Coast Community Pelican Post 005 by Central Coast Newspapers

14 JANUARY 2021

ISSUE 005

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

It took firefighters two hours to contain a fire which broke out at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility on January 10. See page 3

Out&About

Woy Woy volunteer thanked by Premier A group of Red Cross volunteers from across the State with Lauraine Martinus (3rd from left) personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her dedication to the local community

A Woy Woy resident has been personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her efforts and service during last summer’s bushfires.

Lauraine Martinus, Team Leader of Red Cross Emergency Services Central Coast, was commended on her dedication to the community at a special event held at the NSW Parliament last month. The announcement comes after a group of Red Cross volunteers from across the state received Bushfire

Emergency Citations, which recognise the services of thousands of people who fought the fires and supported communities. The seven volunteers who attended the event were invited to represent 636 Red Cross volunteers and staff across the state who are being awarded the service honour. As a Red Cross Emergency Services volunteer for more than 17 years, Martinus said some of the scenes of last year’s bushfires were devastating.

“Last year I travelled down, with my team members, to the Recovery Centre at Batemans Bay (and) we were able to work with local agencies to provide support to those people affected,” Martinus said. “I helped people register and linked them with support, from clean clothes, to a place to sleep, to financial assistance. “I was able to listen to their stories of what they had been through and offer comfort, reassurance and referrals to other agencies in the area. “A lot of people were

devastated and feeling totally lost, all they wanted was a chat and some information.” As leader of the Central Coast team, Martinus has led a number of emergency responses over the past year for fires, floods, and COVID-19 related crises. In 2020 alone, Martinus worked in bushfire and flood evacuation centres, made over 400 personal support calls to returning Australians in hotel quarantine, taught primary school preparedness lessons, and delivered gel cooling neckties and messages to

elderly residents on the Central Coast to prepare for heatwaves. “It is a pleasure to be able to help people in their time of need,” Martinus said. “That is why I put my hand up last year to provide telephone support to those people staying at quarantine hotels in Sydney.” Martinus commended her fellow volunteers from the Central Coast team who also provided invaluable support and assistance to vulnerable residents.

Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) will continue its Social Sunday Cycles sessions with a ride to start at Fisherman’s Wharf, Woy Woy, on January 17. See page 17

Health

Maisy Rae

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is warning Peninsula residents to be aware of the importance of continuing with COVID-safety measures...

‘The last thing we need’ - Chamber

See page 35

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce says a rate rise is “the last thing” the Coast needs, as Central Coast Council invites residents to have their say on a proposed rise of 1015 per cent this year.

Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart

Council has notified the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off 10 per cent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off 15 per cent, remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the

2021/22 rate peg of 2 per cent. Acting CEO Rik Hart said he understood community concern about paying more rates, but this was needed for Council’s long-term financial security and ongoing service delivery which would benefit everyone. “We have been open with the community about our financial situation and are taking significant steps to help our bottom line – we are selling assets, reducing staff numbers and materials and contracts, reducing the capital works program, looking at fees and

charges and we have been able to secure further loans,” Hart said. “The last thing we want to do is put more burden on our ratepayers. “But if we do not have a substantial increase in our rate income as well, then even harder decisions will need to be made. “For our community that would mean a significant reduction or even elimination of services that they need and rely on us to provide. Continued page 4

Sport

A Woy Woy cricketer has been named player of the round after an impressive performance at Woongarrah last weekend. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

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14 JANUARY 2021

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Pelican Post covers everything relating to Woy Woy, Woy Woy South, Umina, Pearl Beach, Patonga, Horsfield Bay, Pheagans Bay, Woy Woy Bay, Corea Bay, Ettalong, Booker Bay, Blackwall Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Maisy Rae, Dilon Luke, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Sue Murray, Haakon Barry, Merilyn Vale - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

18 DECEMBER 2020 17 DECEMBER 2020

ISSUE 004

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Smith takes out Single Ski

A local fire brigade has swapped Santa’s sleigh for a sidecar at its annual threeday Santa run which started on December 10. See page 17

Education

A new consolidated Central Coast Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) will not come into force until the State Government gazettes them, which is not expected until early 2021.

Rescue crews were called out in torrential rain on Sunday, December 20, to rescue a horse stuck in a dam at Warnervale.

See page 17

Education

Volunteers from Warnervale and Wadalba Rural Fire Brigades and Central Coast Rescue Squad were called out just before 9am. The horse had been stuck in the dam overnight and was exhausted after trying to free himself. Crews managed to use large animal rescue slings to assist hauling him out of the water and mud to safety. A local vet was on the scene to give the horse a check over after his ordeal.

Jemma Smith winning the Female Single Ski

Rates could go up by 15 per cent

Rates could rise by 15 per cent Peninsula residents could be facing a 15 per cent rate rise next year, following an announcement at the Central Coast Council meeting on December 14.

CCN

A proposed rate rise of 10 per cent signalled in November has now risen to a proposed 15 per cent. Administrator Dick Persson announced Council would write to the Independent Regularity and Pricing Tribunal (IPART) asking for permission for an increase of 13 per cent plus another two per cent for inflation. Harmonisation of the rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas would see Peninsula residents paying about $7 a week more while residents to the north of the region would pay about $3 a week less than they are paying now.

Residents protested a mooted rate rise ahead of the Council meeting on December 14

These are average payments. Persson said further work has been done in forecasting reductions in levels of service to achieve sustainable long term financial plans and repay

the restricted reserves debt. “As a result, it is now apparent that a larger increase needs to be considered in order to maintain a similar level of service,” he said.

The increase, if granted, would be permanent. “In considering a possible rate variation, I have looked at the rate levels for neighbouring councils,” Persson said.

“It is clear from this information that residential rate payers on the Central Coast pay less in rates than neighbouring councils of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock – all of whom currently have special rate variations applying.” Persson said COVID-19 had resulted in a loss of income to Council. “I also note that during Council’s response to COVID-19 steps were taken to protect permanent employees through a program of redeployment,” he said. “I also understand that various fee waivers and reductions were applied during this period for the purpose of assisting and protecting local businesses and community organisations.” Merilyn Vale

CWA of Umina Beach members donated home knitted hot water bottle covers to children in war-affected countries on November 18. See page 35

Sport

It was a historic day for a local cricket club last month when the family of a late player pitched on the field named in his honour. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

Central Coast residents could be looking at a 15 per cent rate rise next year, with Council Administrator Dick Persson announcing he will apply to the Independent Pricing and Regularity Tribunal (IPART) asking for permission for an increase of 13 per cent plus another two per cent for inflation. This supersedes a rate rise of 10 per cent signalled in November. Persson shared the news with a group of protesters outside Wyong Chambers before heading into the December 14 meeting and made the official announcement. Harmonisation of the rates between the two former council areas would result in the former Gosford area paying about $7 a week more while the former Wyong areas would pay about $3 a week less than they are paying now.

Residents protested a mooted 15 per cent rate rise ahead of Council’s December 14 meeting

These are average payments. Persson said further work has been done forecasting the reductions in the levels of service to achieve sustainable long term financial plans and repay the restricted reserves debt. “As a result, it is now apparent

that a larger increase needs to be considered in order to maintain a similar level of service,” he said. The increase, if granted, would be permanent. “In considering a possible rate variation, I have looked at the rate levels for neighbouring

Councils,” Persson said. “It is clear from this information that residential ratepayers on the Central Coast pay less in rates than (in) neighbouring Council (areas) of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Cessnock – all of whom currently have special rate

variations applying.” Lake Macquarie pays 34 per cent more; Newcastle 42 per cent more and Cessnock 13 per cent more than the average rates a Central Coast resident pays. Persson said COVID-19 resulted in a loss of income to Council. “I also note that during Council’s response to COVID-19 steps were taken to protect permanent employees through a program of redeployment,” he said. “I also understand that various fee waivers and reductions were applied during this period for the purpose of assisting and protecting local businesses and community organisations.” Persson said the money Council spent on infrastructure, although a flawed decision, was well spent. Merilyn Vale

Source: Central Coast Rescue Squad Central Coast Sports College Year Nine student, Paige Stanford, has held a sleep out for her peers to highlight the plight of homelessness.

Two Central Coast residents are in home isolation while another remains in hotel quarantine in Sydney after all being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Four young mountain-bikers from Killcare, calling themselves the Four Mulleteers, journeyed to Rydal in NSW to take on the best riders in the state last weekend (December 12-13) in the Rocky Trail Jet Black 24-hour Race. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

A free online healthy lifestyle program for older adults living on the Central Coast will return in 2021.

Two Central Coast residents are in COVID-19 home isolation

See page 35

Sport

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has confirmed that the two local cases have been linked to the Northern Beaches cluster, with health staff undertaking daily wellness checks with both patients. The CCLHD also confirmed that the resident in hotel quarantine had returned from overseas when they tested positive for the virus and that

their case is not deemed a risk to the Central Coast community. All three patients will remain in isolation until deemed noninfectious by health staff. According to a spokesperson for the CCLHD, one close contact has been identified in relation to the first local case, with the contact residing in the same household as the patient. They are now also in-home isolation and have been tested for COVID-19 as a precaution. The spokesperson said anyone who travelled via the 6.15pm ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe on Wednesday,

December 16, is considered a casual contact of this case and advised that they should monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested immediately should symptoms appear, regardless of the severity. The spokesperson said that all close contacts for the second local case had been contacted and were selfisolating, with the ferry journey the only location identified for casual contacts. There are no other exposure sites identified on the Central Coast. The situation has prompted

CCLHD Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, to remind residents about the importance of COVID testing. “It is important that anyone who gets tested also isolates themselves if they have even the slightest of symptoms,” Dr Montague said. “We are asking people to avoid non-essential travel to the Northern Beaches at this time. “We know many Central Coast residents commute to the Northern Beaches area for work, however, the message is the same for everyone regardless of whether you have

See page 31

been on Northern Beaches. “If you have symptoms, please get tested. “These latest cases serve as an important reminder that we cannot become complacent, COVID-19 is still present, and we must remain alert for symptoms.” Local COVID-19 testing is available at Wyong Hospital Building C (opposite the Health Services Building), open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. Bookings are encouraged on 4394 9200, however walk-ins are accepted. Dilon Luke

More signs of COVID on the Coast

Sport

Central Coast residents are being urged to continue being tested for COVID-19 if they have even the mildest symptoms, with a COVID positive Western Sydney resident having visited Avoca Beach on December 20 and virus fragments having been discovered in a sewage treatment plant at Kincumber. The COVID positive resident, who is in isolation in Western Sydney, visited the Saltwater Bistro at Avoca Beach Hotel on December 20 between 7.40

and 8.30pm. Anyone who attended the bistro at the specified time is considered a casual contact and must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result. They should then continue to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days and if any symptoms occur, get tested again. The business had a COVIDsafety plan in place and casual contacts are being contacted, with the case having been linked to the Avalon cluster. Meanwhile, the state’s

sewage surveillance program detected traces of the virus at the Kincumber sewage treatment plant, which services multiple suburbs to the south of the region, on December 21. There are currently two confirmed cases in the Central Coast Local Health District, both of whom are being monitored. Central Coast Local Health District has reinforced the importance of physical distancing, good hand hygiene and remaining alert for symptoms, which include a fever, cough, sore/scratchy

throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of taste or smell. In addition to testing clinics at Gosford and Wyong hospitals, a walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic has been established at the Woy Woy Hospital, next to the kiosk, on Ocean Beach Rd, which will operate every day until Thursday December 24 (inclusive) between 8am and 4.30pm. Residents are reminded that home gatherings are limited to 10 people, with a slight easing of restrictions announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

allowing children under 12 to be excluded from the number count over Christmas (December 24-26 inclusive). Berejiklian reinforced the fact that this is the maximum number allowed, more than one group of 10 visiting at different times of the day is not permitted. On December 27, restrictions revert to a maximum of 10 persons visiting a home, including children. Source: NSW Health website Media release, Dec 23 Central Coast Local Health District

MacKillop Catholic College Warnervale student, Jack Albanese, has ended his school year on a high after setting a new national record with Powerlifting Australia, not once, but twice. See page 38

Puzzles page 23

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

This latest loan sees Council’s total borrowings for the year reach $200M, with a $50M loan taken out with NAB in May to be repaid over 20 years, and another $50M borrowed from an unnamed financial institution in November – a principle and interest loan with

a fixed five-year term amortised over 15 years. The latest loan was approved at an extraordinary meeting on December 18 and is a fixed threeyear loan amortising over 15 years. Details of the loan were discussed in closed session and remain commercial-inconfidence. A Council spokesperson said the loan will assist Council with a positive budget for the next financial year and long term 10-

year financial plan. Council resolved at the December 18 meeting to authorise Administrator Dick Persson and Acting Chief Executive Officer Rik Hart to execute all documents relating to the facility agreement between Council and the financial institution. The Council also resolved that the report should remain confidential in accordance with section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act as it “contains

commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it”. The minutes also say that consideration of the matter in open Council would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as publication of all tendered amounts would discourage potential tenderers from submitting commercial information in future. Meanwhile, Council continues

its path to financial recovery and sustainability under its business recovery plan, the spokesperson said. Reductions have been made in the capital works program, sales of assets are underway, an employee savings target has been set and a voluntary redundancy program has commenced, as well as notification to IPART for a special rate variation of 15 per cent. CCN report

News

It took firefighters two hours to contain a fire which broke out at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility on January 10.

See page 3

Out&About

Woy Woy volunteer thanked by Premier The word ‘Bangarra’ is the Wiradjuri word meaning ‘to make fire’, and a special performance at The Art House Wyong in February is sure to set hearts and minds alight.

You can experience breathtaking work from four of Australia’s leading surf photographers at Gosford Regional Gallery this summer. See page 17

Education

It took all night on Sunday, January 10, for 45 firefighters and more than a dozen brigades to bring a blaze under control at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility on Hue Hue Rd, Jilliby.

See page 17

Education

See page 5

In a competition between 666 schools, the Terrigal Primary School debating team, Terrigal Tigers, have been named runnersup in the NSW Premiers Debating Challenge. See page 35

Sport

Spot us another $100M: Council Central Coast Council has taken out another loan – this time for $100M – as it continues to work through mitigation measures for its cash crisis.

ISSUE 005

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Twelve trees have been removed from a Bateau Bay picnic area in Wyrrabalong National Park following their deliberate poisoning.

See page 3

See page 17

14 JANUARY 2021

News

Out&About

The Central Coast community has come together to celebrate the life of one of their own.

Education

ISSUE 221

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

45 firefighters needed to extinguish Buttonderry blaze

The Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe Ferry will continue to run on schedule despite calls from some residents for a suspension of the service during the Northern Beaches COVID-19 cluster period.

See page 3

Out&About

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, now known as Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, will hold a series of art workshops over the summer by award-winning Aboriginal artist, Garry Purchase.

Santa was even brave enough to take on 35 American alligators as he jumped into the lagoon to feed them snacks but the feisty reptiles chased Santa out as soon as he delivered their presents.

13 JANUARY 2021

News

Out&About

He has a busy week ahead of him, but Santa Claus managed to find time to pop in to the Australian Reptile Park on December 16 to enjoy cuddles with the animals and hand out some Christmas treats.

ISSUE 274

ISSUE 220

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Horse rescued See page 10

See page 6

Out&About

See story page 39

23 DECEMBER 2020

Cycling enthusiasts who need assistance are now able to jump back on a bike, with the Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) re-starting its tandem RidesAssist program.

A house in Umina Beach has brought festive cheer to locals with a spectacular lightshow that is free to all each night of the week.

Peninsula local Jemma Smith took out the Female Single Ski event in round three of the Envirobank Super Teams Series at Umina Beach on December 5.

24 DECEMBER 2020

ISSUE 273

News

A Santa for all

Central Coast Council’s financial woes date back to 2016 A specialist accounting firm that works with councils appears to have shed more light on the cause of Central Coast Council’s financial woes.

Central Coast fishers will soon be bream-ing with excitement, with a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) recently deployed to ocean waters near Terrigal. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

LG Solutions looked at Council’s publicly available and audited financial statements in October 2020 after the Council financial position became public, and said that it had to “pick itself up off the floor after what it found”. “Little did we know when we started the review that we would uncover far more than we bargained for,” the LG

Solutions’ report said. The company held back on publishing its regular industry newsletter and notified its findings to Council, the Department of Local Government and the NSW Audit Office. LG Solutions said that they hadn’t heard back from any of those three organisations or from the council association, Local Government NSW, and therefore, published its findings in early November See page 10 for more

Junior school students at Warnervale’s MacKillop Catholic College will return to school to find a colourful surprise in the form of some new murals. See page 33

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) will continue its Social Sunday Cycles sessions with a ride to start at Fisherman’s Wharf, Woy Woy, on January 17. See page 17

Health

Maisy Rae

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is warning Peninsula residents to be aware of the importance of continuing with COVID-safety measures... See page 35

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce says a rate rise is “the last thing” the Coast needs, as Central Coast Council invites residents to have their say on a proposed rise of 1015 per cent this year. Council has notified the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of its intention to apply for a Special Variation (SV) of either a one-off 10 per cent remaining in the rate base for seven years or a one-off 15 per cent, remaining permanently in the rate base, inclusive of the

A second win in three days has pushed the Central Coast Mariners to the top of the table after a clinical 2-0 win away against Macarthur FC. See page 40

Puzzles page 23

‘The last thing we need’ - Chamber

Sport

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

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

A group of Red Cross volunteers from across the State with Lauraine Martinus (3rd from left) personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her dedication to the local community

A Woy Woy resident has been personally thanked by Premier Gladys Berejiklian for her efforts and service during last summer’s bushfires.

Central Coast Council Acting CEO, Rik Hart

Sport

A Woy Woy cricketer has been named player of the round after an impressive performance at Woongarrah last weekend. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

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

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PAGE 3

14 JANUARY 2021

Fire at Woy Woy tip

It took firefighters two hours to contain a fire which broke out at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility on January 10. A Central Coast spokesperson said staff observed a stockpile of mattresses on fire at around 3.15pm. The fire was too large to be managed by the water cart on site and at 3.20pm staff contacted Fire and Rescue NSW, who arrived around 3.45pm. The fire was controlled and declared out at 5.45pm.

“Following initial investigations, it appears the fire was a result of spontaneous combustion of mattresses that were due to undergo resource recovery processing later in January,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the types of materials used in the manufacture of mattresses, it created a significant amount of smoke. “It is standard practice for mattresses to be stockpiled for shredding, which are intentionally stored in well cleared areas with adequate buffers.

“As such this fire did not pose an immediate threat to escaping offsite or to Council infrastructure. “Council’s water cart suffered some damage from the radiant heat whilst spraying water at the fire and will be assessed. “Council has reviewed high quality CCTV footage from at both sites and observed the fires were not deliberately lit and there were no suspicious circumstances,” the spokesperson said. “There was minimal inconvenience experienced by

the community, with the site operating as usual on Monday, January 11.” The spokesperson said correct reporting and procedures were at the site with a full report including any recommendations to be prepared this week and submitted to the EPA within seven days in accordance with Council’s licences. Station Officer Ben Ziekenheiner of Umina Fire Station 340 said Umina was first to arrive at the fire, with crews doing a defensive fire attack until it was under

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control, “At this point they reverted to an offensive attack using an excavator to break up mattresses and debris so a final extinguish could be performed using hands lines. Ziekenheiner said a Cafs pumper from Fire and Rescue NSW Kariong was also used and was “a good asset to have on the Central Coast”. Ben Ziekenheiner said the cause of the fire was still under investigation. “There was a fair bit of damage done to area so

Photo: Fire and Rescue NSW

whether we can actually determine how it started I’m not quite sure,” he said. Central Coast Rural Fire Brigade Operations Officer, Inspector Frank Overton, said there were about 38 firefighters on site – five appliances from Fire and Rescue NSW and six fire trucks from local Rural Fire Brigades including three bulk water trucks from Kariong Fire Control Centre, two fire trucks from Kariong RFS and one from The Bays RFS. Terry Collins

PAGE 4

14 JANUARY 2021

NEWS

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

‘The last thing we need’ - Chamber From page 1

has serious concerns over the proposed rise. “The Peninsula business community is bitterly disappointed and deeply concerned with the staggering operating losses of over $200M and accumulated debt of $565M racked up by Central Coast Council,” Wales said. “These are numbers that the ordinary business person is struggling to come to terms with (along with) the potential

“Our first priority has to be the repayment of restricted funds, which were unlawfully used, so that does not become a burden for future generations. “This is a conversation our community has to have, and we want to hear from as many residents and ratepayers as possible.” But President Matthew Wales says the Peninsula chamber

implications this will have on the delivery of services to the business community, “And now the Administrator is proposing a rate hike of between 10 per cent and 15 per cent to try and claw back revenue to maintain essential services. “We are already seeing a dramatic drop in maintenance not only in our town centres but also across our community including parks and reserves.

