renewal, greenfields development, estuarine and coastal management, high value ecological areas and substantial rural and food processing industries.

“Make your mark in one of Australia’s largest local authorities.”

Edgar Adams, editor at Central Coast Business Review, commented on the post saying the position should be renamed Development and Environment.

“Whoever applies for this position must be totally focussed on the economic development of our great region,” Adams said with the must in capitals for emphasis.

“That means getting residential subdivisions, residential and industrial building development

applications approved without delay and keeping this Council out of the Land and Environment Court needlessly costing Council hundreds of thousands of dollars in court costs and wasting Council staff time defending the indefensible.”

The position is currently filled in an acting capacity by director Jamie Loader whose usual role is Director of Water and Sewer at Council.

The previous Environment and Planning Director Dr Alice Howe, appointed in March 2022, left the position early last year on family leave and then resigned later in the year but Council announced it would not advertise the position until 2025.

The directorate assesses applications for development on the Coast.

In December last year the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure figures showed the average figure at the end of October for the Central Coast was 156 days to assess development applications (DAs) while the average assessment time for NSW councils was 104 days. Director Loader said it would take some time for the figures to improve.

Speaking at the November 23 meeting, he said the older DAs were not showing up at all in the figures and so the numbers

Have a say about reforms for buying off the plan

Developers that fail to deliver homes and unfairly profit from consumers of off-the-plan contracts in NSW are facing increasing scrutiny and the NSW Government is seeking feedback from the public before formulating reforms.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the reforms were intended to build greater confidence in the housing market by improving protections for buyers and preventing developers from delaying homes they had been contracted to deliver.

“Buying a house is one of the biggest investments a person will ever make so it’s important buyers have the confidence that they will have access to well-built, good-quality homes,” she said.

“As Gosford continues to grow, it’s important that buyers of off-the-plan contracts are properly protected.

“I’ve heard of too many people in our community who have been hung to dry while getting drawn out by extensive or unforeseen delays.”

Tesch said potential reforms aimed to tighten contract rules to give buyers a clearer understanding of when they

could expect to move into their new home.

These include making sunset clauses mandatory in contracts, requiring developers to disclose the status of development against construction milestones, and requiring developers to take reasonable steps to meet dates by potentially introducing penalties for inaction.

An off-the-plan contract is an agreement for the sale and purchase of a property that is yet to be developed or constructed.

It also helps developers to finance the new residential building project.

Tesch said the reforms were being designed to help increase housing supply by providing greater certainty and clearer deadlines for homebuyers and to free up land for development faster by removing outdated restrictions on development sites.

“These reforms aim to provide transparency when buying off the plan and I encourage everyone to have their say,” Tesch said.

The consultation is open until March 7 and members of the public can have their say by visiting haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/offtheplan-contractscovenants

Mayor Lawrie McKinna said a lack of experienced staff in the department had led to a backlog.

“In the first quarter last year we were 20 staff members short in the Planning Department,” he said.

“But we are investing $8M to bring in senior staff, with nine senior positions to fill, including a new director.”

could deteriorate before they get better.

Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton, at the same meeting, noted the figures were trending backwards.

Eaton put a question on notice to Council asking for a monthly report to the meetings on the number of outstanding development applications, the average/median time for determination and the number of DA appeals lodged with the Land and Environment Court.

In reply, CEO David Farmer said Council staff could provide the requested reports via the Councillor Newsletter “to ensure the currency and timely provision of information”.

McKinna said the Council received the highest number of DA applications in the state, surpassing large councils including Sydney and Blacktown.

“We received 2,170 in the past financial year,” he said.

The Director of Environment and Planning position is being advertised on Seek with applications closing on Monday, February 17 at 5pm.

“This pivotal position offers the opportunity to lead a large directorate through a period of transformation, as the region navigates urban expansion and consolidation and complex environmental challenges,” the advertisement states.

“This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Central Coast while addressing the environmental and planning

needs of the region as well as serving a community of over 350,000 residents.”

It says the region offers a “stunning blend of natural beauty and urban growth” boasting pristine beaches, wetlands, scenic ridge tops, and lush woodlands.

“These elements are intertwined with diverse urban environments creating a unique balance that will be essential to maintain while in this position,”the advertisement says.

“The director will play a key role in contributing to the strategic plans of the Council.

“Your decision-making process must consider the broader implications for the entire Council and its community, striving for positive outcomes for all.

