Coast Community Pelican Post 009 by Central Coast Newspapers

11 MARCH 2021

ISSUE 009

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

News

Community members mindfully mark International Women’s Day

The Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST) organisation celebrated its 500th tree planting at Umina’s Sydney 2000 park on February 28. See page 8

Out&About

Ettalong Beach’s Naughty Noodle Fun Haus combined camp with Coast at this year’s Mardi Gras Parade on March 6 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. See page 17

Health

Fifty community members celebrated the beginning of International Women’s Day (IWD) on the shores of Ocean Beach on the morning of March 8. See page 4 50 people started International Women’s Day off with a meditation session at Ocean Beach

Haynes Ave residents demand road safety measures Residents of Haynes Ave, Umina Beach, are sick of their street being used as a rat-run and are demanding safety measures be taken to protect residents – especially children. Located between Ryans Rd and Lone Pine Ave, Haynes Ave is used as an alternate route to busy Ocean Beach Rd, particularly by commuters, and records almost 1,900 traffic movements every day. Residents say safety precautions are non-existent and have enlisted the support of Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, in demanding improvements. “Both main roads at either end of Haynes Ave received upgrades in the past few years, Residents say Haynes Ave is in urgent need of repair

which was very important, but Haynes Ave was left to be simply the link between these roads without so much as a pothole repair,” residents said in a letter to Tesch. “In the last two years traffic monitoring has taken place and revealed an average 1,893 cars per day use our link for their journey. “That is a huge amount of traffic for a 50km/h street, given that 85 per cent of these travellers exceed the speed limit, according to Council statistics. “That’s 690,000 car movements per year for an avenue with an appalling road surface, no speed limit signs, no drainage, no traffic islands, no regular police patrols and no traffic calming devices.

“There is a children’s park on the corner of Haynes Ave and Ryans Rd. “Our main concern is for the welfare of small children using this park, especially when drivers continue to cut through the park corner without any consideration for their safety.” Residents say the situation has been exacerbated by the recent addition of a new set of swings closer to the corner. They say traffic volumes are sure to increase, due to the new United service station on the corner of Ryans Rd and Ocean Beach Rd and the imminent construction of a new shopping mall at the corner of Lone Pine Ave and Ocean Beach Rd. Continued page 6

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations has finally hit the Peninsula after delays to the scheme resulted in disappointment from aged care providers. See page 29

Sport

Woy Woy Peninsula’s Little Athletics Centre has received a $2,000 grant to upgrade its sports equipment from a Coles-led fundraiser.. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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

PAGE 2 11 MARCH 2021 CCN

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Coast Community Pelican Post is published team of local journalists as well as external fortnightly on a Thursday by Central Coast sources, including media releases, websites and Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family- public notices. owned business. All of our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www. CCN publishes three local, independent coastcommunitynews.com.au/aboutus/ newspapers – Coast Community News, the Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community editorialstandards Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 Wherever possible, our news includes source distribution points right across the Central Coast. lines that provide information about where Most of our stories, as well as our digital information was sourced so that readers can programs such as “Friday 5@5”, can be viewed judge for themselves the veracity of what they online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au are reading. together with a flip book for every paper shown Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: in full. CCN aims to serve the interests of the Coast Community Pelican Post - Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News - Post community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Coast Community press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful Chronicle - Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 interests to account through high-quality, and 2263. independent journalism without fear or prejudice; Coast Community Pelican Post coverage takes 2. To provide an affordable medium for local in parts of both Gosford East and Gosford West businesses to advertise their products and Council Wards, a section of the State seats of services, including discounted rates for eligible Gosford and Terrigal, and a large section of the Federal seat of Robertson. not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local For all other information, please visit our issues and ensure that important public notices website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in are available to ALL members of the community and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, irrespective of their socio-economic Gosford. circumstances. Ross Barry, Publisher Our content is originated through both our own

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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: Sue Murray, Terry Collins, Maisy Rae, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Harry Mulholland, Haakon Barry, Merilyn Vale - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

26 FEBRUARY 2021 25 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 281

ISSUE 008

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

News

Award for Woy Woy photographer

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

5 MARCH 2021 3 MARCH 2021

News

Jemma lets it go

ISSUE 228

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Premier launches start of major upgrade

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

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

See page 5

Out&About

See page 12

See page 19

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

See page 12

Education

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

See page 17

CCN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sport

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

Puzzles page 22

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

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

Petition organisers Susan Greene and Marianne Hamilton Photo: Merilyn Vale

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

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

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

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

See page 17

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

ISSUE 229

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Community opposes library closure

In a win for people power, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has officially voiced an emphatic “no” to an extension of the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11).

See page 35

Sport

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

Puzzles page 22

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

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

Central Coast Council has a new Chief Executive Officer

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

David Farmer

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

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

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

News

The Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST) organisation celebrated its 500th tree planting at Umina’s Sydney 2000 park on February 28. See page 8

Out&About

Ettalong Beach’s Naughty Noodle Fun Haus combined camp with Coast at this year’s Mardi Gras Parade on March 6 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Winners of the Women in Art exhibition run by Tuggerah Lakes Arts Society were announced when the show opened on Saturday, March 6.

See page 17

Gardening

See page 17

Health

Fifty community members celebrated the beginning of International Women’s Day (IWD) on the shores of Ocean Beach on the morning of March 8.

Health

See page 34

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

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

ISSUE 009

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

Community members mindfully mark International Women’s Day

See page 5

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

See page 5 Five lucky students represented Chertsey Primary School at the opening of the Leagues Club Park in Gosford on February 26.

11 MARCH 2021

Out&About

See page 4

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

Online petition for judicial inquiry into Council reaches target

Council concedes Peninsula rates could rise by 42 per cent Peninsula ratepayers could end up paying 42 per cent more in rates on average from next year if IPART approves a 15 per cent rate rise.

See page 3

Out&About

See full story, page 37

See page 17

An e-petition calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council has reached its target of 20,000 signatures and will now be debated in State Parliament.

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

Health

10 MARCH 2021

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

See page 5

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

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

Business

Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

ISSUE 282

News

Chertsey kids shine at park opening

Out&About

News

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

News

50 people started International Women’s Day off with a meditation session at Ocean Beach

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

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

Sport

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

Puzzles page 23

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

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

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

David Farmer

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

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

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

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

Sport

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

Puzzles page 22

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

The community rally at The Entrance

Scores of people were at a community rally in The Entrance on Tuesday, March 9, to voice their anger about the loss of essential services in the township and plans to close the local library. The Entrance MP, David Mehan, said two banks had already abandoned the town and he was outraged by the news that Central Coast Council was planning to close The Entrance library. He said he spoke to Acting CEO, Rik Hart, on Friday, March 5, who told him the library would be closed, but in another conversation on Monday, March 8, Hart said Council might reconsider. Council still declined to

officially confirm or deny the closure before publication of the Chonicle. “I put my view that it was unfair and it seemed to contradict what they (Council) were telling me in terms of their commitment to maintain services,” Mehan said. “I’m hoping that when Council sees the community opposition, they will reconsider and change their mind because if they close the library, not only will the community lose a library, they will be left without all the other Council services that this facility offers to the public,” he said. “These are services such as: payment for rates water and sewerage services; animal registrations; internet and computer access for those who

don’t have such luxury at home; viewing of Council plans and policies; lodging a general inquiry to Council; and, book clubs, knitting groups and mindfulness groups in the library. “The Administrator publicly stated that he would not be seeking to cut Council services, however, if this library shuts its doors that is exactly what will occur. “The community doesn’t want to see these facilities vanishing,” Mehan said. “You can’t drag everything away to the centre, you have to have services in the various branches of the Central Coast because we are so spread out,” he said. “I won’t accept that my constituents will have to travel

to Wyong or Gosford; we want those services in this area. “I have written to Council seeking its commitment to keep the library open so that the community and local business operators can continue to use this valuable service,” Mehan said. “What government needs to realise is that government offices cause people to visit an area and while they’re there, they do other things, like have lunch, a cup of coffee, buy their groceries. “Once you lose a couple of government businesses, a couple of essential services like banking close, people will stop visiting an area and that’s bad for all business overall.” Mehan said that already, The Entrance township has suffered

with Westpac closing both its branches and removing its ATM, while the Commonwealth Bank was still in limbo on reopening its branch. “I guess the good news is that the bank is still considering its position while it is still temporarily closed,” he said. “That’s why the community is out here today, to show the bank that they really need this bank to stay. “Banking is an essential service, there’s a lot of people that bank with the Commonwealth. “First the banks; and it appears that now Council is abandoning The Entrance community,” Mehan said.

A Blue Tree on Kanangra Dr on the way to Gwandalan/ Summerland Point has piqued the curiosity of locals.

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

Residents of Haynes Ave, Umina Beach, are sick of their street being used as a rat-run and are demanding safety measures be taken to protect residents – especially children. Located between Ryans Rd and Lone Pine Ave, Haynes Ave is used as an alternate route to busy Ocean Beach Rd, particularly by commuters, and records almost 1,900 traffic movements every day. Residents say safety precautions are non-existent and have enlisted the support of Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, in demanding improvements. “Both main roads at either end of Haynes Ave received upgrades in the past few years,

A 2-0 win for the Mariners over Macarthur at Central Coast Stadium has seen the Central Coast side launch themselves into a seven point lead on the A-League table. See page 40

Sue Murray

Puzzles page 23

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

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

Haynes Ave residents demand road safety measures

See page 31

Sport

Residents say Haynes Ave is in urgent need of repair

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations has finally hit the Peninsula after delays to the scheme resulted in disappointment from aged care providers. See page 29

Sport

Woy Woy Peninsula’s Little Athletics Centre has received a $2,000 grant to upgrade its sports equipment from a Coles-led fundraiser.. See page 39

Puzzles page 22

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

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PAGE 3 11 MARCH 2021

Restricted COVID-safe Anzac services With uncertainty on whether or not social restrictions will be eased for Anzac Day, Ettalong Diggers has planned three COVID safe services to be held at the club for invited guests only. General Manager, Bill Jackson, said a dawn service would be held at 5.30am, followed by a Vietnam Vets service at 8am and a midmorning service at 10.30am. At this stage, there will not be any marches on the Peninsula, nor any services at the Woy Woy or Ettalong cenotaphs. All three services will be strictly by invitation only with invitations being restricted to current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, their partners and family, current or former Service personnel from other countries and their partners and a limited number of dignitaries. “We regret that public invitations will not be possible and subsequently must ask members of the public to

Ettalong Diggers General Manager, Bill Jackson (centre back), Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch (far right), Ettalong Diggers Chairman, John Wood (second from left front,) and members of the Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy’s Bay RSL Sub Branch and the Vietnam Veterans’ Gosford sub-branch

please recognise Anzac Day 2021 in the same way that ANZAC Day 2020 was so beautifully remembered,” Jackson said. All three services will be live

streamed via FaceBook for the community to enjoy. Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy’s Bay RSL Sub Branch President, Bevan Router, said the plans were welcome.

“Last year we couldn’t hold any services at all because of lockdown and the logistics of trying to organise a public service this year are just too great,” he said.

“We are all in favour of these COVID safe services at the club.” Vietnam Veterans’ Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia Gosford

City Sub-Branch President, Alan Ball, said his organisation was also in favour of the move. “Last year we held a very small commemoration under COVID restrictions, so we are pleased this has been organised for us this year,” he said. Jackson said the cost of establishing services at the Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach cenotaphs was prohibitive and would be difficult to police, with numbers restricted to 500. He expects around 400 people to attend services at the club. These will be followed by a luncheon and entertainment with Nathan Foley, which is open to members, but bookings are essential. The club will be closed to members and the public until noon on the day. Jackson said arrangements could change if more restrictions were lifted. Terry Collins

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

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

yourvoiceourcoast.com

PAGE 4 11 MARCH 2021

NEWS

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Community members mindfully mark International Women’s Day Fifty community members celebrated the beginning of International Women’s Day (IWD) on the shores of Ocean Beach on the morning of March 8. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, hosted the event in collaboration with Making Meditation Mainstream (MMM), beginning the

celebration with meditation followed by a free breakfast. As the sun rose over the water community members joined together to mindfully and meaningfully acknowledge everything women bring to our home and the world. Tesch said she wouldn’t want to start International Women’s Day any other way.

“The morning was so beautiful; the sun rising before us, the sound of the waves lapping the sand and people from across the Coast uniting to celebrate the backbone of our community and our world – women,” she said. “I took the opportunity to reflect upon the hundreds of incredible women I have met,

have had the privilege of knowing and those who continue to inspire me every day.” Founder, Jason Partington, said MMM began as a way to support mental health after an increase in suicide rates on the Northern Beaches. “Since then it has grown into what it is today – that is a

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every day and each Saturday I watched the community participate in meditation, looking from afar and always wanting to join in,” she said. “I’ve been quite anxious because I am usually isolated and on my own a lot, but I saw an ad on Liesl’s Facebook page, so I plucked up the courage and came down. Tesch said the turnout on March 8 was “incredible and heart-warming”. “It was an absolute honour to sit beside women from all walks of life and think of our journeys individually and together,” she said. MMM meets at 6.30am every Saturday at Ocean Beach to reflect on the week and start the weekend on a positive note. Source: Media release, Mar 8 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

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supportive, proactive and connecting environment helping unite the community and promote positive mental states,” he said. “MMM has incredible women leaders who are each inspirational in their own right and lead and support others, providing a pivotal role in the wider community and it is so important that we celebrate their strength.” Nat Mallia, a leader of the Ocean Beach MMM group said meditation is rewarding for many reasons. “As women we have so many challenges, many of which are related to our health, and it is really important we take time to be mindful and meditate so we can connect with ourselves and heal” she said. For Wendy Devine, her first time meditating with the group was rejuvenating. “I walk along Ocean Beach

The store is providing a collection point for nonperishable food items that will be distributed by Coast Shelter to people struggling with dayto-day essentials. Store Manager, Mitchell Gordon, said he hoped people would help donate to the cause. “We are proud to provide practical assistance for people doing it tough during this difficult time,” Gordon said. “The public are encouraged

to consider donating simple, non-perishable and useful items like pasta, rice, tea and coffee, school lunch spreads, snacks and tinned goods that can help create a meal.” Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water have volunteered to help deliver the food donations to Coast Shelter. The store, which is located in Deepwater Shopping plaza, is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm each weekday, 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 3.30pm on Sundays. Source: Media release, Mar 7 Woy Woy Antiques & Collectables

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NEWS

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Dune restoration works for Peninsula beaches Beaches on the Peninsula will undergo dune stabilisation and restoration works thanks to funds announced by the State Government on March 3. Umina Beach, Pearl Beach and Killcare’s Putty Beach will all benefit from the Government’s $82,750 grant which aims to regenerate the area and target weed management along the coastline. With the funds allocated directly to Central Coast Council, it will be up to Council

to determine the detailed scope and starting date of the works. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the funding would enable Council to also carry out important dune stabilisation activities. “Revegetating dunes is a simple but effective way of retaining sand on our beaches and reducing the impacts of coastal erosion,” Crouch said. “Council submitted a compliant application through the Coastal and Estuary Grant Program, and the NSW Government is pleased to provide this funding.”

