Issue 72 of Wyong Regional Chronicle

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June 26, 2015

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Harris calls for independent judicial inquiry into rezoning allegations ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP has called for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations raised about links between developer donations and spot rezonings across Wyong shire.

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Mr Harris said he had written to the Office of Local Government, the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Planning calling for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations raised in the Newcastle Herald as well as other issues around planning decisions.

“For the last two years, locals have been raising concerns about several decisions, and in particular, the proposed Chappypie Theme Park in Warnervale,” Mr Harris said.

“Serious allegations raised in the media … as well as potential links between developer donations and spot rezonings across Wyong Shire, need immediate investigation.

“The Minister for Local Government needs to consider whether the mayor should remain on the Joint Regional Planning Panel if an investigation goes ahead.

“I would also call on the mayor to consider stepping down from his position if any investigation is launched.

“The Wyong mayor has nothing to fear if he has acted correctly.

“An inquiry is the best way for these issues to be resolved and restore local residents’ confidence in the process.

“The community currently has a very low opinion about how planning decisions are being made and that is not acceptable.

“I have a responsibility to ensure that when such matters are raised, they are investigated appropriately – all public officials should act without fear or favour and report any such allegations to the proper authority.

“I made a promise to many residents whilst door knocking during the campaign that I would always put them and their concerns before my own and I would expect that of any elected representatives, whether it is in parliament or council.

“I hope the NSW Government will take these allegations seriously and acknowledge the concerns of the Wyong Shire community by starting an investigation as quickly as possible.”

Media release, 17 June 2015 Jake Allen, Office of David Harris

Issue 72

‘Share accusation a baseless slur’ – Eaton yong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM has called allegations the bottom of it because we that his wife knowingly held shares in companies related to a knew nothing about it,” he said. development at Warnervale a “baseless slur”.

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Cr Eaton said his wife was taking action with the Human Rights Commission on the basis that she had been the victim of racial and sexual discrimination through allegations made that she owned shares in a company related to developers of a proposed Chinese theme park at Warnervale.

“It has been proven that there is no issue with the shares at all,” Cr Eaton said.

“This is discrimination against my wife because she is married to me,” he said.

In a statement sent to Wyong Council, the chief executive officer of Australian Chinese Them Park Pty Ltd, Mr Bruce Zhong said: “Ms Eaton never knew she was a shareholder in Sydney China Daily.

“This is a mistake I made and when I realised that, I corrected it.

“Cr Eaton received no benefit from this company,” Mr Zhong said.

Cr Eaton said he had written to the NSW opposition leader, Mr Luke Foley MP, calling for him to sack member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP from the role of shadow minister for the Central Coast.

He said there had been unanimous support for a mayoral minute at the Council’s meeting on Wednesday, June 24 stating that all planning decisions made by Council during

Letter from Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton calling on Luke Foley to replace Mr Harris as shadow minister for the Central Coast and statement from Bruce Zhang

the past two years had been based on the professional recommendations of Council staff.

“The fact that all councillors, including Labor councilors, supported the minute demolishes the whole of Harris’ argument that there is something wrong with Wyong Council,” Cr Eaton said.

“He is either saying the Wyong Council staff are corrupt or inefficient,” Cr Eaton said.

He also said false reports had been published in other newspapers that the Chappypie China Time theme park proposed for Warnervale had been

refused by NSW Planning.

“The Gateway process is a yes or no proposition and it was approved,” Cr Eaton said.

“It was given the green light to go ahead and do all the usual studies.

“It is the preliminary approval before spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on studies.”

Cr Eaton said he was in Canberra when his wife was approached to respond to allegations about owning shares in a company related to the Chappypie development.

“We were given two hours to respond and it took three days to get to

In terms of the Fit for the Future process being imposed on all local councils by the state government, Cr Eaton said his view was that Wyong and Gosford Councils are likely to be merged.

“We’ve got to put forward an argument about why we shouldn’t have a merger,” he said.

“We couldn’t get access to the Gosford figures to put together an argument for a merger.”

He said there had been quite a lot of uninformed comment about the whole merger progress.

“A merged council would be a complete new entity,” he said.

It would involve the dissolution of the two existing Central Coast councils and the creation of a brand new entity, according to Cr Eaton.

The mayor said he had supported a motion put forward (but not carried) by Cr Lloyd Taylor at the June 24 meeting setting out what Wyong Council believed should be the elements of a merged Coast council.

The recommendations included that a new merged council had 15 councillors who were on full-time wages, seven from each of the existing Wyong and Gosford LGAs and a popularly elected mayor.

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

Interview, 25 June 2015 Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM Jackie Pearson, journalist

Directory

P2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! he Central Coast Gang Show will be celebrating its 30th anniversary at Lacycock Street Theatre from July 8 to 11 and you have a chance to win tickets.

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Ambulance, Police, Fire 000

The Wyong Regional Chronicle and the Central Coast Scouts and Guides are offering three family passes for the opening night of the Gang Show on Wednesday, July 8 at Laycock Street Community Theatre.

To enter, place your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Gang Show Competition, PO Box 1056 Gosford, 2250.

Entries close 5:00pm Friday, July 3. Winners will be informed by telephone and tickets will need to be collected from the theatre.

The winners of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Sydney Roosters Competition were J Gunning of Canton Beach, M Symes of Glenning Valley and B Hagan of Toukley.

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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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

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Next Edition: Wyong Regional Chronicle 73

Deadline: July 8 - Publication date: July 10 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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Issue 109 Edition 369

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.

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

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June 3, 2015 25 May 2015

Motor registry closure plans meet with protest

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Revised design for upgrade of Pacific Hwy through Wyong on display

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Issue 71

Record budget with record road spending adopted unanimously Woy Woy Motor Registry office is facing closure

A petition to stop the closure of Woy Woy Motor Registry has been signed by over 6000 Peninsula residents in the past two weeks.

An artist's impression of the three-tower Waterside concept for the old Froggy's site in Mann St Gosford

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

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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

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osford-based chartered accountants, Robson Partners have started a petition at change.org to ‘give Waterside development the green light’.

By around 12:00pm on Monday, June 1, the online petition had been signed by 106 people.

“We are calling on all the residents of the Central Coast to get behind this initiative and help revitalise our city, by showing their support in signing this petition,” the petition preamble at change. org said.

Robson Partners have been particularly vocal in their support of the redevelopment of the Froggy’s site in Mann St Gosford called ‘Waterside’.

‘Waterside’ is a $180 million proposal by Chinese businessman, Mr Jiang Wang and a company called New Hong Kong Macau Australia Pty Ltd. “It will feature three towers,

graduating from 26 storeys to 34 storeys with residential units, hotel rooms, retail outlets, restaurants and an open-plan walk-through area connecting the city centre to the Gosford waterfront,” said Robson Partners director, Mr Troy Marchant.

Mr Marchant said Robson Partners are supportive of the Waterside development because: “First and foremost, sitting above everything, we have had our accountancy practice sitting in Gosford for 25 years, so we are naturally supportive of development in the CBD and in the region,” Mr Marchant said.

“Because of the flow-on effects it has on businesses, basically because it is good for jobs,” he said.

According to Mr Marchant, recognising and utilising the natural assets of the Gosford waterfront is a critical step forward is recognising and developing Gosford to its full potential as a place to live and work.

“Developments like this will only spawn more developments and act as a catalyst to drive other ventures and give the Gosford CBD the drive it needs.

“We need to encourage people who have the drive to make Gosford great,” he said.

Mr Caine King, director of CKDS Architecture, the East Gosford architectural firm that is designing the Waterside concept for Mr Wang said he is currently working with

Gosford Council to ensure the development application will be well received by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) which is responsible for approving developments worth over $20 million.

He said he is hoping that a strong response to the change.org petition will help the developer’s case with both Gosford Council and the JRPP. The current design concept, which is currently undertaking a review, incorporates a proposed new bus interchange in Baker St, the preservation of the heritage clock tower in Mann St and will include an entertainment and retail quarter with a large pedestrian forecourt.

Mr King said the original design may need to be reworked because New Hong Kong Macau Australia Pty

Ltd had not been shortlisted to develop the new home for the Australian Taxation Office in Gosford, as promised by the Federal Government.

The commercial component of the development may need to be scaled back now the company is out of the running to accommodate the ATO. The number of residential units included in the development (572 in the current DA) is also under review.

Mr King said that now the Mariners Plaza development on the corner of Mann St and Donnison St has been approved, he also needs to do a “very extensive” assessment of how Waterside will impact on the views from the Mariners Plaza.

“We are not going to alter our concept but we do have to justify what we are doing

and the impact that will have on the Mariners’ Plaza views,” he said.

Mr King said the current floor space ratio of the Waterside development is 8% whereas the Mariners’ Plaza gained JRPP approval at over 9%.

“We are a much bigger site and have a lot more social benefit because of the hotel, proposed bus interchange, heritage item and entertainment precinct,” he 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

Email, 29 May 2015 Troy Marchant, Robson Partners Interview notes, 1 June 2015 Troy Marchant, Robson Partners Interview notes, 1 June 2015 Caine King, CKDS Architecture Jackie Pearson, journalist

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith said the response from the community had been “enormous” and more signatures are being added every day.

“I have written to the NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Mr Duncan Gay, outlining the huge community opposition

to the closing of this service,” Ms Smith said.

“We are waiting on his formal reply.

“Questions have also been asked in Parliament and will continue to be asked.”

Ms Smith said her aim was to gather 10,000 signatures in order to fight the closure which is scheduled to occur on Saturday, August 8.

“We ask that people to visit my office at 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy, to sign as quickly as they can.

Child airlifted A five-year-old Umina child was airlifted to Sydney after being hit by a car at Umina on the afternoon of Thursday, May 21.

Emergency services were called to Trafalgar Ave at about 4:40pm after reports a car had hit a child.

The boy was assessed by paramedics for a suspected broken leg and other minor injuries.

He was airlifted to the children’s hospital at Westmead for further treatment.

The driver of the car stopped after the crash and rendered assistance to the child.

He underwent a roadside breath test which returned a negative result.

Inquiries into the events leading up to the crash are still continuing.

Media release, 21 May 2015 NSW Police

“We can post petitions to those who cannot get into my office,” she said.

The NSW Minister responsible for the decision to close the Woy Woy registry is the Minister for Finance, Services and Property Mr Dominic Perrottet.

Media release, 4 June 2015 Suzanne King, Office of Kathy Smith

Wicks seeks reversal of decision Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has written to NSW Premier Mr Mike Baird to urge him to reconsider the decision to close the Woy Woy Motor Registry.

The Federal Member has made representations about the registry closure, which is a State Government issue, after being approached by Peninsula

residents.

“Members of the Woy Woy and Umina community have informed me this could have a significant impact on their ability to access important services, especially elderly residents who may no longer be able to drive,” Ms Wicks said.

Media statement, 5 June 2015 Tim Sowden, Office of Lucy Wicks

Lone Pine Ave to be upgraded Work has commenced to upgrade Lone Pine Ave, Umina.

Last year residents petitioned Gosford Council and noted that the road had become dangerous due to wear and tear.

At the time, residents suggested that because Lone Pine Ave was named after the Battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli the Anzac Centenary would have been a good time to upgrade the

road.

According to council minutes, Lone Pine Ave is a major thoroughfare to local main roads; which also has large amounts of local traffic servicing nearby residents.

“When the weather is wet, the road becomes one-way due to flooding on the verges. It is also unsafe for pedestrians alighting buses due to the lack of footpaths and potholes,” the residents’ petition said.

The matter was referred to the council’s construction planning and management division.

It has since been progressed to a major upgade that included improvements to drainage and footpaths.

Media release, 26 February 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council

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June 12, 2015

Motor registry closure petition signed by 6000

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June 17, 2015 9 June 2015

Public support sought for Waterside development currently under review

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Sparks Rd upgrade

achievement.” and $1 million on Norton yong is the second largest spending council in NSW on essential year’s budget.

Highlights of the Ave in Killarney Vale.

“Our community has services, with a record $66 million spend on local roads and Cr Eaton said the $105 $105 million on capital works planned for next financial year, told us loudly and clearly, record roads spending they want better local included: $1.5 million on million capital works according to council’s general manager, Mr Michael Whittaker.

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Council’s plans were outlined in its four year Strategic Plan and 2015-16 budget adopted unanimously at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, June 10.

Mr Michael Whittaker said the budget met the needs of the Wyong’s growing population and supports the community’s aspirations for Wyong to be a unique place to live, work and visit.

“After driving a $35.5 million turnaround in our operating budget since 2010, we are now in the strongest position we have ever been to deliver the infrastructure and services that will create jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Our $361 million budget for next year is sound, responsible and balanced.

“We are getting back to basics with 75 per cent of spending going to the big five services requested by the community: roads and drainage: water, sewerage, open space and waste management.”

Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said the centre piece of the budget, is the planned record $66 million spend on roads and drainage, an increase of 30 per cent on last

roads and we are going to deliver it in spades this year,” Mayor Eaton said.

“I am delighted to say that since 2010 we have more than doubled our spending on roads, from $32 million to $66 million, making us the largest spending council in the state when it comes to roads.

“We have managed to balance the budget at the same time as increase our roads spending – a major

new footpaths and shared pathways; $4.1 million on the roads reseal program; $2.5 million on Wyong CBD drainage; $1.6 million on Goorama Ave in San Remo; $1.6 million on Maitland and Bald St in Norah Head; $1.5 million on Audie Pde, Berkeley Vale; $1.4 million on Bay Rd in Blue Bay; $1.3 million on Lakeside Pde, The Entrance; $1 million on Elouera Rd, Buff Point,

program was possibly the best in the shire’s history with exciting projects to be delivered next year including The Art House (finished by Christmas), a smart hub for Warnervale, the Magenta Shared Pathway and the biggest skate park in NSW, designed by the world’s best, to be opened in July, 2016.

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, 11 June 2015 Wyong Council media

o l l o w i n g e x t e n s i v e negotiations with the developer and over 1,500 public objections, Gosford Council refused a contentious proposal to redevelop the Avoca Beach Theatre at its Tuesday, June 9 ordinary meeting.

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The proposal had sought to add four cinemas to the site as well as a cafe and gallery, five residential units and basement car parking.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said despite Council’s best efforts to try and make the redevelopment workable, in the end it was refused for a number of reasons.

“The planning assessment looked very closely at all the community’s feedback and gave the applicant many chances to provide more information about any issues or amend the proposal as well,” Cr McKinna said.

“Given the proposal’s excessive size and height, there were major concerns it would see the site become overdeveloped, which would just not fit with the local area’s character.

“Plus, for us to approve this redevelopment, especially considering the amount of public opposition, would not have been in the community’s best interests.

“Although we received well over 1,500 individual letters and signatures objecting to this proposal, it’s important to acknowledge that we also received around 800 individual letters and signatures supporting it.

“But ultimately the site’s flooding risks were too significant to ignore, especially for this proposal.

“With the site located in

The potential loss of the lawn at the side of the Avoca Theatre was one of the concerns raised about the site’s redevelopment

an existing floodway, the proposed vehicle access and basement car parking for the redevelopment posed serious public safety risks if the site flooded,” he said.

In March 2015, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage advised Gosford Council that the NSW Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW, had made an Interim Heritage Order over the site.

The Interim Heritage Order meant Council had limited power to determine the current application without the concurrence of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

“I would like to sincerely thank every resident for their comments and feedback on

this proposal, and patience while we assessed the application,” Cr McKinna said.

“I’d also like to thank the Council staff and developer for their efforts in trying to see whether this redevelopment could be delivered in a more suitable and acceptable way.”

The owner of the Avoca Theatre, Mr Norman Hunter addressed the ordinary meeting prior to the Council’s decision to refuse the development proposal.

Mr Hunter said he believed all the concerns relating to vehicular access, seating capacity and floor imprint had been addressed.

He said amended plans had been lodged but they were not the plans contained in the report to

the council meeting.

“Please remember the theatre is important to the Central Coast and the challenge for us all is to find a way forward for this significant cultural facility for the Central Coast,” Mr Hunter said.

Cr Gabby Bowles said it was with a heavy heart she moved the motion for refusal and thanked both the Hunters for the work they had put in and the community for its input.

“The reasons I cannot support a further deferral are that there are other issues in the report that the current application doesn’t address,” Cr Bowles said.