“The ideal candidate will oversee critical areas such as ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, driving strategic planning for sustainable growth, managing urban development assessments, and leading environmental initiatives to protect natural assets,” the advertisement states.

Merilyn Vale

Rabbit owners advised to vaccinate pet rabbits prior to 3 March Wild Rabbit Control Program

Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council will participate in the program by releasing the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at six locations: Norah Head, Wadalba, Ourimbah, North Avoca, Avoca Beach and Umina Beach.

RHDV1-K5 is species-specific, affecting only rabbits and posing no risk to native wildlife or other pets. However, pet rabbits can be infected. To protect them, rabbit owners are strongly advised to vaccinate their pets by 1 March 2025 for the best protection. Pet rabbit owners should also take additional precautions, including maintaining good hygiene, providing mosquito-proof housing and preventing contact with other rabbits.

Landholders and community members can report sightings of rabbits or evidence of disease through the Rabbit Scan online portal www.rabbitscan.org.au

For more information, contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on (02) 4724 2100.

To learn more, search ‘rabbit control program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Calling for public feedback on off-the-plan contracts

The administrative centre in Wyong

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer

A wild rabbit control program will take place across the Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 3 March 2025.

Tripling the

Establishing two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics on the Central Coast. Medicare MRI license for Wyong Hospital. Securing the bulk billing incentive.

Our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at Lake Haven and Umina are 100% bulk billed and open every day of the year.

The Labor Government secured a Medicare MRI license for Wyong Hospital. Locals now have access to subsidised scans closer to home.

We’ve tripled the bulk billing incentive –a $3.5 billion investment in Medicare. In just 5 months we’ve seen a 5.8% jump in bulk billing in Dobell.

Emma McBride MP Member for Dobell

204/1 Bryant Drive,

www.emmamcbride.com.au

Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 4353 0127

Health & Education Spotlight on number one cancer in Australian children

The spotlight was well and truly shone on blood cancer on International Childhood Cancer Day, February 15, to raise awareness of the number one cancer in Australian children.

It’s on the rise, ripping away the childhoods of those affected.

Blood cancer, specifically leukaemia and lymphoma, is responsible for approximately one in every two cancers diagnosed in Australians under the age of 19.

More infants, toddlers, children and teenagers are diagnosed with blood cancer

than any other cancer in this country, with lengthy treatment regimens and debilitating side effects having a dire impact on those diagnosed.

Terrigal mum of three Caitlin Worgan is currently caring for her daughter Sienna, 11, who was just 10 when she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Caitlin, her husband Scott and their children Scarlet, 13, Sienna and Mace, 7, were on a holiday at Hamilton Island when Sienna screamed of pain in her legs and stomach.

Initially diagnosed as having a tummy bug by a GP on the

island, Sienna felt better after a couple of days.

But when they returned home, the pain came back, along with a rash.

Within two hours of arriving at hospital, Caitlin received the shocking news that Sienna had leukaemia.

Sienna underwent 10 months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy.

She suffered two strokes, a rare side effect, which temporarily impaired her ability to talk or even move.

After almost a year in hospital, Sienna is back at home undergoing maintenance

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chemotherapy and regular check-ups.

On International Childhood Cancer Day, the Leukaemia Foundation is calling for greater awareness, and support, for the growing number of Australian children, and their families affected by the disease.

“Today in Australia, at least one family will hear the devastating and life altering news that their child has blood cancer,” said Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti.

“They are then immediately thrust into the unfamiliar and scary world of life-saving treatment, leaving their homes

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and loved ones behind to relocate to treating hospitals around the country.

“For some children in Australia, this can mean up to two years away from home.

“Away from everything and everyone they’ve ever known.

“Their childhood changes in an instant, their innocence ripped away, only to be replaced with the confines of a hospital, many tests, chemotherapy, treatments and procedures that no child should ever have to face.”

With the numbers of blood cancer incidence and mortality on the rise in all age groups in Australia, concerningly the

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disease is set to impact more children in the future with no sign of it slowing down.

Australia has seen a 40% increase in blood cancer incidence in Australian children in the past two decades with blood cancers set to become the most prevalent cancer by 2035.

“Although treatment options and survival rates have greatly improved over time, sadly every fortnight one Australian child or teenager will lose their life to blood cancer with the disease ranked as the second highest cause of childhood cancer deaths in this country,” Tanti said.

