Issue 69 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

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May 15, 2015

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Issue 69

Residents oppose rezoning west of the motorway

Residents object to plans to redevelop farmland at Mardi

ands Off the Old Farm (HOOF) held a public meeting at Wyong RSL on Tuesday, May 12 to discuss the old farm development proposed for Mardi, west of the freeway.

According to HOOF, the proposal would rezone 224 hectares of land currently zoned rural, or for environmental protection or management, to allow 300 dwellings plus a commercial area. “One of the main issues is that this opens up areas for development west of the freeway,” HOOF spokesperson, Ms Trish Cselko said. “It has been a

long-standing state government policy that there be no intensiﬁcation of development west of the freeway,” she said. Ms Cselko said 59 people attended the meeting and passed a resolution to oppose the rezoning of the old farm land. The meeting also passed a resolution to oppose small lot residential expansion west of the M1

Motorway. The Central Coast Regional Strategy (2006-2031) stated that it would limit expansion of the urban footprint by protecting land west of the F3 freeway from further residential development. It noted that the western half of the region (west of the Freeway) is largely comprised of the Central Coast plateaus and Wyong valleys.

Map of proposed Mardi development

“These lands support agricultural production and contain water supply catchments which must be protected from urban and rural residential uses,” Ms Cselko said. “If this proposal gets through there will be no stopping council’s allowing developers to destroy our drinking water catchment areas and agricultural lands.” According to HOOF, community opposition is building to the proposed development. Wyong Council extended the due date for

submissions relating to the Mardi development up until Friday May 15. “Many local Residents have concerns about this proposal,” Ms Cselko said. HOOF has already made submissions to council outlining its opposition to the proposed development. Objections include: its proximity to Mardi Dam and the state forest, the destruction of forest vegetation and fauna. HOOF is also concerned about trafﬁc on Old Maitland Rd,

ﬂooding, ﬁre risks, and social impacts. The group is also objecting to what it considers to be a lack of public consultation, a lack of data about how much land will be destroyed and the impact on existing rate payers of the cost of sewer and water services. Email, 8 May 2015 Trish Cselko, Hands Off the Old Farm (HOOF) Interview, 13 May 2015 Trish Cselko, Hands Off the Old Farm Powerpoint presentation 12 May 2015 HOOF

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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P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! Wyong Regional Chronicle and Balboa Press Australia are giving three lucky readers the chance to win a gift pack from Central Coast author and yoga teacher, Mish Mockovic Martin, which includes a signed copy of her new book, Insights of a Yogi, and yoga cards. After undergoing major back surgery in 2007, author and yoga instructor Mish Mockovic Martin faced a long recovery process, which included learning how to walk again. To strengthen her muscles, Mockovic Martin participated in an intense two-year yoga rehabilitation program that would change the course of her life. Her new book, Insights of a Yogi: Understanding Karma through Life’s Experiences, chronicles how yoga taught her to heed her body’s signals and embrace the power of her emotions. To win your gift pack, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to Wyong Regional Chronicle Insights of a Yogi competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250, by the close of business Wednesday, May 27.

Ambulance, Police, Fire 000 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

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

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

Journalist: Jackie Pearson Sales: Val Bridge

Graphic Design: Justin Stanley

Welfare Services

editorial@centralcoastnews.net Ph Ph: 4325 736 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 70

Deadline: May 27 - Publication date: May 29 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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Labor candidate for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has been declared the winner of the seat following a close count with a final result of 50.23 per cent compared with Liberal candidate Chris Holsten’s 49.77 per cent. Despite former Member Holstein receiving more first preference votes with 20,535 to Smith’s 18,654, the distribution of preferences saw Smith finish with a total of 22,029 votes to Holstein’s 21,826. Greens candidate Kate da Costa followed Holstein with 4346 first preference votes and a final total of 5039. Independent Jake Cassar received 2698 first preference votes and a final total of 2856 while Christian Democratic Party candidate Andrew Church received 1091 first preference votes and a final total of 1126 and No Land Tax candidate Matthew Maroney received 938 first preference votes. Ms Smith wrote on her Facebook page: “I will be a strong voice for the Central Coast and make sure that the people of the Central Coast are no longer forgotten and get our fair share of funding. “Looking forward to a positive and bright future for the Central Coast,” she said. Ms Smith said the campaign was “quite nerve-wracking”.

Election Day at Woy Woy South Public School

“We did everything we could. “We spoke to thousands of people. “I got lots of opinions and there

Seawall to cost $900,000 Gosford Council has accepted a tender to build a seawall at the Lance Webb Reserve in Ettalong. The works, costing more than $900,000, will include the construction of a new rock revetment, beach access ramp and stairs, and stabilisation of existing stormwater outlets along the reserve. Council accepted the tender from Cooma company The JDS Group Pty Ltd. The JDS Group Pty Ltd is a design, construction and

engineering company undertaking a wide variety of quality assured - controlled major and minor contracts, primarily for State and Federal Governments and Local Government clients, throughout NSW, Queensland and Victoria. According to the report by Council’s department of community growth, they have completed many similar projects and come highly recommended from previous clients. Gosford Council agenda GR0.6, 24 Mar 2015

are lots of things that need ﬁxing. “What this election has shown is that the Central Coast shouldn’t be taken for granted.

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“The Liberals swept our region at the 2011 election but failed to listen to local concerns about cuts to the roads budget, cuts to health, cuts

to our local schools, and despite a massive community backlash the Liberal Government will continue with their plans to privatise our state electricity assets. “The Liberal Party lost the faith of Central Coast residents for failing to listen to the community, and instead focusing on internal party squabbles and scandals relating to potentially illegal donations. “Labor presented a positive plan for the Central Coast. “We pledged more than $1 billion across the region for local roads, building new classrooms, upgrading Wyong and Gosford Hospitals, and investing in important infrastructure like the Ettalong to Umina Foreshore and a regional performing arts centre in Gosford. “Unlike the former Liberal Members of Parliament, I will not sit idly by while millions of dollars are ripped out of our region. “I will be a strong voice for Gosford and will stand up for local residents against continued cuts by the Liberals.” Former Member for Gosford Chris Holstein was contacted for comment but could not be reached. Media release, 9 Apr 2015 Kathy Smith, Labor Website, 9 Apr 2015 NSW Electoral Commission Victoria Power, 8 Apr 2015 Interviewee: Kathy Smith

Review of alcohol-free zones Gosford Council will review its alcohol-free zones after complaints that they prevent responsible social drinking that has taken place for many years without issue. The council will investigate the possibility of timed alcohol-free

zones as a way to address the issue. It will make representations to the NSW Government on the apparent inconsistency between the Ministerial Guidelines and the provisions of the Local Government Act. It will ask that the Guidelines

be reviewed to provide greater ﬂexibility to councils in managing local areas. The council has asked for staff to report on all possible solutions. Gosford Council agenda NM.2, 24 Mar 2015 Gosford Council agenda CIT.10, 13 May 2014

Request to lift alcohol ban A petition with 204 signatures has been sent to Gosford Council by local residents who want the alcohol free zone around the Empire Bay waterfront to be lifted. They petitioners said they did not wish to behave in an anti-social

way and police attending admitted that they were only acting on complaints about the consumption of alcohol, not behavioural issues. They said that a drive around the waterfronts recently at Davistown, Hardys Bay and Ettalong found that people were enjoying a beer or a quiet wine without any

annoyance to others. They asked: “Why are we being treated differently?” The petition requested Council consider a curfew system with sensible consumption of alcohol between 12pm and 8pm. Gosford Council Agenda P.7, 24 Mar 2015

THIS ISSUE contains 47 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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13 April 2015

Kathy Smith wins by just 203 votes

Edition 366

April 17, 2015

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Labor’s clean sweep to power Harris re-takes Mehan narrowly Wyong with a 13% wins the seat of swing to Labor The Entrance

Cyclonic storm causes major damage

Catley wins every booth in Swansea

“It’s been a campaign we have fought for four years since the last election count was done.” “I pay tribute to my opponent Sandra Kerr. “This was a tough campaign about issues like electricity privitisation and TAFE and Sandra represented her party with distinction and I wish her the best in her future roles. “Most of all I dedicate this victory to my late friend Dayle Walker. “Dayle was my speech writer and former teacher colleague. “Dayle passed away from Ovarian Cancer after the last election and I miss her advice and counsel dearly. “The work starts now for the people of Wyong and to hold the Baird Government to account – especially to ensure they deliver what they promised in the lead up to the election. “My main priorities are to protect our important drinking water catchment, grow jobs and deliver the important infrastructure the area deserves, particularly Wyong Hospital,” Mr Harris said Ms Kerr was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time Wyong Regional Chronicle went to press.

Mr Mehan claimed the seat on Friday, April 3, after conferring with his scrutineers. ““I want to thank the people of The Entrance for honouring me with the opportunity to represent their interests in state parliament,” Mr Mehan said. “It is my hope that I will win the respect and support of all people in the electorate regardless of their traditional political allegiances. “Now that the Baird Coalition Government has ended the Ministerial position responsible for the Central Coast region, I want to work with all Coast representatives to ensure that promises made are delivered and that the Coast receives the attention it deserves. “I want this to be an even better place for all of us to live, work and raise a family. “I want to thank all those who worked so hard on our campaign. “Many Labor Party members on the Coast have spent the last four years working towards this result. “I have been well served by a campaign team of young, Media release, 16 Apr 2015 committed, local party David Harris, Labor Website, 15 Apr 2015 members.

NSW Electoral Commission

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with Catley receiving 697, Uidam 467, Edwards 200, Parsons 81, Agland 41, Osborne 40, Cubis 38 and Doughty 32. Halekulani Hall recorded 1,530, 83 of which were informal, with Catley receiving 637. Uidam, 487, Edwards 113, parsons 84, Cubis 41, Agland 40, Osborne 30 and Doughty 15. Lake Munmorah Public School recorded 3,156 votes, 119 of which were informal, with Catley receiving 1,234, followed by Uidam on 1,060, Edwards on 322, Parsons on 156, Agland on 89, Cubis on 78, Osborne on 57 and Doughty on 41. Mannering Park Community Centre recorded 1,230 votes, 89 of which were informal, with Catley receiving 573, Uidam 250, Edwards 133, Parsons 66, Agland 39, Doughty 28, and Cubis and Osborne 26 each. Northlakes Public School recorded 1,974, 140 of which were informal, with Catley receiving 1,027, Uidam 373, Edwards 112, Parsons 109, Agland 91, Osborne 50, Doughty 43 and Cubis 29. Summerland Point Hall recorded a total of 1,387 votes, 62 of which were informal, with Catley receiving 498, Uidam 420, Edwards 198, Parsons 63, Osborne 46, Agland 44, Cubis 29 and Doughty 27.

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

Website, 15 Apr 2015 NSW Electoral Commission

Storm mop-up starts Mopping up has started after last week’s storm, which saw the Peninsula without power, several yachts washed ashore and sewage discharging into Woy Woy Creek and into Brisbane Water at Woy Woy.

by Uidam on 25.91% (12,493), Independent Garry Edwards on 13.45% (6,484), Greens candidate Phillipa Parsons with 5.48% (2,818), Animal Justice Party candidate Joshua Agland on 2.91% (1,402), Independent Chris Osborne on 2.82% (1,360), Christian democratic Party candidate Luke Cubis on 2.74% (1,322) and No land Tax candidate Paul Doughty in 1.29% (624). Central Coast voters in the Swansea electorate were able to choose from nine local polling booths. Budgewoi Public School recorded a total of 1,618 votes, 77 of which were informal, with Catley receiving the most First Preference votes on 778, followed by Uidam on 406, Parsons on 93, Agland on 79, Edwards on 71, Cubis on 41, Osborne on 36 and Doughty on 31. Buff Point Scout Hall received 1,627 votes, 78 of which were informal, with Catley again recording the highest amount on 776, followed by Uidam on 435, Edwards on 116, Parsons on 87, Osborne on 63, Cubis on 30, Agland on 25 and Doughty on 17. Chain Valley Bay recorded 971 votes, 37 of which were informal, with Website, 15 Apr 2015 Catley receiving 465, Uidam NSW Electoral Commission 259, Edwards 85, Parsons Media statement, 7 Apr 2015 43, Cubis 32, Osborne 27, David Mehan, Labor Agland 18 and Doughty 5.

