Issue 70 of Wyong Regional Chronicle

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May 29, 2015

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Issue 70

Revised design for upgrade of Pacific Hwy through Wyong on display

A section of the revised plans to widen the Pacific Hwy through Wyong Town Centre

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oads and Maritime Services NSW has announced the revised design for the future upgrade of the Pacific Hwy through Wyong.

The design is currently on display for community feedback and the public has until Friday, June 19 to make submissions to Roads and Maritime Services.

“The NSW Government allocated $3 million this year to continue planning for the upgrade which would provide two lanes in each direction between Johnson Rd at Tuggerah and Cutler Dve at Wyong,” a Roads and Maritime Services

spokesperson said.

“After feedback to the community display in July 2013 and additional technical investigations, the initial design has been substantially revised.

“It now presents a whole of transport solution integrating the rail interchange with bus, taxi, disabled and short term parking to benefit the wider community.

“The revised design includes upgrading the existing intersection at Church St and new

traffic light intersections at Rose St, Anzac Ave, North Rd and Cutler Dve to improve safety and access for all road users on the highway.”

Roads and Maritime Services is continuing to work closely with Transport for NSW rail planners to ensure the proposed road upgrade aligns with future rail requirements.

“Feedback received will be considered by Roads and Maritime when finalising the

Revised plans for widening the pacific Hwy through Wyong are on display until Friday, June 19

concept design and preparing the review of environmental factors, which is scheduled to be displayed for community comment later this year,” the spokesperson said.

“Roads and Maritime will continue to work with the community and stakeholders during the planning process to identify issues and minimise the potential impact of the proposed upgrade and building activities.”

Wyong Council welcomed the state government announcement.

Wyong’s deputy mayor,

Ms Lynne Webster said she encouraged residents to go online and look at the revised proposal and have their say about it.

“Upgrading the Pacific Hwy through Wyong is on our wish list to help transform the area,” Ms Webster said.

“Leading up to the state election, we had a list of 39 projects we wanted the state government to help fund to improve the shire and prepare us for an influx of new residents in the future.”

Wyong Council’s roads and drainage manager, Mr Peter Murray said this project would reduce

traffic congestion in Wyong.

“This upgrade will open up one of the biggest road bottlenecks in our shire,” Mr Murray said.

“Not only will it ease congestion, it will assist with public transport through better integration of the bus/ rail interchange, improve safety for pedestrians and improve access through the Wyong CBD,” Mr Murray said.

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, 21 May 2015 Peter McBride, Zenith Optimedia Media release, 19 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! yong Regional Chronicle and NAISDA Dance College are giving three lucky readers the chance to win double passes to the college’s mid-year show Gayi Ngiyang Nhangara, Come, we all dance.

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Ambulance, Police, Fire 000

The show will run from Tuesday June 23 until Friday, June 26 with an evening performance on the Tuesday and matinees and evening performances on the Wednesday through to Friday.

Audiences will be mesmerised by traditional song and dance from Moa Island in the Torres Strait and Yolngu dance from the Datiwuy Clan of North East Arnhem Land.

Guest indigenous choreographers Joel Bray, Ian Colless, Monica Stevens and Raymond D Blanco will present contemporary works in collaboration with developing artists.

To win one of three double passes, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send it to Wyong Regional Chronicle NAISDA Dance College Competition, PO Box 1056 Gosford NSW 2250 by close of business on Wednesday, June 12.

The winners of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Insights of a Yogi competition were H Bucier of Kanwal, A Wilson of Hamlyn Terrace and N Stewart of Budgewoi.

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

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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 71

Deadline: June 10 - Publication date: June 12 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.

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Peninsula Community Access Edition 366

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Community Access

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.

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

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

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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Issue 107 Edition 367

May 1, 2015

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

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May 6, 2015 27 April 2015

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Issue 68

Major clean up underway S

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Community Access May 20, 2015

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Issue 108

11 May 2015

$227 million developments delayed due to bureaucratic bungle

Edition 368

May 15, 2015

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Issue 69

Residents oppose rezoning west of the motorway

JRPP approvals a game changer for Gosford CBD

“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

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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

Council to defend boarding house refusal

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.

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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

Current vacant land on corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dve Inset: Artist’s impression of the 12 storey building

T 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

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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.

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

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

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

25 May 2015

May 29, 2015

Services NSW has announced that it intends to close the Woy Woy Motor Registry Office in Victoria St on Saturday, August 8, and a wave of protest has started.

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.

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Motor registry closure plans meet with protest

The existing Union Hotel on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St Inset: An artist’s impression of Mariners Plaza

should he green light has finally been given for two major developments developments in the Gosford CBD, bringing the value of total approvals in the encourage further major development projects, CBD, since October 2014, up to over for $300 million.

The Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) gave the go ahead for two landmark developments at its third meeting on Thursday, May 14.

The JRPP approved a $157 million mixed use development right in the heart of Mann St and a $36.6 million retail and shop top housing development in Erina St. According to Gosford Council, the development on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 28 storeys.

It will house a 134-room hotel, a supermarket and 276 residential apartments.

The development will include 476 on-site car parking spaces and commercial and retail premises.

The development on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dr includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 15 storeys.

It will include 180 residential units, 184 onsite car parking spaces and retail premises.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna hailed the decision as the defining moment in Gosford’s rejuvenation.

“There’s no doubt that the approval of these two landmark developments has now set the course for Gosford’s destiny,” Cr McKinna said.

“Just the economic and social benefits that will flow from having a much needed tourist facility in Gosford as well as an iconic structure to identify the city centre are set to be massive.

“This is the game changer we knew Gosford needed and the one we’ve

been working so hard for over the last two years.”

Gosford Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson said Gosford’s new era of growth and opportunity had well and truly arrived after the panel’s decision.

“These approvals go with the $120.8 million worth of development council has already approved since October last year,” Mr Anderson said.

“I think it’s safe to say that the cranes are coming to the skies over Gosford along with the world-class city the Central Coast deserves,” he said.

“The approval of these two landmark developments… represents an historic day for the revitalisation of our city,” said Gosford City Chamber president, Ms Ali Vidler.

She said approval of these two substantial

employment and economic growth in the Gosford CBD. “Gosford City Chamber of Commerce can’t wait to see the cranes in the CBD. “They have been a long time coming,” Ms Vidler said.

Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, said the JRPP go ahead was a welcomed and a landmark decision.

“Congratulations must go to Gosford Council and all who have been working hard to deliver on this important milestone for the Central Coast,” Ms Wicks said.

“This demonstrates the value of believing in Gosford as the capital city of the Central Coast.

“I applaud Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, CEO Mr Paul Anderson, the councillors and the panel for recognising why we must rejuvenate Gosford.

“This is certainly a new

era of jobs, growth and opportunity for our region and it’s clear that there will be significant ongoing economic and social benefits.

“Our community is set to thrive on the back of these positive announcements for Gosford, which will have flow on effects for the entire Central Coast.

“The announcement caps an historic week for the Coast, and demonstrates why we need to keep investing in, and continue to fight for, our great Central Coast,” Ms Wicks said.

The State Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, also welcomed the news that the two developments had been approved.

“These key developments will pave the way for future residential and commercial projects in the Gosford town centre at a time when the CBD is in urgent need of economic stimulus,” said Mr. Crouch.

“The decision by the JRPP mirrors community

sentiment in that these developments are a catalyst for positive change and growth” he said.

Council had recommended that the JRPP approve both developments, but the panel’s decision had been deferred due to administrative errors at its first two meetings to discuss them.

Significant developments worth over $20 million must be referred to the JRPP for approval.

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, 14 May 2015 Gosford Council media Media release, 14 May 2015 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks MP Media release, 14 May 2015 Debra Wales, media advisor, Adam Crouch MP Media release, 15 May 2015 Alison Vidler, president, Gosford City Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith said she was fighting to have the decision reversed.

She has started a petition which is available to sign in her Woy Woy office.

“We will keep rolling with the petition until people stop wanting to sign it,” Ms Smith said.

Local retailers are making the petition available in their outlets and residents are taking copies to circulate in their own neigbourhoods, Ms Smith said.

“The nature of the Peninsula is that many of its residents are ederly and after a certain age they have restricted licenses that only allow them to drive within a five kilometre area,” Ms Smith said.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is also opposing the closure.

“This is totally unacceptable and means the loss of a valuable public service shop front that caters for over 35,000 people on the Peninsula,” said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

“We are told that the motor registry is to be merged with the new Services NSW facility in Gosford leaving local residents without any access to RMS services on the Peninsula,” he said.

“Staff were only advised of the RMS’s decision on Tuesday, May 12.

“The local business community is completely shocked by this decision which has been made without any community consultation whatsoever.

“For as long as I can remember, the Peninsula has had a motor registry and it absolutely baffles me why the NSW Government would shift the service all the way to Gosford.”

Mr Wales said he considered the current Woy Woy office to be a community service that provided

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

A section of the revised plans to widen the Pacific Hwy through Wyong Town Centre Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith MP and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris MP outside the Woy Woy Motor Registry with concerned residents

convenience to a large local population and particularly the elderly.

“At a time when we are trying to improve local services and keep people off the already congested road system, this decision is completely at odds with community expectations,” he said.

“Woy Woy and the Peninsula do not need less government services. We need more. So the decision to close the motor registry is ridiculous.”

The Chamber will be making urgent representations to the NSW Government to have the closure postponed, he said.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, has also spoken out against the closure.

According to his office, the community will only accept either a

reversal of the decision or its own service centre in Woy Woy at the existing registry site.

Service NSW has claimed that Gosford and surrounding areas were “reaping the benefits of the one-stop shop service centre which opened at Gosford’s former motor registry site in October 2013”.

Operations director Mr Graham Tobin said that, in line with its mission of increasing services and reducing duplication, it made sense for current motor registry operations at Woy Woy to be relocated to the Gosford Service NSW service centre.

“We’ve spent a long time looking at how to offer the best services across the Central Coast,” he said.

“Given the significant overlap of customer catchment areas, it’s logical to concentrate face-to-face

customer activity at Gosford.

“Service NSW is an entirely new service, combining a host of government transactions from one convenient location. Sites have to be chosen carefully to cater for all customers.

“By providing our services from the nearby Gosford location we can guarantee the community of the Central Coast a higher standard of service and greater access to these government services.

“The Gosford site was also chosen for its large capacity and access to other services, allowing customers to combine a visit to the centre with shopping or other activities.

“The Woy Woy site isn’t suitable for such a centre because it can’t accommodate the Service NSW footprint,” Mr Tobin said.

“This would impact on our ability to deliver quality and speedy service for the full suite of transactions we offer.”

Mr Tobin emphasised that customers wanting to complete government transactions also had convenient and “unprecedented” on-line and 24/7 phone access, meaning most transactions could be done off-site at times that suit customers.

Plans are underway for more Service NSW service centres to open at Wyong, Wallsend and Toukley.

Media release, 15 May 2015 Matthew Watson, Service NSW Media release, 13 May 2015 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Issue 70

Revised design for upgrade of Pacific Hwy through Wyong on display

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Revised plans for widening the pacific Hwy through Wyong are on display until Friday, June 19

oads and Maritime Services NSW has announced the revised concept design and Ms Lynne Webster said traffic congestion design for the future upgrade of the Pacific Hwy through Wyong. preparing the review of she encouraged residents Wyong.

The design is currently on display for community feedback and the public has until Friday, June 19 to make submissions to Roads and Maritime Services.