She said she could not get past the bulk and scale of the development proposed considering its

dominant position in the Avoca bowl.

“I do think there is a potential to find an outcome that would see this theatre grow but I think it is time that we now make a decision on what is before us,” she said.

Cr Hilary Morris said she would support the refusal because Council needed to do flood mediation work and she was concerned about the height of the proposed development and its impact on residents.

Cr Deanna Bocking said she wished to move that council meet the proponents once the interim heritage order was resolved should they wish to continue with a development on the site.

Cr Vicki Scott said the Avoca Theatre development application had be the worst

she had dealt with in her 12 years as a councillor in terms of it being the most complicated.

“In dealing with DAs we have to determine by the planning legislation,’ Cr Scott said.

“It is not our concern whether the Hunters have a viable business, whether one or five screens, whether the lawn survives, so long as the DA complies,” she said.

“Also it is not our concern that the theatre is iconic or that the Hunters and the theatre may not survive refusal of the DA because all council can make its decision on is whether or not the DA complies.”

Cr Scott said she would vote against the motion to refuse the development application because: “I don’t feel that I have enough understanding or enough information, believe it or not, to decide whether I want to vote with the refusal.”

“I do hope that is not an end to this theatre or to the Hunter’s vision for the theatre and the role it can play in the future,” Cr Bowles concluded before counsellors voted to refuse the development application.

“Hopefully the Hunters will see fit that there is a way forward and will see this theatre thriving on into the future for our children and our children’s children,” she said.

Media release, 9 June 2015 Gosford Council media Notes from General Meeting 9 June 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

FREE

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

22 June 2015

More time granted to Bells developer

Avoca Beach Theatre redevelopment refused

The developer of the controversial Bells Living and Bells Green development proposals at Killcare has been successful in asking Gosford Council for more time to consult with the community.

This site in Booker Bay Rd was deemed to be a site of significant Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in 2012

Work halted at aboriginal burial ground Work has come to a halt on a Booker Bay development after it was claimed to have damaged a culturallysignificant aboriginal burial ground.

The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council has claimed that excavation for a new building had “significantly damaged” a shell midden and that Gosford Council was responsible for providing incorrect information which allowed it to occur.

Gosford Council had written to the developer stating “that the site was clear for development” and it “did not declare the previously identified requirements for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit”, according to Darkinjung CEO Mr Sean Gordon “It’s just heartbreaking to see a potential site of our collective history bulldozed over because of an administrative error, oversight or any other reason,” he said.

“Despite the damage to the site and potential breaches of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, we remain committed to working with all relevant parties to develop an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit for the site so that works can proceed.

“With an increased awareness of our culture and history, we can all ensure that we’re protecting our shared history.

“Together, we can make sure that errors like this don’t ever happen again,” he said.

According to Mr Gordon, the recent history surrounding the site in Booker Bay Rd, Booker Bay started in July 1970 when aboriginal remains were found within property.

In April 2010, a development application was made for the property by its former owner.

Then in June 2010, an initial inspection reported the possible presence of an Aboriginal burial ground and shell midden.

The site was then registered with the Office of Environment and Heritage’s Aboriginal Information Management System.

In April 2012, the property’s former owners commissioned a report on the property by Austral Archaeology.

Austral determined, among other things, that the entire study area was considered to be of high potential significance and any subsurface activity in the study area could have had an adverse impact on the important site, Mr Gordon said.

The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council formally responded to Austral Archaology in June 2012 and suggested further investigation was warranted.

“In July 2012, Gosford Council received notice from Office of Environment and Heritage that recommended an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit and strict compliance with its terms,” Mr Gordon said.

According to Mr Gordon,

between August 2012 and February 2015, the property was sold to its new owner, Urban Growth NSW. “The new owner demolished the existing dwelling on the property and developed a new dwelling under State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP, Affordable Rental Housing) 2009,” Mr Gordon said.

“In February 2015, the Office of Environment and Heritage received a report of damage by construction works to a registered shell midden on the site.”

“For more than five years we’ve been working with Gosford Council, various state government departments and the former owner of a property in Booker Bay to properly determine the cultural significance of the site,” Mr Gordon said.

“It’s extremely disappointing that after all this time, diligence and effort from so many people, we now have an unapproved construction sitting on top of a potentially culturally significant site.

“As a community here on the Central Coast and especially on the Woy Woy Peninsula, there is a strong recognition of the importance of our heritage.

“This is not just aboriginal heritage, this is Australian heritage.”

Media release, 10 June 2015 Ashleigh Milne, Brilliant Logic

The decision follows a previous abortive attempt to reverse a previous decision of the council, where the council did not have enough councillors in the chamber to make the decison.

The process started at the council’s May 12 meeting, when it decided to defer voting on the development proposal and instead decided to arrange a site visit.

That site visit was then put on hold at the request of the developer.

At its May 26 meeting, the council was unable to rescind its motion from May 12 due to the lack of a quorum.

Council’s latest meeting, held on Tuesday, June 9, did secure a successful vote to rescind the May

12 resolutions.

Councillors then passed a new substantive motion that: “At the request of the applicant this matter be deferred for the applicant to consult with the community, after this consultation the site inspection take place at a future date”.

Each time the Bells Living and Bells Green development proposal has come before Council, general manager Mr Paul Anderson and Councillors McKinna, Bowles, Bocking, Morris and McFadyen have each declared some degree of personal interest in the development.

On the latest occasion, once those with significant interests left the chamber, Cr Bocking moved that the recommendation to rescind the previous resolution and Cr Ward seconded the motion.

A further motion was then voted on and adopted, that a site visit be arranged for a later date if required.

Gosford Council agenda NM.4, 9 June 2015

Bells at Killcare

THIS ISSUE contains 61 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

June 26, 2015

Your independent community newspaper - Ph: 4325 7369

Harris calls for independent judicial inquiry into rezoning allegations

Issue 72

‘Share accusation a baseless slur’ – Eaton

yong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM has called allegations the bottom of it because we that his wife knowingly held shares in companies related to a knew nothing about it,” he said. development at Warnervale a “baseless slur”.

In terms of the Fit for ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris the Future process being Cr Eaton said his wife MP has called for an independent imposed on all local councils judicial inquiry into allegations was taking action with the by the state government, Cr raised about links between developer donations Human Rights Commission Eaton said his view was on the basis that she had and spot rezonings across Wyong shire. that Wyong and Gosford

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Mr Harris said he had written to the Office of Local Government, the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Planning calling for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations raised in the Newcastle Herald as well as other issues around planning decisions.

“For the last two years, locals have been raising concerns about several decisions, and in particular, the proposed Chappypie Theme Park in Warnervale,” Mr Harris said.

“Serious allegations raised in the media … as well as potential links between developer donations and spot rezonings across Wyong Shire, need immediate investigation.

“The Minister for Local Government needs to consider whether the mayor should remain on the Joint Regional Planning Panel if an investigation goes ahead.

“I would also call on the mayor to consider stepping down from his position if any investigation is launched.

“The Wyong mayor has nothing to fear if he has acted correctly.

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been the victim of racial and sexual discrimination through allegations made that she owned shares in a company related to developers of a proposed Chinese theme park at Warnervale.

“It has been proven that there is no issue with the shares at all,” Cr Eaton said.

“This is discrimination against my wife because she is married to me,” he said.

In a statement sent to Wyong Council, the chief executive officer of Australian Chinese Them Park Pty Ltd, Mr Bruce Zhong said: “Ms Eaton never knew she was a shareholder in Sydney China Daily.

“This is a mistake I made and when I realised that, I corrected it.

“Cr Eaton received no benefit from this company,” Mr Zhong said.

Cr Eaton said he had written to the NSW opposition leader, Mr Luke Foley MP, calling for him to sack member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP from the role of shadow minister for the Central Coast.

He said there had been unanimous support for a mayoral minute at the Council’s meeting on Wednesday, June 24 stating Media release, 17 June 2015 Jake Allen, that all planning decisions Office of David Harris made by Council during

“An inquiry is the best way for these issues to be resolved and restore local residents’ confidence in the process.

“The community currently has a very low opinion about how planning decisions are being made and that is not acceptable.

“I have a responsibility to ensure that when such matters are raised, they are investigated appropriately – all public officials should act without fear or favour and report any such allegations to the proper authority.

“I made a promise to many residents whilst door knocking during the campaign that I would always put them and their concerns before my own and I would expect that of any elected representatives, whether it is in parliament or council.

“I hope the NSW Government will take these allegations seriously and acknowledge the concerns of the Wyong Shire community by starting an investigation as quickly as possible.”

Letter from Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton calling on Luke Foley to replace Mr Harris as shadow minister for the Central Coast and statement from Bruce Zhang

the past two years had been based on the professional recommendations of Council staff.

“The fact that all councillors, including Labor councilors, supported the minute demolishes the whole of Harris’ argument that there is something wrong with Wyong Council,” Cr Eaton said.

“He is either saying the Wyong Council staff are corrupt or inefficient,” Cr Eaton said.

He also said false reports had been published in other newspapers that the Chappypie China Time theme park proposed for Warnervale had been

refused by NSW Planning.

“The Gateway process is a yes or no proposition and it was approved,” Cr Eaton said.

“It was given the green light to go ahead and do all the usual studies.

“It is the preliminary approval before spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on studies.”

Cr Eaton said he was in Canberra when his wife was approached to respond to allegations about owning shares in a company related to the Chappypie development.

“We were given two hours to respond and it took three days to get to

Councils are likely to be merged.

“We’ve got to put forward an argument about why we shouldn’t have a merger,” he said.

“We couldn’t get access to the Gosford figures to put together an argument for a merger.”

He said there had been quite a lot of uninformed comment about the whole merger progress.

“A merged council would be a complete new entity,” he said.

It would involve the dissolution of the two existing Central Coast councils and the creation of a brand new entity, according to Cr Eaton.

The mayor said he had supported a motion put forward (but not carried) by Cr Lloyd Taylor at the June 24 meeting setting out what Wyong Council believed should be the elements of a merged Coast council.

The recommendations included that a new merged council had 15 councillors who were on full-time wages, seven from each of the existing Wyong and Gosford LGAs and a popularly elected mayor.

Interview, 25 June 2015 Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM Jackie Pearson, journalist

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 - June 26, 2015 - P3 3

Office of Local Government is assessing pecuniary interest allegations he NSW Office of Local Government is currently assessing allegations that Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton: “failed to disclose and/or manage a pecuniary interest in relation to the Chinese theme park proposal”.

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A letter from NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP to the member for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP said: “I am aware that the Office of Local Government is aware of allegations that Council’s mayor failed to disclose or manage a pecuniary interest”.

Mr Harris had written to the Minister on Wednesday, June 17 outlining concerns that Cr Eaton had failed to

disclose that his wife was a shareholder in a company related to the Warnervale theme park developer.

“These allegations are taken seriously and investigations are treated confidentially,” Mr Toole said.

“The office is currently assessing the allegation,” he said.

Letter, 23 June 2015 Paul Toole MP, NSW minister for local government

News

Labor MPs claim 90% of Baird’s promises not in the budget abor’s Central Coast MPs have criticised the Baird Government made in the 2105 election for turning a blind eye to the region in the NSW Budget for campaign are now only ‘planning” measures’,” 2015-16.

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The Baird Government has funded its promises from the 2011 election campaign, but this year’s budget only included funds for 10 per cent of the Government’s 2015 campaign promises for the Central Coast, according to the Labor MPs. In a joint media release, member for Wyong and shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris MP, member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP and member for Swansea, Ms Yasmin Catley MP gave examples of promises they said had not been kept in the budget.

“Wyong Hospital was not mentioned once in the entire budget,” the media release said.

“The Government’s first promise of the Toukley and Wyong ambulance station upgrades were not in this

Wyong Hospital has once again been left out of the budget

year’s budget. “$124 million in roads upgrades were promised on the Central Coast but only $69.5 million was allocated.

“Only 10 per cent of the $100 million allocated for the Pacific Highway Upgrade at Ourimbah and Lisarow was in the budget,” it said.

“The Liberals came to the Central Coast during the election campaign with their pockets full of promises, but today they seem to be only 10 per cent full,” said shadow minister for the Coast, Mr David Harris.

“The Baird Government has once again left the Central Coast behind, continuing its tradition of the last four years.

“Scot MacDonald will be out and about saying how great this budget is for the region but the simple truth is, it isn’t.

“The Liberal candidates stood in front of Wyong Hospital declaring money for the upgrade was ready to go.

“The fact that Wyong Hospital has once again been left out of the budget is just a disgrace.”

“All commitments

said member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan.

“The Entrance has already had four plus years of planning, it is simply unacceptable that promises made in 2011 are now taking until 2018 to complete.

“The only thing the Baird Government will be getting down to business on on the Central Coast is turning roundabouts into traffic lights,” he said.

“The Baird Government is boasting about a $2.5 billion surplus including the $20 billion from selling off our poles and wires and Swansea gets zip,” said Swansea’s local member, Ms Yasmin Catley.

“The Budget Losers for the 2015/16 Budget are the residents of the Swansea electorate.”

Media release, 23 June 2015 Jake Allen, Office of David Harris MP

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

Additionally the market will also feature hand-made products other than food such as artists, designers and other quality artifacts.

VENUE: The Entertainment Grounds WHEN: Every Sunday TIME:

8.00am till 1.00pm

Rain, Hail or Shine

NO DOGS

(Gosford Racecourse)

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

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ Gosfordcityfarmersmarket

Enquiries:

Gosford City Farmers’ Market

finefoodmarket@bigpond.com

Gosford Racecourse,

Mob: 0427 630 144

4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

P4 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 Advertisement

DELTA ELECTRICITY

COMMUNITY

NEWS Vales Point l Munmorah

Central Coast and Lake Macquarie – June 2015

Monitoring Air Quality

Message from the Chief Executive Welcome to the 2015 winter edition of Delta’s Community News.

While a sale process is underway for the power station, operationally it’s business as usual for Vales Point and our employees.

In April we sponsored the popular Going Off At The Swamp family festival within our grounds at Koala Park. More than 11,000 locals enjoyed music from a variety of acts, market stalls and rides.

Vales Point remains a well-maintained station and an important generator in the National Electricity Market. Last month, Delta worked closely with Snowy Hydro (the new owner of Colongra Power Station) to conduct a black start test of Colongra and Vales Point Power Stations. The successful test means that, in the event of a system wide power failure, Delta and Snowy Hydro could return Vales Point to operation using power supplied to the station via the local high voltage transmission network from Colongra. These would be the first power supplies used to rebuild the state’s supply system and restore essential power.

Another recent project we have kicked-off is planning for the demolition of Munmorah Power Station. Approval for the work was obtained from Wyong Shire Council in late 2014. Initial actions include appointing specialist resources to assist with managing the project.

On a final note, like many in our region Delta faced a challenge recently when heavy autumn rains hit. Our extensive environmental protection systems functioned well and damage to our site was limited to a few fallen trees. Our thoughts are with those in the community whose homes and businesses were damaged as they continue their clean-up and rebuilding efforts.

Delta has recently been invited to join the group led by the Lake Macquarie Council which meets regularly to discuss local air quality matters. Other members of the Lake Macquarie Air Quality Reference Group include the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), University of Newcastle and representatives from other local energy companies and coal suppliers.

Delta contributes to the monitoring of air quality in the Lake Macquarie and Wyong local government areas by providing reports from its ambient air monitoring station at Wyee to the EPA. Stack emissions are also closely monitored and tested with data published on de.com.au.

Playgroup Celebrates

Schools Safety Program

EDUCATION

As part of Delta’s ongoing School Safety Program representatives from our Security and Sustainability teams, together with Tuggerah Local Area Command Youth Liaison Officers, recently presented to students of Lake Munmorah Public School on how to be safety smart around power stations.

The sessions introduced students to how electricity is produced at power stations and how Delta keeps its employees and neighbours safe.

The presentations have been well received by local students and teachers and Delta is planning visits to other local schools.

Teachers should email Hayley.Berg@de.com.au if they are interested in Delta visiting their school.

Morisset Festival

COMMUNITY

The Morisset Community Festival saw the Morisset showgrounds come alive with classic cars on display, boot-scootin, live music acts and amusement rides. With something for everyone, light rain on the day did not dampen festival goers’ fun.