“Our campaign was greatly assisted by the help of volunteers from the local community and the work of local union members and the campaign run by Unions NSW and Central Coast Community Unions Alliance. “I hope all people in The Entrance electorate enjoy this (Easter) holiday period and I look forward to working for them once the election result is ofﬁcially declared,” Mr Mehan said. Despite winning the seat, Mehan ran second to Sharpe in the number of First Preference votes received with 41.88% (20,086) to Sharpe’s 43.89% (21,049). Greens candidate Scott Rickard received 9.37% (4,493) of the vote, followed by Christian Democratic Party candidate Hadden Ervin with 2.71% (1,301) and No Land Tax candidate Sonia Lopreiato with 2.15% (1,031). Michael Sharpe was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time Wyong Regional Chronicle went to press.

Glenrock Pde, Tascott, blocked by a fallen tree

Destruction at Gosford Waterfront Photo: Clint Wasserman

t the time of going to press, State Emergency Services (SES) the Local Government Area, are working through over 800 calls for assistance across the and Gosford Council is Gosford and Wyong LGAs with Gosford receiving 121mm of rain working hard to rectify the issue. in the 24 hours to 9am on April 21. SES spokesperson Heidi Groom said crews have been working to the best of their ability but phones were being overloaded. The majority of calls received have been in relation to fallen trees, power lines down, ﬂoodwaters and leaking roofs. Emergency crews are working across the region to clear fallen powerlines and make the network safe after heavy rains and high winds caused signiﬁcant damage to the electricity network. 180,000 homes and business across the network, and 77,000 on the Central Coast were without power at the time

Coast Community News went to press with Ausgrid responding to 250 hazard jobs on the Coast. Crews are currently focused on making streets safe for the public after receiving more than 2,000 calls about hazards including wires and poles down. Emergency ofﬁcers will then focus their efforts on repairing storm damage to major power lines and restoring supply to essential services. Damage to local street networks has left tens of thousands of customers without power, however, crews may not be able to

attend to these jobs until April 22. Residents are asked to check on elderly neighbours, and customers who rely on power for medical equipment are strongly urged to check their battery supply and act on their back up plan. People are being encouraged not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. A number of Council services have also been affected by the severe weather conditions. Due to power outages and heavy ﬂooding, there have been a number of sewer discharges across

Residents are reminded to stay out of public waterways at all times during this severe weather event. Council’s waste services were also unavailable on April 21. Scheduled waste collections will recommence on Wednesday, April 22, including missed services. In addition, both of council’s landﬁlls, at Woy Woy and Kincumber, are not operating due to power outages. Kincumber, Wyoming and Kariong libraries were closed on April 21 with reduced services at the remaining Gosford City libraries.

The Central Coast and Newcastle train line was also affected on April 21 and was closed between Hamilton and the Hawkesbury River due to fallen trees and power issues. A shuttle train was operating between Hornsby and Hawkesbury River and a limited bus service was running between Hornsby and Gosford. With the wild weather expected to continue at least until April 22 with south-westerly winds of 35 to 55km/h forecast, people are encouraged to delay their journeys. Premier Mike Baird issued a warning on April 21 and urged people in the Central Coast, Hunter, Sydney and Illawara regions o head home from work as soon as they could.

“We are calling for bosses to be flexible, people to make arrangements in an orderly way to start to head home ASAP,” Mr Baird said. Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing. Anyone requiring help can ring 132 500, except in emergency situations where people are asked to ring 000.

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

Kaitlin Watts, 21 Apr 2015 Website, 21 Apr 2015 Bureau of Meteorology Media release, 21 Apr 2015 Ausgrid Media alert, 21 Apr 2015 Gosford Council Facebook, 21 Apr 2015 NSW Incident Alerts

Rainfall at Woy Woy of 234mm in three days is expected to bring the monthly rainfall total to the highest April figure in 27 years. Power was cut to the Peninsula for almost 24 hours and more than 6000 homes were still waiting for it to be restored by the end of the week. High seas and the associated storm surge saw the cancellation of ferry services at Ettalong and Patonga. Several boats came loose from their moorings and were washed onto the Ettalong foreshore or into foreshore properties at Booker Bay. Before power was restored at the Woy Woy Sewage Treatment Plant, partially treated effluent discharged into Woy Woy Creek and Brisbane Water at Woy Woy on Tuesday, April 21. Gosford Council asked residents and visitors to avoid swimming and other activities in or on the water until further notice. It also asked residents to conserve water as water pumps had also lost power during the storm. Brisbane Water Local Area Command duty officer Inspector George Bradbury said NSW

A yacht adrift washed into a foreshore property at Booker Bay

Police had received “lots of calls” from the Peninsula. “We’ve had many calls about trees down, wires down and water across the road,” he said. “There’s been ﬂooding in Brickwharf Rd, Woy Woy, near the shopping area, and Ocean Beach and Umina Beach have been signiﬁcantly impacted with sand on the roadway, footpaths,

A tree down in Rogers Park, Woy Woy

trees pushed over and signiﬁcant amount of erosion.” He said despite the carnage, the Peninsula wasn’t as badly hit as some other suburbs. “I don’t think the Peninsula was that bad compared to other parts of this area,” he said. “Now we’re just in a recovery phase, getting power back on, Council cleaning up roadways,

Yacht washed up on Ettalong Beach

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May 1, 2015

abor’s Yasmin Catley has been declared the winner of the state seat of Swansea with 62.98% of the vote over Liberal’s he seat of The Entrance has been abor’s David Harris has been elected declared won by Labor’s David Mehan Johanna Uidam with 37.02%. as the member for the seat of Wyong Catley received the most Gwandalan Community with 50.38% of the vote ahead of First Preference votes with Centre recorded 1,691 votes, with 58.73% of the votes over Liberal’s Liberal’s Michael Sharpe with 49.62%. Sandra Kerr with 41.27%. 45.03% (21,712), followed 95 of which were informal, Harris received 51.15% (23,565) of the First Preference votes followed by Kerr with 36.76% (16,936), Greens candidate Vicki Dimond with 6.71% (3,091), No Land Tax candidate Annie McGeechan with 2.02% (929), Christian Democratic Party candidate Stevan Dragojevic with 1.98% (914), Independent Noel Holt with 0.83% (348) and Independent Alex Norwick with 0.55% (252). Harris has thanked the people of Wyong for showing faith and giving him a second term representing them in the NSW Parliament. “I sit this morning very humbled by the support I’ve received from the people of Wyong,” Mr Harris said. “Our team achieved a swing of around 13.3% and we got across the line with 51.1% primary votes and almost 60% two party prefererd,” Mr Harris said “I’m particularly honoured to be given a second opportunity to represent this wonderful area in Australia’s oldest Parliament. “I take this opportunity very seriously and I’ll work my heart out for this area I love so much. “To my family, campaign team and supporters, I couldn’t have done it without you.

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trees and beach and coastal areas. “That will go on for some time obviously.” Gosford Council has announced it has restored many of its services, and that residents may use Woy Woy tip free of charge during the clean-up. It is hoped that power to those homes still without power will

have been restored over the weekend or early this week. State and Federal Governments have announced that disaster relief assistance is available to local people. The Insurance Council of Australia said that estimates of the cost of damage on the Peninsula would take some time to be established as claims continue to be lodged. Assessors were already visiting households and businesses in the region with priority being given to policyholders who have suffered the worst damage. The Insurance Council warned residents to contact their insurer before undertaking any repair work, as otherwise it may not be covered. In the wake of the storm, the Community Environment Network has warned that more of these types of storms could be expected in the future, thanks to climate change. Chairperson Mr John Asquith said: “It is really important that all levels of government, but particularly local government, are taking steps to protect the population and ensure that critical infrastructure, such as roads and railways and water supplies and power lines, is protected.” Kaitlin Watts, 24 Apr 2015 Interviewees: George Bradbury and John Asquith Media release, 24 Apr 2015 Ausgrid Media statement, 24 Apr 2015 Insurance Council of Australia

A stranded boat

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Major clean up underway S

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11 May 2015

$227 million developments delayed due to bureaucratic bungle

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Issue 69

Residents oppose rezoning west of the motorway

taff at Wyong Council are continuing efforts to restore essential water and sewer services, monitoring road closures and cleaning up after the recent storms.

All of Council’s pumping stations are back in operation and staff are focussed on getting sewage services back on line for 2,000 affected residents in Tuggerawong, Tacoma and South Tacoma, Rocky Point and Chittaway Bay. Portaloos are available and will remain in place until normal services resume. Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM said Council’s roads team is focussed on managing the remaining nine road closures until ﬂooding subsides and tree and power line issues are resolved. Roads that remain closed are: Geoffrey Rd, Chittaway Point; Natuna Ave, Halekulani; Woods Rd, Jilliby; Dooralong Rd, Lemmon Tree; Tuggerah Pde, Long Jetty; The Cut, Mannering Park; Dog Trap Rd, Ourimbah; Ourimbah Creek Rd, Palm Grove and The Ridgeway, Tumbi Umbi. Tree debris blocking footpaths is being prioritised. “Our road network has fared very well and overall has suffered limited damage in the storms,” mayor Cr Eaton said.

“That is largely the result of Council’s record spending on roads in the last few years and the concerted effort to lift the condition of the network and address the backlog in resurfacing. “However our unsealed road network has suffered extensive damage and it will take some time and effort to restore all the eroded pavements.” Council arborists are dealing with around 500 requests relating to public trees on sports grounds, parks and reserves and it will take some weeks for all tree debris to be removed. “There is a lot of tree debris on public land and Council are working hard to collect it,” mayor Cr Eaton said. “We are prioritising based on public safety. “We also know there are a number of trees down on private land and our contractor, Remondis, is working overtime to get round to houses to pick up the debris. “I thank residents for their patience as we deal with all the backlogs we are facing and things return to normal. “It has been heartening to hear all the stories of the community helping each

other out with showers, meals or providing chainsaws and trailers, it really is a testament to the community sprit here on the Coast,” mayor Cr Eaton said. Residents are reminded the following assistance is available: book an extra free green kerbside collection for tree debris; order an extra free red lid bin collection for perishable food waste; free drop off of green waste at Council’s Buttonderry Waste Management Facility until May 19; four Emergency Green Waste sites have been set up at Gwandalan, Mardi, Toukley and Tumbi Umbi to drop off tree debris for free until May 19; and ﬁnancial assistance may be available to residents who are experiencing ﬁnancial hardship to meet the cost of repairs or for essential household contents – call 1800 018 444. Residents are asked to hold off on booking bulk household kerbside collections for the time being so the focus can be on removing tree debris.

Local resident taking the canoe to the local shops - Aloha Drive - Chittaway Bay Photo: Debbie Boardman

Gosford Council has voted to ﬁght the original Ettalong Boarding House proposal at a hearing in the Land and Environment Court - Artist impression

Wyong LGA declared a Natural Disaster Area

Council to defend boarding house refusal

s a consequence of the recent weather, both Wyong and Gosford LGAs have been declared Natural Disaster Areas.

Member for The Entrance Mr David Mehan said: “I want to acknowledge, and thank, our emergency services and essential services workers who have been out in some of the worse weather we have seen on the Coast, doing their job.” Local Government Areas declared natural disasters are eligible for Natural Disaster Assistance Schemes. Assistance is available to eligible individuals, primary Media release, 27 Apr 2015 businesses, Wyong Council media producers, sporting clubs and not-for proﬁt organisations.

Assistance is available in the form of small grants and concessional loans. Details are available at the Minister for Police and Emergency Services website: http://www. emergency.nsw.gov.au/ nddassistance “More speciﬁcally, I am aware of a number of people in the area whose cars have been written off as a result of storm damage,” Mr Mehan said. “These may be eligible for a stamp duty refund on their replacement vehicle. “Refunds are made where the written

off vehicle was comprehensively insured and the insurance does not cover duty for a replacement vehicle. “The Ofﬁce of State Revenue administers these refunds and can be contacted on 1300 139 814. “People living in The Entrance electorate who do not have access to the internet are encouraged to attend my ofﬁce for assistance with any of the above.”

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, 22 Apr 2015 David Mehan, Member for The Entrance

An artist’s impression of Mariners Plaza

“Developments over $20 It will deliver a brand new NSW Department of Planning error has been blamed for delaying the approval of two signiﬁcant Gosford developments: the premium hotel with function million can’t be approved ‘Mariner’s Plaza’ development on the corner of Mann St and rooms, gym and pool deck by our local council; the Donnison St and the mixed development on the corner of Erina St and with associated restaurants decision has to go to the JRPP,” she said. and bar. Henry Parry Drive.