The funding, which will be split between nine sites, will also include upgrades to Hargraves Beach at Noraville, Shelly Beach, Forresters Beach, Wamberal Lagoon, The Ruins (Wamberal), and Copacabana’s Winney Bay. Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the funding will help Council manage some of the Coast’s most vulnerable beaches. “Central Coast beaches are amongst the most dynamic on the east coast of Australia,” Persson said. “Pearl Beach, Umina Beach,

Putty Beach, Winney Bay, Wamberal Lagoon, Forresters Beach, Shelly Beach and Hargraves Beach in particular have all been identified as areas in need of restoration. “We are thankful for this funding contribution which will see Council remove invasive weeds and replenish the dunes with native species to improve their natural defence against severe weather events.” Source: Media release, Mar 3 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch Umina Beach

Roundabout is nearing completion Ettalong’s Maitland Bay Dr and Picnic Pde intersection upgrade is to be completed next month, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch.

The new raised roundabout will provide links between Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy and Empire Bay

The upgrade, which aims to improve traffic flow, improve access to Ettalong Beach, and reduce congestion, is part of a

$7M project from the State Government. Crouch said the new raised roundabout will benefit the 19,000 motorists travelling through the intersection each day. “Transport for NSW started work in July, 2020, and in the space of just seven months, the finish line is already in sight, with the project expected to be

completed in late March,” Crouch said. “In the past month, the team has laid a new road surface, completed the Kitchener Park carpark, median strip, guardrail replacement work and completed a traffic switch into the brand-new roundabout configuration. “In the next month we plan to have the roundabout concrete

work and medians completed, install a new pedestrian refuge and on-road cyclist lanes, and start vegetation planting.” The project has supported 20 jobs for residents and sourced from five local suppliers. Source: Media release, Feb 24 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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Haynes Ave residents demand road safety measures

From page 1 They are calling for immediate traffic calming measures including: traffic islands at each end of Haynes Ave, especially one to prevent cars from cutting the corner of Haynes Ave and Ryans Rd; a road upgrade, including drainage, to safely control excessive traffic movements; traffic calming and speed controls to minimise speeding and anti social

Residents of Haynes Ave, Umina Beach, with Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

behaviour; and the installation of speed limit signage. Tesch met with residents on site on February 25 and said she was told residents won’t even go for a walk or let their kids play in their front yards for fear of dangerous drivers. “Resident and father, Wade Nelson, refuses to let his children play outside or walk them to the recently upgraded Council-run playground at the end of the road,” she said.

Tesch said the condition of the road was not suitable and an upgrade was needed. “Data has shown that Haynes Avenue continues to experience increased volumes of traffic, but the narrowness of the road, and lack of speed signage, road delineation and safety islands jeopardises the safety of residents living on this road,” she said. “I will be working with residents and writing to Central

Coast Council and the NSW Government concerning road funding to fix these issues.” But a spokesperson for Council said the road does not merit traffic calming devices. “All residential streets in NSW have a speed limit of 50km/h unless signposted otherwise,” the spokesperson said. “Any instances of excessive speed or anti-social driver behaviour should be reported to the NSW Police for their

attention and appropriate action as the responsible authority. “Notwithstanding this, late last year Council undertook a traffic survey which included collecting data on the speed and number of vehicles travelling along Haynes Ave to identify whether improvements to the road network were warranted. “This survey was part of a wider project to identify traffic

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speed and volumes within the immediate area. “The results of this traffic survey revealed that there were approximately 1,900 traffic movements per day in Haynes Ave, which is considered acceptable. “The results of the traffic survey do not currently warrant the installation of engineered traffic calming devices. Terry Collins

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NEWS

PAGE 7 11 MARCH 2021

JAMES BROWNE OVAL UPGRADE COMPLETE Improved irrigation and drainage facilities at James Browne Oval. Upgraded women’s change rooms and facilities for the Southern Ettalong & United Football Club - encouraging female participation in sport, promoting physical activity and social connection.

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500th tree to shade the Peninsula The Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST) organisation celebrated its 500th tree planting at Umina’s Sydney 2000 park on February 28. But the road to 500 hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The group is said to have worked “very hard” to learn about best planting practices, learning from infrastructure experts and road engineers to find the best solution to a lack of urban shade. GUST say problems faced by the group while trying to grow its presence on the Peninsula included a legacy of “tree phobia” and a lack of education around the benefit of trees. While founding members Debbie Sunartha, Jennifer Wilder and Melissa Chandler are still involved, the GUST team has now grown to include locals Jan Deighton, Lesley Harvey and a number of volunteers who help plant, water and engage with the community. GUST was originally formed in 2016 when a small number of Peninsula residents said they had realised they had all been complaining to Council about the same issue - a lack of urban shade.

GUST celebrated its 500th tree planting on February 28

Founding member Jennifer Wilder said the group’s main aim is to continue to alert Council to its responsibility to shade the community. “Our Council lags far behind others in the area of urban canopy and this is no longer acceptable,” Wilder said. “[It is an urgent matter of

health and safety.and must be] in line with the recommendations now clearly stipulated by the NSW Government Architect. “We are delighted by the rapidly growing support from the community and Council has made some promising noises.

“However, we are yet to see these noises become real action.” In 2018, SEED Consulting conducted heat mapping of the area which confirmed many suburbs on the Coast were approximately five degrees hotter than they needed to be, with the

Peninsula noted as one of the worst affected areas. The study identified the cause of the problem to be the effects of an urban heat island – a lack of shade. Wilder said the group has been told it will likely take years for Council to fully address the problem so

members have decided to take matters into their own hands. “We need trees in the ground now, not in five- or 10-years’ time,” she said. The February 28 event also aimed to welcome the community and encourage residents to ask questions, share concerns and raise issues within the local area. Wilder said talks with residents on the day reminded the group that the community actively wants trees. “We are meeting so many new Peninsula residents who have come from the leafier parts of Sydney and they are shocked by the heat bowl conditions here on the Central Coast,” she said. “They have an expectation that Council will provide shade and some even assume that we are Council. “We are really hopeful that, once things settle down in Council, they will swiftly make the changes that are needed ... ideally GUST will become redundant.” Maisy Rae

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Support service off to a great start The new Care4Coast Peninsula service had its opening night on Thursday, February 25, with a great turn out and a positive, supportive response from the surrounding community. Central Coast Disaster Relief (CCDR), in partnership with CWA Woy Woy, has started the new support service on the Peninsula with weekly health check-ups, food, haircuts, and other services. Founder, Carly Pal, said the demand for services on the Peninsula had grown immensely, so the organisation had decided to bring its successful Gosford service model across to Woy Woy. “The opening of our Peninsula service was a great night; we had lots of volunteers from CWA and CCDR as well as members of the public who had heard of what was happening and came down,” Pal said. “They also donated clothes, food and other items and stayed to help serve—it was wonderful. “I would say around 15 people turned up, which is fantastic for the first night. “It’s just brilliant having that

Orange Sky volunteers, CWA members, CCDR volunteers, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, on opening night.

community involvement, the model that we have established is going quite well, and the support we have received is quite incredible.” Care4Coast offers a hot meal, clothing, shoes, snack packs, food hampers, toiletries and even school supplies and pet food. The support service also has a few local nurses who provide

non-invasive health checks and hairdressers who give free haircuts. Orange Sky, a charity mobile laundry service, has also joined in, where community members can have their clothes washed and cleaned for free. President of CWA, Woy Woy Jane Bowtell, said the service was not just for homeless people but for anyone in the

community who needed support. “This isn’t just for the homeless but for the people who live in social housing, single parents, families in crisis, pensioners, and elderly people who are struggling financially,” Bowtell said. “People can come and get a meal if they want it, they can get a haircut, and wash their

clothes, but they can also come and meet other people in the community and have that social interaction and connection. “This is two different community organisations coming together to try and provide a holistic service that benefits the whole community, in a way that promotes being a part of something and being

friendly and kind to each other.” Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, attended the opening night and welcomed the community’s new support service. “Across our community, too many people are struggling both financially and emotionally; the impact of COVID-19 has only exacerbated these struggles,” Tesch said. She encouraged community members to support the initiative and contact CCDR via its Facebook page to donate much-needed items. Pal said they were still open to local businesses who wanted to help out and provide a support service, including food outlets, hairdressers, and opportunity shops. “It would be nice to have some local Peninsula people involved in this,” Pal said. “This service really depends on the community, getting the word out there, and spreading awareness of this service.” Care4Coast Peninsula service is hosted every Thursday evening from 6 pm at CWA Woy Woy, 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy. Hayley McMahon

Jane Smith

Independent ...working for our community

While we are dealing with other crises - climate change has not gone away The ABC recently reported that 17 Mayors and Councillors from NSW and QLD are calling for urgent Federal Government action to do more to protect communities from natural disasters caused by climate change. Central Coast Council currently has no voice and no representation in this conversation. In fact, it appears to be going backwards. During the last 12 months, our region has been hit by the impacts of bushfires, flooding and coastal erosion. These extreme weather events have caused distress within our community including displacement and property damage in some cases. Resources have been stretched for emergency services. The Central Coast is particularly vulnerable. In 2009, the Federal Government produced a report on “Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coast - A First Pass National Assessment”. Key findings for NSW included: • Between 40,800 and 62,400 residential buildings may be at risk of inundation from a sea-level rise of 1.1 metres and storm tide associated with a 1-in-100 year storm. • The replacement value (in 2009) of the residential buildings at risk is between $12.4 billion and $18.7 billion. • Local government areas (LGA) of Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Rockdale represent over 50 per cent of the residential buildings at risk in NSW. In October 2019, a further report was produced by XDI Pty Ltd (not a government report) - “Climate Change

Risk to Australia’s Built Environment - A Second Pass National Assessment”. The report considered more hazards - riverine flooding, coastal inundation, forest fire and subsidence. It assessed climate risk to over 15 million addresses in 544 local government areas (LGAs) between 2020 and 2100. The findings ranked the top 10 LGAs at risk from a list of 266 across Australia with over 10,000 addresses. The Central Coast ranked number 5 for all hazards, both now and in 2100.

Our community cares about Climate Change The community made it clear through consultation processes that they want Council to address climate change and its impacts. This includes through strategic and responsible planning. A recent decision by the Administrator (8 Feb) to opt in to an Optional Planning Clause for Natural Disasters raises concerns. The intent of the clause from NSW Planning is to “ensure that … consent can be granted for the repair or replacement of a dwelling that was damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster despite any provisions in the relevant LEP that would otherwise prevent the consent authority from doing so”. In theory this seems fair - people should be able to rebuild as quickly as possible to return to normal life without too much bureaucracy. Some residents on the South Coast are experiencing what appear to be unacceptable delays. In practice, the clause may provide a way of bypassing planning rules that exist to respond to future climate risk. It may also provide loopholes to avoid other planning controls. The clause will be introduced through a SEPP

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that overrides Council’s planning rules. Council was able to choose not to “opt in” and instead include a local version of the clause through negotiation with the Department of Planning. The Administrator did not take up this option and the impacts could be farreaching. The Administrator considered and approved this item in less than one (1) minute. Further, it appears that the current staff restructure will weaken Council’s ability to engage with communities and respond to climate change. Cost cutting now in this area will ultimately lead to greater expense for our community in the future.

The risks are very real for the Central Coast. As stated in the XDI Report: “Significant shifts in extreme weather events are already underway and have caused unprecedented natural disasters. The severity and frequency of these events will only increase in the future.... given the scale of changes underway policy makers are not moving nearly fast enough to prevent significant disruption to our economy and society.” The responsibility to act on climate change and its impacts lies with all levels of government - Federal, State and our Council.

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International Women’s Day is on 8 March each year. The theme for 2021 is #ChooseToChallenge. I have been inspired by the personal courage of many women in our community. Thank you. #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge.

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PAGE 11 11 MARCH 2021

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Life Membership for Rotarian Kevin The Rotary Club of Umina Beach awarded its first ever Life Membership last month to active member, Kevin Williams. Williams was recognised for over 30 years of service to the community as a member of the Club. The award was presented to Williams at a special ceremony at his home in Empire Bay, and was attended by his daughters Tracey and Melissa, and son Brad.

Williams said he felt “fantastic and honoured” to be awarded Umina Rotary’s first life membership. “The memories that stand out include supporting local youth, including being a trustee for the Umina Rotary Bursary Fund, hosting international Rotary exchange students, setting up the Probus Club of Umina Everglades, and the many friendships [found] through Rotary,” Williams said. “I look forward to visits from friends made through Rotary

and Probus.” The certificate presentation was made by Club President, Bruce Croft, supported by past presidents Tom O’Connor, Wayne Dowdle and Mike Curley. Publicity officer, Pat Lewis, said the award was welldeserved. “His dedicated service has been recognised along the way by the awards of a Paul Harris Fellow and a Sapphire Pin,” Lewis said. “Kevin was always one of the

first to volunteer for each local project of Umina Rotary.” As Club treasurer for 11 years, an attendance officer for over 20 years, and Club President in 1989/90, Williams has sought a variety of roles within Rotary. Williams was also actively involved in the Probus Club of Umina Everglades,participating in committee roles for a number of years as its first Secretary and second Club President. Maisy Rae

Kevin Williams receiving Life Membership Certificate from Bruce Croft

Environment group welcomes all to AGM

The Peninsula Environment Group’s (PEG) Annual General Meeting is on this Saturday, March 13, with anyone in the surrounding Woy Woy community welcome.

PEG is a voluntary group that promotes and supports a sustainable way of living in the Peninsula area. President, Grant Focas, said the general meeting would be held at 10 am in the Woy Woy Environment Centre. “This will probably be a fairly short meeting to review PEG’s activities and elect a new committee,” Focas said. “If you are interested in potentially getting involved in PEG, feel free to come along.” Since the group was founded in 2008, it has run a range of

sustainable living initiatives, including the PEG organic food buying group, the biennial Woytopia festival, the PEG Nature Play Group for Under 5s, and the Woy Woy Peninsula Community Garden in Moana St. In 2018 PEG launched Plastic Free Peninsula to help reduce plastic bag use in the area. “We are always interested in new projects; if you have an idea for a project that promotes sustainability on the Woy Woy Peninsula, please get in touch,” Focas said. The meeting will be held at the Woy Woy Environment Centre, located at 267 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. Source: Newsletter, Mar 8 Peninsula Environment Group

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Man drowns trying to save dog at Pearl Beach

Woy Woy man charged with online grooming A Woy Woy man reappeared in court on March 9 charged by Strike Force Trawler detectives following an investigation into alleged online grooming.

A man drowned at Pearl Beach on March 7

An elderly man drowned at Pearl Beach on March 7. At around 7.30am police requested assistance from Surf Life Saving after a man went into the water at Pearl Beach after his dog. The dog was able to get back to shore, but the man, who was in his 70s, was swept out to sea in hazardous conditions. The Umina SLSC callout team responded in an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) and a jet ski from the Central Coast Support Operations group. Council lifeguards were also alerted and responded.