“The NSW Government allocated $3 million this year to continue planning for the upgrade which would provide two lanes in each direction between Johnson Rd at Tuggerah and Cutler Dve at Wyong,” a Roads and Maritime Services

spokesperson said.

“After feedback to the community display in July 2013 and additional technical investigations, the initial design has been substantially revised.

“It now presents a whole of transport solution integrating the rail interchange with bus, taxi, disabled and short term parking to benefit the wider community.

“The revised design includes upgrading the existing intersection at Church St and new

traffic light intersections at Rose St, Anzac Ave, North Rd and Cutler Dve to improve safety and access for all road users on the highway.”

Roads and Maritime Services is continuing to work closely with Transport for NSW rail planners to ensure the proposed road upgrade aligns with future rail requirements.

“Feedback received will be considered by Roads and Maritime when finalising the

environmental factors, which is scheduled to be displayed for community comment later this year,” the spokesperson said.

“Roads and Maritime will continue to work with the community and stakeholders during the planning process to identify issues and minimise the potential impact of the proposed upgrade and building activities.”

Wyong Council welcomed the state government announcement.

Wyong’s deputy mayor,

to go online and look at the revised proposal and have their say about it.

“Upgrading the Pacific Hwy through Wyong is on our wish list to help transform the area,” Ms Webster said.

“Leading up to the state election, we had a list of 39 projects we wanted the state government to help fund to improve the shire and prepare us for an influx of new residents in the future.”

Wyong Council’s roads and drainage manager, Mr Peter Murray said this project would reduce

in

“This upgrade will open up one of the biggest road bottlenecks in our shire,” Mr Murray said.

“Not only will it ease congestion, it will assist with public transport through better integration of the bus/ rail interchange, improve safety for pedestrians and improve access through the Wyong CBD,” Mr Murray said.

Media release, 21 May 2015 Peter McBride, Zenith Optimedia Media release, 19 May 2015 Wyong Council media

THIS ISSUE contains 45 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

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 29, 2015 - P3 3

News

Tenders invited to upgrade two Wyong Rd intersections enders have been invited to upgrade two Wyong Rd intersections at Mingara Dve and Tumbi Rd at Tumbi Umbi.

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A NSW Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the state government allocated $5 million this year to start the Wyong Rd upgrade.

“These two existing roundabouts will be replaced with traffic lights to improve traffic flow and safety for 48,000 motorists using this section of Wyong Rd daily,” the spokesperson said.

“Work on the Tumbi

Mingara and Tumbi Dve intersection upgrades

Rd intersection includes providing two right and left turn lanes between Wyong Rd and Tumbi Rd and safer access in and out of Watson Ave. “Mingara Dve will be upgraded to three westbound lanes on Wyong Rd with access provided into and out of Mingara Dve and Tumbi Creek Rd, while the existing pedestrian traffic lights west of Mingara

Dve will be removed.

“Pedestrian and cyclist safety will be improved with off-road cycle paths on both sides of Wyong Rd. “Early work on the intersections started late last year with the upgrade expected to be completed in 2018, weather permitting.”

Media release, 25 May 2015 Roads and Maritime Services media

ADVERTISEMENT

Community Environment Network Gosford Coastal Open Space For the past 15 years, Gosford Ratepayers have been paying special rates for a variety of purposes.

Chairman’s Comments May has been a furiously busy month for CEN with members and the public concerned at the many rezoning’s being proposed which could have a major impact on their neighbourhood, homes and lifestyles.

Our call last month for volunteers has seen an increase in people getting involved and joining Waterwatch and other voluntary or community based activities.

Wyong Council acted to change tree clearing laws, while Gosford approved a chicken slaughterhouse in March. CEN is very concerned by these decisions and the impact on locals and their environment.

Nonetheless, people are stepping up and getting involved to save the environment. If you would like a speaker for your meetings or want help or to obtain advice, give CEN a call on 4349-4756 or email cen@ cen.org.au.

One of these was the Coastal Open Space Scheme (COSS), known as the “COSS Levy”.

The special rates were paying off a loan and this ended in June 2014.

Instead of consulting with the community, council decided to continue to receive that money and to put it into general revenue.

CEN believes the same amount as the “COSS Levy” should continue to be allocated to the maintenance and acquisition of COSS bushlands.

Wyong Spot Rezonings Spot Rezonings in Wyong are busy as ever.

Communities were recently involved over rezonings in Chittaway,

Mardi and Gwandalan.

CEN does not believe so many rezoning are warranted.

The Wyong LEP which also reclassified

Marine Discovery Centre Starting on 30th May, there is a Anzac Centenary Commemoration display for World War 1.

The display is supported by the Australian National

Maritime Museum and local group, History and Heritage, Hunter to Hawkesbury Research (4HR).

See models of the HMAS Sydney, Emden and HMAS Swan and read the story.

400 parcels of public land for sale, lease or development was only approved in late 2013.

If you live near a rezoning or face the loss

of public parkland or open space, get involved and stand up for your neighbourhood.

Land for Wildlife Forum The Biennial Land for Wildlife Forum will be held at the Old Coal Loader in North Sydney on the 7th August.

R e g i s t e r e d

landholders are welcome to attend for free.

Anyone else may attend for $50 payable when booking. Go online to www.cen.org.au to book.

Our Central Coast: Worth Protecting www.cen.org.au The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups who work for ecologically sustainable development.

Go to our website to become involved and sign up for our free newsletter Follow us on Facebook or Twitter - Support CEN – become a member or make a donation.

News

P4 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015

Chittaway Point rezoning approved despite outspoken opposition and in Oscar Rd at Chittaway Point has been approved for rezoning despite outspoken opposition from the Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP and Wyong councillor, Ms Lisa Matthews.

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The rezoning will allow for low-density residential development and environmental protection areas.

According to Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, over 54% of the site will remain as native vegetation.

The applicant has agreed to enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement to ensure protection and management of the highvalue environmental areas on the site.

“This is a sensible proposal which will allow for low density residential housing in a highly sought

Locality of the proposed rezoning at Chittaway Point

after area…while at the same time protecting our natural environment, a

real win-win,” Cr Eaton said.

Prior to the ordinary

meeting of Wyong Council held on Wednesday, May 28, Mr Harris and

Ms Matthews had both spoken out against the development.

Both said flood mapping needed to be completed before Wyong Council moved forward with the proposal to rezone the land from environmental to lowdensity residential.

They called for councillors to defer the discussion of the Chittaway Point development or support a requirement that any rezoning is deferred until flood mapping is complete.

Residents received notice on Friday, May 22 that the development would be discussed at the general meeting and that a report by council staff had recommended that council resolved to proceed with the planning proposal.

“It’s important that residents have adequate

time to view and scrutinise the council officers’ report,” Mr Harris said.

“Giving them notice on Friday … and then taking it to the council meeting on the following Wednesday simply is not enough time for local residents to discuss this issue with councillors.

“Many people from the Chittaway Point community have contacted me expressing their concerns about this development.

“Five days simply does not allow fair consideration of this report.” Mr Harris said.

Recent storm and flooding events, including the overflow of sewage and loss of power for several days makes it irresponsible to proceed without completing flood mapping for the area, he said.

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P5

Cr Eaton said flood modelling had been considered which showed the site would be made flood free in a one in 100 year flood event.

According to the report from council staff, 76 submissions were received following several periods of public exhibition.

The main concerns raised in those submissions relate to flooding and storm water, road infrastructure, environmental site attributes, social infrastructure, open space and pedestrian provisions.

Mr Harris said he now believed the Chittaway site was the wrong location for a low-density residential development because the questions about flooding have not been properly addressed.

Likewise, Cr Matthews said she doesn’t believe it is appropriate to put another 120 low-density residential households in an area that is already flood prone.

She said she accepts the proposed rezoning is not at the end of Geoffrey Rd that regularly floods.

Proposed zoning

“But everyone in Chittaway Point had no electricity and no toilets or sewerage after the recent storms and emergency services, whilst they did a great job, didn’t give them a portaloo for seven or eight days.”

She urged councillors to consider all three options in the paper that was presented by staff.

“There are certain parts of that land that are definitely not flood prone and at a pinch we could rezone that, but the other two lots we shouldn’t put housing on until we do full flood mapping.”

Ms Matthews said

she also had concerns about the rezoning and subsequent development of the site causing traffic congestion.

“This is a major development for our area, and there is not the appropriate infrastructure to handle the extra traffic, population or environmental impact,” she said.

“If we are going to add another 240 people living in the area, that is approximately another 240 more cars coming into Geoffrey Rd or Church Rd,” she said.

Council’s development and building department submitted the report to the ordinary meeting relating to the application to rezone land at Oscar Dve, Chittaway Point for low density residential and conservation purposes.

The 27.85 hectare site was zoned E2 Environmental Conservation, E3 Environmental Management and R2 Low Density Residential.

Existing land use was described as a mix of vegetated and cleared grazing land with associated rural

structures.

Recommendations made to council in the report included that council resolve to rezone the sites from E3 Environmental management to R2 Low Density Residential.

It was also recommended that councillors amend the minimum lot size maps to amend lot amalgamation provisions to require the amalgamation of land zoned E2 and E3 on the eastern portion of the site.

The report also guided Wyong councillors to request that the NSW Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment agree that inconsistencies -between the planning proposal and NSW ministerial directions relating to both flood prone land and environmental protection zones – “be considered to be of minor significance”.

A third recommendation in the report was for councillors to request that the general manager sign a Voluntary Planning Agreement requiring the applicant to take steps to offset

the impact any future development of the site might have on native vegetation and habitat.

Once the Secretary of NSW Planning and Environment concurred with Wyong Council that that issues relating to flood prone land and environmental protection zones were of minor significance, the report recommended that councillors request the general manager proceed with steps for drafting and making amendments to the Wyong Local Environment Plan.

In July 2013, Wyong Council had resolved unanimously to proceed to a community consultation stage with the development.

Then in September 2014, it unanimously resolved to prepare and exhibit proposals to support future development of land at Chittaway Point.

Cr Eaton said a sitespecific development control will guide the future development of the site as well as requiring further flood modelling of the detailed subdivision design at the development

News application stage.

Further community consultation will also occur at the development application stage.

The proposed rezoning will now be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment for final approval.

“This is just the rezoning stage, like a picture frame so to speak, and when the development application is lodged it will paint the picture of what is planned for the site and residents will be able to have their say,” Cr Eaton said.

“Construction will also provide hundreds of badly needed local jobs for our community,” he added.”

Media release, 26 May 2015 Jake Allen, Office of David Harris MP Interview notes, 26 May 2015 David Harris, Member for Wyong Interview notes, 26 May 2015 Lisa Matthews, Wyong councillor Item RZ/7/2009 Business papers Wyong Council, 27 May 2015 Media release, 28 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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News

P6 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015

Emergency minister thanks SES volunteers

Dam levels reach high water marks uring the week to Wednesday, May 27, Central Coast’s total water storage level has reached 70 percent for the first time in 24 years.

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Wyong Council director of infrastructure and operations, Mr Greg McDonald said the last time our dam levels were at 70 per cent was February 1991.

“The levels had been hovering just under 70 per cent for a couple of weeks, so to finally reach this milestone is pleasing,” Mr McDonald said.

“We’re feeling pretty comfortable with the amount of water we have stored and we certainly won’t see water restrictions this summer or for some time.”

The Central Coast has received more than twice the amount of rain this year than we did this time last year.

During the past six weeks, 5,057 million litres

of excess water has been pumped from Wyong River to Mangrove Creek Dam via the Mardi to Mangrove Link.