“Everywhere you look we have grubby streets, overgrown parks and badly maintained roads. “Landlords and business operators are already doing it tough coming out of the COVID-19 disaster so the last thing we need is a rate hike that will add a further layer of financial burden on business people. “Maybe the Administrator needs to put the cleaners

through the Council organisation, sell off surplus land and introduce greater efficiencies before slugging the ratepayer with a massive rate hike.” Information on the options being considered for an SV as well as a survey for ratepayers and residents can be found at yourvoiceourcoast.com Council will consider a report about the Special Variation options, inclusive of community

feedback, at its meeting on February 8. Meanwhile IPART has announced it has received 2,700 direct submissions (at December) from concerned residents – the highest number of submissions ever received on a single topic. IPART will continue to accept submissions until March 1. Terry Collins

Community Environment Network 2021 the Year of …

WILDPLANT COMMUNITY NURSERY RETURNING FOR 2021 Our plant sales are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm. When:Saturday 6th February Time: 9am to 12pm Where: CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah Native plants are inexpensive (starting at $3), help conquer

climate change, create habitat for local birds and animals and encourage outdoor activity. Come along to our plant sale at the CEN Office, Ourimbah, buy a few local native plants and chat about local environment issues.

We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

MARINE DEBRIS WORKSHOP - WAMBERAL LAGOON When: Saturday 16th January 2021 Time: 8am Start Where: Wamberal Lagoon, Meet at Remembrance Drive Cost: Free Want to know what happens to the rubbish that we see in the streets and our creeks?

Please join us for a talk and marine debris pick up. We will collect rubbish from Wamberal Lagoon with Clean 4 Shore and categorise it by its type, number, and source according to the Tangaroa Blue data collection. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. Please let me know of any dietary requirements. Please wear appropriate clothing, sturdy

boots or gumboots and long pants must be worn as we will be walking and collecting debris from the lagoon. Please bring gloves. For more information, please visit www.cen.org.au/events email waterwatch@cen.org.au or phone 4349 4757 This project is supported by Central Coast Council

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS 2021 Join us to celebrate World Wetlands Day at the Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy. When: Sunday, 7th February, 2021 Time: 8am - 11am Registration 8am Bird Watching tour 8:15 - 9am Buffet Breakfast and Wetland talks 9 - 10am (please advise us of any specific dietry requirements in the comments box) Activities 10 - 11am (Dip netting, water testing, tree planting and displays)

Breakfast with the Birds 2021 will be different to previous years, as we will have to follow the COVID restrictions in place at the current time. Due to the restrictions you will need to register prior to the event. Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to accept unregistered walk-ins on the day of the event, like we have previously done. Cost: $10 per Adult and $6 per child. Please call 43494757 or email waterwatch@cen.org.au to

register go to cen.org.au/events/ cen-event-list Please bring walking shoes and a fold up chair. Binoculars will also be useful for birdwatching. Breakfast with the Birds is organised by the CEN’s Waterwatch program and supported by the Tuggerah Reserve Trust, Community Environment Network and Birding NSW. This event is sponsored by Central Coast Council through a Community Develpoment Grant.

JOIN FRIENDS OF COSS 2021 will be a big year for the Coastal Open Space System (COSS). If you want to protect our green ridgelines and bush reserves and if you’d like to see COSS expand to the whole Central Coast, now is a great time to join Friends of COSS. Membership is free and enables you to receive invitations to Special Friends of COSS events (the first to be held on January 21), including: • Bushwalks and other organised activities in COSS reserves

• Bush regeneration activities in COSS lands • P romoting research activities • Working with neighbours of COSS lands to create wildlife friendly landscapes

The Coastal Open Space System (COSS) is a network of reserves supporting natural vegetation that are managed by Central Coast Council for a number of environmental and community values. COSS lands provide important ecological habitats (or homes) and essential linkages (wildlife corridors) for diverse fauna and flora. These natural areas are also popular places for leisure and relaxation with residents and visitors alike.

The COSS scheme is unique to the Gosford area and was established in 1984. Areas identified as having significant ecological, cultural and historical value were earmarked for future protection and conservation. The Friends of COSS group aims to inform and engage our community to enjoy, protect and conserve these important natural areas, now and into the future. Become a Friend of COSS - it’s FREE!

Your support will expand our combined voices and enable the Friends of COSS to continue protecting and conserving the Coastal Open Space System. We can work together and help ensure this invaluable resource for the Gosford community remains. Stay informed - like the Friends of COSS on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ FriendsofCOSS Join Friends of COSS: https:// www.cen.org.au/projects

Well for me personally, 2021 is about healing, having had health concerns and losing my Father in 2020 (not COVID-related). I have made some major changes in my life to find a more balanced approach to life and living. Life is always changing and always has since our ancestors, at some point in our history, were nomadic. Had they continued to move, staying connected with nature and local environments, we may not be suffering as much as we are now, as a society and community. Once we stayed put and began changing our natural environment, we began to disconnect slowly but surely from life’s cycles, tuning out of the seasons, cycles of the moon, sunrise, and sunsets, etc. Last year and, unfortunately as the restrictions continue, we have seen people flock to nature. Why is that? Could it be that we feel at home in nature, as nature is at peace and shows us unconditional love (no matter if we harm her, she continues to generate life)? This year should really be about healing as we transition from a system of dominance over nature to a world reconnected with nature - as we heal from a transactional way of interacting with one another and our environment to a relational way of interacting with one another and our local environment. We can start seeing the spirits of ancestors as our First Australians do, in our large old growth trees, in our mountains, waterways and with our wildlife. This will connect us deeply with life, breath and sustain us with healthy soils/earth, water, and foods. We are so lucky living on the Central Coast as we are surrounded by the best nature has to offer. With that privilege comes a responsibility to protect and look after her as she does us and maybe it is time to repay the unconditional love. Join us in 2021. Hale Adasal CEN Chairwoman

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

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NEWS

PAGE 5

14 JANUARY 2021

Fury over toilet block demolition More than 75 residents met on Sunday, January 3, to protest Central Coast Council’s abrupt decision to demolish a popular public toilet facility at Hardys Bay. The 5pm protest came as a result of an unexpected announcement that the facilities at the Araluen Dr public wharf were to be flattened. Council notified the President of the Hardys Bay Residents Group of the decision on December 16 via a snail mail letter. Council said in the letter that the decision to demolish the site rested on four factors: the age of the building exceeds 34 years; the building is in poorcondition with damaged timber and cladding; the facilities are unable to meet disability access requirements; and the amenity is not regularly used. President of the Residents Group, Adrian Williams, said he disagreed with Council’s rationale, but noted that the location didn’t allow for disability access. “The age of the buildings would in any other circumstances (see them) heritage listed,” Williams said.

A group of over 75 residents protested against the expected demolition

“As Council have been negligent in maintaining the buildings, it is not surprising they need some work to bring them back to [a] pristine condition. “It is unfortunate the (toilets) do not comply with handicap requirements, however (with) the location at the water’s edge and at the bottom of a steep rise, it would be difficult to completely comply. “In respect (to) minimal use, the community is not aware of any Council surveys to establish this. “The toilets are constantly in

use - they are used by picnickers, walkers, people exercising, tradesmen, boaters and the public in general.” In collaboration with the Killcare to Wagstaffe Community Association, the Residents Group has put forward a counter proposal to Council, asking for the facility to be upgraded with disability access, and rebuilt in the same materials as other existing facilities around the Bay. However, a Council spokesperson said due to the four existing toilet facilities located within a 2.8km stretch

around the bay, the removal of the Araleun Dr toilets would not significantly affect the community. “Council takes its responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the five toilet blocks in the area seriously, however the Araluen Dr toilets have reached the end of their usable life,” the spokesperson said. “The two timber toilets at Araluen Dr are believed to have been constructed in the 1960s. “The two other toilet facilities in the area are of similar age but are a different construction

- brick rather than timber. “Council cleaning staff attend the site daily and monitor usage by cleanliness, and consumables’ consumption.” Community members were outraged that Council had not provided any community consultation about the future of the 56-year-old facility. Hardys Bay resident, Ann Pederson, said she was shocked by the decision and wants the facilities to be retained and upgraded. “If the toilets are demolished, people caught short will relieve

themselves publicly on the foreshore reserves,” Pederson said. “(It’s) not only hazardous to public health but comprises a punishable offensive conduct offence under NSW law. “Council’s threatened removal of essential public toilets will force people to break the law.” The Residents Group also maintains the toilet block provides a valuable asset in supplying potable water when the residential water main breaks in the area. It is recommending Council look into installing a fire hydrant connection for firefighting in case the large water main breaks at a time of crisis. However, a Council spokesperson said the idea wasn’t viable. “Toilet blocks are not viable as a potable water supply when main breaks occur, they are connected to the same main as residents in the area,” the spokesperson said. “This applies to fire hydrants which are also generally connected to the main water supply.” Maisy Rae

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NEWS

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Patonga firies commended Two volunteer firies from the Peninsula have been commended for their efforts in containing the large bushfires which ravaged large parts of NSW last summer. In December, Central Coast Council shared a collection of unique stories from 15 local heroes who stood up and helped support the community during the crisis. Volunteers, frontline workers and community representatives were all recognised in the document, including Patonga’s Nicole Bergan and Matt Hauser. Senior Deputy Captain, Matt Hauser, of the Patonga Volunteer Bushfire Brigade was acknowledged for his bravery during the bushfires last summer. Hauser said it was an extremely tough and emotional time for his team and was something he had never seen before. “Anything can change at any time, wind changes, things like that,” Hauser said. “You can spot fire over containment lines, which happened to us on many occasions [and] then all of a sudden, you’re surrounded by fire and you’ve got to try and get that out before it goes into

Senior Deputy Captain, Matt Hauser, of the Patonga Volunteer Bushfire Brigade

people’s properties. “It was terrible ... that’s all I can say. “It was hot, you were exhausted when you came back, you’d get phone calls saying ‘Can you go out again, we need the people’, so you just gear up and do it again [and] that’s what we do.” Hauser and his team fought to contain the Green Wattle Creek bushfire, which began on November 27, 2019, and lasted over two months. “The noise of that fire coming up that ridge, it just sounded like a freight train ... there’s no other way to describe it, it just roared up that hill,” Hauser said. “Before you could see the

flames coming up that ridge, all you could feel was the radiating heat. “For three months I just smelt like a barbecue - like burnt wood.” Hauser explained the toll it takes on families, with many people left wondering about the safety of their loved ones out in the field. “When you came home, your wife and kids, they hug you because they don’t know there is no reception out there,” Hauser added. “For them to support you through that, as a volunteer, is the best thing you could ask [for]. “My kids go to school and [say] ‘dad’s a hero’ but I don’t

do it for that, I’ve always wanted to be community involved. “Since I’ve been in the brigade up here it’s like my second family; I treat them all like I do my family ... without my other members I’m nothing.” The Coast was fortunate to sustain relatively little damage in last summer’s bushfires, with only four residential homes, one facility, and 15 outbuildings lost. Coast firies managed to save 401 houses, 40 facilities and 51 outbuildings which were in the direct line of fires, and most importantly, no lives were lost. However, the season still took its toll on locals.

Call out officer, Nicole Berga

Patonga’s Nicole Bergan, a call out officer from the volunteer bushfire brigade, was also named in Council’s collection of stories. Bergan said the last bushfire season was a terrifying experience and something her team had never seen before. “Usually a fire goes for a week maybe, but this was terrifying, it was all consuming,” Bergan said. “There was a possibility that it wasn’t going to stop until it hit the ocean - that is exactly what I thought. “There was a lot of people that I think … believed that.” Bergan’s role as a call out officer is to allocate a team to go out and then maintain

contact with the crew whilst they’re in the field. “I think it was really hard managing that last summer because there were so many fires, so many calls for crews and the fatigue levels were really high,” Bergan said. “I get scared and I get nervous and I get apprehensive when I hear things happening on the radio because I can listen. “They are all part of me ... it’s my team.” Locals are being asked to continue to share their stories of heroism and bravery by contacting Council.

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14 JANUARY 2021

Litter in creek causes concern

A shopping trolley was found abandoned

Woy Woy residents will be keeping a close eye on a drainage channel adjacent to Peninsula Leisure Centre which was cleared of litter and an abandoned shopping trolley following requests for comment from Central Coast Council by Pelican Post this week.

have waste left in the overgrown weeds. Resident Karen Cormie raised the alert after noticing the litter and beginning to clear the creek herself, also planting local native trees along the bank. “I was informed by the (Peninsula Leisure Centre) staff that bush care no longer operates due to COVID-19 (restrictions),” Cormie said.

The drainage channel, at the south of the Leisure Centre on Blackwall Rd, was found to

Residents called on Council to help clear the litter and overgrown weeds

“I don’t really understand how the pandemic can affect nature and people working in it as they are surrounded by fresh air and don’t need to congregate. “I can’t physically get down into the creek and lift out the shopping trolleys and other pollution filling it. “Many residents love this area but don’t know how or where to start.

“The land needs our immediate care and so I am asking (Council) for help.” Cormie asked Council to send support to help clear the exotic weeds in the area that were having an effect on the native plants. When asked about the waste, a Council spokesperson initially said inspections on the creek had continued. “Council staff inspect and

schedule the removal of any waste affecting the flow of stormwater within the channel on a priority risk basis,” the spokesperson said. “Council encourages the community to take responsibility for their waste and reminds them that the dumping of litter into our waterways can cause significant impacts for our environment.”

Following requests for comment from the Pelican Post early this week, we were advised as we went to print that the waste had now been removed from the creek. Council recommends residents report issues such as drainage blockages or litter in waterways or drains though centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ customerportal Maisy Rae

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Abseiling to be allowed in Bouddi National Park In a first for adventureseekers, rock climbing and abseiling will be introduced in Bouddi National Park as part of a new management plan to help bolster naturebased tourism. The announcement comes as part of the NSW Government’s new Bouddi National Park Plan of Management which was released on December 18. Climbers will need to ensure the safety of the fixed anchor points themselves prior to use with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) loosely managing the activity. For people wishing to climb in groups greater than eight, consent will be required from the park service. Impacts of rock climbing will be monitored in fragile areas of the park and climbing will be managed by a recognised code of conduct, with NPWS also set to impose other restrictions to help manage environmental, visitor experience and safety issues. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the Plan expands options for future uses of the National Park while protecting its unique biodiversity.

Rock climbing and abseiling are to be introduced in Bouddi National Park Photo: Justin Stanley

“This is the second Plan to have ever been adopted by the NSW Government for Bouddi, and replaces the Plan which dates back to 1985,” Crouch said.

“This new Plan has been updated to reflect the NSW Government’s vision for future visitation, recreation and conservation of this beautiful part of the Central Coast.”

The Plan also formally recognises a new walking track from Wagstaffe to Half Tide Rocks with upgrades to sections of the track to be planned within the next five

years. The section of the Flannel Flower Walking Track across Pretty Beach will also be considered in cooperation with the property owners.

The document also outlines options for the provision of mountain biking opportunities to be investigated, before developing a biking plan in consultation with the community. Assessment of the proposed tracks will also consider ecological sustainability, appropriateness of the location, visitor demands and safety, and the availability of resources. The Plan also details a longterm plan to monitor visitor behaviour and implement night closures at Putty Beach and Mount Bouddi day use areas, as required, to reduce antisocial behaviour. Wood fireplaces at the Mount Bouddi Day Use Area and Dingeldei Memorial Shelter will also be retained. With over 1500 hectares of land, Bouddi National Park is home to more than 600 native plant and animal species, and over 70 significant Aboriginal cultural sites. The release of the Plan follows a $1.4M commitment by the NSW Government to upgrade the Bouddi Coastal Walk in four stages over the next three years. Maisy Rae

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NORTHCONNEX DELIVERED The $3 billion NorthConnex mega-project will be a game changer for Central Coast motorists. Reducing travel times by up to 15 minutes each way

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PAGE 10 14 JANUARY 2021

NEWS

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Arboretum has big plans for 2021 Pearl Beach Arboretum revealed some interesting plans for 2021 when it handed down its summary of events for 2020. President Victoria Crawford thanked the team of volunteers for their help and commended three new lifetime members. “One of the final moments of the year gave us the opportunity to give out three life membership awards to Tony Grantham, Bruce Holzhauser and Duncan Bendall-Charles,” Crawford said. “They have spent many years working with us and we look forward to many more.” Crawford also noted the The Arboretum increased its wedding bookings last year due to its open outdoor space

group’s redevelopment of the propagation shed and said the new year should see an abundance of new plants growing. Results from the group’s koala project are also expected to be determined early this year after the “koala song meters” were deployed in December. After a visit from Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, the Arboretum also has some ideas about how to improve accessibility in 2021. And following the construction of a new bridge over Green Point Creek in November, Crawford said she hopes the Arboretum can work with Central Coast Council again

over several years to ensure all the bridges are replaced. Despite the disruption and losses to many businesses caused by COVID-19, the Arboretum actually increased its bookings for wedding ceremonies at its cottage. The Arboretum and its cottage can be booked for other events such as art and yoga classes and other educational and community events. More information on the availability for events can be found at The Pearl Beach Arboretum website. Source: Media release, Jan 5 President of Crommelin Native Arboretum, Victoria Crawford

RSL sub-branch calls for younger members The Ettalong, Hardy’s Bay and Woy Woy RSL subbranch is putting out the call to young ex-service men and women to join the group and help support veterans. The sub-branch is asking for younger members of the exservices community to either help aid others or reach out

themselves to have a talk with the support network. President Bevan Router said the committee would soon face changes due to planned retirements and reduced finances. “It’s time for further review and re-organisation ... and to do this we are doing some recruitment,” Router said.

“We would like to see more involvement of younger men and women who have left the defence forces.” The sub-branch aims to provide ex-service men and women assistance in obtaining access to government and community sources and help them relocate into local communities. Interim treasurer Ian Weekley

said he wanted to reassure prospective members on their level of involvement with the club. “You can do as much or as little as you want or are able to do,” Weekley said. “Just be assured that anything you can do will be useful to someone – and you might just be helping yourself and your family too.