A search of the water was conducted and a short time later the Toll Rescue Helicopter sighted the man in the water unconscious. Hazardous surf conditions made the rescue operation difficult and the unconscious patient was transported by the Umina IRB to a Water Police vessel offshore where CPR was conducted. The man was declared deceased. SLSNSW President, George Shales, reminded the public of how important it was to swim

between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach during local patrol hours. “For us as lifesavers, responding to tragic incidents such as these is always a reminder of how important it is to avoid unpatrolled locations or beaches that have been closed due to hazardous surf,” he said. “It is important to only swim where lifesavers and lifeguards are able to see you and can assist in an emergency.” Source: Media release, Mar 8 Surf Life Saving

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In December last year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with the man. Police alleged in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations. It was further alleged that the man arranged to meet the girl for the purpose of a sexual encounter. Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested the 38-year-old man in Woy Woy at

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

about 9.30am on January 14. He was taken to Gosford Police Station and charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years for sex. He appeared at Gosford Local Court the same day, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the same court on March 9. Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet

and related telecommunications devices. Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their lawenforcement colleagues interstate and overseas. The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad comprises detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect. Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au. Source: Media release, Mar 8 NSW Police media

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PAGE 15 11 MARCH 2021

The Liberal Party is fighting to shutdown a Public Inquiry into the Central Coast Council debacle.

What is it that the Liberal Party doesn’t want you to see? Labor is calling for a full Judicial Inquiry into why Central Coast residents are being forced to pay higher rates for this Liberal Government’s failure.

We need to take back our Central Coast.

Authorised by Senator Deborah O’Neill, Suite 312, 4 Illya Ave, Erina, NSW 2250

PAGE 16 11 MARCH 2021

FORUM

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We want answers

Why should we pay for the misdeeds of others? Despite a whopping 75 per cent of Central Coast ratepayers responding to a Council survey declaring they want no rate rise to pay for catastrophic Council debts not of ratepayers’ making, the Council is making submission to IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) for the highest gouge on ratepayers: 15 per cent. Council is misleadingly calling this a ‘one-off’ permanent, seemingly intended to lull ratepayers into thinking the increase will apply for one year, then revert back to the previous rate level. There is nothing one-off about it; it is permanent. That 15 per cent (if approved) is to be applied from next year and then embedded as a regular part of our rates every year. Other rises will be on top of that. We are being asked - no, not asked, ordered - to pay for the misdeeds of others forever.

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper It is (to replace) the reasonable 2 per cent rate peg increase allowed by IPART (without a rate variation). Former Gosford Council ratepayers will also pay an increase in what is called a ‘rate harmonisation’ (sounds sweet, eh?) so that former Wyong Council ratepayers get a rate reduction. Why would we ever bother responding to a Council survey again when we are totally ignored? Survey respondents also wanted an independent person to oversee the finances. If that person is recruited with the same shockingly poor

judgement as the previous highly paid Council staff who got us into this mess, why would we have confidence they would have any more financial competence or integrity? It will just be another big salary we have to pay for, on top of all the rest of the mess we are being made to pay to get out of. What if we refuse to pay the 15 per cent rate increase? Call me old-fashioned, but I think those responsible should pay: NSW Government for failings of the Audit Office whose responsibility it was to expose unlawful Council spending and escalating debt over several years, and those in Council who behaved unlawfully. We should not pay for misdeeds of others: innocent ratepayers who have paid our rates and taxes in good faith in the reasonable belief we are protected from ending up in such a situation. Email, Feb 20 Irma Havlicek, Umina Beach

Centrelink wait times to double? Lucy Wicks’s latest attempt to justify the closing of the Ettalong Centrelink office (PP 008) beggars belief. Is it conceivable that, in two years of searching, Centrelink could not find suitable premises in the whole of the Ettalong/ Umina area? I venture to say that, had the same vigour been applied as was evidenced in the disastrous decision to locate the ATO office in Gosford, an entrepreneur could easily have been found to provide the

FORUM required accommodation in a suitable position. As it is, the already overloaded Woy Woy office will now have to deal with double the present work demand, and Peninsula residents needing Centrelink services will be drastically disadvantaged. Anyone who has attended the Woy Woy office and has had to wait half an hour or more on the footpath outside the building will now have to accept that

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this wait time is likely to double. I have witnessed people in the queue behind me giving up in despair and leaving without even getting as far as the door of the building: well, the Peninsula is not a Liberal stronghold, so what else can we expect? I’ll wager there won’t be any pork-barrelling handouts coming our way at the next election. Email, Feb 27 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

By now most of your readers would have received a letter from Central Coast Council attempting to justify an increase in our rates by 1015 per cent. Rather cleverly, Council seems to imply that its financial problems were caused by various calamities encountered during the previous year. It mentions everything from bush fires and floods to the pandemic. What a lot of baloney. Councils financial woes started with the GFC. Our money was invested in those dubious bonds in America prompted by Lehman Brothers. It was stated at the time by responsible ratepayers that some $10m was lost when those bonds proved worthless. Who was responsible for this debacle and was anyone sanctioned or sacked?

FORUM Then came the forced amalgamation. No one was consulted and before we knew it, it was fait accompli! Now we face the greatest disaster of all. Personally, I am confused. Did we lose $89m or was it more? We certainly don’t get any straight answers from council. How was that allowed to occur Were the auditors asleep on the job? We also heard about the illegal case of the restricted funds. Again, what were the auditors doing and if it was indeed illegal, was anyone charged or sacked? For that matter, what were the councillors doing? Wasn’t their job to make sure

the funds were available whilst they were generously dishing out the money to sporting clubs, barbeque facilities for council workers and giving themselves the maximum rise in their already generous pay. Lastly, dealing with the proposed increase in the rates. Has the Administrator any idea of the demography of the Central Coast? In particular how many pensioners and veterans there are? Or how many people are unemployed or on reduced incomes? The ratepayers simply can’t afford any increase and, in that respect, it would be interesting to know what percentage of ratepayers are in arrears or have entered into a deferred payment arrangement. Over to you Mr. Rik Hart. Email, Feb 4 Fred Landman, Daleys Point

Just clean the pipes There are only phone numbers to ring on the “yourvoiceourcoast.com/ woy-woy-floodplain” site. So, this is my written submission as a resident who does not agree that a “Flood Plain Risk Management Plan” (for the Woy Woy catchment) is needed. Nothing so complicated and time and money wasting is necessary, I believe. My suggestion is that street by street underground pipe cleaning be done regularly - as it was done in Lovell Rd last year.

FORUM In other words, the “plan” should be to DO something as soon as water starts to come up over any particular road. Identify the roads. Send a crew like the one that came to Lovell Rd last year and fix the problem. Provide all our streets with gutters to help with the process. (The Council team who did the clean out in my street has fixed the flooding problem that occurred regularly over seven years, keeping me housebound every time.)

Apology

Charges should be waived, attributed to Dr Noelene Brasche of Killcare.

In the Pelican Post of February 25, a letter appeared in our Forum section under the heading

This letter was actually more than 12 months old and printed in our paper due to a technical

Reasonably heavy rain overnight and persisting through the next day always meant Lovell Rd became “Lovell Lake.” Such a clean out of pipes should have been done seven years ago. I do not understand why it wasn’t. The flooding will not occur if the underground storm pipes are cleaned on a regular basis. Just that one thing is needed: action to provide regular underground pipe clean outs. Email, Feb 23 Maggie Bartlett, Umina Beach

glitch. We apologise unreservedly to Dr Brasche for any embarrassment publishing this out-of-date letter may have caused. Editor

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

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 17 11 MARCH 2021

Naughty Noodle shines at Mardi Gras

40 participants joined the Coastal Twist float at Mardi Gras parade

Ettalong Beach’s Naughty Noodle Fun Haus combined camp with Coast at this year’s Mardi Gras Parade on March 6 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The local arts and entertainment organisation walked the parade in a flurry of colour and dance as part of the Central Coast’s Coastal Twist Festival. The float served as the Noodle’s second experience at the famous parade after it made its debut last year. Creative Director, Glitta

Supernova, said the float was reflective of this year’s Mardi Gras theme of Rise. “Our take on the [theme] was Regionals Rising, not only through the massive momentum gained for visible inclusion on the Coast, but the absolute broader shake up of marginalisation and exclusion that had been entrenched over generations here,” Supernova said. “On a lighter note, we were rising from the depths of our gorgeous and iconic waterways as deep-sea creatures tapping into our coastal vibes.

“It’s so important to be a part of this visible diversity for our region, as a beacon of light and hope to all who are experiencing isolation; it’s a symbol saying ;you are not alone’ and there are vibrant and active LGBTIQA+ communities on the Central Coast that they can be a part of. “It’s important to young, old and everyone in between.” Due to COVID-19 health directives, capacity for this year’s parade was halved with only 40 people allowed in the floats.

Over the past few months, participants aged 14 to 75 have helped create the float, with a few changes from last year. “This year we opened up the brainstorming and creative process with an open public consultation with the community, calling for ideas and direction,” Supernova said. “Participants and volunteer costume creators then all started on weekly costuming and float making workshops which were a fun way for us all to connect and make new friends.

“In the final weeks, it all just came together like magic with the dance and dress rehearsal ... it was so inspirational, uplifting and touching, week after week just full of all the good stuff!” The group danced a big lap around the ground, waving and cheering, before going into the centre of the field to showcase the Coastal Twist float to audiences. Coastal Twist Festival cohead float designer, Leigh Rijff, said it was great to bring positivity to audiences both in the SCG and at home.

“With all the adversity we have had there are going to be people from all around the world watching, some still in lockdown, and just to be able to put that cheer (and) sparkle (to) celebrate love, freedom, equality is a wonderful offering,” Rjiff said. The Noodle will present an International Women’s Day show this Saturday, March 13, to showcase a multigenerational line-up of cabaret, burlesque and performance art acts.

Kayak clean up The kayaks were out in force at Fagans Bay on March 7, but it wasn’t just for fun. A group of 10 kayakers from the Kayak Central Coast Social Paddle Group took to the water with the goal of cleaning up the area for Clean Up Australia Day. Each of them donned gloves and lifejackets, pulling over 20kgs of litter and debris from

the water’s edge. They piled it into an empty kayak which was towed along as a rubbish barge and disposed of it once back at Gosford Sailing Club, taking the recycling with them. Among the rubbish collected were containers, plastic bags, straws, packaging, styrofoam, a deck chair and tennis balls of different sizes.

“We are ecologically minded and have a strong appreciation for our local Central Coast community, waterways and environment,” a spokesperson said. “A kayak allows us a unique opportunity to clean up and explore areas of our waterways that are not accessible by boat, car or foot. “The KCC Group is planning

to continue running regular clean up paddles across the Central Coast to keep our waterways beautiful. “If you know of any local waterways which need a clean up please email andrewgib9@ gmail.com. Source: Media release, Mar 8 Kayak Central Coast Members of Kayak Central Coast at Fagans Bay

Maisy Rae

PAGE 18 11 MARCH 2021 OUT & ABOUT

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Wagstaffe author’s new historical novella A local author has brought fact to fiction with the release of her latest novella, The Body in the Bridge. Wagstaffe’s Helen Menzies released the historical novella, which details an investigation into the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, last month. The Body in the Bridge features famous investigative reporter, Kate McClymont, as the protagonist as she uncovers a cold case dating back to the 1930s. Menzies said The Sydney Morning Herald reporter was thrilled to feature as a character in the novel. “I admire her so much with what she’s done – she’s done so much good in bringing corruption to light,” Menzies said. “When I’m thinking about doing a story which needs detective skills, who better

Author Helen Menzies [centre] celebrates the release of her book

than Kate McClymont! “There’s also a lot about Kate herself in the book ... she’s a very, very funny person.” McClymont begins to

investigate the case alongside retired school teacher Bax and policewoman Lauren, as they try to reveal the identity of bones found inside the girders

of the famous Bridge. Sydney’s colourful past of razor gangs, brothels, street battles, and secret armies all came to a head on the day of

the official opening of the Bridge, and that’s where the characters begin their search. Their investigation takes them back and forth between

the chaos of the 1930s and the high-tech forensic analysis methods of the 21st century. Menzies said the idea for the novel came about unexpectedly after she read about a new invention. “The idea that started the novel was when I read about the robot that goes inside the hollow girders of the Bridge where people can’t go ... I thought it’d be interesting if it ever found bones down there where somebody had fallen,” Menzies said. “An enormous amount of research has gone into the novel ... about Sydney in the 1930s (and) new high-tech methods.” The Body in the Bridge is published by Hilliard Hudson and is available as an ebook on Kindle and on Booktopia, and in hard copy at Book Bazaar in Umina. Maisy Rae

Bouddi Foundation for the Arts awards open Applications for the 2021 Bouddi Foundation for the Arts Grants are now open, with last year’s awards seeing the biggest payout in the 10 years the program has been running. Designed to offer support to young, local artists, the age range for the awards has been raised from 15-25 to 15-30 this year. “We have become aware that a lot of young artists are just hitting their stride at 25 and

they really need monetary support more than ever,” a spokesperson said. Pretty Beach actor, Imogen Sage, was the first recipient of a grant and is soon to open in a leading role at the Sydney Opera House. Sage will appear in Claudel from April 23-May 2. Wendy Beckett’s critically acclaimed play reimagines the story of one of the world’s greatest and most misunderstood sculptor, Camille Claudel and her

complex relationship with legendary artist Auguste Rodin. Sage received her grant from the Bouddi Foundation in 2012. Supported by the Foundation, she graduated with honours from the prestigious London School of Speech and Drama whose alumni includes Lord Olivier, Dame Judy Dench, and a clutch of Redgraves. Such was her status in the school that she was given the privilege of being allowed to appear in stage productions in London during her studies.

She appeared in productions at the Orange Theatre and in Measure for Measure at Shakespeare’s Globe. Her performance at this famous venue caught the eye of noted director, Emma Rice, who cast her in the lead role of Mrs de Winter in the Kneehigh Theatrical Company’s production of Rebecca. Sage spent the next six months touring England and Scotland with the company winning rave reviews for her performances.

