Coast Community News #421 by Central Coast Newspapers

ISSUE 421

21 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS • COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

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Happy Festive Season!

News

Anti-mould campaigner’s silent health challenge See page 7

Out&About

Summer at The Art House has something for everyone See page 16

All of us here at Coast Community News wish readers a safe and happy festive season

Business

A previous New Year’s Eve event at The Entrance

Outrage over remedial work at glyphs site Coast Environmental Alliance (CEA) has accused the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of carrying out “unnecessary” and “extreme” remedial works at the site of the Kariong hieroglyphics.

CEA has described the work undertaken as “unnecessary”

Many residents have taken to social media, outraged at the “decimation” of the renowned landmark. CEA spokesperson Jake Cassar said the NPWS had begun to remove what it considered to be dangerous boulders above the controversial Egyptianstyle hieroglyphs – an area frequented by many locals and tourists.

“Our group was aware that there was a particular area that NPWS had deemed unsafe, but it looks like they’ve literally taken out tonnes of sandstone, and from areas where there was no risk of the rocks budging in the slightest,” he said. “This seems like an incredibly extreme move by the State Government and frankly quite perplexing. “We would be really interested to find out how much this has cost the Australian public and why they’ve removed so much sandstone. Continued page 4

Ice cream business gets cold shoulder from Council See page 21

Sport

Mariners teams draw against Melbourne City tough matches See page 31

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Growing pains see need for local collaboration and leadership

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The Central Coast, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant community, is currently grappling with a series of growing pains that challenge our cherished way of life. A critical housing crisis looms large, as many residents find themselves squeezed by skyrocketing prices and dwindling availability. This dire situation is exacerbated by the poor state of local roads, which not only hampers daily commutes but also raises safety concerns. Compounding these issues are environmental worries at numerous building sites. Therapidpaceofdevelopment, while necessary to meet housing demands, often comes at the cost of environmental sustainability. The region’s natural landscapes and ecosystems, which are integral to its identity, risk being irreparably damaged if not managed with care.

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Recent council partnerships with community housing developers offer some hope for high quality developments while maintaining high social and environmental obligations. Another significant issue facing many is the rising cost of living exemplified by the increasing imposition of parking fees at public hospitals. This adds a financial burden to families already struggling with the healthcare needs of their loved ones, turning basic access to medical care into a more costly endeavour. The two new Medicare Urgent Clinics are examples of innovative attempts to reduce the need to travel to hospitals. Our region’s domestic violence and homelessness services are under severe strain and more people are accessing food banks just to get by, Financially, Central Coast Council is also walking a

wellbeing. The path ahead for the Central Coast is fraught with challenges, but with the right leadership, these growing pains can be transformed into opportunities for a brighter, more sustainable future. It is a call to action for prospective local councillors who can provide collaborative solutions and guide the region towards a prosperous and balanced development. We wish all our readers in print and online, and all our listeners on our partner local radio stations a very merry Christmas and New Year. Central Coast Newspapers takes a printing break for three weeks although we will maintain our daily news publishing online at coastcommunitynews.com.au and via Google News and Apple News. Subscribe too to our social media accounts for selected story posts. David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Santa pops in to Copacabana

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Stefan Kataric

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tightrope, despite years of forced administration. Despite implementing substantial rate increases, its own financial strategy predicts a deficit in a couple of years’ time. This situation underscores the need for more productivity, input from state and federal governments and renewed financial management, ensuring that the community’s hard-earned money is used in the most beneficial ways. In the face of these challenges, the Central Coast urgently requires a new breed of local councillors. The region needs leaders who are not only experienced and knowledgeable but also collaborative, inspired and creative. These future leaders must possess the vision and capability to navigate these complex issues, balancing the needs for growth and sustainability, fiscal responsibility and community

Santa dropped in to Copacabana recently on his 18th annual visit to the beachside village. The elves from the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW had been busily preparing his sleigh and taming Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, who led the way. The temperature was hitting 37 degrees but as Santa’s sleigh came down Vista Ave, a cool breeze cooled everything down to a much more pleasant 33 degrees so the man in red could hand out some lollies. Excited children ran from their houses and the beach to see Santa on his sleigh at

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the Flag Pole Lawn. He was greeted by many happy people, ranging from grandparents to grandchildren. Many goodies were dispensed before Santa made his merry way to the local shops of the beach front. He greeted all the businesses on the foreshore with owners and their staff receiving gifts. After a second stop on the waterfront and a visit to several older citizens, Santa had handed out 200 bags of lollies and wrapped gifts galore, courtesy of the Navy Veterans’ Welfare Association NSW based at Copacabana.

Santa arrived on a sweltering day

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

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Fears paid parking on the cards for Wyong Hospital Community concerns that paid parking could be introduced at Wyong Hospital are escalating with the matter currently “under review” by the State Government. Federal MPs Gordon Reid (Robertson) and Emma McBride (Dobell) have urged the State Government to heed previous campaigns to keep the hospital free from parking fees. Imposing fees would impact healthcare workers going to work and patients and visitors accessing healthcare at the hospital, they said. “The lack of public transport options means parking at Wyong Hospital should remain free of charge,” McBride said. “Having worked at Wyong Hospital for almost 10 years, I know the impact introducing paid parking would have on staff, patients and visitors. “I have heard from locals who have expressed their deep concerns, which I share, about the impact on the community if paid parking is introduced at Wyong Hospital.”

Reid said the community has been loud and clear on the issue. “The community has fought hard to ensure Wyong Hospital remains free from parking fees, and now the NSW Government wants to introduce (them),” he said. “This plan will hurt those in our community who can least afford it and will worsen health outcomes on the Central Coast. “I am calling on the NSW Government to … keep Wyong Hospital free from parking fees.” Central Coast Local Health District’s only comment was that the matter is under review, while a spokesperson for Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said he had raised the community’s concerns about the need for free parking at Wyong Hospital with the Minister for Health. The Labor Party went to the last election promising free parking at all regional hospitals. Residents were outraged when the Government backflipped in August, saying free

Member for Dobell Emma McBride and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid are opposed to parking fees being introduced at Wyong Hospital

parking to be introduced at the state’s regional and rural public hospitals would not apply at Gosford Hospital. At the time, Harris said Gosford Hospital, along with John Hunter and Wollongong hospitals, would retain paid parking as they are “principal referral hospitals located in

major centres”. “Gosford Hospital is close to public transport and the CBD, providing alternative access to the hospital, something that is not as readily available in the rural and regional areas of Tweed, Coffs Harbour, Maitland, Belmont and Shoalhaven,” he said.

“The removal of paid parking at Gosford would risk creating capacity issues, making it harder for patients to access the healthcare they need.” The Central Coast is listed on the NSW Department of Health website as one of the nine Local Health Districts in the state classed as regional.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Government could not be trusted on its word when it comes to free parking at regional hospitals. “Minister Harris repeatedly (said) that free parking at Gosford Hospital would go ahead before the government backflipped and broke its promise,” Crouch said. “Interestingly, our Federal Members and the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association were very quiet when the government backflipped on free parking at Gosford Hospital but are now scrambling against State Labor to fight against paid parking at Wyong Hospital, which would not have happened under a State Liberal Government. “The introduction of paid parking will cost Central Coast locals millions of dollars a year in a time where cost-of-living is still a major problem for families, and it simply reinforces this government’s lack of priority and focus for us on the Central Coast.” Terry Collins

Noise concerns over flight paths Residents of the Bouddi and Woy Woy Peninsulas have been alarmed in recent weeks to receive flyers from the Federal Government in their letter boxes, warning of noise levels they might experience due to flight paths from the new Western Sydney Airport. John Brummell of Umina Beach said he was surprised to receive the communication. “I thought it was a bit unusual because previously the Central Coast was not going to be impacted,” he said. “When I opened the link to view the information and

scrolled forward (it) brought up the flight paths for all of Sydney for both arrivals and departures. “It appears that the northeast departures will fly over Dharug National Park and Popran National Park then proceed over the Peninsula via a convoluted route (before continuing) north-east off the coast. “I have in the past heard the odd large jet fly over Umina Beach at a great height – but still noisy. “This new airport will operate 24/7 (and) if my assumption is correct we will have our beautiful quiet life completely disrupted.

A map showing the proposed flight paths

“The community at large needs to stop this.” But Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said planes flying

over the Central Coast through the proposed flight paths would be more than 20,000ft in the air.

“The Government wants people to be as informed as possible about the potential impact of the flight paths at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) airport,” Reid said. “That’s why we have put out our preliminary flight paths with a noise tool earlier this year to try to give people early information about where those flight paths are likely to go prior to the EIS (environment impact statement) process starting. “The draft EIS is now open for public feedback. “The government is committed to balancing the needs of the community,

environment, industry and users of the broader Greater Sydney airspace, while maintaining safety as a priority, in the design of WSI’s flight paths. “We are strongly encouraging people to provide feedback on the preliminary flight paths and the EIS so it can be considered as we finalise the flight path design ahead of the new airport commencing operations by late 2026.” The flights paths can be viewed at wsiflightpaths.gov. au

Dig deep for Vinnies Christmas appeal Central Coast residents are being asked to dig deep and support the St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas appeal. Over the past year, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members have supported 6,890 people on the Central Coast with more than $1.1M in financial and material assistance. Four-in-five of those people required support while about half (51 per cent) were experiencing housing stress. “One-in-three people have sought assistance for the first time over the past year,” a spokesperson said.

“This is consistent with the statewide trend which has seen people seeking assistance for the first time increase from one-in-four to one-in-three over the past 12 months.” The Society operates three Vinnies Support Centres across the Central Coast – in Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong, offering support to people experiencing hardship and disadvantage. With Christmas less than two weeks away, demand for assistance continues to soar throughout the community. The Society has set a target of more than $1.3M for its annual Christmas Appeal, which will go towards

Vinnies volunteers deliver staples to those in need

supporting families and individuals impacted by costof-living pressures.

Funds raised will be used to provide people with food and clothing, pay household bills,

cover rental increases and fund frontline services including homelessness services and domestic and family violence refuges. “Demand for assistance is increasing and it is vital that we reach our target for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal to ensure that we are able to provide the support people require in their time of need,” CEO Yolanda Saiz said. “Every single day we are seeing people reaching out for assistance because the cost of living is stretching people to breaking points. “Far too many Australians are having to make difficult choices

each day about which bills to pay, how to keep a roof over their head or how they will ensure their children don’t go to bed on an empty stomach. “If you are able to spare a thought for those people at the brink this Christmas and make a donation to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, it will help us make such a difference in someone’s life at this time of year.” To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, visit www. vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12. All donations over $2 are taxdeductible.

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Better mobile coverage for Wadalba Telstra is set to upgrade its mobile base station at Wabalba to bring better 4G coverage and new 5G coverage to the area, with work to take place from January 15-25. There will be some temporary service disruptions or reduction in mobile coverage during this period, with Tesltra customers to receive text messages advising them of the works. Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. There will be an eight hour full site outage on Tuesday, January 16, and Wednesday, January 17. Following this it will be a fiveday full site outage from January 18-22, followed by partial service disruptions

The upgrade will see better 4G coverage and new 5G coverage in the area

during the day from January 23-25. Any calls for triple 0 from a

Telstra mobile will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection

to emergency services. Telstra Regional general manager Michael Marom said

they would only switch off the site when needed “Where possible we will just be switching off the parts of the tower we are working on, leaving the rest operational,” he said. “While coverage and capacity will decline during this time we want to keep the amount of time the site is off air to an absolute minimum. “It is never a good time to undertake this sort of work, but once it is completed, it will be better mobile services for residents.” For mobile coverage in the interim Telstra encourages residents to activate Wi-Fi calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use the Wi-Fi network to make and

receive mobile calls. Many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals. However, Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network – it is operated by financial institutions. Many terminals can also be connected using fixed line or Wi-Fi NBN Internet connections. Retailer should contact their bank for more information. The rollout of 5G in Wadalba means customers with Telstra 5G mobile devices will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience. The upgrade will also bring added benefits to customers on the Telstra 4G network, with more capacity, better connectivity and less congestion.

Ourimbah gets its first Return and Earn machine

Member for The Entrance David Mehan tries out the new machine

Central Coast residents have returned 419 million bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme since it began, with the latest machine recently installed at Ourimbah. Member for The Entrance David Mehan said he was pleased to see the first return point in Ourimbah open. “This joins nearby machines in Lisarow, Tuggerah and Gosford – making it even easier for locals to do their bit,” he said. “I encourage everyone to make ‘returning and earning’ part of their regular recycling routine.

“Together, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future where materials are kept in use, out of landfill and our parks and beaches.” The new machine is located at Ourimbah RSL Club. It is the 32nd return point in the Central Coast LGA, providing the local community with additional access to redeem their eligible drink containers for the 10c refund. Users of the new Ourimbah machine can print a voucher for the refund amount, redeemable for cash at Woolworths, or they can download the Return and Earn app to receive an e-voucher or payment directly into their

bank or PayPal account. Locals can also donate their refund to one of the charity partners featured on the machine or one of the many charities listed on the Return and Earn app. WIRES Central Coast is the initial local donation partner on the Ourimbah machine, with funds raised through Return and Earn supporting the organisation’s work to rescue and care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Return and Earn has become a key fundraising channel for many charities and community groups across NSW. More than $47M has been raised from donations and fees

from hosting return points since the scheme was launched. More than 10.4 billion bottles, cans and cartons have been returned for recycling through the network of 617 return points across NSW since the scheme began in 2017, resulting in more than $1.4B in refunds back in people’s pockets. The new Ourimbah Return and Earn machine can be found in the carpark of Ourimbah RSL Club at 20 Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah, and is open from 8am-7pm daily. For more information on Return and Earn visit: www. returnandearn.org.au

Outrage over remedial work at glyphs site From page 1 “It’s fair enough to secure the areas they believed posed a public risk, but to level the entire area above the heiroglyphs has really changed the face of this very popular destination. “Many people in our community and beyond are very distressed about the situation at Kariong, with some seeing it as an intentional attack on the area.” Cassar said with a major housing development proposed for a site nearby, the group would like a guarantee from the State Government that no attempt will be made to destroy the hieroglyphics. An application for a rezoning to accommodate Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council’s 50-home housing project at 300 Woy Woy Rd, not far from

the glyphs site, is now on public exhibition. Kariong Progress Association spokesperson Geoff Mitchell said there had been an uproar among those people who have knowledge of and visit the hieroglyphics. “At first glance it would appear they were being destroyed or at least being damaged,” he said. Mitchell said there was “enormous sensitivity” around the entire area at the moment due to the rezoning application. “I have been walking to the Kariong glyphs now for the past 23 years,” he said. “In that time there has been no movement in the rock formations around it and there has been nothing that I would have called dangerous about the site.” He said residents had been

greatly upset, with no prior notification of the proposed works from the NPWS. “All the reaction could have been avoided if there had been some community consultation beforehand; not much, just a phone call would have saved a great deal of angst,” he said. “Parks exist for the benefit of the community and yet this action by the NPWS shows a degree of arrogance which is not appreciated. “Let’s hope they can do better in the future.” An NPWS spokesperson said the “glyphs” site is within a larger significant Aboriginal site called the Kariong Sacred Land Aboriginal Place. “People visit the site, even though NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service does not promote it,” the spokesperson said.