The annual festival is all about providing a fun day’s entertainment while also championing local businesses.

Festival organiser, Bob Starling, said that there was a good turn out on the day and thanked Delta for its ongoing support. “Thanks to organisations like Delta we are able to keep the festival accessible to local families which helps us achieve our goal of building community togetherness.”

COMMUNITY

Summerland Point Playgroup (a member of Playgroup NSW) is celebrating its 25th year at the Summerland Point Community Hall and thanks to a joint venture between Delta, Wyong Shire Council and the playgroup, new permanent outdoor play equipment has been installed at the hall.

Wyong Shire Council Section Manager – Community Infrastructure, Justin Kelaher thanked Delta for their contribution.

Munmorah Demolition Project

ENVIRONMENT

In October 2014, Wyong Shire Council gave consent for the demolition of Munmorah Power Station and its surrounding structures. The project is expected to start within the next year and be completed within 36 months.

Where possible all site materials will be recycled. Delta has now commenced planning activities for the demolition.

Initial actions include advertising for and appointing specialist resources - an Owner’s Engineer - to assist with managing the project. Tenders related to the project can be found on Delta’s website: de.com.au. Community information sheets are also available on the website.

“The space, which includes a multiactivity, jungle-themed playground with slide, provides a fun and creative area which will benefit local families with small children and all-hall users. The playground would not have been possible without Delta’s generous donation.”

Biomass Program Recognised Greg Everett Chief Executive Delta Electricity

ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT

Delta Electricity’s pioneering biomass program, which uses waste from local saw mills to replace a proportion of coal used with a cleaner burning, renewable fuel, was recently celebrated at a NSW government event at the Sydney Opera House. The inaugural Energy Productivity in Action event was organised by NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to acknowledge NSW businesses making significant energy productivity achievements. Delta Manager for Sustainability Justin Flood says while there is an industry-wide focus on reducing the greenhouse impacts of coal-fired generation, no other Australian coal-fired power station has been as heavily involved in biomass co-firing as Vales Point.

(Left to right) Dr Joe Herbertson (The Crucible Group), David Malicki (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage) and Justin Flood (Delta)

Vales Point Power Station

Munmorah Power Station

T 02 4352 6111

T 02 4352 6111

What’s On?Festival

usic Food Fun & M ’s Food Fun & ns at this year io at br le ce e y Village Green Join us in th held at Toukle be hole to al iv st m. Bring the w Music Fe 10am and 3p n rides ee e tw th y be jo ly kids en on 4 Ju d day. Let the lle s. fi ht nlig fu a de r y fo ar family t on the culin as fe d da d while mum an munity Day NAIDOC Com nce Day Observa and Islanders es in rig d bo an A l es Nationa k celebrat AIDOC) Wee us Committee (N that Indigeno ns io e contribut pporter th su es d is ou gn pr co re r country. A ou to e ta ak m 10 years, Del Australians for more than ts en ev rd C fo O of NAID ity Day at Gos the Commun is sponsoring Showground on 7 July from .

10am to 2pm e. m All welco

Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P5

News

Budget “an insult” to the people of the Swansea electorate “There are 30,000 less Ms Catley said she ember for Swansea, Ms Yasmin Catley MP labelled the 2015 its choice of a Labor people in TAFE today would continue to bring candidate at the last Baird State Government budget “an insult” to the people of than there were in 2011, what she said was the election. the Swansea electorate.

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“The treasurer announced a Budget that she claimed was an ‘unprecedented investment in infrastructure and services that will benefit generations to come’,” Ms Catley said.

“The state electorate of Swansea for capital, maintenance, schemes and subsidies received $0.00,’ she said.

“Thank you Treasurer.

“What an insult,” she said.

Ms Catley said there were a number of smaller projects in the electorate that could have been funded in the budget for relatively small amounts of money.

“Carters Rd at Lake Munmorah is an example where there are four schools and it is very congested at the best of times,” she said.

Ms Catley said the Carter’s Rd project had been lobbied for by the previous Liberal member for Swansea, Mr Garry Edwards.

She said the parents and communities of all four schools had been working for a long time to have the road upgraded.

Ms Catley said she did not believe the treatment of her electorate had anything to do with

“I don’t think you can use that as an example because this is the only electorate that got zero and there are 37 of us,” she said.

“This is their fifth budget, not their first budge, and quite frankly, what has that end of the Lakes seen?

“Nothing, so it is more of the same, whether it is Mr Edwards as a liberal there for four years and also got nothing.”

government’s neglect of the Coast to the attention of the people.

She said the inflow of funds from the sale of the state’s poles and wires in future years will give the government “money they won’t know how to spend”.

“There is mention of projects they want to do, but there is a bit of a bigger picture here than the piddly little amounts to fix this and fix that.

that needs to be fixed.

“The community legal centre in Wyong has had funding cut and is looking at cutting staff.

“The cutting of the social infrastructure from this government really affects people on the Central Coast,” she said.

Media release, 24 June 2015 Interview, 24 June 2015 Yasmin Catley, Member for Swansea Jackie Pearson, journalist

ADVERTISEMENT

Community Environment Network Holiday Fun: Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal Drive, Terrigal Want to escape the winter weather?

Chairman’s Comments June has been an important month for CEN with the AGM and election of office bearers.

Controversy is growing in Wyong as more rules allow tree removal without regard to the impacts on the environment. In particular the native wildlife that many of us enjoy is now under serious threat. In addition, rezonings on wetlands and in water catchments are continuing.

Gosford is able to fall back on the decades of work to protect the COSS reserves as a best practice example of planning. However, there are other planning issues and in particular the approval of a chicken slaughterhouse on the Plateau is the most worrying.

Cheers, John

Bring the kids, grandkids, friends and neighbours to the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre (CCMDC) these holidays to explore and discover our amazing underwater world!

The Marine Discovery Centre is a great way to keep the kids entertained these holidays!

WHAT’S ON

Climate Change: Glaciers Collapsing: Action needed in November Some glaciers of West Antarctica are past the point of collapse.

They cannot be stopped by reducing emissions.

We are already stuck with sea level rise.

The IPCC says the rise will approach 1m by 2100 and be 2m to 3m in the following century.

Such a rise in sea levels would flood significant coastal lands all around the world.

Local losses are easy to see if you look at a contour map of the Central Coast.

The world has another chance in Paris in November this year to take strong action to reduce the

Rock Pool Rambles: Become a marine biologist by discovering our local use of fossil fuels that is driving rocky shore animals. this problem.

You’ll be amazed Scientists are clear that to at how special these have any chance of limiting the creatures really are! rise to the 2 degree safety rail we BOOKINGS have to leave most of the known ESSENTIAL fossil fuel reserves in the ground. visit www.ccmdc.

Around 90% of our coal org.au - Cost: $3 child reserves, 60% of the oil and 30% / concession, $5 adult, of the gas must not be mined. $13 family (2A, 2C).

• Tue, 30 June – 121pm • Wed, 1 July – 12:301:30pm • Fri, 3 July – 2-3pm • Sat, 4 July – 3-4pm Fish Feeding: Visit the centre at 12pm on Tuesdays and Fridays

during the school holidays to watch our sea creatures being fed & to learn some fascinating facts! *Free with admission The CCMDC is located at 11 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal (next to Terrigal Lagoon and near the Fire Station).

We are open from 10am-4pm each day during the school holidays (with last admission at 3pm).

Admission costs $5 Adult, $3 child / concession, $13 Family (2A, 2C).

We also have a kiosk for purchasing drinks and snacks and small

shop for souvenirs.

More information www.ccmdc.org.au or phone 4349 4756

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.

Phone: 4349 4756 Email: cen@cen.org.au Website: www.cen.org.au

News

P6 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015

Call for referendum on amalgamation referendum should be held to give the Central Coast community a say as to whether Wyong and Gosford councils should amalgamate or stand alone, according to Wyong Council.

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Wyong Council declares itself fit to stand alone

fter a week of bad press, including a call for Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton to stand down, the Wednesday, June 24 meeting of “Council believes been missing from all this community are undecided Wyong Council became an opportunity to shore up support for the it can stand alone and amalgamation talk is that about an amalgamation.

Council’s planning decisions and its future viability to stand alone. deliver for its community but believes the ultimate say lies with the community itself,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Dough Eaton OAM. Council is calling on the State Government to fund a referendum, to be run by the NSW Electoral Commission “The voice that has

of the community,” Cr Eaton said.

“The State Government seems determined to push ahead with amalgamations but has not taken the community with them on the journey.

“We know this for a fact from our recent customer survey, where over 30 per cent of our

“That is a big number.

“It clearly shows the State Government has not convinced the community of the merits of what they are trying to do and have a long way to go,” Cr Eaton said.

Media release, 24 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Council unanimously supported a mayoral minute which said: “for at least the last two years, Council had only ever approved rezonings and development applications that had been recommended by professional council planning officers”.

Council reiterated its full support for its entire staff and commended them for the outstanding service they provide to the community and the respect engendered in the community.

“This Council has not approved a development application or rezoning contrary to staff advice and the assertion that there have been a raft of approvals that are not proper is damning criticism of our great professional staff and I reject it completely,” Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton said.

“This Council does have the confidence of its staff, they provide fantastic advice, they lift in times of crisis, their efforts during the recent storms are testament to that and need to be acknowledged.

“It is not just Council that has confidence in our staff, it is reflected in the recent customer satisfaction survey where 74 per cent of residents said they are happy with our services,” Cr Eaton said.

Cr Eaton was referring to a recent survey of Wyong Shire residents and businesses that revealed a high satisfaction level with Council services.

The quantitative survey,

which involved telephone interviews with 2,500 residents and businesses, resulted in an overall satisfaction rating of 74 per cent with residents and 77 per cent with businesses, well above the NSW State benchmark of 59 per cent.

Wyong Council also declared itself fit for the future at its June 24 meeting.

“That is the verdict of independent firm, Third Horizon which was tasked with producing a cost benefit analysis on a possible merger between Gosford and Wyong Councils,” said acting general manager, Mr Scott Cox. He said because of Council’s strong financial position, having turned a $30 million deficit into a $10 million surplus in the past five years, and the fact the majority of the community is opposed to or unsure about an amalgamation, Council will make it clear to the State Government that it can stand alone.

“We are in great financial shape, and there are not a lot of Councils who can say that with any confidence and we can definitely stand alone,” Mr Cox said.

“We have really turned things around in the last five years by becoming more lean, partnering with other organisations and becoming more efficient without compromising on service delivery.

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financial year.

“The talk of amalgamation is creating a lot of uncertainty in the community, but I can assure residents that it is business as usual at Council and our staff will continue to deliver the services they need each and every day, no matter what form our Council will take.”

Cr Eaton said it is disappointing that Gosford Council wouldn’t cooperate in fit for the future talks as it would have been beneficial to both Councils to go to the State Government with a united front.

“Fit for the future requires a willing partner and without a willing partner, the only option is for us to stand alone.

“We definitely meet the financial criteria, no questions there, but our challenge will be the key criteria of scale and capacity, as that must be measured as part of the merger analysis.

“It is now up to IPART and the State Government to review our submission and make a decision.

“I have said all along I am not personally opposed to an amalgamation, but it will have to deliver real and lasting benefits to the community.”

While no timeline has been announced by the State Government, a decision on amalgamations is expected before the end of the year.

Media releases, 24 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P7

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P8 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015

Gosford Council accused of ‘lack of vision and honesty’ yong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM has slammed Gosford up with this third option Council for its waste of public money and lack of vision over and are confusing their communities further the State Government’s Council reform agenda.

W

“Gosford Council refused to meet with Wyong during the process,” Cr Eaton said.

“Following a meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Mr Peter Toole MP in early November, both mayors agreed to co-operate on a joint cost benefit analysis.

“Despite this, Gosford Council failed to turn up to a number of meetings between November and February to progress this agreement.

“We had a farcical situation where a meeting was convened in Gosford Council and no Gosford councillors or their GM turned up.

“The financial cost of this recalcitrance is about $270,000 ripped out of ratepayer’s pocket.

“If we had produced a joint cost benefit

analysis, the state would have paid half of this cost. “So instead of both councils forking out some $180,000 each, this would have been reduced down to $45,000 for each Council.

“In Wyong’s case, our cost benefit analysis showed little financial benefit for a merger, but this was a direct result of Gosford Council refusing us financial information, making it impossible to quantify the benefits on a regional basis.

“I am personally disappointed that the opportunity for a regional council may be lost due to this lack of vision and honesty.

“The fact that Gosford could not co-operate with us to even establish a joint business case highlights the need for a regional

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council that can make decisions on a regional basis.

“We want to be recognised as a region but are clearly incapable of acting as one.”

A week ago, Wyong Council was standing firm on its position that it was open to an amalgamation as long as it was in the best interests of the community.

This assertion followed revelations that Lake Macquarie and Gosford Councils were proposing to split Wyong between them if they could not stand alone.

Cr Eaton said it was news to him and would also be news to the NSW Government who has made their position on amalgamations fairly clear.

“The Independent Review Panel which started the whole ball rolling on amalgamations, has a Central Coast Council stretching from Hawkesbury River to the south and takes in Swansea and up to Morriset, including Wyee to the north,” mayor Eaton said.

“The NSW Government has made it clear their preference is to merge Gosford and Wyong Councils with a separate merger of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle, based upon the historical regional boundaries.

“Clearly Lake Macquarie and Gosford don’t like either of these options and have come

by stating their real preference is to stand alone.

“Right from the start, Wyong Council has been open to amalgamation as long as it is in the best interests of our community, which means providing essential services at the best value.

“We were told by the Minister for Local Government to work with Gosford Council on the cost benefit analysis of a merger of the two Councils to create a Central Coast Council, but Gosford refused to take part.

“At the end of the day, we have no control over the decision – it will be up to the State Government.

“Who knows, the State Government may decide to merge all three Councils, Lake Macquarie, Gosford and Wyong Shire into a super Council.

“Having the biggest Council in the State sitting between the two oldest cities in Australia, being Newcastle and Sydney, would certainly have some clout and give our community a greater voice.”

Every Council in NSW has to submit a proposal to the State Government by the end of June as to whether they are ‘fit

for the future’ and can stand alone or want to amalgamate.

Cr Eaton said it will be interesting to see what the NSW Government and IPART’s independent view of the financial state of each Council is and whether they are fit for the future.

This independent analysis done by the NSW Government and IPART is programmed to be complete before the end of this year at which time it should be publicly available.

Media release, 25 June 2015 Office of the Mayor, Wyong Council Media release, 17 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P9

News

Green light given for Chinese Theme Park to proceed to public exhibition he NSW Department of Planning and Environment has issued a gateway determination giving the green light for the Chinese Theme Park to proceed to public exhibition, according to Wyong Council.

T

Council’s manager of development and rezoning, Ms Tanya O’Brien, said Council has adjusted the planning proposal in line with the gateway determination and believes it will provide greater flexibility and will allow the site to be developed for a cultural theme park while retaining the underlying industrial zone.

“The gateway determination outlines a different technical planning approach to facilitate the same development outcome,”

Model of the proposed theme park

Ms O’Brien said.

“We have progressed to agency consultation and will proceed to public exhibition of the proposal over the coming months.

“This will provide residents with an opportunity to comment on this substantial proposal.

“Deputy secretary of

planning services, Mr Marcus Ray, has said clearly in a letter to Council ‘this proposal should proceed’ and we will now progress the planning proposal.”

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said he is pleased to see the theme park is definitely on track and is confident

it will deliver everything it promises and be one of the biggest tourism projects NSW has ever seen.

“The tourism dollars and jobs that will flow into our region are enormous and will have a long lasting benefit for our community.

“We want businesses

to come and invest in our community and we must be doing something right if we have a company wanting to spend $500 million here.

“This first step tick of approval from the Department of Planning and Environment means the project can proceed to public exhibition and

invite public comment on this proposal.

“It is a really exciting time for our shire and I can’t wait to see the development take shape,” Cr Eaton said.

In November 2012, Council formally approved the sale of 15.7 hectares of land at Warnervale to the Australia Chinese Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) for $10 million, for the purpose of constructing a Chinese Theme Park.

If approved the theme park will have 12 main sections including the Meridian Gate, Thanksgiving Temple, Zheng He’s Treasure Ship, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Spring Festival Square and Panda Paradise.