More recently she was acclaimed in her 2017 performance as Rebecca in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever in Melbourne. Tickets for performances of Claudel are now available now at the Sydney Opera House, The Bouddi Foundation for the Arts is offering grants of up to $5,000 for young artists aged 15-30 who live, work or have a meaningful connection with the Coast. Fields covered include music, the visual arts, performing arts,

literature, community arts, Aboriginal arts, film, electronic arts and craft. Full details on what the grants can be used for and how to apply can be found at bouddiarts.org,au. Expressions of interest must be received by May 16. Terry Collins

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 19 11 MARCH 2021

Women’s collaborative short film In celebration of International Women’s Day, a local Umina filmmaker is giving the community a sneak peek at her latest short film, Exquisite Corpse, which features some talented female creatives. Amelia Foxton reached out to a group of women during the peak of COVID-19 lockdown, asking them to help her craft a film remotely using only their smartphones. “In the hardest part of isolation, I had many incredibly talented friends stuck in their apartments not earning money and not knowing what to do,” Foxton said. “They weren’t able to take any avenue for their creative expression, and I felt like something needed to be done; we needed to empower ourselves in some way. “So, I thought of the Exquisite Corpse game and thought about how I could turn this concept into a film.” Exquisite Corpse is a game

commonly played by a group of artists, where participants take turns drawing sections of a body on a sheet of paper which is then folded to hide each contribution, The first artist draws a head, and the next artist draws a torso without seeing what the previous drawing looks like — eventually, the unfolded paper shows a strange creature that all artists have created together. “I thought I would get these seven incredible female friends who were all stuck in lockdown collaborate with me to create this strange creature of combined talents and see what came of it,” Foxton said. “So, when they all agreed to it, I sent them out three lines in total which was just a very brief explanation of the character.” The character is Lilac, a thirty-year-old novelist who is deep in the throes of writer’s block; she has put herself into isolation to help find some inspiration, which has an interesting effect on her mind. The women were challenged

The promotional poster for Exquisite Corpse by Amelia Foxton

to create their own story based on the short description of Lilac, unaware of what the other women had created. “The only prompt they got

was just the final five seconds of the previous artist’s contribution from which they continue on as Lilac, but with their own interpretation,”

Foxton said. “They would emulate and take on the story from there, entirely up to them to come up with their film genre, their style, and their script. “They shot it all on their cell phones, so the quality of the video was dependent on their available lighting and their cell phones’ ability to record sound—so I knew the quality was going to vary pretty dramatically.” Foxton said each woman had three days to shoot their twominute scene after receiving the previous actress’s last five seconds. “The piece came together beautifully, I was worried that I would get three dramas and two comedies sent back to me, but instead, there is a musical poetry piece, thrillers, and a silent film scene,” Foxton said. “It was astonishing that these women came up with incredibly unique, engaging, and intriguing pieces that all still came together. “There was no telling whether a storyline would form because

I didn’t give them any indication of where the story was up to, so it was actually kind of miraculous how a storyline formed quite naturally even though there was no communication between the women.” Exquisite Corpse is now making its way into film festivals worldwide and has already received an Honourable Mention in the Assurdo Film Festival, an international film festival for short films. “It’s magnificent because, in a strange time of incredible challenge, women in isolation came together to express themselves and ended up making this incredible collaborative piece,” Foxton said. “I’m so honoured to have been a part of that and had the chance to work with these wonderful women.” Foxton offers an online link to watch the short film for a limited time on Vimeo. Hayley McMahon

Link and Pin set to rock Woy Woy Woy Woy’s Link and Pin café is set to bring rock to the Coast with live music from Australian pub rock band, Urban Guerillas, on Saturday, March 20. The Guerillas will play their first gig of 2021 at the Railway St venue after taking a break through the COVI-19 restrictions on music venues. The event will start at 6pm with support from Umina’s ‘Turtle Custard’ and a range of

food and drinks available until close. Link and Pin manager Adam Brzozowski said both staff and patrons alike are looking forward to welcoming the Guerillas to Woy Woy. “We are currently at half capacity but expect those tickets to fill up soon,” Brzozowski said. “They will be supported by local Umina boys, Turtle Custard ... it’ll be a nice circle

between old and young rockers. “It will be a great live-music event ..we try to show a diverse range of acts.” The free event will be capped due to Covid-19 safety restrictions and will be seated. Punters are asked to book their place by emailing linkandpinexpress@gmail. com. Maisy Rae

Touring band Urban Guerillas will headline the event

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Saturday 13 March

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Thursday 11 March

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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 [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 10:00 Australian Story [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 1:00 The Amazing Race Australia 1:00 PBS Newshour 10:30 Compass [s] 12:00 Movie: “Dead At 17” (M v) (’08) 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:55 Hillary: Be Our Champion, Go (M) [s] 11:00 The Record [s] Stars: Barbara Niven 1:00 Getaway [s] Away (M l) 1:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 Criminal Confessions: 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: Placentia (M) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 1:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] John Newcombe (PG) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 1:30 The Weekly (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Great Indian Railway 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 2:00 Poldark (M v) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] Journeys (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers 7:30 NRL: Storm v Rabbitohs *Live* (PG) [s] 5:10 Grand Designs: House Of The 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 5:00 10 News First [s] 8:30 Wife Swap Australia: Petersen From AAMI Park [s] Year (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] And Cowles Families (PG) [s] – 9:55 NRL: Knock Off [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 10:40 NINE News Late [s] 6:55 Sammy J [s] A controlling mother of two (PG) 8:00 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] who’s obsessed with pinching 11:10 Manifest: Grounded (M) [s] – 8:30 Michael Mosley: What’s My Ben forms an alliance with a 8:30 Gogglebox (M) [s] pennies and a free-spirited 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] Diagnosis (M) mum who spends every dollar student from Flight 828, whose 9:30 Law & Order: SVU: The Long 8:00 Back Roads [s] 9:35 Shadowplay (M) Arm Of The Witness (M) [s] callings either uncovered a 8:30 Q&A [s] on fun swap lives, turning their 10:30 Law & Order: SVU: I Deserve (In English/ German) families’ worlds upside down. violent crime or helped him 9:35 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus Some Love Too (M) [s] 10:40 SBS World News Late commit one; Saanvi strives to One: Maggie Beer [s] 9:45 Ant Middleton & Rebel 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:10 24 Hours In Police Custody: further her research into the 10:05 Aussie Inventions That Wilson: Straight Talking (M) 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] The Home County Cartel death date. Changed The World (PG) [s] 10:45 The Latest Seven News [s] 1:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] (Part 1) (M) 12:00 New Amsterdam (M) [s] 11:15 Celebrity Obsessed: 11:00 ABC Late News [s] 2:30 Home Shopping 12:00 Movie: “Julian” (PG) (’11) 11:30 Princess Margaret: The Rebel Jodie Foster (MA15+) [s] 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] Stars: Ed Oxenbould 1:30 Home Shopping Royal: Pleasure v Duty (PG) 12:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 10:00 Q&A [s] 1:00 The Living Room [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 11:00 The Pacific: In The Wake Of 12:00 Movie: “The Perfect Boss” 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 1:55 How Reagan And Thatcher 1:00 Amazing Grace (M) [s] (M v) (’13) Stars: Jamie Luner Captain Cook With Sam Neill: Saved The World (PG) 2:00 Desperate Housewives (PG) 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With Resolution And Hawaii (PG) [s] 2:00 House Of Wellness [s] Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Great British Railway 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 1:00 Back Roads (PG) [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Journeys (PG) 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 1:30 Outback Ringer (PG) [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:00 Great Indian Railway 6:00 NINE News [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 2:00 Poldark (M v) [s] (PG) [s] Journeys (PG) 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 NRL: Broncos v Eels *Live* 8:30 Movie: “Ladies In Black” (PG) 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:30 Letters And Numbers From Suncorp Stadium [s] (’18) – Adapted from the 5:10 Grand Designs: House Of The 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia bestselling novel by Madeleine 9:55 NRL: Golden Point [s] Year (PG) [s] 7:30 The Living Room [s] 6:30 SBS World News St John, Ladies in Black is an 10:40 Movie: “The Mechanic” 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:30 Mystery Of Rome’s Sunken (MA15+) (’11) – Follows an elite 8:30 The Graham Norton Show alluring and tender-hearted 7:00 ABC News [s] (M l,s) [s] – Join Graham Norton City (M v) hit man as he teaches his trade comedy drama about the lives 7:30 Gardening Australia [s] as he chats with Vicky McClure, 8:30 Going Places With Ernie to an apprentice who has a of a group of department store 8:30 Vera: The Moth Catcher (M) [s] Adrian Dunbar, Daisy Ridley, Dingo: Longreach (PG) connection to one of his employees in 1959 Sydney. 10:00 Mum: Friday (M) [s] Bryan Cranston, Chiwetel Ejiofor 9:00 Who Do You Think You Are previous victims. Stars: Jason Stars: Julia Ormond, Angourie 10:30 State Of The Union (M l) [s] and Imelda May. UK?: Olivia Colman (PG) Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Rice, Rachael Taylor, Alison 10:45 ABC Late News [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:10 The Royals And The Nazis (M) Goldwyn, Donald Sutherland, McGirr, Ryan Corr, Vincent 11:00 The Vaccine [s] Jeff Chase, Mini Anden 10:30 Just For Laughs (M) [s] (In English/ French) Perez, Susie Porter, Shane 11:15 The Weekly With Charlie 12:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 11:10 SBS World News Late Jacobson Pickering (PG) [s] Legion (M v) [s] 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 11:40 Travel Man: Iceland 10:50 Program To Be Advised 11:45 Aftertaste (M) [s] 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 12:15 Cycling: Paris-Nice 2021 *Live* 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 Home Shopping 12:15 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 Which Car? [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Home Shopping 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 6:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 7:00 Escape Fishing With ET [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday [s] 10:00 rage (PG) [s] 12:00 Surfing Australia TV [s] 7:30 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 1:00 PBS Newshour 11:00 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: 12:30 Award Winning Tasmania [s] 8:30 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 Destination Flavour China Moonee Valley/ Rosehill [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Bitesize 1:00 9Honey - He Said, She Said: 9:30 Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 12:30 Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch 2:05 Sportswoman: Cate And Can You Tell Your Partner They 12:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Musical! [s] Bronte Campbell/ Alex Morgan Have Gained Weight? [s] 12:30 Destination Dessert [s] Front Line (PG) [s] 1:55 Last Drinks At Frida’s (PG) [s] 1:05 My Way [s] 1:00 10 Minute Kitchen [s] 4:05 Travel Man: Barcelona 2:10 Old People’s Home For 4 Year 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:35 Morgan Freeman - The Story 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s 1:35 Movie: “Annie” (PG) (’14) Stars: 1:30 My Market Kitchen [s] Olds [s] 2:00 Three Blue Ducks [s] Of God: The Chosen One (PG) Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx Front Line (PG) [s] 3:10 Princess Margaret: The Rebel 5:35 Hitler And Churchill: The 2:30 Australia By Design [s] 7:30 Movie: “Shazam!” (M v) (’19) – 4:00 The Pet Rescuers (PG) [s] Royal: Pleasure v Duty (PG) 3:00 10 Travlr Northern Territory [s] Eagle And The Lion (PG) After being abandoned at a fair, 4:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 4:00 Ask The Doctor: 3:30 Everyday Gourmet [s] 6:30 SBS World News Billy constantly searches for his 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Alcohol Risks (PG) [s] 4:00 Freshly Picked [s] 7:35 World’s Most Scenic Railway mother. His life, however, takes 5:30 Getaway (PG) [s] 4:30 Landline [s] Journeys: South Africa (M) 4:30 Farm To Fork [s] a huge turn when he inherits the 6:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 5:00 Football: A-League: Sydney 8:30 Movie: “Monty Python’s Life Of 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] superpowers of a powerful FC v Newcastle Jets *Live* 7:30 Space Invaders (PG) [s] 6:00 Three Blue Ducks (PG) [s] Brian” (M l,n) (’79) Stars: John wizard. Stars: Zachary Levi, From WIN Stadium [s] 6:30 Program To Be Advised Cleese, Graham Chapman, 7:00 ABC News [s] Mark Strong, Asher Ange, Jack 8:30 Movie: “The Bourne Identity” 7:00 The Cube (PG) [s] Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry (M v,l) (’02) Stars: Adewale Dylan Grazer, Adam Brody, 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) [s] Akinnuoye Agbaje, Brian Cox 8:00 Ambulance UK (M) [s] Jones, Michael Palin 8:30 Call The Midwife (PG) [s] Djimon Hounsou 10:10 Kubrick By Kubrick: Kubrick 10:45 Movie: “The American” 10:20 Program To Be Advised 10:30 Movie: “Lone Survivor” 9:30 Harrow (M v) [s] (MA15+) (’10) Stars: George 10:50 Program To Be Advised In His Own Words (MA15+) (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Alexander 10:25 Apple Tree Yard (MA15+) [s] Clooney, Irina Björklund, Lars 11:50 Inside The Children’s Hospital 11:20 Cycling: Paris-Nice 2021 *Live* Ludwig, Ali Suliman, Ben 11:20 Press: Magic (M l,s) [s] Hjelm, Björn Granath (PG) [s] Stage 7 Foster, Emile Hirsch 12:20 rage Guest Programmer 12:30 Home Shopping 1:20 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 12:35 Surfing Australia TV [s] 1:00 Home Shopping (MA15+) [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)

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

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

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

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PRIME (C61/60)

6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 9:00 Insiders [s] 10:00 Offsiders [s] 10:30 The World This Week [s] 11:00 Compass (PG) [s] 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 12:30 Landline [s] 1:30 Gardening Australia [s] 2:30 Australia Remastered (PG) [s] 3:30 The Mix [s] 4:00 Football: W-League: Round 12: Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets *Live* From Kingston Heath [s] 6:05 Antiques Roadshow [s] 7:00 ABC News Sunday [s] 7:40 Grand Designs New Zealand: Beach Escape [s] 8:30 Harrow: Ne Puero Gladium (M v) [s] 9:20 Silent Witness: Seven Times (Part 1) (M l,s,v) [s] 10:20 Patrick Melrose - Nevermind (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) [s] 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) [s] 1:00 Beach Cops (PG) [s] 1:30 Highway Patrol (PG) [s] 2:00 Movie: “The Maltese Falcon” (PG) (’41) Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Ivan Milat Buried Secrets (M) [s] – 7News presents a groundbreaking true crime series revealing new evidence that Australia’s most notorious serial killer may have been responsible for more murders beyond the Belanglo Seven. 9:10 Movie: “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” (M d,l,s,v) (’17) Stars: Taron Egerton, Edward Holcroft 12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 Religious Programs [s] 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:30 Fishing Australia [s] 10:00 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] 8:00 Good Chef Bad Chef [s] 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 8:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 1:00 AFL: Women’s Footy (PG) [s] 9:00 Australia By Design [s] 2:00 David Attenborough’s 9:30 Studio 10 Sunday [s] Dynasties: The Making Of 12:00 All 4 Adventure [s] Dynasties (PG) [s] 1:00 The Offroad Adventure Show 2:00 Taste Of Australia With 3:00 NRL: Raiders v Tigers *Live* Hayden Quinn [s] From GIO Stadium [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] 7:00 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 3:00 Taste Of Australia [s] 3:30 Roads Less Travelled (PG) [s] 8:40 60 Minutes (PG) [s] 4:00 The Amazing Race Australia 9:40 NINE News Late [s] (M) [s] 10:10 Australian Crime Stories: The X Factor (M) [s] – The ‘Lawyer 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] X’ saga sparked a Royal Commission. Nicola Gobbo was 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia the barrister who played on (M) [s] both sides of the law, two-timing the cops and the drug lords for 8:30 FBI: Most Wanted: fifteen years. Vanished/ Ghost (M) [s] 11:20 Forensics: The Real CSI (M) 10:30 The Sunday Project (PG) [s] 12:30 Young, Dumb And Banged 11:30 NCIS: Beneath The Surface (M) 12:00 Home Shopping Up In The Sun (MA15+) [s] 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 1:15 Space Shuttle: Triumph And Tragedy (PG) 3:00 Beach Volleyball: ABVT Tour Finals *Live* From Coolangatta 5:00 Sportswoman: Coco Gauff 5:30 Hitler’s Last Year (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Michael Palin In North Korea (PG) 9:20 Burger Wars: Burger King Vs McDonalds (M l) 10:10 Meat: A Threat To Our Planet? (M) 10:15 24 Hours In Police Custody: To Catch A Paedophile (M l) 12:10 Michael Mosley: A History Of Surgery Fixing Faces (PG) 1:10 Cycling: Paris-Nice 2021 *Live* Stage 8 3:10 Great British Railway Journeys (PG)