“After commissioning a geotechnical assessment of the site, it was identified there was unacceptable risk of a rockfall, and that works were required to address this. “NPWS undertook a range of environmental and cultural assessments before works started on December 11. “Mitigation measures were included to protect the ‘glyphs’, using onsite techniques recommended by a specialist with expertise in rock hazard treatment. “Registered Aboriginal parties were consulted on preferred works with a preference to remove boulders. “Despite clear safety signs and barricades around the site, some people have continued to visit. “It is now a construction site.” Terry Collins

Concerned groups want a guarantee the glyphs will not be destroyed

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

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Gosford Woman of the Year NSW LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Gosford Local Woman of the Year Awards. Fill out the form below to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by women across the Gosford electorate. Please note that nominees must live in the Gosford Electorate

Nominee Details

Nominator Details

Address

Phone

Organisation and role

First Name

Last Name

What achievements or contributions has the nominee made to their chosen field or the community? *attach additional paper or references if required)

Please return completed nomination forms to: 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256 or Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au by 5pm, Sunday 21 January 2024.

LIESL TESCH MP MEMBER FOR GOSFORD

Or complete online

02 4342 4122

gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au

liesltesch.com.au

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

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THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

Coast Connect

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Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

CAPEX program delivery on time and on schedule As we edge to the end of 2023, we also approach the halfway mark of the current financial year. Reflecting on our progress for the first six months of 2023-24, I’m pleased to report that Central Coast Council is on schedule in its budgeted capital works program, with a high commencement rate for total projects scheduled for the current financial year. The delivery of our capital works program builds new and renews essential assets for the community. This is a core function of local government and asset delivery makes up the large part of the services that local councils provide to communities. Council’s stable financial position and the run of good weather over the last few months has helped us complete existing projects, get new ones underway and stay on top of our schedule for this financial year – all while managing these assets valued at $8.3 billion! Some current major projects includes the new Gosford Regional Library, the Mardi Water Treatment Plant major upgrade, and the Hue Hue Road pavement upgrade.

Love Water, garden wisely

Shared pathways for all

We are running free workshops where you can learn how to maintain a healthy garden with some easy, low cost waterwise strategies. At these family friendly workshops, we’ll be using upcycled materials to make and plant out a water wise wicking garden that stores water within the base. You can also take one home!

With the warmer weather and more people using shared pathways, this friendly reminder is to help keep them as welcoming and safe spaces for everyone. Please keep to the left when walking, wear a bike helmet and sound your bell if you’re a cyclist passing, and keep dogs on short leashes.

To book your place and learn more, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

If you’re looking for location ideas for your next walk, roll or ride search ‘shared pathways’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council Christmas office closures

Safety tips for this festive season

Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year holiday period from 25 December to 1 January, re-opening 2 January 2024. Some of Council’s services and facilities will be closed or have changes, however essential services will continue. We have an out-of-hours service available on 02 4306 7900 to call in any urgent reports.

Coast Summer Safety is here with simple tips on beach safety, water safety, safe travels, and safe celebrations. There’s also information on how to prepare for emergency events to help protect yourself, loved ones, property and pets. To support safety, patrolled beaches will have lifeguards for an extra hour (patrolling 9am-6pm) until 28 January.

For full details, search ‘Christmas closures’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

To learn more, search ‘Coast summer safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

To read more about our current CAPEX program and for information on the progress of these projects, search ‘capital works program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, or refer to Council’s annual operational plan which is also online.

What’s on

centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

• Christmas and New Year events The magic of Christmas on the Coast returns with community events in Wyong, Toukley, Gosford and The Entrance. See the Coast sparkle at these free events with much-loved carols, visits from Santa and New Years Eve celebrations. See what’s on centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Christmas • Good times summer A full schedule of community events are running throughout Gosford from now until 28 January 2024, including a free shuttle service, Friday night markets, live music, public art and activations. Following the Safer Cities: Her Way campaign earlier this year, laneway lighting, public art, and community events and activations are being delivered to help enhance feelings of safety. Find out more lovecentralcoast.com/goodtimes

• Summer school holiday program Once again, we have a jam-packed school holiday program to keep bodies and minds active, and most of all, to have fun! There’s lots of free or affordable activities that children and youth of all ages and interests will love. Book ahead to secure your spots at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Council Office 2 Hely St Wyong | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 02 4306 7900 | W centralcoast.nsw.gov.au CentralCoastCouncil

@CCoastCouncil

@centralcoastcouncil

Don’t miss out on Council news. Sign up for our weekly enews at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

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Anti-mould campaigner’s silent health challenge After years of experiencing intermittent sickness, Central Coast resident Camilla Thompson discovered her symptoms turned out to be related to a mould infestation in her rental house. This year, she decided to start a foundation and business assisting others in testing, identifying and managing mould, though the challenge was more difficult than she originally thought it would be. Thompson lived with mysterious illnesses for many years. Every few months she would get sick, then recover for a few weeks and the cycle would begin again. She saw multiple doctors, kinesiologists and naturopaths, but none of them could find out what was wrong with her. Fortunately, a dear friend came to Thompson’s rescue when she started getting so sick she was struggling to get out of bed. “She found mould in my

cupboards, side tables, blinds and mattress, and this was just in my bedroom,” Thompson said. After successfully identifying the cause of her illnesses she was able to take immediate and long-lasting action. “I’m keen to call on the State Government to look at making renting properties safer for people by certifying homes through mould testing,” she said. “There is such a lack of support for people living in mould by the government.” Thompson said her research had shown Victoria is better than NSW at acknowledging mould being an issue in public housing and rental laws, though more community awareness is most important at this stage. She decided to drop her years of corporate work and focus on helping sufferers and the broader community fight mould on a full-time basis. After months of research and business planning she started

Mould Safe’s Camilla Thompson (left) and Gaelle Pincemin

a business and a foundation on the Central Coast, with the backing of her husband Keith. The new company, appropriately called Mould Safe, hit the ground running with a score of assignments both on the Central Coast and in Greater Sydney. “There’s no shortage of mould problems on the Central Coast,” Thompson said. “I quickly realised I needed help to manage enquiries and help people with solutions.

“I engaged my friend Gaelle Pincemin to help with identification and create plans for people suffering from mould in their homes.” In the current housing crisis, many people are vulnerable to renting houses that are in poor condition and not fully habitable. One Mould Safe client from Umina told Coast Community News they were still in shock that their home had been able to be rented out.

“The fact is the landlord has put profit over safety and (he and) the real estate (agent), who should have a duty of care, have (both) failed in their responsibility to inform us of the real true nature of the property,” they said. Another client from Kincumber spoke of how hard and distressing it had been to have the mould in her rental home recognised and then remediated. Thompson said her clients in

Umina and Kincumber are typical of a large group of renters who suffer in silence because agents, owners and many authorities don’t recognise the problem. Her own experience with mould had a completely devastating impact on her home, family and business, and also caused long-term damage to her health. The drive to help others sparked the idea of creating a foundation as part of the business which would help people share experiences and vital health and technical information and help find solutions themselves. Thompson said the mould problem is sometimes overwhelming, but now that she has her business and foundation up and running she feels some agency in helping others break down the silence around mould and its health effects. Mould Safe has created a public resource for those interested on its website: mouldsafe.com.au

Clean-up of former boatshed site to begin The NSW Government has lodged a development application with Central Coast Council to progress the first stage clean-up of the contaminated former Empire Bay Marina site. The Crown Lands application is for the part removal of the concrete hardstand and slipway above the high tide mark, and removal of underground fuel tanks and surrounding contaminated soil. After removal, further site contamination testing will be undertaken, including a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, to determine further remediation requirements for the site. A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) will then be developed to

support a second development application to complete remediation of the site, so the land can be safely returned to waterfront public open space. The clean-up follows the Environment Protection Authority’s declaration of the site as significantly contaminated in 2022. That followed a site investigation which found elevated concentrations of contaminants including antifouling agents (tributyltin), heavy metals (lead, zinc and copper), hydrocarbons (fuel and oil), and also asbestos materials. A huge community campaign to save the heritage boatshed on the site failed when it was razed in November despite several onsite protests over the past two years attracting hundreds of

The dilapidated boatshed has been removed, with remediation of the site soon to begin

people determined to retain the building. All structures on the site now need to be progressively removed to allow for the cleanup following the removal last month of the dilapidated boatshed, jetties and joists

following the issuing of a demolition order from Central Coast Council. A Crown Lands spokesperson said work was being carried out in accordance with waste management plans and the Work Health and Safety Act

2011, with waste materials being safely removed to a licensed waste facility. “Crown Lands has engaged a heritage consultant to oversee work and record the site’s history through photographs and oral history in accordance with a Statement of Heritage Impact,” the spokesperson said. “Elements of the former heritage item have been retained and memorial options for the former boatshed will be developed through a Heritage Interpretation Plan in consultation with the community.” Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said remediation of the site will provide the community with safe access and use of the foreshore

reserve and remove a worrying source of contamination to the marine environment. “The recent NSW Budget allocated $13.3M to Crown Lands over the next two years to clean-up contaminated sites, including the former Empire Bay Marina site,” he said. “It’s vital we clean-up land polluted by past industrial practices to meet statutory requirements and protect the environment and community health, while ensuring valuable land can be restored for future safe use by the community.” Further information is on the Crown Lands website at www. crownland.nsw.gov.au/whatshappening/notifications/ empire-bay-marina

Alice turns 104 Wallarah Point Clare Community resident Alice Stanford celebrated her 104th birthday on December 17. Born and raised in Aberdeen Scotland, Alice did missionary work as a Jehovah’s Witness with her best friend Jesse Kerr from her late teens until she was 30. She set out for Australia the day after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth ll and was a passenger on the last ship to pass through the Suez Canal before it closed due to the war.

She docked in Sydney in 1953. She married Ross Lark, happily settling at Milsons Point within sight of Sydney Harbour, raising her niece from the age of eight after bringing her out from Scotland. Tragically Alice lost her husband at the young age of 49. She later married Fred Stanford, living at Bathurst and in Tasmania before moving to the Central Coast and remaining committed to her church and its beliefs.

Alice remains mentally active and loves current affairs documentaries. She also plays cards (and loves winning) and has a passion for puzzles. Alice has remained a firm believer in naturopathy and maintains that it’s one of her keys to a long and healthy life. She still enjoys trips to Soldiers Beach and to her favourite café in Toukley for coffee and a tub of hot chips. Alice suffered a heart attack earlier this year but has made a full recovery.

Alice Stanford has turned 104; Alice Stanford as a younger woman

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

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NAISDA needs Homestay hosts NAISDA, Australia’s leading First Nations dance and performing arts training organisation, is calling for Central Coast families to join its Homestay Program, either on a short-term or long-term basis to support its emerging dance artists in 2024. The Homestay Program seeks families to offer accommodation and care to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aged 16 to 18 who have relocated to study full-time at NAISDA on the NSW Central Coast. NAISDA CEO Kim Walker emphasised the significance of the program in providing students support and structure

NAISDA needs host families for its Homestay Program

during their year-long training. “Our Developing Artists audition from across Australia

to study at NAISDA,” Walker said. “Their first year of study with

us is often their first experience living away from friends and family.

“We’re asking Central Coast families with a spare room to consider becoming a Homestay host and offering one of our students a secure and comfortable place to live while they are studying at our Kariong campus.” The College has successfully been running its Homestay Program for many years and has seen how it positively impacts the students’ learning success and supports them on their journey towards independent living. “As well as making a lasting impact on our students’ lives, the program also offers Homestay hosts the opportunity to attend NAISDA events and performances and really

become involved as part of our broader NAISDA family,” Walker said. NAISDA undertakes a thorough accreditation and induction process. Homestay hosts receive support payments and ongoing NAISDA support and advice throughout the duration of the Homestay period. Expressions of Interest to join the Program are currently open to Central Coast residents, preferably those in close proximity to NAISDA’s campus at Mount Penang Parklands, Kariong. For further information visit naisda.com.au/become-ahomestay-family

Vale Hilda Bird

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The Central Coast lost one of its best-known personalities when Hilda Bird (nee Lasseter) recently died at the age of 98. Hilda was well known through her long-running radio show, Tea and Talk, on Radio Five-oPlus and her long involvement with Woy Woy Little Theatre (WWLT). She was a presenter on community radio for more than 20 years, reluctantly leaving Five-o-Plus at the age of 90. She and husband Alan were actively involved in the establishment of the Peninsula Theatre and the Gosford Regional Gallery as well as

acting in and directing many plays for WWLT. Hilda was an amateur theatre and music hall enthusiast and performed with some of England’s stars of yesteryear in Britain’s Heart of England Music Society. Local audiences saw a glimpse of this talent to amuse in her comic turns in the FiveO-Plus Follies. Hilda features in the publication Significant Women of the Central Coast (2007) and received a nomination for Senior Australian of the Year. Born in Portsmouth, England, and spending the war years in Scotland, Hilda and Alan also

lived in South Africa for a few years before retiring to the Central Coast in 1986. They quickly became involved in the local community through voluntary activities, playing tennis and their love of the performing arts. Hilda and Alan were married for 72 years until his death in 2020. She continued to live independently in a Kincumber retirement village and stayed physically, mentally and socially active until her sudden death on November 22. Hilda and Alan had two children and one grandchild.