“We could also do with some help with the website and social connectivity.” The group is also looking for a new treasurer ahead of its annual general meeting on February 12. Weekley said the vacant role will need to be filled so the subbranch can continue to support the ex-services community whilst continuing its activities

within the wider community. The vacancy comes after the sub-branch moved offices from Picnic Pde to Ettalong Diggers, where it obtained office space in September under a long-term arrangement. Source: Media release, Dec 8 Secretary of Ettalong, Hardy’s Bay and Woy Woy RSL, David Anderson

Jane Smith

Independent ...working for our community

Council’s Budget process The legislation that governs Councils states that “a council must have a plan (its operational plan) that is adopted before the beginning of each year”. Councils would be in breach of legislation if they do not adopt an Operational Plan and Budget by the end of June each year. (In 2020, all Councils were given an extension due to COVID19). Below is a brief outline of the process from a Councillor perspective: • The process is well underway by the end of December the prior year. Staff within the organisation are working behind the scenes to identify priorities, budgets and capital works to be included in the Operational Plan. • Councillors receive a preliminary briefing in November to outline timeframes and the proposed structure of the Operational Plan. • A key part of the budget process is a Councillor workshop in February. This is a two day workshop where staff present the draft Operational Plan and Councillors provide input and direction. In considering the draft Operational Plan, there are discussions about

deficit / surplus, key projects or initiatives and the distribution of services and capital works across the region. Ward Councillors bring local knowledge and local priorities to these discussions— examples include roads or pathways, water and drainage works that are a priority for the community, the need for town centre activation or facilities for tourism. • After the workshop, there may be further briefings and then the draft plan goes on exhibition. • Depending on submissions from the community, the plan may be amended before a final version comes to Council for adoption by the end of June. There would be a similar process happening in all Councils around the State. These processes are detailed and a lot of work happens within the organisation before information is presented to Councillors. Not all Councillors attend workshops and briefings and discussions amongst Councillors can be robust. There is also a need to better communicate and engage with our community about this process. The current financial problems highlight this even further.

Capital Works - delivering infrastructure for communities The 30 Day Interim Report outlined that “Council had embarked on an expanded capital works program” with some of this expenditure using restricted funds without approval. This has contributed to Council’s current financial crisis. Some commentary in the community is suggesting that these funds have been wasted or misspent. Capital works includes a lot of the physical work that our community sees including roads, drainage, cycleways and fire trails. A recent Council report (2 Dec, 2020) stated that at the time of amalgamation, Council inherited an enormous asset backlog of works. Part of a Council’s financial performance is measured through ratios and indicators that are set by the State government, with some of these relating directly to infrastructure. The “infrastructure backlog ratio” shows what proportion the backlog is against the total value of a Council’s infrastructure. The State government has a benchmark of less than 2%. In June 2017, the Central Coast had a ratio of 2.61, in 2018 it was 2.42 and in 2019 the ratio was 2.41. Many Councils do not meet the benchmark set by the State government. At June 2019, 69 out of 128 Councils were above the benchmark. (Source: Office of Local Government). The long term financial plan for Central Coast Council showed that the infrastructure backlog was going to continue to be a challenge during the next 10 years. The breakdown of capex over recent years shows that the majority goes towards roads, transport, drainage and waste - all areas that are high priorities for residents and ratepayers. Water and Sewer is usually the next largest component. The most recent review of Council’s budget (2 Dec) confirmed this proportion of capital expenditure even after changes were made to make savings.

Figures: Capital Works budgets as adopted by Council (Note that there may have been amendments after adoption)

Disclaimer - Views expressed in these articles are my own and do not represent the views of Council

Central Coast New Independents

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What The Pelican saw: a turbulent year in review MARCH

The Peninsula survived bushfires, floods, a global pandemic and the financial collapse of Central Coast Council, which saw councillors suspended, during 2020. As we look forward to what we all hope will be a brighter year, here’s a look back at the year that was.

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch called for another Return and Earn machine for the Peninsula to replace the one at Umina Mall destroyed by fire more than 12 months previously.

The year started with news that 1,700 homes at Umina Beach suffered a two-hour blackout during 43 degree heat on New Year’s Eve. Council also approved a manufactured home development on the IOOF aged housing site in Springwood St, Umina in which the existing 12 cottages were to be retained and 16 manufactured homes added. A fire that gutted the marine supply and repairs facility of Umina X-treme Marina did not dissuade its owners from keeping their doors open. There was news that Ettalong would get a spruce up in the lead up to Keep Australia Beautiful’s Tidy Towns competition and calls for continued funding for open-air film nights at Umina. Peninsula Villages CEO Shane Neaves criticised findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care for being too generalised. And new plans were submitted for a proposed $9.6M development in Ocean View Dr, Ettalong to house 25 apartments, while Crommelin Native Arboretum at Pearl Beach received a $20,000 grant from the Federal Government for its koala restoration project.

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The Peninsula’s Cricket Club Umina Spirit was fined $1,000 after members wore Hawaiian shirts in a game against Narara-Wyoming in support of the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Stumps Day. Umina Community Group called for a clean-up of the Umina mall site, which had remained derelict since a fire destroyed it 12 months previously. Heavy rain and high wind gusts caused extensive damage on the Peninsula and residents of Kingsview Hill at Umina petitioned for an ongoing maintenance program to reduce fire danger. Residents for Responsible Development Ettalong said revised plans lodged in for a six-storey residential development at Ettalong were even more non-compliant than the original application. The Save Our Coast group was pleased that Advent Energy withdrew its application for 3D seismic testing in waters off the Peninsula but was concerned the PEP 11 licence could still allow for drilling and possible seismic testing in the future. There was news that the redevelopment of Umina skate park was unlikely to start before July and more heavy rain and high winds on February 8-10 caused power cuts, road closures and the cancellation of train services from Woy Woy. Three Peninsula projects received more than $7,500 in funding from Council’s community grants funding scheme and Killcare Heights residents challenged a claim by the Wagstaffe/Killcare Community Association that there was widespread support for a communications tower in Wards Hill Rd.

Residents were invited to participate in the development of a masterplan for Mt Ettalong Reserve and Pearl Beach Progress Association called for lifeguards at the beach over the summer period. In property news, St Andrew’s church sold for $1.43M at auction and Blue Wave living lodged an application for a $12M upgrade of its Woy Woy residential aged care facility. Environmental projects on the Peninsula attracted $174,500 in Council funding and feedback on Council also considered an application for a six-townhouse development at Woy Woy and sought community feedback on possible improvements to Peninsula Leisure Centre and Peninsula Theatre. Council’s draft Urban Spacial Plan indicated it did not adequately address flood, sea level rise and erosion on the Peninsula. Pearl Beach Progress Association began planning for a major hall upgrade and Wagstaffe/Killcare Community Association said it would agitate for better parking at Hardy’s Bay and more park and walking track maintenance in Bouddi National Park. Umina Surf Lifesaving Club conducted 53 rescues on March 21-22 while commercial fishers working in waters off Patonga said they were struggling to make ends meet following State Government reforms to the fishing industry. COVID-19 made its first mark on the Peninsula with the closure of Peninsula Leisure Centre, Peninsula Theatre and libraries, all classed as non-essential services under social restrictions introduced by the State Government. We shared many stories of Peninsula residents returning from overseas and going into quarantine in the face of the pandemic as community events began to be cancelled and Peninsula schools began preparing for at-home learning. Woy Woy Little Theatre announced it would reschedule plays planned for production in 2020 to 2021.

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at 433 Ocean Beach Rd, Umina Beach, were being considered by Council. Woy Woy tip was closed, along with others in the region, to all but essential waste services.

MAY

In April, work began on temporary modifications to Woy Woy wharf as a lead-up to the major development expected to get underway in June. The first stage of the works included construction of a floating pontoon, to be used by ferry services during the second stage. Health figures on April 16 revealed there were 12 coronavirus cases on the Peninsula. Woy Woy Leagues Club announced its permanent closure after being forced to temporarily close in March due to coronavirus restrictions. There was news that the Woy Woy wharf upgrade, revamps for Woy Woy and Umina town centres and Everglades drainage work had received funding in Council’s 2020-21 capital works program. Arts Minister Don Harwin resigned following controversy over his residence at his Pearl Beach holiday home during the height of social and travel restrictions. Ettalong Diggers asked residents to commemorate Anzac Day in their driveways at 6am on April 25, with traditional services cancelled due to the pandemic, and MPs Liesl Tesch and Adam Crouch urged residents to observe restrictions around our beaches and look out for each other. The last house in the Umina main shopping strip was set for demolition with the approval of a $2.1M commercial development and café at 323-325 West St and plans for a six-unit development

Nine Peninsula organisations were granted almost $200,000 under the Community Building Partnership Program, with half of that sum going to Umina Men’s Shed for new premises. St Huberts Island Residents Group said a new safety fence proposed for the Island Bridge was “overkill” and would do little to deter jumpers. A section of Bouddi National Park was closed for two days as materials for a proposed upgrade of the bush walk trail were helicoptered in. Popular Woy Woy postmaster David Camden retired after a 35year career. Fears were raised over the ongoing security of pocket parks on the Peninsula with the release of Council’s draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, which also outlined a revitalisation plan for Woy Woy. A five-storey hotel was approved for Ettalong Beach despite non-compliance with planning guidelines. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce joined Business NSW and

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PAGE 13 14 JANUARY 2021

other chambers in launching a Buy Local campaign in the face of COVID-19 and Woy Woy tip reopened.

JUNE

A new carpark 800m from Woy Woy station and an extra level on the Deepwater carpark were two options put forward under the Central Coast Carparking Study Implementation Plan adopted by Council. It was revealed Woy Woy could see 6,000 new dwellings by 2036 under guidelines outlined in the draft Strategic Plan and Council planned to implement three of nine recommendations made in the Pearl Beach Lagoon Coast Management Plan, formulated nine years previously. The community group Operation Soap in Public Toilets began to agitate for Council to ensure hand sanitisation facilities were provided in all public amenities on the Peninsula. The campaign was later vindicated with Council deciding reinstall hand sanitisation at all public facilities on the Peninsula. The Commuter Coast Connect minibus service at Woy Woy was cancelled following a 12 month trial. Registered clubs on the Peninsula finally reopened with social distancing restrictions in place. Woy Woy Bay resident John Della Bosca received an AM in the Queen’s Birthday honours list for services to public health. Roadworks on the Peninsula received $1.4M in State and

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ADELAIDE

Federal funding and planning continued on how $5M committed by the Federal Government for improved commuter car parking at Woy Woy would be spent. Former Member for Gosford and Gosford Mayor Malcolm Brooks passed away. \

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Council sought feedback on a proposed upgrade of the intersection of Hobart and Central Melbourne Avenues at Umina Coast Council and recommissioned the groundwater treatment plant at its Woy Woy depot.

A Woy Woy man and his daughter tested positive for the coronavirus, with residents who travelled on certain train services used by the man prior to his positive result urged to be tested.

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy celebrated its 70th birthday while a petition calling for a pedestrian crossing on Mt Ettalong Rd at Etta St attracted 500 signatures. A police investigation was launched into a booby trap found on a trail in Bouddi National Park, thought to have been set to sabotage mountain bike riders and Council’s Parking Plan, with Woy Woy as a focus, was reopened for public comment. Ettalong’s Red Carpet Day and the Coastal Twist festival were postponed due to COVID-19 and work began on the revamp of James Browne Oval. A new playground was officially opened at Empire Bay and the Council budget set aside $26M for projects on the Peninsula over the next year It was announced that a laneway connecting Umina and Ocean Beach surf clubs would become primarily a pedestrian thoroughfare, with seating, signage and landscaping to be installed at a cost of just over $300,000. Woy Woy was identified as one of the region’s graffiti hotspots. Pearl Beach Food and Wine Fair planned for September and next year’s Opera in the Arboretum were the latest casualties of COVID-19. A planning expert said Pearl Beach homes could be under threat from beach erosion and the main construction phase on the new Woy Woy wharf began.

It was announced solar panels would be used to shade 103 cars at Deepwater Plaza. The Local Planning Panel approved an 11-room boarding house for Umina Beach and a hardware supply store at Woy Woy and Council sought public comment on a plan to reinstate alcohol free zones at seven sites on the Peninsula. A new workshop was approved for Umina Beach Men’s Shed and Pozieres House opened. The controversy over a proposed fence for the St Huberts Island Bridge heated up, with newly formed group the Bridge Warriors calling on Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks to intervene. Four fire trucks and 40 firefighters extinguished a house fire at Killcare Heights. The Everglades County Club submitted changes to its proposed renovations and a manufactured home park in Springwood St, Umina, neared completion.

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It was announced Woy Woy war memorial would get a facelift, thanks to a grant of almost $10,000 from the State Government. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch announced work had begun on a $7M roundabout at the corner of Maitland Bay Dr and Picnic Pd, Ettalong. There was more community agitation for buildings at the firedestroyed Umina Mall to be razed in the interests of civic pride. Arts Minister Don Harwin was reinstated following his resignation over a controversial stay at his Pearl Beach holiday home in April. Councillors voted 8-6 to give themselves a pay rise with councillors who voted against the move saying it was a slap in the face for a community still struggling through COVID-19. Seals were spotted sunning themselves in Woy Woy Bay and Council produced a town centre activation package for the Peninsula. Peninsula Villages CEO Shane Neaves announced construction of the 114-bed aged care facility Pozieres House was nearing completion, with an opening set for August. Central Coast Conservatorium artistic director Patrick Brennan, of Phegan’s Bay, praised the community for its support since a chain saw accident in May saw him almost lose his hand.

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Woy Woy businesses north of Dunban and McMasters Rds were included in a business fibre zone, allowing them access to internet speeds of up to 952 megabits per second and news came that agreements were being finalised to allow disabled access between Deepwater Plaza carpark and the Pavilion at Woy Woy. ANZ announced plans to close its doors on November 11 and a

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Umina restaurant in Trafalgar Ave lodged an application to demolish part of its operation to make way for a take away kiosk. Member for Gosford Lucy Wicks reinforced the need for the St Huberts Island bridge fence but asked Council to make some design modifications. Community activist Errol Smith stepped up a campaign to save the heritage listed Empire Bay boatshed, earmarked for possible demolition by Crown Lands, with 600 signatures collected on a petition so far. Central Coast Disaster Relief announced plans to expand its operations to the Peninsula and a development application was lodged for improvements to Booker Bay marina. Council made its financial situation known, saying it faced a cash crisis and a possible $89M deficit. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, announced there would be no State Government loan or exemption for Council to access restricted funds in the face of the financial crisis.

NOVEMBER

Umina beach was one of only five in the region to show an improvement in water quality in the 2019-20 NSW State of the Beaches report and it was announced a brick wall in Chambers Place, Woy Woy, which has been the constant target of graffiti vandals, would get an artistic makeover with a sanctioned mural. Wagstaffe/Killcare Community Association announced it had partnered with other groups to produce a Community Resilience Plan as La Nina made its presence known along the coastline. Live performances under the Great Southern Nights initiative were announced for the Peninsula and the Wagstaffe bus shelter got an artistic makeover thanks to the persistence of dedicated residents. Demolition works finally began on the Umina Mall site, gutted by fire almost two years ago, with work on a new mall expected to start early in 2021. Deepwater Plaza went solar with the addition of multiple panels over its carpark and Council announced it would sell $30M in assets but gave assurances COSS lands on the Peninsula would remain untouched. Native flora was vandalised on the Pretty Beach dog track.

DECEMBER

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PAGE 15 14 JANUARY 2021

A new speed limit was imposed for the Ettalong channel in an effort to discourage jet skiers and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch called for more affordable housing on the Peninsula, following reports house prices had risen by 15 per cent in the last quarter. Peninsula Chamber of Commerce raised concerns that a mooted sale of Council’s Gosford chambers could lead to underrepresentation for the area. Everglades Lagoon Wetlands Bushcare Group was named most outstanding community organisation by the Community Environment Network (CEN). Killcare/Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade scored a new truck and six young creatives on the Peninsula were recognised in the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Awards. Peninsula residents were told they could face a rate rise of 15 per cent for the 2021-22 financial year as Council continued to implement financial mitigation measures and concerns were raised over dangerous waste, including asbestos, on Ettalong Beach. A long-term water main problem at Hardy’s Bay sparked tension between community groups and Council And, to close out the year, Santa arrived by motor bike for his annual Empire Bay pre-Christmas visit. Terry Collins These stories and more available at coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast Newspapers launched a new masthead specifically covering the Peninsula area - the Pelican Post. Following the suspension of all Central Coast councillors on October 30 by Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock, interim Administrator Dick Persson took the reins on November 3, to be assisted by acting CEO Rik Hart. Persson undertook to provide a report within 30 days on Council’s financial crisis.

It was announced Council’s 2020-21 deficit would blow out to $115M with an overall debt of more than half a billion dollars as Administrator Dick Persson handed down his 30 day report.

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PAGE 16 14 JANUARY 2021

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Bendigo Bank gives back to community A number of projects on the Peninsula were boosted last year by grants from Ettalong’s Bendigo Bank in a bid to support grassroots community initiatives. Notable donations included a $50,000 grant to spark plans for the Umina Skate Park Precinct upgrades, a $34,000 fund to support youth programs through the Peninsula PCYC, and a $70,000 donation to the Umina Beach Men’s Shed to help build a new shed. Branch manager of Community Bank Ettalong Beach, Peter McKeon, said the 16-year-old branch has always tried to give back to the community through local investments. “When the big banks left Ettalong, local shareholders got together to make sure there was still banking here,” McKeon said. “And now with 240

shareholders, our rule is that we only give 20 per cent of our profits back to our shareholders each year in the form of dividends, with the remainder available to assist in community projects. “There is a verification process with the applications, but we aren’t looking for specific plans ... we’re always actively looking for worthwhile community projects.” McKeon said the branch is now involved in a range of initiatives to support victims of domestic violence, including offering no interest loans to families across the Coast, and regular donations to organisation Relief Beyond Crisis. The branch’s recent $70,000 commitment to assist in the relocation of the Umina Beach Men’s Shed on Osborne Ave has “made a world of difference”, according to Men’s

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch with Ettalong Bendigo Bank Manager, Peter McKeon

Shed Secretary, Vic Brown. “It makes the work possible - without those donations and assistance, it would take our members a very long time to

raise enough money,” Brown said. Funding from the bank has also recently reached Ettalong Public School, with a $5000

donation to help purchase food for its Breakfast Club. Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the Bendigo Bank team does some incredible work across the local community. “Bendigo Bank’s funding initiatives and profit-withpurpose model show us just how easy it is for all of us to contribute every day to a better and stronger community,” Tesch said. “We can all put our money where our mouth is and with a simple switch of bank, we can have a remarkable difference on our community and local quality of life.” Tesch also noted that as soon as she was elected in April, 2017, she opened the Gosford’s electorate account in Bendigo Bank, knowing that 80 per cent of any profits made by the bank would be returned back into the community.

“I encourage community organisations to reach out to apply for any grants and to support their members in switching to their local Bendigo community bank ... it’s a twoway thing,” Tesch said. “They really focus on community needs.” Coast-wide, Bendigo Community branches in East Gosford, Lisarow and Kincumber have all helped contribute $30,000 to provide palliative care equipment at Gosford Hospital, $50,000 to Regional Youth Support Services, and a $15,000 cheque to support Central Coast families who have a child with a prolonged illness. More information on how to apply for the community grants can be found on the Community Bank Ettalong Beach website. Maisy Rae

No policy on nuisance dogs Peninsula residents plagued by nuisance dogs will be interested to know Central Coast Council does not have a policy on dealing with nuisance or roaming dogs, despite the Central Coast having the highest rate of dog ownership in NSW. The region had 136,733 dogs as at September 30, 2020. The next biggest council area

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is Lake Macquarie with just over 89,000 dogs. The Coast also has the highest number of dog attacks reported through NSW councils. A total of 64 incidents were reported for the period July 1 to September 30, 2020. Council’s Companion Animals Advisory Group heard at its November meeting that staff would develop a policy. Staff will look at benchmarking

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against other Councils the area the rangers have to cover and look at what the standard should be. They will use this information to progress the development of a policy for nuisance and roaming dogs. The advisory committee heard earlier this year that Council was reviewing the dog park and off-leash strategy. A revised strategy was expected to be available for

community consultation before the end of the year. Nothing has come before council for permission to be sent out for public comment. The committee is now due to meet in February next year and it hopes to get an update on where that strategy is up to at that meeting. Source: Central Coast Council Watch Facebook page, December 24

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 17 14 JANUARY 2021

CCBUG resumes Social Sunday Cycles

138 Robina Town Centre Drive Robina Qld 4226 PO Box 3275 Robina Town Centre Qld 4230 Tel: 1300 36 0867 Fax: 1300 81 8962 email: artwork@localdirectories.com.au www.localdirectories.com.au Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) will continue its Social Sunday Cycles sessions with a ride to start at Fisherman’s Wharf, Woy Woy, on January 17. The free ride aims to help people feel confident about

riding on the road. CCBUG President, Alan Corvy, said the ride would be around 20kms in total and done at a relaxed paced on relatively quiet roads. “We will also stop for a coffee and a chat along the way; that is the social part,” Corvy said.

