Issue 64 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

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February 27, 2015

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Issue 64

Land and Environment Court conciliation conference fails to reach agreement n on-site h e a r i n g of a Land and Environment Court conciliation conference was held on Tuesday, February 17, between lawyers representing Wyong Council and the Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), a Church of Scientology offshoot.

Ya r r a m a l o n g Community Action Group media liaison Mr William Love said Yarramalong residents were given another opportunity to condemn the scientologists’ attempt to establish a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre within existing buildings in the Bertini Estate. When the plan was ﬁrst submitted to Council, it caused a furore in the community and resulted in more than 80 submissions being lodged with Wyong Council by angry ratepayers. After analysing submissions from both sides, Wyong Council last year refused the application to conduct the rehabilitation clinic. ABLE appealed the decision and the matter is currently before the Land and Environment Court. Local residents who had prepared written submissions were invited into the grounds

The existing guest house which would be used as one of the accommodation buildings

of the Bertini estate for the conference to air their views to the Court Conciliation Commissioner. Flanked by barristers and solicitors from both parties, Commissioner Brown took notes while standing in the estate’s driveway as speaker after speaker presented their case. First was Yarramalong Community Action Group chairman Ron Lee who said he hoped the NSW Land and Environment Court would follow the lead given by the Victoria Court of Appeal Tribunal which recently upheld the Yarra Ranges Council decision not to approve a Narconan drug rehabilitation facility in the Victorian town of

Warburton. This plan was proposed by ABLE, the same group that had made the Yarramalong application. “A substantial reason for the Tribunal’s decision was concern for public safety,” Mr Lee said. “In a 16 page submission, Warburton police detailed scores of incidents involving patients, including extensive property damage, assaults on staff; in one instance a patient threatening a staff member with an axe, addicts escaping from the centre and being rounded up in the streets, and ambulances refusing to enter the premises without a police escort. “The ABLE security

measures had failed miserably. “There is no doubt that if the Yarramalong rehab facility was given approval, the same sort of thing would happen and this is causing enormous concern,” Mr Lee said. An immediate next door neighbour Mrs Julie Blair, whose house is within 50 metres of the Bertini Estate gates, told the Commissioner she was terriﬁed at the prospect of the clinic obtaining permission to operate, especially with patients receiving detoxiﬁcation treatment so close to her home. “My young children walk past the Bertini Estate gates every day to look after their horses in our paddocks.

“With drug addict patients wandering around the rehab clinic grounds and possibly in and out of the property there is every reason to fear for the children’s safety. “Hopefully the Court will reject the ABLE appeal.” Bill Love, a Yarramalong property owner for 42 years, said one of the biggest problems for the proposed scientology rehabilitation centre was the danger of major flooding of access roads and on the river flats that are part of the Bertini Estate. “Bunning Creek Rd is very flood prone and it is the only vehicle access into the ABLE premises. “The last big flood

in 2012 resulted in the road being closed and telephone and computer communications being cut for almost a week. “The ﬂood waters swirled a meter deep through buildings in the Bertini Estate. “We are told that up to 50 people will be occupying the Church of Scientology rehab centre full time and part time. “In a ﬂood, what would happen if an ambulance was required in an emergency? “Police cars, evacuation vehicles and rescue teams would not get through. “Nor would staff or supply vehicles be able to get in and out of the property,” he said. Other residents opposing the clinic put their views to Commissioner Brown for more than an hour, after which he asked the legal teams of both Council and ABLE to attend the Conciliation hearing inside the premises. The next day, February 18, the council lawyer issued a statement that the conciliation conference did not lead to a resolution of matters between the parties. The hearing will reconvene in Sydney on April 2. Media release, 24 Feb 2015 William Love, Yarramalong Community Action Group

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Directory

P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! yong Regional Chronicle and the Australian Reptile Park are giving two lucky readers the chance to win a family pass to the Park valued at $85.

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Organisations Aboriginal Legal Service 8842 8000 Community Options 4351 3388 Bungree Aboriginal Association 4397 7700 Mingaletta 4342 7515 Aboriginal Home Care 4321 7215 Drug & Alcohol rehab 4388 6360 Respite Care Options 4351 3388 Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health 4351 1040 Darkinjung Local Land Council 4351 2930

Accommodation Dept. of Housing Wyong 4352 4400 Wyong accomodation support program 4351 0365 Paciﬁc Link Com Housing 4324 7617 Samaritans Youth Services 4351 1922 Youth Accom Hotline 1800 424 830 Temporary Accommodation 1800 152 152

The family pass permits two adults and two children, aged three to 15, to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby. The Australian Reptile Park is home to over 1,000 animals. Some of them are deadly and dangerous, while others are weird and wonderful. The Park will showcase these animals during the Easter school holidays, presenting a special show to highlight these wonderful creatures. To win one of the two family passes, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to Wyong Regional Chronicle Australian Reptile Park competition PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250, by the close of business Wednesday, March 11.

Family Drug Support 1300 368 186 G-line - Gambling Helpline 1800 633 635 Credit Helpline 1800 808 488 Child Support Agency 13 12 72 Australian Injury Helpline 1800 223 363 Veteran Affairs Network 1300 551 918 Mens Domestic Violence 1800 000 599 Sexual Assault Resource 1800 199 888 Gay and Lesbian Counselling 1800 184 527 Gay and Lesbian Support 1800 249 377 Youth Sexuality Network 4320 2856 Vietnam Veterans 1800 043 503 Victims Support Services 1800 633 063 Translation and Interpreting Service 13 14 50

Prize winners may be required to pick up their prize from our Gosford ofﬁce. Entries may be passed on to prize providers for marketing purposes.

Family and Relationships Parents Helpline 132 055 Oasis Youth Centre 4353 9799 Horizons (For families) 4351 5008 Interrelate - Family Relationships 1300 736 966

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Your independent community newspaper, published fortnightly on Fridays and focusing on issues speciﬁcally affecting post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263 Alison, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Blue Bay, Blue Haven, Budgewoi, Budgewoi Peninsula, Buff Point, Bushells Ridge, Canton Beach, Cedar Brush Creek, Chain Valley Bay, Charmhaven, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Colongra, Crangan Bay, Dooralong, Doyalson, Doyalson North, Durren Durren, Fountaindale, Frazer Park, Freemans, Glenning Valley, Gorokan, Gwandalan, Halekulani, Halloran, Hamlyn Terrace, Jilliby, Kangy Angy, Kanwal, Kiar, Killarney Vale, Kingﬁsher Shores, Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Lemon Tree, Little Jilliby, Long Jetty, Magenta, Mannering Park, Mardi, Moonee, Norah Head, Noraville, Ourimbah, Palmdale, Palmgrove, Point Wolstoncroft, Ravensdale, Rocky Point, San Remo, Shelly Beach, Summerland Point, Tacoma, Tacoma South, The Entrance, The Entrance North, Toowoon Bay, Toukley, Tuggerah, Tuggerawong, Tumbi Umbi, Wadalba, Wallarah, Warnervale, Watanobbi, Woongarrah, Wybung, Wyee, Wyee Point, Wyong, Wyong Creek, Wyongah, Yarramalong

Health

Wires 1300 094 737

Wyong Hospital 4394 8000 Cancer Hotline 131 120 Mental Health info Service 1300 794 991 Beyond Blue (Depression) 1300 22 4636

Counselling Mensline - talk with a bloke 1300 789 978 Lifecare Family Services 1300 130 225 CatholicCare: 4356 2600 Relationship Australia: 1300 364 277 Interrelate: 1800 449 118

Community Women’s Health Centre 4351 1152

Problems, Habits & Addiction G-Line Telephone Counsel 1800 633 635 Gamblers Anonymous 9726 6625 Alcoholics Anonymous 4323 3890 Narcotics Anonymous 4325 0524 Quitline 131 848

Emergency Police Assistance Line 131 444 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 Wyong Police Station 4356 6099 Energy Australia 13 13 88 Gas Emergency 131 909 Wyong Shire Council 4350 5555 Marine Rescue - Central Coast 4325 7929 SES - Storm and Flood Emergency 132 500

Publisher/Editor: Cec Bucello

Sales: Val Bridge Matthew Miller

Journalist: Kaitlin Watts

Graphic Design: Justin Stanley

Welfare Services

editorial@centralcoastnews.net Ph: 4325 7369

Coast Community Centre 4325 3510 Horizons Family Services 4351 5008 Meals on Wheels Wyong - 4333 6942 Department of Community Services Wyong - 4352 6500 The Salvation Army 4325 5733 Samaritans Emergency Relief 4393 2450 St Vincent De Paul Society HELPLINE 4323 6081

Crisis Services and Helplines Lifeline - 24 hr. 13 11 14 Suicide Helpline 1800 191 919 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Parents Helpline 13 20 55 Indigenous Call Centre 136 380 Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321

Next Edition: Wyong Regional Chronicle 65

Deadline: March 11 - Publication date: March 13 Contributions welcomed Letters to the editor and other contributions are welcomed and should be addressed to: Wyong Regional Chronicle, PO Box 1056, Gosford NSW 2250. Contributions should be in Word format sent via email to: editorial@centralcoastnews.net, on disks or by handwritten letter if these facilities are not available to you. Contributions must include the date, your name, address and phone numbers. Name and Suburb will be published. Anonymous contributions will not be included. Submissions may be published in edited form.

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Issue 62

$300 million development planned for Lakeside Shopping Centre A Ocean Beach-Umina in the 1920s

Patonga Beach in the 1920s

Draft coast study exhibited for comment The draft Open Coast and Broken Bay Beaches Coastal Zone Management Study will be on public exhibition for public comment until Sunday, February 15. Council’s director of Governance and Planning Ms Danielle Dickson said the community had a vital role to play in making sure Gosford’s coastline is managed in the best way possible. “Gosford’s beaches are vulnerable to a number of coastal hazards that could potentially

impact property development, public infrastructure and recreational activities all along our coastline,” Ms Dickson said. “The ﬁrst stage of our coastal management planning has looked very closely at the processes and hazards that impact the coastline between Patonga and Forresters Beach. “These hazards include beach erosion, shoreline decline, sand drift, coastal inundation and climate change. “This latest draft study now considers all feasible options to

address these coastal risks and identiﬁes suitable responses that take into account the social, economic, recreational and ecological issues associated with land use along the coastline,” Ms Dickson said. Council will be holding a series of community forums in early February for residents to ﬁnd out more about Gosford City’s coastline and provide feedback on how it’s managed. “There’s no doubt that Gosford City’s vast coastline and many beaches are an integral part of

our great lifestyle and also attract many visitors,” Ms Dickson added. “This is why community involvement is crucial to how we manage these precious natural resources and adapt to become more resilient to the impacts of any hazards. “Experts from Council and the NSW Ofﬁce of Environment and Heritage as well as external consultants from Worley Parsons will be available at the community forums to discuss coastal matters with residents. “These community sessions are

an important part of our review, and I’d encourage residents to get involved in the process over the coming months.” The draft Open Coast and Broken Bay Beaches Coastal Zone Management Study is available online throughout the exhibition period at www.gosford.nsw.gov.au as well as via hardcopy at Council’s customer service centres. Media release, 15 Jan 2015 Danielle Dickson, Gosford Council

Forums held to discuss coastal management Gosford Council will hold community forums at Umina and Pearl Beach next month to discuss coastal management. Council’s director of Governance and Planning Ms Danielle Dickson said the forums would help guide the draft Open Coast and Broken Bay Beaches

Coastal Zone Management Study, which is on public exhibition until Sunday, February 15. Each forum will focus on specific beaches. The forum focusing on Pearl Beach will be held on Monday, February 2, from 6pm to 9pm at Pearl Beach Progress Hall.

The forum focusing on Patonga, Umina, Ocean, Killcare and Putty Beaches will be held the following day on Tuesday, February 3, at Umina Surf Life Saving Club, also from 6pm to 9pm. “The forums are a great chance for residents to find out more about Gosford City’s

coastline and provide feedback on how their local beaches are managed,” Ms Dickson added. “Experts from Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage as well as external consultants from Worley Parsons will be available at the forums to discuss coastal matters.” The draft Open Coast and

Broken Bay Beaches Coastal Zone Management Study is available online throughout the exhibition period at www. gosford.nsw.gov.au as well as via hardcopy at Council’s customer service centres. Media release, 23 Jan 2015 Danielle Dickson, Gosford Council

THIS ISSUE contains 28 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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$300 million Development Application for the redevelopment of Lakeside Shopping Centre, The Entrance, is currently being examined.

The site has been nominated by Wyong Council as an Iconic Development Site and is located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. The redevelopment comprises three main components; a new retail centre, residential tower and hotel/residential tower. The ﬁrst of the three stages would see the development of the retail component, including a new supermarket and specialty retail. The proposed new Coles shopping centre is more than double the size of the existing Coles supermarket. Stage two would incorporate the demolition of the existing centre and the development of the remainder of specialty retail, along with parking. The majority of parking would be provided across two basement levels with an increase from the current 190 spaces to An artist’s impression of the Lakeside Shopping Centre redevelopment 1,357. Stage three would see second tower would above the podium which podium with frontage to Hub on The Entrance Rd. the construction of the two accommodate a further would provide outdoor The Entrance Rd. It is proposed that the towers. 110 residential apartments space and amenities for the Also to be included Piazza includes spaces The two towers would over 11 levels and a 100 enjoyment of residents and in the redevelopment for people to socialize, sit overlook Dening St room hotel located in the visitors. would be the creation of a informally, green spaces with the principal tower lower six levels. Thirty-six apartments Piazza public space at the and plinths for temporary to contain around 250 An Oasis level is would also be located northern end of the site artworks and performance, residential apartments proposed to be lofted over three levels above the facing Dening St and a Bus among other things. over 25 levels while the

The Bus Hub is proposed to provide activities, games and spaces for play to make waiting for the bus enjoyable. Public art is proposed for these locations which will be detailed in subsequent development applications for relevant stages. The development is expected to generate 660 new full time jobs; 80 in the supermarket, 400 in the additional specialty retail, 125 in the hotel/ restaurant, 15 convention/ function roles and 40 in the residential sector. According to the application, the proposed redevelopment is expected to be a major catalyst for economic expansion at The Entrance Town Centre with job creation, improvement of convenience shopping for current and future residents, signiﬁcant improvements to the public domain and addition of truly iconic building elements to the town centre. The development would have minimal environmental impacts and positive social and economic impacts. The original Lakeside Shopping Centre was constructed in the 1970s and has been owned by the Dunnet Group for almost 30 years. Over the last two decades, additional adjoining sites have been acquired to create the redevelopment site.