Monday 15 March

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Landline [s] 11:00 Grand Designs NZ [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Death In Paradise (M v) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:15 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:10 Grand Designs NZ [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Australian Story [s] 8:30 Four Corners [s] 9:15 Media Watch [s] 9:35 Being Frank: The Frank Gardner Story (PG) [s] 10:35 ABC Late News [s] 11:05 Catalyst: Kill Or Cure? The Story Of Venom (PG) [s] 12:05 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 12:50 Parliament Question Time [s] 1:50 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 4:30 The Drum [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Dark Desire” (M s,v) (’12) Stars: Kelly Lynch, Nic Robuck, Michael Nouri 2:00 Criminal Confessions: Gainesville (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 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 Program To Be Advised 9:00 9-1-1: There Goes The Neighborhood (M) [s] – A man gets pinned under a Humvee; a garage band rocks out too hard; Michael notices strange behaviour at a nearby apartment; Hen’s mother unexpectedly arrives. 10:00 The Rookie: The Q Word (M) 11:00 The Latest Seven News [s] 11:30 Station 19: Crazy Train (M) [s] 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] 11:00 Grammy Awards 2021 *Live* 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 1:00 Explore [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 1:15 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] – 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] A surprise day trip lands the 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia brides and grooms in the middle (M) [s] – In a series of quirky of a MAFS first. challenges, the teams’ patience 9:10 Under Investigation: Putin’s is tested as completing the Poison (PG) [s] peculiar tasks is the only way to 10:10 100% Footy (M) [s] – Phil reach their next clues in the Gould, Paul Gallen, James Race. Bracey debate the biggest 9:00 Hughesy, We Have A Problem issues in Rugby League. (M) [s] 11:10 NINE News Late [s] 10:00 The Graham Norton Show 11:40 The First 48: (M s) [s] 10th Anniversary Special (M) [s] 11:00 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 1:20 Explore [s] 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s]

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 2:05 Elizabeth I And Her Enemies: Battle For The Throne (M) 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: Noni Hazlehurst (PG) [s] 4:00 Great Indian Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses (PG) 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: Someone To Lean On (M) 9:25 The Story Of The Songs: Rod Stewart (M) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Outlander (MA15+) 11:50 Berlin Station (M l,v) 3:40 Great British Railway Journeys (PG)

Tuesday 16 March

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 10:00 Four Corners [s] 10:45 Water (PG) [s] 11:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Call The Midwife (M) [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 3:15 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 5:10 Grand Designs NZ (PG) [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] 8:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 8:30 Exposed: The Ghost Train Fire (M) [s] 10:00 The Truth About Boosting Your Immune System (PG) [s] 10:55 ABC Late News [s] 11:25 Q&A (M l,s) [s] 12:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 1:30 Parliament Question Time [s] 2:35 rage (MA15+) [s] 3:40 Wentworth (MA15+) [s] 4:30 The Drum [s]

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “High School Lover” 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] (M d,s,v) (’17) Stars: James 1:00 The Garden Gurus [s] Franco, Vince Jolivette 1:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:00 Criminal Confessions: 3:00 Tipping Point [s] Eunice (M) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 9:10 Botched: Flaws, Jaws, And 7:30 Ultimate Tag (PG) [s] Extra Bras (M) [s] 9:00 The Good Doctor: The 10:10 Australian Scandal: Power Uncertainty Principle (M) [s] – And Passion (M l,s,d) [s] Dr. Morgan Reznick discovers 11:10 NINE News Late [s] her patient’s wealth and 11:40 Labour Of Love: Some Like It obsession with extending his life Extra Hot (M) [s] – Kristy and is a dangerous mix that could the remaining men participate end up costing more than he in a game night; one man’s can afford. dreams are crushed. 10:00 The Resident (M) [s] 12:30 Our Lives: Extraordinary 11:00 The Latest Seven News [s] People: The Solar Boys (PG) 11:30 Station 19: Baby Boom (M l) [s] 1:20 Explore [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Sunrise [s] 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 10:00 Foreign Correspondent [s] 10:30 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 12:00 Movie: “Bringing Ashley Home” 11:00 Aussie Inventions That (M d) (’11) Stars: A.J. Cook Changed The World [s] 2:00 Criminal Confessions: 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Boone County (M) [s] 12:30 National Press Club Address 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 1:35 Media Watch [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 2:00 Parliament Question Time [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 3:15 ABC News Afternoons [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:10 Antiques Roadshow [s] 7:00 Sport Special: 2021 AFL 5:10 Grand Designs NZ (PG) [s] Season Launch [s] 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:30 Ultimate Tag (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:45 The Front Bar (M) [s] – Join 7:30 7.30 (PG) [s] Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Andy Maher as they share a 8:30 The Weekly With Charlie laugh about the AFL world and Pickering (PG) [s] catch up with stars of 9:00 Fisk (PG) [s] yesteryear and today. 9:30 Why Are You Like This (M l) [s] 9:45 The Latest Seven News [s] 9:55 QI: Revolutions (M l) [s] 10:15 Ambulance: Code Red (M) [s] 10:25 Staged: Bara Brith (MA15+) [s] 11:15 Born To Kill?: Fred West (M) 10:50 ABC Late News [s] 12:15 Code Black (M) [s] 11:20 Four Corners [s] 1:15 Harry’s Practice [s] 12:10 Media Watch [s] 2:00 Home Shopping

Sunday 14 March

ABC (C20/21)

Wednesday 17 March

PAGE 21 11 MARCH 2021

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)

NINE (C81/80)

TEN (C13)

6:00 Headline News [s] 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] 8:45 NCIS: Winter Chill (M v) [s] 9:45 NCIS: Los Angeles: Friendly Fire (M) [s] 10:45 The Project (PG) [s] 11:45 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 12:45 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

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 9Honey - He Said, She Said 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] (PG) [s] 2:30 Everyday Gourmet With 1:10 Married At First Sight (M) [s] Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Freshly Picked [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 6:00 NBN News [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 9:00 Amazing Grace (M) [s] – Grace 6:00 WIN News [s] and Kirk struggle to deal with 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Sophia’s adoption plans. 7:30 The Cube (PG) [s] – Sporty Meanwhile, Grace sees a sisters KC and Keats take on surprising new side to Max. The Cube. Will they beat The 10:00 New Amsterdam: Cube and take home $250,000? Safe Enough (M) [s] 8:30 Bull: Justice For Cable (M) [s] 11:00 NINE News Late [s] 9:30 Bull: The Missing Piece (M) [s] 11:30 The Enemy Within: Pilot (M) 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:20 Tipping Point [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 1:20 9Honey - He Said, She Said 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

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

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

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

SBS (C30)

5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 2:10 Elizabeth I And Her Enemies: The Enemy Within (M) 3:00 Who Do You Think You Are?: Charlie Teo (PG) [s] 4:00 Great Indian Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Australian Railway Journeys: Canberra To Melbourne (PG) 8:30 Insight: Adult ADHD (M) 9:30 Dateline: Digital Predators 10:00 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 The Point 12:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 1:00 Borgen (M s) (In Danish) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Dateline: Digital Predators 2:30 Insight: Adult ADHD (M) 3:30 Celebrate St Patrick’s Concert (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys: Stoke-On-Trent To Winsford (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Tony Robinson - Britain’s Ancient Tracks: Offa’s Dyke (PG) 8:30 Australia In Colour: Australia At Play (PG) 9:30 Departure: Survivor (MA15+) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Romulus (MA15+) (In Old Latin) 12:50 The Night Manager (M v) 1:45 Counterpart (M l,v)

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

PAGE 22 11 MARCH 2021 1

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

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11 MARCH 2021

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 24 11 MARCH 2021 OUT & ABOUT

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Livewire Biddy turns 104 Peninsula Villages resident, Beatrice ‘Biddy’ Abrahams, celebrated her 104th birthday at the Village on February 24. Biddy is the eldest member of the resident community, closely followed by a further nine centenarians who call the Village home. To celebrate her milestone birthday, staff organised a big party with fellow residents, birthday cake and balloons. Biddy shared her love for living at Peninsula Villages and said there were plenty of activities on offer to join in on. “[It] feels like my own home – the staff and all my fellow residents have become my family, and I couldn’t be happier living here,” Biddy said. “Sometimes I enjoy socialising with the ladies at a lovely morning tea, and other times I sit and knit or crochet patterns that I have made with my own measurements.” Biddy is said to, at times,

Biddy is one of a record 10 centenarians who currently call Peninsula Village their home Photo: Lisa Haymes

reminisce about her time in the Women’s Land Army – an organisation that was formed during the Second World War to combat rising labour shortages

in the farming sector. Her service commenced in 1941 where she was tasked with riding a bike around the area to various farms and

delivering the mail. However, given that she had never been taught to ride a bike, she found herself a horse and says she enjoyed “being

back in the bush”. She refers to her time in the Women’s Land Army as her life’s biggest achievement. It was following her service

that she married her husband of 50 years, Eric, who passed away a few years ago. The newlyweds lived near the city where Biddy worked in the David Jones warehouse, before moving to Umina in the early ‘80s where they enjoyed the sea-change. Peninsula Villages Chief Executive Officer, Shane Neaves, said Biddy’s zest for life and smile are contagious. “Biddy is definitely one of the big characters here at the Village,” Neaves said. “Her cheeky antics – as seen on Sunrise with Sam Mac last year – make her one of the Village’s most beloved residents. “She has a lot of energy and wit hidden behind her 104-year-old façade, and we all know there’s never a dull moment when our delightful young Biddy is around.” Source: Media release, Feb 25 Brilliant Logic

Frantastics Choir resumes Following a year of inactivity due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Frantastics Choir will resume COVID safe rehearsals on March 15. Founder and Director, Fran Kendall, of Woy Woy said members were excited to be resuming. “We just can’t wait to be

able to entertain again,” Kendall said. “We’ll be available for bookings from early June. “We already have three bookings and I’ll be letting these convenors know if we’ll be ready to perform on the reserved dates. “Because of the excellent space in the Walter Baker

Hall, the choir will be able to access the hall for choreography practice and the courtyard area for seated masked choristers. “Members will alternate between the two groups. “While these conditions are not ideal, members are looking forward to socialising and singing once more, after a year’s hiatus.”

Kendall says new members are welcome with details available on the choir’s website. Source: Emails, Feb 18 and 28 Frantastics Choir director, Fran Kendall

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 11 MARCH 2021

Business & Property Revised proposal for Woy Woy housing development Residents have until March 26 to make submissions on a revised proposal for a housing development on the corner of Farnell Rd and Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. The developer has scaled back the original proposal approved in 2018 for an $11M development comprising more than 30 units. The revised application is for multi-dwelling housing on the site comprising 18 two-storey units to be built in two stages at a cost of $5.5M. Matthew Wales from Wales & Associates said the developer had decided to revisit the original proposal, which attracted more than a dozen submissions in opposition, following a market analysis. A Development Report and Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) by Wales & Associates on behalf of Apex Smarthomes and lodged with the application outlines the developer’s plans. The two storey multi-dwelling housing development now

The development would have 18 units

proposed includes a total of 18 residential units, secured garage parking, private courtyards and advanced landscaping and subsequent strata subdivision.

It involves clearing of the land for the residential development of 170-176 Blackwall Rd and 8 Farnell Rd. Secured basement car parking would accommodate

31 vehicles, including two visitor spaces. The SEE says the development complies with the definition of a multi-dwelling housing development and meets the

objectives of Gosford Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014. The proposed development has a design height of 7.617 metres which complies with the 11 metre maximum limit.

The property has been largely cleared of most of the natural vegetation over the past 50 years. “During the course of construction, filter fences will be provided adjacent to the exposed work face and hay bales anchored with star pickets will be provided at the site low points,” the SEE says. “Due to the gently sloping nature of the site, erosion and sediment transfer is expected to be minimal and readily controlled. At March 9, 10 submissions had been received objecting to the proposal, with major objections relating to noise and privacy issues, traffic congestion along the already busy Blackwall Rd, inadequate parking provisions,unsuitability of scale of the development and loss of amenity resulting from 36 rubbish and recycling bins which would need to be accommodated. Source: Central Coast Council DA tracker, Mar 9 DA 60666

Special day for women at Work Collective Umina Beach’s newest coworking space, Work Collective, opened its doors on March 8 to help celebrate International Women’s Day with a free experience. Both regulars and first timers to the West St office were invited to work in the space for free for the day, with a special morning tea presented to entrepreneurs. Owner, Grace Bowe, said it delighted her to see the coworking space filled with women for the day.

“The real benefit of coming to a co-working space ... is what women give themselves when they come to a dedicated space to work such as Work Collective,” Bowe said. “The ability to just focus on their work, not be trying to juggle housework and work, and to connect with other likeminded people.” Bowe also said it was “wonderful to hear the buzz of women doing what they do best” - connecting with each other and becoming supporters and cheerleaders for each other’s businesses.

Local business owners in attendance on Monday included high profile SEO expert, Kate Toon, owner of Belle Movement Pilates studio, Jenna Salvaterra, publisher of The Wash Online, Jonica Williams, fashion designer, Carlie Ballard, and CEO of ScienceAlert,Fiona MacDonald. A welcome letter thanking women for “being the backbone of community” was also presented to attendees. Source: Media release, Mar 9 Work Collective

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Pride of Workmanship award for nursery employee The Rotary Club of Woy Woy has awarded its latest Pride of Workmanship award to Narara Valley Nursery employee, Claudine Glencross. President Joan Redmond said the Club was proud of Claudine’s achievements and knowledge of the nursery. “It was a great pleasure to present [the] award to Claudine ... her employer describes [her] as a rose expert. “However, we found as she gave us a tour of the Nursery, that Claudine had extensive

knowledge of pretty much every species of plant on display, including their botanical names. “She could rival any presenter on Gardening Australia with her sheer enthusiasm and obvious passion and knowledge of plants!” Redmond was joined by fellow Rotarians to celebrate Claudine’s achievement, alongside event organisers Kaye Walker and Jan Steele.