“We are trying to get more people who would normally ride on shared paths to start riding on the road, so then they can ride to other places and are not just stuck on the footpaths. “We will ride in small groups to make sure everyone is together, safe, and following the road rules.”

Corvy started CCBUG in 2013. “We started out as an advocacy group to try and work with the Council and State Government to improve facilities on the Coast,” he said. “Then we ventured into rides. “Most of our ride leaders work during the week, so it is

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mostly weekend rides.” All rides are free, but Corvy encourages people to join the group if they would like to continue riding. “There are just so many great places to visit by bicycle on the Coast - great beaches; beautiful waterways; scenic countryside; and lots of cafés and shops -

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PROOF and we want to help people get there in a healthy and environmentally friendly way,” he said. “All our rides are conducted in a COVID-safe way.” For more details visit ccbug. org.au/calendar. Terry Collins

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Grant awarded to ART-FULL WOMEN A meeting between Blackwall theatre practitioner Brenda Logan and Central Coast visual artist Kim Vredenveld sowed the seeds for what will be one of the most exciting arts projects the Peninsula has ever seen. Inspired by the meeting, during which the women discovered a shared belief in the value of community arts, Logan set about writing a grant application, with the support of Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and organisations such as Woy Woy Little Theatre, Central Coast Women’s Health Centre and Curves Erina. On December 1, 2020, the project ART-FULL WOMEN was awarded $35,000 by the Australia Council for the Arts, the arts funding and advisory body for the Federal Government. “ART-FULL WOMEN aims to raise awareness of issues impacting older women in our community and to promote theatre and creativity for

healthy ageing,” Logan said. “The project invites women from diverse cultural backgrounds and abilities to not only discover and share their artistic talents with each other through a series of free art and craft workshops but also gain the opportunity and skills to share their stories and talents with the wider community.” Under the guidance of experienced visual artists and theatre practitioners, together with support from mental health professionals, interested women over the age of 55 will be invited to participate in free workshops in Mixed Media, Life Drawing, Soft Sculpture, Ceramics and Theatre Skills from the end of January until mid-year. They will then be offered a public platform to express their views, have their stories heard and showcase their talents with a staged theatrical presentation and exhibition/ installation to be held at The Peninsula Theatre, Woy Woy, during Women’s Health Week

Brenda Logan

in September. Logan is no stranger to community arts projects. An actor, director, theatremaker, drama tutor and producer she has worked across the spectrum of theatre and performing arts including community cultural development with numerous organisations and companies

in Australia, Fiji and England. As Creative Producer with Darwin Community Arts, she spearheaded the Women’s Wisdom project in 2015 in collaboration with Playback Practitioner Shel O’Toole. The highly successful production, staged as part of International Women’s Day 2015 celebrations, played

before a large multicultural audience of men and women with the cast comprising women over the age of 55. It was the success of this project which inspired Logan to launch a similar enterprise after returning to live on the Central Coast a few years ago. Logan said artists involved in the project strongly believe making and creating art is a human right. “It not only enables people to share experiences, thoughts, feelings and imaginations but also improves well-being, reduces social isolation and has the ability to transform lives,” she said. “We are looking for women with performance experience who want the opportunity to showcase their talents and for women who have stories they wish to share, issues they want to raise, and who have never been on stage before but want to increase their confidence and find the courage to share their stories with the wider community.

“We need women who want to join in a conversation about healthy ageing and what that means; and women who want to discover and learn new artistic skills enabling them to create and make art.” Logan said with the Coast identified as an area of social disadvantage, especially for older women, the project offered the perfect medium for addressing social inequality and disadvantage by increasing connections. If you identify as female and are aged over 55, with or without performance skills, and would like to create beautiful artworks and gain the confidence to perform in public, Logan would like to hear from you. She would also like to hear from any local organisations which can offer workshop space. Contact 0419 256 530 or email artfullwomen@gmail. com for more information or to register interest. Terry Collins

Cooling neckties for Red Cross Following a huge donation of neckties and fire-rated socks to the Central Coast RFS, CWA Woy Woy has helped yet another community organisation by donating additional cooling neckties on December 2.

Ladies from CWA Woy Woy and Central Coast’s Red Cross Emergency Services team

President Jane Bowtell said she was approached by the Central Coast’s Red Cross Emergency Services team leader, Lauraine Martinus, who wanted to buy and distribute the neckties. CWA Woy Woy had already distributed most of their

neckties to RFS volunteers but decided to donate more cooling neckties to the Australian Red Cross volunteers. “After heatwave conditions of the (previous) few days it was a pleasure to meet with two ladies from Red Cross and hand over 68 cooling neckties for them to distribute to vulnerable residents in our community,” Bowtell said. She said Martinus had been expecting to receive 10-30 neckties, so was pleasantly surprised when they received 68. The donation handover fell

within the same week as International Volunteer Day, where communities pay tribute to volunteers who dedicate

their time, compassion, and support to others in need. Hayley McMahon

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 19 14 JANUARY 2021

Ettalong author’s tale of growing up in New Zealand An Ettalong author has described his experience growing up in post-war, country New Zealand in a novel released earlier this month. John Burgess’s memoir entitled Life, Luck and Liaisons details his childhood, schooling stories and farming and sailing adventures in the form of letters. Burgess said his book is reminiscent of Barry Crump’s A Good Keen Man and said readers will be able to relate to the difficulties of father-son relationships.

“I relate my experiences at a leading private boarding school exposing a hierarchical cult that is no longer encouraged in those institutions but that many at the time were familiar with but were too afraid to divulge,” Burgess said. “Hopefully, readers will also enjoy the tales of my sea heritage and ocean sailing on American yachts.” Burgess grew up in country New Zealand during the 1950s and began to work in livestock management on a cropping farm in the country’s Southland. After applying for a year-long correspondence course with

the London School of Journalism, Burgess presented his first freelance efforts to The Herald’s supplementary paper, The Weekly News. He was then encouraged to submit a weekly article based on his rural experiences, before leaving New Zealand to board a yacht, swapping farming stories for tales of travelling. Along his sailing adventures through the Pacific and Indonesian waters, Burgess wrote detailed letters to his parents. The former journalist said his mother saved the letters and returned them years later,

inspiring him to write the novel. “I unexpectedly received a parcel that contained letters that I had written to my parents from my boarding school days onwards,” Burgess said. “I took this as an omen and decided to set down my memoirs, originally thinking they might be of interest to my grandchildren.” And now several years and 1500 pages of data later, Burgess has collated his tales and old newspaper articles to form the novel, published by Xlibris AU. Burgess said he would like readers to take away the

positives of opportunity from his novel. “We should be ready to make the most of opportunities that come our way,” he said. “There may be setbacks along the way, but if we believe in ourselves, we can enhance our own personal growth.”

Burgess now resides at Ettalong Beach with his wife Jenny. Life, Luck and Liaisons is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Source: Media release, Dec 18 Xlibiris Publishing Australia

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Ettalong Beach author, John Burgess, released his memoir book this month

Burgess holding a picture of him sailing in Indonesian waters

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Thursday 14 January

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5:00 CGTN English News 5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 9:00 The Morning Show Summer 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 10:00 Stan Grant’s One Plus One Series [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 1:00 PBS Newshour (PG) [s] 2:00 America In Color: Of Here! (M) [s] 10:30 Bird Nerd: The Art Of Leila 12:00 Movie: “Speedway” (PG) (’68) 1:00 Explore [s] The 1950s (M) Stars: Elvis Presley, Nancy 1:15 Movie: “Make It Happen” (PG) 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] Jeffreys (PG) [s] 2:50 Great British Railway 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 11:00 ABC News Special Coverage: Sinatra, Bill Bixby, Victoria (’08) Stars: Mary Elizabeth Journeys (PG) Winstead, Tessa Thompson 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] Coronavirus Pandemic [s] Paige Meyerink, William 4:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Schallert, Gale Gordon 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Delta Goodrem (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 1:00 Proof (M l,s) [s] 5:00 Letters And Numbers (PG) [s] 2:30 Border Security International 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 2:30 Sando (M d,s) [s] 5:30 Motor Sport: Dakar Rally 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... 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To 10:00 Blue Bloods: 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 8:25 The Rise Of The Nazis: reach the next checkpoint, they Redemption (M) [s] Renegades *Live* From 7:00 ABC News [s] Politics (M) Docklands Stadium [s] must choose to travel through 11:00 This Is Us: Birth Mother (M) [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] either Bolivia or Chile. 12:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 9:30 World On Fire (M) (In English/ 11:00 Movie: “Lost In Space” (PG) 8:00 Scottish Vets Down Under French/ German/ Polish) 1:00 The Project (PG) [s] (’98) Stars: William Hurt, Mimi 11:00 World’s Worst Flights: (PG) [s] 2:00 The Late Show With Stephen 10:40 SBS World News Late Landings (M l) [s] Rogers, Heather Graham, Lacey 8:30 Rick Stein’s Secret France [s] Colbert (PG) [s] 11:10 24 Hours In Police Custody: 9:30 Miriam Margolyes Almost Chabert, Jack Johnson, Gary 11:50 The Horn: The Mountain (M) [s] 3:00 Home Shopping Predators (M l) 12:45 Tipping Point (PG) [s] Oldman, Matt LeBlanc Australian (M l) [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 12:35 Tin Star (MA15+) 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Headline News [s] 6:00 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 10:00 Test Cricket: Australia v India: 9:00 Today Extra Summer [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Test 4: Pre Game [s] 10:00 Rick Stein’s Secret France [s] 1:00 I’m A Celebrity... 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Monday 18 January

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5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 10:00 Test Cricket: Australia v India: 9:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Test 4: Pre Game [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 11:00 Day 4 *Live* [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 6:50 Football: Supercopa Espana 1:00 Movie: “It Takes Two” (G) (’95) 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 1:00 The Lunch Break [s] *Live* From Estadio de La Stars: Kirstie Alley 1:40 Day 4 *Live* [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Cartuja, Seville 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:40 Tea Break [s] 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] 9:00 Worldwatch 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Day 4 *Live* [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 2:00 America In Color: Organised 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Crime And The Mafia (M) 6:00 NBN News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: (PG) [s] 2:50 Great British Railway 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Sydney Thunder v Hobart 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys (PG) Hurricanes *Live* From Spotless 7:30 Gold Coast Cops (M v,l) [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are? 8:30 Movie: “The Magnificent Seven” 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Stadium [s] 4:25 Great American Railroad (M v) (’16) – With the town of 11:00 Station 19: Not Your Hero (M) 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Journeys (PG) Rose Creek under the deadly [s] – Ben reaches a new Of Here! (M) [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers milestone as a rookie and, as is control of industrialist 9:00 The Montreal Comedy Festival 6:00 Mastermind Australia tradition, receives something Bartholomew Bogue, the (MA15+) [s] – Just For Laughs 6:30 SBS World News from the crew. desperate townspeople employ featuring stand-up comedy from 7:35 The Architecture The 12:00 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical protection from seven outlaws, the most famous comedians Railways Built: Evidence: Countryside Killings: bounty hunters, gamblers and from Australia and beyond. Ribblehead (PG) Graham Backhouse (M v,l) [s] – hired guns. Stars: Denzel 10:00 Hughesy, We Have A Problem 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: A A murder and an attempted Washington, Chris Pratt (M) [s] Pillar Of Strength/ A Job For murder at a farmhouse in an 11:10 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Life (M) idyllic village deep in the 11:40 The First 48: Killer Connection/ 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 10:15 SBS World News Late Cotswolds. Bloody Birthday (M) [s] 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 10:45 Hamilton Agent (MA15+) 1:00 Home Shopping 12:35 Tipping Point [s] 2:00 Home Shopping (In Swedish/ English)

Tuesday 19 January

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6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Program To Be Advised 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Movie: “The Silver Brumby” (PG) (’93) Stars: Caroline Goodall, Russell Crowe 2:35 Sando (M s) [s] ] 3:00 Father Brown (PG) [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:25 Back Roads (PG) [s] 4:55 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 You Can’t Ask That (PG) [s] 8:30 Shaun Micallef’s On The Sauce (MA15+) [s] 9:30 Big Weather (And How To Survive It): Ready Together [s] 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 10:50 Glitch (M l,s) [s] 11:45 No Offence (M l,v) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 10:00 Test Cricket: Australia v India: Test 4: Pre Game [s] 11:00 Day 5 *Live* [s] 1:00 The Lunch Break [s] 1:40 Day 5 *Live* [s] 3:40 Tea Break [s] 4:00 Day 5 *Live* [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat *Live* From Marvel Stadium [s] 11:00 Chicago Fire: 51’s Original Bell (M) [s] – When one of the team gets injured on a call, Severide becomes obsessed with helping out. Meanwhile, Foster grapples with a big decision. Kidd is concerned for one of her high school trainees. 12:00 Black-ish: I’m A Survivor (PG) [s] – Dre reunites with his old crew when he goes to Compton for a funeral. 12:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Headline News [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 Movie: “A Home Of Our Own” 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] (PG) (’93) Stars: Kathy Bates, 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Edward Furlong, Clarissa 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] Lassig, Sarah Schaub, Miles 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Feulner, Amy Sakasit, T.J. 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Lowther, Soon-Tek Oh (PG) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Of Here! (M) [s] – Two celebs 7:30 Accidental Heroes: attempt the Camp Calamity trial Amazing Pets/ Kids (PG) [s] which sees all their camping 8:30 Kath & Kim: Hello Nails!/ High nightmares come true. And Dry/ Foxy On The Run (PG) 9:00 NCIS: Love Thy Neighbor (M) 10:15 Hamish & Andy’s Gap Year 10.00 NCIS: Los Angeles: Asia (PG) [s] Overdue (M) [s] 11:15 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:45 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] See Me (M v) [s] 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 12:35 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

Wednesday 20 January

Sunday 17 January

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Grand Designs: House Of The Year [s] 11:00 Gardening Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 The City And The City (M) [s] 2:00 The Letdown (M l,s) [s] 2:30 Sando (PG) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Heights (PG) [s] 4:30 Back Roads (PG) [s] 5:00 Escape From The City (PG) [s] 6:00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) [s] 6:30 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 8:30 Spicks and Specks (PG) [s] 9:20 QI: Road And Rail (M l) [s] 9:50 Program To Be Advised 10:50 ABC Late News [s] 11:10 Judi Dench’s Wild Borneo Adventure [s] 12:00 No Offence (M l,v) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show Summer Series [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “In The Line Of Duty: Smoke Jumpers” (PG) (’96) Stars: Adam Baldwin 2:00 Surf Patrol [s] 2:30 Border Security International (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Cricket: Big Bash League: Melbourne Renegades v Melbourne Stars *Live* From Marvel Stadium [s] 11:00 Movie: “V For Vendetta” (MA15+) (’11) – In fascist Great Britain, a shadowy freedom fighter known only as “V” begins a violent guerrilla campaign to destroy those who have embraced totalitarianism. Stars: Hugo Weaving

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “Honey” (PG) (’03) Stars: Jessica Alba 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Paramedics (M) [s] 8:30 The Inbetween: While The Song Remains The Same (M) 9:30 Chicago Med t (MA15+) [s] 10:30 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 New Amsterdam: The Denominator (M mp) [s] 11:50 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 12:45 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 1:15 Customs (PG) [s] 1:40 Paramedics (M) [s] 2:35 Chicago Med: The Ghosts Of Past (MA15+) [s] 3:30 US Presidential Inauguration *Live From Washington DC [s]

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

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

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

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour America In Color: Titans Of Industry (M) 2:50 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: Shane Jacobson (PG) 4:25 Great American Railroad Journeys (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Continental Railway Journeys 8:40 Bowled Over: Untold Australia (M) 9:40 Travel Man’s Greatest Trips: Arts And Crafts 10:35 SBS World News Late 11:05 The A Word (M l,s) 12:10 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 1:05 Deep State: White Noise/ Blood In The Sand (MA15+)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 America In Color: Playtime (M) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:50 Great British Railway 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] Journeys (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:20 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful Jane Turner (PG) (PG) [s] 4:20 Great American Railroad 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 7:30 I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out 6:30 SBS World News Of Here! (M) [s] 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: 9:00 Bull: To Save A Life (M) [s] Portsmouth Age Of Empire 9:30 Bull: Child Of Mine (M) [s] – Bull 8:30 The Last Journey Of The and Benny represent a couple Vikings being sued by their baby’s 9:30 Vikings: Lost Souls (MA15+) biological father for custody after 10:25 SBS World News Late a fertility clinic mistakenly used 10:55 24 Hours In Emergency: the wrong man’s sample. Liberation Day (M) 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:50 Movie: “The Workshop” (M l,s) 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] (’17) Stars: Nakhane Touré 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] (In French) 2:00 Home Shopping 1:50 War And Peace (MA15+)

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

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

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

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PUZZLES

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16 18

24 26

Across

Down

9 Playwright (9) 10 Moor (3,2) 11 Space surrounding an altar (7) 12 Quickly (7) 13 Runner (9) 14 Cougar (4) 18 Distinct sort or kind (7) 20 Surgical knife (7) 21 A great deal (4) 22 Herald (9) 26 Hedge (7) 28 Books of maps (7) 29 Young hooter (5) 30 Abbreviated (9)

1 Decree (5) 2 Executives (10) 3 Biting (9) 4 Fiddle (6) 5 Old liners (8) 6 The Roman Empire’s home country (5) 7 Large mass of floating ice (4) 8 As thumbs are (9) 15 Disagreeable (10) 16 Psalter (5,4) 17 Moon (9) 19 Astonishment (8) 23 Lea (6) 24 Threescore (5) 25 Stage whisper (5) 27 Depend (4)

25 28

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

C A R

C A O Z H A S E R E E N A I T R

I O U S B L I U OO E R S T X D O E T I N E E R N R A T G B O E A L D Y

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

4 S

E T I C

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L E5 S S A E T A 2 M N E A

Missing Link Solution:

J C C A R O I C A L T O Z H A U S E R M A E V E N A G I N T R

K Q L P I O U S B L I U OO Z E R D E S T X D H O E T I N E E R N B R A T G B W O F E R A L

Y S K E E P L A E L M S T A M H E N I G A C H EW E A F A I R D E

B L S OO Z E S J A S I R A T E O N G S T X G O V A L L E O N M E P E A S S I R S Q U A C K M H

2 4

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LAST WEEKS ANSWERS

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6 3

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 23 14 JANUARY 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN : FABULOUS FRANGIPANI into a pot of course sand and water well. Continue watering weekly and once roots form, transplant into your desired final position. Frangipani can be grown from seed and the interesting thing is that you will not obtain the exact same plant as you have. If you are lucky enough to have seed pods appear on your frangipani then by all means plant and look forward to a surprise. These seed pods do not always occur because their pollinator, the Sphinx Moth (Sphingidae), is not endemic to our areas. You can assist pollination by hand using fine wire to move pollen around the throat of the flowers. Healthcare