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Email: lemery@lindaemery.com.au

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford

Scott, Scarlet, Caitlin, Sienna and Mace

Linda Emery Lawyer since

Coast households struggle to afford medication

Almost half of low-income Central Coast households went without prescribed medication in the past year according to a report from the NSW Council of Social Service.

The alarming statistic comes on top of new data from the Pharmacy Guild revealing Central Coast residents are struggling to afford regular medication, as the cost-of-living crisis hits households hard.

The data shows that 22% of NSW people have been unable to afford medicine in the past three years.

The numbers are worse for those living in regional NSW, where 31% say they have had to skip having a script filled in the past three years because of cost.

This is part of a nationwide trend, with new figures from the Pharmacy Guild, revealing one in five Australians skipped getting

their scripts filled in the past three years due to rising costs.

Pharmacist Trent Playford from West Gosford Pharmacy and Priceline Pharmacy Kincumber said the impact of residents

Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid is pushing for a third Urgent Care Clinic on the Central Coast, following the success of clinics at Umina Beach and Lake Haven.

The walk-in clinics are open seven days a week with extended operating hours.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics help reduce pressure on hospitals and emergency departments, allowing them to focus on higher urgency and life-threatening conditions.

Since opening 12 months ago, more than 12,000 patients have been seen at the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Umina Beach.

The Government announced in the 2024-25 Budget a further $227M to establish 29 more

going without their prescribed medication was significant.

“We see patients day in and day out making decisions about their medication, like foregoing getting medication for their least

Push for another

clinics and Reid wants one of those for the Central Coast.

“As an emergency department doctor, practising medicine at the Wyong Hospital Emergency Department, I understand how important Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are,” he said.

“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics help reduce pressure on our emergency departments and provide an avenue of urgent care for people when they have urgent but not lifethreatening illnesses.

“These clinics treat minor fractures, sports injuries, insect bites and minor infections, just to name a few.

“It is clear how successful the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been since opening in 2023; it has seen over 12,000 patients.

important ailment,” Playford said.

“You even see it among family members where a mother will choose to get her child’s medication and forego her own.

“Medication is the forgotten part of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Instead of being an essential item, it’s a luxury for some.

“We keep prescriptions on file, and I see more and more not getting filled.”

Playford said people skipping their prescribed medication added significant pressure to the health and hospital system.

“People are making choices like going without their asthma preventers and then when Spring comes around, we see an increase in hospital admissions with people suffering from asthma,” he said.

He said one solution would be to reduce the Prescribed Pharmaceutical Scheme (PBS) co-payment.

The PBS co-payment is the amount a person pays towards the cost of a PBS subsidised medicine.

From January 1, 2025, a person may pay up to $31.60 for

urgent care clinic

“That is why I am fighting for another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the south of the Central Coast.

“Another clinic will ensure

even more people can access a free doctor when they need to.

“Over the coming months, I will be taking my petition

suburb to suburb, door to door, and asking our Central Coast community for their support.

“I want to gather as much support as possible for another

most PBS medicines, or $7.70 if they have a concession card.

“The Guild has done some research and believes the Government should invest in making health care more affordable,” Playford said.

“The co-payment was reduced to $30 in 2022, but it could be reduced even further, possibly to $19 to closer match the concession price of $7.70.

“The cost of patients not taking their medication today is much higher in three-or four-years’ time with the increased cost of treating a patient with a condition that could have been prevented.

“As a pharmacist, we’re out there everyday trying to help our patients.”

Central Coast residents who are finding it challenging to afford medication during the past year are being urged to share their story affordablemedicines.com.au

clinic, to show the Health Minister that this additional clinic is needed.”

To download a copy of the petition or to sign online, visit drgordonreidmp.com.au/ourcoast-community/we-needanother-medicare-urgentcare-clinic

For more information about the Australian Government’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, visit www.health.gov.au/finda-medicare-ucc/about

The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located at 297 West St, Umina Beach. The Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is located at Shop 127, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Lake Haven Dr.

Funding for grassroots services addressing healing and recovery

Ten innovative projects from the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) are the recipients of the Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Healing and Recovery Grants.

Building on the success of the Supporting Recovery pilot program, the PHN is investing more than $1M to fund grassroots initiatives aimed at addressing the mental health impacts of DFSV.

Three of those are based on the Central Coast.