Media release, 16 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Six out of seven families who receive Family Tax Benefits will be worse off.

One in ten families receiving Family Tax Benefit will be over $4,000 a year worse off.

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Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P11 1

At 25 years, it is time to grow up Call for Mayor’s s one of the ‘concerned citizens’ whose ideas went to the combined local councils’ meeting and triggered the current independent Central Coast University debate, I would like to explain my vision for local post-secondary education.

A

The Central Coast would have a university, a broad TAFE component and a Community College.

These would be spread over three campuses across the region, each with a deďŹ ned focus.

The Gosford campus would concentrate on Medicine and Law with supporting courses in Nursing, Aged care, Physiotherapy and TAFE courses to produce (among others) Legal secretaries and Corrective Services OfďŹ cers.

Ourimbah would specialise in university courses in the Humanities, Environmental Science, Languages, Teaching, Journalism and Sociology supported by TAFE and other support courses in Media, Drama and Dancing, Art, Sign writing, Hospitality and Business studies.

Wyong/Warnervale would concentrate on Engineering, Information Technology and Vet Science with supporting courses in Computer skills, Robotics, Auto mechanics, Building, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture.

Of course these are broad suggestions only.

Actual offerings would depend on national directives, local needs and student interest.

It is also essential that the Central Coast Community College

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

provide a variety of courses across all campuses to bring students disadvantaged in some way up to the entry level of the course they seek.

I have voiced my concerns to the Federal, State and Council politicians that the present educational offerings are not at an optimal level.

We need a postsecondary education system focused on local needs and this would involve a huge uplift in the breadth of university and TAFE courses.

The nub of the problem is this.

Places are available for the high ATAR score achievers.

However the majority of HSC students achieve a score between 60 and 90 and there are too few appropriate courses here.

Many students have to travel each day and others have to live away from home, piling an even higher debt on top of their HEX.

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Too many young people assess the situation and don’t even start, or begin and then drop out.

On line courses can be effective, especially if they are delivered at the campuses where related subjects are taught, and where there is opportunity for social interaction.

A new campus at Warnervale should be designed to maximise access to the NBN and to house lecture theatres and meeting rooms for visiting academics.

Faced with the current unsatisfactory situation, I am perplexed at the ALP’s defence of the University of Newcastle.

Certainly, on the Central Coast, it does excellent work in a narrow sphere.

Why is the idea of rebadging the Ourimbah campus as the Central Coast University so shocking?

It is not ‘owned’ by Newcastle Uni, it is owned by the Australian government and paid for

by Australian taxpayers.

Many who were involved in its creation assure me they always had it in mind that Ourimbah would grow into a Central Coast university.

At 25 years, it is time to grow up.

Newcastle has spent millions of dollars on Ourimbah and will spend more at Gosford soon.

This is what universities do.

Their governing councils make decisions on how their millions are spent.

Recently, they

allocated millions to build, in Newcastle, a high-rise student accommodation block to house students, many from overseas.

Surely this will keep their focus centred on their Newcastle campuses and will have little beneďŹ t to Central Coast students.

I haven’t heard that the Hunter College of TAFE has the Central Coast as a high priority.

Senator O’Neill may well wish for a greater local say over the governance and direction of the Ourimbah campus – if she pushed for a locally based postsecondary complex, she might get it.

There will be many hurdles, but a region without a vision to give all its young people choice and opportunity will become a backwater.

Letter, 17 June 2015 Margaret Bevege, Kanwal

resignation read with interest that Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM was unaware of the 100,000 shares his wife held in the company that has proposed to develop the State SigniďŹ cant Chinese Cultural Theme Park at Warnervale.

I

Cr Eaton says they must have been a gift.

Mayor Eaton has actively pursued and supported this development, never declaring a signiďŹ cant pecuniary interest and voting for the development in the Wyong Council chamber.

This made me remember another gift to a certain premier, Mr Barry O’Farrell who also claimed he was unaware of the expensive bottle of wine he received.

The Premier, however, promptly resigned his position as a matter of principle as these were the standards to which he held all his Members of

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Parliament accountable.

Does the mayor, who has had the high honour of Order of Australia bestowed upon him, embrace these same principles?

If so, there is only one honourable course of action for him to take.

The residents and ratepayers of Wyong Shire expect his resignation immediately, ‘no ifs and no buts’

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If you would like to receive information from us on a regular basis, please contact us to register your email address.

On the Beat

P12 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P

Strike Force Glenrowan makes significant arrest

Cyclist fatality at Berkeley Vale

man was due to appear in court on Friday, June 19 after being arrested and charged with an array of offences following an investigation.

A

In May 2015, Strike Force Glenrowan comprised of police attached to Tuggerah Lakes Drug Unit and Anti-Theft Squad, was formed to investigate a number of offences in the Wyong area using a firearm.

About 4:00pm on Thursday, June 18, police attended a house in Gosford Ave, The Entrance where they

executed a search warrant.

Police allege they located a pistol, ammunition and a quantity of drugs believed to be methylamphetamine.

A 23-year-old man was taken to Wyong Police Station and charged with supply prohibited drug (x 5), ongoing supply of

prohibited drug, assault, larceny, steal motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified and possess prohibited pistol.

He was refused bail and was due to appear in Wyong Local Court on Friday, June 19.

Investigations are continuing.

Media release, 19 June 2015 NSW Police Media

Cyclist hit by a car olice are investigating after a bicycle and 4WD collided at Gorokan on Thursday, June 18.

P

About 11.50pm, emergency services were called to Arlington St, Gorokan, following reports of a crash between a cyclist and a car.

Initial investigations suggest the cyclist, a man believed to be aged in his 20s, and a Nissan X-trail, driven by a man also

believed to be aged in his 20s crashed head-on.

The driver of the X-trail stopped following the crash, he was not injured.

The rider was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital

with serious injuries.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command are investigating the crash and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Media release, 19 June 2015 NSW Police Media

Lost Bateau Bay boy found Bateau Bay boy was found safe and well after going missing for more than four hours on Thursday, June 4.

A

The seven year old boy was last seen at 4.20pm on the Thursday when he left his home in Barry St at Bateau Bay. Police were alerted when family members

been found safe and well and to thank the public for their assistance. could not locate him.

At 9:54pm, police issued a statement to confirm that the boy had

Media release, 4 June 2015 NSW Police media unit

A cyclist died after being struck by a car at Berkeley Vale on Friday, June 19.

An 83-year-old woman was cycling along Tumbi Creek Rd just before 5:30pm on Friday, June 19, when she was struck by a Holden Rodeo.

The Tumbi Umbi woman was treated at the scene; however, she died a short time later.

Police from

Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The male driver was taken to Gosford Hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

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

Media release, 19 June 2015 NSW Police Media

Police women centenary celebrated with a relay omen in the NSW Police Force are marking 100 years of service this year, with one celebration for the milestone happening in the Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command.

W

To help mark this special occasion, a custom-made NSW Police baton is making its way around the state over the next six months, due to arrive in Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command on Friday, June 26.

Locals are encouraged to visit Memorial Park, The Entrance, between 10:00am and 2:00pm, where representatives from NSW Police Force will run a five kilometre relay along the water front

from Salt Water Creek, finishing in Memorial Park.

The official launch of the state-wide relay coincided with International Woman’s Day, on Sunday, March 8, at the Sydney Opera House.

Following a six month journey to each Local Area Command around the state, the baton will return to the Opera House, to a ‘welcoming home’ event.

Inspector Greene from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command, said the local celebrations will showcase the history, as well as past and present achievements of women in the Force.

“We now have

hundreds of committed and successful women working in diverse roles such as the dog unit, rescue squad, mounted unit and detectives,” Inspector Greene said.

“Today the NSW Police Force offers women extensive opportunities, interesting experiences and interaction with people from all walks of life, while the organisation is rewarded with the important skills and experience they bring to the job”.

“I am honoured to be part of the statewide celebrations and encourage all members of the local community to come and help us mark this special moment in Australian history,” Inspector Greene said.

Media release, 11 June 2015 NSW Police media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P13 3

Armed robbery at Berkeley Vale bakery About 5:30am two males entered a small business on Lakedge Ave, where they threatened an employee with a ďŹ rearm and demanded cash.

The pair left a short time later and are believed to have ed the location in a vehicle that was last seen travelling in Jean Ave. No one was injured during the incident.

OfďŹ cers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command established a crime scene at the location, which was examined by detectives and forensic specialists.

Police also conducted extensive patrols of the surrounding area; during which they located a burnt-out marooncoloured jeep in Wirigi Ave. Further inquiries

Anyone with information about these incidents should call Crime Stoppers on

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

revealed the vehicle had been stolen during a separate incident and it’s believed to have been used during the robbery.

OfďŹ cers are continuing their investigation and would now like to speak with two males who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The ďŹ rst male was described as being of Caucasian appearance

on the front, black track suit pants, white runners and a black beanie with a piece of dark-coloured cloth covering his face.

The second male is described as being of Caucasian appearance and was last seen wearing a black and white jacket with stripes on the shoulders and a white motif on the front; black track suits pants and black and white runners.

Anyone who knows the identity of either male, or has any information that could assist investigators, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Media release, 19 June 2015 NSW Police Media

Watanobbi couple arrested for alleged home invasion olice have charged a man and a woman over an alleged home invasion in Wyong in April.

P

OfďŹ cers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were called to a house on Hope St, Wyong about 2:00am on Thursday, April 2.

Investigators were told three men and a woman allegedly forced entry into the house and assaulted some of the occupants.

Inside the house at the time were two men, two women and two children who reside at the premises, and another male and female who were visiting.

One of the women was allegedly pistol-whipped during the incident.

She sustained a minor injury to her face.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes LAC Drug and Ant-theft Squad commenced Strike Force Glenrowan to investigate the incident.

Following inquiries, about 10:30am on Friday, June 12, investigators attended a home in

14-year-old Heather is still missing

olice from Tu g g e r a h Lakes Local Area Command are and of an average build. appealing to the public He was last seen for information to wearing a black hooded- help locate a missing top with a white motif 14-year-old girl.

olice have appealed for information following an armed robbery at Berkeley Vale, on the morning of Thursday, June 18.

P

On the Beat

Watanobbi and arrested a 33-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man.

Both were taken to Wyong Police Station where they were charged with aggravated robbery and specially aggravated enter dwelling armed with a dangerous weapon.

Both were refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Saturday, June 13.

Investigations are continuing.

Media release, 13 June 2015 NSW Police media

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Heather Snape was last seen at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 18, leaving her residential address on Lakeway Dve, Lake Munmorah.

Police and relatives hold concerns for Heather’s welfare, as she has not made contact with relatives.

Heather has previously left home and is known to frequent trains and railway stations in the Newcastle area.

She may also be in the Windsor area of northwest Sydney.

Heather is described as being of Caucasian appearance with a fair

complexion, about 160cm to 165cm tall, 4050kgs with a thin build and brown hair when last seen.

Police are appealing

for community assistance to ďŹ nd Heather.

Police media conďŹ rmed that she was still missing on Thursday, June 25.

Media release, 13 June 2015 NSW Police media

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News

P14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P

Inordinate delays plaguing multimillion dollar highway project he need to arrest the traffic gridlock though Wyong town centre was acknowledged by Wyong Council’s Wednesday, June 10 meeting with a unanimous resolution to work with the RMS to deliver the Wyong town leg of the Pacific Highway.

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A motion moved by Cr Greg Best and seconded

by Cr Troy resolved that there was an urgent “need to work with the RMS to deliver the Wyong Town leg of the Pacific Hwy, an economically vital transport corridor, relied upon by thousands of local residents as they daily commute”.

The resolution also stated that Council recognised the “inordinate delays plaguing this multimillion dollar highway project as it seeks to accommodate the demand of a small number of property owners must now end.”

Council also moved to applaud the RMS for

its timely turnaround of its “final and progressive draft plans currently on exhibition.

“Council encourages all interested parties to make responsible submissions and Council recognises through community representations and submissions there may very well be some adjustments and amendments to the draft plan.”

However, the resolution also re-stated Wyong Council’s position that “irrespective of any further representation, the call for this highway project to bypass through residential back streets

will not be entertained by Council.”

Councillors undertook to make funding representations to State Government on behalf of residents to seek to tap into the $6 billion state government regional funding pool.

The general manager was instructed to liaise with the Minster for Roads and RMS in regards to designing a more direct and easier disabled access to Wyong Railway Station, other than that proposed off Howarth St. Business papers, 24 June 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting

Fountaindale Ridge Reserve could be renamed he NSW Geographical Names Board is calling for public comment on a proposal by Wyong Council to name a reserve.

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Chair of the Geographical Names Board, Mr Des Mooney, said public feedback is being sought on the proposal to name a reserve, located in Brush Road in the suburb of Fountaindale, Mark Foster Reserve.

The area is currently known locally as

Fountaindale Ridge Reserve.

Mr Mark Foster ran a bush regeneration business and contributed to hundreds of hectares of bush regeneration in the Wyong area.

Mr Foster was also active in the Landcare, Bushcare and Dunecare volunteer organisations

and a firefighter with NSW Fire Brigades.

He was killed in an accident in early 2010.

The closing date for submissions is Friday, July 10.

Media release, 12 June 2015 Kelly Burke, Geographical Names Board

Extension of Waterfront Tourist Park at Canton Beach recommended

A map showing the proposed extension to the development

planning proposal will be prepared to allow adjoining land purchased by the owner of the Waterfront Tourist Park to be rezoned and incorporated as part of the iconic site.

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“The proposal will allow a more aesthetically pleasing development, stimulate the local economy by increasing housing options and visitor numbers to this popular tourism area and create local jobs,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton, OAM. “We have identified 28 sites throughout the Shire with the ability to generate significant economic return and revitalise our town centres,” Cr Eaton said.

“This is one of those sites. and by allowing them to expand, we can help create local jobs and opportunities in this vital tourism area,” he said.

A report put to the Wednesday, June 24 meeting of Wyong Council recommended steps to

permit the extension of the Waterfront Tourist Park at Canton Beach.

The report from Council’s property and economic development division recommended Council endorse the preparation of a planning proposal to permit the extension.Council will prepare a planning proposal to amend the Wyong Local Environment Plan 2013.

The planning proposal will then be forwarded to the Department of Planning and Environment accompanied by a request for a gateway determination.

Draft concept plans were submitted in April 2014 for a mixed use development including residential apartments and commercial tenancies.

The owner of the site

deferred the concept plans to explore opportunities to purchase adjoining land.

The lot at 22 Beach Pde was subsequently purchased and the landowner is now seeking to include that parcel into the Iconic Development Site.

The lot is currently zoned SP Tourist and is located outside the existing Iconic Development Site boundary.

The planning proposal seeks to amend that plan to permit the extension of the Waterfront Tourist Park key site over the lot.

Business papers, 24 June 2015 Wyong Council, agenda item 2.1 Media release, 25 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P15 5

Health

Hall calls for credible Free Getting Around funding and actions regarding ice addiction Safely forum ederal Member for Shortland, Ms Jill Hall MP expressed concern approaches the issue.

“The Central Coast is about the Federal Government’s handling of illicit drug treatment not alone in facing the services.

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“A great deal has been made in recent weeks about the problem of ‘ice’ addiction or crystal methamphetamine on the Central Coast,” Ms Hall said.

“However the debate surrounding the issue needs to be based on credible facts and not drama or sensationalism.

“It also needs to be backed with credible government funds not cuts to important support services.

“I applaud the summit held on the Coast recently as it helped to highlight

the issues being faced by families and services on the Central Coast.

“However I was very concerned about comments made by the Federal Member for Dobell who recited a story about a supposed ice addict.

“The story could not be validated by health authorities and was also later said to be told by someone who knew someone who knew someone.

“This kind of drama and sensationalism is not helpful.

“Real facts and real support is far more valuable.

“In addition, it is appalling that the recent Federal Budget has seen about $7 million cut from the Substance Misuse Prevention Service Improvement Grants Fund and a further $1.2 million cut from the Substance Misuse Service Delivery Grants Fund.

“If the Government is serious about tackling the ‘ice’ addition problem, then it needs to be serious and credible about how it

problem of ice addiction, it is a matter which needs to be addressed across the country.