CHERALYN DARCEY

As the festive season blankets many parts of the world with images of snow, holly and winter dusted pine trees, here on the East Coast of Australia we look forward to the warm summer nights filling with the perfume of delightful frangipani (Plumeria spp.). So deep is our love affair with this easy to grow tree that one could easily be mistaken in thinking it was one of our natural natives. In fact, it is native to Central America and Mexico – but, fortunately, it just feels right at home here on the Central Coast. Frangipani History Early written history shows frangipani was favoured by the early Mayans. The Aztecs also used frangipani in elixirs to instil bravery in their warriors as well as beat general lethargy. Myths that have persisted into modern day in Mexico tell of gods being born from frangipani flowers. The tree is now found in suitable environments throughout the world. Priests shared frangipani throughout the world while travelling and establishing missions. At some point, it became the floral emblem of the city of Palermo, Sicily and the national tree of Nicaragua and of Laos where it is held as most sacred. All Buddhist temples across this country have a frangipani tree growing in their gardens as a connection to this sacredness. Hindu brides wear them as a symbol of their loyalty to their husbands and in China they are given to lovers to say ‘you are special and ‘I love you’ because of their rarity in this land. Across Polynesia the frangipani is worn by women to indicate their relationship status – behind the left ear if they are taken and the right if they are seeking a new partner. The Language of Flowers tells us frangipani means love that will withstand distance, freedom, welcome, immortality, strength and love in general. Where, When and How Most of us have the room to bring frangipani into our lives and gardens. They are slow growing, in fact most only grow about 20cm per year, and while this may not suit the impatient ‘instant tree’ folk, it is a trait that makes them perfect for many other uses. This along with their non-invasive, small ball, makes this summer favourite perfect for just about anywhere including large containers that can sit happily on sunny balconies and patios. Remember, Frangipani sap is toxic and a skin

irritant so care must be taken with placement and with handling during gardening. You will also need to be aware that frangipani will take a few years until the first flowers appear and that the vast majority are deciduous, meaning they will lose all their foliage in winter. Most standard types attaining a height of up to 6m with an umbrella shape to them and while they will tolerate light frosts, frangipani do far better in frost-free areas. They need a free-draining sandy soil and detest getting wet feet so be careful not to overwater. In winter, watering should be ceased altogether unless usually dry or hot days occur. If you have a clay soil, they will struggle, and this is the number one reason this beautiful tree fails to thrive and can even die. Although they can grow in most places, sun is critical and full sun most of the day is required. They also respond very well to a fish-based fertiliser and seaweed-based fertilisers and an increase in phosphorus can boost your summer flower show. Ensure that the root area is well mulched but allow space around the trunk to avoid water pooling. The Colours of Summer Aside from its delectable perfume, frangipani is now available in over 300 identified colourways – that’s right, 300! They will generally flower across the Central Coast from late November through until midApril. From whites through to creams, yellows, oranges, apricots, pinks of all shades to vibrant reds and on to even purple shades. Here are a few that you might consider for your garden. (A little tip, any named ‘ruba’ will have the strongest scent.) Common Frangipani (Plumeria alba) big beautiful trees and the stuff that millions of artworks, textile and home décor designs are based on. Fruit Salad Frangipani (Pulmeria acutifolia ‘Rubra’) is what grows in my garden and is my firm favourite. They are a tricolour plant variety that has a yellow centre melting to white and then tinged in pinks. Petite Pink Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa Dwarf) a popular potted frangipani that also works well as a hedge. Singapore Plumeria (Plumeria obtusa) also known as Pagoda Tree and Singapore Graveyard

Tree; this frangipani grows sweetly fragrant flowers in bunches. Darwin Blood Red Frangipani (Plumeria ruba) is probably a must for tropical inspired gardens with its brilliant re blossoms and deep coloured branches. North Queensland Blue Frangipani (Plumeria spp.) with its intoxicating fragrance and what appear to be blue flowers, this rare variety is much desired plant collectors and the frangipani obsessed. The blooms are not really blue but rather a light dusty purple that appear blue to the eye. Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) is not related to what we think of as ‘frangipani’ and although the fragrance is similar, closer observation will bear this out – the trees have a distinctive bark, are evergreen and the flowers are a lot smaller in size. Frangipani Propagation If you already have a magnificent frangipani or have found a neighbourhood specimen that you are lusting after, the best news is that creating a new frangipani tree is easy! You simply plant a branch in a pot, or the ground and a new tree is born. A few tips though to ensure your baby grows up health and strong. Cuttings can be taken at any time but the best time to ensure viability is to take a cutting from an existing tree from late spring to early summer. Hurry up -there is still time. There are a few methods of propagation, but this is my tried-and-true Coastie-method. Carefully remove any flowers and leaves from the lower 6cm and then place upright along an outside shaded wall or fence that is protected from rain and water for about a month. You could also keep in a dry and well-ventilated shed or garage. Once the end has completely dried out, plant Coast Coconut and Frangipani Beauty Oil This is my favourite and very easy recipe for a soothing and repairing face and all over body oil. GATHER 500ml jar with lid 500ml organic coconut oil loose cup of frangipani flowers fine mesh sieve smaller jar/jars to bottle

Tip: Pruning is not recommended at all and, if done, it is preferable to remove entire branches. Pruning outer/upper branches away will encourage, like most plants, a denser appearance as additional lower branches will then shoot. If your tree is very large, then you may also find that removing a few branches will assist the tree to become healthier and stronger as there will be less competition for food, sunlight and water. Occasionally in a frangipani with numerous branches, you may find inner and lower branches appearing black and withering – this is usually because small branches within the tree structure are not receiving adequate sunlight and need to be removed quickly before the rot sets in. To prune your frangipani use a sharp handsaw or loppers or even a chainsaw and ensure all cuts are vertical to stop pooling of water on the open areas to avoid rot. This tree can suffer from what is known as ‘frangipani rust’. It looks like the leaves are mottled in brown and dark patches on the top of leaves and you will see yellow pustules beneath them. A copper-based fungicide is the answer and must be applied to all surfaces and dropped leaves disposed of in the regular rubbish bin (but if the tree is overly affected, unfortunately you may have to remove entirely). UPCOMING GARDEN EVENTS This week I’m sharing a few online events and upcoming courses for those ‘stuck at home’: Sydney University - Beginner Gardening Course is enrolling now https://cce.sydney.edu.au/ course/GDNB Virtual Tour of Sydney Royal Botanic Garden https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Learn/LivingLearning/Virtual-Tours Free Online Kids Gardening Ideas and classes https://www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/ collection/gardening-for-kids Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 9am every Saturday on Coast FM. Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

Sterilize washed jar by placing it in a preheated oven (160C) for 10 minutes. Let cool and then rinse and air-dry frangipani flowers for a couple of hours until no water remains. Place flowers in the jar and fill with coconut oil. If oil has solidified, melt in microwave or by placing in a double boiler for a few minutes. Seal with lid and then place

outside or on a window ledge so it catches as much sun as possible – this helps break down the frangipani flowers naturally to extract as much of the beneficial oils as possible. Shake ever day or so and after a fortnight, strain with fine mesh sieve into sterilized small jars or bottles. Discard the frangipanis. Massage a few drops into face and body as required. Use within 6 months.

PAGE 24 14 JANUARY 2021 OUT & ABOUT

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Christmas tree sale raises almost $8,000 After selling out of their entire Christmas tree supply within a few hours, members at Rotary Club of Woy Woy raised $7,874.86 at their annual Christmas tree sale. On December 5 and 12 at the Woy Woy commuter car park, members saw their entire supply sell out by 10am on the first weekend and even faster on the following one. Club president Joan Redmond said they had sold a total of 229 trees and 41 tree stands over both weekends. “Once expenses have been

Rotarians cutting and selling trees

deducted, we raised $7,874.86,” Redmond said. “Of this we will donate $3,937.43 to Grandparents raising Grandchildren, and the other half is for our own club charitable donations.” Redmond said 50 trees had been sold than in the previous year, but fewer trees arrived in the second weekend’s delivery, and there are now five Rotary clubs sharing the fundraiser. “It was still a fantastic job and a huge thank you to Past President Don for coordinating the project with his team.” Rotarian Susan Tee said the

demand on the day was incredible and thanked the community for its support. “We thank all those who came and helped, who intended to help but weren’t needed and most of all our customers who were all right into the spirit of Christmas; it was lovely to see,” Tee said. “We thank each and every one who purchased a tree or who had intended to until we sold out.” Source: Newsletter, Jan 12 Rotary Club of Woy Woy

Santa run brought smiles In an effort to make sure every child received a gift last Christmas, a group of community activists held a Santa run in December along the Umina strip. Umina’s Kevin Sullivan donned the red suit on Saturday, December 19, to help hand out gifts to the children who came down to the parade.

Local shops donated to the cause with small gifts, with Coles Umina contributing bags of lollies to the group led by Frank “Junior” Johnson. Sullivan said he wanted to show his appreciation and give thanks to the shops which helped support the event. “Not one child in Umina that went down to the parade missed out on a gift,” Sullivan

said. “We wanted to cheer people up around Christmas-time ... it was a beautiful thing on the day.” Sullivan estimated that approximately 300 gifts were handed out to children, with any spare presents donated to Gosford Hospital. Maisy Rae

BOOK REVIEW

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Little Eyes Author: Samanta Schweblin Publisher: Oneworld

Kentukis are all the rage. “It’s a cell phone with legs.” Keepers buy these gadgets with their camera and speaker enclosed within a toy animal such as a rabbit, crow, mole or panda. The dweller, who lives in another part of the world, has control over the kentuki. The keeper and dweller are paired by chance – the keeper has no say over who the dweller is – and, since the kentuki has a camera, the dweller can see the keeper and follow them around. It is important to make sure the kentuki stays charged. Once it dies the connection is cut forever. (Oh, and the kentuki can’t speak, it can only make the sounds of the animal it imitates.) We meet various keepers and dwellers throughout the world. There is Emilia from Lima. Her son, the wunderkind, has been poached by a firm in Hong Kong and, to fill the void, he sends her a

connection to becomes a dweller. She connects with Eva, a keeper in Erfurt, Germany. Emilia grows quite attached to Eva, “She would focus on Erfurt and the girl, who wasn’t living her best life right now. She would worry about her own life and her son’s later; she had all the time in the world.” Life is good until a friend buys Emilia a kentuki of her own, it isn’t easy being a keeper and a dweller at the same time. There is Alina in Oaxaca, she purchases a crow and it follows her around until her artist boyfriend Sven takes it over for his art installation. As she sits around mulling the loss of her kentuki she thinks “That was what most infuriated her. What was the whole stupid idea of the kentukis about? What were all those people doing rolling around on other people’s floors, watching how half of humanity brushed their teeth?” Marvin, a school kid in Antigua, is a dweller. He is using the last of his mother’s money to pimp out his keeper’s kentuki. His mother promised him, “One day I’m going to take you to see snow.” Now he is hoping to touch snow

through is kentuki. In Umbertide, Enzo has purchased one under the direction of his ex-wife, saying it will be good for their son, Lucas. Enzo has tried to communicate with the kentuki but grows frustrated by the lack of response. Now his ex-wife wants him to get rid of the thing – but he has grown too attached. Grigor is in Zagreb and is trying to get rich from kentukis. He scours the town purchasing ipads.

He is so busy he has hired his neighbour, Nikolina to help him. She uncovers a sinister plot in Surumu. These kentukis sound far-fetched but is it so different than watching Big Brother or the dozens of other ways people allow their privacy to be invaded. The reviews (and by that I mean real reviewers) have given this book a multitude of praise. Little Eyes is the latest offering by Samantha Schweblin, the Argentinian author of 2017 novella Fever Dream. It is on many lists of best books of 2020. Like many books and movies about the latest technology, it aims to reveal something about human nature, about connections and empathy. Essentially it asks the question of if you are (digitally) inserted into a stranger’s life, how does that affect them, and you? Is there an opportunity for the dweller to live a different (virtual reality) life vicariously through the toy their tech is embedded in? How much do the keeper’s social inhibitions disappear when their lifelike companion is a toy? “Marvin was no longer a boy with a

dragon; he was a dragon with a boy inside him.” As provoking and unsettling as that was, however, I felt each story was a bit underdone. It had potential but didn’t really go anywhere. Instead of several small stories about keepers and dwellers, I would have rather followed one (or just a few) story(ies) in more depth. But perhaps that wasn’t the point. In any case, let’s hope regulation kicks in because it raises some scary prospects of a future society where, “you couldn’t just count on people’s common sense.” Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 14 JANUARY 2021

Business & Property Blackwall Road development knocked back A proposal for a multidwelling housing site at 259 Burge Rd and 200 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, has been knocked back by the Central Coast Local Planning Panel. Following a recommendation from Central Coast Council, the Panel voted unanimously at its December 10 meeting to refuse the application, which would have seen the construction of six townhouses in two, threestorey blocks. The proposal, put forward by Ark Express Design, was to build the four-bedroom townhouses on a roughly L-shaped block with frontages to both roads, with two of the townhouses to face and gain access from Blackwall Rd and entry to the other four to be from Burge Rd. The application stated that the proposed development was permissible within the R1 General Residential zone. It sought a variation of floor space ratio of the 0.6:1 ratio required by planning provisions,

The site for the proposed development, which has been knocked back by the Local Planning Panel.

to increase it to 0.81:1, claiming that such a restrictive development standard would not be appropriate for this project. Other variations were sought to allow changes to the side setbacks as well as the

provision of open car spaces in the front setback. A statement lodged with the application said the proposed setbacks would not result in any adverse impacts from overshadowing or privacy to any adjoining properties and

building separation would be provided between the new development and the units to the south, so the objectives of the setbacks would be achieved. A variation to car parking requirements was sought to

allow three open spaces in the front setbacks, with one space facing Blackwall Rd and two on Burge Rd. The statement said the development would be contemporary in design and present an appropriate height,

bulk and scale, in keeping with the “emerging character of the surrounding medium density neighbourhood”. But the Panel found the development failed to adequately justify departures from clause 4.4 of Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 (GLEP) in relation to Floor Space Ratio. It also failed to meet, or adequately justify departures from clause 101 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 and Gosford Development Control Plan 2013 (GDCP), the Panel said. The Panel also found submitted documentation did not provide adequate information to enable a proper assessment of the proposal and that the development was not in the public interest. Source: Minutes, Dec 10 Local Planning Panel meeting Central Coast Council website DA 58026/2020

Consistent revenue flow over December Christmas 2020 was a difficult time for many Peninsula residents, but retail, clubs and hospitality venues still maintained a consistent revenue flow over the December period. Ettalong Diggers CEO Bill Jackson said the end of year profits had been quite good with many new and familiar faces visiting the club. “2020 was tough all the way through, but as we entered that last quarter around December, a lot of the older patrons started coming back into the club to have meals and relax,” Jackson

said. “Also, there was a bit of an increase in tourism, where people couldn’t travel for holidays, so people were finding that it was better to come to the Central Coast and have a quick couple of days here.” Jackson said December had been a good month all round but was definitely not as big as the 2019 Christmas period. “After talking to a lot of club managers around the Coast, most of them experienced 85 per cent of what they would have experienced in December

2019 as a comparison,” he said. Deepwater Plaza centre manager Marcelle Proper said Christmas and holiday trade had been positive and extremely busy, with holidaymakers and locals frequenting the centre often. “With many local residents working from home and not travelling to the Sydney CBD as much for work, the shopping centre has seen a positive uplift in visitation during the Monday to Friday working week,” Proper said. “Over the past year,

Deepwater Plaza has continued to serve the local community with its strong mix of essential retailers and services.” As the Peninsula community entered the tail end of 2020, restrictions began to ease, and holiday plans began to look quite promising. Jackson said Ettalong Diggers had nearly made it back to normal capacity with 1 per 2 sqm totalling around 1500 people, but unfortunately, function capabilities were still limited. “People weren’t encouraged to have their functions of any

size at the club, especially birthday celebrations or weddings; people weren’t able to dance or sing, which made it harder as well.” He said club patronage remained consistent and community members felt comfortable within public settings once again, until the week before Christmas when COVID-19 cases started to spike. “The moment that those problems started happening on the Northern Beaches was the moment everything started to tighten up again, and a lot of

VIDEO NEWS 5@5

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our local patrons stopped coming into the club,” Jackson said. “Everything has been pushed back; we are now back to 1 per 4 sqm, which means we are down to the max capacity of 470 people. “Before COVID-19 we were probably hosting around 2000 people on a normal Friday and Saturday night.” Jackson looks positively towards 2021 and said Diggers would continue to operate a COVID Safe club for its patrons. Hayley McMahon

Each Friday evening we publish a brief video news wrap highlighting stories from the previous week. coastcommunitynews.com.au

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

How planning your renovations helps you avoid a DIY disaster Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine Seeking help from experts can help you achieve a smoother run with your renovation. Whether your renovation is two, six or 18 months away, the lead-up can be more nerve-racking than the build. But it doesn’t have to be this way - there’s an abundance of experts, self-help books and online guides to help you plan and manage any project. Done properly, renovations will be challenging but can provide homeowners and property investors with higher yields and more growth and profit potential, which in the longer term means increased wealth, says author and buyer advocate Andrew Crossley in his recent book Commercial Property and Residential

Development Made Simple. “The first message is to dig deep. Get real about your goals,” says Crossley. “Ask yourself what you are trying to achieve in doing the reno in the first instance.” Online property design and research platform Houzz says its 2019 survey of more than 8800 Aussie homeowners shows the top reason for renovating is to stay in the current home, outranking those seeking a return on investment. Staying in the current home is the biggest decision driver for baby boomers and generation X (ages 40-54), whereas millennials (25-39) choose to stay and renovate because it is more affordable than moving. “If you were to sell your home and buy elsewhere, the buying and selling costs alone can

equate to $100,000,” says Crossley. “So redirecting and putting this money into your current place of residence, or the house you have just purchased, can be very worthwhile.” Your budget is critical, yet most people begin planning

a renovation without a proper budget - or they significantly underplay their budget and are soon exceeding it. Tony Been, managing director at Houzz Australia, says the group’s survey shows generation X and millennials point

to budgeting as the biggest renovation challenge outside the funding of their projects. In their recent book, Nail Your Renovation Without Getting Screwed, experts Steve and Suzanne Burke say a wellplanned building project should

Make money by selling your unwanted stuff Clearing your home from excess clutter is good but making money from it is better. Sunshine and longer days herald a clean-up for many of us and for some of us the incentive can be financial adding some dollars to the household kitty from sales of our unwanted treasures. Online marketplace Gumtree estimates Australians could make an average of $5800 per household by selling about

19 unwanted or unused items laying around the home. Where trash and treasure stalls, car boot sales and garage sales were once the go-to option for selling second-hand, they’ve been overtaken by eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. The online marketplace is currently estimated to be worth $46 billion, which is up 7% on last year, according to Gumtree. According to Gumtree’s 10th Second Hand Economy Report, 62% of Australians have pre-

loved or unused home and garden items they would sell The most common items include appliances, kitchen and dining items, chairs, gardening tools and equipment, lamps and home decor. Buyers also benefit, with the average Australian estimating they saved almost half the cost (43%) by purchasing used goods instead of new. The most common items buyers consider purchasing second-hand include home decor, text books, cars, sporting

equipment, electronic goods. Selling on Gumtree is free and sellers are local which can be handy, however sellers report that buyers are not always reliable. eBay provides 40 free auction or fixed-price listings each month, after which there is a fee of $1.65 for goods up to $100, and $3.85 for goods more than $100. Many payments

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be fully costed in advance. “The true cost of each project may include items that are not apparent at the outset. This can include items such as renting (during the reno), storage, painting, landscaping, air-conditioning, carpet and security.” Tips for selling online

are transacted through PayPal, and sales are final. Facebook Marketplace is also free to list, and many people say they find success quickly as there is more online traffic. Payments can be made through cash, bank transfer, Paypal or credit cards.