Gul Gul Cultural Therapy program is an innovative initiative designed to support

Aboriginal women, men and their families who have experienced DFSV.

The Seen and Herd program provides a holistic healing and recovery program for DFSV survivors through equine assisted therapy in nature.

Barnardo’s Australia program, Connecting Three Dots: Children and Young People, is a team comprising an occupational therapist and counsellor alongside some administration and management hours, to provide healing services for children and young people who have experienced DFSV in the Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

These initiatives will enhance therapies, foster innovative approaches, and promote

holistic recovery through community-driven programs that support adults, young

people, and children.

The selected projects will also strengthen the referral pathways developed during the Supporting Recovery: Trauma-informed Recovery Care for VictimSurvivors of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence pilot program.

HNECC PHN Executive Officer of Commissioning, Catherine Turner, highlighted the critical role of healing in the response to DFSV.

“The Supporting Recovery Pilot has underscored that healing and recovery are essential components of primary healthcare for victim-survivors,” she said.

“These new grants will improve system integration, foster partnerships, and support collaboration to deliver better outcomes for individuals on their healing journeys.”

With a specific focus on the healing and recovery phase, the grant program encouraged innovative models of care that provide trauma-informed mental health and recovery services for DFSV victimsurvivors.

The grant round, which was open from October to December 2024, attracted 50 applications across two streams: First Nations and Community.

Three Central Coast services addressing domestic, sexual and family violence received funding

Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid with Jill Davis at the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

Trent Playford

HEALTH BRIEF

Dr Harkness hangs up his stethoscope

After 47 years as a general practitioner, local Copacabana resident Dr Randall Harkness is retiring from medicine.

Federal Member for Robertson and local emergency department doctor, Dr Gordon Reid, paid a visit to Harkness on his last day at Providence Medical Umina Beach.

He presented Harkness with a certificate commending his service to medicine on the Central Coast.

“Dr Harkness is an outstanding medical professional, who has dedicated 47 amazing years to medicine in NSW and on the Central Coast,” Reid said “He will be missed dearly by the Central Coast community, especially patients on the Peninsula.

“On behalf of the whole Central Coast community, I wish Dr Harkness a very happy retirement and all the very best with this next chapter in his life.”

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

More choice and better health care for women

A move by the Federal Government to strengthen Medicare with $573.3M to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women has been welcomed by Central Coast Federal MPs.

Member for Dobell and Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride and Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid say the significant investment will deliver better healthcare for women across the Central Coast.

The package of measures includes:

The first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, with the listing of Yaz® and Yasmin® saving 50,000 women hundreds of dollars a year;

More choice, lower costs and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants saving about 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs;

More Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, the first-ever clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign;

The first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in more than 20 years, with about 150,000

women saving hundreds of dollars a year from the listing of Prometrium®, Estrogel® and Estrogel® Pro;

More endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics treating more conditions, opening 11 new clinics and ensuring all 33 clinics are staffed to provide specialist support for menopause;

Contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly

from pharmacies, with two national trials to benefit 250,000 concession cardholders who will be able to consult a trained pharmacist at no cost and, if medications are required, pay only the usual medicine cost.

McBride and Reid say that some measures will take effect almost immediately, like the PBS listing of the first new contraceptive pills in more than

30 years, and the first new menopausal hormone therapies in more than 20 years.

Further details about the package of measures, including who will benefit can be found in the More choice, lower costs and better health care for women – fact sheet, on the health.gov.au website.

“Women deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to their needs,” McBride said.

“Our Labor Government’s more than half a billion-dollar investment will deliver better healthcare for women.

“These historic changes will save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.”

Reid said with no new contraceptive pill or menopausal hormone therapy added to the PBS in decades, it was clear the PBS wasn’t working for women.

“It’s about time Australian women had more choice, lower costs and better health care.”

New cafe builds employability skills

A new cafe at The Entrance will provide a launching pad for young locals to move through their personal challenges and build real-world employability skills.

Situated in the grounds of The Entrance Community Centre and featuring covered areas and a children’s playground, the Imagine If Community Cafe is designed to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.

The cafe is a project of the Iris Foundation, a local mental health charity that specialises in resilience training and suicide prevention initiatives.

The organisation will provide opportunities for young people

to build their hospitality skills alongside highly experienced professionals, with additional wellbeing support on hand to create the best chance of success.

“Our cafe is more than just a place to enjoy great coffee and light meals,” Iris Foundation CEO Sue Liptrott said.