Santa pops in to Camp Breakaway Temperatures in the mid 40s weren’t going to stop Camp Breakaway at San Remo celebrating the coming of Christmas with a fundraising market on Saturday, December 9. Locals and visitors flocked to the market, with generous donations from all, including the Central Coast Classic Ford Owners Club. The Auxiliary Shop saw many visitors and the main lodge was packed with market stalls. Visitors were entertained by Ultra Violet and the Toukley Pipe Band among others. The highlight of the night was a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus (Roger and Michelle Price) and Santa’s “helper”, Breakaway volunteer Don Wooding. The three arrived on a motorbike with sidecar, handing out gift bags to the

Santa and Mrs Claus arrived by motorbike with helper Don Wooding

many children there on the night. “It was a fun night for all and an opportunity to let people know how we were helping

people with a disability have some fun in their life,” Breakaway Chairperson Jenny Taafe said.

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

PAGE 9

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Con closure Central Coast Conservatorium will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays from Thursday, December 21, with the office reopening on Monday, January 8, and lessons resuming on Friday, February 2.

Christmas services The Uniting Church at 346 Ocean Beach Rd, Umina Beach, will present Community Carols and a Mini Christmas Market from 5pm on Friday, December 22. The Christmas Day service will be at 8.30am. Kincumber Uniting Church a 152 Avoca Dr will hold its Christmas Day service at 9am.

Praised in Parliament JAX Tyres & Auto Gosford franchisee Peter Bonvino and his Shitbox Rally co-driver Nathan Metcalfe have been commended in NSW Parliament by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch. Tesch spoke warmly of the pair’s fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council as the brothersin-law took part in this year’s Shitbox Rally.

Digital hub Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has welcomed a dedicated digital hub aimed at connecting women in regional, rural and remote areas with relevant and up-to-date services and support. The State Government’s Rural Women’s Resource (RWR), curated by the Rural Women’s Network, contains trusted, reliable information for women in regional, rural and remote NSW. It can be accessed at www. nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/ rural-womens-network/rwr

Nominate a senior Central Coast residents are being encouraged to celebrate the positive role seniors play in our community by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. For more information visit seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au. Nominations close at 5pm on February 1. For more on these stories visit our website. See front page for QR code and URL.

New technology to help fight fires Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have taken possession of a new $2.5M Aerial Platform appliance which will provide extra fire protection across the Central Coast. The region’s firefighters have just finished training on the high-tech appliance, which will be predominantly based centrally at Bateau Bay. The latest aerial appliance features Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology that provides a mix of water and foam to put out fires much faster and in a more environmentally-friendly fashion than water alone. The vehicles have tanks, holding 1,650 litres of water and 250 litres of foam in total, and have the capacity to pump at 6,000 litres a minute – the most powerful pump on any Fire and Rescue appliance. Emergency Services Minister

Minister Jihad Dib (left) and Member for The Entrance David Mehan with Fire and Rescue staff; The Coast’s latest weapon in the fight against fires

Jihad Dib and Member for The Entrance David Mehan recently inspected the fire truck at its new base. Dib said the new resource recognised the growth of the Central Coast area. “The capability of our Fire and Rescue services needs to grow with our communities and this new vehicle will significantly aid firefighters in their efforts,” he said.

“The addition of this new, state-of-the-art aerial appliance, based out of Bateau Bay Fire Station, means it will be centrally located to respond to any elevated emergency anywhere on the Coast.” Mehan said the new appliance would help protect communities. “This new addition to the Central Coast is needed and will help assist in reaching

higher residential buildings as well as contributing to existing firefighting resources to help save lives,” he said. FRNSW Central Coast Zone Commander, Superintendent Matt Waldon, said the versatility of the new platform was very impressive. “We can deploy firefighters in the cage and extend them up to 24m in height to carry out high-rise rescues, or we can

operate it via remote control from the ground, directing water from its hose onto a burning building,” he said. “It has a lateral reach of 11m so we can stretch it over an industrial complex roof or we can lower it three metres to reach people or vehicles trapped down embankments. “It makes a fantastic addition to our Central Coast fleet.”

Dementia café for Kincumber Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre will host a dementia café (DCaf) Creative Arts Workshop from February next year. Through support provided by the Rotary Club of Terrigal and Australia Post, the bi-monthly DCaf will include creative arts, music and mindfulness workshops. Rotary Club President Maggie Vincent said it would be a welcoming space for people living with dementia and their carers. “The DCaf at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre will start from February 7, 2024,

and feature engaging workshops for people living with dementia,” she said. “It will take place on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 10am until noon.” The Rotary Club of Terrigal received $2,000 from the 2023 Australia Post Community Grants Program to facilitate the initiative. Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid met with Vincent and Rotarian Bobby Redman, who have both been instrumental in establishing the new café. “Dementia is the second leading cause of death in

Bobby Redman, Maggie Vincent, and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre

Australia and the leading cause of death for Australian women,” Reid said. “This new DCaf will provide a safe, non-judgemental

environment where participants can share their lived experience and learn about services available. “There will also be engaging

workshops. “By being brain healthy, we can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and help manage dementia in our community. “My appreciation and thanks to the Rotary Club of Terrigal and Australia Post for their support of this important service for our community.” For more information about services available for people living with dementia visit, https://www.dementia.org.au/ To contact the Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre, visit: www.kincumbernc.com.au Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid

No loos for Crangan Bay park A new park at Crangan Bay will not have toilets as part of its facilities. Central Coast Council has said the park is a “local” park and only bigger “district” parks have toilets. The planning agreement for the park was adopted at the December 12 meeting of the Council-under-administration after its design had been out on public exhibition. Community feedback had asked for toilets and barbecues and off-street parking. But Council said no. “The space is considered a local park and therefore public amenities, barbecues and offstreet car parking will not be included in the design,” Council said. The nearest district park to the proposed new local park is about 1.5km away.

A map showing the location of the new park

“Tunkuwallin Oval in Gwandalan is a district level facility and includes sporting fields, courts, skate park, shower and toilet facilities and therefore these facilities will not be duplicated in the design at Crangan Bay,” Council said. Endorsement of the planning

agreement allows for the formalisation of the approval process for the detailed design and delivery of the local park as well as the dedication of the land to Council. The park was first proposed more than a decade ago when approval was given for a

residential development to a maximum of 623 dwellings over a 62.24ha development at Crangan Bay. A conceptual layout included local open space, bushland and the dedication of 205.75ha of conservation land to the NSW Government adjoining or adjacent to the site. Further south, at Chittaway Bay, a group has been trying to get toilets at The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park. “It has all of the facilities that you would expect such as parking, shade trees, barbecues, covered areas, gym equipment and the excellent Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park; it has everything except a toilet block,” spokesman Les Smith said. “Council claims at this stage because it is classed as a Local Playspace, which means play

equipment is provided and people stay for one to two hours, toilets are not required. “The next classification is District Playspace which is what The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park should be classed as because it meets all of the requirements except there is no toilet block. “The closest toilet is one kilometre up the road at Bluebell Park which has no parking and limited facilities.” Smith said a review of Council’s toilet blocks would be displayed for public comment next year. “If you would like to read what we have been doing please read and join our Facebook page – The Lions Park and Jimmy Jurd Pirate Park,” he said. Merilyn Vale

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THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

ON THE BEAT

Stuck in roof of Gorokan house

It took teamwork to rescue the person from the roof

Central Coast VRA Rescue Squad was called to an unusual incident at Gorokan on Thursday, December 14, when someone got stuck in the roof cavity of a house. Police were already on the scene when VRA arrived and the person in the roof cavity was unconscious. In hot and cramped conditions, VRA members provided first aid including oxygen therapy to the patient, who then gained a level of consciousness. Roof tiles were removed to assist with ventilation followed

by extrication of the patient using a technique called a ladder slide. It was a great show of interagency collaboration with Tuggerah Lakes Police, Central Coast VRA Rescue Squad, Toukley Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance uniting to successfully treat and release the patient, who was transported to hospital for further ongoing care. One of the police officers first on the scene, who stayed with and assisted the patient in the roof, was also treated for heat exhaustion.

Swimmer rescued from Budgewoi Lake Volunteers from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes retrieved a distressed swimmer from Budgewoi Lake after receiving a call at about 8:30am on Saturday, December 16. Marine Rescue NSW vessel Tuggerah Lakes 20 (TL 20)was deployed for the search and rescue mission following reports a swimmer was struggling in the water about 400m off the Beachcomber Hotel near Toukley. The person in distress was reached by an off duty

paramedic who was paddling on the lake minutes before TL 20 arrived on scene. A man suffering from suspected hypothermia and fatigue was taken on board TL 20 and transported to waiting paramedics at the Marine Rescue Toukley base. The man was then transported by NSW Ambulance to Wyong Hospital for treatment. Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton commended the paddler for assisting the man before TL

20 arrived. “The paddler did an incredible job before the distressed swimmer was taken on board the Marine Rescue NSW vessel,” he said. “TL 20skipper Steve Corbett and his crew Bruce Lorking and trainee Brad Drew responded swiftly after the alert was raised. “We believe the swimmer had been in the water for an extended period of time.” Unit Commander Sutton was

working in the radio room during the time of the rescue, which was supported by radio operators from Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes. “The Entrance and Toukley radio rooms managed communications with Roslyn Kelton and Don Hobbs providing vital assistance,” Sutton said. Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

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POLICE BRIEFS Double demerits Central Coast motorists are reminded that Operation Christmas/New Year 2023 will begin at 12.01am on Friday, December 22 and continue until 11.59pm on Monday, January 1, 2024. Double demerit points will apply for the duration of the operation for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and

motorcycle helmet offences. Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers, together with local police across the state, will beenforcing all roadrelated legislation, including drink and drug driving, distractions, driving tired, and any dangerous driving behaviours which put the safety of road users at risk.

Operation Colossus A two-day police blitz targeting criminal activity in and around public transport hubs snared a 25-year-old man at Gosford railway station on December 15. The high-visibility two-day Operation Colossus led by the Police Transport Command was conducted in known hot spots across the metropolitan transport network to prevent and disrupt violent crimes, anti-social behaviour and weapon possession on trains,

buses and ferries. The man ran past a drug detection dog and its handler and was arrested in Donnison St following a foot pursuit. Officers located the man’s discarded wallet and seized cocaine, prescription medication and cash. He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with various offences and is due to appear at Gosford Local Court on Thursday, January 11.

More information on these stories and even more On the Beat stories can be read on our website. Scan the QR code or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/on-the-beat

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DAVID HARRIS HARRIS MP DAVID MP MEMBER FOR WYONG

MEMBER FOR WYONG

It’s been a tough year for many people. “I want to extend my best wishes over the Christmas break I want to extend my best wishes over theCoast. Christmas to the community across the Central break on community the Central groups, Coast and want thank Thank youtotopeople the local front linetoworkers, the groups, line workers, the SES thelocal SEScommunity and volunteers whofront have worked tirelessly and volunteers tirelessly throughout thewho yearhave whenworked we needed themthroughout most”. the year when we needed them most.

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FORUM

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Reassurance from Forestry Corporation In response to the story Forest fire heightens residents’ fears (CCN 420) I wish to reassure the community that State forests are managed responsibly in line with strict regulations, with protection of forests and communities from the risk of fire a top priority. Forestry Corporation is a firefighting authority and manages both fire hazard reduction and primary response

to fires in the region’s State forests in collaboration with the NSW Rural Fire Service. All firefighting authorities work collaboratively to assess and address bushfire risk across the landscape through Bush Fire Management Committees, of which Forestry Corporation is a member. In the Hunter and Central Coast region, Forestry Corporation’s workforce includes 31 trained and skilled firefighters who

manage fire mitigation and response across the region, supported by a fleet of specialist firefighting equipment including 19 light firefighting units, two tankers and a range of heavy machinery and equipment. Community members contacted Forestry Corporation with concerns about fire hazards in a recently harvested part of Ourimbah State Forest, and both Forestry Corporation and the NSW Rural Fire Services investigated the potential fire

hazard and confirmed the land does not present a significant bushfire threat at this point in time. We take our fire management obligations seriously and will continue working throughout the Summer to rapidly detect and respond to fires in the region. Ourimbah State Forest has been continually harvested for timber and regrown over more than 100 years and every area that is harvested is regrown

Councillors should appoint CEO The five-year contract extension for Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer is the wrong decision, taken for the wrong reasons, using the wrong procedure (Five more years for Council CEO, CCN 420). The extension was approved by Mayoral Minute procedure. This enables decisions to be taken without prior notice or paperwork – thereby evading public scrutiny. Council’s own rules clearly state Mayoral Minutes can only be used for items that are “urgent” and “not complex”. Neither criterion applies in this case.

Once again, Council senior bureaucrats act as if their own rules do not apply to themselves. The decision itself appears designed to deny the next elected council an opportunity to appoint its own CEO. Elected councillors may, of course, be happy with the current CEO – but in that case they would extend the contract themselves thereby strengthening an important corporate bond. Simply imposing a CEO on them for a full term runs the risk of dysfunction at the top of the organisation. Suppose, for example, next year’s elected leadership wants a change of direction.