“The Federal Opposition will certainly support a credible campaign to address these problems but we need to get the facts right.

“We should not be tempted to deal in hyperbole and hysteria, just to grab a newspaper headline,” she said.

Media release, 9 June 2015 Lisa McDermott, Office of Jill Hall MP

free Getting Around Safely forum will be held for seniors, featuring presentations on a range of transport safety initiatives.

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The forum will be held at the Mingara Recreation Club on Monday, June 22.

The forum will include information from Transport for NSW, NSW TrainLink, NSW Police, NSW Health, NRMA Safer Driving School and both Councils’ Road Safety Officers.

Local authorised child restraint fitters and mobility scooter suppliers will also be at the forum.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said the initiative is part of the ongoing work under the

Media release, 4 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Business Awards

P16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P1

Gala event celebrates Ron Stevens receives the Wyong Regional Chamber Kevin Faulks Award Business Awards

The 2015 winners of the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce business awards with president Sandra Kerr

gala event to celebrate the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce annual Business Awards attracted 124 guests on Saturday, June 20.

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The event was held at the Mercure Kooindah Waters resort.

Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce president, Ms Sandra Kerr said: “The entries for this year’s awards were of a very high standard, and all finalists should take pride in their nomination.

“I would encourage all businesses to consider entering the awards next year as the process of entry itself would benefit their business,” Ms Kerr said.

“I would also like to thank our awards events partners Delta Electricity and Wyong Council.

Regional manager for the NSW Business Chamber, Daniel Farmer was also full of praise.

“Judging by the calibre of the winning businesses, they will be in good shape for the next step in the

awards program.

“Not only are they competing to be the best of the best from the region, they will also be waving the flag for Wyong Chamber as well.

“Should they win at the ‘Central Coast Business Excellence Awards’, these businesses could be representing the Central Coast at the State NSW Business Chamber Awards in Sydney this November,” he said.

2015 Annual Business Awards winners were: Young Business Executive: Ms Kate Fraser, Job Centre Australia Ltd. Business Leader: Ms Laurinda Pericleous, Nurses Now. Excellence in Business Ethics: Instyle Real Estate Pty Ltd. Excellence in Innovation: Servers

Australia.

Excellence in Small Business (20 employees or less): Community First Credit Union - Lake Haven.

Excellence in Business (20 employees or more): Nurses Now. Employer of Choice: Nurses Now. Young Entrepreneur: Leon Black, Inspired Techs.

Community Service Award: Westfield Tuggerah.

Kevin Faulks Award for Services to Wyong Shire Community and Business: Ron Stevens.

Chamber Business of The Year Award 2015: Servers Australia.

Media release, 22 June 2015 Mary-Anne Beckers, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce

Ron Stevens is the 2015 winner of the Wyong Chamber of Commerce Kevin Faulks Award for services to Wyong community and business

r Ron Stevens is the 2015 winner of the Wyong Chamber of Commerce Kevin Faulks Award for services to Wyong community and business.

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Each year the chamber recognises either a business or an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Wyong community.

The Kevin Faulks Award is judged and presented by the chamber president, currently Ms Sandra Kerr.

Mr Stevens has lived on the Coast with his wife Lorraine for the past 55 years.

In business on the Coast, Mr Stevens started his building business in the early 1960s and continued until 1985 when he started Danalis Motor Body Trimmers and Upholsters, which he still operates today.

His list of voluntary positions is extensive.

In the early 1960s he was secretary and captain of the local bushfire

brigade.

He was captain and president of the Lakes surf club for 10 years and built the clubhouse, the superintendent of Central Coast Surf Life Saving for 10 years and president for two.

“A major achievement during this period was organising the Royal visit event at Terrigal in 1988,” Ms Kerr said.

“His work in the surf club has been recognised by being awarded a life membership with the Lakes Club in 1975 and the Central Coast Branch in 1984.

“Ron has served as a councillor on Wyong Council from 2004 to 2008 and was deputy mayor from 2007 to 2008.

“Whilst councillor, Ron was the council representative on the

At Instyle Real Estate, we aim to exceed our client’s expectations.

We strive to shine in every area of our business, continually reinventing ourselves as we find better ways to achieve our clients goals.

We are part of an association that is committed to ensuring the integrity, credibility and ethical standards of the real estate profession.

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Norah Head Lighthouse Trust, which even after leaving council, he continued serving for eight years and was chairman for over four years.”

Mr Stevens is patron of the National Servicemans Assocation Central Coast sub branch.

He worked on the United Way Community Chest for nine years and still volunteers his time as a board member for Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Ron Steven has made a more than significant contribution to the Wyong community and is most worthy of the Kevin Faulks Award,” Ms Kerr said.

Media release, 23 June 2015 Sandra Kerr, Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce

Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P17

Real estate agency wins business ethics award

Busines Awards

Nurses Now scoop the pool with three awards

Laurinda Periclous and family from multi-award winning Nurses Now

The team from In Style Real Estate Long Jetty

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urses Now is a Wyong based family owned business that has gone from humble beginnings in Ms Laurinda Periclous’ home to a state-wide agency with over 200 nurses and 145 daily clients on its book.

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n Style Real Estate of Long Jetty have won the Wyong Chamber of With that track record, doing reference checks not work for any other Commerce excellence in business ethics award for 2015. it’s not surprising then interview them at agencies.

In Style director, Ms Ladele Jones said she had seen a lot of misfortune during her 12 year career in real estate that had influenced her approach to doing business.

“I literally just put my heart and soul into my business,” she said.

“I believe we are all humans and everyone should be given a chance to obtain a rental and sustain a rental,” she said.

Ms Jones said her experiences of seeing people evicted due to failing to pay their rent or losing their job had shaped her activities within and outside of business hours.

“I have also done a lot of work with homeless services on the Coast to help with getting people off the streets and

properly housed.

“There are more ways to go around some issues than are used by many real estate agents,” she said.

Ms Jones and her business partner Mr Richard Ruhl said they adhere strictly to the Real Estate Institute of NSW code of ethics in all their business dealings and, they’ve been prepared to put their money where their mouth is.

“Last year we ran a promotion that if clients sold their house they got to play toss the box,” Ms Jones said.

The competition involved the toss of a coin, witnessed by a JP. If the coin toss came up in the customer’s favour, they were repaid their whole agent’s

commission for the sale of their house.

“At first I don’t think customers believed it was real but they worked out that it was,” she said.

In Style Real Estate submitted entries for five categories in this year’s Wyong Chamber of Commerce 2015 Annual Business Awards and were finalists in three.

In addition to taking out the Excellence in Business Award, In Style Real Estate were recognised as finalists in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Small Business of the Year Award.

Interview, 24 June 2015 Ladele Jones, In Style Real Estate Jackie Pearson, journalist

As a family owned & operated company, it is with great excitement & honour that at Nurses Now we’ve been awarded the following accolades by the Wyong Chamber of Chamber in recognition of our business success:

Employer of Choice 2015 Excellence in Business 2015 (20+ Employees) Business Leader of the Year 2015 – Laurinda Pericleous [Company Director] These accolades are testament to the community support received and the dedication and holistic care displayed by our nurses daily.

As category winners this progresses Nurses Now through to the Central Coast Business Excellence Award ceremony across each category of which we were category winners. From our family to yours, thank you.

www.nursesnow.com.au - 1300 301 493

that Nurses Now has The Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business for 20 plus employees and Employer of Choice awards for 2015.

Founder and director, Ms Periclous has also taken out the Business Leader of the Year award.

“We had talked about starting the business for years and our daughter said ‘just do it, what have you got to lose’ and we did and it is the best thing we have ever done,” Ms Periclous said.

Within 19 months of starting the business, her son and husband had both left their full-time jobs to join the organisation and it had moved to its current site at Tuggerah Business Park.

Nurses Now provides staff to aged care, community care, disability services and for acute care in hospitals.

“Clients constantly tell us they love our service, we have standards set that we will not lower and our turn-around time is very quick,” she said.

Ms Periclous has a recruitment industry background so she screens and interviews all applications.

“We find that works because there is that quality that goes through.

“I receive 40 applicants a day that I screen first, then ask for a written application, then start

their nominated time so they have no excuse if they are late.

“I look at their experience and qualifications but also their manner and if I don’t want them looking after a member of my family, I won’t employ them.”

She said the employer of choice award is something that she is very proud of.

When Nurses Now surveyed their staff, they discovered that 93% of nurses on their books did

“They tell us they feel like a member of the family.”

On her reaction to winning the three awards, Ms Periclous said: “I eat, sleep and breath the business, it is my baby and I am just very proud of what we’ve achieved and very proud people put their trust in nurses now.”

Interview, 24 June 2015 Laurinda Periclous, Nurses Now Jackie Pearson, journalist

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News

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P

Kate Fraser is Young Business Executive of the Year ob Centre Australia’s area operations manager for Northern NSW, Ms Kate Fraser has been awarded the Wyong Business Chamber’s Young Business Executive of the Year.

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Ms Fraser joined Job Centre Australia in June 2006 where she started as an employment consultant and gained experience and skills to move up through the ranks.

Her most recent success has been the establishment of an Operational Performance Unit that has already had a positive impact on the company’s success and helped many more people with a disability into work.

CEO Mr Brian Yates said: “Kate is a wonderful

young person and it has been great to see her develop and grow within our organisation.

“Her knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to our company and our clients is a great example to all staff who respect her highly.

“It is great to see her achievements acknowledged within the Central Coast business community.”

Many talented dancers at Northlakes

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orthlakes High School dance students have participated in both Starstruck and the Centrel Coast Dance Festival during term two.

The school sent 26 dance students from year nine and 10 to rehearse and perform over four days at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Starstruck.

This year, Northlakes High School also had three groups audition for the Central Coast Dance

Festival.

All groups were successful through the audition process and represented Northlakes High School at Laycock Street Theatre throughout the week of Monday, June15 to Friday, June 19.

Sarah Holoway,

Tamira Bayley, and Tahlia Harris represented Northlakes High school in the Senior Regional Dance Ensemble.

They have been accepted to perform in Showcase in August.

Newsletter, 19 June 2015 Les Brimbecom, Northlakes High School

Media release, 24 June 2015 Brian Yates, Job Centre Australia All three Northlakes High School dance groups were accepted into the 2015 Central Coast Dance Festival

Young Entrepreneur of the year triples business size in one year r Leon Black from Inspired Tech is Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the year.

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He founded his own managed information technology solutions company two and a half years ago when he was aged 25.

“We provide small and medium enterprises with an outsourced IT department but at a fraction of the price,” Mr Black said.

His team of five services clients throughout the Central Coast, Newcastle and

Sydney.

Mr Black believes he was chosen as Young Entrepreneur of the Year because of his focus on excellence.

The business has also tripled in size this year as Mr Black has acquired other local IT businesses to add to his brand.

He said clients come from a broad range of industry sectors but health and medical is an area that has a large

segment of business for Inspired Tech.

One key part of Mr Black’s business ethos is to always give back to the community.

“One thing we always do is give a percentage of our profits back to the community by choosing a different charity each year to give to,” he said.

Interview, 24 June 2015 Leon Black, Inspired Tech Jackie Pearson, journalist

Small local schools have new principals rincipal of Wyong Creek Public School, Mr David Ireland has been asked to take over as relieving principal at Tuggerawong Public School for term three.

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“As this school is very dear to my heart and I have a lot of programs on the go here at Wyong Creek, my decision to accept this offer very much depended on who would be coming to this school to relieve for me in my position,” Mr Ireland said.

“I am very happy to say that Mr Matthew Barr will be relieving principal at Wyong Creek throughout term three,” he said.

“As his own children attend a small school, he understands the needs of our community.”

Mr Barr said he was “pleased and honoured” to be given the opportunity to act as principal of Wyong Creek.

“I have been an Assistant Principal at Woy Woy South Public School for the past five years and prior to that, I worked in Sydney at schools with extremely vast and varied educational needs,” Mr Barr said.

“Working at Wyong Creek will come with some familiarity for me, as I live close by and my own children attend a local small school,” he said.

“I am passionate about ensuring that curriculum content is relevant and appropriately differentiated and have a strong interest in student wellbeing, community involvement and active living.

“I have always promoted an ‘open door’ policy to the school community throughout my career and pride myself on being fair, honest and approachable.

Newsletter, 17 June 205 David Ireland, Wyong Creek Public School Matthew Barr, Wyong Creek Public School

Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P19 9

Budgewoi students to work with university students

Education

Centenary year celebrations for Berkeley Vale PS

he University of Newcastle will be working with students from years three to six at Budgewoi Public School throughout term three using a program called Aim High.

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These programs seek to provide a connection between University students and Primary School students,” said Budgewoi Public School principal, Ms Kerrie Moore.

“The University of Newcastle’s Aim High Team is in our school running the Careers Through Reading program for our stage three students.

“University students will lead small reading group sessions and start conversations about lifelong learning and post-school education opportunities.

“During the five visits, students will continue to learn to interact confidently with their peers, speak confidently in group discussions, listen strategically and read with comprehension.

“The cross-curricular activity-based model aims to strengthen the students’ love of reading whilst linking the importance of reading for positive educational outcomes.

“Stage two students will participate in Careers

through Science which will run for four weeks from Thursday, August 27 until Thursday, September 17.

“Careers through Science is a program offered to support working scientifically outcomes for stage two.

“The program will provide students with the skills to begin to initiate their own investigations and develop ideas for investigation using the processes of working scientifically.

“Students will: safely and carefully manipulate available tools, materials and equipment; make and record observations, using formal measurements as appropriate; and suggest reasons why methods were fair or not.

They will organise and identify patterns in data using provided tables and simple column graphs and suggest reasons for observations and compare findings with predictions.

Newsletter, 22 June 2015 Kerrie Moore, Budgewoi Public School

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Berkeley Vale Public School students commemorate the school's hundredth birthday

erkeley Vale Public School will celebrate its centenary this year and is looking for students who have attended the school in past years.

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They will be invited to the various celebrations that will take place and will be asked if they have any memorabilia that can be used for the school’s displays.

This could include old photographs, trophies, certificates, reports or sports awards.

A history book will be compiled to mark the occasion and will include any stories that ex-students may like to share.

Relieving deputy principal and organising committee chair-woman Ms Sharon Hoult said: “We want the whole community to join with us in our year of celebrating

BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO IT ALONE

this great Central Coast milestone.”

Celebrations will occur throughout the year and will include school performances, classroom visits by parents and ex-students, and a main event in the form of a dinner/dance held at Mingara Recreational Club on October 30.

On the following day an open day and festival will take place.

The school is also planning to conduct 100

random acts of kindness for the community in a way of thanking everyone for their support over the years.

The school’s first day was on November 15, 1915, with the first class taught in the Community Centre in Berkeley Vale.

Back then it was known as Tumbi Umbi School and the first teacher was Mr Bernard Dagg.

In 1931 the enrolments were 50 and had increased to 57 by 1932.

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Media release, 23 Mar 2015 Chris Rubie, Berkeley Vale 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

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The school continued to grow reaching 100 students by 1968.

As a result, plans to build a larger school on its existing site off Pindarri Ave began with the awaited new buildings being occupied in 1973; this year marked the school’s most rapid increase in numbers from 132 to 214 in one year.

Today there are approximately 800 students currently enrolled.

Contact Janice on 4388 2253 Contact Sandra on 4392 8716

Out&About

P20 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P2

Hilda wins overall best photo captivating photograph taken by Warnervale resident, Ms Hilda Bezuidenhout, was awarded ďŹ rst prize in Exposure 2015, Wyong Council’s photographic competition.

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The image, titled Grace, was a portrait of a South African woman and was given top honours from over 700 images entered into this year’s competition.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said he was blown away by the calibre of entries in this year’s competition. “We were thrilled to receive almost double the number of entries in Exposure this year, with 80 per cent of entrants residing on the Central Coast,â€? Cr Eaton said. “I believe this is a testament to both the depth of talent in our local photographers and the diversity of subject matter at their ďŹ ngertips. “I would also like to make special mention to the winner of the local category, Paul Hills, for his image of the Long Jetty titled The End of an Era, all the more relevant

given the recent centenary celebrations of this iconic attraction.�

Prize winners in the 2015 competition included: First prize overall, Ms Hilda Bezuidenhout; second prize overall, Mr Christopher Eather; third Prize overall, Ms Liudmila Arnautova; Most Outstanding Work in Postcards of The Shire, Mr Paul Hills; Most Outstanding Work in Through the Generations, Mr Bob Green; Most Outstanding Work in A Picture Tells 1000 Words, Ms Annette Blattman; and, Most Outstanding Work in The Natural World, Dianne English.