Gosford City Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Ms Alison Vidler, said a Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) meeting held at Erina on April 28 failed to make a decision about the development. Local residents and business representatives who attended the meeting at Erina were told at its commencement that the JRPP could not make a decision about the developments because the relevant Gosford City Council reports and recommendations had

not been published in the panel’s website in sufﬁcient time prior to the meeting. This was the second JRPP delay in one month as the original meeting, scheduled for April 23, was also postponed. As a result, the JRPP will not be able to make its decision regarding the two developments until May 14, Ms Vidler said. “So, in other words, because of a bungle by the NSW Planning Department, our city’s future is once again put on hold and delayed,” Ms Vidler said in

a letter to NSW Minister for Planning, Gordon Stokes, “Many people from our community took time out of their very busy day to speak on both developments that were already passed by council staff,” she said. The Mariner’s Plaza project is being developed by Gosford City Development Pty Ltd and has an estimated value of $190 million. The project will comprise of two residential towers above a podium containing a hotel, licensed pub, retail spaces and supermarket.

It will comprise 134 rooms over 7 levels and provide underground parking for 135 cars. The mixed development proposed for the corner or Erina Street and Henry Parry Drive has an estimated value of $36.6 million. Ms Vidler said she received a response to her letter to Minister Stokes “within an hour of sending the email” and she is waiting for conﬁrmation of a meeting with the Minister. She said she intends to ask the minister why the region still needs a JRPP at all.

“It is the panel’s job to assess the development, to get people to speak on behalf or against, then, usually at that meeting, the JRPP will get to approve it. “Originally the JRPP was created because, at that point in time, councils were seen to be dysfunctional, let’s be honest. “But now our council is far from what it used to be in regards to being dysfunctional; it has come a long way.” Ms Vidler said the developments had both been approved by Gosford City Council staff and,

based on submissions received from the public, have the approval of 95% of the community. Ms Vidler said she is hopeful the May 14 JRPP meeting goes ahead and gets to approve the developments. Meanwhile, the Gosford City Chamber of Commerce and Industry will make the most of its meeting with the minister to ask for more local representatives on the JRPP and to question whether it is needed at all.

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

Jackie Pearson, 5 May 2015 Interviewee: Alison Vidler Email, 1 May 2015 Alison Vidler, Gosford Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Gosford Council will defend its refusal of the contentious proposed boarding house at Ettalong Beach in the NSW Land and Environment Court. The Council voted six to four last Wednesday, May 6, to cease conciliation proceedings in the court and defend its refusal of the applicant’s original proposal last year. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the public opposition to the boarding house was too signiﬁcant to ignore even though council had managed to argue for major changes as part of the current amended proposal. “We realise that council staff have negotiated a number of major changes to the original proposal, in response to both our and the

community’s concerns, after the applicant appealed to the court about council’s refusal last year,” Cr McKinna said. “However, we also recognise that the community remains concerned about whether this boarding house proposal will ﬁt with the character of the local Ettalong area, and whether it has been designed with proper regard to social impacts. “Given the ongoing opposition from local residents across the Peninsula, Council has decided the matter should be defended rather than continue with the current conciliation proceedings,” he said. Council’s general manager Paul Anderson has been instructed to advise the Land and Environment Court that council wishes to cease the current conciliation

proceedings and list the matter for hearing. “Ultimately, it will be up to the court to determine the fate of this boarding house proposal,” Cr McKinna added. “Defending planning decisions in the court is not something councillors take lightly, especially given the potential cost to the wider Gosford community. “However, in light of the serious concerns that are still held as well as the groundswell of opposition from the local community, we believe it is important to defend our original refusal,” he said. The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce welcomed Council’s decision to discontinue the current mediation process in the Land and Environment Court and reject the amended boarding house plans currently on exhibition.

“The chamber realises how difﬁcult this boarding house application has been for the council but, clearly, the community considers this application inappropriate for the location,” said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales. “This is a view shared by the chamber. “Council’s decision to defend the appeal is welcome news and is in direct response to the community’s expectations. “Both the Chamber and the Ettalong Beach community looked for Council’s support and achieved it,” he said. According to Mr Wales, the changes negotiated by council during the mediation process were never going to be acceptable. “Whether 24 or 30 boarding rooms, the social impacts on the

community were always going to be considerable,” he said. Inadequate parking and trafﬁc congestion were other major concerns to the community especially adjacent to the busy Ferry Road wharf, Mr Wales said. “We all understand that the Court will ultimately make the ﬁnal decision but both the chamber and the community are relieved that the council will now defend the matter in a full court hearing.” Email, 6 May 2015 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Media release, 6 May 2015 Cr Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Gosford Council NM.3, 6 May 2015 Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Residents object to plans to redevelop farmland at Mardi

Map of proposed Mardi development

“These lands support submissions relating to ﬂooding, ﬁre risks, and

ands Off the Old Farm (HOOF) held a public meeting at Wyong agricultural production the Mardi development social impacts. RSL on Tuesday, May 12 to discuss the old farm development and contain water supply up until Friday May 15. The group is also proposed for Mardi, west of the freeway. “Many local Residents objecting to what it catchments which must

be protected from urban and rural residential uses,” Ms Cselko said. “If this proposal gets through there will be no stopping council’s allowing developers to destroy our drinking water catchment areas and agricultural lands.” According to HOOF, community opposition is building to the proposed development. Wyong Council extended the due date for

have concerns about this considers to be a lack proposal,” Ms Cselko of public consultation, said. a lack of data about HOOF has already how much land will be made submissions destroyed and the impact to council outlining on existing rate payers its opposition to the of the cost of sewer and proposed development. water services. Objections include: Email, 8 May 2015 its proximity to Mardi Trish Cselko, Hands Off the Dam and the state forest, Old Farm (HOOF) the destruction of forest Interview, 13 May 2015 vegetation and fauna. Trish Cselko, Hands Off the Old Farm HOOF is also Powerpoint presentation concerned about trafﬁc 12 May 2015 on Old Maitland Rd, HOOF

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

www.wyongnews.org

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P3 3

News

The Entrance Town Centre Management to lose control of Memorial Park rom Wednesday, July 1 the use of some public land within The Entrance will be taken away from The Entrance Town Centre Management (TETCM) and fall back under the control of Wyong Council.

Council will directly manage use of Memorial Park from that date. It will be undertaking substantial drainage works and construction of public facilities in the park next ďŹ nancial year and will take a leading role in managing the area and protecting the public while the works are underway and thereafter. The management and approval of outdoor dining on Crown land, public land and road footways within The Entrance precinct will also come back under local government control. The change will have no negative ďŹ nancial impact on those

businesses that provide outdoor dining to their customers, according to Wyong Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the beginning to the change that needs to be made to turn The Entrance into a magniďŹ cent tourist destination,â&#x20AC;? mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said. The Entrance Town Centre Management (TETCM) has, for a number of years, managed outdoor dining activities in The Entrance town centre. Its management included collection of fees, granting approvals and site management of the activity. However, according

to Wyong Council, TETCM has had no statutory authority to issue approvals or licences nor does it have delegated authority from the General Manager to collect fees. As a result, the decision has been taken to restore these functions back to Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is considered that the proposed changesâ&#x20AC;Ś will ensure that council is meeting its regulatory responsibilities and that Council receives the income that it is due.â&#x20AC;? Business Papers, 1-13 May 2015, Wyong Council website Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council nedia

Water play area at Memorial Park, The Entrance

Now is your chance to for your area in 2015/16 Council is planning a record $66 million what else is planned for your area. View the Plan at your local library, Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Civic Centre or online at www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/strategicplan

Make a Submission http://consultation.wyong.nsw.gov.au wsc@wyong.nsw.gov.au PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259 Deadline for submissions is 5pm, Monday 25 May 2015.

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News

P4 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015

World-leading skate park designer to build regional skate park world-leading skate park d e s i g n e r, Convic, has won the tender to design and build Wyong Council’s regional skate park facility, which will be located at the EDSACC playing grounds at Bateau Bay.

Residents and skaters will be able to meet the designers and share their own design ideas for the facility as Council will run a number of community workshops from June to September. According to Wyong Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, the design will be ready by the end of September and the $2 million facility is scheduled for completion in June 2016. “The Skate Park will be located at Bateau Bay, opposite Bay Village on the Central Coast Hwy – a key recreation corridor that will deliver skate facilities for everyone – no matter what your ability,” mayor Eaton said. “This is another world-class community facility that is fully funded by Council and will open in a year’s time. “This is a red letter day for Council as we will build a world class facility for our young people that will be the best in New South

Convic crowd-pleasing skate park at Frankston, Vic

Wales. “It will put the Shire on the map and bring in skaters from miles around as well as improve facilities for our own talented local skaters.” The decision to accept the Convic tender came after Cr Greg Best and Cr Adam Troy moved a motion at the Wednesday, May 13 Council meeting to push forward the skate strategy that was adopted last December. The two councillors moved that Council note the recent welcomed response to its announcement to signiﬁcantly expand its regional skate park facilities rollout. They also wanted Council to note that the asset life of the current Lake Munmorah skate facility had reached its end and was no longer

Council’s preferred location. They asked that the General Manager be directed investigate and consult with the local community and key stakeholders to identify the most suitable location for this facility. The General Manager was also directed to report on proposals and options that will provide improved resource equity to the shire’s northern skate facilities. The current capital works program in the draft Strategic Plan identiﬁed allocations of capital towards the skate park up to 2018-19. The sum of $2.25 million has been allocated in the 201516 ﬁnancial year for the construction of the regional level Sk8 facility at EDSACC, Bateau Bay.

Convic park at Port Macquarie

Another $200,000 funding is earmarked for the completion of skate parks at Lakehaven and Heador St Reserve in Toukley. Then in 2016-17, it is planned to spend $50,000 on the upgrade or renew of skate facilities at Lake Munmorah. In 2017-18, $200,000 will be spent to upgrade Berkeley Vale and

Gwandalan. Finally, $50,000 will be made available in 2018-19 to upgrade the Ourimbah skate park. “I have received n u m e r o u s representations over the years around such facilities and indeed the provision of sporting opportunities in our shire’s north, particularly for our youth,” Cr Best

said. “Council should rightfully be proud of the signiﬁcant rollout of our skate park facilities, particularly over the last 20 years. “On joining Council in 1995, there were absolutely no opportunities for our youth to enjoy formalised skating activities. “In fact, Council of the day frowned on such pursuits. “We have travelled a long way and now better understand the needs of our youth.” However, Cr Best and Cr Troy said they were mindful of the need to act as equitably as possible and rollout such facilities across the shire. Convic recently completed design and construction of Australia’s biggest skate park at Port Hedland. In 2004, the company was commissioned to build the world’s largest skate park in Shanghai, China. The next steps in the roll out of Wyong Council’s skate park facilities will be to initiate its public consultation process to ensure the public has input into the design of the regional facility. Wyong Council Business Papers, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P5

Master plan approved master plan has been approved to establish an integrated education and business precinct on a 65 hectare greenﬁeld site in Warnervale.

It is envisaged it will house a world class campus for 7,000 students creating 500 permanent jobs, a SMARTS Hub knowledge and community centre and a strategically integrated Business Park creating a further 1,000 jobs. According to Wyong Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, the education and business precinct concept provides a unique opportunity to develop an integrated education, business, industrial and community proposal for private sector partners. It is intended to provide the incentive to attract investment

into educational and employment opportunities within the Wyong Local Government Area. Council will launch an ofﬁcial expression of interest (EOI) process, on Wednesday, June 3 at the Civic Centre, targeting organisations interested in being a part of the investment opportunity. “This is a great opportunity for canny investors out there to be the ﬁrst to take up this unique opportunity in a growing area of the Central Coast,” Cr Eaton said. “This is one of our key projects to help transform the Shire and create employment and educational opportunities for our growing community and it is time it became a reality.” Email, 13 May 2013 Wyong Council media

News

Oasis redevelopment for Wyong’s tallest building proceeding to JRPP he green light has been given for the ﬁrst stage of the redevelopment of its Wyong Oasis site in Heley St, to proceed to the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) for approval.

The Council-owned development will provide new retail, commercial and shop top housing options and represents just over $19 million in investment in the Wyong CBD. It is anticipated cafes, restaurants and shops will occupy the ground ﬂoor retail space of the proposed six storey building creating local employment opportunities as well as

increased retail options for current Wyong CBD workers. Wyong CBD has been identiﬁed under the Central Coast Regional Strategy as a major centre that will need to accommodate an additional 5500 new jobs over the next 25 years. This redevelopment alone will create around 200 local jobs based on Treasury ﬁgures relating to development,

investment and jobs growth. The Oasis Youth Centre can and will remain on site for some time yet and Council will investigate alternative sites for a future Wyong Youth Service. “This will literally transform the landscape of the Wyong CBD as it will be the tallest building ever seen in Wyong,” Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said.