Heavy rain on Friday, May 22 finally tipped the dam level over the 70 per cent mark.

The Central Coast’s two smaller dams, Mooney Mooney Dam and Mardi Dam are currently at or near capacity.

Mooney Mooney Dam is full at 4,900 million litres.

Mardi Dam, which can store 7,400 million litres, is at 83.6%.

The Central Coast’s main storage dam, Mangrove Creek Dam, which can store 190,000 million litres is at 69.3%.

Media release, 27 May 2015 Wyong Council media

M1 roadwork nears completion Emergency Services Minister, Mr David Elliott MP and recovery coordinator Br Darren Naumann thank Wyong SES volunteers

SW minister for emergency services, Mr David Elliott MP, and regional recovery coordinator, Brigadier Darren Naumann visited the Wyong State Emergency Service (SES) unit to thank volunteers who helped save lives and houses during the recent storms.

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The visit took place on Thursday, May 21.

Mr Elliott said the NSW SES and other emergency

services workers had been outstanding in the immediate aftermath and he was impressed with the recovery effort, but there is still a lot of work to do.

Wyong SES members have volunteered more than 5,000 hours to help the community in the past month and are continuing to respond to calls for assistance.

“Today, I have returned to the region to thank the brave men and women from the SES who continue to help their communities after the

storms which hit NSW last month,” Mr Elliott said.

“I want to assure you that the recovery of stormaffected communities like Wyong is a priority for this government and we will continue to support you, no matter how long it takes.”

Br Naumann is helping prioritise the recovery response and has visited all 10 local government areas across the Hunter and Central Coast which have been declared natural disaster areas, to understand their needs.

“Individuals and communities recover at different rates, but large parts of the region are back on their feet thanks to the efforts of SES volunteers and those of all response agencies,” Br Naumann said.

“I would also like to congratulate all of the councils for rallying together and helping to drive the clean-up effort from the ground up.”

Media release, 21 May 2015 Katherine Danks, media, Minister for Emergency Services, David Elliott

hanged traffic conditions on the M1 Motorway between Tuggerah and Doyalson will remain in place for at least another two weeks.

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The changed traffic conditions commenced on Monday, May 18 as part of the $6 million planned upgrade funded jointly by the state and federal governments.

Day work has been carried out on weekdays between 8:00am and 2:30pm near the northbound lanes and 9:30am to 5:00pm near the southbound lanes.

Shoulder closures and a reduced speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour along one kilometre sections of the motorway will be in place during work.

Night work started from

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Monday, May 25 and is expected to take three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

This work is being carried out Sunday to Thursday between 8:00pm and 5:00am near the northbound lanes and Monday to Thursday between 7:00pm and 4:00am near the southbound lanes.

A single lane remains open in each direction at all times.

Media release, 15 May 2015 Roads and Maritime Services media

Same work.

No commute.

News

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P7

Council underspends Aboriginal affairs minister meets Aboriginal leaders by $8 million yong Council’s year to date surplus, excluding capital income, is currently $8 million over expectations.

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A report outlining council’s performance for quarter three of the 201415 financial year was tabled at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, May 27.

The original budget for 2014-15 was to achieve an operating surplus of $600,000.

The report proposed adjusting the proposed operating surplus before capital grants and contributions to $4.4 million, an improvement of $3.7 million.

Capital expenditure to the end of March 2015 was $51.5 million compared to a year-to-date budget of $66.7 million and represents 53 per cent of the full year’s budget.

The report recommended

that the full year’s budget remain at $97.1 million.

“Funds that were identified as savings and funds released due to projects being deferred in quarter three are proposed to be reallocated to the budget for strategic land purchases,” the report said.

“Subject to cash flow analysis by staff, it is proposed to accelerate the future payments for the Terrace Towers land acquisitions,” it said.

The 2014-15 financial year is the second of Wyong Council’s state-approved Special Rate Variation (SVR) and the additional rate income is being used to reduce the council’s infrastructure backlog.

An annual sum of $10

million is being allocated to projects earmarked as part of the rate variation, allocated to specific projects in line with its asset management strategy.

The report also looked at Wyong Council’s performance on delivering the actions and targets in its Community Strategic Plan.

According to the report, council is tracking well with 62 percent of projects currently on target, 23 percent completed and 15 percent off target or deferred.

Item 4.1 Quarter three business report, 27 May 2015 Ordinary meeting business papers Kim Futcher, financial controller, Wyong Council

Ward Forums are no substitute for Precinct Committees Ward Forum is no substitute for a Precinct Committee meeting, according to Wyong councillor, Ms Lisa Matthews.

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“Council resolved to disband the precinct committees, which I didn’t support,” Ms Matthews said.

Ward Forums have been conducted across the Wyong local government area recently and Ms Matthews said the feedback she has received is “They are a nonsense”.

“When I speak to the former precinct committee people they tell us it is a waste of time, the best thing

about it is the food that council serves,” she said.

According to Ms Matthews, ward forums have a set agenda and are usually on a fixed topic.

“It is a topic and I don’t believe the residents can talk about something that is not on the agenda.

“In a precinct committee you could ask questions, it was more localised and meant to be neighbourhood focus.

“It was more resident

driven,” she said.

Ms Matthews said Wyong Council has also introduced Meet the Mayor forums held in local libraries to give residents an opportunity to meet faceto-face with Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. However, she said, councillors are not involved in that initiative.

Phone interview, 26 May 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

Menindee Ridge home buyers receive their keys from NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ms Leslie Williams MP

ome owners at the Menindee Ridge Housing Estate were presented with the keys to their new homes by NSW Aboriginal affairs minister, Ms Leslie Williams, on Wednesday, May 20.

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The estate has been developed by the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Ms Williams was included in the ceremony to welcome the newest residents to Menindee Ridge as part of her first visit to the Central Coast.

D a r k i n j u n g chairperson, Mr Joshua Toomey, said: “We are honoured to have Minister Williams join us to celebrate this momentous occasion with our new Menindee Ridge families.

Darkinjung CEO, Mr Sean Gordon, said: “Menindee Ridge is an example of our vision for the Central Coast as we harness opportunities to improve and invest in new homes and infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing Aboriginal population.”

Ms Williams also visited The Glen on Thursday, May 21 to meet with Barang partnership members.

The visit included performances by The Glen and NAISDA traditional

artists and presentations by each Barang member, Bara Barang, Bungree, Darkinjung, Mingaletta, NAISDA and The Glen.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with Ms Williams.

“This meeting will assist Minister Williams in gaining an understanding of the initiatives that Barang has in place and is working towards on the Central Coast,” said Mr Gordon, who is also Barang cochairperson.

Barang is a regional partnership agreement between six Aboriginal service organisations that have joined together under the NSW Government Local Decision Making and Federal Government Empowered Communities banner.

It aims to speak with one unified voice to government and other key stakeholders to empower Aboriginal people and lead community prosperity.

The aim of Barang is to address the disparity

that exists between indigenous and nonindigenous communities by meeting key targets within the Aboriginal community on the Central Coast.

The key targets include: children go to school every day, children and vulnerable people are cared for and safe, capable adults participate in training or work, our people abide by the conditions related to their tenancy in public housing, our people do not commit domestic violence, alcohol and drug offences, or petty crimes.

“This is a great opportunity for us to get to know the newlyappointed minister and we are looking forward to working with her in the future, having the chance to discuss our ideas and the aim of Barang and really putting the Central Coast region on the map during her visit,” Mr Gordon said.

Media release, 19 May 2015 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic Media

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News

P8 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015

State funding required for Main Rd Toukley to have new safety features newly adopted floodplain

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SW Roads and Maritime Services will start work on Monday, June 1 to improve safety for road users on Main Rd at Toukley.

A Roads and Maritime spokesperson said the Australian Government has allocated $380,000 through the Federal Black Spot Program to improve safety and reduce the crash risk between Cross St and Norman St. “In the five years to June 2014, 37 crashes, including six pedestrian crashes, occurred on this 1.7 kilometre section of Main Rd resulting in 25 injuries,” the spokesperson said.

“The majority of these crashes were rear end collisions with off road and head on crashes also

occurring.

“The proposed improvements were displayed for community comment in February this year and the feedback was considered when finalising the design.

“Roads and Maritime will install a new 40km per hour speed zone from west of Peel St to east of Victoria Ave along with four sets of speed humps in an effort to reduce speed in Toukley’s main business area.

“Pedestrian refuges will also be installed on Main Rd east of Dunleigh St and on Norman St and Holmes Ave to allow

pedestrians to cross one lane of traffic at a time.

“Line marking will be upgraded and a painted median installed along Main Rd between Cross St and Peel St to provide wider separation between vehicles travelling in opposite directions.”

Changed traffic conditions including lane closures will be in place from Sunday to Friday between 7:00pm and 4:30am for three weeks.

Media release, 25 May 2015 Roads and Maritime Services media

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risk management plans

he NSW Government will be approached to provide further funding to protect Wyong Council’s residents from flooding.

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This follows Wyong Council’s formal adoption of two key floodplain risk management plans for Tuggerah Lakes and Tumbi Creek.

According to council’s quarter three business plan for 2014-15, the plans are designed to reduce flood hazards and losses for people and property and help inform a flexible and merits-based approach to assessing developments on flood prone land.

“The plans have been through a public consultation period and

the Tuggerah Lakes plan was revised following concerns about the number of properties affected by the Flood Planning Area around the lake foreshore and the vulnerable sewerage infrastructure located there as well,” the report said.

Funding will be sought to implement the plans including works projects, road and bridge upgrades, levee upgrades, installation of rainfall gauges and house raising.

Updated flood studies will be undertaken as

well as flood emergency planning and public education initiatives, according to the report.

The report re-stated Wyong Council’s position that the 500mm freeboard allowance in its flood planning controls included allowances for both sea level rise and climate change.

Item 4.1 Quarter three business report, 27 May 2015 Ordinary meeting business papers Kim Futcher, financial controller, Wyong Council

Tenders awarded to further enhance Tuggerah Lakes enders worth over $250,000 have been awarded by Wyong lakes in Australia.

“We are committed Council to keep storm water pollutants and naturally-occurring to the removal of wrack wrack out of Tuggerah Lakes.

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The 125 gross pollutant traps (GPTs) that collect rubbish and litter before it enters Tuggerah Lakes will get regular cleaning as a result of the tenders.

An aquatic harvester that collects naturallyoccurring weed that forms floating rafts on the lake has also been commissioned to collect wrack in Tuggerah Lakes as part of the tenders.

The gross pollutant traps are designed to stop stormwater pollutants

such as litter, garden waste and sediment entering the Lakes.

Regular cleaning of the traps and wrack removal is essential to maintain the health and water quality of the Lakes, according to Wyong Council.

Since July 2013, about 20,000 cubic metres of wrack have been removed from Tuggerah Lakes and Wyong Council plans to continue these recent efforts with this $250,000 annual spend to further

enhance the amenity of the estuary.

“The new GPT cleaning tender should result in approximately 200 tonnes of gross pollutants being removed, each year, from urban stormwater instead of ending up in the lakes system,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. “One of the major drawcards to our region is Tuggerah Lakes and it is no wonder as they are some of the most beautiful

to ensure the lake foreshores are accessible and attractive to residents and visitors alike, now and well into the future.

“This year alone we are spending $1.5 million on new or upgraded GPTs and plan to spend even more next year so residents and visitors will really notice and enjoy the improved water quality.”