Kaye Walker, Claudine Glencross and Joan Redmond

Source: Newsletter, Mar 9 President of the Rotary Club of Woy Woy

President Joan Redmond presented the award to Claudine Glencross

Forensic audit suggests a focus on improving systems A summary of a forensic audit into Central Coast Council’s financial issues blames problems before amalgamation and general poor financial management practices. The report concludes that with the forensic audit finished, Council should focus on improving systems. The Council recommendation to Administrator, Dick Persson, is that Council no longer needs to report to each Council meeting on its progress or on any other action in response to the financial crisis. The report says the problems can be blamed on legacy issues with lack of control, financial systems and transparency from Gosford Council inherited on amalgamation, including from a Gosford Council rescripting incident in 2016. The former Gosford and Wyong councils were merged in 2016. It says there were problems, delays and lack of transparency when integrating the financial

systems on amalgamation and delays and a lack of transparency in establishing a single financial system after amalgamation. A long-term and established practice of relocating funds within the single bank account between the general fund and restricted funds; mismanagement of the single bank account and lack of financial controls along with general poor financial management practices and no early warning mechanisms were found. “The current financial circumstances appear to have arisen from legacy issues associated with financial systems, transparency from the time of Council amalgamation and poor financial management practices,” says the summary to the March 9 meeting. Council engaged Clayton Utz on October 26, 2020, four days before the councillors were suspended, to undertake a legal analysis. As part of that, Clayton Utz

engaged KPMG to undertake investigation would be unlikely recommendations made in the the financial forensic analysis. to disclose any new or Developer Contribution Audit The purpose of the additional reasons for its and ensuring a clear strategy. financial engagement was to advise current It was also going to continue Council of any evidence circumstances, and resources reviewing historical spend to indicating Council’s liquidity would be best utilised by identify funds that may have issues or use of restricted focussing on implementing been expended from incorrect funds in breach of the Local improvements in financial sources (i.e. developer Government Act were as a management and reporting,” it contribution eligible projects continues. result of corruption. that have been funded from “For this reason, no further general revenue). Clayton Utz further requested KPMG undertake a targeted Forensic Audit reports are It was also going to create a forensic review of a sample recommended at this time.” property (land) register fund to gain understanding of At the previous meeting, on including: details on the use Council’s financial accounting February 23, Council submitted and return on property and practices and138 adherence to theTown its final report on the progress the holding costs of all Robina Centre Drive Robina assess; Qld 4226 Office of Local Government against its Business Recovery non-income producing assets Town Centre Qldand 4230 Guidelines. PO Box 3275 Robina Plan. the current and future needs (e.g. community Council’s Tel: Domestic Waste At that Fax: meeting, Council 1300 36 0867 1300 81 8962 expectation) /strategy for Fund (DWF) was selected as a explained that the Financial maintaining the property; and sample fund.email: artwork@localdirectories.com.au Tactical Team that had been “The review has not identified created as part of the Business consider the sale of non-core www.localdirectories.com.au Plan would assets no longer required to any evidence that Council’s Recovery current liquidity issues or use discontinue and any financial pay down debt. The Q2 Business report was of restricted funds in breach of savings would continue as adopted at the February 23 the Local Government Act was “business as usual”. the result of corrupt conduct,” Jobs still to be done included meeting, showing the financial the summary says. reviewing developer performance of Council to the contribution plans and model end of December 2020. “Clayton Utz further stated expenditure prediction with a The main points showed that: that having regard to the view to minimising expenditure The year to date (YTD) operating reviews completed to date it from general revenue; result (excluding capital grants would be reasonable for addressing all and contributions) is showing a Council to conclude that further

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favourable variance of $21.5M, consisting of an actual surplus of $102.3M compared to a budget surplus of $80.8M; the year to date (YTD) operating result (including capital grants and contributions) is showing a favourable variance of $23.1M, consisting of an actual surplus of $123.9M compared to a budget surplus of $100.8M’ and the year to date (YTD) capital expenditure is $90.3M compared to a year to date budget of $104.6M. Council expects to register a $107.4M loss by the end of the financial year and is undertaking remedial actions including structural reduction in operating expenditure, seeking special rate variation approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, reducing capital expenditure, bank loans, generating additional income and selling underperforming assets. Director Natalia Cowley said the total Council debt at the end of January was $458M.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 11 MARCH 2021

Coles feels the need for speed with online grocery orders Shoppers at Coles, Umina Beach, will be among the first residents in Australia to have access to a new 90-minute Click&Collect Rapid service, allowing them to place their grocery order online and collect it just 90 minutes later for a flat $5 fee. Customers will also be able to order from an extended range of goods for home delivery. Manager of the nominated stores, David Murray, said Click&Collect Rapid was a convenient solution for local shoppers who don’t have time to complete a full shop instore. “We’re seeing demand increase for convenient shopping solutions, so we’ve rolled out easy collection

windows from 2.30pm-5pm every day of the week,” Murray said. Available collection windows are visible on Coles Online from 1pm. Coles Online Head of Network Development and Customer Delivery, James Geddes, said feedback from customers during a Click&Collect Rapid trial last year was very positive. Coles Click&Collect Rapid is being progressively rolled out to more than 400 Coles supermarkets across Australia and is currently available on orders over $30 with a maximum of 40 items. Source: Media release, Feb 19 Coles

Four-year old funding report still relevant Central Coast Council received less than the state average for untied Federal Government assistance grants in 2016-2017. The Coast was 96th on the list of 131 NSW councils and received a per capita payment of $59.91 from the federal government. This was below the State average of $66.55.

But the Coast did better than its comparable urban fringe council Campbelltown which was 99th on the list and received $49.59 per capita. On federal funds tied to roadworks, the Coast fared better, receiving $2088.30 per kilometre and located at number 39. The State average was $1391.88 per kilometre. Local governments’ total tax

revenues amounted to 3.6 percent of all taxes raised across all spheres of government in Australia. Taxes on property were the sole source of taxation revenue for local governments, with individual councils having differing abilities to raise revenue. Councils raised 89.2 per cent of its own revenue in 2016-17, with grants and subsidies

making up the remaining 10.8 per cent. Councils (along with the ACT) received $3.5B in untied funds through the Financial Assistance Grant program. This information, although four years’ old, was tabled in Federal Parliament in February 2021 despite being signed off in March 2020 by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional

Development and Communications secretary, Simon Atkinson. A departmental spokesperson said the report took longer than normal due to COVID restrictions. The department said the 240 page Local Government National Report was still relevant. “The report is recognised as an important source of

information for those working in the sector and for researchers and others wishing to better understand how local government operates in Australia,” a departmental spokesperson said. It is a requirement of the Act that an annual report be prepared for federal parliament. Merilyn Vale

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International Women’s Day #ChooseToChallenge

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Rise to the challenge to achieve equality WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine Having celebrated International Women’s Day on Monday, this is the perfect opportunity to consider its official theme for 2021: Choose to Challenge. Because there’s still a lot to challenge when women are striving for an equal financial future in the post-Covid world. According to Sally Sinclair, chief executive of the National Employment Services Association, women have suffered most in the jobs market during and since the pandemic. Quoting research by McKinsey, Sinclair says women’s jobs were 1.8 times more vulnerable than men’s jobs. Australia’s gender pay gap is currently 14%, with women earning on average $242 a week less than men.

In addition, women still lag men with their super balances. According to Women in Super, women currently retire with 47% less super than men, they live five years longer than men on average, and they receive only a third of the government tax concessions around super. The most frightening statistic is that 40% of older single retired women live in poverty and experience economic insecurity. This is despite women making up 46.9% of the workforce. Getting younger people to put more money into super is a tough challenge. If I had tried to tell my younger self to save more I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have listened. In fact, I didn’t. So this year, pick up the theme Choose to Challenge. Challenge the amount that is put into your super by your

employer by boosting your savings through salary sacrificing. Challenge yourself to ask for a pay rise, or if you’re in a job that has no room to move think about retraining or adding a skill so that you create a greater ability to earn a higher income down the track. Challenge yourself to find sav-

ings from your utility providers. When a bill is due – or, even better, before it arrives – call the supplier and see if it can offer you a better deal. If it says no, shop around – there are usually savings to be made. Challenge yourself to focus on conscious spending. Look at what you’re buying that you’re

not really getting enjoyment from – takeaways, too many streaming services, more clothes than you have time to wear. If you’re not getting pleasure from these purchases, they should be easy to stop. And challenge yourself to find out more about your finances – what you have now

and what you need today, tomorrow and down the track, and figure out how you can best get there. You may have your own ideas or you may need to seek advice. Most importantly, choose to take up the challenge and actually start doing something about it now. M

Tax office sets its sights on car owners On the hunt The Australian Tax Office is getting motor vehicle registration data for 2019-20 through to 2021-22. As stated in its policy notice, the data-matching program will identify those at risk of not complying with their tax obligations. Among other things, it will “identify and address taxpayers buying and selling motor vehicles who may not be meeting their obligations to register and lodge returns (including activity statements) and ensure

the correct reporting of income and entitlement to both deductions and input tax credits”. This means the records for a car used for business purposes, be it under a company name or your own name, need to be squared away. Buying under a personal name “If you choose to register the car in your personal name you can still claim a tax deduction on the car expenses where the car has been used for business

purposes,” says Coco Hou, managing director of Platinum Accounting Australia and Platinum Professional Training. There are two methods for claiming tax deductions: the ‘logbook’ method and the ‘cents per kilometre’ method. Hou says the logbook method can produce a more beneficial tax outcome, but you’ll need to maintain a 12-week continuous logbook every five years and prepare calculations annually. With the cents per kilometre method, you can claim a max-

imum of 5000 kilometres using a set rate of 68 cents per kilometre travelled for business purposes. However, this depends on the engine capacity of your car. The maximum deduction using this method is $3400 a year. Buying under a company name “If a car is purchased in a company name, the company can claim 100% of the annual running costs, depreciation and interest costs on the vehicle.

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However, if the vehicle is used for private purposes, fringe benefits tax (FBT) will need to be taken into consideration,” says Hou. Calculating the tax deductions for a company car is done through either the statutory formula method or the operating cost method. “The deemed private usage of a car using the statutory formula is currently

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20% of the cost price of the car, or 33% if the car has been owned for four years.” GST Goods and services tax (GST) can also be claimed on a business car’s purchase price, lease costs and running costs. But if it’s a sometimes-business and sometimes-personal car, you’ll need to be up to date with the logbook. DAVID THORNTON

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 29 11 MARCH 2021

Aged residents the first to be vaccinated The rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations has finally hit the Peninsula after delays to the scheme resulted in disappointment from aged care providers. Some residents at Peninsula Villages were the first to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on March 2, with 104-year-old resident Beatrice ‘Biddy’ Abrahams racing to get the first jab. CEO of Peninsula Villages, Shane Neaves, said both staff and residents were “very pleased” the process had finally taken place. “We are proud of the staff involved in planning, who did an excellent job in setting up a process that was both efficient and safe, with checks and measures to ensure residents

were given autonomy in their decision and assurance that the process was safe,” Neaves said. “We want to thank our wonderful residents for being patient, understanding, helpful and cooperative throughout the day ... their combined efforts made the process a complete success.” Local aged care facilities were expected to be among the first to participate in the national vaccine rollout from Monday, February 22, but received last-minute notices to postpone. Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the rollout was delayed to accommodate the “highly complex” storage and handling requirements of the vaccine. “The Department notes that

last minute changes to the schedule have been made in some instances to accommodate vaccine delivery windows, consent arrangements at the residential aged care facility and cold chain management,” Wicks said. “The Department of Health and the Vaccine Operations Centre are working closely with residential aged care facilities and the primary health networks to manage rollout scheduling and to ensure information is being effectively communicated with as much notice as possible. “We are continually reviewing processes to ensure efficient and safe practises are upheld, particularly for our most vulnerable.” After a two week wait for their

rescheduled date, Bluewave Living received its vaccine program on Monday, March 8, with CEO Matt Downie grateful for the move. “We are very pleased our residents have now been given the vaccine … many of them took up the opportunity,” Downey said. “We did put extra staff on to assist with the process.” However, Woy Woy’s Hammond Care is still awaiting confirmation on its rescheduled date to receive the vaccine. With 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab arriving in Sydney on February 28, hopes of extending the rollout continue as frontline healthcare workers and border workers line up for the jab. Maisy Rae

Beatrice ‘Biddy’ Abrahams was the first to receive the jab

New medical centre opens in Deepwater Plaza

Practice Manager, Barbara White, and GP Dr David Batagol Photo: Marc Charette, Work Pics

Introducing Woy Woy Family Practice

Umina Surgery has renamed and relocated to larger, more contemporary premises at Deepwater Plaza to better cater for the needs of our patients. New patients welcome

Umina Surgery has been renamed as the Woy Woy Family Practice and is open to both new and existing patients. The new practice features 13 general practice rooms, a state-of-the-art treatment and procedure room and additional rooms for services. Practice manager, Barbara White, said staff were pleased to relocate the facility just 10 minutes from its current Umina home.

“Over the years, the needs of our patients and the practice have changed, and our current site no longer meets the needs of a growing, modern practice,” White said. “We will continue to offer the same trusted, quality healthcare delivered by our current team of doctors and staff. “We look forward to caring for our current patients at our new premises, while the relocation presents an opportunity to also welcome new patients who live or holiday in the region.” The practice’s current services, which include general

health assessments, paediatrics, travel medicine, skin cancer checks and chronic disease management, will continue to be offered. A new ear wax removal and professional ear cleaning service will also be available. All current doctors and staff will relocate to the new surgery, with Dr Mary Tran also joining the new venture. The practice will remain part of the network of Fullterton Health Medical Centres. Source: Media release, Feb 17 Communikate

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PAGE 30 11 MARCH 2021

BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Central Coast farmers markets: a guide to supermarket-free shopping from local producers and this week we’re focusing on how to change up your shopping habits.