1. Picture perfect Describe your item in detail and take clear, photographs. 2. Timing the market Pay attention to what is in demand. Want to sell summer clothes or outdoor furniture? Sell when the weather is warm. 3. Do your research Know what the market is likely to pay by looking at past sales. 4. Be flexible If you are willing to negotiate you might be able to get a sale rather than see your item languishing for weeks online.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 14 JANUARY 2021

Music themed café struggles to find its beat

It’s a family affair! Owner Dave Howard and his children outside the café

A new music-themed café on the Peninsula has fallen out of tune after “one chaos story after another” rocked the business hard last year. The Say When Café in Woy Woy’s Chambers Place originally opened last July once COVID-19 health restrictions had eased ... just days before the Victoria-NSW border was closed on July 6. But after a series of events, from a delayed opening, to back surgery and then the COVID-19 lockdown, owner

Dave Howard says the team just “can’t seem to get a break”. “To say that things are tough is an understatement, but we have to keep going as best we can,” Howard said. “It’s a real tough market – I talk to all my suppliers and people in the area and everybody is doing it tough as you’re so dependent on people travelling. “There are no commuters, there’s no visitors and people have got a lack of money. “Personally, I don’t think we

have seen the wave of pain yet – I think it’s about to start hitting.” Howard said the café had originally had big plans with its location in Chambers Place, hoping to attract spectators from Woy Woy football stadium. But due to COVID-19 health directives, attendance at games has drastically fallen. Howard said that as the business had not operated in the 2019/20 year, Howard and staff were not able to access any government support or grants.

Once completed, the painting will be moved to the roof of the café

“We’re here trying to create local jobs, add value to the local community, restore a building that has been empty for four years, but we can’t get any support,” he said. “Job keeper was stopped as soon as we started trading because as soon as we opened the doors and sold one cup of coffee, we actually showed an increase in revenue. “We were estimating that on a bad day we would do all our morning revenue by about 10am when people would come into the area, commuters

getting to their businesses. “Some days we’re lucky to do $12 – that’s three coffees. “So, getting staff, attracting staff or even taking a wage is nearly impossible.” Howard said the café tries to make as many items in house as possible, with local suppliers coming from Edwards Butchers, Juices from East Coast, Alternative Dairy Co, and Six String Brewery. Say When Café is also currently employing a local artist to paint roof signage – a 747 hybrid of the Iron Maidens

plane. The plane is aimed at creating a local tourist attraction for the area. The café also hosts mini markets with the next one to be held on Saturday, January 16, from 8am. Visitors can expect stalls ranging from plants and gardening, to vintage gear, stickers and handcrafted soy candles. Food will also be on offer to patrons throughout the day. Maisy Rae

Free program for businesses Businesses on the Peninsula are being encouraged to enrol in a free program to help boost their business in 2021. The NSW Government’s Business Connect Program (BCP) is designed to give dedicated, independent and personalised advice to help at

all stages of business development. Up to four hours of free advice from experienced advisors will be offered, as well as subsidised webinars and online workshops for eligible participants. Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch MP said Peninsula businesses should take up the opportunity, particularly with

the hardships that 2020 brought for them. “The opportunity to grow your business with tailored and expert advice is an offer I would not pass up,” Tesch said. “This year I want to watch our local businesses and our local economy thrive and the BCP is the perfect program to kickstart your journey.”

Business owners are able to choose their advisor based off what is best suited to their needs, with the Central Coast having 15 to select from. The $39.3M program also offers owners support in accessing grant programs and applying for loans, as well as marketing to new customers, managing cashflow and

developing customised recovery strategies. Tesch said every business on the Central Coast would benefit from customised recovery strategies. “As we continue to get on top of COVID-19 and work out of our second major outbreak I think our local businesses should be prepared and ready

for the next step,” she said. More information on the program can be found at: https://business-connectregister.industry.nsw.gov.au/. Source: Media release, Jan 12 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF PELICAN POST TO GET THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS? Then satisfy that need for free by listening to a podcast of our daily local news bulletin at www.centralcoastnews.net/podcast/bulletin/ Or, get it from our facebook page www.facebook.com/centralcoastnewspapers Or, follow us on twitter twitter.com/CoastNewspapers Or see our end of week video news, 5@5 – NEWS coastcommunitynews.com.au/news/video-news/

Daily local news as it happens from Central Coast Newspapers

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New store lets you touch, learn and order A touch, learn, and order (TLO) concept store has opened its doors in Woy Woy to help inform the local community on natural Australian ecofriendly products. The BuyNatural experiential outlet is the first of its kind in Australia and offers customers an opportunity to physically taste, test, smell and learn about the products before buying. Long-time Woy Woy local, and BuyNatural CEO, Dr Matthew McDougall, said they had the ambition to promote local Australian businesses that produced high-quality organic products. “Australian small to medium size businesses actually produce some of the highest quality natural and organic products in the world, but because they are not stocked on large retailer shelves, little is known about them,” McDougall said. “So, what we would like to do is embrace these small brands that are unknown and help

Dr Matthew McDougall in his new BuyNatural TLO store

them become major brands in the market. “As long as it’s natural, organic, and ecofriendly, customers can find anything from bee’s wax candles to skincare, vitamins, supplements, gut health, protein and all sorts of

convenience food.” McDougall believes many shoppers want to be informed and understand the brands they are purchasing and consuming. “We see our TLO concept as a learning, experiencing, and purchasing hub for people

loving natural, organic and eco-friendly products, shoppers want to experience products in person, learn more about them and purchase based on this process,” he said. “So, when someone comes into the shop, we want to give

them the back story, where it comes from, why it was developed, and what it stands for. “We don’t want ill-informed people buying synthetic chemicals from big corporations.” He said people had started to

care more about the environment, earth-friendly products, and trustworthy local brands. “We want to create an informed buying community that care about the same things that we represent and stand for,” McDougall said. “We would also love to stock some Central Coast brands; we have lots of NSW and Sydney brands, but we would love to get some real, local brands on the shelves.” The TLO store is equipped with video streaming technology and testing areas, where interactive information sessions on different products are held. BuyNatural offers bulk ordering, free delivery, and an online shopping platform with click and collect features. The BuyNatural TLO store is open from 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and is located at 56 Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy. Hayley McMahon

New café at Leisure Centre For gymgoers missing out on their morning coffee, a new café has opened up at Peninsula Leisure Centre. The Spirit of Coffee team held their opening day on Tuesday, January 5. Co-Owner Archana Dhamija said it had been a successful

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first week for the team. “We came across this opportunity a couple of months ago and knew straight away that we wanted to buy this,” Dhamija said. We have had a franchise cafe for many years so (we’re) not first-time cafe owners. “Our coffee is a brand from

Sydney and is one of a kind.” Speciality drinks such as turmeric and Nutella lattes are also on offer, along with a variety of cold beverages. Spirit of Coffee presents a full-style café menu featuring a fresh, cooked to order format. Maisy Rae

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 29 14 JANUARY 2021

A GUIDE TO FEELING GOOD Besides, what’s the point of eating a perfect diet if we don’t feel great? Isn’t that the entire point? To be in a relaxed and joyous state, as often as possible? If you think back to your younger years, I’m sure there’s fond memories of long outdoor Summers, with you chasing dreams and brimming with excitement for what lay ahead.

GEORGIA LIENEMANN Why your nervous system is key Greetings coasties. I do hope you’ve enjoyed a relaxing break at some point over Summer. Granted our suntans may not be on par with previous years, but it does seem that many folks, restricted in their movements and unable to indulge in regular holiday festivities, enjoyed a simpler and perhaps more mindful break this year. These unusual times have me contemplating how deeply intertwined our health, happiness and mindset, really are. It’s more apparent than ever that our external circumstances are often entirely outside of our control. However, our physical health, along with our mood, outlook and state of mind, are predominantly an inside job. And there are ways we can continue to feel good – great, even – despite what’s happening around us. Although my teachings generally centre around food and nutrition, one thing I’m constantly harping on about is that when it comes to health, food is only one small piece of the puzzle. And despite how passionate I am about the importance of good nutrition, our mood, thoughts and mindset affect our inner biochemistry just as much as food – likely moreso! Just by ruminating over a stressful interaction you had with someone, you’re generating a cascade of stress hormones that break down muscle, increase belly fat, impair digestion and age your skin.

to every area of our health. And reading Parasympathetic dominance and it probably doesn’t inspire you to take deep rest any action whatsoever.

However, what we’re aiming for, at a very basic level, is to bring our nervous system into parasympathetic dominance or a predominant state of ‘rest and digest’. Where our immune system, digestion and cognitive abilities are all flourishing. Where are moods are calm That energy, that lust for life, is one of and our outlook, positive. If we’re truly the primary markers of health. If I had no healthy, we exist in this state the large other test or diagnostic available to me, majority of the time. This is the case for it would tell me most of what I need to It’s exciting to discover the immense exceptionally few people. know. impact that prioritising things like rest, pleasure, human connection and For many of us, even in our ‘off’ time, Ask yourself: do you bounce out of bed, engaging hobbies can have on our we can still find ourselves stewing about excited for the day? Do you take time to health, due to the way these types of an argument with a partner or colleague ‘smell the roses’, to notice and appreciate activities support the nervous system. or thinking about all the things we need the smaller moments your day? Are you to get done. Our minds still racing, our regularly in a state of awe and unbridled Fight / Flight versus Rest / Digest bodies still carrying tension and our joy? Are you prioritising and indulging in nervous systems still on edge. (healthy) passions? You’ve probably heard of the ‘fight or flight response’ or sympathetic And so, I’d like to introduce the concept If there’s a slight nostalgic feeling, a dominance, which is an adaptation that of ‘deep rest’ or nervous system reset. vague remembrance that you could allows us to escape or combat a real or It’s anything that for a decent period of once answer ‘yes’ to many of these time, pulls you out of your head and imagined threat. questions – know that it is within your deeply restores your nervous system by grasp at any time. Our body immediately directs its energy grounding you in your body. A long, to processes that will facilitate a quick relaxing massage, a hiking trip, a yoga Is it easier when our load is lighter? Of exit or successful battle. Blood is directed retreat or a lazy day at the beach. course. However, there are so many away from our organs to the peripheral things we can do to cultivate this state muscles and limbs. The production of It’s something that many of us can of health. It’s a practice. And it’s greatly hormones and digestive juices takes a easily comprehend on an intellectual interconnected with a well-functioning back seat and the primitive hind brain level, but routinely forget the powerful nervous system. which allows for reactive thinking and experience of – myself included! quicker reflexes, takes over. What does a healthy nervous And after spending several days system look like? relaxing in hot mineral springs over the All this results in a diminished capacity for growth, repair, immunity and healing; break, I realised I hadn’t truly reset my Well outside short periods of acute for digestion and nutrient absorption; for nervous system or had any resemblance stress, we’re uplifted rather than fertility, libido and reproductive health; of deep rest, in years. (Such is life, in depressed, calm rather than and for any capacity to think and one’s child-bearing season!) overwhelmed and anxious, we have communicate clearly, hence why energy to spare, our digestion is in check expressions of road rage are often one- I’d also underestimated the incredibly transformative effect it would have on and we’re thinking clearly. We’re word expletives and hand gestures! every aspect of my health, which productive, motivated and regularly relaxed and happy! In days gone by, the threat was most proceeded to flow into every area of my likely a wild animal. In modern times, it life. Thus, inspiring our first theme for How can we support the nervous could be an angry neighbour or your 2021: feeling good. system? child pouring milk over the dog. Or even the very thought of your angry neighbour. Over the next six weeks, we’ll be Remember, the detrimental effects of exploring all sorts of fun and enjoyable Well, let’s firstly acknowledge the the stress response occur, even when ways to radically improve our health, things that are most toxic to a wellmood and mindset and generally help us the threat is imaginary. functioning nervous system. Chronic, to feel great. unmanaged stress; negative thinking patterns and emotional states; poor diet Many of us have adapted to rushing or sleep patterns; sedentary lifestyle. No around, spending the majority of our surprises, there. That same list applies time in this state of sympathetic dominance. The good news for anyone yearning to feel better and especially for those who may be doubtful about whether they can achieve their substantial health goals this year, is that it needn’t necessarily involve eating better or working out at the gym more often (although granted, these would help)!

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Chamber of Commerce asks Minister not to reinstate councillors Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has called for a full inquiry into the finances of Central Coast Council and has asked Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock not to reinstate councillors when Administrator Dick Persson’s interim position ends. The Chamber is calling for the remaining 13 councillors (following the resignations of Crs Rebecca Gale and Troy Marquart) to be sacked, rather than reinstated once Persson’s tenure is over. In a letter to the Minister sent just before Christmas, the Chamber, representing more than 1200 businesses on the Peninsula, said the Council’s dire financial position had been a major source of concern to the business community. “The Chamber would like to congratulate your office for acting swiftly in suspending Central Coast Council and the appointment of Dick Persson

as the interim Administrator,” the letter, signed by Chamber President Matthew Wales, said. “We have read Mr. Persson’s 30 Day Interim Report and, needless to say, are deeply disappointed in the level of mismanagement that has occurred over the last two years. “It is also beyond belief that Central Coast Council has run two consecutive annual losses of over $200M and racked up an accumulated debt of $565M without the apparent knowledge of the elected councillors. “The scale of the losses is breathtaking. “However, of equal concern is the reported unlawful and unauthorised use of Restricted Funds which in itself raises serious issues of propriety within the Council. “We understand that Mr. Persson’s role is to determine how this situation occurred, take the necessary steps to stabilise Council’s financial

position and put in place a recovery plan for the future. “Further, we understand these steps are to be completed by April 2021 at which time the Council is to be re-instated under strict financial oversight by (we assume) a Financial Administrator. “The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has no confidence that the remaining councillors are capable of continuing to manage the affairs of Central Coast Council. “It is clear from Mr Persson’s initial review that the Council completely failed to understand or practise basic sound financial management and nothing in recent public protestations by the councillors would indicate that this situation has or could change.” The Chamber said while it would like to see the period of administration continue until the local government elections in September, it understood the Minister’s options are limited beyond the initial six-month

period of administration. “However, we understand that the Minister does have the option of sacking the Council and calling for an inquiry into the affairs of the organisation and the conduct of the councillors,” the letter said. “The Chamber fully supports such an action and requests that the Minister gives serious consideration to this option on the basis that the scale and circumstances of the financial mismanagement and unlawful use of Restricted Funds is so large and uncertain that only an inquiry could fully determine how it occurred and who is responsible. “Indeed, the ratepayers certainly need to know where the responsibility lies and what will be done about it.” The Chamber is yet to receive a reply. Source: Media release, Dec 22 Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President, Matthew Wales.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President, Matthew Wales

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Umina Skate Park project in progress Planning is well underway for the long-awaited revitalisation of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct with the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park and the adjacent recreation zones. Trinity Skate Parks have been engaged to undertake community consultation and develop a concept design for the skate park, as well as to develop a plan for the area around the BMX track and half basketball court.

It is anticipated that the redevelopment will provide additional socially inclusive recreational opportunities for a range of ages, abilities and sporting skills, attract families to congregate in the area, provide a safe and accessible venue for community activities and attract regional and significant community skate events. In late 2018, Central Coast Council asked for ideas and feedback and in early 2019 feedback was used to guide

the development of two masterplan concept designs. Works are to include the redevelopment of Umina Skate Park, upgrade of the existing sportsground amenities buildings and improvements to car parks and access ways that will complement the already popular play space, café and related infrastructure at the site. Although the project was originally slated for completion in 2020, Council is still working with the Federal Government to

finalise the $8.25M grant funding agreement which was announced in March 2019, for the upgrade of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct. “Upon receipt of an executed funding agreement from the Australian Government, Council will be in a position to determine the timeframe for the delivery of works associated with the Umina Skate Park Upgrade project,” a spokesperson said. Terry Collins

Accounting firm on the money A specialist accounting firm which works with councils appears to have been the first to publicly uncover what is probably the cause of Central Coast Council’s financial woes. LG Solutions looked at Council’s publicly available and audited financial statements in October 2020 after the Council’s financial position became public and said it had to “pick itself up off the floor after what it found”. “Little did we know when we started the review that we would uncover far more than we bargained for.” The company held back on publishing its regular industry newsletter and notified its findings to Council, the Department of Local Government and the NSW Audit Office. LG Solutions said it never heard back from any of those three organisations or from the council association, Local Government NSW. LG Solutions went ahead and

published its findings in early November in its industry newsletter to which every council in NSW subscribes. The summary of mistakes outlined in the November article lines up with the December 2 Interim Report presented by Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson. Persson said in his December report that a significant reason for the financial situation was the impression that $129.5M was unrestricted cash and, therefore, available to fund operating expenses. LG Solutions said the same, adding that the problem started in 2016 and continued undetected through three years of audited financial statements. The business urged other councils to check their financial statements for the same problem. It outlined numerous recent State Government changes to reporting, which LG Solutions says needed to be changed again, to improve financial

reporting. LG Solutions, which provides specialist accounting and financial management advice to NSW councils, started its story by looking at Central Coast Council’s 2018-2019 financial statements. It was looking to see if there were warning signs that could be used by councils around NSW to try to avoid a similar financial drama. At first, on the face of it, the audited statements suggested nothing untoward, said the article in the industry newsletter published by LG Solutions in November. “But before we stopped … we took one more look at restricted cash, cash equivalents and investments,” the article said. It found the way Council reported its restricted water funds and sewer funds led to a $129.5M error. Worse, the problem did not appear to be confined to one year. There appeared to be the

same error in the two previous years, which brings it back to the time of amalgamation in May 2016. The 2016-2017 statements appear to have reported an under-statement of $37,992,000, the article said. Analysis by LG Solutions suggested that the 2017-2018 audited financial statements reported an under-statement of $88,779,000. “We suggest that the results of the disclosure errors have seemingly cascaded over a three-year period to the point where Central Coast Council’s financial position has seemingly imploded,” the article said. “How could an apparent under-statement of $129,500,00 in externally restricted cash and investments be given an unqualified audit opinion. “Such an under-statement is material in so many ways and without doubt, if correct … it casts a completely different light on Central Coast Council’s financial position and ability to pay its liabilities and to fund its

future budgets (as early as June 20, 2019).” Central Coast Council Acting CEO Rik hart said the article had contributed to Council’s internal investigation surrounding its financial situation. “It is really important to note that initial investigations and the Administrator’s Interim Report show that there is no evidence of theft or corruption,” Hart said. “There is also no evidence of staff negligence. “The historical treatment of restricted cash was in accordance with an Accounting Policy disclosed in Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council’s 2016 Annual Financial Statements, following advice from Council’s external auditors. “Council’s treatment of restricted cash has been in compliance with this Accounting Policy. “The Administrator’s Interim Report states that the newly amalgamated Council clearly

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did not understand how much money they had at the outset. “And the Council set about a program of expanded capital works and expanded services for the community that they could not afford. “This is the real crux of the issue – and what the LG Solutions article also picked up. “Council had/has funds in the bank, however the majority of funds were restricted and could not be used how Council had planned. “What is most concerning now is that the Office of Local Government has just introduced a change to the Accounting Code which means that councils will no longer have to report on their unrestricted funds. “Without the requirement to report on the full picture of a council’s cash position, we could see the same financial issues being replicated across the state.” Merilyn Vale and Terry Collins

Consolidated planning instruments good news for Peninsula Council has adopted a new consolidated Central Coast Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), which will lead to better planning outcomes, particularly on the Peninsula. But they will not come into force until the State Government gazettes them sometime early this year. The plans were adopted by Administrator Dick Persson at the December 14 meeting but Council still had some work to do before submitting them documents to the State Government for sign off. The two planning instruments harmonise the guidelines that are used for development applications and planning proposals across the Coast. Once gazetted, the consolidated instruments will allow dual occupancies in the former Gosford council area, including the Peninsula. Under the old LEP, the former Gosford area only allowed secondary dwellings in R2 zones. The new rules mean better planning outcomes because secondary dwellings that apply under the dual occupancy rules can be bigger and must take into account parking and private open space requirements. In the Woy Woy peninsula area in particular, this gives residents more choices. The consolidated LEP retained the 8.5m maximum building height in the former Gosford council area R2 Low Density Residential zone; and kept the 550m2 minimum lot

size where it currently applies in the R2 Low Density Residential zone in the former Gosford council area. Where there were differences between the former Gosford and former Wyong council areas, one control was chosen to be universal across the Coast - except for the minimum lot size where Council decided to run with both. The current DCP Floodplain Management controls have been adopted - for the present. The Council is working on bringing maps up to a contemporary standard; that should be sorted by April. So what is a DCP and an LEP? The LEP outlines the zoning of land, and what development and activities are allowed in each zone and any special provisions applying to land, such as heritage requirements. The DCP identifies Council’s required design and construction standards. It includes topics such setbacks and height restrictions, access to sunlight, and who needs to be told when someone wants to develop their land. When the Council was created from the merger of the former Wyong and Gosford councils, their LEPs and DCPs had to be consolidated. That is what has now been achieved. The consolidated DCP and LEP are only step one on a long journey to a Comprehensive LEP. Merilyn Vale

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Staff costs almost 10 per cent above budget Central Coast Council’s draft financial statements show employee costs were the largest operating cost and were up almost 10 per cent above budget for the 2019-20 financial year.

than expected, partly due to the IPART determination that lowered charges plus lower demand ($3.1M) COVID-19 impact on leisure and childcare fees ($4.3M). There was also a reduction in developer fees and tipping fees of $5.9M. Council received extra operating grants of $5.1M which included additional funding of $3.5M for bushfire and flood events that occurred during the year plus operating contributions of $1.7M for childcare services to offset the negative impact due to COVID-19. It received additional capital grants and contributions of $8.8M, contributed and donated assets of $14.0M partially offset by an unfavourable variance in developer contributions of $8.3M. Actual employee costs were up 9.2 per cent above budget.