Media release, 27 May 2015 Wyong Council media

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P9

News

Chelsea-Anne Lewis is Miss Major upgrade Supermodel International of Australia

underway

tage three of a major road and drainage upgrade along Goorama Ave San Remo has been under way since Friday, May 15.

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Wyong Council’s construction manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock, said this is the next step to improve community safety along the notorious stretch of road.

“We know people speed along this stretch of residential road and use it as a short cut between the northern suburbs,” Mr Baverstock said.

“There are two schools on Goorama Ave and the safety of the students and their families is of high importance to us, this is why we are making the road safer.

“Not only are we

installing traffic calming devices for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, we are also improving the road surface and drainage in the area, to make it safer for motorists.”

The works are expected to be finished in August.

They include a raised intersection at Goorama Ave and Iluka Ave. Wandewoi Ave will become a cul-de-sac on the southern side of Goorama Ave. Goorama Ave will have kerb and guttering and be widened to allow more room for cyclists and new drainage will be installed.

A new path will be built on the northern side of Goorama Ave for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Media release, 15 May 2015 Wyong Council media

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ineteen year old Jilliby resident, Ms Chelsea-Anne Lewis, recently represented Australia in Supermodel International 2015 and won best in swimwear.

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“I’ve gone from a small town girl to international supermodel over the last two weeks with offers coming in left right and centre for more competitions,” Ms Lewis said.

“I am a predominantly freelance model and I have been modelling professionally for just over one year,” she said.

Freelance modelling means working up a reputation without the ease of an agency’s support, Ms Lewis said.

“I need to hold the qualities to be able to speak and negotiate on behalf of myself as well as source the work and advertise myself well to close the job.

“Modelling is about right place, right time while starting out and researching to build a network,” she said.

Ms Lewis said her biggest career success to date had been a list of state and Australian finalist results in Miss Humanity, Miss Career Girl, Miss Personality, best in evening wear and Miss Earth Australia Water.

That list has now been topped with Miss Supermodel International of Australia and Best in Swimwear at Supermodel International.

Most of her modelling accomplishments have been achieved at the same time as Ms Lewis has successfully completed her Higher School Certificate at Wadalba Community School and then working full time as a childcare trainee.

“I feel the pageant system isn’t embraced as much as it is in other countries,” Ms Lewis said.

“The first thing Í thought of when I actually found out they even existed in Australia

was the show Toddlers and Tiaras.

“It is so far from that mental image, you make amazing friends and memories, gain confidence and life skills like public speaking, travel and raise money for charities around the world.”

One of her most memorable experiences from the Supermodel International competition was walking her first international runway show in the Philippines.

“My days were filled with photoshoots and catwalk lessons as well as rehearsals for our main show before big buffet meals. ”Now I have started, I can’t see myself stopping any time soon,” she said.

Email, 6 May 2015 Chelsea Lewis, Jilliby Email, 17 May 2015 Chelsea Lewis, Jilliby

Jilliby model, Chelsea-Anne Lewis represented Australia at Supermodel Internationa

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Forum

P10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 P1

Natalie Donoghue found safe and well

Emergency broadcast signal can’t reach everyone t is my belief that the local papers need to take up a campaign to have the signal for the official Emergency Broadcaster, ABC Central Coast 92.5 increased to ensure that it can be received on portable, battery-powered radios all over the areas of Gosford and Wyong.

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Spokesmen/women from the ABC are quoted that ABC Sydney 702 and ABC Newcastle 1233 cover the Central Coast during emergencies.

That is naïve.

During emergencies those two stations have more than enough to do in their local areas without giving detailed information for the Central Coast.

This is one more way in which the Central Coast, with a rapidly growing population, is

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

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

being ignored.

As you know, federal minister for communications, Mr Malcolm Turnbull has been contacted to urge

him to take some action but we still wait.

There is no doubt that residents could lose their lives because ABC 92.5 Central Coast has such a limited footprint.

Can we harness our collective energies to ensure that the official Emergency Broadcaster for our beautiful area is able to be received on portable radios?

Letter, 24 May 2015 Bob Brooks Doyalson North

Pot calling the kettle black

A

s one time teacher and the Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP said, the TAFE computer system may be “In disarray” and this does affect “TAFE graduations and enrolments”.

What Mr Harris omitted is that his government failed abysmally to deal with shortcomings when they were in power.

Nor were their failings

when we needed him to speak out?

Missing in [in]action. limited to education.

Where was Mr Harris

Letter, 20 May 2015 N Hanscombe, Ourimbah

Natalie Donoghue was lifted to safety after being lost for 24 hours in Yengo National Park

Forresters Beach woman, Ms Natalie Donoghue, was found safe by police on Monday, May 25 after being lost in Yengo National Park for 24 hours.

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Ms Donoghue failed to return home after going for a bike ride at Yengo in the Lower Hunter Valley on Sunday, May 24.

She was last seen about 9:30am on the Sunday, when she left her home on Joan St, Foresters Beach, to go for a bike ride.

Just before midday on Monday, May 25 a Lifesaver helicopter located Ms Donoghue and directed ground crews to her location.

She said she had spent the night sheltered in a cave after realising that she had lost her way in the Yengo terrain.

with family members after being checked by paramedics.

Ms Donoghue was air lifted to safety and sent home uninjured

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Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 29, 2015 - P11 1

Murder suspect arrested at The Entrance

On the Beat

Suspicious fire at Ourimbah destroys premises

man wanted for murder in Western Australia has been arrested following a police pursuit on the Central Coast.

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On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 13, police in the Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were advised to keep an eye out for a blue Holden Commodore bearing stolen Western Australian registration plates.

Around 3:00pm, officers spotted the car on Wilfred Barrett Dve, Magenta.

Upon sighting police, the driver of the car crossed on to the other side of the road and sped off.

Police pursued the vehicle to The Entrance, where the driver

eventually lost control of the car, crashing it into the rear fence of a property on Denning St. Pursuing police stopped their car directly behind the crashed Holden, blocking the driver’s attempts to reverse back from the fence and flee the scene.

The driver of the Holden, a 38-year-old from Banksia Grove in Western Australia, was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station, where he was spoken to by detectives from

the NSW Police Force’s Homicide Squad.

Refused bail, he was scheduled to appear in Wyong Local Court on Thursday, May 14.

In court, detectives from Western Australia Police were to apply for the man’s extradition to Perth where he is wanted in relation to another man’s murder.

A woman and a sixyear-old girl, who were passengers in the Holden, sustained minor injuries and were attended to at the scene by ambulance paramedics.

Media release, 14 May 2015 NSW Police media

Scam circulating in Shortland ederal member for Shortland, Ms Jill Hall MP, said she wants to make residents aware of the latest scam circulating in the local area.

F

“It involves telephone calls from a supposed government department, for example, the Department of Finance, with suggestions you are owed about $7,000 due to previous overpayments,” Ms Hall said.

“The caller will ask for your personal details before supposedly releasing the funds,” she

said.

Ms Hall said residents need to be alerted that this is a scam and the claims of money being offered are false.

“Government departments do not call and offer money in this way, so please do not provide any personal details over the phone.

“My office has had

numerous calls from local residents who have received these calls in recent weeks.

“Please share the alert with your family, friends and neighbours to let them know and keep them safe,” she said.

Email, 27 May 2015 Jill Hall, Federal member for Shortland

A pharmacy was destroyed in the fire at Ourimbah shops on Saturday, May 16

olice are appealing for information following a suspicious fire at Ourimbah on Saturday, May 16.

P

About 4:40am on the Saturday, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were called to a shopping complex on the corner of Glen Rd and the Pacific Hwy, Ourimbah, after an alarm was activated.

Residents later contacted Triple Zero to report a fire at one of the shops within the complex.

Fire and Rescue NSW personnel attended

Peninsula Community Access Edition 368

Media release, 18 May 2015 NSW Police media

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

and extinguished the blaze, which completely destroyed the premises.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Several adjoining shops were also damaged during the incident.

Specialist forensic officers, as well as fire investigators and detectives, conducted an

examination of the scene.

While investigations remain in their early stages; police are treating the incident as suspicious.

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity at the shopping complex around the time of the fire, and has not yet spoken with police, is urged to come forward.

25 May 2015

Motor registry closure plans meet with protest Services NSW has announced that it intends to close the Woy Woy Motor Registry Office in Victoria St on Saturday, August 8, and a wave of protest has started.

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith said she was fighting to have the decision reversed.

She has started a petition which is available to sign in her Woy Woy office.

“We will keep rolling with the petition until people stop wanting to sign it,” Ms Smith said.

Local retailers are making the petition available in their outlets and residents are taking copies to circulate in their own neigbourhoods, Ms Smith said.

“The nature of the Peninsula is that many of its residents are ederly and after a certain age they have restricted licenses that only allow them to drive within a five kilometre area,” Ms Smith said.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is also opposing the closure.

“This is totally unacceptable and means the loss of a valuable public service shop front that caters for over 35,000 people on the Peninsula,” said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

“We are told that the motor registry is to be merged with the new Services NSW facility in Gosford leaving local residents without any access to RMS services on the Peninsula,” he said.

“Staff were only advised of the RMS’s decision on Tuesday, May 12.

“The local business community is completely shocked by this decision which has been made without any community consultation whatsoever.

“For as long as I can remember, the Peninsula has had a motor registry and it absolutely baffles me why the NSW Government would shift the service all the way to Gosford.”

Mr Wales said he considered the current Woy Woy office to be a community service that provided

Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith MP and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris MP outside the Woy Woy Motor Registry with concerned residents

convenience to a large local population and particularly the elderly.

“At a time when we are trying to improve local services and keep people off the already congested road system, this decision is completely at odds with community expectations,” he said.

“Woy Woy and the Peninsula do not need less government services. We need more. So the decision to close the motor registry is ridiculous.”

The Chamber will be making urgent representations to the NSW Government to have the closure postponed, he said.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, has also spoken out against the closure.

According to his office, the community will only accept either a

reversal of the decision or its own service centre in Woy Woy at the existing registry site.

Service NSW has claimed that Gosford and surrounding areas were “reaping the benefits of the one-stop shop service centre which opened at Gosford’s former motor registry site in October 2013”.

Operations director Mr Graham Tobin said that, in line with its mission of increasing services and reducing duplication, it made sense for current motor registry operations at Woy Woy to be relocated to the Gosford Service NSW service centre.

“We’ve spent a long time looking at how to offer the best services across the Central Coast,” he said.

“Given the significant overlap of customer catchment areas, it’s logical to concentrate face-to-face

customer activity at Gosford.

“Service NSW is an entirely new service, combining a host of government transactions from one convenient location. Sites have to be chosen carefully to cater for all customers.

“By providing our services from the nearby Gosford location we can guarantee the community of the Central Coast a higher standard of service and greater access to these government services.

“The Gosford site was also chosen for its large capacity and access to other services, allowing customers to combine a visit to the centre with shopping or other activities.

“The Woy Woy site isn’t suitable for such a centre because it can’t accommodate the Service NSW footprint,” Mr Tobin said.

“This would impact on our ability to deliver quality and speedy service for the full suite of transactions we offer.”

Mr Tobin emphasised that customers wanting to complete government transactions also had convenient and “unprecedented” on-line and 24/7 phone access, meaning most transactions could be done off-site at times that suit customers.

Plans are underway for more Service NSW service centres to open at Wyong, Wallsend and Toukley.

Media release, 15 May 2015 Matthew Watson, Service NSW Media release, 13 May 2015 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

THIS ISSUE contains 45 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

A Peninsula newspaper with in-depth Peninsula area news!