In an Exposure ďŹ rst, the event also included a collection of images from the International Photographic Exchange - a partnership between Wyong Council and the provinces of Qingpu and

epal earthquake survivor and founder of the Didi Foundation, Ms Jan Prior from Lake Munmorah returned to Nepal on Tuesday, June 23 to continue her charitable work.

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Ms Hilda Bezuidenhout was awarded ďŹ rst prize in Exposure 2015, the Wyong Council photographic competition, for her portrait of a South African woman

Qianjiang, China. “I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone who entered – this year the competition has risen to a new level. “I urge everyone to get down to The Entrance Gallery and see for

yourself our shire as seen through the lens of such talented artists.�

The exhibition at The Entrance Art Gallery will be open to the public until Sunday, June 28.

Media release, 13 June 2015 Wyong Council media

Students star in showcase

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ory Jones, a Northlakes High School student, has won a $500 scholarship from Youth and Performing Arts, following his performance at Laycock Street Theatre earlier this year.

The scholarship is sponsored by Macron Music and involves a performance at Laycock Street Theatre, with other music industry representatives.

Cory is also

representing the school at Central Coast Showcase, with his own composition “Screaming Silence�.

Other Northlakes High School students selected for showcase were: Jess Truman and Jack Morgan

Jan makes rebuilding Nepal a priority

with ‘Grandma’; Angel Danzante, Brandan Rondan, Luke Rondan and Ben Saggus with ‘Hit me like a man’ and Kate Pope with ‘I wish I was a Punk Rocker’.

Kate is in between gigs

with Becky Cole.

Jackson Wood from year 12 and his band have signed a recording deal and are currently in the recording process.

Newsletter, 19 June 2015 Les Brimbecom, Northlakes High School

Ms Prior was trapped in Tibet for a week following the April 25 earthquake that took over 8,000 lives.

Her return trip is to supervise Didi Foundation’s ‘Rebuilding Nepal’ program. “Didi Nepal has targeted devastated villages where we are going to commence building and equipping sustainable schools,� Ms Prior said. “These schools are going to focus on being environmentally sound with the inclusion of solar and bio-gas toilet systems. “We believe that education is the key out of poverty. “Once the schools have been built, our volunteers will be heading back into these villages.�

Ms Prior had just crossed the border from Nepal to Tibet when the earthquake struck. “Ten minutes into our meandering hillside drive, a landslide hit our tour car.

“Bewildered and shocked, we managed to get out of the car surrounded by plummeting rocks and debris falling everywhere,� Ms Prior said.

Ms Prior and her travelling companions spent their ďŹ rst night in a Chinese army camp and another ďŹ ve nights in a camp near a village before being told to leave for Llhasa. “It had taken the Chinese army ďŹ ve days to clear the road into Zhangmu. “We were the eighth car out and thus began a four-hour journey of inevitable fear and uncertainty of whether there would be more landslides.

In spite of her harrowing memories, Ms Prior has decided to return to Nepal to continue her charitable work and help to rebuild the country.

Media release, 14 June 2015 Jan Prior, Didi Foundation

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P21 1

Wrap with Love Knit In at Toukley

A camera on Gallipoli exhibition at Toukley he Australian War Memorial’s digital exhibition A camera on Gallipoli – The Photographs of Charles Ryan, at Toukley Library is closing soon.

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This exhibition showcases a series of 39 photographs captured

by Sir Charles Ryan while serving with the Australian Imperial Force in Turkey in 1915.

Council’s manager of library services, Ms Andrea Edwards said as a soldier and consulting surgeon who served at Gallipoli, Sir Charles Ryan saw firsthand many aspects of the war.

“He was able to capture these through a series of honest and sometimes

confronting photographs that form an everlasting record of the Australian experience,” Ms Edwards said.

“The photos also delve into Ryan’s remarkable life, including his time serving in the Turkish army, explaining the often unseen empathy towards Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli illustrated in these photos.”

The director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said Charles Ryan’s

photographs captured the reality behind the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, depicting a unique and often harsh view of our soldiers’ experiences.

“Ryan’s photographs reflected the Australians’ true experience of war, depicting the dry, forbidding landscape, tired troops in the trenches, and squalid dug-outs,” Dr Nelson said.

“Ryan also managed to capture the character of the Australian soldiers who fought at Gallipoli - the photographs encompass their endurance and the true spirit of ANZAC and Australian mateship.”

The exhibition is an initiative to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. A camera on Gallipoli is on display at Toukley Library until Monday, June 30.

Out&About

Members of the Knit 2 Give group from Toukley Library have been hard at work for this year's Wrap with Love

rom Mannering Park to Woy Woy, from Long Jetty to Kariong, groups of dedicated volunteers have had their knitting needles ready making 25cm squares for the 2015 Wrap with Love Knit In.

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This year’s event will be held on Friday, August 7 at The Memorial Hall, Pearce Ave, Toukley.

“This is a fun day, with much chatter and laughter and refreshments will be available,” said organiser, Ms Diana Johnson.

Drop off points for completed squares are at Lake Haven, Tuggerah, Toukley and Bateau Bay

Libraries.

“Wrap with Love is a not for profit, humanitarian organisation which relies solely on the generous giving of time, donations of eight-ply yarn and the dedication of the many volunteers who knit, crochet or sew the squares to make the finished wrap.

It takes 28 squares,

each 25cm in size, to complete a wrap.

Last year, Wrap with Love distributed more than 25,000 colourful wraps to the needy at home and around the world.

Media release, 22 June 2015 Diana Johnson, Wrap with Love

Media release, 18 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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News

P22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P2

Women’s activist featured on phone book cover

Progress Association unhappy with airport proposal he members of Mannering Park Progress Association have expressed alarm after reading the Wyong Council Draft Strategic Plan.

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Kristy Fox, founder of the Circle Movement, is featured on the front cover of this year's Yellow and White pages phone directories

amlyn Terrace local, Ms Kristy Fox has been selected to appear on the cover of this year’s Central Coast Yellow Pages and White Pages, which started distribution on Tuesday, June 2.

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Ms Fox has been selected under the theme, Australian Stars Rising Above, which celebrates up and coming Australians who are achieving beyond their years and making positive changes in their community.

Ms Fox has been described as a Central Coast local empowering her community to raise the status of women.

Discovering a lack of connection and engagement, she inspired and established the Circle Movement.

The Circle Movement initiative aims to motivate

conversations around achieving justice for women and challenging the issues locally and globally.

Her ’10 ways, 10 days’ project was held over the 10 days leading up to International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8.

The project drove others to empower women worldwide by participating in some or all of the 10/10 actions.

It encouraged volunteer work, charity donation, and promoted advocacy through the social media hashtag #10ways10days.

All Circle Movement activities were self-

funded by Ms Fox and its other founders.

A member of the Wyong Council Status of Women Advisory Group, Ms Fox engages around 500 women each year in developing an identity and vision for the initiative to make a difference in the lives of women on the Central Coast.

Each year Sensis, the publisher of the Yellow Pages and White Pages, has celebrated the efforts of local people in their communities on the covers of its regional books.

Media release, 1 June 2015 Emma Jarrett, Predge

Wear Red, White & Blue

“After many pages of lists which contain the works for the usual guttering, parks and roads repairs (which are what councils should be doing), we found a disturbing entry,” said association spokesperson, Ms Debra Denzel.

“It stated: ‘Item 7.001.14, complete stage 1 Central Coast Regional Airport Planning’.

“This had no costing and is expected that by the end of this year, the early plans and studies for the airport should have been completed.

“Where does this deep pit of money come from?

“Nobody knows, but our rates are forever expanding to beyond the ridiculous.

“This Council has not been given a mandate to spend our rates on an airport, yet they seem to access huge sums of our money with nobody asking the hard questions.

“At the last Council elections, not one of the current councillors mentioned plans for an airport.

“There has been no community involvement or consultation and we are being kept in the dark.

“With the advent of

Badgery’s Creek Airport and the re-opening of Belmont Airport, surely there is no real need for an airport here.”

Ms Denzel said the association had many questions about the airport that have gone unanswered by Council.

“Would the Department of Civil Aviation allow such an airport?

“What will happen to the land that has already been purchased for this airport?

“What will happen to the people who have homes in the vicinity of this airport?

“How will these poor people be compensated for the angst that this debacle has caused to

them and their families?

“Why are the residents not being consulted?

“Who is going to protect our most valuable assets, the people and the environment, from this filthy airport?

“How will the airport affect our daily lives, the pristine lakeside environment and tourism in the area?

“Our group is wishing that Wyong Council would return to what Councils are meant to do (roads, rubbish and recreation) and leave the big projects for the State Government to deal with,” she said.

Letter, 23 June 2015 Deborah Denzel, Mannering Park Progress

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P23 3

Out&About

Long Service Awards and plaques presented to Rural Fire Service volunteers yong Council and the Rural Fire Service paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of local NSW RFS volunteers by presenting Long Service Awards and plaques.

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Rural Fire Service assistant commissioner, Mr Stuart Midgley said: “It is an absolute honour to present these awards and to take a moment to reflect upon the outstanding achievements of our members.

“Each and every one of the medal recipients is worthy of our most sincere thanks and I would like to personally commend them, not only for their commitment to the Service, but also to their community.

“They have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their community over many years and these medals are a fitting tribute of our appreciation,” Assistant Commissioner Midgley said.

National Medals are presented to NSW RFS members who go above and beyond, in recognition of their years of diligent service.

Mr Robert Leach from Dora Creek Brigade received his national medal and first clasp for 24 years of service.

Mr Leach joined Dora Creek Brigade in1990 where he held the positions of vice president, president, community engagement officer, health and safety officer and training officer.

He has also held the

positions of deputy captain, senior deputy captain and currently holds the position of deputy captain.

Mr Wayne Logan has been in the service for 22 years and received his national medal and first clasp.

He joined Charmhaven Brigade in 1984; left in 1986, and rejoined in 1994 where he was elected deputy captain in 1996.

Mr Logan was elected captain in 2002, deputy group captain in 2004 and group captain in 2005, a position he still holds.

Mr Glenn Woods was presented with his national medal for 12 years of service.

He joined Somersby Brigade in 2001 then transferred to Warnervale Brigade in 2002 where he held the positions of brigade president, brigade secretary and deputy captain.

He then became senior deputy captain in 2006 and was made a life member in 2007.

Mr Woods transferred to Ourimbah in 2007 and was elected to the position of Captain and was then a deputy captain in 2008 to 2014.

Mr Robert Crosdale has been a member of the Rural Fire Service for 17 years and was presented with his national medal.

He joined Gwandalan Brigade in 1998 where he held the positions of brigade president, brigade community engagement officer, and brigade youth officer.

Mr Crosdale was then elected deputy captain in 2009, a position he still holds.

Mr Anthony Cameron received a national medal with 18 years of service, having joined Wyee Brigade in 1996.

He became an active member of the brigade and held the positions of equipment officer, first aid officer, and maintenance officer; and was also an elected member of the brigade executive.

After 19 years of service, Mr Jason Wade received his national medal.

He joined Berkeley Vale Brigade in 1995 where he held the positions of vice president, secretary, community engagement officer, mitigation officer, and training officer.

He was elected as deputy captain in 1998, senior deputy captain in 2006, captain in 2010 and again a deputy captain in 2012.

Mr John Unwin received his national medal and first clasp following 28 years of service.

He joined Wyee

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Brigade where he held the positions of training officer, station officer, equipment officer, first aid officer and was elected as deputy captain in 1998 to 2002; senior deputy captain in 2002 to 2003, deputy captain in 2004 to 2010, senior deputy captain in 2010 to 2011and deputy again in 2011, a position he still holds.

After 36 years of RFS service, Mr Jeffery Smith received his national medal, first clasp and second clasp.

He joined Mannering Park Brigade in 1976 where he held the positions of treasurer, maintenance officer and equipment officer.

He was elected deputy captain in 1976 to 1994, 2002 to 2007 and again in 2009, a position he currently holds.

Ms Gwendoline Deaves earned her national medal and third clasp after 47 years of service.

She joined Wyee Brigade in 1967 where she held the positions of first aid officer, catering officer, community engagement officer, treasurer and secretary and was elected as deputy captain in 1998 to 2008.

Others who received their long service medal were: Mr Scott Bennett for 10 year’s service to Berkeley Vale Brigade; Mr Christopher Douglas 10 year’s service as a member of Mangrove Mountain, Copacabana, Matcham/ Holgate and Berkeley Vale Brigades; Mr Albee Vickery and Mr Simon Webster as members of Berkeley Vale Brigade; and, Mr Aaron Jackson as a member of Parkes Headquarters and Mannering Park Brigades.

The long service of the following members was also recognised with the medal: Mr Leo Smit as a member of Charmhaven, Wadalba and Warnervale Brigades; Mr Benjamin Smith as a member of Mannering Park Brigade; Mr Brad Stilton as a member of

Ourimbah Brigade; Mr Joshua Sullivan as a member of Charmhaven and Warnervale Brigades; and, Mr Paul Tallon as a member of Catherine Hill Bay and Wallarah Brigades, deputy group captain and group captain.

Mr Brentan Partridge received the Long Service Medal for 12 years of service as a member of Mannering Park Brigade and deputy group captain.

Mr Jason Smith received the Long Service Medal for 12 years of service as a member of Dora Creek Brigade.

Mr Colby McKenna received the Long Service Medal for 14 years of service as a member of Catherine Hill Bay & Wallarah Brigades.

Mr Paul Smith received the Long Service Medal for 14 years of service as a member of Chittaway Brigade.

Mr Bernard Smith received the Long Service Medal for 16 years of service as a member of Arizona Headquarters, Warnervale and Wyong Operational Support Brigade.

Mr Lindsay Denton received the Long Service Medal for 17 years of service as a

member of Wyong Operational Support, Wadalba, Charmhaven and Warnervale Brigades and deputy group and group captain.

Mr Christopher McBurney received the Long Service Medal for 18 years of service as a member of the Chittaway Brigade.

Ms Tracey Chyla received the Long Service Medal for 18 years of service as a member of Wyong canteen support and Wyong operational support brigades.

Mr Byron Dossett received the Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 20 years of service as a member of the Wadalba Brigade.

Ms Janice Mackinnon received the Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 20 years of service as a member of Wyong canteen support and Wyong communications Brigades.

Mr Scott Gillett received the Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 22 years of service as a member of Berkeley Vale Brigade.

Media release, 22 June 2015 Rural Fire Service media

Ending slavery is a choice.

Take part. endslavery.salvos.org.au

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

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

4389 4423 & 4332 7378

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

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

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

PO Box 246 Wyong NSW 2259 Central Coast 50+ Singles Social Group Invites Ladies & Gents for dinner, dancing - BBQs & Socialising each 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 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 Long Jetty Over 50s Club Come along and join in our activities, great for indoor bowls, computers, exercises, yoga, linedancing, 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

Torchbearers for Legacy Toukley Raising funds for Brisbane Waters Legacy.

Fundraising activities Harry Moore Golf Day, Garage markets and street stalls.

Volunteers always needed to help.

0414 701 489 hartas@bigpond.net.au

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

P24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015

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

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

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

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

www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.org.au

Soundwaves Men’s acapella 4 part harmony chorus - all ages 7pm Mon Central Coast Leagues Club John 0413 276 698

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

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

GROW - Free weekly 12 Step Self Help Group for people wishing to recover from anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges.

New group opening at Wyong, McInnon Hall, Bakers Lane on Tuesday 28 April, 11.00am to 1.00pm. All welcome.

Phone 1800 558 268 or 0455 086 890 for more details or www.grow.org.au

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

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

jbthomson51@gmail.com

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

Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm 0407 406 669

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

Pollitics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, education, land philosophy issues in a non partison manner - 4th Thur every month besides December

Probus Clubs Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club We offer a warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers.

4th Mon every month RSL Hall Killarney Vale

4332 6625 Toowoon Bay Probus Club Come and meet new friends and enjoy the company of like-minded Seniors.