“It serves as a social hub, bringing people together to connect, share experiences and support one another.”

Everyone is welcome.

It’s open 8am to 2pm, Monday to Saturday, on the corner of Battley Ave and Oakland Ave, The Entrance.

For more information: irisfoundation.org.au

Dr Gordon Reid and Emma McBride welcomed the Federal Government’s new health care package for women

Dr Randall Harkness

The team behind the Image If Community Cafe at The Entrance

Mariners bow out of AFC Elite after tough loss in Japan

FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners’ AFC Elite campaign came to a close on Tuesday evening, February 18, with a 2-0 defeat to J-League super club Kawasaki Frontal in Tokyo, Japan.

For those who tuned in via CoastFM, the result was not unexpected given the Mariners’ depleted squad and Kawasaki’s formidable experience at this level.

Despite the loss, the performance was a respectable one, considering the Mariners’

long list of injuries to key players.

Coach Mark Jackson, while surely disappointed with the winless campaign, will take heart in the valuable experience gained by his squad.

The tournament provided young players with crucial exposure to international football, an opportunity that will serve them well in their future careers.

With the AFC Elite journey now behind them, the Mariners must quickly refocus on domestic duties. A rapid turnaround awaits as they

prepare for their clash against Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday, February 22, at home in Gosford.

After a gruelling run of fixtures, a return to Industree Group Stadium will offer a chance for redemption and a much-needed reset for the squad.

While this season’s Asian campaign did not yield the results they hoped for, the team and club can take great heart in having played at such a lofty level of football, something that the young players will surely grow into.

Joel ready to play on world football stage

Joel Blanchfield-Keane, a talented goalkeeper born and raised on the Central Coast, has been selected to represent the U23s Australian Deaf Football Team.

Joel, 15, who has previously played for East Gosford FC and JR ZL Central Coast Mariners, is set to attend a training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra later this month, ahead of his

participation in the 2026 Deaf Football World Cup in Thailand.

“Football is life,” he said.

“It is everything to me.”

The Kincumber High School student has auditory neuropathy and wears bilateral hearing aids with moderate loss in his left ear and moderate/ severe loss in his right.

“I don’t think his hearing loss has held him back,” his mum Jodi Blanchfield said.

“He has to concentrate more to understand what’s being

SPORTS BRIEF

Mariners scholarship for Eliza

FOOTBALL

The Central Coast Mariners has signed 17-year-old Mariners Academy Member and current Central Coast Sports College student athlete Eliza Familton to a scholarship deal.

Joining the Mariners Academy at under-14s level, the forward has worked her way through the ranks, now playing for the club’s NSW League One First Grade Women’s Academy squad while also training fulltime with the Ninja A-League team.

said, especially in noisy situations.

“This is why he probably loves being a goalkeeper – not as much noise as on the field and he can watch the game and concentrate on what he needs to do.”

Playing in the World Cup is a significant achievement for Joel, not only as an athlete with a disability but as a local from the Central Coast making his mark on the international stage.

Front-rower Lee-Taulei returns to Wyong Roos

RUGBY LEAGUE

Wyong Roos have announced the signing of Myles Lee-Taulei on a twoyear deal.

Widely regarded as the form front-rower in the competition in recent times, Lee-Taulei is a very positive addition to the Roos squad.

He was an elite junior player, having been selected in the

under-20s NSW Emerging Blues squad in 2014.

Since then, he has played Queensland Cup with the Redcliffe Dolphins and more recently for The Entrance in the Denton Cup where he was consistently one of the competition’s standout performers.

Lee-Taulei said it was great to come back to his junior club,

Wyong Roos.

“It makes it very personal as I am keen and committed to give back to the club where it all started,” he said.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, and I really appreciate the professionalism that the club is working towards.

“The facilities are fantastic, I just can’t wait to pull on the

Wyong Roos jersey again.”

Roos Head of Rugby League

Craig Sandercock said LeeTaulei was a great signing for the Club.

“He brings with him some invaluable experience and skills, but most importantly, he is passionately committed to make the best out of being reconnected with his first club,” Sandercock said.

Kickstart for the Bombers’ 2025 season

Killarney Vale is one of only five football clubs in Australia to receive a $50,000 grant through the Bunnings Community Football Program.

There were 400 applications in the inaugural Bunnings Home Ground Advantage initiative which will help local clubs with products and materials they need.