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

DA1080/2014, 25 Nov 2014

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Issue 101

Work has commenced on new commuter car park in Gosford arly works and site investigations began on the new commuter car park in Gosford on Wednesday, January 28.

The Gosford Commuter Car Park Project, located at 132-134 Faunce St and 253 Mann St, is part of the Transport Access program, a NSW Government initiative to provide a better experience for public transport customers by delivering accessible, modern secure and integrated transport infrastructure. Site investigations have been undertaken to test ground materials. These works involved digging potholes in the Mann St footpath and drilling boreholes in Faunce and Mann Sts. Early works activities also involved earth works and installation of underground services. The car park is expected to provide a further 65 commuter car parking spaces.

Waterways polluted by a series of sewage overﬂows G

levels have not yet dropped to a level where the public health alert can be lifted. Potential sewage pollution of waterways can pose risks to public health. Temporary warning signs remain in place as a

precaution to advise the community that waterways in these areas might be affected and to avoid swimming and other recreational activities at these locations. Recent heavy rainfall across the region is thought

to have caused a number of sewage pump stations to overﬂow on Wednesday, January 28 at the following locations: Pinetree Lane, Brunswick Rd, Hastings Rd and Willoughby Rd in Terrigal; Windsor Rd in Wamberal; The Round Dr in Avoca; Tramway Rd in North Avoca; Hawk St in Kincumber; Pateman Rd in Erina; and Newcastle St in Springﬁeld.

Crews are continuing to monitor water quality in and around these locations. Council is also liaising with all relevant authorities, including the NSW Environment Protection Authority, in-line with Council’s response procedures. Council would also like to assure the community that this public health alert does not apply to the drinking

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February 13, 2015

community in order to achieve the best possible public health services,” said Mr Anderson. “He has been instrumental in many major milestones including the opening of the Woy Woy Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, Cancer Centre at Gosford and the recently announced funding for the redevelopment of Gosford Hospital.” Mr Tonkin is also a director on the Board of Woy Woy Community Aged Care, deputy chair of ET Australia and was the founding director of the Central Coast Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has a strong link to the Peninsula, joining the Tonkin Drysdale law ﬁrm in 1991. Mr Tonkin has been involved in coaching for junior cricket and soccer at both club and Central Coast representative level for many years, and also had involvement in the development of the Central Coast Mariners. Media release, 26 Jan 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council

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Issue 63

New owners plan $100 million investment at Kooindah Waters

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Media release, 28 Jan 2015 Gosford Council media

February 18, 2015

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Issue 102

Edition 362

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23 February 2015

February 27, 2015

Three towers planned for former Spurbest site

n on-site h e a r i n g of a Land and Environment Court conciliation conference was held on Tuesday, February 17, between lawyers representing Wyong Council and the Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), a Church of Scientology offshoot.

Minister for Roads and Freight Mr Duncan Gay and Gosford Council mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna at the ofﬁcial opening of the pedestrian underpass at the Rawson Rd level crossing

An artist’s designs of part of the development

he new owners of Kooindah Waters, Harman Global Holdings, were ofﬁcially welcomed to Wyong Shire by Council’s mayor Doug Eaton at a ceremony on Saturday, January 31.

This was the first time any local residents had been in the underpass, which is decorated with names of historical significance referring to the Aboriginal first people, to the settlers, boats and some of the local streets. Email, 4 Feb 2015 Ina Fine, Woy Woy Members of the Mingaletta community at the smoking ceremony for the Woy Woy railway underpass

THIS ISSUE contains 30 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

The ofﬁcal welcoming ceremony at Kooindah Waters

The Harman Group have plans to add a stateof-the-art hotel, more housing and a conference centre to the resort. Mayor Cr Eaton, who was at the ofﬁcial groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, said the Sydney based company have a proven track record in

residential and resort development and is pleased to welcome them to Wyong Shire. “Tourism is one of the major planks in our Economic Development Plan as it is a big job generator, especially for our youth. “Further development

of the resort means hundreds of local jobs will be created during construction alone with many more to follow once completed. “It is great to see a company of such high standing believe in the potential of our area and are willing to invest over

$100 million here – this is great news for our community.” The CEO of Harman Group, Mr Ethan He, applauded Council for its help during the due diligence process and for their enthusiasm for the project. “Mayor Doug Eaton met with us personally and has impressed us with his vision for the area,” Mr He said.

“We love Wyong, its The resort will beautiful environment continue to be managed and great location, close by the Accor group under to Sydney, made the the Mercure brand and decision to invest here Troon Golf will continue pretty easy. to manage the golf course. “We are looking The 18 hole golf course forward to working was designed by Ross with Council and the Watson and Craig Parry community through the and is currently ranked in future development of the Top 100 golf courses Kooindah resort and in Australia. establishing Wyong Media release, 4 Feb 2015 Shire as a true tourism Wyong Council media destination.”

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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The proposal includes a total of 572 residential units within three towers, erected on a podium level which itself will offer a hotel, shops, restaurants, a tavern, and cinema, all accessed via a public thoroughfare which will be created through the site linking the City Centre to the Waterfront. The podium level will also incorporate several levels of commercial ofﬁce space.

The towers have been labelled the Mann St Tower, Baker St Tower and the Georgianna Terrace Tower. The 33 storey Mann St Tower will include a ground level mixed use space and four levels of commercial space, with the tower comprising 29 levels of apartments. It would comprise five retail units, one commercial tenancy, a cafe/ restaurant and a residential commercial foyer, as well as two cinemas and amenities, all on the ground floor. Levels one to four would comprise commercial space with the applicant suggesting the Australian Tax Office as a potential tenant. Levels five to 33 would see 58 one-bedroom apartments, 116 twobedroom apartments and 58 three-bedroom apartments.

The 32 storey Baker St Tower will include a ground level mixed use space; two levels of retail/commercial space, and four levels of hotel rooms, with the tower comprising 26 levels of apartments. The ground floor would comprise a residential/hotel foyer, hotel kitchen and administration and serving facilities, while level one would house a supermarket and five retail units. Level two would provide commercial floor space and levels three to six would provide 80 hotel rooms. The remaining 26 tower levels, from seven to 32, would comprise 52 onebedroom apartments, 104 two-bedroom apartments and 52 three-bedroom apartments. Finally, the 22 storey Georgiana Terrace Tower will include a ground level

mixed use space and two levels of retail/commercial space, with the tower comprising 22 levels of apartments. The ground floor would see two retail units, a residential foyer and servicing facilities, while level one would see further retail floor space, including a cafe/restaurant and bar/ tavern, and level two would comprise commercial floor space. Levels three to 24 would comprise 88 two-bedroom apartments and 44 threebedroom apartments. In addition to this, the development will include four levels of basement parking accommodating 678 cars, as well as significant open space and landscaping. According to the development application, submitted by New Hong

Kong Macau Australia, Pty Ltd, the development stems from Gosford Council’s eagerness to revitalise the City Centre. The site itself, which comprises the former Brisbane Waters County Council Building, the former Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), and Froggy’s, a former skating rink, has had a chequered history, with several proposals having been considered in the past which evoked considerable controversy. In 2005, development consent was issued by the Department of Planning for a mixed commercial and residential development. This consent was commenced via the partial demolition of some of the existing buildings on site. Under a separate consent, initial works began on the temporary

dismantling of the clock tower, with the material from that work now being stored within the building. Since the time of these initial partial demolition works however, the site has been deserted, with the buildings and the site subsequently being boarded up and becoming a target for vandalism and graffiti. The heritage listing of part of the site is recognised in the design, with the front portion and first floor staircase of the former Brisbane Waters County Council building being incorporated within the design. A number of public submissions have already been lodged in support of the proposal.

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

DA47046 2015, 30 Jan 2015

Issue 64

Land and Environment Court conciliation conference fails to reach agreement A

Gosford City deputy mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen, Gosford City's 2015 Citizen of the Year Mr Paul Tonkin and Gosford City mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna

Members of the Mingaletta Community held a smoking ceremony on Saturday, January 31, at the Woy Woy railway pedestrian underpass to cleanse the earth and help the underpass become part of the Peninsula.

water supply. The drinking water supply has not been affected by these incidents. Council monitors the region’s drinking water quality at every stage of the supply system to make sure residents receive water that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Peninsula

E FRE 9 February 2015

Smoking ceremony for underpass

The new commuter car park site in Gosford

osford Council is advising the community to avoid using public waterways in parts of Terrigal, Wamberal, Avoca, North Avoca, Kincumber, Erina and Springﬁeld until further notice following a series of sewage overﬂows on Wednesday, January 28.

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Gosford Council general manager Mr Paul Anderson said Mr Tonkin was a dedicated and passionate advocate for the Central Coast community, giving his time and support to numerous organisations. Mr Tonkin, who has been chairman of the Central Coast Local Health District Board for the last four years, ﬁrst became a member of the Board in 1994. Since that time, he has also served on the former Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service Board. “Over those 20 years, Paul has strongly and effectively represented the Central Coast

Flyer, 26 Jan 2015 Transport for NSW

Council’s water quality monitoring is indicating that waterways including Terrigal Lagoon and Avoca Lake might be or still are affected. Although these water quality monitoring results are improving, potential pollution

Edition 361

Rail underpass second stage funded, but not third The State Government has committed an extra $7 million to allow the completion of the second stage of the Woy Woy Rd railway underpass project to be completed. However, the Government appears to have abandoned any commitment to funding the third stage of the project – the realignment of Woy Woy Rd through the Bays area, now describing the project as a twostage project. The commitment was announced at the opening on Thursday, February 12, of a pedestrian underpass at the Rawson Rd level crossing, which cost $6.2 milllion alone. At the opening, Minister for Roads and Freight Mr Duncan Gay

said the project would eventually close the existing level crossing at Rawson Rd. “Gosford Council has completed stage one work, which included providing a new pedestrian and cyclist underpass alongside Rawson Rd and below the railway tracks,” Minister Gay said. “Pedestrian access to the underpass has also been upgraded along Waterview and Railway Sts. “The NSW Government provided funding for the work as part of the $45 million commitment to build an underpass to replace the Woy Woy rail level crossing. “But we have committed an additional $7 million to fulﬁl our commitment to remove the existing crossing and replace it with a safer option. “That is a total of $52 million

to deliver the two stages the community has been waiting for,” Minister Gay said. Mr Holstein said the completion of stage two work would enable the full closure of the Rawson Rd level crossing. “Stage two work involves upgrading and extending Railway St and Nagari Rd and a new vehicle underpass and bridge over Woy Woy Creek at Bulls Hill,” Mr Holstein said. “Four years ago I stood here and said the NSW Government was committed to this project and I am so proud to see stage one completed. “For too long our community was neglected under former governments and I am so proud the NSW Government is listening and delivering what our community

expects and deserves.” Mr Holstein said that the Government had not committed to stage three because stage two would not be started until the West Gosford intersection had been completed. “We can’t really commence major works there until we’ve got West Gosford well in control and a lot of the burden has eased there. “We wouldn’t want to have both major roads leading into the Peninsula clogged with road works. “I will be pushing for stage three funding nearing completion of stage two,” he said. “Even when Minister Gay was up the other day making this announcement, he knows that I’m going to be looking for the next stage as this progresses.”

Gosford Council’s director of Construction and Operations Mr Stan Antczak said local artists had been invited to carry out an art installation within the tunnel and access ramps with a focus on ‘names’ and their connection to people and places of the Peninsula. “The ﬁrst phase of the art installation is expected to be completed mid next month with phase two due for completion in March next year,” Mr Antczak said. Media release, 12 Feb 2015 Siobhan McCarthy, Ofﬁce of Duncan Gay MP Media statement, 20 Feb 2015 Chris Holstein, Member for Gosford

THIS ISSUE contains 51 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Existing guest house (proposed accom # 1 building)

Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P3 3

Wallarah Point Peace Park grant promised if elected abor’s Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation Mr Guy Zangari has promised a $500,000 grant for the Wallarah Point Peace Park should a State Labor Government be elected.