Over the past four years, the Administrator and CEO have pursued a financial strategy of aggressive rate hikes. They have increased rates revenue 30 per cent in three years and flagged two further special variation rate hikes in the next 10. The CEO has not been a passive bureaucrat in this. Suppose an elected leadership wants an alternative strategy based on improved management performance, productivity, efficiency, cost control, prioritisation and culture. They would need to pursue this through the CEO appraisal process including better

performance targets.

again for the future. Qualified and experienced ecologists and forest technicians conduct extensive surveys in every hectare of the harvest area to specifically search for and protect threatened species and on average about 40 per cent of each harvest area is protected for conservation. Operations are independently audited for compliance in accordance with NSW’s strict native forest regulations and

Forestry Corporation is certified to the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management, Responsible Wood. I encourage any interested community members to visit our website for detailed information about our operations: www. forestrycorporation.com.au/ operations/about-our-harvesting -operations/native-forestry. Email, Dec 15 James Jaggers, Area Manager, Forestry Corporation of NSW

Praise for Forum and

efficiency

Discussions would be needed to ensure the CEO is willing to work with them, and that they are confident in his ability to deliver taking account of track record and skill set. In seeking to deny the elected leadership any say in the matter, the Administrator is putting the interests of the senior bureaucracy above those of the organisation as a whole – and indeed those of the community. Email, Dec 18 Kevin Brooks, Bensville

As one of the frequent but irregular letter-writers to your Forum, thank you for your generous words in your Editorial (CCN 417). I highly value the opportunity to contribute my concerns regarding issues impacting the Central Coast, in a format that allows me to edit and re-edit to reach what I always hope is the best I can do. This was underscored last week by a new experience. Representatives of a television station happened to approach me as ‘a woman in

the street’ to comment on a local matter. Not only did I have to ‘think off the top of my head’, the longer interview was reduced to a couple of four second ‘bites’ when televised, barely touching on my thoughts as expressed. I and your other ‘irregulars’ hope our informal partnerships with CCN will continue, helping you and us to contribute to a functionally involved Central Coast community. Email, Nov 27 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

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Coast set for New Year’s Eve fun

A previous New Year’s Eve event at The Entrance

Central Coast Council will host New Year’s Eve in Memorial Park, The Entrance, with a spectacular program planned for Sunday, December 31. The huge family event will have something for everyone to enjoy including a fun evening of live music, amusement rides, an array of food options and a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the event at 9pm. Council’s Director Community

and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the fun would get underway at 5.30pm with on-site food vendors, local restaurants and takeaway shops cooking up a treat, while music lovers will get the chance to enjoy Riley Lovell, Toby Wells Band, The Appointments, and Sunsoli. “Last year we welcomed the new year with 20,000 attendees injecting an estimated $2M into the local economy and we anticipate

this will again be another fantastic event,” Smith said. “If you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Gosford, Hunter Events Group will be bringing family fun to Leagues Club Park, proudly supported by Council. “This event will begin at 5pm bringing you a night full of live entertainment, food vendors and a fireworks display at 9pm – coinciding with the conclusion of the Central Coast Mariners game at

Industree Group Stadium.” Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was fantastic to see New Year’s Eve celebrations happening across the Coast. “New Year’s Eve at The Entrance is one of Council’s biggest events and I encourage all to celebrate safely, bring a chair and a rug and connect through food, music and fun at this family-friendly, alcoholfree event,” he said. Due to the scale and popularity

of the events temporary road closures will be in place at both The Entrance and Gosford on December 31. Temporary road closures at The Entrance between 3 and 11pm: Marine Pde between The Entrance Rd and the end of the carpark (the Marine Parade carpark will remain open, with limited spaces); Coral St between The Entrance Rd and Duffy’s Lane (access into the multi-storey carpark open); The Entrance Rd between

Fairview Ave and Marine Pde; and part road closures on Victoria Ave between The Entrance Rd and Torrens Ave. Temporary road closures at Gosford between 6am and 11pm: Bakers St; Vaughan Ave; and a 40km speed limit on Brian McGowan bridge between 8.45pm and 9.45pm. There will be other related road closures around Industree Group Stadium for the Mariners game.

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6pm Games for the Children 7pm Carols in Kibble Park, Gosford 9pm Holy Communion in Church Family and children friendly Drinks, Ice cream, Candles available

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THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

OUT&ABOUT

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Get set to laugh at the Fun Haus Factory Photo: Monica Pronk

Naughty Noodle’s Fun Haus Factory will present its last Gosford Comedy Club show for the year on Friday, December 22. Headliner Julia Wilson has been described by many as “the toughest woman in comedy”. She has toured the world, headlining comedy events in Britain, Australia, South Africa, Croatia, Germany and Canada with her dynamic, gutsy performances on stage, TV, radio and film.

Headliner Julia Wilson; Carolyn Swindell

From convent schoolgirl to bouncer and accountant, Julia Wilson is a stand-up comedian whose humour refuses to be pigeonholed, offering comedy delivered with honesty and at a blisteringly energising pace. Holding the night together will be MC Carolyn Swindell, who has been a regular on the Sydney stand-up scene since 2019. She ran a sell-out season at the Sydney Comedy Festival in 2022 of her one-woman political show Nice Lady MP, receiving rave reviews.

There will also be guest spots from Bruce Griffiths, Leon Anderson and Liam Callen. Doors will open at 5pm for dinner and a half price $10 cocktail hour with the show to start at 7pm. This will be your last chance to chow down some Mexican City street food as the residency of Chilangos Hermanos comes to an end, with a new taste sensation and menu launching in January. Tickets are available at naughtynoodle.com.au/whatson

Gosford set for a Good Times Summer It’s set to be a Good Times Summer in Gosford with a jam-packed schedule of community events continuing until Sunday, January 28. It all got underway on December 16 and will include live performances and roving entertainment, laneway installations and public art and local business deals and incentives. Following the Safer Cities: Her Way campaign earlier this year, laneway lighting, public art and community events and activations have all been delivered as key actions to help to enhance feelings of safety. The program is a positive initiative driven by the voices of the Central Coast’s women, girls and gender diverse communities delivering safety measures in streets and transport hubs across Gosford in a collaborative partnership with Transport for NSW. The Safer Cities survey earlier this year found that 50 per cent

of participants felt unsafe in Gosford CBD and 61 per cent had a negative perception of the city. One of the initiatives introduced to augment safety and convenience is a free evening shuttle bus service which will travel in a loop around the Gosford CBD from Thursday to Saturday during the six-week Good Times Summer program. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to get to Gosford and then use the free shuttle bus to move around the different activities, which will include the return of the weekly night markets in Gosford. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the response to the Safer Cities survey was amazing and brought home real safety concerns. “In particular, there were three main areas in Gosford the community felt needed attention – Burns Place Park,

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with Julie Chessman The Bookshop Umina Beach www.thebookshop.info | 9/327 West Street, Umina Beach

The Shadow of the Wind Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“So it is essential that we understand what the community is feeling about the city – and how we can plan early to ensure that it is welcoming and safe for all,” he said. Highlights of the Good Time Summer program will include: free coffee and live music from 7.30 to 10.30 am each day in Burns Park; a lighting installation in Burns Park from 7.30-10.30pm each night; free tai chi every Wednesday in Kibble Park from 8.30-9.30am;

live music in William Street Plaza from 11am-2pm on assorted dates; live music in the Mann Street laneway from 2-5pm on January 19. On January 18 there will be drag bingo at the Fun House Factory from 6-10pm and there will be a kids disco in Kibble Park from 6-8pm on December 22 and 29 and January 5 and 12. Don’t forget Christmas carols in Kibble Park from 6-9 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the waterfront with fireworks at 9pm. The Gosford Summer markets will be held in Kibble Park from 2-8 pm on January 5 and January 12 and Cinema under the Stars will be held at Industree Group Stadium on January 13 from 5:30 pm. For more information about the Safer Cities: Her Way program and the Good Times Summer program, visit lovecentralcoast.com/ goodtimes

sights, sounds and smells of Barcelona. The author’s ability to blend historical elements seamlessly into the narrative adds depth, making the city itself a character in its own right with its vibrant culture and turbulent history. The plot is filled with unexpected revelations; as Daniel delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Carax and his chosen book, he uncovers a dark and dangerous world filled with

secrets, betrayal and revenge. The pacing is wellbalanced, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic Julian Carax and his connection to Daniel’s own life. The Shadow of the Wind is a masterfully crafted novel that was received with great acclaim. But the four sequels saddened me. I wanted so much for them to meet the mark and be the embodiment of what Carlos had created in The Shadow of the Wind with its richly detailed prose. This is a must-read for lovers of literary fiction; a story that will linger in reader’s minds long after they have turned the final page, leaving them with a new-found appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Gosford will come alive with a series of activities and activations

Kibble Park and the broader Gosford CBD,” she said. “The feeling of being unsafe came from a lack of lighting, the actual aesthetics of the surroundings and the general lack of activation – particularly in the night-time – so it is wonderful that we are able to roll out the Good Times Summer program to address these issues.” Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said initiatives like the Good Times Summer program, the return of the night markets

and the free shuttle bus would be a boost for the CBD. “I hope residents and visitors are able to get out and enjoy the safe and welcoming atmosphere these activities will bring to our local public spaces and transport precincts over the Summer,” she said. Council Administrator Rik Hart said Gosford was experiencing enormous growth and development, with the waterfront area to be transformed over the next decade.

With Christmas approaching we have been asked what to recommend for reluctant readers and thinking back to when my own children were teenagers, there was one book that ignited that literary fire – The Shadow of the Wind. This is a beautifully crafted and hauntingly atmospheric novel that takes readers on a mesmerising journey through the streets of post-war Barcelona. Written by the talented Carlos Ruiz Zafón, who sadly passed away last year, this book intertwines fantastic, mystery, romance and historical elements to create a captivating and unforgettable reading experience. The story follows young Daniel Sempere, who fulfils his destiny by being taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a secret library that holds forgotten and neglected

works, a place where Daniel chooses a book that will change the course of his life. His choice sets off a chain of events that unravels a dark and intricate web of secrets, conspiracies and forbidden love. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its welldeveloped and complex characters. From the enigmatic and tragic Julian Carax to the determined and curious Daniel himself, each character is intricately woven into the narrative, adding depth, intrigue, suspense and layers to the story. Zafón’s writing style is lush and evocative, painting vivid images of the city and its inhabitants. His attention to detail and descriptive language create a palpable atmosphere, immersing readers in the

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Crystals & Mystics Fair at Gosford The Summer edition of the Gosford Crystal, Creatives & Mystics Fair will provide a family friendly weekend at the Central Coast Leagues Club on January 6 and 7 from 10am-5pm. For two days only the fair will showcase the unique creations and talents of artists, makers, healers and mystics. Experience the talent and creativity of local artisans showcasing their range of unique handmade jewellery, candles, sprays and perfumes, gem trees, crystal lamps, macrame, resin, art works and much more. Some of the finest crystal

A previous Crystal, Creatives & Mystics Fair

dealers in the region will showcase their diverse range of crystals, opals, fossils and gemstones. There will be a free kids quiz to keep the children busy, with a crystal prize to be won. There will be workshops for all ages to make crystal gem trees, bracelets and wind chimes. No mystic fair would be complete without alternative therapy techniques. Demonstrated by experienced professionals, the fair will provide the opportunity to learn about unique healing methods such as Chakra Healing, Sound Therapy, Reiki, Kinesiology and

Crystal Healing. You can make a booking for a psychic or tarot reading with some of the best spiritual readers and tarot interpreters in the field. There will be a $500 lucky door prize and special prizes to be won from the traders throughout the event. Tickets will be available at the door only with two-day entry for adults costing $5 and children 16 and under admitted free. For more details see the Crystals, Creatives & Mystics Fair page on Facebook or Instagram @CCMFAIR

Summer at The Art House has something for everyone Promising something for everyone, Summer @ The Art House will be a huge month of arts, entertainment and experiences including children’s favourites The Listies and The Owl’s Apprentice, and performances by singer David Campbell and a cabaret-style show with Send for Nellie. Bigger, louder, and sillier than ever, The Listies will perform their new show Make Some Noise! as part of the Summer program on January 15 and 16. One of the venue’s most highly requested children’s acts, Richard Higgins and Matthew Kelly are The Listies – as seen on ABC Kids – a comedy duo who are serious

The Listies. Photo: Daniel Boud

about being silly. They’ve toured the world entertaining gazillions of kidults – that’s kids and their adults – including in Wyong, with their last show ROFL bringing fun and laughter to

local families back in July. This time around, The Listies will be dialling up the fun to an 11 with Make Some Noise! an insane mixtape of silly songs, stupid sketches, and crazy clowning.

As an extra special treat, The Art House will also throw its first ever Pyjama Party where The Listies will be the silliest PJ pals the littlies have ever had, with the audience encouraged to don their cosiest, comfiest

and coolest PJs for the Monday evening show. As well as a gorgeous voyage into the realm of shadow puppetry, The Owl’s Apprentice is about Australian animals and gaining wisdom. Jenny Ellis, a puppeteer for more than 20 years, weaves the whole story together with a single set of hands, playing multiple characters at once. Shadow puppetry workshops are also available, tailored for various ages. Send For Nellie is an on-stage cabaret performance where the audience will be seated at tables on the stage. Straight from the Sydney Festival 2024 to The Art House, the show recreates in song the amazing Nellie Small, a WestIndian Australian singer who in

1931 put on a top hat and tails at a little Oxford Street venue and became a legend of Australian vaudeville and cabaret. As Nellie, powerhouse performer Elenoa Rokobaro steps into the spotlight with a swinging three-piece band and songs from the great era of jazz, blues and gospel. Popular performer David Campbell hits The Art House stage for the first time with a rocking new show celebrating songs of soul, swing and the 1960s. Good Lovin’ and More features a thundering collection of classic ’60’s soul. For more information, dates and time visit www. thearthousewyong.com.au

Fireworks at Wyong Golf Club Bringing in the New Year at Wyong Golf Club is destined to be a cracker of an event with entertainment and fireworks lined up for a fun family night. Everyone is invited to join in from 5pm on Sunday, December

31, with a gold coin donation to support the local Rural Fire Service brigades. It’s a popular annual event with last year seeing about 3,000 people setting up picnic blankets and camp chairs in the golf club grounds to enjoy live music before the grand

finale display of fireworks at 9pm. Deli boxes for two to four people will be available but must be pre-ordered. There will also be food vans, ice cream and coffee vans on site.

Thousands attended last year’s fireworks

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All things Scottish heading for Glenworth Valley The Scottish Weekender is returning to Glenworth Valley in 2024. For a Burns supper like no other join Scottish singer Mary Kiani and more than 200 others for a fantastic festival gathering that will include food and fun from January 19 to 21. Originally from Glasgow, Kiani was the lead singer with a very successful dance band called The Time Frequency (TTF) who had a number of hits all through the 90s before branching out on a solo career which saw her come to Australia in 1997. Kiani has been running events in Sydney and still performing as well as hosting a Burns supper every year for the past 14 years.