Health

P12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 P

Bowlers raise $2,500 for Camp Breakaway

World record attempt to raise funds for cancer sufferer ight officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police will begin a world record attempt for the longest marathon bouncing on a jumping castle at Mingara Recreation Club on Friday, May 29.

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The attempt is to raise funds for their Tuggerah Local Area Command colleague, senior constable Dave Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year.

SC Mansfield is a married man and a father of a young family, so, according to the Police Association of NSW,

his “police family” is banding together to raise funds to assist the Mansfield family.

The current marathon on a jumping castle world record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds.

“We believe we can blow that record out of the water by jumping well into Sunday,” said Ms Alison McLaughlin, spokesperson for the

Police Association.

A family fun day will be held on Saturday, May 30 as part of the world record attempt including raffles, barbecue, NSW Police Dog Unit, POLAIR landing and “Dunk a Cop”.

Email, 27 May 2015 Alison McLaughlin, Police Association of NSW

Members of Canton Mixed Bowlers enjoy their fund raising event for Camp Breakaway

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anton Mixed Bowlers held their annual fund raiser for Camp Breakaway on Thursday, May 14 at Canton Beach Sports Club, Toukley.

The day raised $2,500 through raffles and donations from local businesses.

The $1,000 prize pool attracted mixed four bowls competitors from all bowls clubs in the area.

Around 100 bowlers

attended along with 20 helpers to ensure everyone had a fun day.

The $500 cash prize for first place for a team of mixed fours was won

by G Barnett, B Roffey, K O’Neil and D Roffey.

Second place and a $300 prize went to C

Clements, E Fitzgerald, L Fitzgerald and A Morris.

The third placed team of mixed fours, V Phillips, M Kelly, B Phillips and T Kelly won $200.

Email, 26 May 2015 Paul Pollack, publicity, Canton Mixed Bowlers

Lung cancer support group event in Wyong ung Cancer Awareness Australia will be holding a fund raising event on World Lung Cancer Day at the Wyong Leagues Club.

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Lung Cancer Awareness Australia is a Facebook community for sufferers of lung cancer and their families and

friends.

The event will be held on Saturday, August 1.

Ticket price includes a three-course dinner

and an international floor show with Chilean entertainer Roddy Montez along with Jan Kelly and band.

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Diana to participate in MS event

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oongarrah resident, Ms Diana Harding, is participating in the MS Walk Plus Fun Run, which will take place at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, May 31

.Ms Harding, 44, said she had friends and acquaintances with multiple sclerosis (MS) and wanted to help out a good cause.

The event starts and finishes at Cathy Freeman Park and participants have the option of completing a five kilometer or 10 kilometre course.

Almost 12,000 people are estimated to take part in MS Walk Plus Fun Run, which is simultaneously held in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Money raised will be used to fund essential

services and support for people living with MS while the search for a cure continues.

The event caters for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The Sydney Olympic Park course is stroller and wheelchair friendly.

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Health

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P13 3

Free medicine record card available from participating pharmacies

Autism school raising community awareness utism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Central Coast will be raising awareness of autism and the work they do, as well as fundraising, in the Lake Haven Shopping Centre from Monday, May 25 to Sunday, June 7.

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Lake Haven centre manager, Mr Mike Cochrane said the centre is always pleased to support organisations that assist the local community.

“Aspect provide important services that many members of the local community can benefit from and we are happy to be able to assist such a worthy cause.”

The Aspect Central Coast school caters for approximately 140 students, and has classes in Tuggerah, Toukley and Lake Munmorrah.

The school is a base for early intervention services for younger children, education support for children in

mainstream and other school settings, social club programs and other therapy programs.

Aspect Central Coast principal, Ms Lara Cheney, said it was difficult for Aspect to provide the services they do for children with autism without community support.

Aspect Central Coast will be at Lake Haven Shopping Centre for two full weeks to answer any questions the community might have about autism, or where to get help and information.

Media release, 18 May 2015 Marcelle Proper, Lake Haven Shopping Centre

Dennis Fardy, pharmacist at Long Jetty pharmacy with a free medicine record card

yong Shire residents who are 65 or older are being encouraged to produce and distribute

by Health NSW to carry a list of their medications, including a medicine record card, prescriptions and over-the-counter products, with them at all which is free to all over

W

times.

“Every year, one third of unplanned hospital visits for older adults are related to problems with medications,” said pharmacist Mr Dennis Fardy from Long Jetty Pharmacy.

“This can happen by mixing prescription medications with certain over the counter

medications, taking the wrong dose or accidently taking the same medication twice due to different medication names.

“Half of these could be prevented,” Mr Fardy said.

“All health professionals including dentists, doctors and

pharmacists need to know what medication you take,” he said.

“This is essential in an emergency in order to assist in treatment.”

To prevent falls through better management of medications, the NSW Health Promotion Service has joined with community pharmacies

65.

Residents are encouraged to carry the card with them at all times and to make sure it is updated regularly.

The card is small enough to fit into a handbag or wallet.

Media release, 26 May 2015 Helen Kale, falls prevention officer, Central Coast Local Health District

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Education

P14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 P

Swans and Roosters spread healthy lifestyles message

Smith Family winter appeal to help needy children

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ational children’s charity The Smith Family currently supports more than 280 students in and around Wyong with their education.

Another 800 children are supported by The Smith Family across the Central Coast.

The Smith Family’s 2015 Winter Appeal aims to raise $3.5 million for the ongoing support of the one in 10 children living in disadvantage across Australia.

The appeal will run until Tuesday, June 30.

The Smith Family’s NSW general manager, Mr Steve Macready said this year’s campaign aims to raise greater awareness about how a family’s severe financial hardship can impact on a child’s

learning.

“Through this year’s Winter Appeal, we are highlighting the vulnerability and isolation many disadvantaged children feel at school when they are struggling to keep up with their classmates,” Mr Macready said.

“Research shows that children who grow up in financial disadvantage are more likely to experience financial hardship as adults, they continue the cycle.

“Without the extra support and tools they need for school, they’ll

fall even further behind and never reach their full potential.

“I really urge the community to get behind our Winter Appeal.

“With your support we’ll be able to deliver life changing support to so many disadvantaged children.

Donations from the 2015 Winter Appeal will fund vital before and after-school learning programs.

Media release, 22 May 2015 Deanna Rose, The Smith Family

Youth Program at College Former captain and NRL premiership winning captain Anthony Minichiello spreads the word on healthy living and nutrition with Gorokan Public School’s students

ver the month of February, Gorokan Public School was one of a number of Central Coast schools that was visited by sporting personalities who were spreading the message of nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

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Gorokan Public School students first received a visit from NRL premiership player and former Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello, who spoke as part of the NRL Community Carnival.

The students also received visits from Sydney Swans players Ben McGlynn and George

Hewett, who spoke about the importance of looking after your body and being healthy.

Gorokan Public School principal Mr Jesmond Zammit said the students enjoyed seeing their sporting heroes up close and having the opportunity to ask questions and interact.

“Sport has a big

presence in our school, and for players to give up their time to visit us is really appreciated,” he said.

The visits also complemented the work the students were doing in class on healthy lifestyles and safe living.

Email, 6 Mar 2015 Jason Clenton, Gorokan Public School

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entral Coast Community College has teamed up with Wyong High School to run a specialised Youth Program at the College’s Ourimbah Campus.

The government funded program aims to re-engage high school students who are at risk of leaving school early, in a learning experience that has a practical approach.

Students involved in the Links to Learning Program are studying skill sets from the SIB20210 Certificate II in Nail Technology.

Central Coast Community College executive director Mr Jonathan Davis said: “The partnership between industry, the

College and the school is helping to meet the skills shortage for trained nail technicians on the Central Coast.

Wyong High School transition advisor Mr Gary Hearn said that the partnership had been successful on a number of levels.

“This is a brilliant partnership between Central Coast Community College and Wyong High School.

“Our students are achieving independence and gaining self-esteem

and confidence through the Program.”

Wyong High School principal Mr Rodney Hill said: “The partnership between the College and the school is important as it enhances the educational opportunities of our students.”

“They are really enjoying the program and it’s great to see them develop skills that would not otherwise have been provided”, he said.

Media release, 16 Mar 2015 Pip Wilson, Central Coast Community College

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P15 5

Students perform at several dance and vocal events

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Education

Past students return to pass on study secrets

orthlakes High School performing arts students have been busy participating in a range of dance and vocal performance events recently.

Three dance students from Northlakes High School have been selected for the senior regional dance ensemble.

They are Tamira Bailey from year 11, Tahlia Harris from year nine and Sarah Holloway from year seven.

The school also has approximately 30 dancers in StarStruck, as well as a staff member in the

production team.

On Wednesday, May 20 Corey Jones from year 12 performed his own composition at Youth in Performing Arts (YIPPA) at Laycock Street Theatre, North Gosford.

Year 10 Northlakes High School student, Marybeth Webster, also performed at YIPPA on Thursday, May 21.

On Monday, May 18

Melissa Graham, Mishel Francis and Jasmine Privitera from year nine, sang as part of the Public Schools Mass Choir at Sydney Town Hall.

The students had the opportunity to work with professional musicians and singers, including guest performer Lior.

Newsletter, Merrilyn Rowley, principal, Northlakes High School

School to participate in choral festival n Monday, May 18 students from Wyong Creek Public School attended a combined choir rehearsal with other local schools to work on songs for the Central Coast Choral Festival.

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The students will be singing Alto for the performance.

They have had many songs to practice and learn.

Choir members have also been trying out for solos and to be master of ceremonies at the festival.

Students interested in

performing a solo at the Choral Festival needed to pick a song and learn it before singing for their school’s choir teacher, Mr Waters.

Students wanting to audition for the role of MC had to write a performance introduction and submit it to their

teacher before Monday, June 1.

Newsletter, 20 May 2015 David Ireland, principal, Wyong Creek Public School

Fun run raises $2,300 yong Creek P u b l i c School held its annual fun run and picnic on Friday, May 15.

W The Fletcher Gallery Now Open

Paintings, prints, small gifts.

Open Weekends -11am-4pm.

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

The children raised over $2,300, all of which will go to subsidising school excursions later on in the year.

Children from kindergarten through to year six participated in the event which was followed by a picnic lunch with families.

Newsletter, 20 May 2015 David Ireland, principal, Wyong Creek Public School

Ms Rowley and Ms Garside with 2014 HSC students

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ears 11 and 12 students at Northlakes High School were recently visited by a selection of the school’s 2014 HSC students who gave advice and strategies for doing well in the HSC.

Also congratulated on the day was Jimi Russell who was Dux of Northlakes High School in 2014 and has now commenced a Bachelor of Science/Maths degree at the University of Newcastle.

Lauren Holman was accepted into a Bachelor of Psychology, Ashley

Faber was accepted into a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology.

Taylah Gillmer was accepted into Bachelor of Teaching, John Dykes was accepted into a Bachelor of Business/ Commerce and Beau Keywood was accepted into a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport

Science.

Northlakes High School principal Ms Merrilyn Rowley said: “We wish all of our 2014 Year 12 students every success in the future.”

Newsletter, 13 Feb 2015 Merrilyn Rowley, Northlakes High School

My Kitchen Rules program in Budgewoi Girls in years four, five and six at Budgewoi Public School have responded with enthusiasm to a proposal from contestants in the My Kitchen Rules (MKR) reality TV show to run a program at their school.

“The program is an initiative of ‘Carly and Tresne’ from the MKR show and Carly, as a

former pupil of Budgewoi, is very excited about the possibility of visiting us,” said Budgewoi Public School principal, Ms Kerry Moore.

“The program is designed to build resilience, confidence, health and wellbeing for our young girls.

“Students were asked for expressions of interest and the positive response

was overwhelming,” Ms Moore said.

“Tuesday June 16 will see MKR 2013 contestants, Carly and Tresne visit our school especially to talk with year four, five and six girls.”

Newsletter, 25 May 2015 Kerry Moore, principal, Budgewoi Public School

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 2253 Contact Sandra on 4392 8716

Out & About

P16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 P

Rotarians experience Nepalese earthquakes wo local Rotarians, David and Dianne Waterhouse, from The Entrance Rotary Club, have shared their experiences of being in the midst of both the earthquakes that have struck Nepal since Saturday, April 25.

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They were in Nepal to work on a Rotary affordable housing project but changed projects following the first earthquake to help victims.

The day before the second major quake, they were delivering food to one of the worst hit areas, Sindhupalchok District which was also the epicentre of a smaller quake on Sunday, April 26.

Their efforts were hindered by landslides and debris that made

David and Dianne Waterhouse hand a tarpauline to a Nepalese woman living on open land with six family members following the quake

roads between villages impassible.

Along one road, which resembled a grassy track with 100 metre drops either side, the couple encountered damaged houses and cattle sheds.

“Very few houses are of modern design and the destruction is almost total,” Mr Waterhouse said.

“Next to the

collapsed houses we see tarps spread out making temporary accommodation for whole families.”

On the day of the second major quake, the couple were on the road by 9:00am to join forces with other relief crews to deliver 140 food packages to a village approx 40km south of Dhulikhel.

“At the moment in Nepal, all aid has to be coordinated through the local district office, so we head into Dhulikhel to the government office, wait in turn to present our paperwork as to what

we are giving and the location and quantities of the food parcels.

“We then head for the police station to register the gifts we are giving out.”

When they get to Kashikhand village, they see that it is perched on the top of a narrow ridge with steep drops into the valleys on either side.

“There is a reasonably large two storey house in the centre of the village that has some signs of cracks from the original earthquake while most of the other houses around it are either totally collapsed or only

partially standing.”

Around 100 people gathered to receive their food buckets when, at about 12:45pm, the second major quake occurred.

Ms Waterhouse was resting in the ute which was parked next to the two-storey house when it hit.

“I was on the other side of the house with the local village people,” Mr Waterhouse said.

“All panic reigned; people were screaming and running in confusion, mainly to get as far as possible from the twostorey house that I could

see was swaying with the side walls moving in and out like a concertina.

“More cracks appeared but it did not collapse.

“I looked for Dianne and finally saw that she had got out of the ute and was comforting an old lady who was terrified.

“The main quake only lasted for about 30 to 40 seconds but to feel the earth under your feet move in all directions is an experience I will never forget.”

They returned to Dhulikhel that night and decide to “chance it and sleep fully dressed with a pack at the door, with our passports and money, in case we have to evacuate in a hurry”.

During the night they experienced more large and small tremors.

The couple returned to Australia on Wednesday, May 20 after deciding to stay and keep helping the recovery effort despite their experiences during the second major quake.

Email, 14 May 2015 Graham Black, Gosford North Rotary

Triple Bill from Drama Group yong Drama Group is presenting a Triple Bill at its new home eccentric class and has plenty of chortles.

The Grove Theatre.

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The triple bill consists of three one-act plays by Australian playwright, Mr Peter Kocan.

Mr Kocan was formerly the Wyong Drama Group’s resident playwright.

Performances will be held on the evening of Friday, May 29 and

a matinee and evening show on Saturday, May 30.

The first of the Kocan triple bill is’ Home Fires Burning’, a multi-award winning play that was dramatised for ABC radio.

It is set in a family kitchen at mealtime and

is based on the ideas, life and character of Tossa, an embittered returned soldier.

‘Maltese Mouse’, the second one-act play, is a spoof on the Bogart private eye genre.

“This is joyously comic Kocan set in that classic English era of

Finally, ‘The Card Players’ is set in a mental asylum of the 1970s or 1980s and is a snapshot of that era.

It has shades of ‘Cosi’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.

Email, 26 May 2015 Wyong Drama Group

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P17 7

Highly commended award received for Community Enterprise Program

Out & About

Wrap with Love Knit In moves to Wyong

yong Council has received a highly commended award for its Community Enterprise Program at the Local Government Awards held on Thursday, April 23.

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Local Government Awards recognise the excellent contributions, outstanding achievements and innovations being implemented to advance and improve the local government sector in NSW. Council was a ďŹ nalist in two categories.

Mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM said he was thrilled with the win which reinforces the innovative approach Council takes to community development. “Our community enterprise program has been running for three years now and the partnerships we have established and continue to nurture with groups across the Shire are delivering tangible social and economic outcomes,� the mayor said.

Council’s manager Community Partnerships and Programs Ms Julie

Vaughan, who accepted the award on behalf of Council, said evidence of the success of Council’s community enterprise program can be seen in many unique businesses across the Shire. “One of the agship partnerships forged under the banner of community enterprise is the community cafe at The Entrance Community Centre which is currently being managed by The Samaritans and provides a focal point for the local community to connect, plus training and employment opportunities for local people,â€? Ms Vaughan said. “Council has also partnered with WestďŹ eld Tuggerah to assist a variety of small organisations or collectives who are emerging into a retail

environment and needing a space to trial their business model. “One of the key challenges in the modern government environment is building community capacity, strengthening local employment and stimulating local economic growth. “Our community enterprise approach is delivering on these challenges, building new innovative businesses, creating employment and ensuring the proďŹ ts of these ventures are reinvested back into the community for the beneďŹ t of everyone. “It’s an exciting time to be in local government and delivering these outcomes to the community,â€? she said.

Media release, 23 Apr 2015 Wyong Council media

Five authors collaborate yong Council invited aspiring authors to Tuggerah Library to discover the story behind ‘The Painted Sky’, written under the pseudonym Alice Campion.

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Council’s section manager of library services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said she was excited to ďŹ nd out more about the unique creative process behind the novel. “This book came about under unusual circumstances,â€?

Ms Edwards said. “Four years ago, ďŹ ve authors met through a Sydney book club and set

themselves the challenge to write a romance novel by drawing upon their own experiences, which included a three week expedition to Bourke. “The result was this captivating story, full of romance, mystery and suspense, which has been described as a 21st Century ‘Thorn Birds’.�

Three of the ďŹ ve authors, Jane Richards,

Denise Tart and Jenny Crocker were at Tuggerah Library on Tuesday May 12 to give a talk about their collaboration.

It was one of a number of free author talks being held at the library during May, Ms Edwards said.

Wrap with Love blankets make it all the way to Zimbabwe

his year’s Wrap with Love Knit In will be held in the Wyong area for the ďŹ rst time in its long history.

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The Knit In will be held on Friday, August 7 at the Toukley Seniors Centre Memorial Hall. “It has been decided to change the location to the Wyong area to encourage the many interested groups who were unable to travel to Erina to participate in a fun, informative, social and nationwide community event,� said Ms Diana Johnson, Wrapped with Love’s new Central Coast convenor. “Although this day is called a Knit In, the objective is to sew together all the squares that are donated for the occasion. “In previous years, several hundred completed wraps were collected by Rotary

on the day, to be delivered to the Wrap with Love warehouse in Alexandria,�

Ms .Johnson said.

In 2014, Wrap with Love distributed 25,695 wraps to 21 countries including Australia.

Many local libraries have agreed to be collection points for the challenge and several will have displays leading up to the day. “June and July are the ideal knitting months for this project, with the deadline date for donations being Friday, July 31.�

Ms Johnson said library knitting groups were a wonderful meeting place for the elderly, lonely and interested, like-minded people to share their

skills and experiences. “Wrap with Love Inc has been operating on the Central Coast for many years, the last eight under the dedicated guidance of two very worthwhile recent recipients in this year’s Australia Day Awards,� she said.

Wyong residents, Ms Felicity Pike and Mr Bruce Pyke, received Order of Australia Medals for their outstanding service to the Wrap with Love organisation, as well as to the wider local community.

Due to failing health, Ms Pike has stepped down from the position as Central Coast convenor.

Media release, 26 May 2015 Diana Johnson, convenor, Wrap with Love

Media release, 7 May 2015 Melanie Sutton, Wyong Council

Young people under 25 make up almost 45% of the overall homeless population. ‥ Of this number, only 1 in 7

Our young people need your support now!

on 1800 06 22 88 or donate online at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au. *ABS, 2008; Counting the Homeless, 2006; Australian Census Analytic Program. ‥ActNow.com.au, 2010.

Youth Off the Streets is a registered charity helping the nation’s most disadvantaged youth to turn their lives around.

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

FREE

May 20, 2015

Your independent local newspaper

-

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 108

JRPP approvals a game changer for Gosford CBD

Current vacant land on corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dve Inset: Artist’s impression of the 12 storey building

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The existing Union Hotel on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St Inset: An artist’s impression of Mariners Plaza

should he green light has ďŹ nally been given for two major developments developments in the Gosford CBD, bringing the value of total approvals in the encourage further major development projects, CBD, since October 2014, up to over for $300 million.

The Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) gave the go ahead for two landmark developments at its third meeting on Thursday, May 14.

The JRPP approved a $157 million mixed use development right in the heart of Mann St and a $36.6 million retail and shop top housing development in Erina St. According to Gosford Council, the development on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 28 storeys.

It will house a 134-room hotel, a supermarket and 276 residential apartments.

The development will include 476 on-site car parking spaces and commercial and retail premises.

The development on the corner of Erina St and Henry Parry Dr includes a podium with two towers above rising up to 15 storeys.

It will include 180 residential units, 184 onsite car parking spaces and retail premises.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna hailed the decision as the deďŹ ning moment in Gosford’s rejuvenation. “There’s no doubt that the approval of these two landmark developments has now set the course for Gosford’s destiny,â€? Cr McKinna said. “Just the economic and social beneďŹ ts that will ow from having a much needed tourist facility in Gosford as well as an iconic structure to identify the city centre are set to be massive. “This is the game changer we knew Gosford needed and the one we’ve

been working so hard for over the last two years.�

Gosford Council’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson said Gosford’s new era of growth and opportunity had well and truly arrived after the panel’s decision. “These approvals go with the $120.8 million worth of development council has already approved since October last year,â€? Mr Anderson said. “I think it’s safe to say that the cranes are coming to the skies over Gosford along with the world-class city the Central Coast deserves,â€? he said. “The approval of these two landmark developments‌ represents an historic day for the revitalisation of our city,â€? said Gosford City Chamber president, Ms Ali Vidler.

She said approval of these two substantial

employment and economic growth in the Gosford CBD. “Gosford City Chamber of Commerce can’t wait to see the cranes in the CBD. “They have been a long time coming,� Ms Vidler said.

Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, said the JRPP go ahead was a welcomed and a landmark decision. “Congratulations must go to Gosford Council and all who have been working hard to deliver on this important milestone for the Central Coast,� Ms Wicks said. “This demonstrates the value of believing in Gosford as the capital city of the Central Coast. “I applaud Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, CEO Mr Paul Anderson, the councillors and the panel for recognising why we must rejuvenate Gosford. “This is certainly a new

era of jobs, growth and opportunity for our region and it’s clear that there will be signiďŹ cant ongoing economic and social beneďŹ ts. “Our community is set to thrive on the back of these positive announcements for Gosford, which will have ow on effects for the entire Central Coast. “The announcement caps an historic week for the Coast, and demonstrates why we need to keep investing in, and continue to ďŹ ght for, our great Central Coast,â€? Ms Wicks said.

The State Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP, also welcomed the news that the two developments had been approved. “These key developments will pave the way for future residential and commercial projects in the Gosford town centre at a time when the CBD is in urgent need of economic stimulus,� said Mr. Crouch. “The decision by the JRPP mirrors community

sentiment in that these developments are a catalyst for positive change and growth� he said.

Council had recommended that the JRPP approve both developments, but the panel’s decision had been deferred due to administrative errors at its ďŹ rst two meetings to discuss them.

SigniďŹ cant developments worth over $20 million must be referred to the JRPP for approval.

OfďŹ ce: 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.youthoffthestreets.com.au

Media release, 14 May 2015 Gosford Council media Media release, 14 May 2015 Tim Sowden, OfďŹ ce of Lucy Wicks MP Media release, 14 May 2015 Debra Wales, media advisor, Adam Crouch MP Media release, 15 May 2015 Alison Vidler, president, Gosford City Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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

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

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 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

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 w/e.

Our friendly group can be contacted for our monthly programme all areas of the coast 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 email cco30s@live.com.au

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

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

4353 5515

Long Jetty Over 50s Club Come along and join in our activities, great for indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, line-dancing, tai chi and more 4332 5522 9am to 3pm Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation The Mingaletta community centre provides its members and other community groups a meeting place and referal hub for education, health, well-being and cultural programs through consultative services and community programs.

Mon-Fri 9am 4pm 6 Sydney Ave Umina 4342 7515 admin@mingaletta.com.au

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

The Rotary Club of the Entrance Inc. A small, friendly and effective

club supporting many local organisations, and international Rotary Activities. Always welcoming new members, men and women, to help us to help others.

Meetings 6pm for 6.30 pm each Tues – Mingara Recreation Club 4367 6540 rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

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

Wrap with Love Knitting blankets for cold humanity.

Knitted blankets warm the heart of those who give and those who recieve.

Donations of 8ply yarn gratefully received.

Longjetty: 4333 4353 Toukley 4399 3351 Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Supporting disadvantaged vulnerable and isolated members of our community offering a range of community services, events, projects, workshops, arts programs and an open community garden.

4353 1750 Wyong Toastmasters Club 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 j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

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

Health Groups Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational group - 7 groups across the coast - Providing practical experience and confidence Learn the benefits to hearing aids - Better Hearing Australia Central Coast 4321 0275 www.centralcoast.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

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 P1

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

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

02 9646 0962 tracy.martinuz@msaustralia.org.au

PO Box 210 Lidcombe NSW 1825 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 www.cccwhc.com.au

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

Music Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub Branch Youth Club Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom Dancing classes from 4yrs old and up Classes held at the Youth Club - Monday afternoons 5pm mathewmoshou80@gmail.com

JAZZLEAGUE

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

Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems

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

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

kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

Pollitics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, education, land philosophy issues in a non partison manner - 2nd Thur every month besides Dec

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

Service Groups

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers

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

Special Interest Brisbane Water Caravan Club

located on the Central Coast and looking for new members www.bwcaravanclub.wix.com/ bwcc 4344 4363 Biz Plus Networking Association Attention business owners - are you keen to grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships?

Then why not attend a Biz Networking breakfast?

Every Thur 7:15am - 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

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 Central Coast Lapidary Club Minerals & Gems Learn silverwork, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips & fossicking Weekly Workshops Tues and Thurs 830am230pm Thurs evening 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

Diggers Bridge Club Bridge players can enjoy a game of social bridge at Diggers The Entrtance (downstairs) on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm with or without a partner.

Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606 Tuggerah Lakes U3A Keep your mind active and learn something new!

Come to one of our classes for a couple of hours and make new friends.

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

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

Wyong Drama Group Inc A friendly group, presenting 3 major productions a year.

We welcome anyone interested in being involved in any area of production Acting; Back-stage; Front of House; Lighting/Sound etc Monthly meetings 1st Tues.

7.30pm in the new Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600 wyongdramagroup@gmail.com

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 29, 2015 - P19 9

Art showcase part of Reconciliation Week

Local award-winning author gives free advice

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Out & About

yong Shire Council hosted a talk by local award-winning author, Duncan Lay, at Lake Haven Library on Thursday, May 14.

The free event was intended to give budding young authors the chance to be inspired as Duncan discussed the creative process behind his latest book, ‘The Last Quarrel’.

The event was held in the evening to give those who usually work nine to five the chance to attend.

“Unlike many fantasy

authors, Duncan’s books aren’t based around mythical creatures like dragons and orcs, but rather focus on the dark and gritty side of fantasy writing,” said Andrea Edwards, Wyong Council section manager of library services.

“Duncan talked about what motivates him as

The Wyong Diary

well as his experiences as a writer, including how his latest book was being published primarily as an eBook,” Ms Edwards said.

The event included a book signing.

Council libraries currently have three of Duncan Lay’s title’s available to borrow as eBooks.

“We have just added another 200 titles to our ever growing eBook collection,” Ms Edwards added.

Media release, 8 May 2015 Melanie Sutton, Wyong Council

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

Friday, May 29

Monday, Jun 1

Wyong Drama Group, Australian one act play triple bill Home Fires Burning, The Maltese Mouse and The Card Players

by Peter Kocan at the Wyong Grove Theatre

A Camera on Gallipoli, the photographs of Charles Ryan, Toukley Library 1:00pm to 4:00pm exhibition runs until Tuesday, June 30

Tuesday Jun 2 Saturday, May 30 Top of the hill markets, All Saints Anglican Church, 287 The Entrance Road from 8:00am to 12:00pm Wyong Drama Group, Australian one act play triple bill Home Fires Burning, The Maltese Mouse and The Card Players

by Peter Kocan at the Wyong Grove Theatre

Sunday May 31 All American Muscle Car Show, 10:00am to 2:30pm at Memorial Park, The Entrance Grizzlee Train, Bateau Bay Hotel, 3:00pm featuring Josh Dufficy

Meet the Authors Jenny Ford and Avia, Lake Haven Library, 10:30am

Wednesday, Jun 3 Aged care fees and charges seminar by Centrelink, 10:00am to 11:30am, 50 Wyong Rd, Tuggerah

Friday Jun 5 Central Coast Guide Dogs NSW/ACT stall, Chittaway Bay Shopping Centre, 9am2:30pm

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

Contact details are on page 2.

he Maliga School Based Art Showcase is running at The Entrance Gallery to celebrate Reconciliation Week from Wednesday, May 27 until Wednesday, June 3.

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Maliga (‘shine’ in Darkinjung) provides an opportunity for local indigenous students to express their identity and connection with the Central Coast through their creativity and display their work to the

Red Shield Appeal to use Bunnings warehouses unnings Warehouses at Lake Haven and Tuggerah are making their stores available for The Salvation Army to raise funds for the annual Red Shield Appeal, urging locals to get behind the cause and digdeep to show their support.

B

During the annual Red Shield Appeal fundraiser, volunteers from The Salvation Army will be visiting these Bunnings stores to give customers the opportunity to make a donation.

Bunnings Warehouse area manager, Michael Finn is encouraging local

residents to show support for the Salvos.

“We look forward to once again supporting The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal, as it makes a huge difference to so many Australians in need,” Michael said.

Email, 7 May 2015 Fiona Mcgill, PPR

Let your community know about:

Monday, Jun 8 Charmhaven Garden and Social Club, 1:00pm at Charmhaven Hall, Narara Ave, meets every second Monday

Maliga showcases indigenous students’ art during Reconciliation Week

• • • • • •

Weddings Engagements Special Birthdays Special Anniversaries New Born Babies Special Achievements

Send us a photo and information Details on page 2

broader community.

The success of last year’s Maliga means it has now become a permanent fixture in Wyong Council’s calendar of events for Reconciliation Week.

As part of its National

Reconciliation Week celebrations, Wyong Council held its annual inter-school touch football carnival on Thursday, May 28.

Email, 19 May 2015 Wyong Council media

STOP Before you book your next display advertisement in the local telephone directory look at this for BETTER VALUE

We will give you a display advertisement that’s 50% larger for the same price in EVERY EDITION of Wyong Chronicle (not just once) for a Whole Year!

Why be with all your competitors on the Coast when you can stand out in your local area and be seen week in and week out for twelve months?

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P20 - Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 29,, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS cost only $30 plus GST for 5 cms, and will be working for you in your local community for TWO WEEKS

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Union table the most even for many years

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arnervale went down to Ourimbah on Round Five of the Central Coast Rugby Union competition on Saturday, May 23.

Ourimbah hit form with a very confident 66 points to 22 win in the match at Woongarrah Oval.

Warnervale opened up the scoring with a converted try, but from then on it was basically all Ourimbah.

Ourimbah didn’t bear any ill effects from the game being moved from their home ground due to the wet conditions.

After the initial points were scored by Warnervale, Ourimbah crossed regularly for tries during the remainder of the first half.

Ourimbah had the match secure at halftime when they led by 40 points to 12.

Best players for Ourimbah were Brett Marchant, who crossed for three tries, Zane Tetevano and Junior Stowers, who was able to cross for two w ttries as well.

Ourimbah would be

most pleased to get the win and to get their season back on track.

Warnervale started well but could not handle the Ourimbah attack.

Brenton Acreman was excellent for the home side, and was able to cross for two tries, while he was well assisted by Richard Houston and Keanu Ashwell.

The Entrance was also defeated by Hornsby 49 points to 19 at Mark Taylor Oval, Waitara.

It was a reasonably tight game for much of the match but it was Hornsby who broke away for what ended up a quite easy win.

Hornsby did lead all match and were always that little bit more in charge.

Hornsby played well in the first half to take a 28 points to seven lead at the halftime break.

Soon after the break The Entrance scored a

Public Notice

Have your say Pacific Highway upgrade through Wyong Town centre Roads and Maritime Services is planning a future upgrade of the Pacific Highway through the Wyong town centre to improve traffic flow, travel times and safety.

A revised design has been developed to allow for future expansion of the rail line, if required.

The proposal involves two lanes in each direction between Johnson Road at Tuggerah and Cutler Drive at Wyong.

Please provide any feedback by Friday 19 June 2015 to Central.Coast.Office@rms.nsw.gov.au For more information visit rms.nsw.gov.au (search for Wyong Town Centre upgrade).

Your feedback will be considered in finalising the concept design and preparing our environmental assessment, which is scheduled to be displayed for your comment later this year.

Z03784

Classifieds

try and this narrowed the gap and for a while it looked like there was to be comeback.

Hornsby reasserted itself and took charge in the match, crossing for seven tries to three and that was a good indication of the flow of the match.

Hornsby kicker Sam White was able to convert all seven tries to achieve a perfect record for the day.

The Entrance were best served by Simon Tinkler who never stopped trying, and was able to cross for two personal tries.

Northlakes played away to Kariong who managed a solid win against the away team, 52 points to 24.

The first half was very even but it was Northlakes who had the better of the first 40 minutes.

Northlakes played very good rugby and went to the halftime break leading by 17 points to 12.

Northlakes had several good players in the first half, including Rob Heads, prop Michael Ferry and halfback Kiri Heke, in his first game for the club.

Kariong took control in the second half.

They played concerted rugby and wore Northlakes down.

Kariong were able to outscore Northlakes by 40 points to seven in the second half.

The competition table at this stage is certainly tightening up and is one of the most even for many years.