“Labor knows how important it is for kids to enjoy the outdoors and stay active when they are growing up,” Mr Zangari said. “We are committed to helping Wyong Council provide new active open space areas for locals and visitors. “The centrepiece of the Wallarah Point Peace Park upgrade will be a new playground which will provide much needed play space in Gorokan and will have equipment suitable for children of all ages. “I want to give a big pat on the back to David

Wallarah Point Peace Park

Harris and all the members of the local community who have been pushing for this upgrade. “Labor will deliver a state-of-the-art facility for people of all ages to enjoy,” Mr Zangari said. With the park already at the heart of the Gorokan community, Labor candidate for Wyong Mr David Harris said that the upgrades would ensure that generations of local kids could continue to use

the area. “We have such a great lifestyle here on the Coast, and governments should be encouraging more people to get out and enjoy it,” Mr Harris said. “These new facilities will bring more people to the Gorokan waterfront, to local businesses and will bring the community together.” It is envisaged that the upgrade of the park would include outdoor ﬁtness

equipment, barbecue and picnic facilities, all linked by fully accessible pathways. “When I’ve been out door knocking and speaking with locals, people want governments to invest in more community infrastructure to make their suburbs a place that really supports children and families,” Mr Harris said. “This new investment will bring families

together and make our area an even better place to live.” Wyong Council has welcomed the funding commitment pledge by Mr Harris. Council’s manager of Open Space and Recreation Mr Brett Sherar said Council was always happy to receive funding, from any source, to upgrade and improve open spaces. “Parks of this size are

important assets that are highly valued by our local community,” Mr Sherar said. “This particular park has already been identiﬁed as a priority area of attention and it is good to see it is on the radar of local candidates.” Council is seeking funding commitments from candidates for 39 key projects across the Shire, including an upgrade of Koala Park in San Remo. “We would like Koala Park to be able to host large scale music, community and sporting events in the future,” Mr Sherar said. “Let’s hope this is the just the start of more good news for our community.” Media release, 13 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media Media release, 12 Feb 2015 David Harris, Labor candidate for Wyong

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News

P4 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Council reviews its progress against strategic plan yong Council is required to review its budget processes every quarter and has ofﬁcially received the Q2 (October to December 2014) Business Report on progress against the overall 2104-2018 Strategic Plan.

In the six months to December 31, 2014, Council is showing a $5.5 million positive variance against the year to date budget and is well on track to achieve a forecast $700,000 surplus by the end of the ﬁnancial year. As at December 2014, Council has spent $36.7 million of the allocated $97.1 million capital works. Signiﬁcant capital works projects underway include The Art House, Norah Head Boat Ramp, and the Wyong CBD drainage and construction. The Metro Cinema Complex was completed during this quarter. Council is continuing to invest in essential infrastructure with Special Rate variation funding of $10 allocated to 57 projects.

Projects, including upgrades to Berkeley Rd and Ashton Ave at The Entrance and Dooralong Rd (including bridge renewal), have been completed. The Lakes Beach to Budgewoi shared pathway renewal program is on track as well as road safety facilities on Minnesota Rd. Council is performing strongly in delivering against the Community Strategic Plan with 73% of projects currently on time and on budget and 16% already completed. Council allocated $271,000 in sponsorships, funding, contributions and donations including to Central Coast Tourism, Rugby Sevens, Chromefest, and Relay for Life, with over $100,000 of that given out via Council’s key

grants programs – Community Matching Funds and Community Beneﬁt Grants. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “After years of deﬁcits, it is so pleasing to see we are already on track to deliver another budget surplus this year.” “The community is now really starting to see fruits of our hard work in focusing on getting back to basics and delivering what our community really wants and needs. “With record spending on roads and key infrastructure projects starting to take shape, we are really doing our bit to deliver better services, opportunities and local jobs for our growing community.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

Dwelling approvals increase by 47%

yong has had an increase of 47% in dwelling approvals on last year, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics ﬁgures on new home building approvals.

The statistics indicate that activity across the Hunter - Central Coast region increased slightly during 2014. During 2014, a total of 4,850 approvals were issued for new dwellings in the Hunter and Central Coast regions, an increase of 6.3% on the previous year. However, the composition was mixed, with multi-unit approvals increasing by some 28.4%, while detached house approvals fell back by 2.0% “Percentage increases in total dwelling approvals were the strongest in the most southerly sections of the region with Lake Macquarie up almost 40%, Wyong up 47% and Gosford up over 30%

compared to the 2013 calendar year,” explained Housing Industry Association executive director for the Hunter region Mr Craig Jennion. “The increased pipeline of new dwelling activity during 2014 is a welcome development, and contributes to the long-term prospects for the Hunter region. “The decline in detached house approvals in the local area contrasts with a strengthening sector across the rest of NSW. “New detached house building is struggling against the backdrop of high levels of taxation, inefﬁcient infrastructure charging designs and the problem of land supply bottlenecks.

“We call on state and local government to engage with us in order to try and promote better outcomes in this area of the market. “Despite this, there is every reason for the industry to be optimistic this year, particularly following the news in early January that new dwelling approvals across Australia reached their highest level on record during November. “This news, followed by strong lending ﬁgures, adds further to the evidence that Australia’s new home building industry should start 2015 on a strong footing,” concluded Mr Jennion. Media release, 13 Feb 2015 Craig Jennion, Housing Industry Association

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P5

News

Greens want coal reserves to stay in the ground he Greens NSW have called for a properly funded phase out of fossil fuel mining in NSW, in line with scientiﬁc evidence that 95% of coal in the state needs to remain in the ground to avoid damaging climate change impacts.

Greens candidates Kate da Costa (Gosford) and Vicki Dimond (Wyong) joined Greens MP and Upper House candidate John Kaye at Wyong on Tuesday, February 10, to outline the plan to protect Central Coast land and water supplies from coal mining. Dr Kaye said: “We have responded to the scientiﬁc evidence that only a rapid transition out of fossil fuels can avoid dangerous global warming.” “For the world to contain the cumulative consequences of greenhouse gas emissions to less than two degrees of temperature rise, NSW

Greens candidate for Gosford Ms Kate da Costa and Greens MLC Mr John Kaye being interviewed by NBN Photo: K Marks

has to be part of the solution. “The impacts on the NSW economy and jobs will be more manageable if the state sets its own timetable and plans a

transition to a clean energy future. “That means keeping 95% of the state’s coal reserves in the ground. “Existing mines will have to be phased out

if NSW is to play a responsible role in the global effort to maintain a safe climate. “That includes cancelling the extraordinarily unwise 1.3

billion tonnes approved by the Baird Government since September last year and banning Wallarah 2 from going ahead. “The Greens do not support compensation for mine owners. “Investors had fair warning that coal was a risky investment. “It is time that this state accepts the reality that coal and gas are dead ends,” said Dr Kaye. Ms Dimond said: “We are calling for the Wallarah 2 coal mine to be ﬁnally, and deﬁnitely, rejected and to put a stop to CSG exploration in our region.” “Local residents do not want or need the threat to our drinking water and environmental destruction these projects bring. “We have a vision for a viable and sustainable future for the Central Coast. “A future centered on job creation, economically and ecologically sustainable

manufacturing and, IT development and innovation – we do not want or need to rely on dangerous fossil fuel extraction anymore,” Ms Dimond said. Ms da Costa said: “Central Coast Greens stand with the community in opposing CSG drilling anywhere on the Coast, especially in our farming hinterland.” “We have the resources to develop the Coast into an IT, renewables and small business hub, and if state government funding is to be spent on subsidies, let’s spend them here on sustainable job creation with a high quality TAFE sector, not on subsidising the extraction of unnecessary fossil fuels. “The days of coal and gas are numbered let’s concentrate on the future,” said Ms da Costa. Media release, 11 Feb 2015 Kate da Costa, Greens candidate for Gosford

David Harris Labor for Wyong

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News

P6 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Wallarah 2 Community Foundation grant program launched he Wallarah 2 Coal Project has launched its annual Wallarah 2 Community Foundation grant program which will see up to $80,000 provided to fund local projects that can show that they assist or beneﬁt the environment, community wellbeing or educational outcomes within the Wyong LGA.

C o m m u n i t y organisations, groups and individuals can apply for Foundation grants of up to $5,000 by visiting the Wallarah 2 Coal Project website and completing the 2015 grant application form by Monday, March 23. The 2015 grant program comes on the back of substantial growth in the Community Foundation program over the last two years. To date, the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation has funded around 40 projects that met the application criteria.

Wallarah 2 Coal Project project manager Mr Kenny Barry said that the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation provides an important opportunity to support worthwhile projects within the Wyong Shire. “Over the last two years, the Community Foundation has allowed us to get a wonderful insight into the number of amazing individuals, groups and organisations who work tirelessly to support, improve and add value to our community. “It has been a true honour meeting with and

helping support projects, many of which are doing their bit with little or no funding or external help. “Some of the projects we have supported over the last two years range from initiatives that foster the arts in our region, to helping with facilities for groups serving meals and essential basics to people who are doing it tough, through to sporting groups and organisations that need assistance with projects that help those living with disabilities and their carers. “We are committed to supporting projects that

deliver long term value and outcomes for the Wyong Shire – whether in the areas of environmental sustainability, community wellbeing or training and education. “We are looking forward to being able to partner with a range of organisations again in 2015. “In doing this, we encourage all community not-for-proﬁt organisations to apply for a grant for their project by visiting our website and submitting an online application,” ﬁnished Mr Barry. Media release, 23 Feb 2015 Nerissa Magee, Brilliant Logic

$12.8 million federal funding received by council yong Council has welcomed its third quarterly payment of $12,878,178 under the Australian Government’s Financial Assistance Grant programme.

Member for Dobell Ms Karen McNamara said the Australian Government is providing $575 million to local councils nationwide, including more than $5.8 million in Dobell. “The great thing about today’s funding is that councils are free to spend this untied grant money according to local priorities, including for infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects. “As such, it is tangible recognition from the

Federal Government of the importance of local councils, which is in addition to the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery, $500 million Black Spot and $300 million Bridges Renewal programmes. I am looking forward to seeing our local council target local priorities with today’s Financial Assistance Grant funding.” Media release, 16 Feb 2015 Luke Nayna, Ofﬁce of Karen McNamara MP

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P7

News

Best water and sewerage All ﬁre station upgrade services being delivered tenders rejected

lmost $4 million is currently being spent by Wyong Council on new water projects or upgrading current infrastructure.

A $400,000 upgrade to the Mardi Dam fire trails, including vegetation management and construction of new trails, is progressing and will be finished by the end of the financial year. A sewer main inspection and maintenance programme

to improve reliability and reduce blockages for Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Budgewoi, Gorokan, North Entrance, San Remo, Toukley and Tumbi Umbi is on track and on budget at $1.2 million. All treated water produced by the Mardi

Water Treatment Plant met the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “Our residents deserve nothing but the best water and sewerage services and we will continue to deliver.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

o tenders will be accepted by Wyong Council for the upgrade of the Mannering Park Rural Fire Service (RFS) Station as they all exceeded the available budget.

Council has instead authorised its general manager to negotiate directly with the preferred tenderer to reduce the scope of works to meet the available budget and timeframe. The RFS have requested this upgrade to accommodate new equipment, including a new tanker, and the upgrade of the existing

amenities and access road. Council will work with both the RFS and the preferred tenderer to identify opportunities to deliver this important project within the available grant funded budget. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “We acknowledge an upgrade to this ﬁre station is needed but

we want to ensure our ratepayers are not left open to any additional costs which should really be met by the State Government.” “We will continue negotiations with the RFS and tenderers to deliver this important upgrade for our community.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

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During 2015, up to $80,000 in grants will be made available to community organisations and groups through the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation. Now in its third year, the Foundation is proud to have supported a variety of worthwhile local initiatives. It looks forward to supporting further programs and initiatives that assist or benefit the environment, community wellbeing and education within the Wyong Shire LGA in 2015.

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To view application criteria and download a grant application form, visit www.wallarah.com.au. Applications close at 4pm on Monday 23rd March 2015.

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The Wallarah 2 Community Foundation is a funding initiative of the Wallarah 2 Coal Project.

News

P8 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Job creation statistics to be provided onthly reports detailing the number of jobs created by development applications, council projects and other government projects will now be provided to Wyong Council after it noted the consistently high and above state average unemployment rate in Wyong Shire.

Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “Local job generation is a critical issue in Wyong Shire and it is up to us to do everything we can to address it.” “I want to send a strong message to staff that this is their number one priority too and is what we want them to focus on with the full support of Council. “Our staff have already done the hard yards on this and identiﬁed 39 key projects that we

know will deliver jobs and opportunities for our community where the missing ingredient is State Government funding. “We are seeking commitments from local state election candidates and the Minister for the Central Coast, the Hon Rob Stokes MP and Opposition Spokesperson Linda Burney to fund these key projects. “We all agree job creation is the number one priority for the

Central Coast and now is the time to work together and deliver for our community. “We are doing our bit by funding our own key infrastructure projects such as the Lake Haven Cinema and The Art House and encouraging developers to build here, but so much more can be achieved if we can work with the State Government. Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

62 lot subdivision approval amongst 166 DAs processed

n the month of January, Wyong Council received 77 Development Applications (DAs) worth just over $8.5 million dollars.

Approval was given to 89 DAs worth just over $10 million with the biggest being a staged 62 lot subdivision at Hamlyn Terrace worth $1.8 million. The development proposes to subdivide the land to create 60 housing lots ranging in size from 500m2 to 716m2. The sites are adjacent to the Paciﬁc Highway and from part of the surrounding residential neighbourhood being

developed. The development will be accessed via Gladioli Avenue and Snapdragon Crescent. The land was previously used as a chicken farm with a gentle gradient of approximately 10%. DAs were turned around in 23 days in the Development Assessment Unit and 19 days for building certiﬁcation. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “The number of

DAs being determined by Council is growing and our turn around times really stack up and are much faster than the state average.” “Council is committed to driving housing and development that will deliver jobs and opportunities for our communities and we are doing just that.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

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Surf clubs receive annual sponsorship funding

urf Life Saving Clubs in the Wyong Shire have received $82,000 in annual sponsorship funding from Wyong Council to help continue their vital beach safety work.