“During Covid there was nothing going on so towards the end of restrictions I took myself and two kids to Glenworth for some camping,” she said. “I had a vision of us all gathering there and celebrating Burns and being Scottish. “So, I went for it and hired a paddock from them.” She said following her first event, the festival had grown into something special, bringing people together and not just the Scots. The family event will be a fun cultural experience from the food to the music and with a fully charged Ceilidh after the supper on the Saturday night. Supper will include the most

delicious food from a variety of amazing Scottish cooks as well as award-winning chef Karen McPherson on the Saturday night followed by a live band along with pipes and drums and vocals by Kiani. The weekend will also see the very first ‘Rabbie Burns’ Memorial Solo bagpipe contest held on the Saturday. Other highlights will include an Ode to the Haggis by Blue Wiggle Anthony Fields, Burns poetry spoken by David Edmonds and live music around the fire pit. Kiani said the event promised to offer many experiences over the weekend, catering to all ages. For more information visit www.scottishweekender.com

Organiser of the Scottish Weekender Mary Kiani will also perform over the weekend

Drag diva returns to The Art House

Trevor Ashley

Australian drag diva and cabaret star Trevor Ashley (TrAshley) will return to the Central Coast in January for Summer@ The Art House. An actor, writer, director and international queen of cabaret, TrAshley is one of the nation’s most sought-after and successful entertainers.

The Art House audiences might remember TrAshley from the 2019 smash-hit performance of The Lyin’ Queen, or more recently Barbara And Me, as part of the 2022 Cabaret On-Stage Series. Drag fans the world over know TrAshley as runner-up on season two of Ru Paul’s Queen of the Universe – and now she’s

ready to spill the tea on what it was like in her new show, Queen of the Moment. The performance will be a Cabaret On-Stage, where audiences sit at tables on the main stage. TrAshley will perform songs from Queen of the Universe, including Get the Party Started, The Rose, and River Deep

Mountain High. The night will also include tributes to Shirley Bassey and Liza Minnelli. Queen of the Moment will be at The Art House at 8pm on Saturday, January 12. Bookings are available at www.thearthousewyong.com. au or by calling 4335 1485.

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

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MISSING LINK MISSING LINK

23. Berlin language 25. Bends to circumstances 26. Regard favourably 29. Mugging 32. Poet’s word for before 35. Rasped 37. Salesman 38. Apparent 40. Drug addicts 41. Tibetan monks 42. Strange 43. Swift 44. Mediterranean island republic 47. Theatres 51. Simpler 52. Freedom fighters 53. Rude comment 54. Swoop 58. European currency units 59. Dehumidify 61. Horse-like animals 63. More than sufficient 64. Lodge 65. Engine seal 66. High-ranking lords 68. Dwelling 71. Hollow 72. Cigarette’s filter tip 74. Rams’ mates 76. Jealousy 78. College 80. Expert 83. Ready, ..., fire!

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Christmas market a huge success Central Coast not-for-profit aged care organisation Alino Living held its inaugural Christmas market on December 11, bringing festive cheer and a vibrant atmosphere to its residents and the broader community. The event, held at Adelene Village at Wyoming, was open to residents of Alino Living’s four residential aged care facilities and one independent living community, as well as the general public. The market provided an enjoyable opportunity for residents and community members to shop for Christmas gifts and goodies without the need to visit a busy shopping centre. It also offered a platform for talented residents and

community members to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Hand-sewn and handembroidered items, children’s dress-up costumes, jewellery, skin care, candles, cards, toys, books, sweet treats and chutneys were among the items available for purchase. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by live music entertaining the crowd with a mix of Christmas songs and other popular tunes. “The Alino Living Christmas Market was a wonderful success,” Admissions and Marketing Manager Sally Linnen said. “It was a fantastic opportunity for our residents and the wider community to come together in the spirit of Christmas, enjoy some festive cheer and support

local talent. “We are so grateful to everyone who participated and helped make the event such a success.” Linnen said the market was a testament to the strong community spirit that existed within Alino Living. Residents from Adelene Village, Rumbalara House, Killarney Court, Lake Haven Court and Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel came together to enjoy the festivities. “It’s wonderful to see our residents come together like this,” she said. “The Alino Living community is like a big family, and it’s so important to have opportunities to connect with each other and celebrate special occasions together.”

Residents from all of Alino Living’s residences enjoyed the market

Drag bingo comes to Gosford

Host June Richards

Drag bingo will launch this Thursday, December 21, at the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford, with a side of delicious Mexican street food available. The night of cheeky innuendos, prizes, songs and impressions will be hosted by the Coast’s most infamous

local queen, June Richards. Also known as Australia’s love handle, she is one of the funniest drag queen talents in the state, known for her zany stories and impressive vocal impressions of everyone from Julia Gillard to Kermit The Frog and Louis Armstrong. “I’m a drag queen performer

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which means yes, underneath all this glamour there is just a person who likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain,” she said. The hilarious and fun afterwork activity kicks off at 6.30pm, with doors opening at 5pm for a cocktail happy hour and a taco dinner served up by

Chilangos Hermanos. This is a 15-plus event with under 18s to be accompanied by an adult. You must hold a registered ticket to be admitted. Tickets are available at naughtynoodle.com.au/whatson

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PAGE 21

Ice cream business gets cold shoulder from Council Olivia Duff – fighting for her business

A popular and growing small business at Noraville has been shut down, and six people are now out of work, because of what the owner says is Central Coast Council’s “incorrect interpretation of state legislation”. Olivia Duff has been making and selling ice cream from a shipping container decked out as a mobile commercial food kiosk and operating legally with appropriate licences required by federal and state laws. Duff’s Ice Cream is audited by the NSW Food Authority and the business holds a dairy licence which requires sample testing for E.coli, L.Monocytogenes and salmonella – a procedure carried out every 10th batch of ice cream although it is only required every 20th batch. But Central Coast Council ordered Duff to cease trading

immediately because it was “unlawful”. In a Council letter dated November 13 Deputy Control Officer Grant Foster said: “Council does not consider a shipping container to be a mobile food outlet or exempt under the State Environment Planning Policy, subdivision 27A”. “We have been operating legally, and under the federal governing body Food Standards Australia New Zealand, section 27A Mobile Food and Drink Outlet, it specifically calls out shipping containers as mobile premises,” Duff said. “Council’s attitude is in direct contrast to its own advertising, hiring and utilisation of a 20ft shipping container for food and beverage catering which is moved from location to location. “And ironically Council has also used our services in the past for catering on movie

nights. “Similar structures on trailers operate at Wyong; there’s one just like mine operating about a kilometre away. “Council also operates a popup gallery/artist shop in a shipping container currently at Toukley and previously at The Entrance and, interestingly, at a recent festival there was a Jim Beam mobile shipping container converted to a kitchen bar, not on a trailer, not on wheels but clearly mobile as it was there for two days and then moved.” A spokesperson for Council said Duff’s Ice Cream was not operating in accordance with relevant planning controls but Duff disputes this, saying that an approval from Council is not required. “We are a mobile food business according to 27A (of the Food Standards) audited by the NSW Food Authority; we are

exempt, however, we did inform the Council when we started our kiosk, they were in full knowledge of this operation,” she said. “I have met with an independent town planner who advised … we are legal … NSW State Planning says a development application to Council is not needed and the placement of the container is lawful on private property as agreed by the landowner. “It makes no sense and my legal team says the order to cease trading immediately was harsh as there was no food safety risk, there was no risk to anyone.” Council says there have been community complaints the ice cream kiosk was causing amenity and safety impacts. “Our mobile kitchen is on private property which does not affect the traffic on Central Coast Hwy and there is plenty

of parking across the 35m frontage of our own property,” Duff said. “Customers come and go in small numbers; the average time someone is here is three minutes, just long enough to scoop an ice cream, and we don’t encourage people to hang around. “No-one is doing anything illegal by parking in front of my place, we’ve been really careful not to bother other people and our opening hours were only four-and-a-half hours per day for four days of the week, Thursday to Sunday from 1pm to 5.30pm.” Council says potential traffic and pedestrian safety impacts which were never assessed by Duff’s Ice Cream have been a key determining factor in Council taking the action it has. “Council has to make difficult decisions when discharging its regulatory responsibilities that

are in the best interests of the community at large to protect public health and safety, amongst other considerations,” a spokesperson said. “It’s been a very stressful time … this is my whole livelihood, I’m making no money and it’s sending me bankrupt,” Duff said. “Council has now sent an order to remove the container – I am trying to get a meeting to talk to them about it but I really don’t think they want to help – they have provided zero help. “I was one month from obtaining a shop before Council’s callous closure and as my entire livelihood was stripped from me this meant Duff’s Ice Cream couldn’t sign the lease as we didn’t have funds coming in.” Sue Murray

PAGE 22

THURSDAY, 21 DECEMBER 2023

BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Council to sell properties with unpaid rates

Big year ahead for business “However, the properties that part of the balance to whoever are being included in the it thinks is entitled to it. current Sale for Rates process chamber At the April 26 meeting,

A total of 42 ratepayers’ properties are on the market in an attempt by Central Coast Councilunder-administration to recoup five years or more in unpaid rates. “The sale of properties is regarded as a last measure to be undertaken only after other debt recovery options have been exhausted,” Council said. “Council has abided by all legislative requirements in this process.” The list of properties and the names of people known to be associated with them ar fewer than the 72 properties reported to the April Council meeting, with 30 properties no longer eligible for sale. At the April meeting, Council said it expected to recoup $1.5M. Of the 42 for sale, 23 properties are in the former Wyong local government area, including at Dooralong, Gwandalan, Long Jetty and Bateau Bay. The largest amount of unpaid rates is almost $67,000 for a property at Glenning Valley and the smallest amount is less than $7,000 for a property at Lake Munmorah. The 19 properties for sale in the southern part of the Coast include properties at Bar Point, Terrigal, Kincumber and Springfield. The lowest outstanding

The properties are spread across the entire region

amount in unpaid rates is just over $10,000 at Patonga, and the highest amount owing is just over $57,000 at Umina Beach. Council said the sale process is defined by the Local Government Act (1993) – Section 713. “Some of these properties are uninhabited, and/or owned by businesses rather than individuals,” Council said. “All affected property owners have been advised that if their outstanding debt is paid in full before the auction date set for their property’s sale, they will be removed from the sale list.” Owners can settle overdue amounts up until the auction date. “Council has expressed a

firm preference for the settlement of all outstanding debts before the scheduled property auction date,” Council said. It expects the number of properties currently listed for auction to be reduced, as Council representatives continue to work with property owners, including undertaking visits to engage with ratepayers directly, “gaining a deeper understanding of individual financial situations and discussing viable options” for payments. Council has a financial hardship policy and said it acknowledges that some ratepayers can’t pay promptly because they are experiencing financial hardship.

are properties that have significant outstanding unpaid rates and charges for the legislated period of five years or longer,” Council said. “It should be noted Council has not taken action against properties owned by pensioners or other owners who are experiencing short term difficulty.” A public announcement, authorised by CEO David Farmer, says the properties in the north will be offered for sale by auction on February 27 and the ones in the south on February 28 unless the rates are paid or an arrangement can be agreed upon. Both auctions will be held at the Wyong council chambers, undertaken by an appointed auctioneer who will manage all valuing, marketing and auctioning of the properties still listed for auction. Any property that is not sold at auction will be sold by private treaty. All costs incurred by Council will be recovered as part of settlement of properties sold. The Local Government Act says the balance of the purchase money should be held by the council in trust for the people having estates or interests in the land. Council may pay the balance of the purchase money or any

Administrator Rik Hart agreed to the sales and to the direct appointment of Recoupa due to the unavailability of competitive or reliable tenderers. Recoupa had been identified as the only organisation in NSW that had specific experience in the sale of land that is occupied residential land, as part of the recovery of unpaid rates. Council said this specific experience was critical to the process considering 56 properties fell within this category, and the associated sensitivity of dealing with these properties. “It is intended that going forward the sale of land for unpaid rates debt recovery process is pursued at the end of each financial year,” Council said in April. “Council’s ability to effectively manage outstanding amounts is measured through the Outstanding Rates Ratio benchmark set by the Office of Local Government at five per cent. “The proposed Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates will support achieving the benchmark.” Council said it was important that outstanding rates were collected to reduce the unfair burden on ratepayers who pay on time. Merilyn Vale

Major milestone for Broken Bay Pearl Farm Broken Bay Pearl Farm, battered by devastating floods since it opened in 2001, has celebrated a significant milestone in its journey to recovery. Following the devastation of three major flood events in the past two years, which wiped out the farm’s total population of adult and juvenile pearl shell, the farm has successfully conducted a trial harvest, revealing the first Akoya pearl from an oyster since 2020. The three floods, which included the worst flood event in more than 50 years, dealt a severe blow to the farm and presented an immense challenge for its survival. But the team has endured a long hard journey of regeneration, nurturing new shell after an extensive search for surviving broodstock. After years of dedicated efforts, the farm is now witnessing the fruition of its hard work with the successful test harvest on pearl shell that was seeded after the regeneration process.

Broken Bay Pearl Farm owner James Brown; The Akoya pearl

“Akoya oysters take two to three years to mature before they are ready for seeding to grow a pearl,” owner James Brown said. “After seeding, another 18 months to two years must pass for a high-quality pearl to grow. “It’s often devastating events like this that see pearl farms around Australia and the world close forever. “However, we are driven by commitment to quality and the enduring beauty that our natural world offers.

“Because of our farm team’s high-quality operations, we know high-quality pearls can be produced, and we are more determined to invest for the long-term knowing we cannot just recover, but thrive.” Brown sees the test harvest as a significant step toward the ultimate goal of a beautiful gem harvested from local waters. In the wake of the floods, the estuaries and oyster industry on the Central Coast, including Broken Bay Pearl Farm, have been recovering nicely.