Morning tea provided, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events.

4th Thur each month 10am.

Anglican Church hall, corner of Brooke Ave and Eastern Rd Bateau Bay New members welcome.

4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc New to the Coast?

If you would like to meet new friends and enjoy social events, a welcome awaits you at Tuggerah Combined Probus Club each 2nd Thursday of the month, where you will have the opportunity to hear various guest speakers and also join us in a social outing on the 3rd Thursday.

We meet at Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi.

4388 1841

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 4324 5343 info@ccpotters.org

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

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 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 cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

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; Backstage; Front of House; Lighting/Sound etc Monthly meetings 1st Tues. 7.30pm in the new Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600 wyongdramagroup@gmail.com

Central Coast Potters Society Dedicated to increasing the ceramics knowlede,

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 - June 26, 2015 - P25 5

Council’s general manager resigns yong Council’s general manager, Mr Michael Whittaker “We thank Mike for what announced his resignation to staff and councillors on Friday, he has achieved for our community and wish him June 19 after five years at the helm. everything we do.

“Regional councils face considerable challenges and Wyong Council has great staff who reflect well in their capacity to be innovative and still deliver the vision and value for money services our community expect and need.

“Together we have turned around a $30 million deficit into a $10 million surplus while tripling spending on roads and over $500 million in capital works – we have really delivered for our community.

“Due to Council’s hard work and spending on vital water infrastructure for the whole of the Central Coast, our water levels have gone from 10% to over 70%, effectively droughtproofing the region.

“I fully appreciate the unfailing support, advice and professional working relationship provided by my mayors and councillors I have worked with during my time here and acknowledge their collaborative efforts.”

Mr Whittaker said: “Wyong Council has worked well as a team to respond to the challenges of financial and environmental sustainability in a regional area and I believe will continue to do so.

“Most importantly of all, I wish to acknowledge the wonderful members of the Wyong community, the business and sporting organisations who continue to work tirelessly on behalf of our Shire.”

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said:

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

Saturday, June 27

Tuesday, June 30

Backsliders headline The Entrance Winter Blues and Jazz Festival from 11:00am, Memorial Park, free Ben Woodham, Hardys Bay Club, 6:00pm

Community Sausage Sizzle and Garage sale, grounds of Wyong Neighbourhood Centre, Alison Rd and Ranken Court, Wyong from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Wednesday, July 1 Sunday, June 28 Galapagos Duck headline The Entrance Winter Blues and Jazz Festival, from 11:00am, Memorial Park, free Exposure 2015, last day of Wyong shire photographic prize exhibition opens at The Entrance Gallery, Battley Ave, The Entrance, 10:00am to 4:00pm daily NRL Roosters versus Titans, Central Coast Stadium, 2:00pm kick off, book online

Dredging about to commence at The Entrance Channel

he dredge is on site at The Entrance Channel as Wyong Council prepares to attempt to improve water flow into and his family all the best Tuggerah Lakes.

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Mr Whittaker has accepted an offer to become chief executive officer at the fourth largest Council in Australia, Sunshine Coast Council, commencing in September 2015.

“My family and I have enjoyed participating in the many aspects of community life of the Central Coast,” Mr Whittaker said.

“We will miss this beautiful region and will take with us many treasured friendships and memories of the area.”

Mr Whittaker said he was proud of the organisation he had helped lead for the past five years.

“I believe we have developed a contemporary organisation that has the community and the customer at the centre of

News

Free writing workshop, for over 18s Lake Haven Library, 12:30pm to 2:30pm

Friday, July 3 Wyong Toastmasters, Revitalised, refreshed, now it’s time to learn visit by Jan Vecchio, chief ambassador of revitalized education program, Wyong RSL, 10:30am to 11:30am

Saturday, July 4 Food Fun and Music Festival, Toukley

Village Green from 10:00am to 3:00pm The Entance Farmers Market, Memorial Park, The Entrance, 8:00am to 1:00pm Knitters Guild NSW The Entrance Group , 11:00am to 2:00pm, Senior Citizens Club, 6 Thompson St, Long Jetty

Sunday, July 5 Stuart Morrison, Sails stage, The Entrance, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Monday, July 6 Toukley and District Art Society general meeting, 10am, Federation Gallery, Wallarah Rd, Gorokan ARPRA Northlakes meeting, Lake Munmorah United Bowling Club, 10:30am

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.

for the future.

“To be honest, it will be very hard to replace him,” Cr Eaton said.

“We are fortunate to have had a strong leader who has enjoyed a supportive team during what has been a period of immense change for our council and local government in NSW in general.”

Mr Whittaker will remain as General Manager until midSeptember 2015.

Media release, 19 June 2015 Wyong Council media

Uniform suppliers wasted their time tendering enders from 14 corporate u n i f o r m suppliers for the supply and delivery of its corporate uniforms for the next five years were rejected by Wyong Council.

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The council’s previous corporate uniform tender which ran for five years was held by Gosford-based suppliers, Goodgear Pty Ltd. New tenders were called for in January 2015 to renew supply based on the existing uniform range.

Wyong has since changed its corporate branding and as such all tenders were rejected and new tenders called for based on a revised scope.

Business papers, 10 June 2015 Agenda Item 3.2 CPA/251997 Wyong Council

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Council’s waterways and coastal section manager, Mr Luke Sulkowski, said the dredge is being set up to start the planned program.

“Sand will be pumped from the channel into the surf zone at North Entrance Beach where it will form banks in the ocean and help protect the beach from future storm events.

“Later in the program,

as the dredge works its way closer to the mouth of the channel, we are looking at the option of pumping and distributing sand to nourish The Entrance Beach.

“Dredging the channel will help improve water flow and also enhance the navigation of boats in the channel.”

Media release, 15 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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22 housing lot development in Berkeley Vale endorsed vacant lot in Anderson Rd Berkeley Vale has been endorsed to allow low density residential development on the site.

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The site adjoins an existing urban area, is close to services, particularly local schools, shops and facilities.

A development application will be required to subdivide the property into housing lots which will be subject to further community consultation.

“This development will deliver a $3 million injection straight into the local economy delivering quality housing options, construction jobs and opportunities for our growing community,” said Wyong mayor, Cr

Doug Eaton.

“It is in a beautiful part of the shire, right next to a green corridor that will be preserved and will complement other housing in the area.

“While 22 housing lots is a drop in the ocean compared to the number of homes we need to provide over the coming 15 years, it is a positive step toward providing more housing choices for local families,” he said.

Media release, 24 June 2015 Wyong Council media

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Over 26,000 kerbside waste bookings received A final clean-up of waste deposited across Wyong Shire’s roadsides following the April storms is currently being conducted by Wyong Council.

Since the storms hit on April 21, Council’s main waste contractor, Remondis has received a staggering 15,985 green kerbside waste bookings and 10,207 general waste bookings from residents.

In addition, thousands of tonnes of waste have been deposited on the roadside without a collection booking and a large number of street trees were impacted by the storms.

Council’s new manager of commercial enterprises, Mr Andrew Pearce said the backlog had been progressively reduced and the program is on track for completion around June 30.

“People need to

understand the scale of the waste we have had to deal with,” Mr Pearce said.

“The April storms were unprecedented in our history in terms of the sheer amount of trees that came down across the shire.

“We thank the community for their patience and we are pulling out all stops to have the majority of waste cleared away by the end of June.”

Remondis is currently finalising the cleanup of the general waste stockpiles while Council contractors are systematically sweeping suburb by suburb to pick up green waste.

The current focus includes Toukley, Noraville, Norah Head and Budgewoi.

Media release, 19 June 2015 Wyong Council Media

Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P27 7

Sport

Locals chosen for Hotspur’s match day entry

Budgewoi students represent the school in different sports uring term two, some Budgewoi Public School students have represented the school in the Wallarah Zone or Sydney North Area competitions.

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In cross country three students made the Zone team after placing in the top six at the Wallarah Zone Carnival.

In golf a student trialled for the Sydney North Area team and was selected to attend the state carnival late in term three

representing the Sydney North Area team.

Two other students have been selected to trial for the Sydney North Area Softball teams next term.

Newsletter, 22 June 2015 John Clifford, Budgewoi Public School

Budgewoi U10s in league gala day n Friday, June 12 Budgewoi Public School entered two U10 rugby league teams in to the Central Coast All Schools Gala Day.

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Both teams improved as the day went on with Team A playing five games and having close results in all of them.

Their results were: Won 10-8 against Toukley, Lost 6-10 against Kariong, Lost 10-14 against Woy Woy South, Lost 0-12 against Bateau Bay, Lost 6-12 against Wamberal.

Your independent local newspaper

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Newsletter, 22 June 2015 John Clifford, Budgewoi Public School

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Team B played four games, conceding less points every game they played as the day went on, even scoring a try in their last game.

They had 10 players that were only nine years old.

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 110

Avoca Beach Theatre redevelopment refused o l l o w i n g e x t e n s i v e negotiations with the developer and over 1,500 public objections, Gosford Council refused a contentious proposal to redevelop the Avoca Beach Theatre at its Tuesday, June 9 ordinary meeting.

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The proposal had sought to add four cinemas to the site as well as a cafe and gallery, five residential units and basement car parking.

Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said despite Council’s best efforts to try and make the redevelopment workable, in the end it was refused for a number of reasons.

“The planning assessment looked very closely at all the community’s feedback and gave the applicant many chances to provide more information about any issues or amend the proposal as well,” Cr McKinna said.

“Given the proposal’s excessive size and height, there were major concerns it would see the site become overdeveloped, which would just not fit with the local area’s character.

“Plus, for us to approve this redevelopment, especially considering the amount of public opposition, would not have been in the community’s best interests.

“Although we received well over 1,500 individual letters and signatures objecting to this proposal, it’s important to acknowledge that we also received around 800 individual letters and signatures supporting it.

“But ultimately the site’s flooding risks were too significant to ignore, especially for this proposal.

“With the site located in

The potential loss of the lawn at the side of the Avoca Theatre was one of the concerns raised about the site’s redevelopment

an existing floodway, the proposed vehicle access and basement car parking for the redevelopment posed serious public safety risks if the site flooded,” he said.

In March 2015, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage advised Gosford Council that the NSW Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of NSW, had made an Interim Heritage Order over the site.

The Interim Heritage Order meant Council had limited power to determine the current application without the concurrence of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

“I would like to sincerely thank every resident for their comments and feedback on

this proposal, and patience while we assessed the application,” Cr McKinna said.

“I’d also like to thank the Council staff and developer for their efforts in trying to see whether this redevelopment could be delivered in a more suitable and acceptable way.”

The owner of the Avoca Theatre, Mr Norman Hunter addressed the ordinary meeting prior to the Council’s decision to refuse the development proposal.

Mr Hunter said he believed all the concerns relating to vehicular access, seating capacity and floor imprint had been addressed.

He said amended plans had been lodged but they were not the plans contained in the report to

the council meeting.

“Please remember the theatre is important to the Central Coast and the challenge for us all is to find a way forward for this significant cultural facility for the Central Coast,” Mr Hunter said.

Cr Gabby Bowles said it was with a heavy heart she moved the motion for refusal and thanked both the Hunters for the work they had put in and the community for its input.

“The reasons I cannot support a further deferral are that there are other issues in the report that the current application doesn’t address,” Cr Bowles said.

She said she could not get past the bulk and scale of the development proposed considering its

dominant position in the Avoca bowl.

“I do think there is a potential to find an outcome that would see this theatre grow but I think it is time that we now make a decision on what is before us,” she said.

Cr Hilary Morris said she would support the refusal because Council needed to do flood mediation work and she was concerned about the height of the proposed development and its impact on residents.

Cr Deanna Bocking said she wished to move that council meet the proponents once the interim heritage order was resolved should they wish to continue with a development on the site.

Cr Vicki Scott said the Avoca Theatre development application had be the worst

she had dealt with in her 12 years as a councillor in terms of it being the most complicated.

“In dealing with DAs we have to determine by the planning legislation,’ Cr Scott said.

“It is not our concern whether the Hunters have a viable business, whether one or five screens, whether the lawn survives, so long as the DA complies,” she said.

“Also it is not our concern that the theatre is iconic or that the Hunters and the theatre may not survive refusal of the DA because all council can make its decision on is whether or not the DA complies.”

Cr Scott said she would vote against the motion to refuse the development application because: “I don’t feel that I have enough understanding or enough information, believe it or not, to decide whether I want to vote with the refusal.”

“I do hope that is not an end to this theatre or to the Hunter’s vision for the theatre and the role it can play in the future,” Cr Bowles concluded before counsellors voted to refuse the development application.

“Hopefully the Hunters will see fit that there is a way forward and will see this theatre thriving on into the future for our children and our children’s children,” she 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, 9 June 2015 Gosford Council media Notes from General Meeting 9 June 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

Jacob Cowell escorts Tottenham goal keeper onto the field

ia Smith, age eight from Toukley and Jacob Cowell, also eight from Blue Haven were chosen to lead English Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur on to the pitch when they played Sydney FC at the Olympic stadium on Saturday, May 30.

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A series of coaching clinics were run by Tottenham Hotspur coaching staff on the Central Coast on Tuesday, May 26.

Local football clubs chose 80 children to take part in the clinic which was held at James Browne Oval, Woy Woy. Two stand-out children were then selected at the clinic to join Tottenham as player mascots and walk onto the ground on match day with the team.

It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for local kids to be coached

by Tottenham Hotspur staff.

Mia Smith attends Toukley Public School and plays her football with the Toukley Gunners.

Her father, Mr Roy Smith said this was Mia’s first season playing football.

“She was over the moon and said the sensation of being in front of 80,000 people was a bit overwhelming,” Mr Smith said.

Mia walked out onto the pitch holding the hand of star player, Harry Kane and received a signed jersey.

Jacob Cowell has been playing with the Kanwal Warnervale Rovers since he was four and his preferred position was defender.

Jacob’s mother, Ms Michelle Cowell said he had described the event as the “best day of his life”.

Media release, 1 June 2015 Stephen Cuff, Spark Communications Interviews, 1 June 2015 Mr Roy Smith Ms Michelle Cowell Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Sport

P28 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 P2

Darrel Luck is an umpiring legend

More international teams join sevens line-up

n Saturday, June 27 when Darrel Luck runs onto the field at Warners Bay, he will be doing so for the 250th time as a field umpire for a Black Diamond Cup match.

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Mr Luck, from Hamlyn Terrace, will become the first field umpire to achieve this milestone.

Putting this into perspective, there are no players within the Black Diamond AFL that have reached this milestone by playing 250 Black Diamond Cup games for their clubs in their playing careers.

On his way to reaching this milestone, Darrel passed another milestone last year.

He joined Lee Gardener and umpiring legends Neville Turner and John Sullivan by umpiring over 300 games in the Black Diamond competition.

This saw Darrel inducted into the NCCUA’s 300 club along with the other three umpires.

Included in this milestone, Darrel has now umpired 342 games in the BDAFL, 13 BDAFL Grand Finals (6 of those being Black Diamond Cup) and been named NCCUA Umpire of the year three times (2001, 2007 and 2013).

Darrel continues to take up the challenge of blowing the whistle each week, even after 20 odd years of umpiring.

Darrel said he played for a St Ives club in his younger years and turned to umpiring when he was on the bench with an injured knee for eight weeks.

“Umpiring is a very

ong Kong and New Zealand have announced that they will field teams in this year’s Central Coast Sevens (CC7s) rugby union tournament in October.

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The official tournament launch is set for Saturday, August 22.

The sideline activities will include a mini food and wine festival.

The event is being billed as Australia’s premier sevens tournament outside the world series.

Asia-Pacific Sevens champions Hong Kong RFU have announced they will contest the

good substitute for playing because you’ve got the best seat in the house as a field umpire.

“You are on the field so you get an up close and personal look at the action,” he said.

The game has changed significantly during the past 20 years, according to Darrel.

“I have seen attitude and behaviour changes from the players and spectators, changes to the rules to speed the game up and changes to the competition with teams coming and going.

“It really has come a long way in terms of player participation, spectator participation and in terms of the competition on the

Coast.”

At 45 years of age, Darrel hopes to reach his 300th field umpire game in about another five years.

He said the 12 kilometres a field umpire needs to run during a match makes it important to keep fit.