Media release, 24 May 2015 Larry Thomson, president, Central Coast Rugby Union

For more information or to provide feedback please contact Pete Styles on (02) 4379 7008, email: Central.Coast.Office@rms.nsw.gov.au or visit rms.nsw.gov.au

Wanted

The Shame File

WANTED

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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0422 076 298

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P21 1

Sport

Tigers destroy Razorbacks in one sided match

Central Wyong's Daniel Janissen who was sent off in the 50th minute Photo: Andrew Stark

Subscribe now and don’t miss an edition Peninsula Community Access

News

1 Year (25 editions) to Peninsula News $50

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Tigers second rower Brad Chatfield looks for support back on the inside Photo: Andrew Stark

I

n an irritable round six rugby league clash played at the EDSACC Oval on Saturday, May 23

Both teams fell foul of the referee and touch judges at various stages throughout the contest as tensions ran high.

Players from both sides took turns being waved from the ground as the officials struggled to maintain control.

Netball gala day n Wednesday, May 20 the Budgewoi Public School senior girls’ netball team participated in the PSSA Gala Day at Baker Park, Wyong.

O

The Tigers began the game full of running and had two tries on the board inside the opening five minutes.

Nathan Cooper bolted 70 metres up the western touchline for the first try, followed by a soft try to lock forward, Troy Adams, who burrowed over from close range.

The Razorbacks hit back in the eighth minute when Shane Beale skipped through a tackle or two on the right edge.

The girls participated with enthusiasm, determination and commitment.

They all demonstrated great sportsmanship and even though the girls were red faced and hot, it was difficult to bring them off the court for a rest.

Budgewoi PS played Blue Haven PS first and in a nail biting game won 12-11.

Budgewoi PS progressed to round two and were unfortunately defeated by Tacoma PS. Newsletter, 25 May 2015 K Moore, principal, Budgewoi Public School

Three more opening half tries to the home side extinguished any thoughts of a Central comeback as the mid game score line shouted 24-4.

In the third minute of the new half, giant prop Tim Nawaqatabu stretched out to find the barest sliver of try line; the first of five, unanswered second period tries that helped push the Tigers to a half century of points.

Media release, 18 May 2015 Andrew Stark, Central Coast Rugby League

1 Year (25 editions) to Wyong Regional Chronicle $50

Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940 120c Erina Street, Gosford To order online

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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

Hawks win puts them on top of the table he Toukley Hawks have continued their bright start to the 2015 season with a 4020 win over the Ourimbah Magpies at Sohier Park in round seven on Sunday, May 24.

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Early tries to Mitch Fry and Ben New enabled the Magpies to hop out to a 12-0 lead before the visitors had the chance to fully acclimatise.

Toukley slowly ground their way into the contest and a brace of tries down the right edge to Matt Ghazawy and Trent Walker reduced the margin to two, before Ourimbah skipped away again to lead 20-16 at the break.

The opening period had been a see-sawing affair but the second half became all one way traffic as Grant Wooden’s men ran in four unanswered tries to run away with the

game.

Left winger Ryan Heath grabbed a double, whilst props Wooden and Dylan Thorne were outstanding up the middle of the field.

The win pushes Toukley to the top of the Central Coast rugby league standings after a handful of games and the clash with second placed Kincumber in round eight should ensure a healthy crowd at Darren Kennedy Oval.

Media release, 25 May 2015 Andrew Stark, Central Coast Rugby League Ourimbah skipper Chris Trembath offloads during the first half at Sohier Park Photo: Andrew Stark

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

Time - Height(m)

Time - Height(m)

Time - Height(m)

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

FRI - 29 0452 - 1.41 1102 - 0.57 1734 - 1.56 2353 - 0.66 MON - 1 0120 - 0.51 0709 - 1.44 1258 - 0.52 1930 - 1.79 THU - 4 0325 - 0.37 0921 - 1.45 1500 - 0.51 2131 - 1.91 SUN - 7 0549 - 0.37 1155 - 1.43 1732 - 0.60 2357 - 1.79 WED - 10 0157 - 1.63 0835 - 0.42 1456 - 1.53 2054 - 0.64

SAT - 30 0541 - 1.42 1143 - 0.55 1814 - 1.64 TUE - 2 0200 - 0.45 0752 - 1.45 1336 - 0.51 2008 - 1.85 FRI - 5 0410 - 0.35 1010 - 1.44 1547 - 0.53 2216 - 1.89 MON - 8 0643 - 0.39 1253 - 1.44 1833 - 0.63 THU - 11 0304 - 1.57 0931 - 0.43 1556 - 1.61 2208 - 0.60

SUN - 31 0038 - 0.58 0626 - 1.43 1220 - 0.53 1851 - 1.72 WED - 3 0242 - 0.40 0835 - 1.45 1417 - 0.50 2048 - 1.89 SAT - 6 0458 - 0.36 1100 - 1.43 1638 - 0.56 2304 - 1.85 TUE - 9 0054 - 1.71 0739 - 0.41 1354 - 1.47 1941 - 0.65 FRI - 12 0411 - 1.53 1025 - 0.43 1654 - 1.70 2316 - 0.53

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

Jake Fitzpatrick dives over for a try beside the posts for the Hawks Photo: Andrew Stark

Mannings Sports Firearms & Ammunition & Archery Specialists Camo Gear, Knives, Hunting Accessories Gun Safes, Scopes, Boots, Reloading, etc

172 Mann Street, Gosford - 4325 1617 www.manningssports.com.au www manningssports com au

Animal Welfare League - Central Coast Branch AWL is a registered animal welfare charity offering subsidised desexing to assist eligible members of our community needing help with the costs of desexing their pets.

Some of the benefits of desexing your pet are: • Prevent unwanted litters.

• Reduced risk of cancer of the reproductive organs.

• Cheaper Council life-time registration.

• Less likely to wander or roam.

Call Helen 4342 2047 for details Thrift Shop Enquiries: 4344 6650

Wyong Regional Chronicle - May 29, 2015 - P23 3

Sport

Sauce bottle almost red carded in testimonial match

Central Coast Mariners versus the John Hutchinson 11

ver 3,000 Central Coast Mariners’ supporters turned up to chilly Pluim Park on Saturday, May 23 to farewell retiring club captain, John Hutchinson.

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The John Hutchinson Testimonial match was an A-League first and a memorable community event.

A grand total of 17 goals were scored in three 25-minute ‘thirds’ of football.

Goal scorers included: Sasho Petrovski, Adam Kwasnik, Bernie Ibini, Andre Gumprecht, Rostyn Griffiths, Mile Sterjovski, Danny Vukovic, Dean Heffernan, Tom Slater, Fabio Ferreira and, of course, John Hutchinson.

Special mentions also need to go to Liam Reddy who scored a hat trick and one of the Mariners’ biggest fans, Jake Banks, who made a cameo appearance and scored a goal to help Hutch’s XI to a 15-2 victory.

Even the Masterfoods

sauce bottle made an appearance on the field to be whacked by a Brent Griffiths slide tackle that saw him pick up a red card for his troubles.

Both Liam Reddy and Danny Vukovic made fully-fledged runs from goals and both reached half way one after the other.

Nick Montgomery called a quick halt to play as he shared hot chips with a spectator.

Mr Vukovic undertook interviews with other players during game play and still managed to bag a goal.

The night ended with a lap of honour for the local hero, John Hutchinson.

Media release, 25 May 2015 Central Coast Mariners media

John Hutchinson farewells Mariners fans at his testimonial match

Test your limits!

The sauce bottle almost gets red carded at the Hutchinson testimonial match

HIKE

THE HIMALAYAS

15 – 26 MAR 2016

HIKE THE HOMELANDS 23 – 29 JULY 2015 Set your sights high and join Team Amnesty to raise vital funds for Amnesty’s human rights work.

Get in touch: www.amnesty.org.au/teamamnesty 02 8396 7668 fundraisingevents@amnesty.org.au

RUN

A MARATHON

NEW YORK: NOV 2015 LONDON: APRIL 2016

SPORT

P24 - Wyong P2 y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 29,, 2015

Australian national rugby sevens teams join powerful line up as Olympics loom he Australian men’s and w o m e n ’ s national rugby sevens teams have been confirmed to compete at the 2015 Central Coast Sevens (CC7s) tournament in October.

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The national teams are to be joined by both the Australian men’s and women’s development sides at the tournament.

New Zealand Rugby has also confirmed it will also be sending a New Zealand development team to compete at the Central Coast Sevens.

For the Australian men’s side, the CC7s will provide important preparation leading into the Oceania Olympic qualifier tournament taking place in Auckland in November after the team missed the chance to automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Games.

The team needed to finish with a top four placing in the World Series to receive automatic games qualification but finished one place short in fifth position.

Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand and England secured automatic qualification based on finishing the world-series with top four standings.

The inclusion of the Australian Women’s team whets the appetite as they seek to dethrone Canada.

The Canadians return to the Central Coast Sevens to defend the title they won in emphatic style in 2014, when they defeated the Australian development side.

The inclusion of the two heavyweights in October’s tournament sets the scene for a mouth-watering clash if the two teams meet during the event.

The Australian women’s team stormed to victory recently to take

The Australian men's and women's squads will be attending CC7s in October

out the London Sevens World Series, defeating arch-rivals Canada in the final.

They have one round of the women’s worldseries left to play in Amsterdam, where they are strong chances to finish top four, earning automatic Olympic qualification.

The women are currently sitting in equal second place with

Canada but third on points difference, so results in Amsterdam will be critical to securing automatic Olympic qualification.

CC7s director, Craig Morgan, said: “It is exciting to have the Australian national and development teams confirmed.

“It is shaping up as a very exciting tournament with some of the best

sides in the world set to compete.

“It is an exciting time for the game as an Olympic qualification year and with the Rio games taking place in August 2016.

“The world series has been the most competitive series ever and we can’t wait to see some of the world’s best take to the field here in October.”

T o u r n a m e n t Ambassador and Australian World-Series player, Jesse Parahi from the Avoca Beach Rugby Club may take the field for the national team.

Sir Gordon Tietjens, New Zealand’s World Rugby Hall of Fame coach was a guest at the 2014 tournament and labelled the Central Coast event “first class” and stated his desire to

New Zealand Rugby Union has announced they will be sending a development team to compete in this year's CC7s rugby competition in October

bring a team to challenge at the tournament.

The inclusion of the New Zealand development side adds to the impressive lineup that is forming to contest the 2015 sevens extravaganza, which also includes the national sides of Australia, Germany and Hong Kong.

They will play alongside teams from the Pacific, USA, Canada and the very best Australian domestic teams.

The makeup of the New Zealand side is relatively unknown at this stage, however indications suggest the team will be a powerful side made up of top tier national players and a number of potential 2016 Olympic candidates.

“We are excited at the inclusion of New Zealand Rugby who are a pinnacle across all forms of the game,” said tournament director, Craig Morgan.

“We have no doubt that Sir Gordon will bring with him a team intent on and capable of winning the tournament.

“It is a major compliment to the standard and level of the CC7s competition and we look forward to welcoming Sir Gordon and the New Zealand Development Team to the Central Coast in October”.

It is anticipated that several of next year’s Olympic stars will be on show at the Central Coast Sevens as national highperformance units seek to map out their Olympic plans.

It will also be an ideal opportunity for unidentified talent to stake their claims with the tournament being utilised as a talent identification event by several nations.

Media release, 18 May 2015 Media release, 26 May 2015 Craig Moran, tournament director, Central Coast Sevens