Killarney Vale Football Club –the Bombers – will use the grant for clubhouse improvements, to kickstart renovations to the

changerooms and update the historic premiership team boards.

Bombers President Paul Forster said they still couldn’t believe they had been selected as one of the five lucky clubs across Australia to receive the $50,000 funding.

“We will use the grant to upgrade the clubrooms, known as The Hangar, which is the foundation of our football club and has become synonymous with everything that is the Killarney Vale community,” he said.

“We can’t wait to celebrate and improve this aspect of our club.

“I can’t thank Bunnings enough for selecting us as part of the program and deepen the existing connection that we have with the nearest store in Tuggerah.

“It is a significant amount of money for our club, and the other four clubs across Australia which also share this great news.”

Bunnings Chief Operating Officer Ryan Baker said the role

local footy clubs played in the community was important.

“We are thrilled to announce the five successful clubs across Australia who will receive a $50,000 grant to spend on Bunnings products and materials.

“Our store teams provide ongoing support to local footy clubs through fundraising sausage sizzles and hands-on support, and the Home Ground Advantage initiative is another way we can lend a hand to help local clubs improve their facilities that will benefit the wider community.

“To receive over 400 applications nationwide is truly amazing and shows how crucial community football is across Australia.

“We can’t thank the clubs enough for their interest and we are grateful for each and every application that was submitted.”

Bunnings Tuggerah is working closely with Killarney club as they complete their facility upgrades, and to help set the club up for head start to the 2025 season.

Familton is fresh off an exciting 2024 on the field, which included a hugely successful 2024 National Youth Championships in July last year.

She scored four goals in seven games throughout the U16s tournament, including once in the final, where NSW Metro defeated Northern NSW 4-0.

Familton featured alongside fellow Mariners Scholar Tiana Fuller throughout the campaign, both getting on the scoresheet during their triumphant final.

A student athlete at Central Coast Sports College, Familton follows in a long line of CCSC students to be awarded contracts with Mariners A-League teams, including Annalise Rasmussen, Haine Eames, Arthur De Lima, Dylan Peraic-Cullen and Garang Kuol.

“Being a part of the Mariners academy during the main years of my footballing development so far, I have seen first-hand that there is no better place for me to continue to grow as a footballer than right here at the Mariners,” Familton said.

“This scholarship is just the beginning for me; I know that the hard work truly begins now, and I am excited to learn from Emily, her coaching staff and the entire squad.”

Ninja A-League Head Coach Emily Husband said Familton had huge potential.

“Eliza signing a scholarship deal with us follows our key principles of giving exciting young footballers a chance, especially local players who have developed through our academy system,” she said.

“This is just the start for Eliza, and we look forward to working with her to unlock the enormous potential she has.”

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Myles Lee-Taulei

Haine Eames on the field in Tokyo. Photo CCM Media

Goalkeeper Joel Blanchfield in action

KAYAKING

Central Coast siblings

Natalia and Jerome Drobot of the Avoca Kayak Club have come home from the Paddle Australia 2025 Grand Prix 2, held at Penrith from February 13-16, with a swag of gold medals.

Natalia Drobot, 20, won the Women’s Open K1 500, the Women’s Open K2 500, the Women’s K1 200 and the Women’s 23 & Under K2 500.

She also tied for first place with Avoca Beach teammate E. Beere in the Women’s Open K4 500.

“It’s been a really fun regatta,” she said after the mammoth effort.

Paddlers do the Central Coast proud

“We’ve had lots of good races a lot of good team bonding moments.

“I was really happy to be there; it was a really exciting few days of racing.

“It’s a good baseline to start racing – especially racing domestically.

“There is such a high-level of girls so it’s exciting to see how that translates into the

international season this year.”

Her brother Jerome, 17, tied for first place in the Men’s 18 & Under K2 500, the Men’s Under 18 K4 500 and the Men’s 18 & Under K2 200.

He also took gold in the Men’s 18 & Under K1 200.

Also performing well for the Avoca club was K. Montgomery, who tied for first place in the Men’s 18 & Under K2 500, the Men’s Under 18 K4 500 and the Men’s 18 & Under K2 200. Paddlers will return to the Sydney International Regatta Centre for the 2020 5PA Canoe Sprint Championships from March 12-16.

Highest honour for motor car racing stalwart

Shelly Beach local Ross Forbes has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Motorsport Australia Service Star Award by Motorsport Australia for exemplary service to motorsport in Australia. He was presented with the award at the Motorsport Australia State Awards at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 8; the only Service Star award handed out on the night.

The accolade is awarded to a member who has given exemplary service to Motorsport Australia, usually over many years and often in a

variety of roles and activities.

Forbes, a mechanic by trade with 40 years’ experience in motor car racing, said he was honoured to have received such an accolade.

“It’s one of the biggest awards in motorsport you can actually get,” Forbes said.

“I couldn’t believe it.”

Now semi-retired and working with TAFE NSW training future mechanics, Forbes was born into a successful motorsport family as the son of race car driver Brian Forbes, and has carried on the family tradition as a race car driver as well as officiating in varied volunteer

roles with Motorsport Australia.

When he’s not teaching at TAFE or competing in car races, Forbes can be seen speeding to

“I’m part of the green team, driving the doctor or paramedic to deliver emergency care to drivers on the track,” he said.

He began competing in local and national karting in the early 1980s, before attaining success in other racing disciplines including racing in the Australian Sports Sedans Championship, the NSW HQ series and the Australian Tarmac Rally events.

He has officiated in various roles including sector marshal at Supercar and Shannons events, F1 flags and recovery marshal, F1 communicator/ observer, F1 medical intervention vehicle driver and extrication expert.

Forbes has completed and trained in many things, including advanced first aid, CPR, emergency life support, differing administrative roles, command theory and critical incident management.

He is also currently the Managing Director of Odin Motorsport Australia, and races his own RX8 in the Formula RX8 category.

Forbes is widely recognised for his expertise in automotive training with an outstanding ability to communicate, encourage and facilitate training to all age groups.

Natalia Drobot won a swag of gold medals; Jerome Drobot in action

the scene of a racing car accident at major car races like Bathurst as part of the Medical Response team.

Young surf lifesavers shine

Young surf life savers from across the Central Coast braved a four-foot swell at Avoca Beach for the annual Branch Championships on the weekend of February 1516.

It was touch and go whether the carnival would go ahead due to the predicted swell, with a possible contingency plan involving moving the competition to Terrigal.

But with a last-minute change in the wind, the carnival was able to go ahead with solid, but relatively clean, swell.

Avoca brought home the trophy with a final point score of 1062 points, but it was the efforts of the kids that was most impressive, with many competitors completing their first ever ‘official’ ironperson.

Layla McCarthy of Wamberal, competing in the Under 11s and having already finished her individual swim, decided that she was ready to undertake the premier event.

In the qualifying event, with the top eight finishers going through to compete in the event at the State Championships in March, Layla finished in eighth place in her age group and qualified for her first ever ironman at state level.

Lilly Parker of Avoca also competed in their first official female ironperson. Lilly came out of the swim leg of the iron in third place,

navigating the waves with some impressive body surfing to put herself in a competitive position.

She ultimately finished in fifth place, and qualified for her first state ironperson, along with her teammates Ava Knight, who finished in seventh place, and Alex Hall and Liv Manser, who finished in first and second place respectively, with Alex overtaking Liv in an exciting sprint up the beach, after Liv led the board leg around the cans.

It’s the first time Avoca has ever broken a thousand points and was their second win in as many weeks, following success at the Opens Branch Championships held at Ocean Beach two weekends ago.

The conditions couldn’t have been more different, with not a wave to be seen as Central Coast competitors in the Under 15s age groups and above showed up with boards and skis in tow,

ready to challenge the reigning champions, Terrigal, for the title.

Avoca led the charge in the Under 17s and Opens Women’s events,withastrongperformance from Avoca’s women particularly in the ski and swim events.

In the Under 19s, however, it was all Terrigal, with Elizabeth Shearer leading the swim and board events.

With Terrigal dominating the Men’s Opens in numbers, it was up to Avoca’s Under 17s men to step up and race in the Under 19s and Opens divisions.

Bodi Bone raced around the cans no fewer than 15 times, and his teammates Zac McKay, Brody Frew and Julian Glew were all instrumental in stepping up to help Avoca’s only Under 19s competitor, Jerome Drobot, in as many team events as they could manage.

& CHOCFEST FAMILY FUN DAY

Layla McCarthy after completing her first ironperson

Amanda Bone

Lilly Parker with proud dad Chris Parker after her first official ironperson