Estuaries, crucial for oyster cultivation, are proving to be highly productive and oysters are growing exceptionally well. The influx of nutrient-rich waters has revitalised the estuarine environments. The restoration of essential nutrients has created an optimal habitat for high quality oysters to thrive. This resurgence in oyster growth is not only a testament to nature’s resilience, but also reflects the dedication of the local oyster farming community

in nurturing and sustaining the vital industry. Broken Bay Pearl Farm plans to reintroduce the pearl reveal to its tours – allowing visitors to witness the popping of a pearl out of an oyster. The feature will initially be available in the Ultimate Tours. The farm is also collaborating with the James Cook University genetics team to launch an important Akoya pearl shell breeding program. Despite the challenges faced by Brown, who received the Australian Farmer of the Year award in 2020, he remains optimistic. “The floods devastated the farm and wiped out most of our stock,” he said. “We’ve missed out on three years of pearl production and it’s wonderful to finally see pearls being harvested again. “The vision of producing high quality pearls and contributing to the longevity of our industry inspires us to reinvest for the long term”. For more information, visit brokenbaypearlfarm.com.au

GEBC President Peter Lawley

Gosford Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) is looking forward to a busy 2024, with Peter Lawley reelected as president for the next 12 months. Anna Cruckshank and Ralf Damen will serve as vice presidents and David Evers as treasurer. Also joining the Board this year are new directors Mia Van Tubbergh, (Elm Professional Services), Mel Archer (Foundry Cowork) and Peggoty Koszek (Fortunity), whilst directors continuing are Edgar Adams, Michael Bell and Darren Fisher. “GEBC Board vision is to create a vibrant regional capital that will support business and the community through facilitating appropriate engagement with and between all stakeholders,” Lawley said. “With the developments occurring in the CBD, and the growth in business activity in the surrounding suburbs, GEBC is looking forward to being an active partner with business in the area. “The Board members cover a broad cross section of the business community, and are geographically located from Somersby to Erina – the southern growth corridor of the Central Coast. “During 2023, GEBC Board developed a strategy plan, with the five key focus areas being better business, better education,better infrastructure, better industry, and better tourism. “Each director has a portfolio role focused on one or two of these areas. “I look forward to working with my fellow directors on these key areas to assist in the revitalisation of the city of Gosford and surrounding suburbs over the next 12 months and into the future. “It’s taken some years, but we are starting to see the developments and growth in the capital of the Central Coast that will assist the community and businesses alike. “It is an honour to lead such a dedicated voluntary group of committed business professionals.”

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MONEY TALK What is Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and how do you calculate it?

Brought to you by bishopcollins.com.au

Author: Juston Jirwander, Company Director Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is incurred when you sell a capital asset like real estate or shares, including cryptocurrency assets, resulting in a capital gain or loss. This is the difference between the purchase cost and the sale proceeds of the asset. During tax time, you must report these gains and losses in your income tax return, paying tax on any gains. CGT is a part of your income tax, not separate. Planning for Capital Gains Tax Capital gains increase your assessable income and consequently, your tax liability. It’s important to plan for this, as no tax is withheld on these gains. If you incur a capital loss, you can’t offset it against other income but can use it to reduce a capital gain.

include everything acquired since its introduction on 20 September 1985, barring exemptions. Personal assets like your home, car, and items for personal use are usually exempt, as are depreciating assets used solely for taxable purposes. The capital gain or loss point is typically when the contract for disposal is signed, not at settlement. CGT applies globally for Australian residents and to ‘taxable Australian property’ for foreign residents.

ownership for these methods, exclude both the day of acquisition and the CGT event day. In some cases, previous ownership is considered (e.g., inherited assets).

Calculating Capital Gain or Loss

The cost base includes money paid for the asset, incidental acquisition costs, ownership costs, capital expenses to increase value, and costs to preserve or defend your title or rights to your CGT asset. The reduced cost base includes similar elements, excluding ownership costs for assets acquired before 21 August 1991. These costs include rates, land taxes,

Each CGT event in the year needs a calculation of gain or loss. If you have both, determine your net capital gain or net loss. Managed funds typically provide this information in a distribution statement.

What is included as a CGT Asset?

Capital Gain Calculation Methods

Assets

Your capital gain is the

subject

CGT

Capital Loss Calculation A capital loss occurs if your asset’s reduced cost base is higher than the capital proceeds. This loss is the difference between the reduced cost base and the proceeds. Cost Base Elements difference between capital proceeds and the cost base of your CGT asset.Three methods to calculate are: 1. CGT Discount Method: Applicable for assets held for 12 months or more. It allows a reduction by 50% for individuals and trusts, and 33% for super funds. 2. Indexation Method: Used for assets acquired before 21

September 1999 and held for at least 12 months. It involves increasing the cost base using an indexation factor based on the consumer price index up to September 1999. 3. Other Method: For assets held less than 12 months, this is a basic method of subtracting the cost base from the capital proceeds. In determining the 12-month

repairs, insurance, and nondeductible interest on loans. GST and Foreign Currency Considerations For GST-registered individuals, the cost base is reduced by GST net input tax credits. Amounts in foreign currencies are converted to Australian dollars at the transaction time. For assets acquired after 13 May 1997, deductible costs are not included in the cost base. Effective CGT management requires careful consideration of these elements. For personalised advice, consulting with professionals like Bishop Collins Accountants. Disclaimer: This article provides general advice and should not replace professional, tailored tax planning advice. Consult with professional advisors like Bishop Collins for specific guidance. Scan the QR code above for more detail on this article.

Notification about cyber incident Quantum Radiology Group (Quantum) recently experienced a cyber security incident. If you have been a patient of Quantum and you are concerned about the potential for your personal information to be impacted, please visit the Cyber Incident tab on Quantum’s website: www.quantumradiology.com.au On Quantum’s website you will find further information about what data has been impacted, support available and actions that you can take.

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Ourimbah boarding house knocked back again A site in Burns Rd, Ourimbah, is not a suitable site for a boarding house, according to the Local Planning Panel, which refused a development proposal when it met on December 14. The refusal comes more than two years after a previous application for a proposed boarding house comprising 18 rooms at 17 Burns Rd was refused in 2020. The current proposal for 10 rooms was submitted shortly after the dismissal of an appeal for the previous proposal in the Land and Environment Court in 2021. The Panel said the reasons for the latest refusal included the lack of owners’ consent from all parties to reducing the width of a 5m-wide right-ofcarriageway over Lot 10 and

Lot 11 and the Panel was not satisfied that the development proposal complied with flood planning provisions or essential service provisions. The site was not suitable for the proposed development and was not considered to be in the public interest, the Panel said. Key issues included a large portion of the site being constrained by various easements and carriageways such as an easement for drainage, with a width of 3.05m, extending the length of the western boundary and an easement for electricity supply for the existing overhead power line being a 30m-wide easement containing Ausgrid infrastructure that diagonally transects the site. About 30 submissions were received during the public exhibition period.

A map showing the location of the proposed boarding house

The site is located to the south of Burns Rd and has an overall site area of 2247.3sqm with dual street frontages to Burns Rd and Cambridge

Circle. The property was initially identified as a future road corridor and held in the ownership of (then) NSW Roads

and Maritime Service as a new road corridor connecting Burns Rd (north) to Cambridge Circle (south). The land was considered

surplus to requirements and sold in 2018. Land adjoining the eastern, western and southern boundaries of the site generally holds single storey, low-density residential dwelling houses. Central Coast Council’s report to the Panel noted that additional affordable housing was required in the region, but said it must be well designed, well managed and well located. “Whilst the proposal would in part provide additional affordable housing, its design and location are not considered appropriate for the R2 low density residential zone and is incompatible with the site constraints,” the report said. “As such the development is not considered to provide for the housing needs of the community.” Merilyn Vale

Council recognised at environment awards Central Coast Council has received statewide recognition for two outstanding achievements in helping to manage and protect the environment at the LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards 2023. Council was awarded the top prize in the category of Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision Making for its geospatially based Environment Assessment Traffic Light Tool. Council’s partnership with Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) in the Street Lighting Improvement Program was also named as a finalist in the category of Sustainable Infrastructure. Director of Environment and Planning Alice Howe said the awards provided statewide

Central Coast Council staff with the award for the Environment Assessment Traffic Light Tool

recognition for best practice in managing and protecting the environment. “Council’s Information Services and Environment sections worked together to develop the Environment Assessment Traffic Light Tool, which is a mapping platform

that can be used in environmental assessments and field work to identify environmental risks where works are to be undertaken,” Howe said. “This is a fantastic achievement for all staff involved in this project and

highlights how we are shaping the future, rewriting the narrative and creating something bigger than each of us.” Director of Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said Council had been working with SSROC and Ausgrid for several

years in developing and implementing improved street lighting for the Central Coast region. “The first program of works saw about 10,000 residential street lights upgraded to 17watt LED efficient lights, which are providing more effective lighting and reducing light pollution in the night sky, lower greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings in maintenance and energy charges,” Bolgoff said. “The current program of works is to replace more than 5,000 main road street lights with energy efficient LED lights. “In addition, the main road street lighting infrastructure is smart control enabled so that in the future we can obtain further efficiency gains with initiatives such as street light dimming; traffic modelling; maintenance reporting and

analysis; and environmental data, to name a few.” Administrator Rik Hart said Council’s recognition for empowering innovation and change showed it was taking the necessary steps needed to do what is best for the community and the environment. “Council’s commitment locally to the deployment of LED energy efficient street lighting in conjunction with Ausgrid and SSROC is one of the largest LED deployments in the world that will improve road safety and provide substantial cost and energy savings for the Central Coast,” Hart said. “I’m pleased that Central Coast Council is bringing new ideas to the table, challenging norms and delivering services that create a bright, liveable and sustainable lifestyle for Central Coast residents.”

Green light for Bangalow development A two-storey dual occupancy development at 23 Bangalow St, Ettalong Beach, has finally been approved by the Local Planning Panel on its third application.

The site of the proposed development

The Panel first considered the proposed development at its meeting in August 2023 and resolved to refuse the application. It also refused the application in a review a few months later. But it has given the green light to the latest proposal after: the applicant reduced the floor space ratio; the applicant

increased the front setback of ground level and first floor level to provide a setback consistent with adjacent properties; and a living area was removed from the first floor and replaced by a bedroom with decreases in width of the first floor balconies. The latest proposal included privacy screens to the first floor covered rear deck to mitigate privacy impacts to adjoining properties and improved the streetscape presentation by modifications to the design and appearance of the building. The footprint of the building was reduced which will increase

the landscaped area and improve stormwater infiltration, the Central Coast Council report, the Panel said. “The amended design is a terrace-style design that provides accessible street frontage for both dwellings with private courtyards at the rear with rear vehicle access,” the report said. “This is consistent with the trend to similar terrace-style dual occupancies on the Peninsula and is an important variation to housing options. “The amended front alignment of the development is consistent

with the front building alignment of the adjacent developments.” The report concluded the amended design and compliance with the relevant development controls meant it was consistent with the objectives of the zone other than the single storey garage located at the rear laneway. “The amended proposal demonstrates best practice in the design of a dual occupancy that does not result in unreasonable environmental amenity impacts,” Council said. Merilyn Vale

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

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Kincumber pharmacy finalist in national awards Priceline Pharmacy at Kincumber has been announced as one of six finalists in the 2024 Guild Pharmacy of Year Awards. The 2024 Pharmacy of the Year will be announced at the 2024 APP Conference at the Gold Coast on March 14 to 17. In addition to the Pharmacy of the Year Award, four other award categories will be announced at the event including excellence in business management, excellence in community engagement, excellence in professional innovation, and excellence in harm minimisation. The Australia-wide awards aim to find the country’s foremost community pharmacy which is recognised and celebrated for its achievements, its innovation and its commitment to patients and communities.

The team from Priceline Pharmacy at Kincumber

Senior National VicePresident of the Guild Nick Panayiaris said he was impressed at the standard of candidates this year. “This year’s finalists have truly demonstrated the value of

community pharmacies in supporting their local communities,” he said. “They have shown dedication to patient care even with the uncertainty they are facing following

recent policy decisions. “It’s a real commitment to putting patients first, whether that be through technology and innovation, or good oldfashioned face to face consultations.”

The principal sponsor of the Awards is Care Pharmaceuticals. Care’s General manager Jonathan Biddle said the awards acknowledged pharmacies which were at the forefront of innovation in the country. “Community pharmacy continues to deliver in all situations to ensure that they meet the needs of their patients and their community by providing comprehensive, holistic health services, medication safety and advice, through well-managed pharmacies,” Biddle said. “At Care Pharmaceuticals, we are proud to sponsor this important recognition of outstanding community pharmacies, and our sponsorship reflects our ongoing commitment to patients and pharmacies in the sector.”

The Guild Pharmacy of the Year category sponsor of the Excellence in Business Management Award is Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API). The harm minimisation category is a new initiative in the Guild’s Pharmacy of the Year Awards program, and is sponsored by Camurus, Indivior, and StrongRoom AI. Pharmacy Guild is committed to supporting harm reduction associated with drug or alcohol misuse through the provision and use of services from community pharmacies. The Guild supports a harm reduction approach that recognises the flow-on impact from engaging in this behaviour in terms of health, social, economic and environmental aspects of the wider community.

Fitness program helps people get ready to move Recently, nine members of the Central Coast community signed up to a different kind of fitness class, a pilot program called Ready2Move.

It was run in September, just prior to October’s local government health initiative, Get Active San Remo and Blue Haven and put together by psychologist and exercise

scientist, Dr Gordon Spence. Ready2Move was designed to help mid-life adults develop a more active lifestyle. “While

health

behaviour

Renal Research Are you living with high blood pressure (BP), taking 3 to 4 BP medications and looking for a new treatment? Consider taking part in a study of a novel investigational study medication that we are trialling. This high blood pressure study will test the safety and effectiveness of a new study medication in patients with high blood pressure that is difficult to control. Clinical studies are how different treatment options for diseases and health conditions are developed before a study drug is approved.

change can be difficult at any age, improving physical fitness in your 40s, 50s and 60s can be challenging and, in some cases, even intimidating,” Spence said. “The problem is, while people are often positive about opportunities like Get Active, a lack of confidence in their physical ability will often stop them getting involved.” He said Ready2Move was designed to act like a steppingstone, to help people become more ready to engage in regular physical activity by increasing physical confidence, by developing more positive attitudes towards physical activity, and by expanding their social connections. The program was offered free to residents aged between 45 and 65 years and involved attending eight 60-minute group sessions over four weeks at Halekulani Bowling Club. Spence said holding the

sessions in a gym-free environment was important. “While gyms and fitness centres work well for some people, many others find them daunting places to be,” he said. “As such, I wanted to run the group in a place that had physical activity as a focus, but also had a non-threatening, relaxed, social atmosphere. “The bowling club was ideal for that”. He described Ready2Move as “a fitness class with a twist”. “Each class involved completing eight basic strength, mobility, and balance movements, an equal amount of time was spent discussing how the movements could make everyday tasks easier and raise the enjoyment level of physical activities promoted by Get Active,” Spence said. “By blending physical training and group discussion in this way, it was hoped participants would learn enough to keep

developing their physical abilities safely at home, while gaining enough physical confidence to set some short and medium-term physical activity goals.” He said the before-and-after results have been encouraging. “Not surprisingly, there were clear improvements in upper body and lower body strength, and important improvements in balance. Interestingly, participation in Ready2Move also made the participants feel more positive about physical activity, helped them feel more socially supported, and strengthened the degree to which physical activity felt part of their personal identity,” he said. “The question that really matters is, can people turn their plans into sustained action?” Spence will be running Ready2Move with other groups throughout 2024.