GEORGIA LIENEMANN If you’ve never ventured outside of the supermarket for your food on a regular basis, it can be quite a daunting transition at the outset, especially if you don’t know what the alternatives are. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been discussing the myriad of benefits that come with purchasing the bulk of your food in season

If you’re reading this as a Central Coast resident, rest assured that this transition might be easier than you’d think. You may not have even been aware of the fact that we are living in a food bowl! Unbeknownst to many locals, we’re surrounded by passionate small-scale farmers in the fertile coast hinterland who are producing some of the best quality produce and animal products right at our doorstep. Here are some of the options available as you start to think outside the supermarket aisles. Central Coast markets

farmers

A great way to discover your local producers and growers as well as learning about what’s

currently in season, is by attending a few of the different farmers markets in your area and we have some great options here on the coast! ‘REKO rings’ are a fresh take on traditional farmers markets and were originally developed in Finland. We now have one of our own, operating here on the Central Coast. You’re able to order from and converse with various local farmers via a closed Facebook group and pick up at a single location. • REKO ring, (alternate Thursdays, Tuggerah and Erina) • Gosford City Farmers Market (Sun 8am-1pm) • Avoca Beach Farmers Market, Like Minds Café (Wed 4pm-5:30pm) • Avoca Beachside Market, every 4th Sunday (9am-2pm) • The Entrance Markets (Sat 9am-2pm) • Toukley Sunday Market (Sun 7am-1pm) Order online Shopping online, either direct with a farmer or via a supplier is one of the most convenient ways to support local without having to overthink it. Once again, we’re spoilt for choice in this domain with so many of

our Central Coast farmers now offering this option. • Nurtured Earth Organics wide range of goods, delivered weekly • Mountain Fresh Farm - wide range of goods, delivered weekly • Delightfully Fresh Organics organic produce and seeds, delivered weekly • Full Circle Farm - animal products, delivered fortnightly • Grace Springs Farm - animal products, delivered fortnightly • The Food Farm - animal products, delivered fortnightly • The Ethical Farmers - animal products, delivered weekly • Silver Gully Farm - bulk meat packs, every few months • Horseshoe Valley Farm honey, lamb and biltong, delivered weekly • Green Leaf Farms, - fresh microgreens, delivered weekly • Belly Full Farm - seasonal produce, delivered weekly Farm gate / food clubs Here’s a list of all the smallscale farmers who are currently offering their produce at roadside stalls or at the farm gate. Many of these families

also offer regular farm tours so be sure to follow their social channels for details throughout the year.

• FIG (Food Integrity Group), Ourimbah • PEG (Peninsula Environment Group), Woy Woy

• Full Circle Farm, Jilliby • Alan Foods, Jilliby • The Giving Farm, Jilliby • Dooralong Farm, Dooralong • Grace Springs Farm, Kulnura • The Food Farm, Yarramalong • Little Feet Gourmet,Ourimbah • Fanelli Organics, Mangrove Mountain • Delightfully Fresh Organics, Mangrove Mountain • Margins Mushrooms, Woy Woy • The Pecan Lady, Somersby • Moore Farm Fresh Produce, Wollombi

Retail, beverages and more

Other farms, supplying markets only: • Ecotone Acres (REKO ring) • Peats Ridge Harvest (Gosford City Markets) Co-ops Co-ops are a fantastic way to save money on fresh produce and dry goods. The most established ones here on the coast both offer organic food at wholesale prices.

• Organic Plus, Erina • La Tartine Bakery, Somersby • Little Creek Cheese, Wyong Milk Factory • Soul Food Café & Grocer, Woy Woy • Mountain Growers Market, Peats Ridge • EastCoast Beverages, Kulnura • Firescreek Winery, Holgate • Distillery Botanica, Erina • Six String Brewing Co, Erina • Bay Rd Brewing, Gosford • Central Coast Brewery, Tuggerah Well, I’m hoping this list inspires you to break up with your supermarket or at the very least, to try something different and discover the sheer joy that comes with supporting local and helping to co-create a thriving local food system. We’ll be expanding on this guide over the coming months, so if you have any suggestions in this vein – please get in touch by emailing info@ stirringchange.com.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 11 MARCH 2021

Restrictions at NSW schools ease Parents and carers can now enter school grounds on the Peninsula but should continue to practise social distancing. President of the Central Coast P&C association, Sharryn Brownlee, welcomed the easing of restrictions at NSW schools, which took effect on March 8. Brownlee said it had been a “very confusing time for students and their families as schools raced to try to implement the COVID-19 requirements”.

“A big ‘thank you’ to the staff who drove to students’ homes dropping off schoolwork (and) who rang and checked up on students,” Brownlee said. “Your help and support are greatly appreciated.” The eased restrictions now allow parents to visit school grounds, with singing and dancing groups to also recommence in a COVID-safe way. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, thanked principals, teachers, school staff, parents and students for their patience.

“The NSW Government has been working to get the balance right between providing a sense of normality whilst also following the health advice,” Crouch said. “2021 is certainly shaping up to be more ‘normal’ for school communities thanks to these COVID-19 restrictions being significant eased. “Despite our current trackrecord (of) no community transmission, it remains vital that everyone continues to get tested if any COVID-19 symptoms develop and not attend school until a negative

test is received. Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said careful consideration had been given to support school communities. “Schools will continue to operate in a COVID-safe way with fewer restrictions in place,” she said. “Hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning will remain in place in all schools.” Schools will continue to have COVID-19 Safety Plans and record-keeping procedures in place.

NSW Health encourages the use of the Service NSW QR Code system for visitors to school sites. While parents and carers can now enter school grounds, they should continue to follow COVID-safe practices, including social distancing. Parents and carers can attend school sporting events. There are no recommended limits on singing groups in schools, including for in-class educational activities such as group repetition, chanting, recitation, or singing activities. Five metres is recommended

between a group of performing singers and other people, including the audience and conductor, where practicable. Dancing activities, including dance classes, balls, formals and social events, can proceed, but organisers should select venues with adequate floor space to comply with any venue restrictions. The gathering of parents and community members for school events, such as P&C meetings, can continue in a COVID-safe way. Terry Collins

Vaccine rollout at GPs to begin March 22 With the first tranche of the COVID-19 vaccine already being delivered at aged care facilities, Peninsula GPs are preparing for the next stage of the rollout, set to commence at practices throughout the region from March 22. Primary Health Network CEO, Richard Nankervis, said GPs had been advised on March 5 when they could expect deliveries of the vaccine.

“They were provided with the necessary details to begin planning for their part in one of the greatest logistical challenges in Australia’s history,” Nankervis said. “We are anticipating there will be significant demand for the vaccine in the initial weeks of this Phase 1b roll out. “However, there will be a limited amount of vaccine stock available until local production of the vaccine can be ramped up to meet demand.

“To help manage demand comprehensive modelling has been undertaken to efficiently and equitability manage the distribution of vaccine across our region. “This means that the vaccine will be delivered first to those general practices that have higher numbers of patients in priority groups that have been identified using public health, medical and epidemiological evidence.” Priority population groups in

this phase will include: people 70 years of age or older; health care workers; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55 years; younger people with an underlying medical condition, including people with a disability; and critical and high-risk workers. “In our region we expect that first phase will include over 180,000 people over the age of 70 and more than 12,000 Aboriginal people over the age of 55,” Nankervis said.

“The coming weeks will be an extremely busy time for GPs as they prepare for the rollout of the vaccine and we are urging the community to await further advice on how to book in for their vaccination. “A significant community information campaign of how to book in for a vaccination will begin prior to March 22 and it is important that local general practices are not overwhelmed with enquiries as they still need to provide care to their regular

day to day patients. “In preparation for the vaccine rollout the PHN is recommending people visit the online vaccine eligibility checker which is located at covid-vaccine. healthdirect.gov.au. to find out what phase of the rollout they are eligible for.” Source: Media release, Mar 8 Primary Health Network

PAGE 32 11 MARCH 2021

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 33 11 MARCH 2021

Students’ photography to go on show Students at Pretty Beach Public School participated in a national photography workshop on March 2 aimed at connecting people to the land. 30 Stage Three students took part in the art workshop which forms part of the upcoming 5 Lands Walk to be held on June 26 at Avoca Beach. Students were able to take five of their pictures home with them, before selecting one image to be shown at the June exhibition. Art Coordinator at Pretty Beach Public School, Michaela Bridgman, said the school looked forward to seeing

students’ work on display at the show. “Students spent the day discussing and experimenting with the various ways you can capture an image using the different functions on digital cameras,” Bridgman said. “They had an amazing time exploring our stunning local environment through their lenses and captured some fantastic images. “Thank you so much Sally for teaching the workshop and the Mark Moran Group for sponsoring it.” Source: Newsletter, Mar 4 Pretty Beach Public School

30 students participated in the photography workshop

Shady trees to keep parents cool Students at Umina Beach Public School have helped plant shady banksia trees on the school’s nature strip along Melbourne Ave.

The banksias planted in Melbourne Ave

The tree-planting initiative occurred when local mum Kelly Sunartha started a GoFundMe page with a few other parents who wanted more shade when waiting to pick up their kids. “There have been some really hot days lately,” Sunartha said. “Many of us tend to huddle under one tree, closest to the gate to stay out of the scorching sun, which is not ideal for social distancing.” With help and donations from parents and a few local

businesses like Law Quarter and Bunnings Umina, they were able to go ahead with the tree planting initiative. Relieving Principal, Chad Tsakissiris, thanked the school council and P&C for the ongoing support they provided to the school. “Our year five students planted four trees at the end of term last year, followed by a tree planting day on December 17, with families and students planting a further six large trees,” Tsakissiris said. “Families then adopted a tree to water it daily over the holidays—thanks to their efforts, the trees have survived

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and thrived over summer. “Coastal Banksia’s were selected as a local species, which grow well in the area and will provide shelter and food for native wildlife.” The school couldn’t directly help with funding as the trees weren’t located on school grounds; however, students were encouraged to volunteer their time to help out. Local community group Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST) also helped support the project by volunteering their time and plant expertise to the students and families. Hayley McMahon

PAGE 34 11 MARCH 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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New Aboriginal program for Woy Woy PS A new Aboriginal program has launched at Woy Woy Public School in a bid to embed Aboriginal perspectives into the daily curriculum.

The school’s cultural dance group has been formed

Chloe Nebauer will continue in her role as Aboriginal Programs teacher, supporting students in literacy, numeracy and in a social role with Aboriginal community members and the local Koorana Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group. Nebauer said students will

receive extra support from local community leaders. “We are very happy to welcome back the Aunties from Mingaletta who visit our school every Wednesday afternoon, teaching Culture to all students,” Nebauer said. “This term they will visit Year 1 and Year 2 classes, teaching local history and traditional symbols as methods of communication. “[Also], our cultural dance group, Guliyali Dancers, is currently being held on

Tuesdays ... all Aboriginal children are invited to attend. “We will also be forming a select group of dancers to try out for the Central Coast Dance Festival this year.” Nebauer also encouraged any community members wishing to contribute to the school’s Aboriginal educational program to contact her at the school. Source: Newsletter, Mar 5 Woy Woy Public School

Upgrade for Pretty Beach PS oval Pretty Beach Public School is set to upgrade its oval to create an all- purpose, allweather space for students, following a successful grant submission. The school secured funding

through the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Renewal Project after it was argued the upgrade remained relevant to the needs of the school. Principal, Karen Wardlaw, said it was “very exciting” to

share the news at the school’s first P&C meeting of the year. “The concept design for our upgrade was co-constructed through consultation with the school P&C (members), who unanimously voted to approve the design,” Wardlaw said.

“I look forward to sharing more information regarding planned progress as soon as it becomes available. “I can’t express how thrilled I am with this news!” The scope and timeline of the project has been initially

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discussed between senior staff, with the design to be finetuned in the coming months. Wardlaw said the school’s water management issue has also been addressed in the concept plan. “The proposal to integrate synthetic turf should significantly reduce the ongoing water erosion damage our oval currently experiences,” Wardlaw said. “We’ve also incorporated

surrounding garden beds with gravel, stone and sand elements to help reduce water run-off. “Rather than simply considering re-turfing our oval, we creatively considered how to construct purposeful play spaces and engaging garden areas for students to sit, chat, engage in quiet or imaginative play.” Source: Newsletter, Mar 4 Pretty Beach Public School

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11 MARCH 2021

Umina Beach Reserves take out Zone 15 Triples LAWN BOWLS Ettalong Memorial Bowling Club have hosted the finals for the Central Coast Zone 15 Triples Championships on Sunday, March 7, in the Opens, Seniors and President Reserves, with Umina Beach’s Reserves trio picking out first place. It was a few tight weeks of competition for Umina’s Lee Cribbs, Colin Mew and Shane Waddell in the lead up to the final. After a 1st round bye followed by postponements due to rain, the team got their campaign underway with a Round Two win against Davistown, followed by a classy victory over the 2020 State President Reserve Triples Championship

Runners-Up from Wamberal Breakers, 29 – 12. A close contest was then played between the Umina side and Terrigal in the Section One Final, with Umina finishing in front by 25 – 21. The winners of each of the four sections then met for the finals series on Sunday, with a local derby between Umina and their hosts, Ettalong Memorial ending 26 – 19, and a contest between Mingara and Gwandalan finishing with the former trio winning 27 – 22, setting the scene for a final between Umina and Mingara. The Mingara team, consisting of Brian Millanta, Peter Yates and Anthony Van Lierop, had their noses ahead early on, but Umina came back strongly and eventually won 34 – 8.

Meanwhile, Halekulani’s Paul Williams, Daniel Lewis and Shane Gibbon won the Opens Triples Championships against Wyong’s Greg Newey, Blake Newey and skippered by Paul Chapman. Gibbon’s team managed to scrape through to victory by getting a six on the 23rd end, putting them in front 24-20 heading into the 24th end and then going on to win the contest 25- 21. In the Seniors, Bateau Bay’s Peter McCarten,Bill Constantine and Tony Shoebridge found victory over Davistown RSL’s Frank Borg, Bob Gaze and Wayne Hughes. Source: Media Release, Mar 8 Peter Springett, Bowls Central Coast.

Zone 15 2021 President Reserve Triple winners from Umina Beach: Lee Cribbs (left), Colin Mew (centre) and Shane Waddell (right)

Close battle for Major Singles Championship LAWN BOWLS A showdown between two former winners for the Major Singles Championship was hosted at Everglades Bowling Club on March 7. As previous winners of the final, both Allan Jones and Ken Young were eager to reclaim the title with the game getting off to a quick start. Jones clinched an early lead before Young came back, with the duo going into the halfway mark with just one point between them. Young jumped to a 19-13 lead before Jones fought back with consecutive draw bowls and multiples, eventually running away with the game 31-24. Everglades Bowling Club’s

From left: Runner-up Ken Young and winner Allan Jones

publicity officer, John Orme, said it was a great game played

between two seasoned players. Source:

Media release, Mar 7 Everglades Bowling Club Publicity Officer, John Orme

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FOOTBALL A commanding 2-0 win for the Mariners over Macarthur at Central Coast Stadium on Monday evening (March 8) has continued to turn the 2021 A-League season on its head with the Central Coast side (and last year’s wooden spooners) launching themselves to a seven-point lead on the table. The two goals came from old and new boots, with local legend Matt Simon grabbing the early lead in the eight minute and debutant, Matthew Hatch sealing the deal with a history-making 81st minute goal. In the much-anticipated, topof-the-table contest the hosts, playing in pink for their annual pink round, posted an early goal with Matt Simon scoring his fifth goal in six games. Although finding the net due to good fortune, with Simon’s shot taking a deflection that lifted the ball over the outstretched Macarthur keeper, Adam Federici, the precise, inter-connective passing play between Simon

and Marco Ureña in the lead-up was scintillating. MacArthur responded with intervals of attacking possession throughout the remainder of the first half, but the travelling Sydney side were unable to find a clear shot on goal. Macarthur’s best opportunity came early in the second half from a set piece delivery by Benat Etxebarria Urkiaga, finding Aleksandar Susnjar at the far post.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Car Boot Sale

Woy Woy Peninsula Lions Club

WE’RE BACK MAR 28 2021

7am to 1pm

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

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SPORT PAGE 37

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Susnjar found the ball but was unable to make clean contact, instead skimming the ball slowly in front of Mariners keeper, Mark Birighitti. Macarthur’s Matt Derbyshire came sliding in but only found more of Birighitti and a pile of Mariners bodies in the way. As the contest wore on, the Mariners began to assert control, prompting coach Alen Stajcic to replace some of his attacking players.