Materials and contracts blew their budget by 18 per cent. The operating deficit before capital grants and contributions for the 2019-20 financial year is $88.7M, according to the draft figures which are yet to be audited. The operating result, including capital grants and contributions of $66.9M, is a deficit of $21.8M. The variance between the actual net operating result (excluding capital grants and contributions) of $88.7M deficit and the original budgeted net operating result (excluding capital grants and contributions) of $18.6Mn deficit is $70.1M. Council’s user charges and fees came in at $14.4M less

“Employee costs remain Council’s largest expenditure type representing over one third of operational costs,’ the report said. “The unfavourable variance of $18.6M in employee costs is largely attributable to budgeted salary savings of $16.1M not eventuating, together with increased overtime $2.4M, redundancies $0.5M and back pay $0.5M in accordance with Council’s Unified Salary Scale.” Materials and contracts were up 18.3 per cent above budget. The unfavourable variance of $18.2M is largely attributable to budgeted savings of $33.4M not being achieved despite savings in Contracts $8.7M, Materials $5.7M and Consultants $3.1M. Increases in Contractors – labour hire $5.6M and external plant hire $4.6M offset the benefit of the savings. Rate and annual charges outstanding ratio which is

supposed to be below five per cent is up to nine per cent but the Council says it is working proactively with ratepayers on financially affordable payment plans. The draft 2019-20 consolidated financial statements do not yet include a formal audit report. Once Council receives the formal audit opinion the financial statements will then be updated to include the audit opinions and notice of public meeting to be held on April 26, 2021, at which time Council can invite the external auditor, David Daniels of the Audit Office, or his delegate to formally present the report. Council applied to the Office of Local Government (OLG) for an extension of time to prepare and lodge the 2019-20 Financial Reports and has been granted an extension to April 30, 2021.

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PAGE 34 14 JANUARY 2021

BUSINESS & PROPERTY

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Council to apply for another loan – this time of $100M Central Coast Council is on the hunt for another loan, this time for up to $100M. This comes on top of a loan for $50M secured in November and another $50M loan secured earlier last year before councillors were suspended. “Negotiations with financial institutions are continuing regarding additional funding to supplement working capital,” the latest financial update from

Council says. The update was received and noted by Administrator Dick Persson at the December 14 meeting. The update also talked about possible increases in fees and charges. But no details have been released at this stage. The highlights of the business recovery update include a further reduction of the 20202021 CAPEX program to $170M and a structural reduction

target in employee costs and materials and contracts of about $50M. The earlier announced rate increase has increased to 15 per cent and a first tranche of underperforming property assets is moving ahead with the procurement of valuers and agents. Chief operating officer Natalia Cowley said staff were finalising further tranches of proposed property asset sales

and negotiations were under way for a loan to secure $50$100M in capital works. Meanwhile, the Forensic Audit into Council’s financial situation continues. The report to the Council meeting said that that sharing of information and the initial assessment had been completed which will inform the scope of the final phases of the audit. The Audit Report is currently

still on track for completion late January, 2021. The November investment report was also tabled at the meeting. It shows that Council has almost $388M in investment funds providing millions of dollars each year in interest payments. But the investment funds are restricted funds and cannot be used to pay for operational matters such as staff wages or

other regular unrestricted costs. Net return for November was $330,000 which was made up entirely of interest. In November, the Council had a net inflow of $62.54M in restricted funds with a decrease of cash of $5.5M and an increase of $68M in investments. Merilyn Vale

WHERE DO YOU GET IT? FOLLOWING IS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COAST COMMUNITY PELICAN POST PICKUP LOCATIONS. PAPERS ARE DELIVERED TO ALL OF THESE LOCATIONS ON PUBLICATION DAY. BOOKER BAY

Booker Bay General Store 72 Booker Bay Rd Daley’s Point

The Cove Retirement Village 36 Empire Bay Dr

EMPIRE BAY

Bayside Gardens Lifestyle Village 437 Wards Hill Rd

Empire Bay Tavern 1 Poole Cl

Impact Plants Café 9 Poole Cl

United

306 Empire Bay Dr

ERINA FAIR

Service desk Terrigal Dr

Woolworths 620-658 Terrigal Dr

ETTALONG

Ingenia Lifestyle 1 Fassifern St

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort 189 Ocean View Rd

Cinema Paradiso 189 Ocean View Rd

IGA

396 Ocean View Rd

Ettalong Beach Newsagency

257 Ocean View Rd

Mantra Ettalong Beach

53/54 The Esplanade

Ettalong Diggers

51-52 The Esplanade

Atlantis Apartments

PHEGANS BAY

Box outside RFS Wattle Crescent

The Esplanade

POINT CLARE

The Box on the Water

ALDI

Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve

53-59 Brisbane Water Dr

Ettalong Beach Motel 46 The Esplanade

50+ Leisure and Learning Centre Broken Bay Rd & Karingi St

Ettalong Public School 23 Karingi St

GOSFORD

PRETTY BEACH UMINA

Ettalong Bowling club 103 Springwood St

Cooinda Village 12/2-18 Neptune St

171 Mann St

Broken Bay Parish Uniting Church

86 Mann St

The Bourke Road Store

Imperial Centre

Masonic Centre

346 Ocean Beach Rd

Central Coast Leagues Club

174 Bourke Rd

1 Dane Dr

Caltex Woolworths

Gosford RSL Club 26 Central Coast Hwy

HARDY’S BAY

Hardy’s Bay Club 14 Heath Rd

KINCUMBER

Kincumber Nautical Village 57 Empire Bay Dr

PEARL BEACH

Pearl Beach Cafe and General Store 1 Pearl Parade

Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Sydney Ave

Umina Surf Life Saving Club 509 Ocean Beach Rd

Umina Beach Café 509 Ocean Beach Rd

Ocean Beach Surf Life Pretty Beach Public School Saving Club Pretty Beach Rd

McDonald’s

430/438 Ocean Beach Rd 337 West St

Coles Express 1-3 Sydney Ave

Woolworths

261-275 Trafalgar Street Corner, West St

ALDI

310 Trafalgar Ave

Coles

4 Oscar St

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort Sydney Ave

Jasmine Greens Park

WOY WOY

Kiosk

176 The Esplanade

Club Umina

Melbourne Ave

Peninsula Village 91 Pozieres Ave

Umina Library Cnr West Street and Bullion Street

Peninsula Office Supplies 296 West St

Link and Pin 18A Railway St

Kuoch Chemist 43/45 Blackwall Rd

Ms Liesl Tesch MP 20 Blackwall Rd

Peninsula Plaza Woy Woy

Michel’s Patisserie

299 West St

Blooms The Chemist

Woy Woy Hotel

33 The Boulevarde

Gnostic Mana Café 31 The Boulevard

8/23-27 Chambers Pl

Fishermen’s Wharf

Coles Express 50-52 Ocean Beach Road &, Rawson St

Brisbane Waters Private Hospital 21 Vidler Ave

The Boulevarde

KFC

43 The Boulevarde

Woy Woy Public School

186 Brick Wharf Rd

Woy Woy Rugby League Club 82 Blackwall Rd

Deepwater Plaza

46 Wagstaffe Ave

5/6 Kathleen St

Ocean Beach Rd

226 West St

Wagstaff Newsagency & General Store

BlueWave Living-

2-16 The Boulevarde

McDonald’s

WAGSTAFF

Kathleen St

Meals On Wheels

Sydney Ave

Lois Jones Real Estate

Boronia Court Hostel

The Bayview Hotel

Woy Woy Bowling Club

Umina Beach Public School

7 Kathleen St

93 McMasters Rd

297 West St 315 West St

Woy Woy Public Hospital

Cnr Blackwall Rd &, Oval Ave

Woy Woy Library

St Vincent De Paul Society

Yousave Chemist

66 Memorial Ave

Peninsula Community Centre

Shop 6/286 West St

Umina Surgery

Caltex

Peninsula Plaza

Umina Beach Newsagency Woy Woy Organics 310 West St Chemsave Chemist

182 Blackwall Rd

7/13 Charlton St

91 Blackwall Rd Blackwall & Park Rds

Peninsula Leisure Centre 243 Blackwall Rd

Woy Woy South Public School The School Mall

Kitchener Park

Railway St

Maitland Bay Dr

Living Choice Deepwater

HammondCare

Court Retirement Village 25 Park Rd

286 Railway St

Everglades Country Club

Home Timber & Hardware

Dunban Rd

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 35 14 JANUARY 2021

Tesch warns against COVID complacency Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is warning Peninsula residents to be aware of the importance of continuing with COVIDsafety measures amid concerns raised by community members that complacency is setting in. “I have heard from concerned locals that the vigilance of some community members in public spaces has been dropping in recent days, as case numbers have decreased,”

Tesch said. “It’s crucial that we continue with our COVID-safe practices given the recent Northern Beaches cluster was able to reach the Central Coast, emphasising to us all just how important it is to be cautious.” Tesch reminded residents that masks are required inside retail venues and restaurants, but could be removed when eating and drinking, and that checking in using Service NSW QR codes was now mandatory to aid with contact tracing.

“A number of locals have contacted my office regarding their concerns about checking into shops and restaurants if they don’t have a smart phone,” she said. “Under the Public Health Orders shops should provide another way to sign in electronically through a provided phone or tablet if customers don’t have a personal device to use. “Along with checking in, handwashing, wearing masks and maintaining social

distancing are essential practices we all need to perform every day so that we can ensure the health and safety of our community.” The latest health advice relating to COVID-19 can be found on NSW Health’s website at https://www.health.nsw. gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/ Pages/latest-updates.aspx. Source: Media release, Jan 12 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging Peninsula residents to adhere to mask wearing guidelines

Chronic health sufferers at greater risk from COVID People with chronic health conditions are at higher risk from COVID-19 and a Booker Bay wellness coach is on a mission to help sufferers take charge of their own health and minimise the risk of further problems. Vicki Robinson says the Australian Department of Health has warned that people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems are at greater risk of more serious illness if they are infected with coronavirus. Robinson, who overcame multiple sclerosis, said autoimmune diseases are on the rise. “According to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research 12 per cent of Australians will

be affected by an autoimmune disease in their lifetime,” she said. “The British Society for Immunology cites a 2018 report by Connect Immune (which says some) autoimmune conditions are increasing by as much as 9 per cent each year. “The problem is we don’t really know what causes them and there are no cures. “There are many theories including infections, genetic predisposition and toxins in the environment. “Symptoms vary, and range from subtle to extreme, as for some reason the immune system gets confused and starts to attack healthy cells in the body. “There are more than 80 immune conditions documented with the more

Wellness coach Vicki Robinson

common being type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis. “Treatments are limited, can have unwanted side effects

and are often expensive.” Robinson had worked for over 20 years in health and fitness as a registered nurse and personal trainer when she started to experience subtle

symptoms. “At first it was occasional clumsiness, dropping things for no reason and even falling down stairs,” she said. “They were easy to dismiss as fatigue due to working and raising three children. “They would come and go until after 20 years it became obvious that something was really wrong.” Robinson was forced into early retirement when all of a sudden she had difficulty walking and speaking leading to a diagnosis of MS. At first, she accepted it when her doctors told her that she might never improve and worse, would continue to decline. In fact, she was congratulated by her specialist for accepting

her illness when she was forced to use a mobility scooter and needed a walking stick just to get around the house. That was the pivotal moment when she decided to implement her own wellness regime. It took persistence but she slowly improved by looking closely at all aspects of her lifestyle, starting with eliminating processed and known inflammatory foods, then slowly building stamina with a graduated exercise program. She realised that she had a habit of focusing on her disease. “Thoughts like ‘I can’t do that’, I changed to ‘I’ll keep doing that until it’s easy, or I will find a way to’,” she said. Terry Collins

New café for sufferers of dementia A new dementia café is soon to open its doors, with Peninsula community organisations helping create a socially supportive environment for those living with the disease. With some initial funding received from Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) and Bendigo Bank, Forget Me Not Café is a project organised and run by members of the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water. Rotary Club member and publicist Di Bartok said they were excited to start the café project, which will be held in the Umina Beach CWA community hall. “It’s a project we thought the community would be interested in as there are a lot of people

who would benefit from it,” Bartok said. “Even in the early stages of dementia, cafés can be very overwhelming and confusing when there’s lots of noise and people, so we have created a quiet place in the CWA hall.” Bartok said the aimed target clients were those who had dementia but still lived at home and found it challenging to go outside and socialise. “People who are already in nursing homes or under professional care aren’t the direct target as they usually have their own programs,” Bartok said. “This is for those who may be suffering from social isolation and are looking for companionship and a chat.” The project is also open to relatives or family carers who

may feel isolated in their role, giving them a chance to mingle with other carers at the café. Committee member Cherie Simpson said the volunteers would serve coffee, tea and biscuits while interacting with the customers. ‘’This will be a place where those living with dementia, and still living at home under the care of family, will be able to meet as if they were going to a regular cafe, to enjoy morning tea, chats and, if they want, some music from their era,’’ Simpson said. ‘’We are looking forward to this project, to making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia of all ages and stages, who are able to travel away from their homes.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the café has a limit of 20 people

and will practise all social distancing and safety regulations, including a QR code check-in. Bartok said the project was an interesting and exciting initiative, which was the first of its kind on the Peninsula. “We are looking for the community to pass the word

around and for people to come along and check it out,” she said. “I think a few people will be hesitant at first, but we really welcome them to come along—just give us a call and let us know you’re coming.” Forget Me Not Café will be open fortnightly starting on

February 6, from 10am-noon at the Umina Beach CWA hall, 2 Sydney Ave. For further information or to book a spot, call Di on 0404 147 743 or Heather on 0414 446 177. Hayley McMahon

TOTAL HOSE & FITTING SERVICE PRESSURE WASHER HOSES MADE TO SUIT*

CALL 4355 4908

24HR SERVICE AVAILABLE SERVICE CENTRE LOCATED AT WYONG SERVICING ALL AREAS OF THE CENTRAL COAST * SUBJECT TO PARTS AVAILABILITY

PAGE 36 14 JANUARY 2021 CLASSIFIEDS

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ANTENNAS

AUDITING

A Better Picture

Need your Management System Audited?

Antenna & Digital

Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

ARBORIST

EXPERT

TREE CARE, TREE WORK Fully Insured

Peninsior discounts abn 53435828166

0408 000 990 ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Asbestos Removal Fully licensed and insured asbestos removals from houses, garages, sheds, bathrooms etc. Ph: Tom 0422 653 794 or 4393 9890 Safe Work NSW Lic. AD212564

Quality. Safety, Environment, Project Management Systems 20 Years of Certified Auditing Experience - Audit Reports Available within One week of Audit - Assistance to rectify issues if required.

Ph: 0439 098 060

BOREWATER

Bores and Spears

Install high quality pumps and maintenance free spears, existing systems reconditioned, all work guaranteed.

Warren Greenway Ph: 4341 7736 Mob: 0408 225 390

CARPENTERS

MGL CARPENTRY

Carpenter & Joiner 40yrs Experience Decks, Pergolas, Doors, Windows etc Fully Insured - Call Gary

0458 130 829 4341 1346 NO LABOUR & MATERIALS OVER $5000

Carpentry - Building

over 30 years experience Local know how working with pride and honesty Paul Skinner Lic 62898c

0432 216 020 or 4339 2317

lic No. DL1960

BRICK LAYING

Brick Laying & Concreting All Aspects of both Trades 40 yrs Exp fully insured Phone Greg

0456 895 943 Lic 124312c

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING RATES Classified advertising is the cheapest form of newspaper advertising. This newspaper is also published on line on the publication date, and is also read that way by hundreds of people. All advertisements, including these classified advertising pages, appear in full on-line as an additional benefit for free. See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Central Coast Newspapers’ classified advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm. Approximately 15,000 copies of this newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

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

COUNSELLING

CENTRAL COAST

A&R GARDENING

ELECTRICAL AND HANDYMAN SERVICES Maintenance and Servicing, domestic and commercial • Hot water • Repairs • Lights • Fans • Switchboards • Small handyman jobs

www.ccehs.com.au

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

0424 831 522 LicNo: 111382c

0412 345 775

GARDENING

PAINTERS

A&R GARDENING All types of gardens

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

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

Free Quotes

All work guaranteed Lic346302C

0410 404 664

0412 345 775 GUTTERING

No job too small. Seniors Discount. Lic number 265652C

4308 6771 BKW

HAIRDRESSER

Specialising in Balayage and Hair Extensions

Balayage starting from $150*

find us on instagram sammybaillie1301@hotmail.com *terms and conditions apply

HANDYMAN

PEST CONTROL

Lights - Fans - Power Reno's - Switchboards Security lights No job too small Call Ben on

0404 093 299

CONTROL

ALL PESTS, ALL AREAS, TERMITE SPECIALISTS (PENSIONER DISCOUNTS) LIC# 5092837 PH # 02 8605 6637 WILL BEAT ANY

COMPETITORS QUOTE

PLASTERING

Electrical Services Lic No:248126C

House, office units

No job too big or too small

Affordable rates Call for free quote 0497 800 074 0421 084 650

REAL ESTATE

Call us for a obligation FREE QUOTE for Professional Strata Management

YOUR LOCAL SammyBaillie ACCESS PEST ELECTRICIAN homestudio

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

02 4342 1479 0411 049 559

Strata Management on Central Coast

0420 420 151

Same day service Guaranteed

Deliveries & Removals, Local Sydney, Newcastle & Country. Single items or a house full. Competitive rates.

Moving BUCELLO’S Allways Removals

• Qualified registered counsellor • Local Peninsula service • Affordable rates • Home visiting available • Elderly & palliative care support www.thegreenoasis.com.au

ELECTRICIANS

REMOVALS

All types of gardens

Counselling for women in grief, loss and life transitions

OLD MAN EMU HANDYMAN SERVICES

Covering all your internal and external handyman jobs

FREE QUOTES Pensioner discount

Call David: 0413 396 167

PHIL BOURKE PLASTERING Over 36 yrs exp Gyprock, Renovations Small Jobs, Free Quotes Reliable Service

0418 452 474

Pacific Strata Services & Realty Call Betty or Linda 02 4341 2001

ROOFING

ALL COMPETITIVE METAL ROOFING Replace and repair roofs, gutters, downpipes, skylights All work guaranteed Licence la243

Phone: John 0410 917 435 Free quotes

RUBBISH REMOVAL

All types of rubbish, including asbestos, removed.

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

Blake’s Demolition & Rubbish Removal

Ph: 0431 866 292 Lic: AD205997

Licence No 2107c

HANDYMAN CARPENTER

The minimum size of 5cm X a single column only costs $50 + GST in mono and an extra $10 + GST for colour, a logo or a photograph.

40yrs experience all work considered small jobs welcome FREE quotes and pensioner discounts

Classified advertisements in all 3 papers are only $40+GST each. Most businesses choose to advertise on an ongoing basis and discounts apply for multiple bookings, if they are paid for in full, in advance.

Artwork is free and advertisers are encouraged to change their advertisements frequently

LANDSCAPING

The Green Oasis

Business and In Memorium rates

Having a prepaid classified advertisement run for 6 editions only costs $250 + GST and $50 + GST more for colour. For 12 editions, it is $495 + GST and $100+ GST more for colour. For 24 editions, it is only $950 + GST and $200 + GST for colour, a saving of $290 + GST.

ELECTRICIANS

ALL ELECTRICAL AND DATA RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Use a tradesman who knows what he’s doing

Phone Ian 0414 698 097 4341 3113

PLUMBING

TILING

Tiling Wall & Floor Property Maintenance

0439 589 426 homes2nv@gmail.com

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SPORT PAGE 37 14 JANUARY 2021

Lifesavers’ bravery recognised 45 years on LIFESAVING

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KRISTINA

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A lifesaving trio from the Peninsula have been recognised for their bravery during an incident which occurred more than 45 years ago. They were presented with Surf Life Saving’s Meritorious Award at the SLSA National Awards of Excellence event held in November. Two members from Ocean Beach Surf Club and one from Umina Beach were recognised

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for their service via livestream at the November 7 event. The award aims to recognise acts of bravery by members who have put their own lives on the line to rescue people in trouble in the water. The trio received the Group Certificate of Merit with Bronze Insert following a dangerous offshore rescue in 1974 at Broken Bay. Former member of Ocean Beach Surf Club, Keith Pope, said although this event was a long time ago, he believes feats of bravery should be recognised. “It was a great example of gallantry and selflessness and would set a great example for young lifesavers joining the moment,” Pope said. On a Sunday morning in May 1974, a group of trainee offshore rescue boat drivers were alerted to a pleasure craft experiencing difficulties just off

the entrance to the Hawkesbury River. Pope, Doug Barrett and Graham Troth volunteered to head out in the offshore boat to help guide and tow the craft to safety. As they headed towards Palm Beach, a storm blew in with harsh rain, waves averaging nine metres high and fierce winds of over 160km/h. Pope said the three were on high alert for large breaking waves as they tried to protect

PUBLIC NOTICE

POSITION VACANT

Car Boot Sale

DRIVERS NEEDED

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club

CANCELLED

UNTIL FEB 28 2021 due to current Coronavirus health concerns ENQ 0478 959 895

Michael Barrett (accepting for his father Doug Barrett), Graeme Trothe and Keith Pope

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their eyes and keep a lookout for the troubled craft. “We were being propelled 10 to 15 metres in the air through 180 degree turns, before crashing back into the water, only to have Doug swing us around and attack the huge seas once again,” Pope said. “There was never any suggestion of going back.” After making it through the storm into the lee of the headland, Pope said they found the distressed craft, which had a family on board, being safely escorted by a police boat. Their return journey to Brisbane Water proved more hazardous as large waves

crashed over the boat leaving them bouncing around in white water. Pope said he was very nervous and frightened at this point and will never forget Troth’s comment: “You know why they give us these life jackets, don’t you? So they can find our bodies.” The trio eventually made it to safety as they turned into Brisbane Water and headed back to the boat ramp. Pope said he was moved to share this story after seeing a similar event occur with the two life savers on duty ending up losing their lives. “I always have been appreciative of having two experienced surf lifesavers with me that day - Doug was fearless,” he said. “Doug has now passed on and I would like some acknowledgement for [him] as he was a good bloke, and a good and selfless lifesaver.”

IT’S A NO BRAINER! An advertisement from this size in 20,000 newspapers from only $25 + GST per week Call now before the price goes up Ph: 4325 7369

COASTAL DIARY

Maisy Rae

FOR SALE BOAT FOR SALE UNUSUAL TRIMARAN HULL EXTENDED RIDGED TOP 4.65 METERS LONG

50 HONDA ENGINE - ONLY 100 HOURS - MANY EXTRAS PRICE $5,000 PHONE - 4344 4520

EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

THURSDAY, JAN 14

Kincumber Mountain Reserve, 7:30am - 10am Central Coast Mariners v SATURDAY, JAN 16 Western Sydney Wanderers, Basketball for Beginners, Basketball for Beginners, Central Coast Stadium, Lake Haven Recreation Marine Debris Workshop, Lake Haven Recreation Ticketed, 6pm Centre, Wamberal Lagoon, Meet at Centre, 10am and 11am sessions Remembrance Drive, 10am and 11am sessions Sea Life painting sessions, Free, 8am Memorial Park, The Holiday Fun Drumming Entrance, sessions, SATURDAY, JAN 23 SUNDAY, JAN 17 on the hour every hour Memorial Park The from 10am to 1pm Entrance, Tuggerah Lakes Art Society: Umina Beach Markets, on the hour every hour Home Baked Exhibition and Sydney Ave Umina, between 10:30am and THURSDAY, JAN 21 Handcraft Market, 9am - 2pm 1:30pm The Entrance Community Central Dance Company, Gallery, 23/01 - 31/01, MONDAY, JAN 18 Invitation To The Ballet... Ticketed entry FRIDAY, JAN 15 With Paquita, Green Living Workshop, Laycock Street Community MONDAY, JAN 25 Carnival mask making The Entrance Community Theatre, 21 & 22/01, crafternoon, Hall, from 10am Ticketed Village Central Wyong, Over 60’s Healthy and on the hour every hour Active online program, TUESDAY, JAN 19 Breakfast on the Mountain, from 10am to 1pm

10 week online program, free 4320 9700

SUNDAY, FEB 7

www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au

SUNDAY, JAN 31

Breakfast with the Birds 2021, Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy, Ticketed - register prior to event, 8am 43494757

SATURDAY, FEB 13

Handmade on the Coast, Alliance Francaise Woy Woy Waterfront, conversation group: Brick Wharf Rd, practice your French at 9am - 2pm any level, Ettalong Diggers Club, SUNDAY, FEB 28 First attendance is free, 10am - 12pm 0416 303 804

Peninsula Lions Club: Car Boot Sale, Dunban Road Car Park on the cnr of Ocean waterwatch@cen.org.au Beach Road, SUNDAY, FEB 14 WEDNESDAY, FEB 10 7am - 1pm Peninsula Lions Club: Play AFL with the Car Boot Sale, GEBC February Luncheon Bombers - register now SATURDAY, FEB 6 Dunban Road Car Park Event with Guest for season 2021, on the cnr of Ocean Speaker David Harris, Wildplant Community Adelaide St Oval, Tumbi The Entertainment Grounds Beach Road, Nursery: Plant sale day, Umbi, 10am - 2pm Gosford, Ticketed, 7am - 1pm CEN Office, Brush Rd, 0438 153 328 12:15pm Ourimbah, 9am - 12pm president@kvbombers.com

lle e c n

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

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

PAGE 38 14 JANUARY 2021

INFO

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS Art & Culture Central Coast Art Society Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre. Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420 publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

Ettalong Beach Art & Crafts Centre Adult classes in Pottery Watercolours, Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Silvercraft, Patchwork & Quilting 0412 155 391 www.ebacc.com.au ebacc.email@gmail.com

Hospital Art Australia Inc. Meet every Tue and Fri 9am-2pm - 109 Birdwood Ave, Umina - Painting and Canvas drawing. Volunteers welcome 0431 363 347 hospitalartaustralia.com.au

Community Centres Empire Bay Probus Club Friendship, fellowship, and fun in retirement. Very active club, outings, excursions, dining - 3 times a month 1st Thur 1.30pm Empire Bay Progress Hall Visitors Welcome. 0414 280 375 CENTRAL COAST MARINE DISCOVERY CENTRE The revamped CCMDC is open. Schools and Group bookings welcome by appointment. Building has special needs access and toilets Open 7 days 9am – 3pm. Terrigal. 4385 5027 ccmdc@bigpond.com www.ccmdc.org.au

Central Coast Community Legal Centre Not for profit service providing free legal advice. Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 4353 4988 contact@centralcoastclc.org.au

Community Groups

ABC “The Friends” Support group for Public

Broadcaster. Aims: Safeguard ABC’s independence, adequate funding, high standards. Meetings through the year + social mornings Well-known guest speakers 0400 213 514 www.fabcnsw.org.au

Central Coast Caravanners Inc 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Visitors - New Members welcome, Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Details from Geoff 0447 882 150 Peninsula Village Playgroup Carers, Grandparents, parents & children ‘Intergenerational Playgroup’ Tues 10-11.30am 4344 9199 Peninsula School for Seniors Community Centre, McMasters Road, Woy Woy Discussions, rumikin, craft, history, walks, & coach trips Tues, Wed, Thur 4341 5984 or 4341 0800 The Krait Club Community Centre - Cooinda Village, Neptune St, Umina 10.30am For seniors. Gentle exercises, quizzes, games, social activities, guest speakers, entertainment and bus trips - 4344 3277 Volunteering Central Coast

Refers potential volunteers to community orgs. Supports both volunteers and community orgs. Training for volunteers & their managers.

4329 7122

recruit@volcc.org.au

Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Protect and preserve the environment & residential nature of the Bouddi Peninsula and to strengthen community bonds 2nd Mon, 7.30pm Wagstaffe Hall 4360 2945 info@wagstaffetokillcare.org.au

Entertainment Frantastics Choir Inc High quality variety entertainment available for matinee bookings at your venue. New members welcome. 1pm Mondays during school terms Walter Baker Hall, Woy Woy 4343 1995

Violence offering a holistic and their families better program making our manage living with community safer. Parkinson’s Disease Guest speakers are a regular Counselling services available Monday @ Ettalong Baptist feature of our meetings. Church Barrenjoey Room , 2nd Tue - 1.30pm book an appointment: 1800 644 189 0417 472 374 penlighthouse@gmail.com www.peninsulalighthouse.info/

Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free - Join us for a midday meal - Help with shopping and cooking classes 4341 6699 Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 12-step fellowship for those with eating disorders. No dues, fees, or weigh-ins. Peninsula Com. Cntr, cnr. Mc Masters Rd & Ocean Beach Rd. Woy Woy, Fri 8pm 0412 756 446 www.oa.org Peninsula Village Wellness Centre Offering holistic and complementary therapies including aromatherapy, massage and music therapy 4344 9199

Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Club Everglades Country Club 2nd Tues 11am Company, up-to-date info, hydrotherapy, bus trips 1300 650 594 S.A Is Internet porn destroying your life. We may be able to help. We are a 12 step fellowship like AA. Meets every Sat at 7pm on the Central Coast Contact for further details 0473 631 439 newcastlesagroup@gmail.com

Schizophrenia & Bipolar Fellowship LEARN TO DANCE For Schizophrenia Bipolar Social ballroom dancing for all & Mental Health sufferers. ages, all you need is a desire Family carers & friends.are to learn and dance, Peninsula Village Meals welcome. no partner required. Delivered daily to your door Meetings 1st Thursday meet every Wed at 15 Nutritious, great for the elderly Inquires re-venue please ring Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale, 4344 9199 4344-7989 or 4368-2214 2:00pm Anne - 0409 938 345 Peninsula Village Central Coast Asbestos anneglazier@y7mail.com Carer’s Support Group Diseases Support Health Groups For carers of loved ones with Group dementia - 1st Wed - 10 to Al-Anon Support for those suffering 11.30am If someone’s drinking is with asbestos diseases and Paula 4344 9199 causing you problems... others interested in asbestos Al-Anon can help issues. You are not alone, 1300 252 666 meet with others who can Prostate Cancer Meetings Sat 2pm share their experiences. Bring Support Group Woy Woy Hospital a family member or friend. (Gosford) Ocean Beach Road 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on Last Fri, Terrigal Uniting forth Wed of each month. Church, 380 Terrigal Drive, Maree 0419 418 190 Alcoholics Anonymous Terrigal - Someone cares. 9.30am to 12 noon Music Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au Brisbane Water Brass Hall Henry Parry & Wells Brass Band entertainment Street East Gosford for the community playing all Peninsula Lighthouse types of popular music. Guiding you through the Central Coast Rehearsal every Wed storm Your only local mobile Parkinson’s 8pm -10pm counselling service Support Group 0419 274 012 Supporting ALL people We aim to help individuals suffering from Domestic www.frantastics.org

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369

Coastal a Cappella Award winning women’s a cappella chorus. Music education provided. Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. Performance opportunities. Hire us for your next event. 0412 948 450 coastalacappella@gmail.com

Troubadour Central Coast Folk, Traditional & Acoustic Music and Spoken Word Concerts, Ukulele meets, and Sessions 4342 6716 mail.info@troubadour.org.au

Political Groups Central Coast Greens Active regarding ecological sustainability, social & economic justice, peace & non-violence, grassroots democracy & getting Greens elected 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Australian Labor Party Political discussions, national, state and local government issues

Service Groups

Lions Club of Woy Woy Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month Make new friends and have fun while serving your community. 0478 959 895

93 McMasters Rd. Woy Woy

www.brisbane-water.bridge-club.org

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Help with issues with landlords & real estate agents? Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants and residents in residential parks. 4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

Peninsula Environment Group Environmental projects, (incl. Woytopia), Woy Woy community garden, social events, workshops, organic food buying group www.peg.org.au

Veterans Veterans’ Help Centre’ Assist all veterans & families with pension & welfare issues. Mon & Wed 9am-1pm 4344 4760 Cnr Broken Bay Rd & Beach St Ettalong. centralcoastveterans@bigpond.com.

Women’s Groups CWA-Umina Beach Cnr Ocean Beach Rd and Sydney Rd Craft & Friendship: 1st, 3rd, 4th Wednesday at 9.30 Branch Meeting: 2nd Wednesday at 10am Phone: 0410324282 cwaofnswuminabeach@gmail.com

Rotary Clubs Country Women’s International service club Association Woy Woy improves lives of communities in Aust. & o/seas. Fun-filled 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy Craft & Friendship: 1st, 2nd activities, fellowship and and 3rd Wed 10AM. friendship. Meetings: 4th Wed 10AM. Rotary Club of Woy Woy Ph: 0411 434 785 Tues 6pm Everglades woywoycwa@gmail.com Country Club. Don Tee 0428 438 535 Peninsula Women’s Health Centre Special Interest Counselling, therapeutic and Bridge social groups, workshops, Duplicate Bridge Mon Tue domestic violence and abuse Thur Fri Sat-12.15pm issues. All services by women & Wed 9.15am for women Brisbane Water Bridge Club, 4342 5905 www.cccwhc.com.au Peninsula Community Centre

Newspapers Central Coast

CCN

Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

SPORT PAGE 39 14 JANUARY 2021

Ettalong club helps those in need

LAWN BOWLS

The charity helps support families with prolonged illnesses on the Coast

The Ettalong Club has raised a total of $26,000 for the Central Coast charity

An Ettalong club raised a total of $26,000 in 2020 to help support families with prolonged illnesses on the Central Coast. Since last January, Ettalong Bowling Club has been hosting monthly charity raffles to raise funds for the Central Coast Kids in Need organisation. The announcement of the total amount raised was made at the club’s last event of the year on Sunday, December 20. Although wet weather kept the bowlers off the green, people still flocked to the raffle

and trivia events to help raise $1,000 on the day. The amount was then doubled by a generous donation from Woy Woy Leagues Social Club, which was then followed by donations from the Everglades Friday Bowlers and the Ettalong Wednesday Bowlers. Ettalong Bowling Club Director, Ken Dixon, said the event was a great success despite the weather conditions. “We would again like to thank all of our supporters for donating raffle prizes for our charity day,” Dixon said. “Santa also made a surprise

appearance and brought the house down ... or more to the point, his pants fell down much to the enjoyment of many in the audience. “Thanks Santa!” The club’s 2020 fundraising efforts were aided by a $15,000 donation from the Coast’s three Bendigo Community Banks – Ettalong, East Gosford and Wyong. Dixon also revealed the three branches will be donating a further $5,000 in the New Year to the charity fund. “[This is] fantastic support from these community banks,”

Dixon said. The Central Coast Kids in Need organisation focuses on raising money to assist families who have children with prolonged illnesses, with funds used to cover travel costs, equipment requirements and pharmacy accounts. The club will hold its next charity day this Sunday, January 17, with future events to be held every third Sunday of each month. Source: Newsletter, Dec 21 Director of Ettalong Bowling Club, Ken Dixon

20 Knot Speed Limit on Brisbane Water at Ettalong A 20 knot speed limit is now in place on the main channel of Brisbane Water in Ettalong. The Ettalong Channel is a popular waterway shared by PWCs, boats, paddle craft, swimmers and a ferry service. The 20 knot speed zone will ensure all waterway users travel at a safer speed in the area.

Wear a lifejacket that is maintained as required and in good working condition. A lifejacket never ruined a day on the water!

A trivia and raffle was held for attendees

FORT DENISON

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

TIDE CHART

BLZ_SB2021

For more information on safe boating visit rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/otherboating/waterskiing.html

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0324 0.45 0412 0.47 0457 0.51 0006 1.36 0048 1.35 0132 1.34 0219 1.34 0959 1.96 1044 1.91 1126 1.83 0542 0.56 0627 0.62 0715 0.68 0808 0.73 THU 1642 0.24 FRI 1725 0.28 SAT 1805 0.34 SUN 1205 1.72 MON 1245 1.60 TUE 1324 1.48 WED 1409 1.36 2238 1.39 2323 1.38 1844 0.41 1921 0.48 2000 0.54 2040 0.58 0310 1.36 0405 1.40 0501 1.45 0555 1.51 0007 0.64 0054 0.61 0138 0.57 0912 0.77 1026 0.76 1139 0.72 1243 0.65 0645 1.59 0729 1.67 0811 1.75 THU 1503 1.27 FRI 1611 1.20 SAT 1723 1.17 SUN 1828 1.19 MON 1334 0.56 TUE 1417 0.48 WED 1456 0.40 2128 0.62 2220 0.64 2315 0.65 1922 1.22 2007 1.27 2048 1.31

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

PAGE 40 14 JANUARY 2021

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Opening trials for Umina Bowlers

Umina Beach Bowling Club bowlers

LAWN BOWLS With the 2021 Lawn Bowls State Pennants due to start on March 6, the various

Central Coast Clubs are busy finalising their players and grades. The clubs are due to hold their

in-house and external pennant trials over the next few weeks. For Umina Beach Bowling Club, this occurred over the

past weekend, which was also a chance to launch bowls in the new year. With 2020 State Pennants

cancelled last year all throughout Australia, and the Central Coast clubs only playing a total of three Pennants trials, the members are hoping that

2021 will give them the chance to complete the full championship without a hitch. Haakon Barry

Centurion CRICKET A Woy Woy cricketer has been named player of the round after an impressive performance at Woongarrah last weekend.

Liam O’Farrell scored an impressive 111 off 124 balls on day one of the match against Warnervale

Central Coast Cricket Association gave Sothern Spirit’s Liam O’Farrell the title following his notable score of 111 off 124 balls over Warnervale Wildcats on January 9. O’Farrell said it was great to be recognised for his performance in the game. “It was most pleasing to do

my part for the team, get the result we were seeking, and to set a good platform for our young team to strive towards,” O’Farrell said. “The game was won through a great team performance and a few other players standing up with both bat and ball ensured we got across the line and get the seven points.” Round 13 of the Senior Men’s first grade league saw Southern Spirit keep their season alive with a dominant 91 run over the Wildcats. The Spirit batted first, scoring

9-267 from 71 overs with O’Farrell starring with his 111 score, before Lachlan Cork secured 55 batting with the lower order. After the Wildcats attempted to reduce the margin through three wickets from Daniel Hill and Mitch McNeilly, the home side was eventually all out for 176. Southern Spirit’s Lachlan Bull and Harrison Jaenke were also named in this week’s Central Coast Cricket Association’s team of the round. Maisy Rae