You may be able to join the high blood pressure study if: • Your top BP number is equal to or greater than 140 mmHg (known as ‘systolic’ measurement) • AND you are taking 3 to 4 drugs to lower BP • You can attend the study site at Gosford on 11 occasions throughout the study There are some other requirements to join the study and the study team can discuss this with you. If you qualify, you will receive at no cost: • Treatment with the investigational study medicine. • Close care and supervision by a hypertension expert and follow-up throughout the study. • Reimbursement of travel expenses to the study site from your home and return.

Contact us to find out more about the high blood pressure study: Leonie Kelly, Clinical Research Manager – Renal Research 37 William St, GOSFORD | Phone: 4323 7977

Participants in the Ready2Move fitness program held at Halekulani Bowling Club recently

21 DECEMBER 2023

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NEW POTS NOW IN STOCK!

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Christmas Plants and Traditions In the 16th Century in Germany people would bring in entire evergreen trees and decorate them to become ‘Paradise Trees’ for Christmas Eve. This was symbolic of the tree from the Garden of Eden in Christianity. Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, raised the popularity of the Christmas tree in the UK after a newspaper illustration of them with their children around the palace ‘Christmas Tree’ inspired the people of the time. From there, the modern-day Christmas tree as we know it was born and spread across the world. So, what about growing your own Christmas Tree here on the Coast? Australian native trees that will give you the Christmas look but will be far better suited to the environment here and fit in with the wildlife locals

includes the magnificent, and large, Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla). Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) is perfect for small gardens growing to about 5m and with bonus vivid orangepink flowers in spring and early summer this will delight both you and your local pollinators. If you have a dinosaur lover or botanical history buff in your family, then try our Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) as your garden Christmas Tree. One of the rarest and oldest trees on Earth, it will grow comfortably indoors and in sheltered spots in the garden.

How to Look after a Cut Tree Firstly, look for a tree with pliable green needles and the least number of brown needles. Give it a good shake and if a few needles fall off, that’s ok, but lots means it’s on the way to the compost heap too soon! Once home, cut the end of the

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contact@cheralyndarcey.com cheralyn.darcey cheralyn trunk off to ensure the free uptake of water. Cut off at least a few centimetres to reveal a fresh surface. The best practice is to use a tree stand as this enables the base of the trunk to sit slightly off the bottom and will leave the cut surface free to drink. For every 3cm diameter of trunk you will need at least a litre of water in your stand so for a bigger tree, place your stand in a larger container. Check water level every day and top up as needed. Keep the Christmas tree away from heat sources. Compost your tree either in your own garden, mulch up or take to your local green waste disposal centre.

Poinsettias A native of Mexico, the poinsettia is a very interesting plant. Firstly, they are not vivid red flowers that you are observing

at all but the red ‘bracts’ of the plant, modified leaves that surround the true flowers. Look closely and you will see that within this ring of festive red, tiny cream-coloured flowers that are the true blooms nestle within. Poinsettia flower and display their colourful bracts, not only in red but pinks, oranges, creams, and whites, in the winter. To supply the market in our Australian Summer Christmas, they are grown in cold rooms where winter is emulated. Light is limited and they are kept cool. After Christmas, you can plant your potted poinsettia out into the garden and while you won’t be enjoying their famous display next Christmas, you will have a ‘Christmas in July’ display. Tip prune in late summer to encourage flowering and be warned they have a poisonous

sap so protect yourself when handling and particularly pruning. They also may not be suitable around young children and pets as they are toxic.

Australian Christmas Bush Here on the Central Coast and across our state, NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) is our Aussie festive native. People in colonial times simply looked to flowers that reminded them of the key symbolism of the European Christmas of their birth places. Christmas bush, with its bright red flowers in tiny bell shapes and its appearance at the ‘right time’ would of more than fit the bill. Similar in ways to the poinsettia, the flowers are not the part of the plant that endear us to it. The flowers are small creamy-coloured blossoms that fall away in spring to leave

sepals that turn a gorgeous red by late December. Find a full sun spot to plant your Christmas Bush and feed during spring with a nativespecific fertiliser only. This is advised to increase the number of blossoms which will lead to a showier festive display. When harvesting your Christmas bush, never remove more than a third of the plant and cut branches at an angle with sharp secateurs. Remove all foliage that will sit below the waterline in your vase, change water every second day and snip drying bottom of stems as required. Other Christmas Bush varieties include Victorian Christmas Bush (Prostanthera lasianthos) and South Australian Christmas Bush, also known as Tasmanian Christmas Bush (Bursaria spinosa), both of which will grow in Coast gardens.

WHAT’S ON FOR PLANT LOVERS Workshop: Paint a Christmas Gnome! 10am – 3pm Saturday 23rd December, Burbank at Saddles, Mount White Join us for a whimsical Christmas workshop painting your very own Christmas gnome. Workshop running from 10am till 3pm. All materials provided. Cost $25 pp Phone: 4370 1010 to book. www.facebook.com/burbankhousegarden Children’s Art Sculpture Class: ‘Wildflower’ inspired by Yayoi Kusama 10am – 12:30pm, Saturday 6th January, ArtSpace Popup Gallery, 211B The Entrance Rd, The Entrance. Join us for a fun and creative art class where children can explore their artistic talents and create their own sculptures inspired by the amazing Yayoi Kusama. In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about Kusama’s iconic artworks and get to make their own unique creations using various materials. To book scan the QR code or visit www.eventbrite.com.au Junior Ranger: Bouddi Coastal Adventure Tour Organised by National Parks and Wildlife Services. 9:30am – 12pm Tuesday 9th January, Putty Breach Campground, Killcare Heights Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford. Become a junior ranger for the day as you venture along the beautiful Bouddi coastal walk. Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife in this spectacular coastal environment. Setting out from Putty Beach, you’ll follow the coast track to Gerrin Point lookout. And finish your adventure with interactive games and nature art on Putty Beach. More info: www.lovecentralcoast.com/events/junior-ranger-bouddi-coastal-adventure-tour

TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK The sapsuckers are out and about. Make a note to treat your plants during the nymph stage in winter but now, hit with a strong jet from a hose, pick off by hand and drown in a bucket of soapy water. You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cape gooseberry, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, chilli, choko, cress, cucumber, eggplant, endive, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, marrow, melons, mustard, okra, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, rocket, salsify, silverbeet, spring onion, sweetcorn, squash, tomato, ageratum, alyssum, amaranths, aster, begonia, California poppy, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, cyclamen, dahlia (seed), gazania, gerbera, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, phlox, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, verbena, vinca, Viscaria, waratah, zinnia

To list your event for free – gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

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HSC success for Coast school students Public school students from across the Central Coast have returned strong results in this year’s HSC. Gosford High School led the charge, as an academically selective school, with a total of 105 students on the Distinguished Achievers list, including two who came First in Course across the state – Liam Lightfoot in French Beginners and Tamas Herczeg in Hungarian Continuers. The Distinguished Achievers list recognises students who achieved the highest band possible for one or more course, or optional exam. The school had six students on the All Rounders list –

Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College, The Entrance Campus students gathered for an HSC breakfast barbeque at the school

students who achieved the highest possible band in 10 or more units of study – and five Top Achievers, students who received one of the highest places in an HSC course. Tuggerah Lakes Secondary

College, The Entrance Campus, had 28 students on the Distinguished Achievers list, with a particularly strong showing in maths. Principal Kirrily Harvey said she was delighted with

the students’ efforts. “I’m thrilled that we have had so many students in such a variety of subjects on the merit lists,” she said. “It’s testimony to their hard work and the dedication of our

teaching staff, who really go above and beyond when it comes to preparing our students. “The merit lists are an indicator, but not a full reflection of individual successes – we’ve also had a great showing in the Band 5 category, which puts those students in an enviable position when it comes to choosing post-school options. “And let’s not forget that there are many pathways to success: important as it is, the HSC does not define you, and our campus has a great record of guiding students to a wide range of personal goals after school.” Kincumber High School had

15 on the list, with Drama, Visual Arts and Music featuring, while Brisbane Water Secondary College, Woy Woy Campus had a total of 13, with Lara Forrester a stand-out. Lara achieved Band 6 in English Advanced, English Extension 1, Legal Studies and Modern History. The merit lists reflected excellent outcomes across the region, including strong results in Music at Henry Kendall High School and Narara Valley High School, in maths at Kariong Mountains High School, and a mix of strong results at Lisarow High, which had 12 students on the Distinguished Achievers list.

Historic year for Grammar school

Jacob Ramirez won a place in the Top Achievers list as well as being named 2023 Dux of Central Coast Grammar School

It has been an historic year for HSC results at Central Coast Grammar School (CCGS). For the 10th year in a row, CCGS has been named in the top 100 NSW schools, ranking 53. “Our students’ remarkable results across the board affirm the school’s goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to face the challenges of the world,”

Headmaster Bill Low said. “Consistent and robust academic results have seen CCGS rank within the top 100 NSW schools for a decade now – a momentous achievement. “I am immensely proud of our class of 2023 – my final HSC cohort as Headmaster at CCGS. “You have shown intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and sheer hard work, which will serve you well in whichever path in life you choose.”

Dux Jacob Ramirez is confirmed as the school’s 2023 Dux with the highest possible ATAR of 99.95. Four students were recognised as Top Achievers; Joan Han-Park sixth in Music1; Stella Hannagan fourth in English Advanced; Hazel Hunt eighth in Drama; and Jacob Ramirez, third in Economics. Seven students were recognised as All Rounders for achieving Band 6 in 10 or more

units of study: Joan Han-Park, Stella Hannagan, Lilly Hofer, Annabelle King, Loren McMenamie, Catherine Purcell and Jacob Ramirez. “We’re very proud of the collective and individual achievements of our students,” Low said. A record 39 nominations for exemplary HSC Major Works were received across dance, drama, music and industrial technology.

Head of Senior College Janine Comber congratulated all students on their willingness to learn, grow and lead the school community. “These results reflect exceptional academic achievement, founded on a holistic and balanced education, and students’ unrelenting drive, enthusiasm, and perseverance to reach their personal best.”

now I’m headed to Canberra where I’m looking to study ancient history at university. “To anyone considering studying at TAFE NSW I’d say think about what works for you, it worked out great for me.” Minister for Skills, TAFE, and 138 Robina Town Centre Drive Robina Qld 4226 Tertiary Education Steve Whan PO Box 3275 Robina Town Centre Qldsaid 4230 the success of the latest Tel: 1300 36 0867 Fax: 1300 81 8962 cohort of graduates highlighted email: artwork@localdirectories.com.auhow alternative pathways were available for students to achieve www.localdirectories.com.au their career and education goals. Anais Hamilton; Christopher Hitchens “About 40 per cent of TAFE “I’m really confident now that I initially attempted his HSC during NSW graduates who passed the can go to university if I want to COVID-19 lockdowns. Tertiary Preparation Certificate and I feel assured that there are “I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped this year received ATAR a lot of options available to me.” and so I looked to TAFE NSW for equivalents of at least 90, which Christopher Hitchens of bridging courses and tertiary is a testament to their dedication throughout the year,” Whan said. Watanobbi was another high- entrance,” he said. “There are many pathways to scoring student who said that he “It really worked for me and

employment and further education. “The Tertiary Preparation Certificate is a great option for those looking to gain practical skills in researching and writing essays in an adult learning environment. “Completing the course has the potential to change lives by increasing employment opportunities,preparing students for the workforce of the future, and paving the way for lifelong learning.” Central Coast high achievers: Gosford campus – Christopher Hitchens, Anais Hamilton, Mikalah Strickling, Lydia Markey, Chelsea Tingle, Matthew Short, Robert Russell; Wyong campus – Elleena Roche and Chloe Keirs.

TAFE high achievers As school leavers across the state receive their HSC results, 50 TAFE NSW graduates are celebrating their success in a university preparation course that provides access to universities without the HSC. Anais Hamilton of Ourimbah is one of the high-scoring graduates who studied a Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) and received a Tertiary Entrance Score of an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) equivalent of at least 97. The Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) is a nationally accredited qualification offering a Tertiary Entrance Score, an ATAR equivalent, recognised by universities and employers as a

Year 12 equivalent qualification. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, over the next 10 years, more than nine out of 10 new jobs expected to be created will require post-secondary qualifications. “I wasn’t keen on completing my HSC in a traditional high school environment and a friend told me about the TPC at TAFE NSW,” Anais said. “The TPC was a really positive experience for me, it’s a lot less pressure and in my opinion a more straightforward path to get your HSC equivalent. “I’m a bit of perfectionist and I try my best in everything I do, so it feels good to be rewarded for my hard work with a high score.

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Roux signs on for two more years FOOTBALL Storm Roux has signed a two-year contract extension and will stay with the Mariners until the end of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League season. The right back is now into his eighth season with the club across two spells and recently hit the 150 Mariners A-League appearance milestone. An A-League champion with the Mariners, Roux played 78 minutes of their memorable grand final win over Melbourne City back in June, a game he cites as his favourite of his career so far. This season, Roux has started every Isuzu UTE

A-League game bar the opening two fixtures. His stand-out moment this season came last month, as he popped up with a crucial goal in the F3 Derby victory over Newcastle Jets, opening the scoring just before half-time in the memorable 3-1 win. “It’s exciting, I’ve been at the club a long time and I grew up here so it’s exciting to get an extra two years,” Roux said. “We have something exciting going on under [Mark Jackson] with good young players coming through, with a mix of some experienced players. “We’ve found a good run of form lately and hopefully we can continue that for the rest of

Storm Roux in action on the field

the season, so it’s exciting to be on board for two more years.” Roux initially made the move to the Mariners from Perth Glory in 2013.