Alou Kuol came on, hungry to add to his season tally, along with Michal Janota and Under 23 Australian player and A-League debutant from the Umina, Matthew Hatch. In the very same minute, Janota forced a turnover from a Macarthur throw-in and fed Kuol a leading through ball into the penalty area. Kuol showed his class and team spirit by drawing the defenders and offloading infield to an unmarked Hatch

who with his first ever touch in A-League, slotted the ball past Federici to the delight of the 5,000 strong stadium crowd at Central Coast Stadium. The win catapulted the Mariners seven points clear on the table as they now prepare for their next game against Perth Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Sunday, March 14, 4:05pm.

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EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

92 Serpentine Road Terrigal, 8am - 1pm

SATURDAY, MAR 13 Rayon Riot III - International Women’s Day Cabaret, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Ticketed, 8pm

SUNDAY, MAR 14 Central Coast Mariners V Perth Glory, Central Coast Stadium, 4pm

SATURDAY, MAR 20

Urban Guerillas & Turtle Custard, Link and Pin Woy Woy, Free - bookings required, 6 - 8pm

Breakaway Autumn Markets: Car boot sales Autumn Open Day, and market stalls, Sunnylake Shores - 2 Camp Breakaway - 80 SUNDAY, MAR 21 Macleay Dr, Halekulani, Highview Avenue, RSVP required, San Remo, 8am - 1pm 10am - 1pm 0458 018 332 Flavours by The Sea, liveinsunnylakeshores. com.au

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Market Day,

Terrigal Memorial Foreshore, 10am - 10pm

Soldiers Beach SLSC SUNDAY, MAR 28 Reserve, 5 - 9am Troubadour Folkclub: Have you serviced your “We Mavericks” https://cen.org.au/events/ Prize winning Folk Duo inflatable lifejacket? SATURDAY, APR 10 cen-calenda Register for a TransFrom NZ & Melb, 2021 Paddle NSW Everglades country port for NSW inflatable Marathon, WEDNESDAY, MAR 24 lifejacket self-service club Woy Woy, Illoura Reserve Davistown, clinic, Deerubbin Ticketed, 7pm 7am - 2pmThe Rotary Club of Gosford Reserve Boat Ramp, 43426716 North: 2021 Century trybooking.com.au Mooney Mooney, TUESDAY, MAY 4 Challenge Launch, 10am, 11am & 12pm Waterfall Café Mt Penang

CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah, 9am - 4pm, Ticketed - Register at

Parklands, 10am RSVP 20/03

Community Environment Network Annual Forum, SATURDAY, MAR 27

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

SUNDAY, APR 4

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

Easter Sunrise Service,

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 11 MARCH 2021

INFO

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

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

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS 9am to 5pm 4353 4988

speakers, entertainment and bus trips - 4344 3277

Peninsula men’s shed Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm 117 Memorial ave, Ettalong Cnr koolabah. Come along and join us for coffee and biscuits 0411 242 242 Community Groups

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

ABC “The Friends” Support group for Public

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

contact@centralcoastclc.org.au

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

4329 7122

recruit@volcc.org.au

info@wagstaffetokillcare.org.au

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 Central Coast Community Centre - Cooinda Community Village, Neptune St, Umina Legal Centre Not for profit service providing 10.30am For seniors. Gentle free legal advice. exercises, quizzes, games, Monday to Friday social activities, guest

Parkinson’s Disease Guest speakers are a regular feature of our meetings. 2nd Tue - 1.30pm 1800 644 189 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

Entertainment

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

Carer’s Support Group For carers of loved ones with dementia - 1st Wed - 10 to 11.30am Paula 4344 9199

Alcoholics Anonymous - Someone cares. Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells Street East Gosford Central Coast Parkinson’s Support Group We aim to help individuals and their families better manage living with

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

Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Last Fri, Terrigal Uniting Church, 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Club Everglades Country Club 2nd Tues 11am

troubadourfolkclub@gmail.com

Political Groups Central Coast Greens Active regarding ecological sustainability, social & economic justice, peace & non-violence, grassroots democracy & getting Greens elected 3rd Thur

Peninsula Community Centre 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

Schizophrenia & Peninsula Bipolar Fellowship Environment Group For Schizophrenia Bipolar centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Environmental projects, & Mental Health sufferers. centralcoastgreens@gmail.com (incl. Woytopia), Family carers & friends.are Woy Woy community garden, welcome. Australian Labor Party social events, workshops, Meetings 1st Thursday organic food buying group Inquires re-venue please ring Political discussions, national, state and local government www.peg.org.au 4344-7989 or 4368-2214 issues

Peninsula Village LEARN TO DANCE Wellness Centre Central Coast Asbestos Social ballroom dancing for all Offering holistic and Diseases Support ages, all you need is a desire complementary therapies Group to learn and dance, including aromatherapy, Support for those suffering no partner required. massage and music therapy with asbestos diseases and meet every Wed at 15 4344 9199 others interested in asbestos Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale, issues. You are not alone, 2:00pm Peninsula Village Meals meet with others who can Anne - 0409 938 345 Delivered daily to your door share their experiences. Bring anneglazier@y7mail.com Nutritious, great for the elderly a family member or friend. 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on Health Groups 4344 9199 forth Wed of each month. Al-Anon Maree 0419 418 190 Peninsula Village If someone’s drinking is causing you problems... Al-Anon can help 1300 252 666 Meetings Sat 2pm Woy Woy Hospital Ocean Beach Road

Troubadour Central Coast Folk, Traditional & Acoustic Music and Spoken Word Concerts, Ukulele meets, and Sessions 4342 6716

Peninsula Day Branch 1pm 2nd Mon CWA Hall Woy Woy 4341 9946

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

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

Country Women’s Association Woy Woy 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy Music Craft & Friendship: 1st, 2nd, & Brisbane Water Brass 3rd Wed 9AM Rotary Clubs Brass Band entertainment Meetings: 4th Wed 9.30 International service club for the community playing all improves lives of communities Ph: 0411 434785 types of popular music. woywoycwa@gmail.com in Aust. & o/seas. Fun-filled Rehearsal every Wed activities, fellowship and 8pm -10pm friendship. Peninsula Women’s 0419 274 012 Rotary Club of Woy Woy Health Centre Tues 6pm Everglades Counselling, therapeutic and Country Club. Coastal a Cappella social groups, workshops, Don Tee 0428 438 535 Award winning women’s a domestic violence and abuse cappella chorus. issues. All services by women Music education provided. for women Special Interest Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ 4342 5905 www.cccwhc.com.au Bridge Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. Duplicate Bridge Mon Tue Performance opportunities. Thur Fri Sat-12.15pm Hire us for your next event. & Wed 9.15am 0412 948 450 coastalacappella@gmail.com Brisbane Water Bridge Club,

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.

FORT DENISON

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

TIDE CHART

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

0132 0.55 0219 0.50 0300 0.47 0339 0.46 0417 0.47 0455 0.50 0533 0.53 0758 1.77 0841 1.78 0920 1.76 0957 1.71 1030 1.65 1104 1.57 1139 1.48 THU 1435 0.36 FRI 1512 0.35 SAT 1545 0.36 SUN 1615 0.39 MON 1644 0.43 TUE 1712 0.48 WED 1740 0.53 2035 1.44 2113 1.50 2147 1.53 2220 1.56 2253 1.57 2325 1.58 2359 1.57 0615 0.58 0035 1.55 0117 1.52 0208 1.48 0311 1.46 0422 1.48 0530 1.54 1215 1.39 0700 0.63 0754 0.68 0900 0.71 1015 0.71 1127 0.66 1224 0.57 THU 1809 0.60 FRI 1257 1.30 SAT 1345 1.21 SUN 1449 1.15 MON 1612 1.13 TUE 1732 1.17 WED 1830 1.26 1844 0.67 1926 0.74 2024 0.80 2140 0.82 2257 0.79

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

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Boost for Woy Woy Little Athletics

ATHLETICS Woy Woy Peninsula’s Little Athletics Centre has received a $2,000 grant to upgrade its sports equipment from a Colesled fundraiser. The Little Athletics Community Fund aims to support young athletes by generating funds

through the sale of specially marked chiller bags, with 10 per cent of every bag sold directed to the drive. President of the Umina Beach-based centre, Kylie Brown, said the boost has enabled the centre to buy new starting blocks for its athletes, a laptop for its parent volunteers and a first aid kit.

“Thanks to the Coles grant we’ve been able to replace some key items and purchase a few new things that are needed urgently to help our volunteers do their job more effectively,” Brown said. “[It will] ensure our athletes have the equipment they need to reach higher level competitions.”

Terrigal Wamberal’s Little Athletics club also received a $1200 grant to improve stopwatches used by athletes and volunteers. The two Central Coast centres were among 158 grassroots club across Australia to share the funds from Coles’ latest round of the community fund. Coles State General Manager,

SPORT PAGE 39

Ivan Slunjski, said Coles was pleased to continue its support of NSW’s budding athletes and parent volunteers. “We know it’s been a difficult 12 months for everyone involved in community sport, particularly little athletes,” Slunjski said. “We hope the new equipment from the fund will give athletes,

11 MARCH 2021

families and volunteers a morale boost for the new year.” The $521,000 pool of funds is the single largest round of grants distributed to Little Athletics centres since the Coles fund was established two years ago. Source: Media release, Feb 25 Coles

Local Showdown for Sisstrevolution Final SURFING An incredibly close matchup was seen at Avoca Beach on Sunday, March 7, for the final of the Sisstrevolution Central Coast Pro between two Central Coast contestants: Macy Callaghan from Avoca and Molly Picklum from Shelly Beach.

Molly Picklum

CCN

Coming from behind in the 35 minute final, it was Molly Picklum who in the end won by a two-wave scoreboard margin of 0.22. It was a glorious day for surfing to finish off the competition after a week of big and powerful waves. However, the final day saw the biggest waves of the week with four-to-ten foot surf bombing the outer banks, calling for a high level of oceanic knowledge from the competitors. Having won the Great Lakes

Pro in February, Picklum went into the final as the slight favourite, despite Callaghan posting a much more convincing win over Freya Prumm in the semi-finals with a score of 12.16. In the final, it was Callaghan who got off to an early lead with the final’s highest score of 7.67 on her second wave. On Picklum’s following attempt, a 7.43 wave score pushed her up just behind Callaghan and ensured that the second half of the final would be a close contest. Both surfers scored highly on their fourth waves, Callaghan with a 7.07 and Picklum with a 7.53 that launched her slightly into the lead. In the final minutes, Callaghan searched for her winning wave, requiring a 7.30 wave to clinch victory from Picklum, but her last three attempts were underwhelming. In the end, the score posted

Picklum at 14.96 and Callaghan at 14.74. “I feel great right now, it’s been so exciting surfing against Championship Tour surfers like Macy and Sally and to win in front of my home crowd is just the best,” said Picklum after being carried off the beach on the shoulders of her close supporters. Callaghan’s result, albeit second to the best, will nonetheless encourage her ahead of her upcoming

Championship Tour event at Newcastle in April. “I’m hurting a little right now by not winning but I’m also satisfied making the final,” said Callaghan. “This was a great warm-up leading into the Championship Tour event at Newcastle and it’s also great for two Central Coast surfers to make the final. Source: Media Release, Mar 7 World Surf League.

Roll Up Roll Up Roll Up To Woy Woy Bowling Club Every Saturday @ 12.45 pm

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PAGE 40 11 MARCH 2021

SPORT

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Umina surf star awarded Newcastle Knights Minerva scholarship (from left to right) Minerva Network Chairman & Co-Founder Christine McLoughlin, Minerva Mentor and nib Foundation Director Ros Toms, Minerva Athlete Jemma Smith and Newcastle Knights CEO Phil Gardner, at McDonald Jones Stadium, home of the Knights

The inaugural Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship has been awarded to the ex-Umina Surf Life Saving Club nipper, Jemma Smith, aiding in her studies at the University of Newcastle. In conjunction with the Minerva Network, the Newcastle Knights have awarded this $10,000, 12-month scholarship to Smith in recognition of her ongoing achievements in life-saving and surf events, as well as to support pathways for women in sport. Now 22, Smith began her surf life saving career at the age of 5 with Umina SLSC and is now

a 16-time Australian champion across life saving and surf events who has her eye firmly on the 2024 Paris Olympics as a sprint kayaker. She received her scholarship on Thursday, March 4, from Newcastle Knights Chief Executive Officer Philip Gardner and Minerva Network Chairman Christine McLoughlin at McDonald Jones Stadium, the home of the Knights. “This is a huge honour for me to receive the Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship, which will enable me to complete my Bachelor of Education studies at Newcastle Uni while I chase my dreams of higher honours in my sport,” said Smith.

“The support I have received from the Minerva Network has been immense and it says a lot about the quality of the Newcastle Knights as a club that they are so willing to get behind women in sport and young athletes of all disciplines in the community.” “I’m a fulltime Uni student but still training two to three times every day and travelling regularly, and the financial strain of the past few years has been massive. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to partner with the Newcastle Knights who do so much for the region and the community.” Gardner also commented on the intentions behind the

scholarship. “Our club is committed to creating and supporting pathways for women in sport and the Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship will be offered to a deserving athlete on an annual basis,” Gardner said. “As an NRL club we have a strong focus on developing rugby league pathways for girls and women, but we also acknowledge the enormous efforts of all women in elite sport and therefore this scholarship is available to all sporting disciplines. “As a result of this scholarship, Jemma will be better able to realise her educational aspirations as she continues to

make her mark as an athlete with her eye on Olympics qualification.” For McLoughlin, the scholarship is a chance to build on the athletic potential in local communities and enable young athletes to train at their sport while studying tertiary education. “The Minerva scholarships are an investment in our future as the level of skill and discipline shown by our Minerva Athletes in competing at the highest level are precisely the traits we look for in our community leaders and in the world of business,” she said. “We know from working with elite athletes over the past four years at the Minerva Network

Photo: Zech Nissen

that they juggle training, competing and part-time work to pay the bills, along with their studies. “Sadly, when the pressure is on and they need to cover some of the bills, too often those studies are sacrificed.” Jemma is starting her fourth year of study for a Bachelor of Education specialising in Secondary Mathematics and Physical Education, with her aim to continue post-graduate studies at University of Newcastle. Source: Media Release, Mar 4, Robyn Danzey, Minerva Network and Ross Smart, nib Newcastle Knights.