Wyong Council’s mayor Cr Doug Eaton made the presentation at The Entrance Surf Club on Thursday, February 26. Mayor Cr Eaton said he was pleased to be able to present each of the six clubs with a cheque for $11,000 for the maintenance of surf club buildings and supporting the clubs in purchasing vital lifesaving equipment required to provide volunteer lifesaving services on weekends and public holidays. “The funding is a $2,000 increase on last year’s sponsorship and helps our local surf clubs to provide this essential service for our community,” mayor Cr Eaton said. “This is in addition to Council owning and building the surf club buildings which are leased by the Surf Life Saving Clubs and providing our Lifeguard service on weekdays,” he said. “The return on investment for our community is signiﬁcant. “Last beach season,

Wyong Shire’s volunteer lifesavers made 333 rescues, prevented more than 12,359 people from getting into difﬁculty and contributed over 40,000 volunteer hours keeping the public safe at our beaches - and I would like to thank them for their efforts. “In addition the clubs run training and education programs at the beach and in schools that are invaluable in encouraging beach safety and connecting families and young people across the Shire.” At the ceremony Council also gave $16,000 in sponsorship to Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC). “This funding enables SLSCC to work closely with Council’s own lifeguard service to improve work and rescue standards as well as purchase new equipment to complement the service our local clubs provide,” mayor Cr Eaton said. SLSCC CEO Mr Chris Parker said he was extremely grateful for Council’s ongoing support.

“Our six clubs and the branch are thankful for Wyong Shire Council’s continued recognition of the service we provide and our importance to the community,” Mr Parker said. “The funds we receive from Council are invaluable in ensuring we can continue to provide this important lifesaving service to the community. “So far this season has been a particularly challenging one with dangerous beach conditions, beach closures and the unfortunate loss of lives at remote coastal locations within the Shire. “Our relationship with Council is more important than ever and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them into the future to keep our community safe,” Mr Parker said. The Shire’s six surf clubs are Shelly Beach, The Entrance, The Entrance North, Lakes, Soldiers and Toowoon Bay. Media release, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

Oval rezoning decision deferred he decision to remove the rezoning of Buff Point Oval for affordable housing to consider concept plans for possible affordable seniors accommodation on this site has been deferred by Wyong Council.

Extensive community consultation will be undertaken before any ﬁrm decision is made in relation to this site. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “With the beneﬁt of hindsight in relation to what happened with

Wadalba rezoning, we need to get a better understanding of the possibility of what can be built on this site so we can make an informed decision.” “We have an obligation to provide affordable

housing for our growing population but do need to take our community with us on this journey.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P9

Council to shed 30 full time jobs in restructure yong Council is currently looking at its Water and Sewer, and Roads and Drainage operations, to ensure its business is of the right size and provides customers with value for money.

Currently, operating costs are more than the income received. Council have benchmarked services against other authorities and this has shown there is room for improvement. Council intends to modernise services to increase efficiencies and is proposing to introduce new structures and work practices to achieve this. V o l u n t a r y redundancies are currently being offered, and Council has received a lot of interest from affected staff. If the proposed structures are approved, staff that do not secure a position will firstly be offered redeployment where possible or redundancy if not possible. Council is offering a range of support for affected staff including counselling, resume and job application skills, job interview skills, and access to financial planning and

superannuation advice. Council has been consulting with unions and staff since December and will continue to do so throughout the process. Labor candidate for The Entrance Mr David Mehan has, however, called on Council to reconsider. He said the restructure would see the removal of 30 full time jobs. According to the United Services Union, Wyong Council stafﬁng has fallen from 1,150 to 920 employees over the last few years. Mr Mehan said he was approached by some of Council’s staff who are residents in The Entrance electorate about the proposal. “With much of the growth on the Central Coast to occur in the Wyong Shire, we need to ensure there are adequate staff numbers to build and maintain the roads, drains, sewerage and water connections we need,” Mr Mehan said.

News

Tuggerah Lakes Management Committee minutes received he minutes of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary, Coastal and Floodplain Management Committee, where issues relating to lake management, coastal zone management, ﬂoodplain risk management and gross pollutant traps were discussed, have been passed on to Wyong Council.

Mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “Tuggerah Lakes really are the jewel in the Shire’s crown and they are in great shape thanks to the hard work of Council.” “We need to remember

the lakes are actually the responsibility of the state government and it would be great to see election candidates get on board and commit some real funding to help protect and rehabilitate them so

they can continue to be a source of recreation for locals and tourists alike.” Media statement, 25 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

“When I door-knocked the Killarney Vale area recently the major concern of residents was a lack of kerb and gutters and street drainage, the very areas where Council want to cut staff. “Staff reductions have meant Council assets are not being maintained. “Anyone who has driven along Wyong Rd recently will agree that the once beautiful main avenue of the Shire is now mostly weed. “With Coast unemployment on the rise and standing at 7.6%, the loss of more good quality jobs is unwelcome news. “I will be seeking a brieﬁng from Council staff on the matter to determine whether Council’s ability to do its job will be affected,” Mr Mehan said. Media release, 18 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media Media release, 18 Feb 2015 David Mehan, Labor candidate for The Entrance

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News

P10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 P1

2031 Your Future Central Coast Infrastructure Needs ne of the p r i m a r y Wyong Council has prepared a comprehensive response to the discussion barriers paper titled ‘2031 Your Future Central Coast’. The following is the sixth to the provision of additional dwellings chapter from the submission, focusing on Infrastructure Needs. and employment opportunities in the deferrals implemented to manage the impacts the north of the Shire, infrastructure, these Wyong LGA is the to promote priority of development in the to service the Wyong should be investigated catchment of Porters Regional Airport and and supported so long cost of supporting developments. populations as public interests are Creek Wetland and to future infrastructure.

Infrastructure to support growth of employment and housing is essential. Major infrastructure projects should be prioritised and delivered to lead and facilitate development. Further grant funding should be made available to facilitate delivery of key local infrastructure items that support development. The cost of infrastructure and development is compounded by the State Infrastructure Contribution (SIC) which, when added on top of local infrastructure contributions, results in development becoming unviable. Infrastructure funding and financing a l t e r n a t i v e s , particularly to reduce the ‘up front’ financing hurdle to development, should be further investigated, and SIC exemptions/ reductions and

Peninsula Community Access Edition 361

enable land already zoned for employment purposes within the Wyong Economic Zone (WEZ) to proceed; The Link Rd is a key piece of infrastructure connecting Warnervale Town Centre with Wyong. This area will be developed to include a range of facilities including the University/ education precinct, community facilities, open space and rapidly developing residential areas; Establishing the Warnervale Town Centre / train station and surrounding d e v e l o p m e n t ; Establishment of a University within the Wyong Business and Educational Precinct; The retention of the existing Warnervale village Railway Station; The implementation of the high speed train network between Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle. This network should also take into consideration the need for a potential station in

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

Priorities for infrastructure Wyong Shire Council has taken the initiative to develop concepts for catalyst employment projects. The government can also provide direct benefit through support of many projects which will benefit the region including provision of a regional airport, the Link Rd between Warnervale and Wyong etc. The details of these projects are outlined in Wyong Council’s ‘10,000 jobs created by 2030 for the Central Coast’ publication. There are a number of other key infrastructure projects which should be prioritised to support growth in the region. These infrastructure items include: The proposed Central Coast Regional Airport – to better connect the region’s 320,000 people (the ninth largest urban area in Australia); The Porters Creek Stormwater Management Scheme –

9 February 2015

Paul Tonkin is Citizen of the Year Woy Woy lawyer Mr Paul Tonkin was named Gosford Council’s 2015 Citizen of the Year on Australia Day, January 26, for his dedicated and passionate advocacy to ensure the Central Coast community has the best possible public health services. Gosford Council general manager Mr Paul Anderson said Mr Tonkin was a dedicated and passionate advocate for the Central Coast community, giving his time and support to numerous organisations. Mr Tonkin, who has been chairman of the Central Coast Local Health District Board for the last four years, ﬁrst became a member of the Board in 1994. Since that time, he has also served on the former Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service Board. “Over those 20 years, Paul has strongly and effectively represented the Central Coast

Gosford City deputy mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen, Gosford City's 2015 Citizen of the Year Mr Paul Tonkin and Gosford City mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna

Smoking ceremony for underpass Members of the Mingaletta Community held a smoking ceremony on Saturday, January 31, at the Woy Woy railway pedestrian underpass to cleanse the earth and help the underpass become part of the Peninsula. This was the first time any local residents had been in the underpass, which is decorated with names of historical significance referring to the Aboriginal first people, to the settlers, boats and some of the local streets. Email, 4 Feb 2015 Ina Fine, Woy Woy Members of the Mingaletta community at the smoking ceremony for the Woy Woy railway underpass

A Peninsula newspaper with in-depth Peninsula area news!

in the north of the Shire. The proposed station at Ourimbah, although supported, does not provide this opportunity; and, Provision of, or funding for, train or additional bus shuttle services between railway stations and destinations (local centres, attractions). Private sector delivering on infrastructure needs Where opportunities exist for private sector delivery of

Coast to Sydney, particularly when developments such as the NorthConnex tunnel and M9 Motorway are operational, are a considerable advantage for the region when the need for travel is required.

maintained. National Broadband Network (NBN) Wyong is one of the first areas to have access to the faster internet speeds and greater download capacity as a result of the NBN rollout. This is an advantage for local businesses as well as residents. The increase in telecommuting trends provide for a new workforce of remote employees, yet, the proximity of the Central

Your Future:Central Coast Wyong Council’s Submission, Dec 2014

The remaining chapter to be featured in the next edition of Wyong Regional Chronicle is Environment.

On The Beat

Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Februaryy 27, 2015 - P11

Train guard assaulted

Wyee melee results in four being charged

man will appear in court after allegedly assaulting a train guard, leaving him with broken ribs, in Wyee on Sunday, February 8.

At about 10pm, an 18-year-old man travelling on a train from Hamilton to Wyong allegedly became aggressive as the train approached the Morisset area. When the train approached Wyee Railway Station, the man left a carriage and entered the driver’s compartment, where a scufﬂe ensued with the driver, a 52-yearold woman. A train guard from the train went to assist the driver, when the passenger allegedly assaulted him a number

of times. The man ﬂed the scene, onto a northbound train. The injured train guard, a 62-year-old man, was treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to hospital, suffering two broken ribs and bruising to the face. Ofﬁcers attached to Police Transport Command were called and began investigating the incident. An 18-year-old man attended Wyong Police

Station on Sunday, February 15, where he was arrested. He has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, behave in an offensive manner in public, passenger enter driver’s compartment of bus, ferry or train, and go into or onto or remain on running lines. The man was granted conditional bail, to appear at Wyong Local Court on March 4. Media release, 15 Feb 2015 NSW Police media

Woman robbed in Wyong olice Transport Command ofﬁcers have charged two men following the robbery of a woman in Wyong on Monday, February 16.

A 62-year-old woman was walking near the intersection of Alison Rd and Margaret St at around 4:30pm when she was approached by two men. Police allege the men, aged 19 and 21, grabbed the woman’s purse from her grasp and ran from the area.

Police were called and a search was commenced with ofﬁcers locating one of the men on a staircase leading from Church St to River Rd, while the second man was arrested in a carpark of a local

hotel in Wyong. Both men were taken to Wyong Police Station where they were charged with robbery. The men have been refused bail and appeared in Wyong Local Court the following day. Media release, 17 Feb 2015 NSW Police media

Fatal ﬁre in Gorokan report is being prepared for the Coroner after a man died in a unit ﬁre in Gorokan on Thursday, February 19.

Emergency services were called to Manuka Pde, Gorokan, at around 4pm following reports of a ﬁre. Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze. The body of a man was located inside the unit. It is believed to be that of the 69-year-old resident. Investigators are looking into the possibility a lit cigarette causing the ﬁre.

Investigations into the fatal ﬁre are continuing. Media release, 20 Feb 2014 NSW Police media

man and a woman have been charged with affray over their involvement in an incident at Wyee on Friday, January 16.

At about 6:45pm, a ﬁght involving a number of people occurred outside a shopping centre at Wyee. The altercation began between a motorbike rider and a driver and escalated when the driver allegedly knocked into the motorbike. The 40-year-old rider then allegedly struck the driver who remained in his vehicle. Several other people, including a 30-yearold woman, allegedly became involved in the melee. The motorbike rider armed himself with a bat after the 18-year-old man produced a hammer. Two men were allegedly struck with the bat and ﬂed from the car park in their vehicles. They later required treatment at Wyong Hospital where they received sutures to head wounds. At 5pm on Thursday, January 22, a 40-yearold man and a 30-yearold woman attended Charlestown Police Station where they were arrested and charged with affray. They were both granted conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Wednesday, February 11. On Tuesday, January 20, the two injured men attended Charlestown Police Station where they were charged with affray and dangerous driving. They were granted

conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Wednesday, February 4. Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command continue with their investigation into the incident and have urged anyone that can assist to contact police.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: http://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/ Information provided will be treated in the strictest of conﬁdence.

Media release, 22 Jan 2015 NSW Police media

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Health

P12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 P

Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness Group launched

Minister joins health professionals in Medicare discussions ocal GPs and health care professionals have met with Member for Dobell Ms Karen McNamara and Minister for Health Ms Sussan Ley as part of the Government’s ongoing consultation regarding the future sustainability of Medicare.

The Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness Group launch

he ﬁght against prostate cancer has won new friends with Member for Dobell Ms Karen McNamara announcing the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness Group.

The bi-partisan group, to be co-chaired by Federal Member for Blaxland Mr Jason Clare, will raise awareness of prostate cancer which claims the lives of over 3,000 Australian men each year. “Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death,” Ms McNamara said. “Raising awareness amongst the community and encouraging men to visit their doctor for testing is something I feel strongly about. “The Member for

Blaxland and I took the decision to establish this group following the successful ‘Parliamentary Big Aussie Barbie’ in September last year. “The Group will allow members of the Australian Parliament to work with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and raise awareness of prostate cancer in their communities. “I would like to particularly thank the Hon Jim Lloyd, former Federal Member for Robertson and the board of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for their assistance and support in establishing

our group,” Ms McNamara said. The Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness Group will formally be launched next month in Canberra, and later this year the ‘Parliamentary Big Aussie Barbie’ will return to Parliament House. Ms McNamara said that this year Members of Parliament would be encouraged to take the ‘Parliamentary Big Aussie Barbie’ to their electorates in order to raise awareness of the disease. Media release, 19 Feb 2015 Luke Nayna, Ofﬁce of Karen McNamara MP

Minister Ley joined Ms McNamara at a Dobell medical clinic and a stakeholder meeting with local GPs and health care professionals. “Earlier this month I held the Dobell GP Stakeholder forum where I heard ﬁrsthand from over 30 health professionals about the long term sustainability of Medicare, the maintenance of high quality health care and treatment for Australians and the assurance of bulk billing for vulnerable and concessional patients,” Ms McNamara said. “I invited Minister Ley to Dobell to hold further consultation with doctors and the community regarding the need to develop sensible options to deliver appropriate Medicare reforms. “As the Federal Member for Dobell, I take all concerns seriously and am actively consulting with local health professionals about the future sustainability of Medicare and addressing

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our local health needs. “I am eager to hear all views and discuss how I can best represent the Dobell community in Parliament. “Engaging with health care professionals that provide front line service to our community is important to me.” Minister Ley said she had been travelling the country in recent weeks listening to a range of ideas and concerns, and noted there was general agreement that doing nothing was not an option. “We value general practice and primary health care for the vital role it plays in keeping people out of hospital and helping us live longer,” Minister Ley said. “It’s important we

protect Medicare for the long-term to ensure, for example, bulk bulling remains for concession card holders and the vulnerable. “This is a key part of my consultations, as is ensuring we maintain high quality care and treatment.” Ms McNamara concluded by saying that she is committed to working together with local health care professionals and the Minister to improve the efﬁciency and effectiveness of Medicare while continuing to provide the best health care for residents here on the Central Coast. Media release, 17 Feb 2015 Luke Nayna, Ofﬁce of Karen McNamara

Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P13 3

Health

Nurse Walk-in Centre to be established

Thirty nine health projects need funding yong Council has identiﬁed $200 million of State health infrastructure funding needed to meet the demands of the Shire now and into the future.

Health is a key focus in Council’s vision to transform the Central Coast where 39 projects and initiatives have been identiﬁed to boost jobs and opportunities in the Shire. Council’s mayor Cr Doug Eaton said the funding would go a long way in addressing the needs of current and future residents and preparing Wyong Shire for an aging population. “This isn’t an idea that has come out of the blue – it has been identiﬁed in Central Coast Area Health’s own plan and we are committed to doing everything we can to support this plan,” mayor Cr Eaton said. “Staff at Wyong Hospital do a wonderful job with the resources they have, but we need more capacity in our Emergency Ward, our Ambulance service and we need to boost our paediatric, obstetric and maternity services to meet the needs of residents right now. “The upgrade of Wyong Hospital must be a priority and it is one that I have previously raised directly with the Premier, particularly in

relation to ensuring a suitable maternity wing is provided. “The future growth will be in our part of the Shire and babies need to be born here, the situation where mothers have to travel to Gosford cannot continue,” he said. Wyong Shire’s population is predicted to grow to 210,000 by 2030 and, with one in four aged over 60, this presents a number of challenges for the health system. “As we age, our health needs increase dramatically and with the predicted growth in our ageing population we desperately need more services and capacity as we simply will not cope,” mayor Cr Eaton said. “Services to treat cancer, dementia and heart disease and increased demand for palliative care will put a new kind of pressure on our health infrastructure.” Council acknowledges securing the funds needed to transform the Shire will take time and is committed to working with both sides of politics to make it happen. Media release, 2 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

Labor candidate for The Entrance Mr David Mehan, Deputy Opposition Leader Ms Linda Burney, Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith and Labor candidate for Terrigal Mr Jeff Sundstrom at the announcement

SW Labor will establish a new Nurse Walk-in Centre on the another option to obtain Central Coast to relieve the pressure on overstretched hospitals free treatment for minor illnesses and conditions. at Gosford and Wyong.

Deputy Opposition Leader Ms Linda Burney announced the innovative policy on Monday, February 16, in Bateau Bay with local Labor candidates present. Nurse Walk-in Centres represent a new approach to health in NSW. They are based on similar models successfully introduced in the United Kingdom in 2000 and the ACT in 2010. Labor has committed $40 million to employ up to an additional 45 nurses and establish four Centres, including one on the Coast: Experienced nurses will provide free medical advice between 7:30am and 10pm for patients aged two and older with minor injuries and illnesses who would otherwise clog Wyong and Gosford emergency. The Centre will operate

seven days a week on a walk-in basis. A Medicare card will be required for admission; however patients will not be charged. People will be referred to other healthcare services as required. The service will be housed within an existing community health centre, with the exact location determined in consultation

with Central Coast Local Area Health District. “Nurse Walk-in Centres are an exciting new approach to healthcare on the Central Coast,” Ms Burney said. “When you have a sick child, you can’t beat the convenience of a seven day a week facility. “Labor is determined to give families and senior citizens on the Coast

“This is a smart strategy to take the pressure of Gosford and Wyong Hospitals. “It is proof we can deliver better healthcare outcomes without privatising the electricity network.” Media release, 16 Feb 2015 Linda Burney, NSW Deputy Opposition Leader/Shadow Minister for the Central Coast

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Education

P14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

ANZAC Centenary commemoration at Lake Munmorah funded

t Brendan’s Catholic Primary School in Lake Munmorah involvement in this has received grant funding of $9,469 for ANZAC Centenary project for a long time into the future. commemorations.

St Brendan’s will establish a remembrance wall and garden at the school to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The project will be ready in time for ANZAC Day in April. “The staff at St Brendan’s have put a lot of thought into their project to commemorate the ANZAC Centenary,” said Member for Shortland Ms Jill Hall. “It will feature several large framed portraits of local diggers who served in World War One. “These will form a Remembrance Wall in the school hall and will be supported by a multimedia display and student art exhibition. “A remembrance garden will also be established to honour the achievements and sacriﬁces of all service men and women during

World War One. “A commemorative ANZAC book will also be produced for all school families, local RSL members, families of local diggers and other community members. “The project is a great way to involve the students and teach them more about ANZAC history and the ANZAC spirit. “It will also help them to put a human perspective on the events and impacts of World War One. “It will be a lasting legacy for the school and also for the wider community. “Staff at St Brendan’s have been working with my ofﬁce to apply for funds under the ANZAC Centenary Grants Program. “I am really pleased that these funds have now been granted and the

project can go ahead,” Ms Hall said. St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School principal Luanna Fletcher said: “This new project is very exciting for our school.” “We are very grateful for the Government grant and we are really looking forward to getting the project underway. “Work will start this week and students, parents, teachers and the wider community will be able to watch as the project takes shape over the coming months. “It is very humbling to have this opportunity to be part of such a signiﬁcant event. “Our students will be involved in helping to create the garden and the multi-media displays for our remembrance wall. “They will also produce a commemorative book. “I am sure they will remember their

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our preschools in the Wyong LGA will receive a one-off payment to support their work educating the next generation of Central Coast children.

Member for Shortland Ms Jill Hall (front centre) speaking with students at St Brendan’s Catholic College about the funding announcement

Four preschools receive a one-off grant

“When the project is complete and we hold our special commemoration for ANZAC Day in April, we will invite local RSL members, families of local diggers and other community members to join us. “That event will not only mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, it will also value the school’s involvement in a significant piece of Australian history.” The ANZAC Centenary Grants Program aims to help local communities undertake local projects to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in the First World War. Media release, 17 Feb 2015 Lisa McDermott, Office of Jill Hall MP Media statement, 17 Feb 2015 Luanna Fletcher, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School

Minister for the Central Coast Mr Rob Stokes was joined by Liberal candidate for The Entrance Mr Michael Sharpe on Tuesday, February 17, to announce the new one-off payments to The Entrance PreSchool Kindergarten, Gorokan Pre-School, Toukley Pre-School Kindergarten and Wyong Pre-School. “This funding will be used to provide additional resources and infrastructure improvements to beneﬁt children attending these preschools,” Mr Stokes said. “Each preschool will receive $5,000 that can go towards buying new books or other educational resources; staff training and development; new facilities like play equipment and supporting children to take part in excursions. “Educating our children is one of the most important jobs in

our community, and I commend everyone involved at these four preschools for their tireless work to give our kids a great education. “The NSW Government is committed to providing improved services on the Central Coast including education, health, roads and public transport. “We will continue to work hard to ensure Central Coast residents get the support they need and deserve,” Mr Stokes said. Minister for Education Mr Adrian Piccoli said the extra funding for preschools would make a real difference to the children who need it most and will enable preschools to provide new and exciting early learning opportunities and environments. Media release, 17 Feb 2015 Andrew Priestley, Ofﬁce of Rob Stokes MP

Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P15 5

Education

Labor to rebuild TAFE if elected hadow Minister for Education Mr Ryan Park visited Wyong TAFE on Tuesday, February 3, with Labor candidate for Wyong Mr David Harris, as part of the NSW Opposition’s commitment to rebuild TAFE on the Central Coast.

Mr Park said a strong vocational education and training system was particularly vital on the Coast where unemployment was rising and four in 10 students did not complete Year 12. Within one term, Mr Park committed that a Labor Government would abolish the Liberals’ ‘Smart and Skilled’ TAFE privatisation program; reverse the Baird Government’s TAFE fee hikes; guarantee funding to TAFE by capping the amount of public funds

that can be contestable by private operators at

Students surveyed to improve school udgewoi Public School is one of many others across the state participating in the Department of Education and Communities’ initiative: ‘Tell Them From Me’ student feedback survey.

The survey aims to help improve student learning outcomes and measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSWwide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. “The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide our school with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and

the different ways that teachers interact with them,” said principal Ms Kerry Moore. “Schools in Australia and around the world have used the ‘Tell Them From Me’ survey to help improve how they do things at school. “I want to assure you that the survey is conﬁdential and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses.” Newsletter, 16 Feb 2015 Kerry Moore, Budgewoi Public School

30%; and commission a landmark review of education and training in NSW after Year 10 with an action plan to develop Central Coast TAFE into a world leader. “The TAFE system changes lives, providing people of all ages and walks of life with the opportunity to learn a trade or begin a career,” Mr Park said. “Unfortunately, the

Baird Government has spent four years cutting the TAFE system to shreds – just madness when you’ve got unemployment on the Central Coast climbing to 7.2% and a youth unemployment rate of 28%. “Teachers have been sacked, courses on the Coast axed, special assistance measures for students with disabilities

are being wound back and predatory fee increases for 2015 are hitting students now.” Courses lost at Wyong TAFE include the secondchance HSC syllabus, tourism, hospitality and IT, while Gosford TAFE has seen cuts in maths, metal fabrication and welding. “With their so-called Smart and Skilled cutbacks, the Liberals are

hollowing out TAFE into a business as the ﬁrst step to privatising it entirely,” Mr Park said. “Labor will invest an additional $100 million in TAFE. “This will allow Gosford and Wyong campuses to reinstate vital courses that have been cut and to restore student support. “We can’t undo the Liberals’ mess overnight, but we will bring back affordable fees at Wyong and Gosford TAFE in the ﬁrst term of a Foley Labor Government.” Mr Harris added: “People living in Wyong shouldn’t have to commute to Sydney for work, or look elsewhere for a course or reskilling opportunity because the offerings at our local TAFE have been cut.” “With unemployment rising and the youth jobless rate well into double digits, the Baird Government is telling people they’re on their own. “Only Labor will stand up for a strong public education system on the Coast,” said Mr Harris. Media release, 3 Feb 2015 David Harris, Labor candidate for Wyong

COASTAL VALLEYS REGION GIRL GUIDES Invite you to Come and Try Guides in Wyong Shire

Welcoming girls 6-17 years Leadership development opportunities for women 18+ - Girl Guides are out and about in Wyong Shire 1st March – Give Guides a Go at Gwandalan Reserve, Kowoong Rd – 10am to 1pm 7th March – Bunnings Tuggerah Community Day – Girl Guides Cake Stall 10am to 2pm Guides enjoy a challenging and fun program of indoor & outdoor activities – games, leadership & life skills, craft, cooking, camping & community involvement For information on the location and available meetings Please email Region Membership Adviser on helenEG2@live.com.au Or visit our website www.girlguides-nswact.org.au to find out more about Guides

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Out & About

P16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Samantha Hardie selected for showgirl state ﬁnal

International Women’s Day to be celebrated

orthern Women’s Health Centre in Wyong will celebrate International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 3.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Let’s not wait another 20 years’. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women

Samantha Hardie

osford Regional Show’s Showgirl, Samantha Hardie from Berkeley Vale, competed in the Zone Final over the weekend of February 7 and 8 and qualiﬁed to represent the Central Coast and the entire Zone 5 region at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The last Gosford Showgirl to qualify for the State Final was Shiree Primer in 1998 who also won Miss Australia the same year. Showgirl coordinator Ms Robyn EdmondsKing has prepared young women to compete at Zone for nine years and said she is thrilled that Samantha was successful. “I had a good feeling about Samantha competing at Zone,” Ms Edmonds-King said. “She’s a lovely intelligent girl who is genuinely interested in

the Central Coast, its people and its future.” Samantha, 23, represented the Central Coast in The Land Royal Agricultural Society Sydney Showgirl Competition at the Zone Finals at The Apollo Resort, Charlestown. Sixteen girls from Zone 5, extending from Coonabarabran to Lithgow to Newcastle and Gosford were interviewed about their region, their interests, aspirations and their local country shows, with Samantha and Prue McDonald representing

The Fletcher Gallery 17 Dolly Ave Springﬁeld www.zoeﬂetcher.com or call Zoe Fletcher on 0497 766 522

Media release, 10 Feb 2015 Robyn Edmonds-King, Gosford Regional Show

Email, 18 Feb 2015 Kate Bradﬁeld, Peninsula Women’s Health Centre

$1,000 reward for reporting wayward shopping trolley ateau Bay man Gary Kent has received a $1,000 open order prize for reporting a wayward shopping trolley from Woolworths Bateau Bay through Trolley Tracker.

Since Trolley Tracker began, it has taken over 1.3 million reports from people like Gary, helping to return over two million lost trolleys to their home stores, protecting the local environment. Information on trolleys is reported directly to one of hundreds of trolley collection teams around the country who retrieve the trolley and return it to its home store. Each and every month one person who has reported a wayward trolley in NSW wins a $1,000 open order. February winner Gary collected his prize from the manager of Woolworths Bateau Bay on Tuesday, February 24. Gary has reported quite a few trolleys for collection. He has always chosen not to leave his details because he couldn’t imagine he would win a prize. He was focussed on having the trolleys removed because they were spoiling Bateau Bay

where he lives. Recently, when Gary was reporting a trolley in a particularly complicated location, he provided his name and phone number - a lucky decision for Gary because this month he is the winner and has $1,000 worth of Wish Gift Cards to play with. Trolley Tracker works with members

of the public to report abandoned Woolworths, BIG W, Target, Dan Murphy’s, Thomas Dux, and Masters trolleys. People like Gary who take pride in their local community can report wayward trolleys online anytime. Media release, 19 Feb 2015 Lyn Hall, Trolley Services Australia

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Dungog being the two Showgirls qualifying for State Finals. Judges were impressed with Samantha’s knowledge of her local area, both Gosford and Wyong, her intelligent conﬁdent demeanor and her genuine interest in the Central Coast region. Samantha is a fourth year Town Planning student at University of NSW and plans to work with local councils in this chosen ﬁeld of study. Samantha will attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show for State Final judging from Tuesday, March 24, through Tuesday, March 31, with the State Final Presentation on Sunday, March 29. Gosford Regional Show will be held at Gosford Showground on May 2 and 3 this year. This year there will be two categories for Junior Showgirl: Miss Junior Gosford Showgirl for young ladies aged seven to 12-years-old and Miss Teen Gosford Showgirl for those aged 13 to 16-years-old. Miss Teen Showgirl is a new incentive, for girls who may be interested to compete for the title of Gosford Showgirl in the future.

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Out & About

Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P17

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service recognised

Combined Community RafďŹ&#x201A;e raises over $40,000 he winning tickets of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C o m b i n e d Community RafďŹ&#x201A;e were drawn at a meeting of The Entrance Rotary Club on Tuesday, February 17, by Mingaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr Phil Walker.

iberal candidate for Wyong Ms Sandra Kerr joined the Attorney General Brad Hazzard on Thursday, February 12, to recognise the work of the Wyong Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) for helping more than 755 women and children in the Central Coast area already this ďŹ nancial year.

Ms Kerr said 1,100 women and children were assisted by this service last ďŹ nancial year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The service is staffed by fully trained and dedicated people who assist victims of domestic violence, referring them to support services as well as providing information about the court process,â&#x20AC;? Ms Kerr said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This ďŹ nancial year,

the Central Coast service will receive $334,092 in funding through Legal Aid NSW, enabling them to provide help to get domestic violence victims the protection and support they need,â&#x20AC;? Ms Kerr said. Mr Hazzard said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Preventing domestic violence remains a focus for the Baird Liberal Government, but it is

comforting to know support is available for those who have experienced domestic violence and that there are services like this, which can give them information to make the court process less traumatic.â&#x20AC;? Media release, 13 Feb 2015 Mary-Anne Beckers, OfďŹ ce of Sandra Kerr

Cheques totalling over $40,000 were given to 42 organisations that sold tickets in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rafďŹ&#x201A;e. There is no cost to the groups as each receives a cheque for 100% of the value of the tickets the members sell. Notable fundraising groups this year were: 1st Kanwal Scout Group; CC Motor Neurone Disease Support Group; Mingara Bowling Club; Special Olympics CC; Wyong Family History Group; Yarran Early Intervention Service; Riding for The

Margaret Unwin receives the cheque for ticket sales from Phil Walker

Disabled; Better Hearing Australia; Mingara Rebels Softball Club; Wyong Creek Public School; and, Marniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance Studio. During the past 31 years over $760,000 has been raised through this self-help scheme. The rafďŹ&#x201A;e enables local sporting, cultural, youth, school associations and other charitable

CENTRAL COAST

Festival Packs A Punch! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bellisimoâ&#x20AC;? is the general comment when asked â&#x20AC;&#x153;did you enjoy the food at the Italian Festival?â&#x20AC;? said Alex Quinn, Festival co-ordinator! The festival now in its sixth year, was the result of residents encouraging the owner of Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort, to showcase this unique venue, with an annual event. Built by an Italian family, this unusual resort contains a 40 room boutique motel, the stunning Cinema Paradiso complex with 6 theatres decorated in Italian, Moroccan and Art Deco themes and a bustling European style village market with fresh produce, locally made crafts, and five cafes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one roasting their own coffee. In addition to the weekend market, ten restaurants surround the exterior of the resort, offering traditional Italian, Spanish, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese and contemporary Australian cuisine, all week. Situated only one hour by road from Sydney or a short ferry trip from Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northern beaches, the festival fun starts onboard FantaSeasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vessel from Palm Beach with captain and crew dressed as Italian sailors and an accordionist serenading the passengers! During the Festival, sponsored by the National Australia Bank and Campbellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Timber and Hardware, who supplied every screw, nut and bolt in the resort, a plethora of stalls fill stunning piazzas adorned with Italian Renaissance Art, offering authentic homecooked Italian cuisine such as pasta dishes,

wood fired pizzas, gnocchi, arancini, canolli, biscotti and other Italian pastries, at the Mediterranean inspire venue. To experience Italian culture baristaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will demonstrate how to â&#x20AC;&#x153;expressâ&#x20AC;? a good coffee and a cooking show by our Italian chef will give you some handy hints. Sample Italian wines and beer and taste some of the best Italian liqueurs! If you are planning a trip to Italy, talk to the Italian State Tourism Board, presenting a travel showcase. Ladies - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our pop-up Fashion Show by designer Clara, on the balconies of Piazza Giulietta and check out the Italian Murano glass jewellery. Explore our function room displaying an Italian photographic exhibition, or catch an Italian film in the cinema. Italian cars line up for viewing and our own â&#x20AC;&#x153;Michael Angeloâ&#x20AC;? local artist Simon Sawell, will be on site with paintbrush in hand, adding to the collection of Italian Renaissance art found throughout the resort. Punch & Judy (originating from Italy) and the Pinocchio puppet shows will entertain the kids, along with Piccolo the Clown and Benino the Donkey. Or introduce them to the Italian breed of Maremma dogs. Last but not least, our popular Italian singers, George Vumbaca, Sam Pellegrino and Nata Forte will have the crowd on up its feet. Enjoy the fun of the festa! Ph 0424 644 448 or www.ettalongbeachmarkets.com.au

groups to raise funds for themselves. With the assistance and sponsorship of local businesses, The Rotary Club of The Entrance organises the rafďŹ&#x201A;e, arranges the prizes, and prints and distributes the tickets to the organisations. Media release, 18 Feb 2015 Robert Unwin, The Rotary Club of The Entrance

6th

Celebrate all things Italian

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April 2015 Culture on the Coast

7JOP CJSSB DVJTJOF DPÄ&#x152;FF USBEJUJPOBM GPML EBODJOH NVTJD TPOH BSU QIPUPHSBQIZ DBST GBTIJPO Ä&#x2022;MN QVQQFU TIPXT USBWFM BOE MBOHVBHF Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort will be transformed into a bustling hub of Italian culture, when the annual Central Coast Italian Festival returns to the coast. t Ä&#x2021;F MBSHFTU VOEFSDPWFS NBSLFUT PO UIF $FOUSBM $PBTU t " TDSFFO TUBUF PG UIF BSU DJOFNB DPNQMFY t SPPN CPVUJRVF NPUFM t 0WFS JOUFSOBUJPOBM SFTUBVSBOUT t 'VODUJPO 3PPNT JODMVEJOH UIF TUVOOJOH 1JB[[B 4U 1BOP 4U 7JUUPSJOP MAJOR SPONSORS: /BUJPOBM "VTUSBMJB #BOL BOE $BNQCFMM T )PNF 5JNCFS BOE )BSEXBSF

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort Complex,189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach 5FM t XXX FUUBMPOHCFBDINBSLFUT DPN BV

Not for Profit Organisations Animal Care Central Coast Cat Care $20 Desexing Special Cats only No Pedigrees 4388 6448 4325 3163

Bushwalking National Parks Association Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks on the Central Coast and further afield, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, floral, history. Keep fit and make friends. 4389 4423 & 4332 7378

Community Groups Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Environment for mature aged men to repair items, share and learn skills and socialize 9am to 1.30pm Tue to Thur 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay 0435 807 633 bateaubayshed@gmail.com

Berkeley Vale Neighbourhood Center Come and join our regular activities, indoor bowls, mahjong, walking for pleasure, slimmers support, hand and foot Bolivia cards, Toy library and community garden 4388 5801 manager@bvnc.org.au www.bvnc.org.au

Central Coast Community Legal Centre The Central Coast Community Legal Centre is a non-proﬁt organisation located in Wyong that provides free legal advice to people within the Wyong / Gosford area. Intake times for legal advice Tue 10-12pm, Wed 10-12pm, Thur 2-4pm Ph 4353 4988 Fax 4353 4680 admin_cclc@clc.net.au

PO Box 246 Wyong NSW 2259 Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each weekend. Our friendly group can be contacted for our monthly programme 4344 5556 4396 3640 50pssg@gmail.com

Central Coast Over 30s Social Group Inc We offer social contact, entertainment events & new friendships for people in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s & 60’s etc. Our events range from; Live Music, House Parties, Restaurant Nights, BBQ’s/ Picnics, Trips Away & lots more. For a FREE calendar call call 0428 461 188 email cco30s@live.com.au

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Do you have issues with your landlord or real estate agent? Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants and residents in residential parks. 4353 5515

Recreational Club 4th Tuesday 4324 4244

to Volunteering” Held regulary across the Central Coast 4329 7122 recruit@volcc.org.au

Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors providing free conﬁdential professional service to gamblers, family and friends Available Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford and The Entrance 4344 7992

Gurdjieff Society I AM LOST Deep Conversations & systematic exercises for understanding my self & my place in life. - Gurdjieff Society - Ancient and modern knowledge. Thurs evening fortnightly 0425 296 783 www.gurdjieff.org.au

Knitted Knockers Australia Free knitted prosthetics for women who have undergone a mastectomy 100% cotton, lighter, cooler/ warmer and easy care. Available by emailing cup size to Jill Richards wyeeclevercrafters@gmail.com

PO Box 9096 Wyee NSW 2259

Long Jetty Senior Citizens Club Beginner classes being held in computers, line dancing, tai chi and zumba gold. Contact the Club 4332 5522 M-F, 9am to 3pm for full list of activities Long Jetty Over 50s Club Come along and join in our activities, great for indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, line-dancing, tai chi and more 4332 5522 9am to 3pm Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation The Mingaletta community centre provides its members and other community groups a meeting place and referal hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs. Mon-Fri 9am 4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Are you a JP? The NSW Justices Association is seeking volunteers for 6 community JP Desks in Wyong Shire Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388 beneﬁts@nswja.org.au

The Rotary Club of the Entrance Inc. A small, friendly and effective club supporting many local organisations, and international Rotary Activities. Always welcoming new members, men and women, to help us to help others. Meetings 6pm for 6.30 pm each Tues – Mingara Recreation Club 4367 6540

cctaas@hotmail.com

rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

Community Care Services - Central Coast Memory lane - Doing things together Café For people with memory loss & their carers to enjoy a relaxing coffee morning with others experiencing similar circumstances Wallarah Bay

Volunteering Central Coast Refer potential volunteers to community organisations and provide support to volunteers and community organisations. we also provide training to volunteers and managers of volunteers Information Sessions “Bridge

Wrap with Love Knitting blankets for cold humanity. Knitted blankets warm the heart of those who give and those who recieve. Donations of 8ply yarn gratefully received. Longjetty: 4333 4353 Toukley 4399 3351 Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Supporting disadvantaged vulnerable and isolated members of our community offering a range of community services, events, projects, workshops, arts programs and an open community garden. 4353 1750 Wyong Toastmasters Club Assist members with their self improvement, increased conﬁdence and self esteem by way of structured education modules in an entertaining atmosphere 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday Wyong RSL Anzac Ave Wyong 1030am 4328 8297 j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

Garden Clubs Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Club Meets on the 3rd Sat each month from 1pm to 3.30pm Charmhaven Community Centre - Plants for Sale, Rafﬂes, afternoon tea 0401 544 052 4399 2420

Health Groups Alcoholics Anonymous If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s our business. Meet every Sat - Progress Hall Ronald Ave, Wyoming 8pm 4323 3890 Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group - 7 groups across the coast - Providing practical experience and conﬁdence Learn the beneﬁts to hearing aids - Better Hearing Australia Central Coast 4321 0275 www.centralcoast.betterhearingaustralia. org.au

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Friday Month Terrigal Uniting Church 380 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal 9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Wyong) Meet last Monday Month Toukley RSL Club, Holmes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300 www.pcfa.org.au

GROW - Free Weekly 12 Step Mental Health Self Help Group - Helping thousands to recover from mental health challenges for more than 55 years to ﬁnd a GROW group near you call 1800 558 268 www.grow.net.au

GROW Groups meet weekly all year round

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 P1 Multiple Sclerosis Limited Gentle exersice class at Tuggerah on Mondays. To improve strength, balance, endurance and help reduce fatigue and stress. 02 9646 0962 tracy.martinuz@msaustralia.org.au

PO Box 210 Lidcombe NSW 1825 ParaQuad Specialist healthcare products delivered to your door, for all your continence, wound care and respiratory and nutrition requirements Professional Clinic Support available 1300 886 601 www.brightsky.com.au g y

Music Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698 jbthomson51@gmail.com

Tuggerah Lakes Showband An enthusiastic groupo of people who play brass instrumnts, meet every Tuesday and Thursday to rehearse their crowdpleasing music and play at communioty events Band Hall located in Park Road The Entrance (north end)

exhibitions and social events. Annual exhibitions in May and December Open Day in Sept info@ccpotters.org

4324 5343 PO Box 4043 East Gosford NSW 2250 Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 830am230pm Thurs evening 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

Diggers Bridge Club Bridge players can enjoy a game of social bridge at Diggers The Entrtance (downstairs) on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm with or without a partner. Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606 Tuggerah Lakes U3A Keep your mind active and learn something new! Come to one of our classes for a couple of hours and make new friends. Long Jetty - Discussions,

play reading, cryptic crosswords, talks, readers group, Mahjong Toukley - Creative writing, French conversation Berkeley Vale - Music Appreciation Chitaway Bay - Movies 4390 2451 www.tugglakesu3a.info

Mingara Indoor Bowls Club The play of Indoor (Carpet) Bowls - Daily competition (singles, pairs & triples) Winner’s Prize $5 - but strongly social - Sun 9.30am Noon - Mon 6.30pm–9pm Wed 9.30am-2pm (including lunch break) Ray 4389 2567 Mingara Club 4349 7799 raymurphy1935@hotmail.com

Wyong Drama Group Inc A friendly group, presenting 3 major productions a year. We welcome anyone interested in being involved in any area of production Acting; Back-stage; Front of House; Lighting/Sound etc Monthly meetings 1st Tues. 7.30pm in the new Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600 wyongdramagroup@gmail.com

Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm 0407 406 669

Political Groups Australian Labor Party Ourimbah/ Narara Branch Discussion/action community issues - 3 levels of Government Niagara Park Primary School 7.30pm 1st Mon each month 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Probus Clubs Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club We offer a warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers. 4th Mon every month RSL Hall Killarney Vale 4332 6625 Toowoon Bay Probus Club Come and meet new friends and enjoy the company of like-minded Seniors. Morning tea provided, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events. 4th Thur each month 10am. Anglican Church hall, corner of Brooke Ave and Eastern Rd Bateau Bay New members welcome. 4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc New to the Coast? If you would like to meet new friends and enjoy social events, a welcome awaits you at Tuggerah Combined Probus Club each 2nd Thursday of the month, where you will have the opportunity to hear various guest speakers and also join us in a social outing on the 3rd Thursday. We meet at Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi. 4388 1841

Special Interest Central Coast Potters Society Dedicated to increasing the ceramics knowlede, experience and skills of members and the general public. Running classes, workshops, demonstrations,

The Wyong Diary For events in post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263

Friday Feb 27

Thursday Mar 5

Connect and Affect Wyong Women’s Services event, Wyong Grove

Wyong Book Club, Wyong Women’s Health Centre, 10am-11:30am Communication for Carers course, St Vincent de Paul meeting room, Wyong, 10am-12:30pm

Saturday Feb 28 Gorokan-Kanwal Lions Club barbecue, Bunnings, Lake Haven

Sunday Mar 1 DrumFEST, Memorial Park, The Entrance, 10am-3pm Clean Up Australia Day

Monday Mar 2 Wyong Older Women’s Network, Wyong Women’s Health Centre, 1pm Toukley and Districts Art Society monthly meeting, Federation Gallery and Information Centre, Gorokan, 10am ARPRA meeting, Lake Munmorah Bowling Club, 10:30am

Tuesday Mar 3 International Women’s Day celebration, Northern Women’s Health Centre, Wyong, 10am-12pm

Friday Mar 6 Central Coast 2015 Steel Magnolia and Young Achiever Awards High Tea, Mingara Recreation Club

Saturday Mar 7 Civic Melancholy and Brackish Songs, The Wyong Grove Community and Cultural Hub, 8pm Knitters’ Guild of NSW The Entrance Group meeting, Long Jetty Senior Citizens Club, 11am-2pm

Monday Mar 9 Wyong Shark Cage, Wyong Women’s Health Centre, 10am-12:30pm, free Wyong Circle of Women, Wyong Women’s Health Centre, 1pm-2:30pm

See the Peninsula News for events in post code areas 2256 & 2257 and the COAST Community News for events in post code areas 2250, 2260 and 2251 If you’ve got something happening in the Wyong Region over the next few weeks, let us know about it and we’ll list it here for you, for free. Contact details are on page 2.

Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Februaryy 27, 2015 - P19 9

Out & About

Free concert during Seniors Week

Octogenarian torch bearers honoured he Toukley Torch Bearers will hold a luncheon on Tuesday, March 27.

The luncheon will be held at Legacy House in Point Frederick to honour the 30 to 40 ladies that make up the group. The Toukley Torch Bearers have been operating as a fund

raising body for legacy for more than 20 years. They raise money from fetes, shows and stalls, selling jams, preserves, clothing, books and gift ware. Over the years they

have contributed more than $1 million to Legacy here on the Central Coast. Almost all are over 80 years of age. Email, 16 Feb 2015 Max Davis, Toukley Torch Bearers

Indigenous art adorns improved amenities

Central Coast Ukulele Club will perform at the Seniors Week concert

free concert during Seniors Week to celebrate growing older and loving life is being hosted by Wyong Council.

A series of painted panels created by Central Coast indigenous artist Kylie Cassidy has been unveiled at Lake Haven Shopping Centre.

The theme of the work is Native Shopping Centre which displays the plants, animals and resources that the local Aboriginal people would have used in the local area. A series of landscape panels are displayed which creates a story, commencing with the Green Gum Leaf panel. Further panels depict tools, weapons, native plants, the lake, land animals and an aerial view of the locality.

The artwork was commissioned to adorn the walls leading to the recently upgraded restroom facilities in the northern mall of the Centre. Lake Haven centre manager Mr Mike Cochrane said: “The Centre is always looking for ways to support and connect with the local community, and as we decided that the new corridor needed some brightening up with artwork, we

contacted Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council to seek some recommendations.” “We are delighted with the artworks that Kylie has produced and are proud to display works from local talent from the Central Coast. “We hope our customers appreciate the display and the improved amenities,” Mr Cochrane said. Media release, 18 Feb 2015 Michelle Proper, Novion Property Group

The concert will take place at Wyong Shire Council Civic Centre on Wednesday, March 18. Council’s mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “Council’s free concert will feature two and a half hours of entertainment, fun, laughs and connection with the local community. “The renowned local Central Coast Ukulele Club will kick off the entertainment, followed by a performance of Encore - Songs for Heroes by Wyong Musical Theatre Co.

“We are also thrilled to be promoting our young home grown talent with singer Joshua Keane on the bill who will be performing songs from the ‘golden age’ of musical theatre. “This event is always extremely popular so make sure you book your spot early,” mayor Cr Eaton said. Council’s Community and Cultural Programs section manager Mr Glenn Cannard said Council’s Seniors Concert was just one of many activities taking

place across the Shire. “From Morris Minor car displays to garden tours, art displays to tai chi demonstrations, indoor bowls, aqua classes, family history events, drama performances, the list goes on. “There is something for everyone being offered in Seniors Week,” he said. An Information Expo will run concurrently with the Seniors Concert. Media release, 19 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

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Issue 102

Three towers planned for former Spurbest site

An artist’s designs of part of the development

$180 million development application has been lodged with Gosford Council which would see the construction of three towers comprising retail, residential and commercial space on the former Spurbest site at 50-70 Mann St, Gosford. The proposal includes a total of 572 residential units within three towers, erected on a podium level which itself will offer a hotel, shops, restaurants, a tavern, and cinema, all accessed via a public thoroughfare which will be created through the site linking the City Centre to the Waterfront. The podium level will also incorporate several levels of commercial ofﬁce space.

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Mariners’ restructure underway

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As part of the restructure, Storrie has been appointed as the club’s executive vice chairman who has a brief to turn the Mariners into a break-even club and a mantra that is central to “Mariners in the community, giving youth a chance”. The Central Coast Mariners have been renowned as a club synonymous for developing the best young talent whilst being embedded in the local community – these two aspects will drive the rebrand of the club both on and off the field. The key organisational changes to be implemented at the helm of the Mariners include: Tony Walmsley (technical director), Bruce Stalder (CEO/sales director) and Kathryn Duncan (financial director). Walmsley will return to the Mariners having previously worked with the yellow and navy under the tenure of both Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold as the Foxtel National Youth League head coach and Hyundai A-League assistant coach. Under his new portfolio, the former head of recruitment at Sheffield United will be responsible for recruitment and development with a key focus on delivering a vibrant and proactive playing style. “The football department has a huge responsibility to the overall financial position of the club that can act in two ways: a vibrant playing style that excites the fans and the identification and

The Shame File

Ducks Crossing Publications has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track. However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so. From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them. • Golden Scissors Hairdressing, • Tony Fitzpatrick trading as Wyong Futuretek Roofing • Bakefresh, Wyong • David Hill, Long Jetty • The Big Prawn, Frazer Park pty ltd • Jessica Davis of Erina - trading as formerly trading at Crangan Bay A1 cleaning services

development of young players with embedded talent who can add value both on the pitch and in the global transfer market,” Walmsley said. “This is about talent and how we go from identiﬁcation to maximum potential”, Walmsley said. Storrie will work with both the football and administrative side of the club to ensure that the Mariners are the best community club in the country as well as the number one club for young Australian talent to develop their game. Youth development, community and football will be the three key benefactors of the club’s restructure and Storrie is calling on the members’ and fans’ support to ensure the future of the Central Coast Mariners. Storrie also alluded that there would be further announcements in regards to the club’s future. “I am looking for a fresh start with everyone behind the Mariners moving forward and today is just the ﬁrst step with further changes and agreements with partners to be announced soon. “The new executive team operating under detailed budget control will stabilise the club going forward and further expansion of our work in the community is essential along with the club recruiting the best young football players,” Storrie said. Media release, 19 Feb 2015 Central Coast Mariners media

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Sport

Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P21

Key sports facilities projects identiﬁed for funding yong Council has big plans to turn the Shire into a destination of choice for major sporting events and deliver new sporting facilities for residents.