“Jobs are our number one priority and this redevelopment will deliver these in spades. “This redevelopment comes on the back of The Art House construction starting, a new Aldi supermarket taking shape and an upgrade of Frank Ballance Park all on track for completion by Christmas. “2016 will certainly bring a new skyline and lots of new and exciting opportunities to the Wyong CBD.” Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council media

OPEN every SUNDAY Forward DATES:

Please NOTE

• May 17th - CLOSED due to another event @ Racecourse • May 24th - OPEN • May 31st - OPEN

Gosford City Farmers’ Market will feature a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, primary produce including gourmet jams and preserves, olive oil products, pestos, macadamia nuts and fresh home made products. The market will include other food related items as well as high quality “food-to-eat” vendors. Flowers, plants and trees will also be available for sale. Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

VENUE: The Entertainment Grounds WHEN: Every Sunday TIME:

8.00am till 1.00pm

Rain, Hail or Shine

NO DOGS

(Gosford Racecourse)

The market will operate each Sunday from 8.00am till 1.00pm Rain, Hail or Shine.

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ Gosfordcityfarmersmarket

Enquiries:

Gosford City Farmers’ Market

finefoodmarket@bigpond.com

Gosford Racecourse,

Mob: 0427 630 144

4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

Storms

P6 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015

Minimum security inmates assist with clean-up

Disaster Recovery Centre closing torm-affected residents have one last day, Friday, May 15, to seek help from the Disaster Recovery Centre that has been operating at Wyong Grove.

The centre has been a one stop shop for anyone affected by the April storms to access support from a range of government and nongovernment agencies. Residents have been able to get ﬁnancial assistance and advice, housing advice and support, and insurance and legal advice. Friday, May 15 is the last day that the centre will be available from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It has been operating

out of the old Wyong Grove Public School site in North Rd (corner Paciﬁc Highway), Wyong. Services that could be accessed at the centre included: Centrelink; WorkCover; Legal Aid; Red Cross; NSW Health; Ofﬁce of the NSW Commissioner for Small Business; Fair Trading; and the Department of Primary Industries. Email, 11 May 2015 Sharyn Burgess, Wyong Neighbourhood Centre

Waste levy exemption extended Mayor Doug Eaton with Cessnock correctional centre workers and Brigadier Darren Naumann

yong Shire Council accepted extra assistance from Cessnock amount to help clean up Correctional Centre to help clean up after the April super and this team is keen to also do their bit for our storm.

Mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM welcomed the help given the huge amount of debris the storms left behind. “It didn’t matter where you went in the shire, there was debris everywhere,” mayor Eaton said. “We were grateful for the offer from the NSW Department of Correctional Services for the extra manual labour from their community projects team to help clean up our shire,” he

said. One crew started work on Thursday, May 7 at Tom Burke Reserve, Colongra Bay. Council’s natural areas section manager, Mr Alan Cibilic, said the crew cleared rubbish from around Tuggerah Lakes so the trees and branches could be mulched and reused. “The ﬁve man crew, with their supervisor, did low-priority tasks we might never have got to,” Mr Cibilic said.

“The crew collected rubbish along the foreshore reserves around the Lakes. “They also collected any remaining branches that were too wet or difﬁcult to get to earlier in the recovery process. “This is a great initiative, and with the amount of debris still sitting around the Shire, we are thankful to get all the help we can. “Many community volunteers have already contributed a huge

community.” The community project team was made up of carefully screened minimum security inmates. The team assigned to Wyong Shire drove down each day from the Cessnock Correctional Centre to help clean up as part of their preparation to return to community life. Media release, 7 May 2015 Melanie Sutton, Wyong Council media

he waste levy exemption given to Wyong residents and businesses to assist with their clean-up has been extended until Tuesday, June 30.

CEO of the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Mr Barry Bufﬁer, announced the extension on Wednesday, May 13. The Waste Levy exemption commenced on April 22 and Wyong is one of 10 local government areas that have been granted the extension. Residents and businesses affected by late April’s storms and ﬂooding can take green waste, such as fallen trees and branches and water damaged bulk waste, such as carpet and furniture, to

their local council run tip. “We extended the Waste Levy exemption in recognition of the ongoing clean-up efforts of the community and councils in these areas,” Mr Bufﬁer said. The NSW EPA approved the exemption last month in recognition that the individuals and businesses impacted by these climatic events were not directly responsible for the waste produced. Media release, 13 May 2015 Public Affairs Section, NSW EPA

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P7

Flood enquiries flooding in to Legal Aid egal Aid NSW has continued to field questions from affected of income, and issues for residents about the insurance cover for damage caused by fallen tenants if the property is seriously damaged from trees during recent storms and floods.

“Our lawyers have seen a lot of residents who weren’t sure whether their insurance policy would cover damage caused by trees that have fallen down, either on their own homes or on to their neighbours’ homes,” said Julie Maron, lawyer with Legal Aid NSW. “We are also seeing people who are having trouble with their insurance claims because they can’t afford to pay their excess upfront. Legal Aid NSW lawyers have been available at the Disaster Recovery Centre in Wyong Grove Community Hub. “Insurance policies can be complex and getting legal advice early is important for people whose home and property

have been damaged by heavy rains and storm,” Ms Maron said. Flood-affected people are advised to keep a record of ﬂood damage, according to Legal Aid NSW. Legal Aid NSW said they should take photos and videos if possible. According to Legal Aid NSW, you can remove damaged items from your property before the claims assessors attend but make sure you take photos and document damages before doing so. “Check the wording of your insurance policy and, if in doubt, get legal advice before speaking to claims assessors who usually visit on site,” Ms Maron said. “Make sure that premiums have been

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paid in full, or are up to date, because premium shortfalls may affect payment.” Legal Aid NSW lawyers provide free help with insurance claims, renegotiating credit commitments due to loss

the ﬂood. Residents still requiring advice on storm issues can call 1800 801 529 or contact their local Legal Aid ofﬁce. Media release, 6 May 2015 Geesche Jacobsen, Legal Aid NSW

Storms

M1 closed outhbound trafﬁc on the M1 Motorway was stopped early Monday, May 11 when strong winds resulted in a large tree falling across the roadway and colliding with two cars.

Two southbound lanes were closed just north of the Somersby interchange while emergency services and trafﬁc crews removed debris. Motorway trafﬁc remained heavy for several hours following the incident and, at one point,

was queued around 6.5km. The cars and tree involved in the accident remained in the breakdown lane. Email, 11 May 2015 Melissa Hunter, NSW Transport Management Centre

Storms

P8 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015

Value of volunteers recognised

Parliament hears about storm damage r Scot MacDonald MLC, NSW parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, spoke in state parliament on Wednesday, May 6 to praise the efforts of all those involved in the April super storm event.

Mayor Doug Eaton and Brenden Thew

he huge contribution made by local volunteers was recognised by across different areas in Wyong Council during National Volunteer Week, Monday, May Wyong, including land care groups, libraries, 11 to Sunday, May 17.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said the recent natural disaster in the Wyong Shire had highlighted how much local volunteers contributed in times of need and how essential they were to our community. “Many of our residents have all been through incredibly challenging times in the past few weeks with extreme weather impacting the community,” Cr Eaton said. “Volunteers from the State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service and Volunteer Rescue Association supported by the Lions Club of Gorokan/Kanwal answered calls for help and worked tirelessly

to repair our streets and neighbourhoods so we could all get back into our homes and places of work. “I thank each and every one of these volunteers, and the thousands of other volunteers across the shire, for their commitment, passion, hard work and sacriﬁce.” One such dedicated volunteer was Brenden Thew, of Chain Valley Bay, who spent 40 hours during the storm crisis as part of the VRA, responding to calls for help from residents. “I’ve been in the VRA for eight years and get great satisfaction from helping others and giving back to the community,” Mr Thew said. “As the deputy captain,

I was involved in all sorts of jobs during the storm like attending to car accidents, trees on roofs, placing tarps on roofs, removing trees from properties, removing trees blocking roads and creating access for other emergency services. “I would encourage everyone to volunteer if they can, whether it be in a rescue squad, where you can learn life survival skills, or in any area where you get a feeling of satisfaction from helping people.” The theme for National Volunteering Week 2015 is Give Happy, Live Happy. There are over 500 volunteers who embrace this theme and give their time freely and volunteer

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community facilities, tidy towns and more. To recognise their efforts and to celebrate National Volunteering Week, Council held a morning tea on Wednesday, May 13 at the Council’s Civic Centre. The morning tea was an invitationonly event for speciﬁc registered volunteers from organisations such as Landcare, Tidy Towns and other facility volunteers. Council will be holding a large civic reception at the end of June for all storm-related volunteers. Media release, 11 May 2015 Wyong Shire Council media

Mr MacDonald’s speech acknowledged the role of emergency services, volunteers, local government, government agencies, the media and the community. “There is no doubt in my mind the damage, loss of life, physical, mental and financial hardship would have been far greater if it had not been for the strength, initiative , resolve and determination of community members to care for each other,” Mr MacDonald told the NSW Legislative Council last week. On Monday April 20, the Central Coast was hit by a strong east coast low pressure system that generated winds equivalent to a category two cyclone and dumped 300mm of rain in 24 hours in parts of the region. The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) described it as officially the biggest response operation in the history of the service. “There are countless examples of hardship as the storm and floods took out power, water, sewerage, phone and internet systems, damaged roads, isolated communities, while fallen trees hit houses, cars and other infrastructure,” he

said. Mr MacDonald placed some of the emergency response statistics on the record to assist members of parliament to understand the scale of the event. Ongoing work meant none of the figures are final. Ausgrid dealt with approximately 230,000 callouts and the SES logged over 8,200 calls for assistance in the Hunter and Central Coast. The NSW Rural Fire Service actioned nearly 3,000 requests for assistance. There have been more than 12,000 calls to the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line. “These figures do not include the countless works undertaken by local government staff. “In many instances they were early responders to their community.” Mr MacDonald said he particularly commended the Central Coast’s mayors and general managers, along with police local area commanders and their teams.’ Media release, 8 May 2015 Scot MacDonald MLC, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P9

Free mulch and green waste collection yong Council is calling on residents to book their additional free green waste collection before Tuesday, May 19, to ensure collection as part of the storm recovery program.

Extra free green waste kerbside collections for storm affected green waste must be booked via 1coast.com.au or 1300 126 278. Residents can also drop off green waste, caused by the recent storms, for free at the Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, or the emergency green waste sites at Mardi, Toukley and Gwandalan until May 19. The emergency green waste site, at McPherson Rd, Mardi, can take both large and small vehicles. Gwandalan and Toukley sites were reopened from Saturday, May 9 for small vehicles only. Residents can also take advantage of free mulch available at the

emergency green waste sites at Gwandalan, Toukley and Mardi. Commercial operators will be charged a fee for green waste disposal at Buttonderry and they cannot use the Emergency Green Waste sites. The Tumbi Umbi site is closed until further notice due to ground conditions being unfavourable for vehicles. All emergency green waste sites are being regularly assessed to determine whether they are able to accept small and/or large vehicles. Buttonderry Waste Management Facility is located on Hue Hue Rd, Jilliby. Email, 8 May 2015 Wyong Council media

Storms

Tree removal policy ofﬁcially endorsed y o n g C o u n c i l ’s revised tree removal policy has been ofﬁcially endorsed by the NSW Government and has received widespread support in the community.

The new policy allows for the removal of potentially dangerous trees on any property, less than 1500 square metres, without approval. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM was with the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, when he inspected some of the major damage caused to properties following the recent storms. “It was pleasing Mr MacDonald had taken the time to visit Wyong Shire and you don’t have to go too far to see the impact the recent storms have had on our trees, roads and properties,” Cr Eaton said. “We had been working

Scot MacDonald and Wyong mayor Doug Eaton

towards changing our tree policy for quite some time and it just makes sense to give residents the power to protect their homes and families from dangerous trees. “People have literally been coming up to me in the street and saying what a good decision we have made on trees. “It is what we are here for, to make decisions that impact our community in a positive way.” Mr MacDonald said the April storm was a

severe weather event that led to nearly 2400 SES calls out to Wyong alone with much of the damage caused by falling trees. “This is not a kneejerk reaction by Council to the recent storms,” Mr MacDonald said. “Council had been reviewing their policy for some time and from my reading of it, they are sensible amendments to unwarranted green tape. “It is regrettable there has been some uninformed commentary

about this policy change by people who believe this will lead to widespread culling of trees and endangered species will be threatened. “It is simply untrue. “Council and residents must comply with NSW environmental laws protecting threatened species and ecological communities and will continue to do so.” Media release, 4 May 2015 Alison Ayres, Wyong Council media

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P10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 P1

Local residents overlooked in Lake Munmorah master plan

Keep Mariners’ home games at home

he mistaken idea of taking a Central Coast Mariners A-League he Draft Strategic Plan has proposed the following for the game to Brookvale Oval, near Manly, has been discredited. northern part of A Ward: a master plan for Lake Munmorah on future developments; a proposed extra 20,000 dwellings which Gosford Stadium. The owner of Manly will comprise some 37,400 extra residents (approximately 1.8 people per Rugby League Club On talking regularly dwelling) from ﬁgures under the North Wyong Structure Plan. to visiting supporters, the described this facility

The plan also proposed a 1200-dwelling Darkinjung housing estate just north of Chain Valley Bay north; and Carters Rd extensions to both Chain Valley Bay north and south. It earmarks the building of a link road between Chain Valley Bay north and Gwandalan and Summerland point; a TAFE facility in Carters Rd in the school precinct; and a northern hub for Lake Munmorah. It also includes a REDES program that has Regional Development Australia Central Coast in partnership with the Department of Industry and Investment, the Premiers Department and Wyong Council. All the above, supporting the Strategic Plan, well before any hint to the community, who just happen to be the stakeholders. We have no mention of how this draft will cater for the existing 32% of the community who have a disability, mobility or ageing issue. There is no indication of council’s obligation of a Disability Inclusion Plan due by 2017 (yet this strategy goes to 2019)

under the new NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014. No mention of access at Wyee station for the extra tens of thousands of residents, let alone the existing residents. If council can’t construct a simple beach project that excluded that 32% of the local community at Lake Munmorah without it disintegrating after the ﬁrst storm, how can we trust them to come up with a strategy for the entire ward? Wyong Council approved Woolworths that has destroyed several local shops along with their local owners and families, so much for strategic planning. We have a former proposed Coalition media release on the Growth Plan for the Central Coast stating “to invest $2.7 million into a new local skills and job centre on the Central Coast... including $2 million to develop stage two of the Central Coast Group Training Ltd, local skills

and job incubator”. On further investigation on Council’s website, it shows that the contact person for this establishment is Ms Alison Cook. Looking further, with searches, I ﬁnd that the CEO happens to be Cr Greg Best. Has Cr Best declared his conﬂict of interest and are any other councillors somehow connected with Central Coast Group Training Ltd? How can they have any credibility in doing the right thing by the existing local residents? This process is nothing more than ticking the boxes for a decision that has already been made by faceless bureaucrats and departments, before the community has had a chance to say yes or no. Letter, 12 May 2015 Gary Blaschke, Lake Munmorah

Tree huggers blamed

ecent weather conditions have caused

chaos.

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What happened, however, was made worse by green tree huggers. Many problems arose from dangerous trees which should have been cut down. They were preserved because we pander to the fantasies of articulate, vociferous tree huggers. The tree huggers are sincere, but this sincerity, plus their emotive blinkers, is what makes storm damage far worse. Letter, 24 Apr 2015 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

as “antiquated” after his team’s game there recently. Its playing surface had holes which were ﬁlled with sand. In fact, according to an article in the national newspaper, the whole ground was covered in sand. During the game, lumps of turf were ripped up. This prompted ofﬁcials to plug the damage with even more sand at half time.

One has to wonder if the proponents of taking an A-League game there actually closely inspected the pitch. The article further condemned the playing surface as “catastrophic”. Mr Penn, the owner of the Club, was quoted as saying: “We can’t keep going on an antiquated facility and surface.” Mariners’ management are still keen to play two ‘home’ games away from the idyllic bayside

constant compliment is, “your stadium is the best in the A-League”. Pre-season games are ideal to take to country areas where thousands of players and fans of the World Game have to watch the best in Australia on television. However, there is no doubt that Central Coast Stadium is the best venue for the Mariners to play their home games. Email, 24 Mar 2015 Bob Brooks, Doyalson North

ABC accused of ignoring important issues

t was a fascinating experience to visit the Gosford ABC ofﬁce recently.

IA charming representative told me there was no way they could explain why my numerous emails and letters never received a response. I listed issues I’d raised, but sadly, I had to detail to which persons I’d sent them. The ABC allegedly has no way of ﬁnding any correspondence without full details of who received it. This is a ‘privacy’

Peninsula Community Access Edition 367

Gosford Council has voted to ﬁght the original Ettalong Boarding House proposal at a hearing in the Land and Environment Court - Artist impression

Gosford Council will defend its refusal of the contentious proposed boarding house at Ettalong Beach in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@wyongnews.org See Page 2 for contribution conditions

issue. Believe that, and you probably believe in the Tooth Fairy. The ABC was meant to

Letter, 30 April 2015 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

11 May 2015

Council to defend boarding house refusal The Council voted six to four last Wednesday, May 6, to cease conciliation proceedings in the court and defend its refusal of the applicant’s original proposal last year. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the public opposition to the boarding house was too signiﬁcant to ignore even though council had managed to argue for major changes as part of the current amended proposal. “We realise that council staff have negotiated a number of major changes to the original proposal, in response to both our and the

Wyong Regional Chronicle

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

ensure important issues weren’t swept under the carpet by commercial interests. Pioneers such as Alan Ashbolt fought against reactionary elements to ensure the public was kept informed. Surely it’s time the current ABC took up that banner again?

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Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 15, 2015 - P11 1

On the Beat

Shots ﬁred during home invasion olice investigated the alleged ﬁring of shots during a home invasion in Gorokan on the evening of Thursday, April 30.

About 6:30pm that evening, emergency services were called to a home on Malvina Pde following reports of a home invasion. Initial investigations suggested two men allegedly armed with a knife and a shotgun and with their faces covered, entered the premises and threatened occupants of the home, before an altercation took place. One of the men allegedly ﬁred a shot at the home before both ran from the scene, with a small amount of property. A number of people were home at the time of the incident, however, no one was injured. A crime scene was established and examined

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.

by specialist forensic ofﬁcers. Police were hoping to speak with two men who may have been able to assist with inquiries. The ﬁrst man was described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his mid to late 40s, about 160cm tall, with a large build.

He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black tracksuit pants, and was carrying a shotgun. The second man was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180 to 185cm tall, with a skinny build. He was last seen wearing a light grey beanie, brown/ green camouﬂage jumper with a front zipper, light coloured pants, gloves, a black scarf with red and yellow stripes covering his face, and carrying a knife. Investigations into the incident continued and police urged anyone with information to come forward. Email, 1 May 2015 NSW Police Media Unit

Three men charged over Buff Point home invasion hree men were charged following an alleged aggravated break and enter at Buff Point on the morning of Saturday, May 2.

Police alleged that at about 4.30am, three men entered a home on Woodland Pkwy at Buff Point. The group allegedly threatened the 29-year-old male resident, who was in a separate room, before ﬁring a shot through the adjoining wall. The group allegedly ransacked the property, taking numerous belongings, before assaulting the resident. A short time later, the owner heard an explosion in his front yard and went outside to ﬁnd his vehicle alight.

The group ﬂed the location in a vehicle and the owner contacted emergency services. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Wyong Hospital for further assessment. Ofﬁcers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command established a crime scene at the home, which was examined by forensic specialists. NSW Fire and Rescue personnel also attended and

extinguished the vehicle. Following further inquiries, police attended a home on Scenic Dve at Budgewoi where they arrested three men, aged 24, 27 and 34, who were taken to Wyong police station. They were charged with aggravated break and enter, and commit serious indictable offence, inﬂict actual bodily harm; and refused bail to appear before Wyong Local on Monday, May 4. Email, 3 May 2015 NSW Police media unit

Bus getaway foiled hree males have been charged following an alleged armed robbery at Tuggerah on Sunday, May 10.

About 6:20pm on Sunday, May 10, three males allegedly entered a service station on Gavenlock Rd, one of whom was armed with a knife. The males allegedly threatened the attendant, a 22-year-old man, and took cash, cigarettes and food before ﬂeeing the location. No one was injured during the incident. Witnesses saw the trio board a bus at the rear of

Tuggerah Railway Station. Ofﬁcers from Tuggerah Lakes local area command were contacted and stopped the bus about 6:40pm. The three males were arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station. A number of items, believed to have been stolen, were also seized from nearby bushland,

which will undergo forensic examination. The males, aged 23, 18 and 13, were charged with robbery in company and refused bail. The two older males were due to appear before Wyong Local Court on Monday, May 11. The 13-year-old boy appeared before Children’s Court on Monday, May 11. Email, 11 May 2015 NSW Police Media Unit

Violent home invasion in Wyong olice are appealing for information from the public about a violent home invasion in Wyong last month.

Ofﬁcers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command (LAC) were called to a house on Hope St about 2:00am on Thursday, April 2. Investigators have been told three men and a woman forced entry to the house and assaulted some of the occupants. Inside the house at the time were two men, two women and two children who reside at the premises, and another male and female who were visiting. One of the women, aged 33, was pistol-whipped during the incident. She sustained a minor injury to her face. Police from Tuggerah Lakes LAC’s Drug and Anti-theft Squad

are continuing their investigations into the incident. They are appealing for information about three men and a woman who may be able to assist with their inquiries. The ﬁrst man is described as being 35 to 40 years old, about 183cm tall, with a large build, and wearing a black hoodie and jeans. This man was carrying a handgun. The second man is described as being about 35 years old, shorter in height than the ﬁrst man, with a thin build, and wearing a green-and-brown

ﬂannelette shirt and jeans. This man had a moustache, and he was carrying a knife. The third man is described as carrying cable ties; he was wearing jeans and a black hoodie. The woman is described as being about 30 years old, 150 to160cm tall, with blonde hair, and a medium build. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these people, or the incident in general, is asked to contact police. Information can be given anonymously. Email, 11 May 2015 NSW Police Media Unit

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Health

P12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 P

Free screening about gambling impact

Bucket List Program lauded by aged care industry

free screening of a ﬁlm about the impact gambling has on individuals and families is being held at Cinema Tuggerah as part of the Central Coast Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Day.

n awardwinning aged care program operating at Starrett Lodge on the Central Coast was the main focus of attention during a keynote session at a national industry conference in Darwin recently.

Starrett Lodge service manager, Mr Colin McDonnell was invited to address delegates at the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency’s (AACQA) annual Better Practice Conference on Friday, May 1. He spoke on Starrett Lodge’s Bucket List Program, which received a national better practice award in August 2014 for its innovation and success in giving residents with dementia a greater sense of self-worth and achievement. Starrett Lodge is an aged care home operated by UnitingCare Ageing at Hamlyn Terrace.

Starrett Lodge

It has 60 beds arranged in four households, with one household offering a specialist dementia care service that has been highly acclaimed within the aged care industry. The Bucket List Program is open to all residents at Starrett Lodge and involves the residents raising funds to help each other achieve a nominated goal. The residents’ goals have included activities as varied as skydiving and going ﬁshing. They can be as simple as having a meal with

friends at a restaurant, or spending a day at the beach. The better practice awards are run by AACQA, which oversees the standards and accreditation of aged care facilities throughout Australia. They were introduced ﬁve years ago to recognise aged care facilities that excel in the services provided to their residents. Media release, 30 April 2015 Mark Filmer, UnitingCare NSW and ACT

BowelCare screening kits available

otary’s BowelCare screening kits are available from all Wyong Shire pharmacies until the end of May.

The BowelCare initiative encourages Australians to screen for bowel cancer by buying test kits from community pharmacies.

This year the campaign is using Australian-made test kits. Kits cost $15:00 and this price covers pathology testing and

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The screening will commence at 6:30pm on Tuesday, May 26. One of the ﬁlm’s organisers, Mr Roy AhSee, is a Wiraduri man who was born and raised on the Namina Reserve mission on the banks of the Macquarie River in Central West NSW. He is now the deputy chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Lands Council, but he tells of his own battle with gambling as an inspiration to others.

“Every person with a gambling problem has a unique story and these are the stories that must be told and talked about,” Mr Ah-See said. “There is no simple explanation, but it’s a problem that affects not only the gambler but the whole family,” he said. “Everyone who attends the free screening will witness the challenging journey of some of our mob as they share their stories of the impact

gambling has had on their lives.” According to NSW Gambling Help, the message is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not alone. People experiencing gambling problems can be any age or gender and come from any social class, education level or cultural background. Media release, 7 May 2015 Kylie Cassidy, Wyong Neighbourhood Centre

Type two diabetes on the increase

dults in the Wyong region who are aged 40 years or over are being encouraged to check their risk of type two diabetes following an increase in cases in the region in 2014.

They are being targeted by a new diabetes prevention campaign launched to raise awareness of the risks. “Diabetes is a real and increasing problem on the Central Coast and will become an even bigger problem if our lifestyles don’t change for the better and as our population ages,” said director of public health for the Central Coast Local Health District, Dr

Peter Lewis. “As a community we need to act now.” Factors that contribute towards type two diabetes include physical inactivity, poor nutrition, being overweight or smoking. Other contributing factors include being male, having a family history of diabetes and being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Type two diabetes is

the most common form of diabetes and is a chronic disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, circulation problems, lower limb amputations, nerve damage and damage to the kidneys and eyes. Media release, 6 May 2015 Sharna Ryan, Central Coast Local Health District

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P13 3

Health

Locals return safely from Nepalese earthquake wo well-known Central Coast women, Ms Yvonne Lamont and Ms Jan Pryor, have arrived home safely after being stranded in Tibet for eight days following the ﬁrst 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Nepal on Saturday, April 25.

Jan Pryor from Wyong is founder of the Didi Foundation and runs the Bright Future Children’s Home orphanage in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Yvonne Lamont, founder of WOW Girls, had travelled to Nepal with Jan to work as a volunteer at the orphanage. She had been there for a month when the earthquake struck. “We were on the road to Tibet and had just left Kathmandu when it happened,” Mrs Lamont said. “We were in a refugee situation, trapped for ﬁve days just over the border in Tibet,” she said. Mrs Lamont recalled stopping in the Nepalese village of Kodari for a cup of tea on the morning before the ﬁrst major earthquake. “I was disappointed we got hurried along through the Nepalese side of things because the guides wanted to get to Tibet for our eight-day trek,” she said. She is still unsure about the fate of that village or the wellbeing of the Nepalese guides who drove them to the Tibet border and would have been on the road back to Kathmandu when the

The ruined village they left behind

Jan Pryor and Yvonne Lamont with Tibetans and Nepalese on Sunday, April 26

main quake hit. A rock hit the car the women were travelling in and smashed the window during the main quake. “We got hit by the rock and then the driver jumped on to the other fellow’s lap and my daughter jumped onto my lap and we didn’t know what was going on. “The whole road was shaking and the car was shaking. “The guides got out and started praying. “We were really scared, we got out of the car and stood on the road and there were more tremors. “We had a big rock as big as a car land about four metres in front of where our car was.” That night the women stayed in their car and were looked after by the Chinese army. “Every hour the ground would shake and if they blew the whistle we would get out of the car and run.” They had to dump their car and luggage and walk to the nearby Tibetan town of Jhangmu where

they remained until the Chinese army was able to clear roads so they could make the journey to Tibet’s capital, Lhasa. Help to ﬁnally organise their ﬂight home came from their travel agent and travel insurance company. Mrs Lamont said they have now learned that all their friends in Nepal and the children at the orphanage are safe but she said she was also aware that many villages in Nepal were completely

destroyed. “The people of Jhangmu, they had to evacuate out of all the buildings. “They can’t go back to their homes, they have to abandon their whole village and move somewhere else. “It was distressing to know all those people were in the villages in remote regions where no one had access to them and they were injured. “We were lucky we

were on the Chinese side of the border because the Chinese have facilities to clear the roads so we got out in ﬁve days.” As soon as the roads were cleared, Ms Lamont and Ms Pryor left the village in a van along with many other cars travelling towards Lhasa. “But there was rock falling that morning and we had a very fast trip out, with rocks falling and half the road falling away, and hundreds of feet below in

this mountainous area.” The trauma of the main earthquake, along with her experience of aftershocks, landslides and avalanches is still fresh in Ms Lamont’s memory but she is already planning her next trip to Nepal. “We all want to go back because we feel like we have abandoned a pretty terrible situation, but we had to do that for practical reasons, but we are all planning a trip back soon,” she said. Ms Pryor’s Didi Foundation is already actively supporting the recovery and rebuilding of Nepal. Following last week’s earthquake, she reported that all Didi teams were safe and so too were the children at the orphanage. Didi has already sent reusable sanitary kits and initiated negotiations to redevelop a village that was completely destroyed in the ﬁrst major quake. Email, 13 May 2015, Yvonne Lamont, WOW Girls Email, 13 May 2015 Jan Pryor, Didi Foundation Interview, 13 May 2015 Jackie Pearson

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Education

P14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 P

Locals win TAFE awards

Samantha participates in Bella Momentum

yong Shire residents featured prominently in the 2015 Hunter TAFE alumni and excellence awards, announced Friday, May 8.

Alison Cook from Tuggerah was the 2015 winner of the Alumni Award for Emerging Talent sponsored by NFS Super. Ms Cook first came to Hunter TAFE to study her Certificate IV in Team Management in 2001 and returned in 2010 to complete a Diploma of Business. In 2008 Ms Cook was promoted to operations manager at Central Coast Group Training and, in this role, has been responsible for securing funding for and project managing the Central Coast Youth Skills and Employment Centre. In 2014, she was a state finalist for the NSW Business Chamber Awards, after winning Young Business Executive at the Central Coast level. She is now studying a Bachelor of Behavioural Science in Psychology with Swinburne University. The 2015 Indigenous Student Award, sponsored by Hunter TAFE Foundation, was awarded to Shane Regan of Bateau Bay. Mr Regan is passionate

about the Australian natural environment and has always approached his studies with energy and dedication. In 2014, Mr Regan completed the Advanced Diploma of Applied Environment Management after completing the Diploma of Conservation of Land Management. He has also been able to take the role of teacher during class ﬁeld trips, sharing his knowledge about native plants and wildlife with his peers. The student association sponsored the Student Achievement Award, received by Melinda Werner of Wyong. Ms Werner is passionate about caring for others and a career in community services is a perfect ﬁt for this mother of three. She thrives on the challenge of each course and her positivity is a great asset in the classroom. She has overcome adversities and challenges to not only succeed in her studies, but has, in turn, provided a strong role model for her three young children.

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Ms Werner is now studying nursing for acute care and is looking forward to beginning her career in the community services industry. Sheridan Nissen, of Ourimbah, is this year’s winner of the Children’s Services Award, sponsored by Lake Macquarie Family Day Care. Ms Nissen is a high achiever and has always been passionate about working with children. Her eagerness and thirst for knowledge were a positive influence in the classroom and enabled her to excel academically. Ms Nissen was able to successfully juggle raising a young family with study for her Diploma of Children’s Services. Upon completing work experience, she was able to secure a part-time position at Superkids Childcare Centre and is a highly valued team member. The Westfieldsponsored Retail and Logistics Award was received by Brianna Beavan of Wyong. Having completed a Children’s Services qualification, Ms Beavan took the courageous step in 2014 of enrolling in a Certificate III in Retail Operations with the intention of pursuing a career in that industry. She has a strong community focus and is using her new skills in the organisation and sales operations at her local primary school’s annual Scholastic Book Fair, which she has been involved in for the past five years. She has also been an active member of her local dance school for more than 15 years. Ms Beavan is furthering her studies in a Certificate IV in Retail Management at Hunter TAFE Wyong Campus. Email, 11 May 2015 TAFE NSW media

Samantha Stewart at Bella Momentum

he Smith Family recently invited Samantha Stewart, 15 from Wadalba, to Sydney to take part in a four-day art workshop called Bella Momentum at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).

From Tuesday, April 14 to Friday, April17, Samantha joined 11 other students from around the state for the intensive artistic development opportunity. Bella Momentum is staged twice each year for selected students supported by The Smith Family. The students are either currently studying art subjects or possess a strong interest in artistic pursuits. Bella Momentum is intended to hone their interests and inspire their

post-school arts-related career options. Miss Stewart secured her place at the workshop ahead of a statewide pool of applicants. During the workshop, participants explored contemporary art-making techniques, including drawing, sculpture, installation, print making and performance. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of tutors and professional artists, who assisted students to create a strong body of artwork and build a portfolio.

During her stay in Sydney, Samantha also visited the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chinatown and the waxworks museum. At the workshop’s completion, she was provided with the rare opportunity to present her works in a professional gallery exhibition at the MCA’s National Centre for Creative Learning for friends and family members. Media release, 11 May 2015 Deanna Rose, The Smith Family

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P15 5

Botched introduction of TAFE computer system yong MP Mr David Harris, in his role of NSW Shadow Minister for Skills, has been critical of the Baird Government’s “botched” introduction of a new $573 million TAFE computer

system.

“The Baird Government is in disarray over the ongoing computer meltdown affecting TAFE graduations and enrolments,” Mr Harris said. “This has affected thousands of students from 2014 who are still unable to graduate and 2015 students who are still unable to enrol in

courses,” he said. According to Mr Harris, neither the Premier nor NSW Minister for Skills, Mr John Barilaro, could conﬁrm how many students are still waiting to graduate from TAFE courses, or could give a guarantee when the system will be working properly. Mr Harris has also criticised the government

Education

Sculpture exhibition at Yarramalong

for its stance on TAFE fees. “In 2015, under the Smart and Skilled privatisation program, TAFE fees have risen signiﬁcantly, with 40 percent of students being slugged an extra $500 to $1500 for courses,” he said. Media release, 7 May 2015 Alan Mascarenhas, Ofﬁce of David Harris MP

Students debating and reading his term students from Wyong Creek Public School will keep busy participating in both the Premier’s Debating Challenge and the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Over the course of the term, the Wyong Creek Public School debating team will have five debates against other schools. The results from those five debates will determine whether the team progresses to the finals next term. Meanwhile, every

Wyong Creek Public School student has been entered in this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge. “I have entered all of our students in this event and have begun entering books that I have seen the children reading from the Premier’s list,” said Wyong Creek principal,

David Ireland. “This term I am sending a reading card home with each child for parents to complete every time a child reads a book on the Premier’s list,” Mr Ireland said. Newsletter, 5 May 2015 David Ireland, principal, Wyong Creek Public School

Free author workshops he Entrance and Lake Haven Libraries will each hold a free author workshop in the coming months called ‘An Author’s Journey – The Pros and Cons’ presented by Central Coast author Ms Jenny Ford.

Ford has written a series of crime romance novels laced with Australian humour. Her novels allow her readers to connect with the cheeky and diverse characters and follow their lives throughout the series while playing detective.

The Entrance Library will hold a workshop on Tuesday, May 26, while the Lake Haven Library workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 2. The Lake Haven workshop will also feature fellow Central Coast author Avia, who writes short stories and

intriguing non-ﬁction. Both of the workshops include morning tea, with autographed copies of the author’s books available for purchase on the day. Email, 14 Apr 2015 Jenny Ford, Avoca

Wyong Creek students working on sculptures

yong Creek Public School students have contributed works to Yarramalong’s big sculpture exhibition on the weekend of Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

As part of the ANZAC Centenary, the students were presenting a salute to the many indigenous ANZACs who were never recognised at the time for their active service. Under the guidance of local sculptor Nardja Williams, the children have been hard at work for several weeks creating their collaborative

artwork. The project has involved constructing a variety of symbolic ﬁgures and painting a backdrop of the Australian Aboriginal Flag. During the event, relatives and friends together with visitors could contribute to the sculpture by assembling

and adding some simple components that represent wild ﬂowers. The Sculptures at the Old School exhibition runs at Yarramalong School Community Centre. Email, 13 May 2015 David Ireland, Principal, Wyong Creek Public School

Former Old Sydney Town actors perform at Budgewoi

ears three and four students at Budgewoi Public School will be treated to a full-day Colonial Show on Thursday, May 28.

The show will be a live, interactive event at the school that will give students an opportunity to interact with characters and experience life in Sydney Town in the early colony of New South Wales.

The concept has been put together by former Old Sydney Town actors. Students are invited to dress up in convict or ﬁrst settler clothing for the day. This is to enhance their learning of the

Human Society in its Environment unit of study called Our Fleeting Past. Newsletter, 11 May 2015 Kerry Moore, Principal Budgewoi Public School

Out & About

P16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 P

2015 Whale Dreamers Festival may be the last decision about the future of the successful Whale Dreamers Festival was deferred by Wyong Council.

A report to the Wednesday, May 13 council meeting from its director of community and recreation services, said that 2015 would be the last year that the current steering committee would be running the “highly successful” festival. At an earlier meeting in March, Council had resolved to thank and congratulate the steering committee for its outstanding commitment and dedication to the event over the past 10 years. Planning for the 10th anniversary of the festival at Norah Head on Sunday, July 5 is well underway, according to the director’s report. The current Whale Dreamers Festival Steering Committee

2013 Whale Dreamers festival at Norah Head

have indicated that they are not willing to continue running the practical management of the Festival in 2016 and beyond. Council noted the committee’s desire for the Festival to continue under the guidance of a suitable environment organisation. Options for the future of the festival included ﬁnding an existing local

environmental group to take it over, to give the festival’s management to an events management company or for the Norah Head Lighthouse Trust to take it over. The decision was deferred to give Council more time to consult with community organisations. Business Paper, 13 May 2015 Wyong Shire Council Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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he Community Environment Network (CEN) has rescheduled its next marine discovery talk as a result of interruptions caused by the April storms.

Members of the public are invited to attend the presentation on what lies beneath, monitoring our marine environment. The talk will include presentations by two guest speakers and will now be held on Tuesday, May 26 at The Entrance Community Centre. Guest speaker, Mr John Turnbull is the Sydney coordinator of the Reef Life Survey program and Dragons of Sydney. He will talk about how volunteer divers are monitoring the marine environment including Weedy Sea Dragon populations. Mr Turnbull, has developed the Dragons of Sydney program in conjunction with University of Sydney and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). His personal site has become a reference for marine life photos and videos in NSW waters.

The second speaker, Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, from the University of Newcastle will be talking about Redmap, a citizen science project that monitors how marine species are extending their range. She will talk about Redmap results to date and about how to get involved in the project. The talk will be an opportunity for divers, snorkelers, fishermen and other marine enthusiasts to learn how to contribute to scientific research. Prof Moltschaniwskyj has more than 20 years research experience in the field of marine ecology. Her research expertise is in the biology and ecology of shellfish, squid and fish. She has worked in a range of marine environments from the warm tropical waters of the northern Great Barrier

Reef to the cold waters of Antarctic. Her talk, Climate Change in the Marine Environment: Moving home in a huff, will explain why research suggests many marine species are extending their range towards the poles in response to rising ocean temperatures. She will discuss how scuba divers, snorkelers, fishers and other marine users can help scientists track marine species. “Most fish just want to live a comfy life... it’s no surprise when studies show some fish are packing up shop and migrating towards the poles, to cooler waters, in response to warming oceans.” Email, 8 May 2015 Kate Smellie, Community Environment Network Media release, 12 May 2015 Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

New memorial ofﬁcially unveiled at Noraville

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new memorial was ofﬁcially unveiled at Noraville Cemetery on Tuesday, May 5 to honour all local armed forces.

Mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM said it had been installed on April 22 in time for ANZAC Day. “This is not only a memorial for the ANZAC Centenary but to remember both the ANZACs and all the brave local men and women of all conﬂicts and peacekeeping forces,” Cr Eaton said.

“It provides a place for reﬂection and remembrance for the local community,” he added. Mayor Eaton unveiled the sandstone monument with its bronze plaque in the presence of Bob Wilson of Toukley RSL and Wyong Citizen of the Year, Lieutenant Commander Reynolds.

In an additional tribute, over 200 ANZAC Centenary ﬂags were placed onto the gravesites of returned service men and women interred or memorialised in any of Wyong Council’s ﬁve cemeteries for ANZAC Day. Media release, 5 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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Now 80 Pages on full gloss paper in a new compact format! Available from your local newsagent (distributed by Wrapaway) See our extensive range of over 2000 Australian traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative and world music CDs, DVDs and books at www.tradandnow.com and at 120c Erina St, Gosford 02 4325 7369

DON’T BE FOOLED Why pay for a paltry 20 hits to your website, when for the same average price per hit, your information can be put before over 15,000 local potential customers? What’s more, that information will be out there in hundreds of locations for two weeks and it is on line indefinitely, not just a few seconds.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P17 7

Toastmasters’ salute to the ANZACs

Community grants recipients announced

Out & About

ommunity groups from across Wyong have been awarded over $210,000 in funding for projects.

The grants have been awarded in the secondround of Council’s community grants program for the current financial year. Projects funded under the Community Matching Fund included $75,000 towards the development of Warnervale Regional Uniting Church and Community Centre subject to a development application approval, and display stands for Central Coast Poultry Club display stands. Successful recipients of the Community Benefit Grant included the Wyong District Museum and Historical Society, Central Coast Garden Shows, Food Whisperers, Norah Head Surfing Fraternity, Budgewoi Beach Dunecare and Berkeley

Vale Public School P and C Association. “These grants will not only assist the many groups who provide incredibly valuable communitybased services but also inject additional funds into the local economy transforming great ideas into real community outcomes,” Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said. “The ﬂow-on effect of the Council’s grants program is enormous, with funding assisting community projects worth a total of $2.8 million this ﬁnancial year. “This funding clearly demonstrates how we support the many and varied groups that help enrich our way of life.”

L to r Speakers Ruth Rinot, Philip Bendeich, Anna Perdriau, John Colebatch, Prema D’Cruz (Organiser), Colin Emerson (in uniform), Greg North (bush poet), David Grifﬁths, Demian Coorey

Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council media

Water storage levels continue to rise

entral Coast water storage levels were at 69.9% for the week to Wednesday, May 13, an increase of 1,418 million

litres.

The increased storage for the week was mainly due to the transfer of 950 million litres of water from Wyong River to Mangrove Creek Dam via the Mardi to Mangrove Link. Mooney Mooney Dam recorded 15mm

of rain and Mangrove Creek Dam recorded 4mm during the week to Wednesday, May 13. No rainfall was recorded at Mardi Dam over the same period. Email, 13 May 2015 Wyong Council media

Colin Emerson

entral Coast residents joined in a unique Toastmasters’ salute to Toukley Senior Citizens Association helped with the ANZACs on Saturday, April 18 at Wyong RSL.

RSL dignitaries and serving defence

For FITNESS, FUN and FRIENDSHIP GOSFORD SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCERS holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming

$5 per Night Come and join in on the fun! No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

Contact Janice on 4388 8 2253 Contact Sandra on 4392 8716

table decorations. personnel joined over 100 Toastmasters and friends to commemorate ANZAC Day. Area 44 governor of Toastmasters International, Ms Prema D’Cruz, hosted the event. Guests were treated to the Last Post, played by bugler Mr David Young. Six of the best Toastmasters presented a touching ANZAC story. The Ode of Remembrance was read by master story teller and Wyong Toastmaster Mr Tom Ware. Central Coast

attendees showed strong support for the event by presenting the ladies with knitted poppies. Members of the

Email, 6 May 2015 Glenn D’Cruz, Wyong Toastmasters Club

With over 12 years industry experience. Enjoy the ultimate in personal, convenient and professional travel planning with Mary Pritchard, your local mobile travel agent, who comes to you! Contact Mary today on 0438 647 418 or visit www.mtatravel.com.au/mpritchard

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 4396 3640 4388 4505 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 0422 243 101

Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants and residents in residential parks. 4353 5515

beneﬁts@nswja.org.au

cctaas@hotmail.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 Recreational Club 4th Tuesday 4324 4244

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 rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

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

email cco30s@live.com.au

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Do you have issues with your landlord or real estate agent?

Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388

The NSW Justices Association Inc Are you a JP? The NSW Justices Association is seeking volunteers for 6 community JP Desks in Wyong Shire

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

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 P1 www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.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 Self Help Group for people wishing to recover from anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. New group opening at Wyong, McInnon Hall, Bakers Lane on Tuesday 28 April, 11.00am to 1.00pm. All welcome. Phone 1800 558 268 or 0455 086 890 for more details or www.grow.org.au

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

Multiple Sclerosis Limited Gentle exersice class at Tuggerah on Mondays. To improve strength, balance, endurance and help reduce fatigue and stress. 02 9646 0962

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

Nothern Women’s Health Centre We offer family law advice, counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services are provided by women for women 4351 1152

tracy.martinuz@msaustralia.org.au

PO Box 210 Lidcombe NSW 1825

www.cccwhc.com.au

Wyong Toastmasters Club Come along, be part of a vibrant, progressive group. Conquer your fears of public speaking in a supportive learn-by-doing environment. 10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday Wyong RSL Anzac Ave Wyong 1030am 4328 8297

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

j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

Music

Garden Clubs

JAZZLEAGUE

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 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

Live Jazz Bands - Come to listen, Come to dance Free - Every Sun Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford 2-5pm www.jazzleague.net

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)

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

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

kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com y g g @

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 Communityy Hall,, Mardi. 4388 1841

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

Volunteers needed for friendly visits to the elderly in nursing homes. People with a second language encouraged to apply. Training support provided 4334 3877

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

cvscc@nsservices.com.au

raymurphy1935@hotmail.com

Special Interest

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

Service Groups

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers

Brisbane Water Caravan Club

located on the Central Coast and looking for new members www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/ bwcc 4344 4363 Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems

Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 830am-230pm Thurs evening 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

wyongdramagroup@gmail.com

cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisa on listed here,

see www.duckscrossing.org or www.centralcoastnewspapers.com for the forms or contact Central Coast Newspapers on - 4325 7369

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P19 9

Out & About

New annual festival for Remembrance ceremony for workplace fatalities Tuggerah Lakes yong Council has announced a new annual festival, The Lakes Festival, to be held from Saturday, November 7 until Sunday, November 15.

The festival is planned to become a signature event for the region. It will celebrate the aquatic lifestyle, diverse culture, identity, history and natural environment of the Wyong shire through a comprehensive program of lakes-based events. Mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM said the Lakes Festival is designed to bring in tourists to celebrate, with the local community, the unique lakes environment and the amazing variety of

activities that happen in, on and around Tuggerah Lakes. “Our lake environment is incredible and one of the most beautiful in the world,” Cr Eaton said. “It supports a delicate and complex aquatic ecosystem and provides a playground for a huge range of activities for people of all ages,” he said. “The Lakes Festival will be an opportunity for us to showcase this through an exciting program of events

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

Friday May 15

Todd Stewart

Central Coast Guide Dogs NSW/ACT stall, Bateau Bay Shopping Centre, 9:00am-2:30pm Toukley and Districts Art Society painting workshop, Federation Gallery and Information Centre, Gorokan

Saturday May 23

Saturday May 16 Summerland Kings, Wyong RSL feat: Bob Morton Pet Fun Day, Petbarn Tuggerah Sculptures At Our Old School, exhibition, Yarramalong School Community Centre, 10:00am to 4:00pm, $2.00 admission

Sunday May 17 Grizzlee Train, Coast Hotel, Budgewoi 3:00pm feat: Josh Dufﬁcy Sculptures At Our Old School, exhibition, Yarramalong School Community Centre, 10:00am to 4:00pm, $2.00 admission

Friday May 22 Crawﬁsh Stew, Coast Hotel Budgewoi feat:

Toukley and Districts Art Society 70th Art Exhibition opening, 2:00pm, Federation Gallery and Information Centre, Gorokan

Sunday May 24 Keith Hall and Pat Dow, Sails Stage, The Entrance 11:00am feat: Pat Dow Daryl Butler and the Daryl Butler Project, Gotham Coffee, The Entrance, from 5.30pm tickets in advance

Tuesday May 26 Meet the Authors Jenny Ford and Avia, The Entrance Library, 10:30am What lies beneath, monitoring our marine environment. Guest speakers John Turnbull and Prof Natalie Moltschaniwskyj. The Entrance Community Centre, 6:30pm to 8:30pm; $10 per person

offering opportunities for people to participate in, or just enjoy, the festival atmosphere.” Council is calling on groups to apply for funding to run events which will embrace the overarching theme of Activate, Educate and Celebrate the Tuggerah Lakes Catchment as part of The Lakes Fe stival. “This funding for innovative communitybased events is now open and will focus on four geographic areas: the Long Jetty Foreshore, Canton Beach foreshore at Toukley, McKenzie Reserve at Budgewoi and Colongra Bay foreshore at a Lake Munmorah,” Mayor Eaton said. M “I encourage the community to get behind c this event and make th the inaugural Lakes th Festival a celebration to remember.”

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.

ceremony took place at the Wall of Remembrance, Ourimbah, on Tuesday, April 28 to remember those killed in accidents at work.

The ceremony was held as part of the International Day of Mourning 2015, which is marked around the world. Those killed at work on the Central Coast are remembered at Ourimbah

with a plaque and each year families and friends attend the service. Two more names were added to the plaque during the past year. Speakers stressed that nearly 50 workers have

lost their life through workplace accidents so far this year. Media release, 1 May 2015 Audrey McDonald, Central Coast Community Union Alliance

Media release, 8 May 2015 Wyong Council media

70th art society exhibition oukley and Districts Art Society will present its 70th art exhibition at Gorokan’s Federation Gallery from Saturday May 23 until Sunday, June 29.

The exhibition opening will be held on Saturday, May 23. Deputy Mayor, Lynne Webster will ofﬁciate. The exhibition will feature oils, watercolours, acrylics, pastels, porcelain, craft and jewellery by local artists.

The general exhibition will open daily. The Federation Gallery is located at Peace Park, Wallarah Point in Gorokan. Email, 30 April 2015 Helen Morrison, Toukley and Districts Art Society

Let your community know about:

Wednesday, May 27 Biggest Morning Tea, St Luke’s Anglican Toukley

Gosford Cr Ms Vicki Scott, Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP, Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP, Ms Helen Angus, Mr Shamos O'Reilly, Ms Kathy Smith Member for Gosford, Salim Barbar and Wyong Cr Bob Graham

• • • • • •

Weddings Engagements Special Birthdays Special Anniversaries New Born Babies Special Achievements

Send us a photo and information Details on page 2

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4346 4057 Public Notice New self help group for people with anxiety People with anxiety disorders or phobias can join a new Self Help group which starts on 27th May 2015 in Gosford and is free of charge. The group is part of the Facing Anxiety program developed by the Mental Health Association NSW and runs for 12 weeks, teaching people how to overcome their fears and anxieties.

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Joshua Doyle, 17, will compete at the State Cricket Championships in Tamworth. He has been playing cricket for 10 years and has previously represented his school and the Central Coast. He has been awarded a Sporting Champions Grant through the Federal member for Shortland, Ms Jill Hall. “I am always impressed at the high level of sporting abilities in the Shortland electorate,” Ms Hall said. “It is therefore a great pleasure to provide a grant to Joshua for his hard work and outstanding achievements. “Families spend considerable time and money to help their children train for their

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chosen sport and attend competitions. “This is not always possible and it is great to be able to offer a grant which helps to offset some of the costs. “Joshua is clearly very committed to his cricket and is training very hard.” The $500 grant is available to young people aged 12 to 18 who are competing at a state, national or international level. The funds are designed to help with training, equipment and uniform costs. The next round of grants is open until Tuesday, June 30. Email, 12 May 2015 Lisa McDermott, Ofﬁce of Jill Hall MP

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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

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P21 1

Bombers lose in both levels

ound four of the AFL Wilson Security Black Diamond Cup competition included a Warners Bay upset win over Killarney Vale.

Warners Bay put in their best performance of the year to record their first win with a 12.16.88 to 6.16.52 win over Killarney Vale. Warners Bay made their intentions known from the outset with livewire forward Josh Nicol kicking the first two goals of the match. Killarney Vale responded with two of their own before the Bulldogs kicked the final two goals of the term to lead by 10 points at the first change. Ryan Sorenson got a quick goal for the Bulldogs to start the second term before Killarney Vale began to dominate the play. They were thwarted by desperate Warners Bay defence led by Lincoln Stewart, Matt Mahon and Ben Burns. A run of eight consecutive behinds to the Bombers was broken via a snapped goal to Rob

Zahra which reduced the margin to five points. Many people were expecting the Bulldogs to crumble but it was not to be as Nathan Brennan led the way through the middle. They took the Bombers head on and were more desperate for the football. Alex Metcalfe was also doing a good job in restricting the influence of Killarney Vale key Rick White. The Bulldogs kicked the final four goals of the second quarter, including two to Jake Roach who was moved to full forward. They entered half time with a 31 point lead and their supporters began to believe. This belief was strengthened further when they led by 40 points after a forgettable third quarter, which saw just one goal kicked from 11 scoring shots. Killarney Vale coach,

John Pidgeon, urged his players to lift and made some changes and a Kyal Walford goal at the beginning of the ﬁnal term gave them a sniff of a comeback. Then Bulldogs young gun Rob SchindlerTaylor responded with a goal and the Bulldogs were home, eventually winning by 36 points. For a disappointing Killarney Vale side, Brendan Lewis, Ryan Barrett and Rob Zahra were their best. In ﬁrst division, Wyong Lakes and Maitland were the big winners in the battle of the competitions heavyweights. The Magpies were too strong for Terrigal Avoca winning by 24 points. In other matches, Warners Bay overran Killarney Vale to win by 18 points.

Sport

Warnervale, Ourimbah and Northlakes all lose errigal remained top of the points table following a full weekend of Rugby Union on Saturday, May 9.

Terrigal remain undefeated with a win over Warnervale, 26-3, at The Haven. Terrigal ran in four tries to defeat the Wildcats and have set themselves up as the benchmark so far this season with three strong wins. Warnervale, were again served well by halfback Brenton Acreman, who was strong in all aspects of his game and well supported by his flanker, Richie Houston. Woy Woy was able to claim their first win of the season, 33-26 over home side, Ourimbah in a physical encounter. On a perfect Central Coast day for rugby, Email, 12 May 2014 the Premier 1 match at Gary Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL Ourimbah Rugby Park went down to the wire with either team looking able to claim the win. Ourimbah were able to gain some ascendency in the first half, going into the break leading 19-13. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks though, Woy Woy came back in the second half and was able to get ahead in the match he GE Black Diamond AFL Women’s season got fully underway through the boot of Matt Riddle who did not miss a under sunny skies on Saturday, May 9. kick at goal. Riddle’s successful In the best match, with neither side giving Emily Bohan, Rebecca kicks at goal proved the Warners Bay had to work an inch and, in the end, Ives were the best for difference, as Ourimbah hard to get the points the Bulldogs were able Wyong Lakes. gave away penalties in over Wyong Lakes at to make the most of their Email, 12 May 2015 their own half. Don Small Oval, 3.1.19 opportunities to win by For Ourimbah, fiveGarry Burkinshaw, Black 10 points. to 1.3.9. Diamond AFL eight Ryan Fenning was Alexandra Pearce, It was a dour affair impressive in his side’s loss. It gave Ourimbah two losses in a row and the pressure goes back on them to stay in the top four. At Slade Park, The Entrance defeated Northlakes 38-3. The Rams ran in six tries www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Three towers planned to defeat the home side. for former Spurbest site Madison Sedgman, Chris Baird and Matt Burraston all had strong games for the victors.

Women’s AFL season gets underway

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Issue 102

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.

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

A free newspaper with in-depth Gosford Local Government Area news!

Email, 9 May 2015 Kate Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

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

Sport

P22 - Wyong P2 y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 15,, 2015

Bowls clubs honour their volunteers

Award winners at BCC Volunteers Day

he Bowls Central Coast (BCC) Volunteers Day was hosted by The Greens at The Entrance on Tuesday, May 12.

The event was held in conjunction with Volunteers Week in recognition of club volunteers who readily give their time across a variety of tasks for the beneﬁt of their fellow

members. Clubs were invited to send a team of four volunteers to participate in a game of bowls and to nominate one outstanding volunteer to receive a framed certiﬁcate in

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 - 15 0531 - 1.65 1145 - 0.35 1807 - 1.78 MON - 18 0214 - 0.30 0815 - 1.58 1406 - 0.40 2031 - 1.97 THU - 21 0442 - 0.38 1045 - 1.41 1620 - 0.60 2245 - 1.82 SUN - 24 0015 - 1.63 0705 - 0.57 1314 - 1.30 1845 - 0.79 WED - 27 0258 - 1.42 0932 - 0.61 1600 - 1.40 2200 - 0.79

SAT - 16 0025 - 0.41 0628 - 1.65 1233 - 0.35 1857 - 1.88 TUE - 19 0304 - 0.29 0906 - 1.53 1451 - 0.46 2117 - 1.96 FRI - 22 0530 - 0.45 1133 - 1.36 1705 - 0.67 2330 - 1.73 MON - 25 0102 - 1.54 0754 - 0.61 1409 - 1.31 1945 - 0.83 THU - 28 0358 - 1.41 1019 - 0.60 1650 - 1.48 2301 - 0.73

SUN - 17 0121 - 0.34 0722 - 1.62 1320 - 0.36 1945 - 1.95 WED - 20 0354 - 0.32 0956 - 1.47 1536 - 0.52 2202 - 1.91 SAT - 23 0617 - 0.52 1222 - 1.32 1753 - 0.74 TUE - 26 0158 - 1.47 0844 - 0.62 1506 - 1.34 2053 - 0.83 FRI - 29 0452 - 1.41 1102 - 0.57 1734 - 1.56 2353 - 0.66

recognition of their services. This year, 19 clubs and four affiliates, the Bay Bowlers, Canton Bowlers, NSW RSL Zone Five Central Coast, and the Central Coast Past Presidents’ Association, took to the greens. They then enjoyed a sit-down luncheon and certificate presentation. BCC deputy president and secretary, Mr Doug Rose, acted as the master of ceremonies and welcomed the official guests, BCC president Mr Col Bray, Bowls NSW director Mr Bob Moran and The Greens The Entrance president, Mr Michael Terelink. It was the third year that Bob Moran and his wife Katie had represented the RNSWBA and he acknowledged the important role volunteers played within our society and in the sport of lawn bowls. Mr Moran had the honor of presenting certificates to 26 recipients and took time to extend congratulations to them individually.

Mariners appoint new CEO entral Coast Mariners have appointed Mr Shaun Mielekamp as the club’s new chief executive ofﬁcer.

Mr Mielekamp commenced his role on the Central Coast immediately following his appointment on Tuesday, May 5. His experience includes an instrumental role in the resurgence of South Sydney Rabbitohs, a successful stint at Penrith Panthers and at Western Sydney Wanderers since 2012. He was the Western Sydney Wanderers’ general manager of commercial and consumer business. At the Mariners, Mr Mielekamp will work as one of the club’s executives alongside Ms Kathryn Duncan (finance director) and Mr Tony Walmsley (technical director/head coach). They make up the club’s senior management, reporting directly to executive vice chairman, Mr Peter Storrie. Mr Storrie noted the recruitment of Mr Mielekamp as a great pick up for the Mariners and said that the club will benefit greatly from his experience in sports administration, local knowledge and strategic partnerships. “I am delighted that Shaun has joined us. “We identified him as the person that the Mariners needed to expand our commercial and sponsorship network,” Mr Storrie said.

“Shaun’s appointment has now given us one of the strongest executive teams in the Hyundai A-League. “It works as one with our supporters and commercial clients that will give the club sustainability on the Coast, along with entertaining, free ﬂowing, attacking football. “Shaun, who lives on the Central Coast, has a strong background in sport that he will bring to the club, as his record with the Wanderers shows. “This will indeed be one of our very successful

Email, 13 May 2015 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

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

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

“transfers” this season.” Central Coast Mariners owner, Mr Mike Charlesworth, stamped his support on the appointment of Mr Mielekamp who he sees as a crucial addition to the Mariners administration moving forward. “The fact that Shaun has lived locally on the Coast for many years and understands the local environment, is an added bonus,” Charlesworth said. Media release, 5 May 2015 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 15, 2015 - P23 3

Sport

Kanwal Roos win Wyong derby

Photos: Andrew Stark

Mitchell Renwick on the charge for the Razorbacks

Jake Lewis plunges over for the Roos ﬁfth try

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Wyong’s Matt Ikuvalu is wrapped up by Shane Beale

he Battle of Wyong has again been won by the Roos of Kanwal, who proved too strong for the Razorbacks, winning 42 to 10 at the Morry Breen Oval on Sunday, May 10.

Four tries to their jack rabbit fullback, Luke Sharpe, and a powerful display from the Wyong pack were the highlights of this rain-deferred Central Coast rugby league clash. The Central Wyong Razorbacks started the game full of running and were bustling their more illustrious neighbours to great effect during the opening 30 minutes. The scoreboard read just six apiece as the game

approached half time and Wyong were showing clear signs of frustration. Late tries to Luke Sharpe and Bennett Leslie eased their concerns; the Roos taking a belated 14-6 advantage into the sheds at half time. Beyond the break, it was all Wyong as the green and gold Roos notched a further handful of tries to complete what ultimately became a comprehensive victory. Shoulder injuries to

ﬁve eight Jay Florimo and replacement forward Wade Kemplen marred an otherwise jolly afternoon for the premiers. Despite being soundly beaten, the Central Wyong Razorbacks will take plenty of heart from their opening half effort as they prepare to face their opponents in round six. Media Release, 12 May 2015 Andrew Stark, Central Coast Rugby League

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