He departed for a spell with Melbourne Victory in 2018 but returned to the Coast in 2021. “I moved here at 20 and I’m now 30, so I’ve done a lot of

growing up on the Coast and played essentially my whole career here, so to be part of the Mariners club and culture for the amount of time I have done means heaps,” he said. “To go and wear the shirt with pride and be part of this club is a great feeling.” The 30-year-old is the second oldest player (after Danny Vukovic) in a young Mariners dressing room. Storm’s leadership skills are something that Mariners Football Manager Mark Jackson values greatly. “It’s exciting times because a lot of these boys have bright futures, so to be able to help them in any way I can is a big

responsibility and I love doing it,” he said. “We are really pleased to have secured Storm for a further two seasons. “Since I joined the club, he has been a real leader in the group and his performances have gotten better and better. “Not only is it what he does on the pitch but what he does off it with the group and the dressing room. “To have someone who knows what it is to be a Mariner and knows the culture of the club is really important for us. “If he can continue this current form, it will be really beneficial to the team long term.”

Coast golfers tee off for Cancer Council Golfers Rod Dickinson, Russ Tuckerman and Dave Robson Local social golfers Rod Dickinson, Russ Tuckerman and Dave Robson have raised more than $4,000 to support cancer patients after taking part in Cancer Council’s The Longest Day challenge on December 11,

supported by Gosford Golf Club. To their surprise, local real estate agency, Gittoes – East Gosford dollar-matched their fundraising, donating $4,000 and bringing their total to almost $9,000 raised. Cancer Council NSW’s Community Fundraising Co-

ordinator Jaynie Moloney said all funds raised would go towards Cancer Council’s lifesaving cancer research, prevention programs, and information and support services, including financial and legal assistance, practical support and information services. “In NSW alone, it is estimated

that about 53,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in a single year, with around 15,825 deaths expected,” she said. “We are so grateful to all of our golfers and fundraisers, and to the local businesses like Gittoes, who step up to give such a generous donation to support this important cause.”

Golfers Rod Dickinson, Russ Tuckerman and Dave Robson

Sarah Dimech in a league of her own RUGBY LEAGUE It is rare for a sportsperson to be positively acknowledged in Parliament for their achievements in the community, but for Sarah Dimech this has happened on two separate occasions.

Sarah Dimech with framed copies of her Parliamentary acknowledgements

Dimech has been applauded by Member for Wyong David Harris for the pivotal role she plays in the development and advancement of women’s rugby league on the Central Coast. She is employed by Wyong Leagues Group in the dual role

of Group Compliance Officer and Rugby League Development Officer, and when she isn’t ensuring that the Group meets its obligations with regulations, she is tirelessly conducting coaching clinics at the many schools within the region. Dimech is also the captain of the Wyong Roos women’s side and not only was she recognised as Female Player of the Year last season, she has a long list of high representative achievements including Central Coast Roosters, NSW Country and the national women’s side of Malta. Despite her achievements to

date, she is determined that the best is yet to come, as she works hard to get a shot to play in the NRLW. “I want to achieve as much as I possibly can in the game, and playing at the highest level is the goal so the next step for me would be to play in the NRLW,” she said. “I have been really fortunate to be able to find myself in a role where I can develop my professional career path and pursue my sporting ambitions all at the same time thanks to the Wyong Leagues Group.” Group CEO Ben Coghlan said Dimech was an outstanding

ambassador for the organisation. “Whether in the office or out on the field Sarah approaches her roles with the same level of passion and commitment,” he said. Wyong Roos has had women’s rugby league as a core part of its growth strategy for several years and has achieved solid growth because of this focus. Currently there are 70 girls participating in the junior ranks where they field sides in the age groups 13, 15, 17 and open divisions – and the Roos is the only club to be able to do so in the region.

Muay Thai and kickboxing champ wows at Umina Beach gym In an extraordinary event for the local martial arts community, Kingdom Martial Arts at Umina Beach had the honour of hosting Jonathan Haggerty, the current Two-Sport Bantamweight Champion of ONE FC in Muay Thai and Kickboxing. The gym, which has rapidly expanded since its inception just over a year ago, brought together enthusiasts from various martial arts disciplines, including attendees from Sydney, Newcastle, and Queensland.

Haggerty, a 26-year-old English champion renowned for his lead leg attacks, particularly his front kicks, generously shared his expertise with the eager crowd. The seminar, held at the Umina Beach gym, provided attendees with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Elijah Stevenson, the owner of Kingdom Martial Arts, said the experience was “surreal”. “It was so surreal to have the opportunity to train with the living legend and have him

come to the coast,” Stevenson said. “I feel very blessed.” He said attendees showed a collective excitement and appreciation for the rare chance to learn from a worldclass athlete in their own community. Sensei Jason Barrett, owner of For Life Martial Arts, another local martial arts gym on the Central Coast, also said it was the best seminar he had ever attended. “Very lucky to train with the current world champion and

learn from him,” Barrett said. “Thanks Kingdom Martial Arts for this experience.” Stevenson said despite scorching temperatures reaching 44 degrees, Haggerty’s down-to-earth and humble demeanour shone through as he not only conducted a comprehensive two-hour seminar but also stayed afterward to personally connect with attendees, graciously posing for photos and signing memorabilia, and helping to create lasting memories for those who had the opportunity to attend.

Jonathan Haggerty

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Mariners teams draw against Melbourne City in two tough matches FOOTBALL Central Coast women and men’s teams proved the club’s unofficial motto ‘won’t back down’ is alive and well during last weekend’s A-League matches. In a thrilling men’s Grand Final rematch at AAMI Park, the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw on Friday, December 17. Angel Torres shone for the Mariners with a second-half hat-trick, countering City’s early lead. Despite Torres’ heroics, City’s Alessandro Lopane equalised in added time. The Mariners showed resilience, bouncing back

South American rising star Angel Torres scored three goals in the match. Photo: CCM media

from an early deficit and nearly securing a win. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and skill, setting the stage for another intense clash between these teams in

The Mariners’ Chinese star Wurigumula once again played a key role in the match. Photo: CCM media

just over a month. The men now travel to Brisbane to take on The Roar on Thursday night, December 21. The Central Coast Mariners

Women secured a valuable competition point in a 1-all draw against Melbourne City in a gripping women’s Liberty A-League match played at home in Gosford’s Industree

Group Stadium on Friday night, December 15. Coach Emily Husband made strategic changes to the lineup, bringing in Sarah Langman and Faye Bryson.

The game was a tactical showdown, with City controlling the ball but unable to break through the Mariners’ defence. The Mariners showed resilience, with a near goal from Bryson’s effort and a strong counter-attack led by Wurigumula and Badawiya. Badawiya’s skilful goal was highlighted, but City equalised with a long-range shot from Rebekah Stott. The match ended in a one-all draw, showcasing a commendable effort from the Mariners against a top-table opponent, as they now look ahead to their next challenge against Canberra United in Canberra on Saturday afternoon, December 23.

Cricket action winds up for 2023 Round 5 of the Men’s Diggers The Entrance Two Day Cricket Competition finished on December 16, in the last match day of the year. Wyong 10/242 defeated Warnervale 10/113 and 4/107 at Woongarrah Sporting Complex. Warnervale began their batting innings chasing Wyong’s 242 and with no luck at all were all out for 113. Their top scorers were Lesley Smith 34 (3 fours and 1 six) and Harrison Townsend 23 (3 fours). Wyong bowler Jack Harris took 4/19 off 12.3 and Blake Koen 3/34 off 10. Wyong sent Warnervale back out to bat to take the outright win but Warnervale weren’t going down without a fight thanks to Daniel Hill 40 (8 fours) and Kaleb Daley 34 (8 fours). Wyong took the 1st innings win after their attempt to bowl out Warnervale for the second time. Narara Wyoming 10/177 defeated Lisarow Ourimbah

Southern Spirit Cricket Club 1st Grade Skipper Liam O’Farrell scored 156 with 19 fours and 3 sixes

10/55 and 4/77. Lisarow Ourimbah commenced their batting innings but were all out for just 55 runs thanks to Narara bowlers Thomas Owen (3/15 off 13 with 6 maidens) and skipper James Smith (3/6 off 10 with 4 maidens). Narara Wyoming sent Lisarow Ourimbah back out to bat where they finished the day 4/77 with Daniel Thompson 46 (5 fours and 2 sixes). Narara Wyoming took the first innings win after not being able to bowl out Lisarow Ourimbah for a second time.

Southern Spirit 3dec/250 defeated Brisbane Water 10/93 and 10/91. Southern Spirit continued their batting innings against Brisbane Water’s 93 on Day 1 and declared at 250 with skipper Liam O’Farrell scoring 156 (19 fours and 3 sixes) and Raj Sharma 56* (5 fours and 1 six). Brisbane Water went out for their second batting innings and were again all out for just 91 runs after 29.1 overs. Matthew Jones took 5/25 off 15 with 5 maidens and Jaylen Johnston 3/30 off 9.1 in a really strong outright win for Southern Spirit. Northern Power 9dec/152 defeated The Entrance 10/151 and 5/66. Northern Power continued their batting innings but unfortunately suffered a collapse of the middle of their batting order. Top scorer was Joe Hawkins 58 (5 fours and 1 six). The Entrance skipper Broc Hardy ended the innings on 4/52 off 21 with 4 maidens along with Dylan Bennett 3/43

off 14 with 4 maidens. The Entrance were sent back out to bat for their second innings with opener Simon Keen out on 30 and skipper Jake Hardy 19* at the end of the day. Northern Power were unable to bowl out The Entrance giving them the first innings win. Kincumber Avoca 9/222 and Terrigal Matcham 9/216 ended their match on a draw. Kincumber Avoca continued their batting innings but with a few unlucky ducks they finished their innings on 222 with Dylan Robertson 112 with 12 fours. Terrigal Matcham’s Austin Haba took 5/66 off 18 with 3 maidens. Terrigal Matcham went out to bat with the openers getting off to a great start. Lloyd Radcliffe put up a steady 81 with 7 fours and 1 six. Kincumber Avoca’s Dylan Robertson took 5/77 off 22 but by stumps, Kincumber Avoca were unable to bowl out Terrigal Matcham leaving the match a draw.

In the Women’s Ibis Styles The Entrance T20 Competition, Kincumber Avoca defeated Wyong. Kincumber Avoca batted first with top scorer being opener Heidhi Cullen on 30* with 5 fours. Wyong’s Ebonnie Leard took 3/21 off 4. Wyong went out to chase down the runs with only two batters reaching double figures. Chantelle Logan was out on 20 with 2 fours and after 18.5 overs Wyong were all out for just 73, Scarlett Sheridan and Sophie McCrae taking two wickets each. Northern Power White went out to bat against The Entrance who were 9/73 and after 15.4 overs put up a low 73 which turned out to be just enough. The Entrance bowlers Skye Gallagher and Karina Davidson each took three wickets. The Entrance went out to chase the runs but all players except one were wiped out for less than 10 runs each. Karina Davidson ended on 19 with 2 fours.

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Northern Power bowler Zara Hepplewhite took 4.18 off 4 with 1 maiden; absolutely incredible bowling. Lisarow Ourimbah defeated Narara Terrigal at Carrington Street with Lisarow Ourimbah winning the toss and electing to bat. Aanya Siingh put on an outstanding performance with 68 not out off 30 with 12 fours. Gunisha Garg (55 not out off 30 with 9 fours) and Jade Burkinshaw (31) helped take the side to 3/180 after their overs. AlexBobbi Smith finished up 2/24 off 4. Narara Terrigal went out to chase down the runs with Ava Drury putting on 24 with 3 fours along with AlexBobbi Smith 24 with 3 fours. Narara Terrigal were 8/81 after the overs with Lisarow Ourimbah taking a strong win. Both the men and women will recommence the season after a Christmas break on January 6.

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Mariners men crack through into Asian Championship Cup knockout round A happy Mariners Men’s squad after the game in the Phillipines. Photo: CCM Media

FOOTBALL The Central Coast Mariners have cruised into the AFC Cup knockout rounds with a solid 3-0 win over Stallions Laguna in The Philippines last Friday night, December 8. The Mariners, top dogs in Group G, faced-off against the group’s strugglers but had to tackle dodgy weather and a tricky fake turf playing field. Manager/coach Mark Jackson’s crew needed to be switched on, and they delivered. They hogged the ball from the

get-go and Marco Tulio broke the deadlock in the first half. Super-sub Christian Theoharous added another in the second half, and Tulio sealed the deal with 10 to go. Jackson shook things up with four changes from their 4-0 thrashing of Western United in the A-League. Nathan Paull was back from injury, teaming up with Dan Hall in defence. Mikael Doka stepped in for Storm Roux and Harry Steele took Jacob Farrell’s spot at leftback. In midfield, Will Wilson got the

nod over Angel Torres, while Miguel Di Pizio and Jing Reec kept their spots after debuting last Friday. The Mariners dominated early, forcing Stallions’ keeper Hayeson Hereda Pepito into action inside 10 minutes. Tulio’s magic moment came at 23 minutes, a classy finish over Pepito for a 1-0 lead. The boys kept cool in the Philippines’ heat, with keeper Danny Vukovic pulling off a top save at 33 minutes. The Mariners kept control in the second half,and Theoharous made it 2-0 with a deflected

Woy Woy Tennis goes digital Woy Woy Tennis has gone digital with a new, easy, and convenient way to book and play tennis from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. Adjacent Austin Butler Oval behind Peninsula Plaza, Woy Woy Tennis is taking online bookings using the Tennis Australia official Book a Court system. People can visit the club website at www. woywoytennisclub.com and follow the prompts or alternatively search “Woy Woy Tennis” online. They will be taken to the Book a Court system where they can select the day and time that best suits them and Woy Woy Tennis has both hard and synthetic grass courts to choose from. Club president Walter Pearson said the new booking system

One of the courts at Woy Woy Tennis club

came at a perfect time for the Summer holiday season when people were looking for cheap and flexible recreational activities. “Tennis is so easy to access – all you need are shoes, a racquet and tennis balls,” Pearson said. “And now, there’s a modern, simple online system to reserve a court to play.”

Courts are available to the public from $20 an hour for up to two hours duration. Lights will come on automatically for bookings after dark. “The availability of courts in the cooler hours of the evening are a real benefit during the hot Summer times ahead,” Pearson said.

shot at 64 minutes. Stallions nearly stirred things up with a free kick off the post at 77 minutes, but Tulio was having none of it, bagging his eighth of the competition with

another smart finish at 79 minutes. That’s the AFC Cup group stage sorted for Jackson and the lads; but no rest for the wicked.

They’re back to the grind with a brutal A-League run, jetting off for back-to-back away games in Melbourne and Brisbane over the next eight days.