Maltese international reaches record milestone

ohn Hutchinson has a chance to enter the record books against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday, February 28, and become the equal most capped player in the 10-year history of the Hyundai A-League The plans are part cost $40 million; North as the skipper could walk onto the pitch for the 221st time during his of Council’s vision to Lakes Sports Precinct illustrious career with the Central Coast Mariners.

transform the Central Coast, and Wyong Shire in particular, with 39 projects to create jobs and build vital infrastructure. Council’s mayor Cr Doug Eaton said the Shire provides and maintains 36 sporting complexes but these are at capacity and few are at a regional level. “We have previously had to turn away State competitions due to a lack of appropriate facilities,” said mayor Cr Eaton. “The economic benefits that will flow to our community from hosting large sporting events are huge, in dollars, in creating local employment opportunities and boosting tourism. “There are currently 15,500 seasonal users of our sporting facilities and they are at capacity, we desperately need more facilities, like the Norths Lakes Sports Precinct, otherwise there will literally be nowhere for the projected 70,000 new residents to play sport. “We need just over $70 million from the State Government, in the scheme of multibillion dollar budgets, it is not a huge ask, but will deliver huge benefits and opportunities for our growing community,” mayor Cr Eaton said. Key projects identified include: Tuggerah Regional Sporting Complex with nine international level sports field and other high level facilities planned at a total

which would double the capacity of Halekulani Oval by creating four turf playing fields and other facilities at $10 million; Community Automative Sport and Recreation Park (CASAR) Park – a new motorsport park with the potential to attract 70,000 visitors to the Coast and create 100 jobs - $14 million; Regional Skate and BMX Complex – part of Council’s Sk8 Places Strategy is to build a facility able to stage international level competitions and attract sports tourism - $3 million; and Koala Park at San Remo - establish a 10 hectare community park and events/tourism hub - $5.5 million Central Coast Tourism’s CEO Ms Robyne Abernethy said increasing sporting tourism to the region is definitely in their sights as research has shown events have a positive economic impact on the host economy due to the number of supporters and visitors they attract. “Investment in improved infrastructure and facilities will support the attraction of major sporting events and assist the region in increasing its share of the NSW events market,” Ms Abernethy said. “A 3% increase in visitor numbers will result in an additional benefit of over $30 million by 2020,” she said. Media release, 23 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

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The man who bleeds yellow and navy will become the most experienced campaigner in the Hyundai A-League next to former Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Heart and Sydney FC player Matt Thompson. Unlike Thompson, Hutchinson has played the entirety of his Hyundai A-League career for just one club and it is only ﬁtting that he will have the chance to level that record in an F3 Derby at Hunter Stadium on Saturday. Across all competitions the former Maltese national team representative has featured in 263 competitive matches for the yellow and navy which includes AFC Champions League, FFA Cup and the defunct Pre-Season Cup. Hutch said he was humbled at having the chance to reach such a signiﬁcant milestone but was adamant his full focus is on the team’s performance. “My focus is solely on the team and making sure we go there for three points, it’s my last derby so I’m looking forward to a good one. “For me nothing changes, I take every

game as it comes and I’m pretty relaxed on game day and I just try and focus on myself and as soon as we start I focus on the team. “This week I’m just more focused on the team and three points than any milestone,” Hutchinson said. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the skipper who mentioned that he had doubts over his career in the early days. “Season one I had a knee reconstruction and season two was probably the worst season I’ve had at the Mariners. “I still remember the chat I had here with Lawrie who was disappointed in my season two but it’s a great club. “It’s been fantastic for me and my family, the

community and the people around the place and the club itself has been great which is why I’ve never looked to move from the club,” Hutchinson said. Head coach Phil Moss praised Hutchinson for the role he has played in instilling the culture of the dressing room and his assistance in the development of youth. “This milestone says so much about Hutch the player and Hutch the person, loyalty is a dying

art in professional sport so I’m really proud to be the coach at the time when Hutch achieves that milestone. “Hutch will go down in history forever as the ﬁrst Mariners captain to lift the grand ﬁnal trophy so his legacy in retirement will be that, and also bringing Liam Rose and Anthony Kalik, players like that, through and I’ve always said the platform the senior players lay at this club is second to none,” Moss said. Media release, 24 Feb 2015 Central Coast Mariners media

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Sport

P22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015

Centurions suffer heavy losses

13 key boating projects funded he NSW Government will invest $3.08 million in 13 key boating projects to boost safety and accessibility for boaters in Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes.

Kincumber prop Ben Thomas takes on the big Balmain pack Photo - Andrew Stark

he 2015 junior representative rugby league season kicked off on Valentine’s Day with the Central Coast Centurions receiving little love from their opponents as they suffered heavy losses at both U16 and U18 levels.

The local boys drew the Balmain Tigers in the opening round; games which were played in

uncomfortably humid conditions at Morry Breen Oval, Kanwal. The Centurion U16s

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

Time - Height(m)

Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

FRI - 27 0315 - 1.52 1004 - 0.59 1603 - 1.18 2145 - 0.66 MON - 2 0609 - 1.58 1246 - 0.48 1847 - 1.34 THU - 5 0147 - 0.47 0803 - 1.66 1425 - 0.39 2030 - 1.49 SUN - 8 0335 - 0.45 0945 - 1.58 1554 - 0.41 2206 - 1.56 WED - 11 0539 - 0.54 1139 - 1.37 1735 - 0.55

SAT - 28 0421 - 1.52 1111 - 0.57 1712 - 1.21 2248 - 0.64 TUE - 3 0030 - 0.55 0651 - 1.62 1322 - 0.44 1924 - 1.40 FRI - 6 0223 - 0.45 0837 - 1.65 1454 - 0.38 2100 - 1.52 MON - 9 0414 - 0.47 1020 - 1.52 1625 - 0.45 2242 - 1.56 THU - 12 0003 - 1.52 0630 - 0.59 1227 - 1.30 1820 - 0.60

SUN - 1 0519 - 1.55 1204 - 0.53 1804 - 1.27 2344 - 0.60 WED - 4 0110 - 0.51 0729 - 1.64 1355 - 0.41 1958 - 1.45 SAT - 7 0259 - 0.44 0911 - 1.63 1524 - 0.39 2133 - 1.55 TUE - 10 0454 - 0.50 1058 - 1.45 1659 - 0.49 FRI - 13 0055 - 1.50 0730 - 0.61 1326 - 1.24 1915 - 0.65

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

conceded three tries in the first half of their game to trail 16-0 at the break and, despite second half tries to Wyong’s Peter Koszyk and nippy dummy half Kyle McLean from Woy Woy, the Tigers proved to be too strong on the day, running out 34-10 winners. The follow up S.G. Ball Cup game saw Balmain run riot. Led by Toukley Hawks’ recruits Daniel Peck and Jakob Giles, the team in orange crossed for a dozen tries as they inflicted a hefty 58-8 defeat upon the Centurions. In a bizarre first half of football, eight tries were scored in all; six by Balmain and two by the Coasties, however, not a single conversion was successful. Ryan Papenhuyzen finally bucked the trend 12 minutes into the second half when he managed to raise the flags from directly in front. The same player would cross for five of his team’s 12 tries in an afternoon the young fullback will long remember. Terrigal’s Bayley Faull scored a powerful

back rowers try in the 18th minute and this was followed by a spectacular dive into the Lake Haven corner by Coast winger Lachlan Gallegos eight minutes later. Trailing 24-8 at half time, the Centurions had no answer to their up tempo opponents after the break conceding a further six tries. Former Centurion hooker Daniel Peck was outstanding for the Tigers whilst for the local team, Kincumber prop Ben Thomas toiled manfully and centre Ethan Niszcot provided an occasional moment of dash. Media release, 15 Feb 2015 Andrew Stark, East Gosford

Maritime Management Centre general manager Mr Howard Glenn made the announcement on Friday, February 20, and said all work would be delivered as part of the NSW Boating Now program, a NSW Government initiative to deliver accessible, modern and safe boating infrastructure where it is needed most. The projects will be delivered as part of the Lake Macquarie – Tuggerah Lakes Regional Boating Plan, which is one of 11 Regional Boating Plans released across the State. Key projects for the Lake Macquarie – Tuggerah Lakes Region include: installing pontoons at the boat ramps at Sunshine Park, T.H. Halton Park and Chittaway Bay (Kaluah Dr); upgrading the boat ramp and parking at Lions Park (Toronto); upgrade parking at the Thomas Humphreys Reserve, the Balmoral Reserve and the Esplanade boat ramps; installation of dinghy storage racks around Lake Macquarie; and, constructing a new ramp at the Hot Water Outlet,

San Remo. Other projects will include upgrades to boating infrastructure such as boat ramps and adjacent boat trailer parking facilities, as well as jetties and pontoons. “This is about giving Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes’ boaties what they need, which is better quality facilities and continual improvements in safety and accessibility,” Mr Glenn said. “We have worked extremely hard to get this right. “Throughout the process, we’ve worked closely with everyday boaters, councils, local sporting organisations and other key community groups so we could identify what the key issues are in each region. “Thanks to the feedback received from our stakeholders, I’m conﬁdent that we now have some great plans to work with, which are tailored to meet the needs of Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes boaters,” Mr Glenn said. Media release, 20 Feb 2015 Transport for NSW

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - February 27, 2015 - P23

Offshore Superboat Championship round under consideration

Sport

Larry Thomson wins Distinguished Long Service State Award

entral Coast Regional Organisation of Councils (CCROC) have agreed in principle to consider funding of up to $40,000 to host a round of the Offshore Superboat Championship subject to a more detailed proposal from the proponents on the beneﬁts to Gosford City and Wyong Shire.

Funding will also be sought from the State Government. Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton said: “We certainly do want to attract more major sporting events like these to the Central Coast as they can deliver real beneﬁts for our

community in tourism spend and local job creation. “We are excited about this proposal, but we need a proper investigation to ensure we get bang for our buck.” Media statement 19 Feb 2015 Wyong Council media

Marlins ﬁnish season on a high

entral Coast Marlins have closed out their 2014-15 State Baseball League season with a 6-2 victory over Penrith.

The Marlins ﬁelded a full strength team, a rarity for this campaign, and easily accounted for the semiﬁnal bound Penrith team. Marlins’ pitcher Paul Anderson went seven strong innings, conceding just the lone run while striking out four. Jarred Eacott was solid in his two innings of

relief. Moko Moanaroa starred with the bat, collecting three hits, including a home run. Michael Campbell and Jason Rees also had three hits. Marlins fell short this season of a top four ﬁnish. Email, 15 Feb 2015 Central Coast Marlins media

Larry Thomson (centre)

he Central Coast was heavily represented at the NSW Sports Athlete of the Year with a Awards with winners announced at an awards dinner in Sydney Disability; Jordan Kiss in netball for Young Ofﬁcial on February 19.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Sport NSW’s Sports Awards recognising NSW’s leading athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, volunteers and organisations and celebrating their outstanding achievements in high performance and community sport levels. There were more nominations for the awards this year than the previous 19 years. Eight finalists were from the Central Coast region with Central Coast Rugby Union’s Larry Thomson winning the Distinguished Long Service Award. Thomson’s affiliation with rugby began in 1970 when he played his first university game in Armidale. Since this time, he has been the secretary and president of the Gosford Rugby Club. Larry has also been a board member of Central Coast Rugby Union since

1998 and is now the president. In 1999 Larry helped to establish a women’s competition on the Central Coast which ran for eight years. Central Coast ﬁnalists comprised: Keenan

Derry in waterskiing for Young Athlete of the Year; Georgia Wassall in athletics, also for Young Athlete of the Year; Paul Lemmon for Surf Life Saving in Masters Athlete of the Year; Rae Anderson in athletics for Young

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of the Year; Central Coast Sevens in rugby union for Event of the Year; and Surf Lifesaving NSW State Championships, also for Event of the Year.

Media release, 23 Feb 2015 Cheryl Battaerd, Sports NSW

PEAT ISLAND AND SURROUNDING LANDS TOO GOOD FOR JUST HOUSES

Welcome to the first newspaper insert by CEN. For those not familiar with CEN, we are a volunteer based organisation that works for Ecologically Sustainable Development in the areas of Gosford, Wyong and Lake Macquarie. We also undertake projects throughout NSW which improve sustainability. If you wish to support CEN or any of the work we do please consider donating Cheers, John The NSW Election occurs on 28th March and so it is a good time to hear what your candidates have to say and to ask them questions. If you do ask them questions, here are some suggested issues:

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Across the Central Coast planning strategies that have involved community consultation and years of thoughtful preparation are being abandoned in favour of deals worked out behind closed doors. These proposals often undermine local homeowners and businesses. The variations are often approved by Councils with scant regard to community input. Any process which allows major changes in Planning Rules without transparency and community consultation exposes opportunities for corruption, disadvantages communities and disadvantages those developers who play by the rules. Public lands are being reclassified and sold through this process, over 1,000 parcels of public land in Wyong are affected. Environment groups are calling on the state government to intervene to provide certainty for communities and the environment on the Central Coast after numerous harmful amendments to council development plans. Ask your MP or candidate what they will do to ensure planning decisions and rules are enforced, communities heard and decision s are transparent.

In December Gosford Council supported a rezoning application by the NSW Government for Peats Island and surrounding lands at Mooney. CEN believes this rezoning is not good enough for one of the Iconic Sites in NSW. When travelling north on the M1 and crossing the Bridge on the Hawkesbury River the land on the northern shore on both sides of the freeway (including Communications and Water Tower Hills) will be sold for housing and commercial development. This rezoning throws away the enormous potential for the 25Ha site to be used for public access and tourism befitting the Hawkesbury River and the surrounding National Parks. If you have concerns

consider asking all your candidates for the NSW Elections to rethink this sell off and seek expressions of interest for a better redevelopment

of the lands for river access, tourism and public benefit. To find out more: Go to: www.cen.org.au and click on Friends of Peats Island.

GOVERNANCE AT WYONG COUNCIL Many CEN members have raised issues in regard to Wyong Council and the many environmental issues that now occur in that area. The environment section has been abolished and many staff are employed helping to

sell conservation land owned or gifted to council for future generations. CEN has made many representations to the NSW Government on all these issues with no effect.

If you have concerns, consider asking your candidates for Wyong, The Entrance and Swansea in the State Election what they would do to ensure independent governance so that the Shire is not stripped of environmental assets.

WASTE MANAGEMENT In the past few years, CEN has supported many community groups and individuals as they face enormous pressure on waste issues. This includes residents near Springfield Quarry, Kerns Road at Kincumber and Mangrove Mountain. The issue was most dramatically demonstrated last year with the agreement to dump many millions of tonnes of waste and soil at Mangrove Mountain Golf Course. Originally approved in 1998 for ten years using 240,000 cubic metres to help reshape the Golf Course, the dump is now over 1 million tonnes and heading towards 3 million tonnes by 2025. All of this happened despite objections by the local community who were given no say in the final decision. CEN wants to see a Regional Waste Strategy developed for

the Central Coast that is based on the population projections, involves community consultation and does not destroy the lifestyle of locals or damage the environment.

Ask your local candidates what they would do to ensure waste is managed, communities are consulted and residents are not disadvantaged.

www.cen.org.au The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups who work for ecologically sustainable development. CEN was formed in 1997 and is a not-for-profit, community based organisation working across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter - Support CEN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; become a member or make a donation.