The other attributes that make a successful umpire are an understanding of the rules, common sense and the ability to communicate effectively with players, officials and spectators, he said.

Media release, 23 June 2015 Interview, 24 June 2015 Darrel Luck, Black Diamond AFL Jackie Pearson, journalist

Test your limits!

CC7s in readiness for the looming Olympic qualifiers.

Hong Kong took out the Asia-Pacific Sevens defeating Tonga comfortably in the final and being the only Asian team to defeat their Oceania opponents in the tournament.

The New Zealand Wasps Rugby Sevens Academy will contest their third CC7s

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uring the last weeks of Term Two, Northlakes High School students were firmly into the zone and regional phase of athletics and cross country carnivals.

On Friday, May 22, staff and students braved terrible weather conditions for the Zone Cross Country carnival.

Four students qualified for the Sydney North Regional carnival: Brooklyn O’Mara; Tristan Neal; Ethan Byrnes and Kiran Page.

“The students did not progress to the NSW CHS carnival, however they

are to be congratulated on their efforts and achievement of running at the regional level,” said Mr Mark Mansfield, Northlakes High School sports coordinator “Still on theme with cross country, our school carnival doubled as a funrun fundraiser for years seven and eight students.

“The goal of the fundraising was

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Email, 15 May 2015 Central Coast Sevens media

Students in regional cross country carnival

15 – 26 MAR 2016

Set your sights high and join Team Amnesty to raise vital funds for Amnesty’s human rights work.

tournament this year.

In 2014, the Wasps toured a mix of youth and experience bolstered by several New Zealand National Women’s Sevens Team squad members.

The Wasps return with rumour that the team will again feature some of the NZ Women’s Sevens big guns.

RUN

A MARATHON

NEW YORK: NOV 2015 LONDON: APRIL 2016

to purchase new uniforms for our school representative teams in netball, football, rugby league and union.

“The Zone Athletics carnival was to be held at the Mingara recreation centre on Wednesday, June 24.

Newsletter, 19 June 2015 Mark Mansfield, Northlakes High School

Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P29 9

Judo club wins ďŹ ve medals at nationals

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yong’s oldest judo club, the Kido Mingara Judo Academy, senior boy elimination bouts. won ďŹ ve medals at the recent nationals.

The lead up to the nationals looked like one of Ki-Do’s most promising for a number of years, according to Kido’s coaching director, Mr Peter Acciari. “However, the group of 11 players that entered and qualiďŹ ed had to deal with a spate of withdrawals forced by illness and injuries, eventually dwindling to ďŹ ve,â€? Mr Acciari said. “Some of the club’s top ranked and serious medal contenders had to watch from the sideline.

At the 2015 Australian Judo Titles held in Wollongong, over 400 of the best ‘Judoka’ in the junior and senior divisions from every state competed over four days.

The event was covered live on Internet TV on all three mats.

Injuries meant Kido ďŹ elded its smallest number of representatives in the nationals in years, the club returned with ďŹ ve medals including one gold. “Caroline Hain spearheaded the results by her spectacular performance winning the coveted gold in the senior age group,â€? Mr Acciari said. “Her polished Tsurikomi goshi and seoinage (shoulder throws) were her main

stay in all the bouts, coupled with smooth transition to groundwork which she always followed with strong submission techniques. “She defeated the Commonwealth bronze medalist with two yuko [minor score] for a deserved win. “The results were a huge relief and reward after a grinding preparation in physical training here and in Italy. “In the U21 junior women category, Caroline played equally well showing some of her best throwing skills in the qualifying rounds. “She had full and good control of the bout when she adjusted an attack from an unbalanced position and tripped. “The referee scored it against Caroline relegating her to settle for the silver medal. “In the U21 junior men, Neeson Naidoo overcame his ďŹ rst bout nerves and focused on his game-plan, executed an explosive reverse shoulder throw for a win.

The second bout against the ACT was equally controlled and quick winning with a kouchi-makikomi (winding) throw. “The draw placed Neeson on collision course with the current

National and Oceania champion in the third bout. “It all started well and looked like he had found his form nearly scoring with a ying submission, but was accumulating a series of technical penalties on the way, which made the going tough and eventually, the fourth penalty cost Neeson the bout. “Thereby relegated to the repechage he had one ďŹ ght left for the bronze, which he won by ippon. “Neeson approached the U60kg senior men division with a totally different mindset applying only his tachi waza (throwing skills) and not engaging in groundwork in his ďŹ rst bout. “This worked well with three of his throws scoring minor points. “The older strong opponent was being dominated and with one minute to go it looked like a matter of only running out the clock. “In one of Neeson’s attempts to untangle himself on the ground he got caught and succumbed to a submission loss, which eliminated him.â€? “Coach Acciari said: “After this unexpected loss, it must have been disheartening for him to watch the players that he defeated in the U21, go on and medal in this Senior division. “Daniel Villani looked sharp from the start making short work in his

“With powerful and well timed morote seoi (shoulder throws) he defeated seasoned ACT and Vic players seemingly at will, with precision ‘ippon’ full point winning throws in the 45kg weight division. “Daniel was in great form and with one high, then a low shoulder throw, taking out his Tasmanian opponent in the semi-ďŹ nals. “He had defeated the opposing ďŹ nalist from Queensland twice earlier in the year and knew his style. “What no one considered was that one of the quick off the grip dropping attacks adopted

by Qld, which are usually penalised, would catch Daniel off guard and score, forcing him to settle for silver.�

Mr Acciari said he was especially pleased with the great performance on the day by Caroline Hain, enabling her to win gold in “a well-controlled bout from the start. “She kept her head.

It was her best performance to date,â€? he said. “I was happy with all players, they gave their best, not only because of the results, but more that all tried difďŹ cult skills and showed enthusiasm irrespective of whether they worked well or not.â€?

Media release, 22 June 2015 Pete Acciari, Kido Mingara Judo Academy

Sport

Bombers blasted in second half Blues air-raid illarney Vale did battle with Newcastle City on the neutral venue of Rose Point Park, Singleton on Sunday, June 21 in round eight of the Black Diamond AFL competition.

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The change of venue did not deter the Blues as they powered away from the Bombers after half time to win 20.13.133 to 6.3.39.

The match opened in bright fashion with both teams making the most of their opportunities and after a 10 goal opening term Newcastle City were able to lead by 12 points at quarter time.

Scoring in the second quarter was at a premium with only three goals kicked as both teams’ defences started getting on top.

At half time, the match was evenly poised with Newcastle City leading by 17 points.

The match was all one

way after half time as the Bombers, missing key players in Rick White, Jackson Ireland and Josh Mifsud, were unable to withstand the Blues onslaught.

Newcastle City kicked four goals in the third quarter and eight goals in the last quarter, whilst at the same time only allowing Killarney Vale to kick one goal to run out convincing 94 point winners.

For Killarney Vale, Rhys Banbrook, Tom Mumford and Kyall Walford were their best.

Media release, 21 June 2015 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

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Sport

P30 - Wyong P3 y g Regional g Chronicle - Mayy 15,, 2015

Former English Premier League striker joins Mariners he Central Coast Mariners have bolstered their attacking stocks for the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season with former English Premier League striker Roy O’Donovan joining the yellow and navy on a two-year deal.

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The 29-year-old Irishman played under Roy Keane at Sunderland before spells with Coventry City and Northampton Town amongst other UK-based outfits.

Before joining Keane’s ‘Black Cats’ in the English Premier League, the under-21s Republic of Ireland International broke onto the professional football scene in his hometown with Cork City.

He racked up an impressive goal scoring record across three seasons with Cork City, which included a League of Ireland Championship in 2005.

O’Donovan’s impressive run of form earned him a call up

arnervale had a big win when they defeated Northlakes at Slade Park by 69 points to nil in round eight of the Central Coast Rugby Union on Saturday, June 20.

W to the English Premier League with Sunderland which broke the League of Ireland’s record for highest transfer fee in 2007 that also saw the inform striker knock back an offer from Fulham.

The former Blackpool attacker’s most recent goal scoring spree was with Brunei DPMM FC in Singapore’s S-League, where he managed to bag an impressive 15 goals in 24 league appearances throughout the 2014 campaign as the club’s marquee player under former Blackburn Rovers

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 - 26 0303 - 1.34 0924 - 0.60 1600 - 1.47 2219 - 0.74 MON - 29 0010 0.58 0554 1.34 1143 0.54 1819 1.72 THU - 2 0222 0.33 0815 1.44 1356 0.44 2029 1.94 SUN - 5 0440 0.24 1045 1.50 1627 0.45 2251 1.89 WED - 8 0038 1.67 0713 0.36 1331 1.54 1930 0.58

Two very one sided wins in Union round eight

SAT - 27 0405 - 1.32 1012 - 0.59 1650 - 1.54 2319 - 0.67 TUE - 30 0056 - 0.49 0642 - 1.37 1226 - 0.50 1901 - 1.81 FRI - 3 0306 - 0.27 0903 - 1.46 1444 - 0.43 2115 - 1.97 MON - 6 0529 - 0.26 1138 - 1.51 1723 - 0.49 2343 - 1.79 THU - 9 0139 - 1.55 0807 - 0.41 1432 - 1.57 2044 - 0.60

SUN - 28 0502 - 1.32 1059 - 0.57 1736 - 1.63 WED - 1 0139 - 0.40 0729 - 1.41 1310 - 0.47 1945 - 1.89 SAT - 4 0352 - 0.24 0953 - 1.48 1534 - 0.43 2201 - 1.95 TUE - 7 0619 - 0.31 1233 - 1.52 1824 - 0.54 FRI - 10 0245 - 1.44 0903 - 0.45 1534 - 1.62 2200 - 0.58

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

boss Steve Kean.

O’Donovan is raring for round one of the Hyundai A-League and spoke very highly of Australian football.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to playing in the A-League and representing the Central Coast Mariners.

“I was up there last week and it’s a beautiful place and looks like a terrific place to play football,” he said.

“Playing with Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.

“Roy Keane was an idol of mine growing up and it was terrific to play under him and to play at that level of football was an incredible learning curve for me.

“I’m hungry to do well at the Central Coast Mariners.

“I consider myself a number nine, I like to play off the shoulder of the last defender and being a nuisance to central defenders and hopefully a goal scorer,” he said.

The Central Coast bound striker will join

his Mariners team mates in early July for a full pre-season under Tony Walmsley who noted his newest striker as a major off-season coup.

“Roy comes with outstanding references from top managers in the UK including Roy Keane,” Mr Walmsley said.

“He is a very humble and genuine character who will fit our community club profile,” he said.

“To have a striker join the Mariners with an identified work ethic who is also a proven goal scorer with natural pace and speed of thought is very exciting.

“The type of striker Roy is will give our attacking midfielders room to operate with his good forward runs.

“With our ability to get service in from both flanks and our creativity in midfield, I’m expecting a high return from Roy this season,” he said.

Media release, 30 May 2015 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

Warnervale crossed for 11 tries in what was their best performance of the year.

They controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, and were never in doubt of gaining the victory.

Warnervale’s best players were flanker Tevita Moala and Josh Rennie.

Ourimbah proved their Premiership aspirations are on track with a most convincing win over Terrigal at The Haven Oval.

Ourimbah got away to a good start and after securing an early lead went on to record a 30 points to 3 victory.

Ourimbah started the game well.

They were quickly on the scoreboard when their NSW country loose forward Tyler Jones crossed for the opening try.

It was just the start the visitors wanted.

Terrigal did respond however and were able to put pressure on Ourimbah late in the half.

They were pressing strongly when Ourimbah back Rob Richardson raced 90 metres to score.

This was heartbreaking for Terrigal and certainly put Ourimbah on the go forward.

Ourimbah did have the better of the first half and were able to go to the halftime break leading by a very handy 20 points to 3 lead.

The match was definitely in their favour at this stage but Ourimbah knew a battle was still on their hands.

Ourimbah had several very good players in the first 40 minutes.

None was better than Tyler Jones, and he was well supported by fellow loose forwards Bradd Sheridan and Clint Guyatt.

Ourimbah continued to be strong in the second half and were able to continue in the same vein.

Ourimbah were able to outscore Terrigal in the second stanza by 10 points to nil.

Despite the loss, Terrigal had several very effective players.

The win by Ourimbah sees them overtake Terrigal on the competition ladder.

They move to third spot while Terrigal drop to fourth position in what is developing into a very congested competition ladder at the top.

Media release, 21 June 2015 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015 - P31 1

Isabelle and Charmayne selected he first female rugby league team on the Coast is continuing to make history with two players selected in the NSW team.

T

Sport

Mitch Austin joins Mariners

entral Coast Mariners coach, Tony Walmsley has added even more venom to his front third by signing 24-year-old Australian attacker Mitch Austin from English side Cambridge United FC on a two-year deal.

After only three games players in their team

of rugby league, Isabelle Kelly and Charmayne Nathan impressed the selectors with their flare for the game.

Berkeley Vale coach, Mr Ken Kelly said he was proud of the girls.

“These two girls have a history of playing touch football at a representative level but this is the first time they have played rugby league and have been named in the NSW team after only three games,” Mr Kelly said.

“If it wasn’t for the dedication of a handful of girls and the support of the Berkeley Vale club, as well as the players committed to playing week in week out, this untapped talent would never have been discovered.”

The girls will debut for NSW alongside a number of other experienced

including former and current Australian Jillaroo players.

NSW take on QLD in the annual Interstate Challenge on Saturday, June 27 as the curtain raiser to the North Queensland Cowboys game in Townsville.

“If you can’t get to Townsville on Saturday, come down to the Panthers home ground and see our women’s team in action against Minto from 2:00pm.

The Berkeley Vale women’s rugby league team plays in the Sydney Metropolitan Competition against teams such as Maitland, Penrith, Forrestville, Redfern, Greenacre and more.

Media release, 23 June 2015 Wyong Council media

C

Mitch Austin will arrive on the Central Coast in early July and have the advantage of joining the Mariners for a full pre-season when the first team returns from end of season leave.

He headed to the UK after being spotted by Rotherham United as a youngster playing for Manly United and now has the chance to return to Australia and prove himself in the Hyundai A-League after several loan spells.

Standing over six foot tall, Mitchell Austin is an imposing figure and Walmsley is excited to have him at his attacking disposal for the upcoming season after appearing on his radar during his Head of Recruitment role at Sheffield United.

“I’ve known Mitch since being in the UK, one of my jobs at

Sheffield was to track young Australians,” Mr Walmsley said.

“Now moving back to the Mariners, it’s important to understand how good young Aussies are playing,” he said.

“With the Visa restrictions in the A-League and the new model we’re putting in place, Mitch is someone that fits that profile; a

young Aussie talent with embedded potential that we can expose to the global market.

“Mitch has got incredible pace and great athletic ability, he’s six foot one, so he immediately contributes some physical requirements we are looking for.

“He can go down the outside of players, has an

excellent cross and gives us genuine width on the left hand side.

“He’s done some real hard yards and that helps shape a young player.

“The A-League is going to be demanding, but it’s going to give him a chance to shine and we believe he can play at a higher level,” Mr Walmsley said.

“I’d like to cement a place in the first 11, obviously it’s a longer pre-season to what I’m used to, so I want to do well in the pre-season and hopefully I’ll be in the side and ready to run out,” Mitch Austin said.

“Over there you are fighting for wins every single week.

“I’m used to taking a touch and getting smashed, so I’ve gained a lot from that and I’m now quicker on the ball,” he said Media release, 1 June 2015 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

P32 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - June 26, 2015

ADVERTISEMENT

Mr Abbott.

Don’t Pocket Our Pension.

TONY ABBOTT AND THE GREENS HAVE VOTED TO CUT $2.4 BILLION FROM 330,000 PENSIONERS: Tony Abbott and the Greens have teamed up to vote for a cut to the pension.

The day before the election, 6 September 2013, Tony Abbott famously promised “No change to pensions”.

The very same day, he promised “We will not do any deals with independents and the Greens.”

Now Tony Abbott wants to cut the pensions of around 330,000 Australian pensioners, including 90,000 pensioners who will be kicked off the pension altogether.

Some single pensioners will lose as much as $8,000 and some couples will lose as much as $14,000.

Authorised by Deborah O’Neill, 4 Ilya Avenue Erina NSW 2250

JULY UPDATE: