Issue 74 of Wyong Regional Chronicle

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Issue 74

Promotion of tourism in Wyong shire to take a new direction he promotion of tourism in the Wyong local government area is to take a new direction following decisions made at the ordinary meeting of Wyong Council on Wednesday, July 22.

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Cr Lloyd Taylor moved a series of motions at the meeting aimed at investigating the management of tourism and event promotion through a new shire-wide body.

Management of tourism and events is currently in the hands of third parties with which Wyong Council has contractual and funding arrangements.

Those organisations include Central Coast Tourism, The Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Entrance Town Centre Management and Greater Toukley Vision.

“To have a shire-wide events and promotions body that will focus on Wyong is logical to the growth of the area,” Cr Taylor said.

“Whilst Central Coast Tourism, based in Kariong, actively promotes the activities from Pearl Beach to Lake Munmorah, many Wyong tourism operators don’t provide their events schedules because they are too far away from here,” he said.

The Council meeting was addressed by Mr John Millard, representing the community.

Events such as this at The Entrance may come under the control of a new umbrella body within the next couple of years

Mr Millard is a former Wyong councillor and chairman of The Entrance Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Millard said he was a founding member of The Entrance Town Centre Management in 1995 and had spent several periods on its board as a representative of Wyong Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

“It is time for a change because our town is suffering and we are not getting the support we need from town centre management,” Mr Millard said.

Cr Adam Troy asked Mr Millard whether there was currently discord within the board of The Entrance Town Centre Management and Mr Millard said there was.

Mr Millard said he did not believe The Entrance Town Centre

Management was currently fulfilling its role of representing the permanent shop keepers of the area.

“Some events are good but some events are not very good for our town,” Mr Millard said.

“I am there for the permanent shop keepers and Town Centre Management continues to bring food providers and drink providers into the park so the takings of the permanent businesses are down significantly,” Mr Millard said.

Mr Millard said shop owners had written to Town Centre Management and to Wyong Council expressing their concerns and their letters had been ignored.

Councillors debated Cr Taylor’s motion, including questioning Mr

Millard, for over an hour and several amendments were made.

Cr Doug Vincent asked for clarification about the amount of money provided by Council to the various promotion and tourism bodies it had relationships with.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said this year’s expenditure was $1.6 million across all the tourism bodies.

He said in the previous year the total expenditure from Council was closer to $2 million.

Mr Millard said he had spoken at the Council meeting in order to “look at the new way of moving forward.

“If the board and management [of The Entrance Town Centre Management] gets dissolved, I wouldn’t be too upset,” he said.

Wyong Council currently has funding agreements with Greater Toukley Vision and The Entrance Town Centre Management until June 30, 2017.

Its current contract with Central Coast Tourism runs out in 2016.

Wyong Council acting general manager, Mr Scott Cox said Council has already changed its relationship with The Entrance Town Centre Management, including allowing for greater Council representation.

“We asked for a further governance change to have a special delegate appointed by me and that is the chief financial officer, so Council representation has increased from one to three,” Mr Cox said.

A recent internal audit showed a number

of anomalies in terms of Council’s statutory duties and whether they could be delegated to an external partner, Mr Cox said.

As a result some statutory functions have been “brought back under the umbrella of Council”, Mr Cox said.

A review clause has also been embedded in The Entrance Town Centre Management funding agreement for the last year of its contract.

Mr Cox said Wyong Council’s current arrangements in relation to tourism were “unusual” and not a structure that he would recommend.

Cr Taylor said there seemed to be a problem with communication between the current bodies to ensure a shire wide strategy to encourage investment to the area.

“If council can set up a body that has professional management which can truly communicate and liaise, it will be able to truly represent tourism and all the different centres of Wyong,” Cr Taylor said.

Cr Matthews, Vincent and Greenwald exoressed concerns about the motions and moved amendments so staff could prepare a report for a future meeting.

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Agenda item 7.2 22 July 2015 Meeting transcript Wyong Council general meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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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

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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

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Harris calls for independent judicial inquiry into rezoning allegations

‘Share accusation a baseless slur’ – Eaton W

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”.

ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris Cr Eaton said his wife MP has called for an independent judicial inquiry into allegations was taking action with the raised about links between developer donations Human Rights Commission on the basis that she had 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.

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.”

Issue 72

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

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Motion of no confidence in Council CEO and management team passed A meeting to update residents about the boarding house development was attended by over 300 people

The decision about the development is now in the hands of the Land and Environment Court and will be heard between September 15 and 17.

In May, Gosford Council advised the Land and Environment Court that there

had been no mediated outcome between it and the applicant, who has since filed an appeal.

A site inspection will be held at Ettalong on Tuesday, September 15, and residents are hoping that the Court will agree to hear the case at Ettalong Diggers Memorial Club on September 16 and 17.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the latest public meeting was called to keep residents informed as to the process with the appeal.

As a result of the meeting, residents have sent a letter to Council asking for the original planner who worked on the report that formed the basis of Council’s original rejection of the development application, Mr Luke Marquet, to be its expert witness.

“The letter has called for Gosford Council to engage him as he was contracted by Council to assess and prepare the report refusing the application,” Mr Wales said.

The letter, which was signed

by over 300 residents, also asked for Council to engage a parking engineer to give evidence to the Land and Environment Court.

The meeting also appointed Mr Wales as a community contact point to liaise between residents and council during the appeal process.

“Of all my years as Chamber president and in business on the Peninsula, I have never seen a community rally as cohesively as the Ettalong community has over this development,” Mr

Wales said.

“The community has learned to work together,” he said.

“Every person at the meeting signed the letter and a petition objecting to the amended plan that is currently before the court,” Mr Wales said.

Interview, 30 June 2015 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Reporter: Jackie Pearson MORE - Page 9

Over 300 Gosford Council workers attended United Services Union meetings and passed a vote of no confidence in Council’s CEO and management team

ore than 300 Gosford City Council staff from all depots, offices and services passed a motion of no confidence in CEO Mr Paul Anderson and his management team.

The United Services Union (USU) which represents local government workers, said union members held a series of meetings on Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 at Gosford Council depots at Erina and Mangrove Mountain, along with the Gosford administration building and

Woy Woy depot.

“Hundreds of employees of Gosford Council have taken part in a series of meetings, held in their own time, to discuss serious concerns regarding attempts by council management to reduce take home pay and job security,” USU organiser, Mr Luke Hutchinson said.

“The meetings, which involved a cross section of staff from all areas and services, culminated in overwhelming votes of ‘no confidence’ in Gosford Council CEO, Mr Paul Anderson and his management team.

“Also of concern has been a recent spike of industrial disputes, with

management attempting to remove or reduce basic award entitlements.

“Our members sent a strong and proud collective message to the management of Gosford Council, enough is enough,” he said.

“The CEO and his management team need to end their aggressive attacks on the pay and job security of the hard-working local staff that deliver services to our community.”

The USU has been disputing a number of policies and decisions by council management in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, including a proposal to cut workers’ pay by up to four per cent each year.

“These outrageous cuts will ultimately lead to lower productivity and service output,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Our union stands with the Central Coast

community, which can’t afford to see productivity and service delivery drop because of ideological attacks by the council management team.

“We’re urging concerned community members to contact their local councillor and voice their opposition at these cynical attacks on local workers.”

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, 18 June 2015 Tim Vollmer, Mountain media

Issue 73

Ourimbah boarding house proposal to proceed to JRPP without proper debate

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Third meeting opposes boarding house plans

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proposed 100-room boarding house at Ourimbah could not be discussed by Wyong Council at its general meeting on Wednesday, July 8 because seven out of eight councillors present declared interests in the matter.

Over 300 Ettalong residents attended a meeting on Sunday, June 28, to express their concern over the third set of plans to build a boarding house adjacent to Ferry Rd wharf.

Shoreline walker winched to safety A 64-year-old man was winched to safety last week after he became stranded on a rock in Brisbane Water National Park between Pearl Beach and Patonga.

The rescue occurred after two men, aged 64 and 65, attempted walking along the shoreline from

Pearl Beach to Patonga at about 2.30pm on July 1.

Police were told the men were unable to complete the journey via the shoreline, and entered the Brisbane Water National Park at Patonga.

About 5:30pm, the men became stranded on a rock and, due to rising waters, alerted emergency

services.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Local Area Command, Ambulance paramedics and NSW Fire and Rescue attended and winched the 64-year-old man to safety a short time later.

The older man had left the location prior to the rescue of the other, in an attempt to find a way

back.

A second search was initiated including the dog unit, Police Rescue, and a rescue helicopter.

About 9.30pm, the man was located at an address at Pearl Beach, safe and well.

Neither man required treatment.

The incident has prompted

police to remind bushwalkers to plan their journeys ahead of time, ensure sufficient food, water and warm clothing are always taken, and to stay put and remain together when emergency services have been contacted.

Media release, 2 July 2015 NSW Police media

THIS ISSUE contains 64 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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The approval or refusal of the proposed boarding house at 2-4 Glen Rd Ourimbah will now be determined by the Joint Regional Planning Panel at its meeting next week.

Cr Eaton, Taylor, Best, Webster, Vincent, Troy and Matthews all declared interests in the matter, which left independent Cr Bob Graham, the only councillor present, able to discuss it.

Cr Greenwald and Nayna were absent but had previously declared interests in the matter.

The absence of a quorum to discuss the matter meant the decision to make submissions to next week’s Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) meeting was deferred to Council’s acting general manager, Mr Scott Cox. Chairperson of the Stop Glen Road Action Group, Mr Greg McGill was also unable to speak at the meeting because the matter could not be debated.

According to a report from Wyong Council’s development and building department manager, acting director, Ms Tanya O’Brien, the

An artist's impression of the proposed Glen Rd boarding house as it will be presented to the JRPP

application was reviewed by the Hunter Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP) last year which deferred its determination pending the provision of additional information and design change.

The original DA was for the demolition of two existing dwellings and the erection of a fourstory boarding house containing 94 rooms, a manager’s residence, parking and open space.

The revised application is for a three-storey boarding house with 100 rooms, a manager’s residence, parking and open space.

“Following a thorough planning assessment, the application is recommended for approval,” the report said.

In the latest version of the proposal, the building width has increased at the street frontage, and internal changes include communal recreation rooms on each level, light

wells and storage.

The proposed building will house 87 single units, 10 doubles, three accessible units and the manager’s unit.

Each unit would contain an en-suite, kitchenette, robe and desk.

The landscaping plan has been revised with extensive landscaping proposed within the front setback and in communal areas, according to the latest report to Council.

Unless Mr Cox decides to make alternative submissions to the JRPP, it is expected that the report submitted to the Wednesday, July 8 meeting will be forwarded to the Hunter Central Coast JRPP for determination on Friday, July 16.

In other words, the outcome from Wyong Council to the JRPP will be a report supporting the approval of the proposed development.

Mr Greg McGill from the Stop Glen Road Action Group said residents present in the public gallery for the Council meeting were “very, very disappointed” that the issue was not debated.

Mr McGill said he was surprised that several councillors declared conflicts of interest based on connections with former federal member for Dobell, Mr Craig Thompson.

Mr McGill said he believed Mr Thompson, along with former Wyong councillor and mayor Mr Neil Rose, had been employed by the developers K and P Gregory, to chair focus groups and lobby current ALP councillors to support the proposed development.

“We believe the councillors used their declared conflicts at the meeting to get out of declaring whether

or not they supported the development,” Mr McGill said.

He said the outcomes of the focus groups chaired by Mr Thompson had been used as part of the developer’s social impact statement in its development proposal to incorrectly demonstrate community support for the development.

The Stop Glen Road Action Group is also seeking advice as to whether Mr Cox is an appropriate person to make submissions to the JRPP given that he was the author of the first report to Council recommending the original development application.

According to Mr McGill, the group will be “up the creek without a paddle” if the JRPP approves the current version of the development application.

“Our only avenue would be the Land and Environment Court and

we have been told that we would need a minimum of $50,000 to take it there and we have nothing of that kind at the moment,” he said.

Member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara attended the Council meeting as a show of support for the Ourimbah residents.

Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan has also expressed support for the Ourimbah residents and is expected to speak at the JRPP in opposition to the boarding house development.

Mr McGill said the Stop Glen Road Action Group did not believe that the developer had met the six conditions set out by the JRPP in relation to its concerns about the bulk and scale of the development.

“One floor has come off the top but there is an additional wing to be built and they have reduced the size of the rooms to just above the state minimum requirements,” Mr McGill said.

In the speech he did not get to present to the meeting, Mr McGill said the group would be detailing the issues that it believed the developer had failed to address to the JRPP meeting.

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

Meeting transcript, 8 July 2015 Business paper, 8 July 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Interview, 9 July 2015 Mr Greg McGill, Save Glen Road Action Group Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Issue 112

Kibbleplex level 2 is likely to become a car park

Edition 372

Discarded syringes collected three times a week Discarded syringes are collected twice a week from around Woy Woy Hospital’s needle exchange and the nearby McEvoy oval by Central Coast Health staff and once a week by a volunteer group according to Central Coast Health , an investigation by Peninsula News has revealed.

The Woy Woy Motor Registry will soon be vacant if the efforts of the community and its representatives to keep it open do not work

T

he currently vacant upper floor of the Kibbleplex building in finalised,” the report said.

“The two lower levels Henry Parry Drive is likely to become a 300-space car park based on a report to the Tuesday, July 14 ordinary meeting of Gosford were always a major challenge and were initially Council.

Council received a report from a strategy/policy workshop held in March that recommended a strategic change for Kibbleplex targeting the upper vacant level as car parking.

It also recommended that initiatives to lease the ground floor for learning and education, retail, commercial or community activities and a possible smart work hub expansion should continue.

However, the report concluded that prospects for the future of Kibbleplex are limited and Council’s return on investment miniscule.

“Recent reports and reviews suggest Kibbleplex is not an ideal library location and other sites are under review,” the report said.

“In this respect, most learning and education uses would be better dealt

with in conjunction with the library.”

Kibbleplex was acquired for $11 million in 2011, subsidised by a $7 million grant on the basis the two upper levels provided 400 commuter parks for five years, the report said.

This commitment expires on February 28, 2016, effectively transferring full control of the building to Council.

“The lower levels have a combined area of 18,000 sqm but remain vacant given their size, location and limited adaptability for most uses,” the report said.

“Numerous initiatives

by Council and private investors to deliver solutions on these floors have failed.

“The combined existing and foreseeable demand from all potential uses is less than 25% of the total area available.

“Available grants are too small to deliver outcomes over the large area.

“Significant Council investment is not recommended, due to limited prospect of a commercial return and also the insufficient economic benefits available.

“Entities such as the Smart Work Hub can expand if successful, and solid interest exists from one educational entity at present.

The suggestion to investigate conversion of the upper vacant level for car parking was seen as “a strategic and low risk investment for Council, likely to provide good future returns as CBD revitalisation occurs.

“A position on this initiative and the February 28, 2016 expiry date will also enable a City Centre Park Strategy to be

mothballed.

“Each provides 9,000 sqm floor plates with limited demand or utility in their current form.

Since 2011, numerous initiatives have been touted including a learning and education centre, lecture theatres and meeting rooms, co-locating the library, smart work hub, and large office spaces.

All options resulted in very little return on investment for Gosford Council, according to the report.

“In 2011, a private developer took an option to lease the building and create a Paddy’s Market” type concept to the ground floor and commercial offices above.

“The project failed due to minimal interest.

“Other leasing campaigns also failed, generally because; the floor plates do not provide

appealing office premises, natural light is very low and better alternatives exist elsewhere.

“Annual office demand in Gosford is limited and even if marketable; the large floors would take many years to fill.

“Forecast rent levels do not suggest a satisfactory return given the costs to deliver.”

The report also said ongoing initiatives to establish a learning and education centre also remain uneconomic.

“The total demand from all prospective learning and education uses is only around 4,000 sqm, less than 25% of the space available,” it said.

The report suggested that learning and education users would want Council to fund their fit out and other set up costs, also considered unviable.

“Learning and education premises are small, with the largest to date being a 1,500 sq metre interest from the Central Coast Community

College (“CCCC”).

“This is progressing and does not rely on a library presence.

“Available tools to measure the economic impact of these entities suggest limited economic benefits.

“Nearby universities remain reluctant to commit to Gosford in any substantial manner, which could justify Council investment.”

A commercial agent has again been appointed to pursue large retail or commercial tenants for the ground floor but interest to date is low and significant results are not anticipated.

“Both floors are unlikely to lease in the foresee-able future.

“The $7,000,000 potential funding available, equates to only $390 per square metre, so meaningful fit-out initiatives would need Council capital.

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

Ordinary meeting agenda, 14 July 2015 Gosford Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

20 July 2015

July 24, 2015

Council votes unanimously to retain motor registry

The best option presented to Council for the Kibbleplex building was to turn another level of empty retail space over to parking

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Gosford Council has voted unanimously to support the retention of the Woy Woy Motor Registry.

The council will write to the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight to support the local community in having the decision to close the Woy Woy registry reversed.

The motion was put by Labor councilor, deputy mayor Jim McFadyen, to the July 14 council meeting.

In a show of bipartisan support, Liberal councillor Bob Ward seconded the motion.

Cr McFadyen said the 35,000 people living on the Peninsula had been treated with contempt by the NSW Government.

He said 1100 people used the Woy Woy shopfront monthly and it conducted more than 160 driving tests a month.

He said the closure of the Woy Woy registry may result in Peninsula people who voted Liberal at the last NSW election not doing so again.

Cr Ward said: “I appreciate the closure was made to reduce duplication of services.”

“There are currently 36 one-

stop shops throughout the state with a further 34 scheduled to be rolled out.

“Despite the attributable benefits, it would appear little or no community consultation went on before the decision was announced,” he said.

Cr Ward said he believed Peninsula residents would be unfairly disadvantaged by the closure, particularly the elderly.

“The drive from the Peninsula to the Gosford service can be arduous especially with the delays at the West Gosford intersection,” he said.

“A lot more thought should have gone into the decision.”

Cr Bowles suggested that, if the Peninsula currently had a sitting Liberal member of state parliament, the community may have had more of a chance of keeping the Woy Woy Motor Registry open.

Cr Bowles said she did support the motion because the Peninsula needed the service.

“This was obviously an on paper decision,” Cr Bowles said.

“When I first heard it, I thought it was a hard-to-believe joke,” she said.

According to Cr Bowles, the

closure of the Woy Woy motor registry had the potential to kill the Woy Woy town centre, which already has a number of empty shops.

She called for the motion to be amended to ask for a reversal of the decision to close the current outlet and for a Services NSW one-stop-shop to be opened on the Peninsula.

Cr Craig Doyle also spoke in favour of the motion.

“At the end of the day, this boils down to a massive reduction in services.

“They are saying the Peninsula is not worthy of this service,” Cr Doyle said.

He said it was heartening to see Cr McFadyen and Cr Ward working in unison to support the people of the Peninsula and called on the local State members of parliament to put aside their political differences and join forces to work on the issue for their constituents.

Gosford Council agenda, NM.8, 14 July 2015 Transcript, 14 July 2015 Reporter: Jackie Pearson

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith raised the alarm about discarded syringes at both sites after a local resident had told her a large quantity of used hypodermic syringes had been discarded around the needle exchange at Woy Woy Hospital.

“The person was rightly concerned about the possibility of contamination from needle pricks that this situation risked,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said she would prefer the area to be cleared on a more regular basis.

The Woy Woy Needle and Syringe Program was located on the corner of Ocean Beach Rd and Kathleen St at Woy Woy Hospital, according to a statement from Central Coast Health.

The program had three disposal bins at the hospital which can be utilised 24 hours a day and an additional disposal bin inside the program’s office.

“The Local Health District works in conjunction with local councils and police to educate and encourage the community to dispose of used needle syringes in a safe and appropriate manner,” the statement said.

“Following the recent discovery

of used injecting equipment at a sports field in Woy Woy, the Health District’s harm minimisation team included this site as one of its hotspots, which are regularly monitored by staff.

“Harm minimisation team staff have continued to visit the area since the event and there has been no further evidence of injecting equipment and no further reports of injecting equipment at the site.

“The harm minimisation team also regularly monitors the Woy Woy Hospital campus and immediate surrounding grounds, which includes the streets on the boundaries of the hospital.

“There has been no evidence of injecting equipment or reports to the harm minimisation team of injecting equipment in the surrounding grounds.

“Members of the public should contact the Needle Clean up Hotline if they find used injecting equipment on 1800 633 353.”

The statement said: “The NSW Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) is an evidence-based public health program that aims to reduce the transmission of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C among people who inject drugs.

“An important component of the NSP is the promotion and provision for the safe disposal of used injecting equipment.”

Media release, 3 July 2015 Jacob Webb, Office of Kathy Smith Media statement, 7 July 2015 Jill Warwicker, Central Coast Local Health District Jackie Pearson, journalist

THIS ISSUE contains 55 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Office: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Fax: 4321 0940 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

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Issue 74

Promotion of tourism in Wyong shire to take a new direction he promotion of tourism in the Wyong local government area is to take a new direction following decisions made at the ordinary meeting of Wyong Council on Wednesday, July 22.

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Cr Lloyd Taylor moved a series of motions at the meeting aimed at investigating the management of tourism and event promotion through a new shire-wide body.

Management of tourism and events is currently in the hands of third parties with which Wyong Council has contractual and funding arrangements.

Those organisations include Central Coast Tourism, The Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Entrance Town Centre Management and Greater Toukley Vision.

“To have a shire-wide events and promotions body that will focus on Wyong is logical to the growth of the area,” Cr Taylor said.

“Whilst Central Coast Tourism, based in Kariong, actively promotes the activities from Pearl Beach to Lake Munmorah, many Wyong tourism operators don’t provide their events schedules because they are too far away from here,” he said.

The Council meeting was addressed by Mr John Millard, representing the community.

Events such as this at The Entrance may come under the control of a new umbrella body within the next couple of years

Mr Millard is a former Wyong councillor and chairman of The Entrance Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Millard said he was a founding member of The Entrance Town Centre Management in 1995 and had spent several periods on its board as a representative of Wyong Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

“It is time for a change because our town is suffering and we are not getting the support we need from town centre management,” Mr Millard said.

Cr Adam Troy asked Mr Millard whether there was currently discord within the board of The Entrance Town Centre Management and Mr Millard said there was.

Mr Millard said he did not believe The Entrance Town Centre

Management was currently fulfilling its role of representing the permanent shop keepers of the area.

“Some events are good but some events are not very good for our town,” Mr Millard said.

“I am there for the permanent shop keepers and Town Centre Management continues to bring food providers and drink providers into the park so the takings of the permanent businesses are down significantly,” Mr Millard said.

Mr Millard said shop owners had written to Town Centre Management and to Wyong Council expressing their concerns and their letters had been ignored.

Councillors debated Cr Taylor’s motion, including questioning Mr

Millard, for over an hour and several amendments were made.

Cr Doug Vincent asked for clarification about the amount of money provided by Council to the various promotion and tourism bodies it had relationships with.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said this year’s expenditure was $1.6 million across all the tourism bodies.

He said in the previous year the total expenditure from Council was closer to $2 million.

Mr Millard said he had spoken at the Council meeting in order to “look at the new way of moving forward.

“If the board and management [of The Entrance Town Centre Management] gets dissolved, I wouldn’t be too upset,” he said.

Wyong Council currently has funding agreements with Greater Toukley Vision and The Entrance Town Centre Management until June 30, 2017.

Its current contract with Central Coast Tourism runs out in 2016.

Wyong Council acting general manager, Mr Scott Cox said Council has already changed its relationship with The Entrance Town Centre Management, including allowing for greater Council representation.

“We asked for a further governance change to have a special delegate appointed by me and that is the chief financial officer, so Council representation has increased from one to three,” Mr Cox said.

A recent internal audit showed a number

of anomalies in terms of Council’s statutory duties and whether they could be delegated to an external partner, Mr Cox said.

As a result some statutory functions have been “brought back under the umbrella of Council”, Mr Cox said.

A review clause has also been embedded in The Entrance Town Centre Management funding agreement for the last year of its contract.

Mr Cox said Wyong Council’s current arrangements in relation to tourism were “unusual” and not a structure that he would recommend.

Cr Taylor said there seemed to be a problem with communication between the current bodies to ensure a shire wide strategy to encourage investment to the area.

“If council can set up a body that has professional management which can truly communicate and liaise, it will be able to truly represent tourism and all the different centres of Wyong,” Cr Taylor said.

Cr Matthews, Vincent and Greenwald exoressed concerns about the motions and moved amendments so staff could prepare a report for a future meeting.

Agenda item 7.2 22 July 2015 Meeting transcript Wyong Council general meeting 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 - July 24, 2015 - P3 3

News

Calls for Councillor Nayna to resign ember for W y o n g Mr David Harris MP has joined Cr Bob Graham and Cr Lisa Matthews in calling for the immediate resignation of Cr Luke Nayna.

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Cr Nayna, left the Coast in June for a position with the Federal Government’s Chief Whip in Canberra.

Cr Nayna resigned from his position at the office of federal member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP, but failed to resign from Wyong Council.

“When you are an elected councillor, you have a duty to the people who not only voted for you but for the people of the Ward you represent.

“If you are no longer able to do the job, you have to go,” Mr Harris said.

At Wyong Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, July 22 Cr Matthews sought clarification “in relation to the future of Cr Nayna

and the position he holds on several committees and the representation that he has not carried out.”

Wyong mayor, Cr Dough Eaton OAM replied that her questions in relation to Cr Nayna’s future could not be answered and pointed out that Council had voted to grant him leaves of absence.

“I will be happy to relay the comments to Cr Nayna and see if he wants to reply,” Cr Eaton said.

Mr Harris and Cr Graham questioned Cr Nayna’s commitment to the guidelines that govern a councillor’s behaviour.

Section 4.1 of the Councillor Handbook provided under the

Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) outlines the responsibilities of a councillor.

“Councillors are expected to attend all council meetings and all meetings of any committee of which they are a member, unless leave is sought and approved,” the handbook said.

“Over the last 12 months, he has missed more meetings than he has attended,” Cr Graham said.

Wyong Council’s Wednesday, July 22 was Cr Nayna’s third consecutive absence.

“Even though Cr Nayna has frozen his Council allowance, he is still the chair of numerous committees that require attention to better the future of Wyong Shire,” Mr Harris said.

Cr Nayna holds a place on the Employment and Economic Development Committee, and is alternate chair of the Sports Advisory Committee.

Despite also serving

as the alternate chair of the Local Traffic Committee, committee meeting minutes show Cr Nayna has not attended a meeting since April 2014.

Without Cr Nayna’s official resignation, Council must wait until the next scheduled election on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

This could mean Wyong Shire Council is running one-man short for the next 13 months.

Cr Nayna’s actions may be protected by the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).

Under Section 292 of the Act, a by-election can only be called three months after a vacancy occurs, and only if the date called for the election is a Saturday more than 18 months away from the next scheduled election.

Cr Nayna was a resident of Wyong Shire until he began working in Canberra on Monday June 15, so the current calls for a by-election do not fall three months from his departure.

At the next scheduled

election in 2016, Cr Nayna’s absence from Council would have been 14 months, four months short of the minimum to call a by-election.

A new councillor can be appointed but Mr Nayna’s resignation is still required.

The legislation does not stipulate how councils choose a person to make such an appointment.

Other Councils have decided to appoint the person who came second in the previous elections, or to put out an expression of interest.

For a council to be operational under NSW law, between five and 15 councillors must be present, one of whom is the mayor.

Wyong Council is made up of two parts, A Ward covering the northern half, and B Ward covering the south.

Cr Nayna served A Ward, which now has four representatives in his absence.

B Ward consists of five councilors, including Wyong mayor Cr Doug

Eaton OAM, bringing the total for Wyong Council to nine councillors excluding Cr Nayna.

The law is ambiguous as to whether five councilors are required in A Ward for the Council to be operational.

Cr Graham and Mr Harris said Wyong required full representation and to achieve this, the position needs to be filled with an active community member.

“It is important we have 100 per cent representation at the decision making table and, at the moment, only 90% are able to show up,” Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris and Cr Graham have both wished Cr Nayna well but have said that when it comes to this issue, the people of Wyong deserve better.

Media release, 20 July 2015 David Harris, member for Wyong Media release, 17 July 2015 Bob Graham, Wyong Council Wyong Council website Emma Horn, journalist

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P4 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015

Overwhelming community support for Gwandalan rezoning verwhelming community s u p p o r t for the rezoning of land to allow tourist and visitor accommodation at 2-8 Aldinga Rd Gwandalan has resulted in Wyong Council voting to prepare a planning proposal, a critical first step in the project going ahead.

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A meeting held at the Gwandalan Bowling Club on Wednesday, June 3 was viewed as demonstrating community support for the proposed change to the use of the land.

The land is located to the south of the neighbourhood shopping centre and to the west of Gwandalan Bowling

An artist’s impression of the tourist and visitor accommodation being considered for land adjacent to the Gwandalan Bowling Club

Club.

The sites are currently zoned R2 Low Density Residential and have a combined area of 3066 square metres.

Council deferred making a decision on this

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matter at its Wednesday, April 22 meeting until full preliminary public consultation via a public meeting could occur.

The subsequent June 3 public meeting was attended by approximately 180 people and provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions and make statements on the proposal.

At the meeting, speakers in favour of the proposal highlighted that it would assist in securing a solid financial future for the bowling club.

“The long term plan is for this development to help finance further new development on the Lake Macquarie foreshore including a function centre, café,

children’s playground, jetty extension with new berths and pump out station to encourage the establishment of a sailing club,” a report to the Wednesday, July 22 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council said.

The proposal was also said to address a need for tourist and visitor accommodation in Gwandalan and Summerland Point.

The community wanted to support tourism, jobs for residents and young people and assist the survival of the club, the report said.

Two speakers who didn’t support the proposal at the public meeting highlighted concerns about the potential for alcohol related noise, violence

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and parking impacts and reduced value of adjoining properties.

The club also provided Council with records from a community meeting it held in May where 118 of 122 attendees recorded their support and over 500 signatures were collected on a petition in favour of the development.

Council staff recommended that in order to achieve the intended outcome of tourist and visitor accommodation on the site, enabling clauses would be inserted into the Wyong Local

Environment Plan.

This would allow for developments associated with a registered club to use land for the purpose of tourist and visitor accommodation.

Tourist and visitor accommodation were defined as backpackers’ accommodation, bed and breakfasts, farm stay, hotel, motel or serviced apartments, The enabling clause specifically excluded camping grounds, caravan parks or eco tourist facilities.

In debating the motion at the Wednesday, July 22 Wyong Council ordinary meeting, Cr Doug Vincent said the process of getting approval for the rezoning had been a “long road for the bowling club”.

Cr Greg Best said the process and public consultation that had been entered into was necessary to ensure that Wyong Council had been seen to be doing its job properly.

Agenda item 2.2, 22 July 2015 Meeting transcript Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P5

News

JRPP defers decision on Ourimbah boarding house he Joint Regional Planning Panel deferred making a decision on meeting, the Stop Glen of Dobell branch of the an expansion of the the Ourimbah boarding house at its hearing on Thursday, July Rd Development Action Liberal Party, while Cr existing village shops by Group had claimed that Troy claimed conflict of extending Jaques St from 16.

T

Chairman of the JRPP, Mr Gary Fielding said they wanted to be sure of exactly what they were approving, citing inconsistencies in the landscaping plans and the levels of the building and car park.

Further concerns were raised about issues with flooding and drainage caused by the cantilevered slab supports impeding the flow of the creek in times of flood.

Several panel members expressed doubts about the west wing of the

building complying with the ‘character test’ and were critical of the plan of management.

Mr Allan Benson, spokesperson for the Stop Glen Road Development Action Group said: “This was a minor victory in the ongoing war, but we feel the JRPP should have rejected this proposal on the information provided.

“It is disappointing that council staff failed to pick up the issues with this development application and have recommended its approval,” Mr Benson

said.

Over 40 people attended the hearing, demonstrating the community’s opposition to this proposal, Mr Benson said.

“Eleven people spoke against the development, including member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan MP. The developer has until August 17 to address the concerns raised and another JRPP will be convened at a date to be announced.

Prior to the JRPP

Wyong councillors had failed to represent the residents of Ourimbah in relation to the proposed boarding house by declaring “spurious” conflict of interest claims when they met on Wednesday, July 8.

Councillors Eaton, Best, Matthews and Vincent made declarations related to the involvement of former Member for Dobell, Mr Craig Thomson in the project.

“Cr Webster’s claim was that the developer’s son was vice president

interest because he had friends and relatives in Ourimbah,” Mr Benson said.

As there was no quorum, the chairman of Stop Glen Rd Development Action Group, Mr Greg McGill was unable to address the council to propose a land swap between the Council and the developer K and P Gregory.

According to the Glen Rd group, Wyong councillors have recently received a briefing on the draft Masterplan for Ourimbah which outlines

Glen Rd through to King St. “The proposed Masterplan and the boarding house are incompatible as one side would be completely taken up by a boarding house 70 metres in length.

“Ourimbah residents would be supportive of this proposed land swap as it would eliminate all of their concerns relating to the boarding house being located in Glen Rd. Media release, 10 July 2015 Allan Benson, Stop Glen Road Development Action Group

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News

P6 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015

Councillor “chronically underwhelmed” by lack of aesthetic appeal $ 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 residential flat building has been approved for construction at 51-53 Howarth St, Wyong at Wyong Council’s general meeting on Wednesday, 8 July.

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The go-ahead for the development was given unanimously by councillors at the meeting but several expressed their disappointment at the building’s lake of aesthetic appeal.

Cr Lloyd Taylor moved a report from Council staff recommending approval of the development but asked for consent to be delayed until the developer submitted plans for improved façade treatments “by way of additional colours and variation of external finishes to result in a more contemporary building presence.”

“We have been working to try and better the Wyong town centre area because it will be, in the next 30 to 50 years, one of the most important centres on the Coast,” Cr Taylor said.

“As this is the first of several six to seven storey buildings to go ahead, I want to send the message to the applicant that we are in favour of the development...but also note that it has got to really look good.”

Wyong Council gave the go-ahead to a new development in Howarth St even though several councillors raised concerns about its appearance

Deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster also spoke in support of the development but said that when she got to the photo montage in the report she felt disappointed in the design.

Cr Greg Best said: “I am chronically underwhelmed with the applicant’s listing of what is being proposed here.

“This might be nice for certain areas of Western Sydney but I think we can do a little bit better here in Wyong.”

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said he supported the motion but largely agreed that he would like to see the building look more contemporary and its lack of appeal indicated a need to revisit Council’s design parameters for buildings in the Wyong town centre area.

The development application from Aliza International Pty Ltd was for the demolition of existing structures and the erection of a five-

storey residential flat building including 24 residential units and two small office/home office units, basement parking and landscaping.

The development comprises 20 twobedroom units, four three-bedroom units, two SOHO units that contain one bedroom and office, basement parking for 36 car spaces, including two disabled and visitor spaces and communal open space.

The subject site is

between Rose St and Warner Ave, opposite Wyong Station and currently contains commercial buildings.

“The proposal is consistent with the desired vision of the Wyong area…the development is of a higher density located near the Town Centre and the key public area of Baker Park,” said the report to Council from its development and building department.

However, the applicant had to request variations

to the maximum height of 13 metres and a variation to the maximum floor surface ratio permitted for the site.

The applicant argued that strict compliance with the development standards was unreasonable and unnecessary because the Baker Park area masterplan allows a height limit of six storeys, which would allow for a possible height up to 20 metres.

According to the report from Council staff, the applicant also argued that the building height would not be substantially different to other structures in the immediate area.

Likewise, the proposed floor space ratio is relative to the proposed height and marginally greater than what is permissible.

“Given the context of the site in close proximity to major road and rail infrastructure, commercial properties, the large site area and the reasonable separation distances to the adjoining commercial properties, the height and floor space ratio variation is considered reasonable,” the report concluded.

Agenda item 2.1, 8 July 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Transcript, 8 July 2015 Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Issue 112

Kibbleplex level 2 is likely to become a car park

The best option presented to Council for the Kibbleplex building was to turn another level of empty retail space over to parking

he currently vacant upper floor of the Kibbleplex building in finalised,” the report said.

“The two lower levels Henry Parry Drive is likely to become a 300-space car park based on a report to the Tuesday, July 14 ordinary meeting of Gosford were always a major challenge and were initially Council.

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Council received a report from a strategy/policy workshop held in March that recommended a strategic change for Kibbleplex targeting the upper vacant level as car parking.

It also recommended that initiatives to lease the ground floor for learning and education, retail, commercial or community activities and a possible smart work hub expansion should continue.

However, the report concluded that prospects for the future of Kibbleplex are limited and Council’s return on investment miniscule.

“Recent reports and reviews suggest Kibbleplex is not an ideal library location and other sites are under review,” the report said.

“In this respect, most learning and education uses would be better dealt

with in conjunction with the library.”

Kibbleplex was acquired for $11 million in 2011, subsidised by a $7 million grant on the basis the two upper levels provided 400 commuter parks for five years, the report said.

This commitment expires on February 28, 2016, effectively transferring full control of the building to Council.

“The lower levels have a combined area of 18,000 sqm but remain vacant given their size, location and limited adaptability for most uses,” the report said.

“Numerous initiatives

by Council and private investors to deliver solutions on these floors have failed.

“The combined existing and foreseeable demand from all potential uses is less than 25% of the total area available.

“Available grants are too small to deliver outcomes over the large area.

“Significant Council investment is not recommended, due to limited prospect of a commercial return and also the insufficient economic benefits available.

“Entities such as the Smart Work Hub can expand if successful, and solid interest exists from one educational entity at present.

The suggestion to investigate conversion of the upper vacant level for car parking was seen as “a strategic and low risk investment for Council, likely to provide good future returns as CBD revitalisation occurs.

“A position on this initiative and the February 28, 2016 expiry date will also enable a City Centre Park Strategy to be

mothballed.

“Each provides 9,000 sqm floor plates with limited demand or utility in their current form.

Since 2011, numerous initiatives have been touted including a learning and education centre, lecture theatres and meeting rooms, co-locating the library, smart work hub, and large office spaces.

All options resulted in very little return on investment for Gosford Council, according to the report.

“In 2011, a private developer took an option to lease the building and create a Paddy’s Market” type concept to the ground floor and commercial offices above.

“The project failed due to minimal interest.

“Other leasing campaigns also failed, generally because; the floor plates do not provide

appealing office premises, natural light is very low and better alternatives exist elsewhere.

“Annual office demand in Gosford is limited and even if marketable; the large floors would take many years to fill.

“Forecast rent levels do not suggest a satisfactory return given the costs to deliver.”

The report also said ongoing initiatives to establish a learning and education centre also remain uneconomic.

“The total demand from all prospective learning and education uses is only around 4,000 sqm, less than 25% of the space available,” it said.

The report suggested that learning and education users would want Council to fund their fit out and other set up costs, also considered unviable.

“Learning and education premises are small, with the largest to date being a 1,500 sq metre interest from the Central Coast Community

College (“CCCC”).

“This is progressing and does not rely on a library presence.

“Available tools to measure the economic impact of these entities suggest limited economic benefits.

“Nearby universities remain reluctant to commit to Gosford in any substantial manner, which could justify Council investment.”

A commercial agent has again been appointed to pursue large retail or commercial tenants for the ground floor but interest to date is low and significant results are not anticipated.

“Both floors are unlikely to lease in the foresee-able future.

“The $7,000,000 potential funding available, equates to only $390 per square metre, so meaningful fit-out initiatives would need Council capital.

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

Ordinary meeting agenda, 14 July 2015 Gosford Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P7

Tender accepted for removal of underground petroleum storage systems

News

Wyong CBD revitalisation is reaping rewards

yong Shire C o u n c i l ’s investment in revitalising the Wyong CBD is reaping rewards tender estimated to be worth a total with key residential in of $482,000 has been accepted by developments the pipeline and Wyong Council for the removal of its underground petroleum storage systems and major Central Coast site remediation at its Charmhaven and Long Mariners expansion just up the road.

Jetty depots.

W

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A business case analysis was prepared in November 2013 for the decommissioning and removal of Council’s aging underground petroleum storage system following the discovery of a fuel leak in one of the underground tanks at the Charmhaven depot.

At the time, the removal of the underwater storage system and subsequent provision of Fleetcards to staff was estimated to save the Council $2.64 million over 10 years.

“The permanent removal of the system

from Council’s depots would also eliminate inherent environmental risks and stringent WorkCover and EPA monitoring and reporting obligations associated with maintaining and operating the system,” a report to the Wednesday, July 22 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council said.

Tenders were called in April and closed late May resulting in the receipt of six tenders.

Agenda item 4.1, 22 July 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting

Council recently approved a 24 unit building and is currently discussing two further proposals that will yield 185 residential units representing $50 million in investment.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said Council had invested substantially in the past year to improve the appeal of the town centre for both commercial and residential developers and investors and the improvements were beginning to pay off.

“These exciting

The Mariners Centre of Excellence is evidence that Wyong is a shire on the move according to mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM

projects are generating a buzz about Wyong, with new businesses opening up and now developers breaking down the door to build housing here.”

Meanwhile, just up the road, the Mariners are well underway with stage two of the Central Coast Mariners Centre of Excellence, which is a six floor office building that includes the new Mariners administration offices, according to Cr Eaton.

“It is a real stamp of approval for what we are trying to achieve here.

“We are a shire on the move and are doing our best to attract development that will deliver more jobs and opportunities for our community,” Cr Eaton said.

Central Coast Mariners CEO, Mr Shaun Mielekamp, said he was excited about the opportunity to work closely with Wyong

Council and deliver better outcomes for the community.

“It is great to see cranes in the sky, which is a real symbol of progress,” Mr Mielekamp said.

“We are here to stay and want to grow and extend our fan base and we have big plans to continue to expand our facilities on the Coast.”

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News

P8 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015

Temporary economic stimulus plan extended temporary economic stimulus plan that enables developers to cent of nothing so if we pay a lower level of Section 94 contributions has been extended could get 60 or 70 per cent of something, that

by Wyong Council until the end of September.

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In April 2013, Wyong Council decided to reduce Section 94 contributions applied to developments in Wadalba, Woongarrah and Hamlyn Terrace for a limited time to encourage development.

The decision was taken due to Council concerns about rising unemployment, particularly in the construction industry, and Council’s desire to be part of a national economic stimulus initiative.

This Temporary Economic Stimulus Plan (TESP) was amended several times and finally adopted by Council in April 2014 and the Warnervale Town Centre was added.

To be eligible for discounted Section 94 costs, developments had to meet performance

criteria.

If the development was a subdivision, lots had to be part of a subdivision plan issued by Council prior to June 2015.

Medium density developments had to have their foundations and flooring completed by 30 June, 2015.

According to a report from Mr Mike Dowling, Wyong Council’s director of property and economic development, five developments, made up of 61 lots and 41 residential units, met the performance criteria by the deadline.

The developers involved have saved $635,000 in Section 94 contributions as a result.

A lower cost base under a recently adopted Warnervale District Contributions Plan means

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the resulting unfunded liability to Council is reduced to $457,500.

Another four developments have substantially commenced but didn’t meet the June 30 deadline for varying reasons, according to the report.

Another five developments out of the 14 originally considered eligible have not significantly commenced works.

The proposed extension to September 30 means that the additional four developments could be completed and Wyong Council’s unfunded liability would increase to $770,000.

Mr Dowling’s report to Council said that the Warnervale District Contributions Plan adopted at Council’s March 4 meeting included a projected unfunded liability of $31.5 million.

During the discussion of the report in Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, July 8, Mr Dowling said the temporary economic stimulus plan had resulted in increased employment throughout the shire because developers had an incentive to roll out developments faster.

Cr Greg Best said he believed the temporary economic stimulus plan had resulted in the creation of “enormous growth opportunities” in the shire.

“We would not have got across the line a whole range of developments,” Cr Best said.

“Before the package, we were getting 100 per

was better than nothing,” he said.

“The stimulus package has been a significant thread to the weaving of the success we have generated here,” he said.

However, Cr Doug Vincent said he supported the motion to extend the package but with reservations.

“People have been crowing about economic activity but there has been a property boom for the past 2.5 years,” Cr Vincent said.

“Reducing Section 94 contributions means you are putting in housing, and building communities, with less money to put in infrastructure and services,” he said.

Cr Vincent said the proposed development of a new town at Warnervale with a population of 30,000 to 40,000 residents would expect to have infrastructure such as an aquatic centre, but reduced Section 94 contributions could result in no such infrastructure being made available.

“There is an opportunity cost that items won’t go into an area because the funds haven’t come in.

“You could put in a bunch of houses with no community facilities and infrastructure and you could get a ghetto.

“I don’t think you will get a ghetto, but you will get 30,000 to 40,000 people living in an area without facilities.”

Agenda item 4.5, 8 July 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript Interview, 22 July 2015 Doug Vincent, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Fit For The Future proposals available for comment entral Coast residents now have the opportunity to view both Gosford and Wyong Council’s Fit For The Future proposals and provide comments directly to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

C

IPART has been assigned the role of Expert Advisory Panel by the NSW Government and is accepting online submissions until Friday, July 31.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, is encouraging residents to read both the proposals and voice their opinions on what they think is best for the community.

“I am certainly making my own personal submission,” Cr Eaton said.

“Independent surveys in both Wyong and Gosford showed varying opinions towards a merger.

“Those surveyed only make up a small proportion of our community and we need to make sure everyone has their say.

“We have officially called for a referendum regarding a merger, though have not yet received a response,

so lodging an online submission could be our community’s only chance to raise their concerns.

“I’m urging our community to carefully examine both Council proposals so they can make an informed submission that will be taken on board by IPART. “I am not opposed to a merger or standing alone as long as the outcome determined by IPART and the NSW Government delivers real and lasting benefits to the community.”

According to Cr Eaton, Wyong Council’s report outlines it is financially fit for the future and can stand alone having turned a $30 million deficit into a $7 million surplus over the past five years, which is supported by a cost benefit analysis by independent consultants, Third Horizon.

Media release, 9 July 2015 Wyong Council media

Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P9

News

Rezoning of land at The Entrance rejected by councillors ine lots of land that previously formed part of The Entrance Infants School at Norberta St, The Entrance will remain zoned as E2 or ‘Environmental Conservation’ following Wyong Council’s decision to refuse a proposal for rezoning to R2 or low-density residential and R3 or medium density residential.

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A motion to refuse the proposal to allow rezoning was moved by deputy mayor, Ms Lynne Webster who said she was convinced the land should remain E2 following a meeting with residents.

“I met with some of the residents and came to the conclusion they were not serial complainants, that they were not opposed to development at all but opposed to over development,” Ms Webster said.

“The sale of the land from the public sector did not provide for development of this part of the site,” she said.

A report from Council staff to the ordinary meeting of Wyong Council on Wednesday, July 22 recommended

Council prepare a proposal and request a gateway determination from the Department of Planning and Environment to make way for residential development on the land.

However, Wyong Councillors voted unanimously in favour of Cr Webster’s motion to decline to support the proposed rezoning.

Councillors expressed concerns about where appropriate offsetting actions to facilitate environmental outcomes could be achieved given the perceived environmental value of the site to the community.

The Entrance Infants School was closed in 2002 and amalgamated into The Entrance Primary School site.

The Eastern section of the site was sold to Council in 2006 by the NSW Department of Education and Training and now houses The Entrance Community Centre.

A Site Compatibility Certificate (SCC) was issued by the NSW Department of Planning in 2008 to make way for the sale and development of the remainder of the site.

It permitted residential development on a central portion of the land but not on the land now under consideration.

The land was purchased

by Central Coast Land Pty Ltd. In December 2014 the company lodged a development application for a 46-unit residential flat building on the lots where

An aerial view of the proposed residential development site that adjoins The Entrance Community Centre

residential development was permitted.

That DA (185/2014) is yet to be determined by Council.

The land that is the subject of this latest proposal is zoned E2 because it was previously found to contain the Endangered Ecological Community Swamp Sclerophyll Forest of Coastal Floodplain.

A review by PDA

Services submitted with the current rezoning application indicated that the vegetation on the site was not an Endangered Ecological Community.

Another report from Conacher Consulting concluded that the proposed development was not likely to have a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their

habitats.

The consultant’s report was reviewed by Council staff who identified the need for more survey work but staff concluded the report provided a suitable basis for referral to the Department of Planning and Environment for consideration of rezoning.

Ms Kay Wall addressed the Council meeting as a community representative and stated that the site was significant, both environmentally and historically, to the local community.

“This was a cultural historic site for many local people who played under the trees in their early childhood days on what was originally land gifted to the community by the Taylor family,” Ms Wall said.

Agenda item 2.1, 22 July 2015 Transcript, 22 July 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Forum & News

P10 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015

Disgruntled Liberal voter ost parents try to bring up their children to be honest, don’t lie, and take responsibility for their actions.

M

It seems that the ALP does not subscribe to that code.

What a great role model that is for our young people, I think not.

Senator Deborah O’Neill was rejected by the people at the last election but is now a Senator, able to continue her destructive ways of misleading the public by advertising in your paper.

I am a 72 year old middle of the road pensioner and I am not worried by anything she

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

says but I am petrified if the ALP is ever to govern this country again.

As for the new Member for Swansea and

her concern for schools and roads, where was she when 16 years of Labor incompetence and waste gave us run down schools and roads?

The schools and roads in this area are 40 years behind.

Any further letters from this member will be consigned to the rubbish bin where they belong.

Letter, 5 July 2015 R McRae, Chain Valley Bay

Over 150 DAs approved in June n June, 151 Development Applications (DAs) were approved representing $29 million of investment with the potential to create 290 jobs in the Wyong shire, according to a report to the ordinary meeting of Wyong Council on Wednesday, July 22.

I

This was Council’s highest result since February.

“DA turn-around times are still some of the best in NSW at 21 days for more complex DAs and

just 12 days for homes and minor structures,” said Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM. “Investor confidence in the Shire is at a record high and that is great news

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for our community,” Cr Eaton said.

“This is no accident and is a direct result of our own investment in infrastructure and services that is putting Wyong on the map as a great place to live, work and invest.

“It is a testament to our dedicated and hardworking planning staff who are committed to turning around high quality development applications quickly and efficiently,” he said.

Media release, 22 July 2015 Wyong Council media

Prize appreciated special thank you to the Wyong Regional Chronicle for the family pass to the Roosters Versus Titans rugby league game on Sunday, June 28.

A

Being old school, much happiness and enjoyment was experienced.

It was a real treat regarding my quality of life.

It is very meaningful and gratifying that you

online, restricting me to enter.

The goodwill shown was sincerely appreciated. enable draws by post.

Nowadays the majority of competitions are

Letter, 1 July 2015 J Gunning, Canton beach

Nayna AWOL ow can Wyong mayor Doug Eaton justify not requiring Cr Luke Nayna to resign?

H

Ratepayers and residents are entitled to feel badly let down by this lack of representation over such a long period.

Cr Nayna has been a regular absentee from

committees on which he sits.

Council meetings; he has not attended the various

Letter, 15 July 2015 Kevin Armstrong, Tumbi Umbi

Demolition seen as a waste

S

eems a crying shame and a waste of an economic asset to demolish the Munmorah power station building.

Why can’t the abandoned building be recycled to house a state-of-the art gas-fired electricity generator, using the cheapest natural

Are they planning to replace it with hectares of costly and inefficient solar panels and windmills? gas available?

Letter, 27 June 2015 Guy Caruana, East Gosford

Mayor encouraged to speak

I

t’s interesting to find Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM accusing Gosford Council of lack of vision and honesty.

No one knowledgeable of politics has ever accused Doug of having a lack of vision.

Cr Eaton must be allowed to defend himself against suggestions he has done anything wrong.

Politics in the Pub Central Coast could make him their main speaker at the next forum.

It meets at The Grange

Hotel, Wyoming on the fourth Thursday of the month.

The Forum starts at 7:00pm and we’d all love to hear from our best known Councillor.

The second item

for discussion is the announcement of a Peaceful Rally to protest at the recent Prime Minister’s visit to the Coast.

I’m curious to learn what a peaceful protest means these days.

Letter, 2 July 2015 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

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Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Julyy 24, 2015 - P11 1

On the Beat

Fire stops trains and closes highway

Man arrested in Watanobbi for firearm offences 28 year old man has been charged with several alleged firearm and drug offences following an incident at Watanobbi on Sunday, July 12.

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Police received a number of triple zero reports at about 11:40am of a man allegedly walking along Casey Dve with what appeared to be a pump-action firearm.

Numerous officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command immediately responded to the incident and began searching for the man.

A short time later, a man fitting the description was found in Northcott Ave. The man ran south into Cutler Dve, then into Apex Park.

An officer stopped the man in the park and arrested him without incident.

A search of the man allegedly found 59 live rounds of .22 calibre ammunition located in a backpack and an ammunition tube spring.

A small clear resealable plastic bag was also located in the backpack allegedly containing crystal amphetamine.

After being arrested, the man told police he had thrown the firearm

into a nearby drain.

A search was made and a cut-down .22 calibre pump action firearm was located.

The man was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with possess shortened firearm, possess loaded firearm in a public place, possess ammunition without licence/permit and possess prohibited drug.

The man was refused bail and appeared in court on Monday, July 13.

Media release, 13 July 2015 NSW Police Media

Bracelet thief arrested 36 year old Narwee man has been arrested over five stealing offences with two occurring in the Wyong area.

A

At about 10am on Thursday, July 9, Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were called to a jewelry store in a Charlestown shopping centre when staff recognised a man police wished to talk to in relation to the theft of jewelry from stores in Lake Macquarie, Jesmond and Tuggerah.

The man has been

charged with the theft of a bracelet from a jeweler in Gorokan on Wednesday, March 25, the theft of a bracelet from a pawnbroker in Wyong on Monday, June 29 and three other thefts that occurred in Charlestown and Jesmond.

The man was also

charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intimidation stemming from an alleged incident in Wyong on Sunday, July 5.

The man was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court on Friday, July 10.

olice are investigating a report of a child approach in Berkley Vale on Saturday, June 20.

About 9:30am, a 10-year-old boy was walking along Lakedge Ave near the intersection of Aloha Dve. Police were told a man in a blue car had slowed down and called out to the boy to get in the car.

The boy ran towards Platypus Rd and noticed the man had gotten out of the car and was following him.

The boy ran to a friend’s house on Platypus Rd and notified an adult who contacted police.

Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended

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.

the scene and made patrols of the area but were unable to locate the man or the car.

Detectives are investigating the incident

fire in the scrap metal yard at OneSteel in Lisarow stopped trains between Wyong and Gosford and closed the Pacific Highway in both directions for over two hours on Wednesday, July 22.

A

At the height of the fire, 16 fire-fighting units from stations all over the Central Coast were at the scene.

People working at the site, 15 in total, had to be evacuated from the premises and it was to remain closed until the fire was completely extinguished.

The fire had been contained and marginally reduced by approximately 2.45pm, but 10 fire-fighting units were still at the scene according to Fire and

Rescue NSW. “It is what we call a deep-seated fire in a big pile of rubbish,” said a Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson.

“Fire fighters will have to pull it apart and put it out bit by bit,” she said.

According to the spokesperson, it was difficult to estimate how long it would take to extinguish the fire and its cause was not yet known.

Motorists were diverted via Parsons Rd

and Newling St from approximately 11:30am and the road remained closed until 1:50pm.

Additionally, trains on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line were stopped between Wyong and Gosford and replaced with buses.

Media release, 22 July 2015 Kristen Forbes, Transport Management Centre Interview, 22 July 2015 NSW Fire and Rescue media unit Jackie Pearson, journalist

Media release, 10 July2015 NSW Police Media

Child approached in Berkley Vale

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A building fire in Lisarow stopped trains between Gosford and Wyong and closed the Pacific Highway in both direction

and would like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with inquiries.

He is described only as being of Caucasian appearance and 30 to 40 years old.

He was wearing a black jacket and sunglasses at the time.

He was driving a vehicle described only as being a blue sedan or hatch with a black louvre type sun protector on the rear window.

Media release, 21 June 2015 NSW Police Media

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Medicare office has moved from Tuggerah to Wyong edicare staff and services at Westfield Tuggerah moved to the Centrelink Service Centre in Hely St, Wyong on Monday, June 15.

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According to Member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP, the move will create a new onestop shop for government services in Wyong.

“Over the past two years the number of Medicare customers attending the service centre in the mall has decreased by more

Thomas Vagg and Go4Fun program leader Ben Peerenboom

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Thomas Vagg and Go4Fun Program Leader Cath Anderton

ccording to Hamlyn Terrace mother, Ms Kate Vagg, the Go4Fun the program as convenient after-school program is a great way to encourage children to as possible for parents, who may be concerned exercise and eat healthy foods.

Central Coast Local Health District is calling for registrations for Go4Fun, a free afterschool program offering weekly physical and nutrition educational activities to local children and their families who are wanting to make lifestyle changes to improve their health.

Go4Fun is a NSW Health initiative designed for 7-13 year-olds who are above a healthy weight range, and their families.

Ms Vagg and her sevenyear-old son Thomas met with program leaders Cath Anderton and Ben Peerenboom to learn about Go4Fun before joining.

Just a few weeks after joining the program, Ms

Vagg was positive about its impact.

“The program has had a hugely positive impact on our Thomas and particularly encouraged him to want to eat more fruit and vegetables, which is great,” Ms Vagg said.

The program includes weekly games and activities; interactive discussions about easy and effective ways to improve children’s nutrition, physical activity and self-esteem; tools and tips about healthy foods, label reading and portion sizes; plus the opportunity to try out some delicious, healthy foods.

On average, at the end of the 10 week program, participants have

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achieved increased fruit and vegetable intake, a rise in physical activity by around four hours per week, a decrease in sedentary behaviours such as watching television by four hours per week and significant improvements in their overall self-esteem.

Central Coast program manager, Ms Amanda McLoughlin said the Go4Fun program was a highly successful way to improve the longterm health of children through increased physical activity and better nutrition choices.

“The program has been so successful because it works to help improve family lifestyle and choices, and helps families develop skills such as healthy eating and physical activity,” she said.

“We’ve tried to make

about the weight or diet of their children, but are not really sure what steps to take towards a healthier lifestyle.”

Ms McLoughlin said the program was also fun and engaging for children as it encouraged and taught them how to make healthy changes through games and activities.

“It allows children to participate in activities designed to improve selfconfidence, self-esteem and physical fitness and gives families skills and information to make healthier food choices,” she said.

Complementing the Go4Fun program is a suite of preventative health programs being run in schools and child care services under the NSW Healthy Children Initiative.

Media release 14 July 2015 Lauren Nicholls, Central Coast Local Health District

than 40 per cent,” Ms McNamara said.

“Most doctors now offer Medicare claiming straight from their reception desk, which means fewer customers need to make the extra trip to Medicare.

Media release, 3 June 2015 Henry Budd, Commonwealth Human Services

Free seven week program designed for older people

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tepping On is a free seven week program designed for older people who have fallen or are fearful of falling.

The program is from the NSW Department of Health, presented by Adssi HomeLiving Australia.

Participation in Stepping On gives older people the confidence to undertake their everyday activities more safely and independently, to reduce their risk of falling, according to NSW Health.

“If you’ve had a fall, or you’re worried about falling, this free program will help you build skills, strength and confidence to prevent future falls,” said program coordinator, Ms Fay Huckstepp.

She said participants will learn exercises to improve strength and balance and practical ways to reduce the risk of falling.

“The program is very practical, as well as a great way to meet new people”, she said.

The program

commenced on Wednesday, July 15 (Tuggerah) and Thursday, July 16 (Blue Haven) for Wyong Shire residents.

Participants must meet certain criteria including: 65 years and older and living at home; able to walk independently or with a walking stick; and, fearful of falling or has fallen recently.

Participants must reside in Wyong Shire This program is not suitable for people with dementia or neuromuscular conditions.

The Tuggerah program is being held at Adssi HomeLiving Australia, 3A Pioneer Ave, Tuggerah.

The Blue Haven course is at Blue Haven Community Centre, 1 Apsley Ct, Blue Haven.

Media release, 23 June 2015 Kristin Whitney, Adssi Home Living

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P13 3

Health

Grant helps Yarran Early Intervention Services

Census of students with disability to take place hroughout this year, all schools in Australia will participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability, a national data collection program.

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The collection counts the number of students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment they are provided with.

The implementation of the national data collection will provide all Australian schools, education authorities and the community with information about

the number of school students with disability, where they are located, the level of reasonable adjustment provided for them to participate fully in schooling and each student’s broad type of disability.

Newsletter, 15 July 2015 Matt Barr, Wyong Creek Public School

General volunteers sought for hospital yong hospital is currently in need of general volunteers and there are other vacancies across the district, according to Central Coast Local Health District volunteer coordinator, Ms Maree O’Grady.

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Wyong and Gosford hospitals have feeding and companion programs and there are other ways to help out behind the scenes including greeting visitors; delivering lollies, magazines and books to patients; as well as collating information packs.

“It is a really rewarding role and a very social experience,” Ms O’Grady said.

“Some volunteers have started out not knowing

anyone and have gone on to make some really close friendships with their fellow volunteers.

“We are so lucky to have our volunteers,” she said.

“Having a volunteer visit a patient and have the time to stop and chat to them really brightens their day and the families and staff really appreciate the extra help too.”

Media release, 14 July 2015 Lauren Nicholls, Central Coast Local Health District

Peter Allonby and Glenn Marie Wright with children at the Yarran Early Intervention Service

allarah 2 Coal Project has provided funding under its Community Foundation grant scheme to Yarran Early Intervention Services on the Central Coast.

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The Community Foundation has contributed $3,538 to cover the costs associated with purchasing essential therapy equipment for children within the service.

Yarran Early Intervention Services provides skill development and therapy programs for young children with developmental disabilities aged from birth to six years of age.

In order to do this, the facility requires specialised sensory equipment vital to successful learning, sensory and emotional development.

Chief executive officer of Yarran Early Intervention Services, Ms Glenn Marie Wright said, “Our services and budgets

are not backed by a state or national body, as are other disability services.

“The wages of our staff and basic administration costs are covered by the NSW Government’s ADHC and Department of Education & Communities, but all equipment can only be acquired through the generosity of donors, the community and grants like this one.

“We offer a range of programs and are committed to delivering a strong family centred practice and we do this free of charge to ensure these beautiful children are given access to the specialised support they need.

“We are hugely grateful to the funding provided by Wallarah 2 that will allow us to

purchase therapy items like seat wedges that support the children and balance them when they sit in chairs, body socks that are an important sensory tool, and special weighted animals that help settle and calm the children, along with a range of other specialised items such as balancing boards.

“Each of these items, while simple, are really important to helping the children learn functional skills and sensory regulation is vital for positive behaviour, concentration and social and emotional development,” Ms Wright said.

Peter Allonby, general manager, Wallarah 2 Coal Project said, “Visiting the Yarran Early Intervention Services was a wonderful

experience.

“It was a pleasure to see these young children thriving in such a warm environment.

“We hope that the items that can be purchased with the Community Foundation grant go a long way to helping the 200-plus children and their families who utilise this valuable service at any time.

“Our grant program is all about supporting the community.

“Initiatives like Yarran Early Intervention Service play a critical role in building the confidence and wellbeing of our young people and their parents and carers, delivering long term benefits to the area allowing these children to flourish and grow to their full potential,” Mr Allonby said.

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Education

P14 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 P

Positive behavior program showing benefits

Plenty of interest in a university at Warnervale etween 20 and 30 parties had registered interest in developing a new university at Warnervale within days of Wyong Council calling for expressions of interest, according to Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM.

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A positive behaviour for learning program is changing all aspects of school life at Northlakes High School

Positive Behaviour for Learning program introduced at Northlakes High School has had significant benefits for the school according to principal, Ms Merrilyn Rowley.

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House points are earned for certain outcomes as part of the program.

“We are seeing a real positive shift in nearly all aspects of school life,” Ms Rowley said.

“We recently celebrated

and consolidated with some periods of House activities for all students and an excursion to the movies and Time Zone for Goolara, the winning house for term two,” she said.

Many students

earned rewards such as postcards and letters of commendation during the last week of term two that will go to house points for term three.

orthlakes High School student Suzy Taylor-Monzer is now a poetry slam champion.

Suzy, from year 11, won the first Speak UP Shire Slam recently.

Whilst competing she managed to meet her idol, Mr Zohab Khan who is

Australian poetry slam champion.

Five other high schools competed on the night and Suzy won a $100 gift card.

Newsletter, 26 June 2015 Merrilyn Rowley, Northlakes High School

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Four groups of students were able to participate in activities with four different members of the school’s teaching staff.

Mr Johnson helped the children to participate in coordinate art.

Mr Luff helped them to make numbers out of dominoes and then play a game of dominoes.

Ms Cuthbert helped the children with multiplication sums.

They were then

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called SGS Economics and Planning had researched the likely number of students on the Central Coast currently not being serviced by existing universities.

“We are only aiming to pick up half that number from local students because we are expecting approximately 3,000 international students to use the campus,” he said.

He said the estimated demand for university places had been benchmarked off figures from other universities.

Interview, 7 July 2015 Cr Dough Eaton OAM Jackie Pearson, journalist

tudents at Budgewoi Public School recently participated in a Maths fun day.

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from parties willing to provide university courses.

“At a very basic level, the site needs to have lecture rooms and tutorial rooms with complete, state of the art, video conferencing facilities,” he said.

According to Cr Eaton, a modern university requires less infrastructure than traditional learning institutions because technology enables remote learning.

Cr Eaton said the figure of 7,000 university places put forward by Wyong Council was based on the known shortfall of required university places on the Central Coast.

He said a consultancy

Maths fun day enjoyed at Budgewoi

Newsletter, 26 June 2015 Merrilyn Rowley, Northlakes High School

Suzy is poetry slam champion

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Council called for partners interested in being involved in the integrated education and business precinct at Warnervale on Friday, May 29.

Cr Eaton said the site had already been rezoned for business and educational uses but said that decisions still needed to be made about the height and density of any development on the site.

“We have had some interest from some existing universities but I would not care to name those at the moment,” Cr Eaton said.

He said he believes that if Wyong Council can provide the basic “bricks and mortar” on the site, there is plenty of interest

Weddings Engagements Special Birthdays Special Anniversaries New Born Babies Special Achievements

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allowed to throw a water balloon on the correct answer on the ground.

The children learned magic card tricks from Ms Berkon.

Finally, in Ms

Atherton’s group, the children used laptop computers to complete shape activities.

Newsletter, 14 July 2015 Kerry Moore, Budgewoi Public School

Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P15 5

Free online tutor service at libraries

Education

Wyong Preschool to celebrate 40th birthday

free online tutor service is being made available by Wyong Council libraries to assist local students with the stress of their looming Higher School Certificate trials.

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YourTutor provides study support from qualified professionals and is available to members of Wyong’s libraries.

Council’s library services coordinator, Ms Andrea Edwards said with YourTutor there is no need for students to waste time feeling anxious about topics they need extra help with.

“Students feel enormous amounts of pressure to perform and get the marks required for university entry,” Ms Edwards said.

“With YourTutor, students can gain study tips to use their time efficiently and effectively and ask questions they may feel too embarrassed to direct to their teachers, parents or friends.

“Students gain real time assistance from professionals across a

vast range of subjects through the use of interactive whiteboards and online chat tools.

“This also helps keep parents’ minds at ease knowing there is someone there to help with advanced HSC subjects during this stressful time.

“YourTutor has also just expanded its service launching ‘Check Mate’ this month, allowing students to upload draft essays and written assignments and receive expert feedback within 24 hours.

“This is perfect for students trying to perfect their English papers,” Ms Edwards said.

YourTutor is available for students in years three through to twelve and employs a mix of certified teachers, professional tutors, university lecturers and university graduates.

“For students studying

Legal Studies, each library in Wyong holds a legal tool kit that contains 20 plain language books that are useful and relevant practical guides to the law in NSW,” Ms Edwards said.

“Tuggerah and Lake Haven Libraries also have previous Personal Interest Projects to view for those studying Society and Culture.

“Additionally, we have a broad range of online research databases which are available 24/7 and free for all library members,” Ms Edwards said.

Library membership is available to all residents who work or study in the shire and the YourTutor service is accessible via the Wyong library website.

Media release, 17 July 2015 Wyong Council media

Relieving principal’s position extended yong Creek Public School has had Mr Matt Barr’s period in the role of relieving principal extended.

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Mr Barr will continue as relieving principal due to the extension of Mr David Ireland’s role as relieving principal at Tuggerawong Public

School until end of term one, 2016.

Mr Barr said: “I have assured Mr Ireland that during this period I will do my utmost to continue

the fantastic work already being done at Wyong Creek.”

Newsletter, 15 July2015 Matt Barr, Wyong Creek Public School

Wyong Preschool will celebrate its 40th birthday with a family fun day

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yong Preschool will celebrate its 40th birthday with a family fun day on Sunday, August 30.

“The day will be in celebration of providing high quality preschool education to the Wyong community for 40 years,” said the preschool’s director, Ms Sue Jarrett.

The family fun day will be held at Wyong Preschool, 9 Rose St, Wyong.

“Our family fun day will be designed to showcase the history of our preschool and provide opportunities for past and present families to come together to celebrate and reminisce about their preschool days,” Ms Jarrett said.

There will be a variety of free activities for the children as well as a sausage sizzle, lemonade

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is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter.

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stall and high tea.

An official ceremony will be held at 12:00pm and will be officiated by the preschool’s Life Members.

“We are also publishing a cookbook to mark the occasion.

“The book, ‘40 years of Recipes’ will be available for purchase on the day,” she said.

“This book will be full of delicious recipes written by those who have had a strong association with our preschool.

“We have generations of families who have come through our preschool and this family fun day is an opportunity to thank them for their continued support.

“This will be a wonderful community day and we welcome all those who have been associated with our preschool over the past 40 years,” she said.

Media release, 20 July 2015 Emily Ferguson, Wyong preschool

Out&About

P16 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 P

Wrap With Love needs more knitters

Train fare costs have risen despite promises to the contrary ommuters are now paying more than $600 extra each year to travel between the Central Coast and Sydney, according to member for Wyong and shadow minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris MP.

C Wrap With Love's annual Knit In Day will be held at Toukley Seniors Centre on Friday, August 7

rap With Love is encouraging the residents of the Central Coast to get behind its humanitarian appeal and knit blankets for the world’s less fortunate.

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The annual Knit In Day will be held on Friday, August 7, at Toukley Seniors Centre and representatives of the organisation are hoping a crowd of volunteers will once again join force in the effort.

The charity was founded in 1992 by Ms Sonia Gidley-King OAM and aims to foster a sense of global community by knitting blankets for those who are left homeless and exposed to the risk of hypothermia.

So far this year, the

world has been plagued by a number of disasters that have left people displaced and in need of emergency help.

In February, the organisation managed to distribute 2,000 knitted wraps across the globe as part of World Vision operations.

In March, 500 wraps were sent to Vanuatu once the nation was re-opened to foreign aid, following the earthquake and volcanic eruption that left the country devastated.

More recently, on

STOP

Friday May 1, the organisation, working in collaboration with Qantas, managed to fly 1,000 wraps to Nepal to assist in rebuilding the lives of those affected by the series of enormous earthquakes.

Wrap With Love spokesperson, Ms Diana Johnson said the speed at which the organisation is able to respond to disasters is in large part thanks to the band of volunteers across the Central Coast who have proven their commitment to the world’s poorest people by knitting the wraps.

“To keep the supply chain active, a band of volunteers across the Central Coast knit or crochet the 25cm squares using garter stitch and eight ply yarn, that are then sewn together to make a product suitable for a single bed, or that can be used as a shawl,” Ms Johnson said.

Media release, 17 July 2015 Diana Johnson, Wrap With Love Emma Horn, journalist

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Mr Harris was referring to a NSW Opposition analysis of train fairs under the Opal system that concluded people commuting from the Central Coast to Sydney for work or study five days a week were paying hundreds more in 2015 than they did in 2011, despite a Liberal Government promise of lower fares.

“The fare rises break a Liberal election promise in 2011 to cut the cost of monthly, quarterly or annual train tickets by up to $100 a year,’ Mr Harris

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fares.

“If this is a reward, I’d hate to see what a punishment looks like.

“These unfair price hikes will just push more people onto already congested roads.

“Mike Baird is doing nothing to create jobs on the Central Coast, and he is making it more expensive to commute to work in Sydney at the same time.” Mr Harris said.

Media release, 20 July 2015 Jake Allen, Office of David Harris

Ghost hunter talks at library hose captivated with the stories and history behind the hitchhiking ghost along Wilfred Barrett Dve will be intrigued by Wyong Council’s latest event.

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Tuggerah library will be hosting Romancing the Paranormal, an author talk from ghost hunters Ms Renata Daniel and Ms Angela Walton, on Thursday, July 30.

Council’s library services section manager, Ms Andrea Edwards, said the ghostly accounts entwined with history will have attendees on the edge of their seat.

“Both Ms Daniel and

Ms Walton have recently published books based on their involvement in many weird and unexplained happenings,” Ms Edwards said.

“Angela’s experiences with the afterlife inspired her debut novel, Transcendence, while Renata, also a historian, psychic and supernatural tour guide, has published a collection of renowned ghost stories from the

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“Both authors are sure to send chills down the spine as they recount some of their most eerie and unnerving tales.”

During July, Wyong Alive has been celebrating the shire’s history, sharing stories behind iconic local places such as Norah Head Lighthouse, a location also known for ghost sightings due to the many shipwrecks that occurred along the Coast before it was built.

Media release, 21 July 2015 Wyong Council media

holds a class every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm at the Church of Christ Hall, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming

$7 per Night Come and join in on the fun!

No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

Ph: 4325 7369

said.

“Since 2011 the annual cost of travelling from Wyong to Sydney’s Central station is now $432 more than using a monthly train ticket, and $656 more than a quarterly or annual train ticket.

“Under Opal, the annual cost of commuting from the Central Coast has for the first time exceeded $3,000.

“In the lead up to the 2011 election, the Liberals distributed leaflets saying train commuters should be rewarded with lower

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P17

Out&About

Chinese television Grant helps Mannering Park remain tidy tourism series to include the Coast he attractions of The Entrance and Wyong will be featured in a major tourism initiative designed to bring more Chinese tourists to Australia.

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Deep Breathing in Australia, a Chinese television series, was launched on Wednesday July 15, at Kooindah Waters.

The series is made up of six 30-minute episodes that will feature a selection of tourism destinations around Australia.

The program for the cable station CCTV is estimated to reach an audience of 400 million people in China.

The first episode was filmed around Wyong shire in the week beginning Monday July 20 and will feature in China’s most influential actress, Ms Liu and former world badminton champion, Mr Bau. Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton OAM, who attended the launch, said the series will drive international tourism to the Coast, creating jobs and opportunities for the community.

“This tourism initiative will give the Central Coast the largest amount of international visibility it has ever had and is costing our community nothing, but the benefits that will flow on are enormous,” Cr Eaton said.

Cr Eaton said he was overwhelmingly excited by how many

new visitors the program would potentially bring to the Central Coast.

“Tourism is a crucial industry for us and this initiative will put Wyong shire on the map for the average Chinese tourist, potentially bringing in millions of international visitors and creating thousands of local jobs,” he said.

Also in attendance at the launch was federal member for Barton, Mr Nickolas Varvaris MP representing the Prime Minister, parliamentary secretary for tourism, Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP and the CEO of Central Coast Tourism, Ms Robyne Abernethy.

“The growth of our visitor economy is crucial to the future of the Central Coast,” Ms Abernethy said.

“Our natural environment is a key driver for international visitation and this series will create more awareness of our region in China, which is one of Australia’s fastest growing international visitor markets,” she said.

The series is being funded by Harman Media, a related company to Harman Global, owners of Kooindah Waters.

Media release, 16 July 2015 Wyong council media

From left Peter Smith from Wallarah 2 with Mannering Park Tidy Towns Neil Wynn, Ian Carr, Rosie Divertive, John Sauerbier and Robyn Sauerbier

annering Park might be one of the tidiest towns on the Central will make a huge Coast thanks to the Mannering Park Tidy Towns volunteers difference, making it easier for them to carry who have put in close to 1,600 hours in the last year.

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Thanks to a grant from the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation, the group will now be armed with new equipment to make their job easier.

Mannering Park Tidy Towns was established five years ago with a mission to beautify the town, the community hall and establish new gardens and vegetation in what was once large heavy industrial sites.

The group also clean graffiti from common areas, pick up and remove rubbish, mow lawns throughout the area and manage common garden spaces.

Mr Ian Carr, president of the Tidy Towns group in Mannering Park said, “Sometimes we’re a little forgotten up here in the North part of the Coast, but we’re proud

of our beautiful town and wanted to ensure that it wasn’t left to deteriorate.

“To date our efforts have had a considerable impact on the community.

“We’ve established impressive Mannering Park entry gardens complete with a stone entry wall and solar lighting, we pick up litter weekly, as well as mow the town entry, Community Hall grounds and school footpaths.

“We’ve also worked with Council to improve our public reserves.

“All our running costs, like petrol and machinery, are funded solely by donations, fundraising activities and grants.

“We’re very appreciative of this

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funding of just over $1,000 provided by Wallarah 2, which will allow us to purchase two new lawn mowers to replace the ones we are currently using that were handed down to us and are very old.”

Mr Peter Smith, environment and community manager of the Wallarah 2 Coal Project said, “Mannering Park Tidy Town is a perfect example of individuals coming together to volunteer their time to add value and benefit the wider community.

“Speaking with the volunteers, I can see that these two new mowers

out their wonderful work in the community.

“It is people like this who make a real difference to the sense of community in a town, increasing the sense of pride in the beauty of the local area and also decreasing the levels of rubbish that end up in waterways and environmental areas.

“The group’s graffiti program is also an impressive community initiative with the volunteers aiming to remove graffiti within 24 hours, deterring youth from further graffiti activity,” Mr Smith said.

Media release, 20 July 2015 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic

‘The Garden at the End of the World’

WHAT: Screening of ‘The Garden at the End of the World’ WHERE: Kincumber & District Neighbourhood Centre, 20 Kincumber St. Kincumber TIME: Thursday 30th July 7.30pm COST: Gold coin donation.

NB:Mahboba WILL NOT be attending.

RSVP: briankoheir@gmail.com or manager@kincumberdnc.com.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 a vibrant, progressive group.

Conquer your fears of public speaking in a supportive learn-by-doing environment.

P18 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015

10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday Wyong RSL Anzac Ave Wyong 1030am 4328 8297 j pp @ joppa@theorchards.com.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Multiple Sclerosis Limited Gentle exersice class at Tuggerah on Mondays.

To improve strength, balance, endurance and help reduce fatigue and stress.

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

PO Box 210 Lidcombe NSW 1825 Nothern Women’s Health Centre We offer family law advice, counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services are provided by women for women

4351 1152 www.cccwhc.com.au

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

Music Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub Branch Youth Club Ballroom Dancing

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

JAZZLEAGUE

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

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

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

Tues 7.30pm Thur 6.30pm 0407 406 669

Political Groups 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 partisan 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 Thur at 10:30am, 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

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

Central Coast Potters Society Dedicated to increasing the ceramics knowlede, experience and skills of members and the general public. Running classes, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events. Annual exhibitions in May and December Open Day in Sept 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 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

Womens Groups BPW Central Coast

Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship. All women welcome to attend monthly dinner meetings.

Be enlightened. $40 covers two course meal and speaker. Community transport available to and from centre Chris Lewis 4344 3277 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com

If you would like your Community Organisa on listed here, see www.duckscrossing.org or www. centralcoastnewspapers.com for the forms or contact Central Coast Newspapers on - 4325 7369

Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P19 9

Out&About

Carousel celebrates 130th birthday

The Entrance Carousel has turned 130 years of age in July

he Entrance Carousel, an iconic fixture on the Central Coast, has celebrated its 130th birthday in July.

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Wyong Alive has shone the spotlight on the historic significance of The Entrance Carousel as it celebrates the importance of history to

the local area.

Wyong Council’s community partnership and planning manager, Ms Julie Vaughan noted the fascinating story of

how the carousel came to be at The Entrance.

“This historic carousel is recognised by the National Trust as one of the oldest in Australia,”

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

Saturday, July 25 Camelia Show, St James Wyong Anglican Church, 8:30am to 4:30pm Trivia Night, Shelly Beach Golf Club, 6:00pm to 10:00pm for Wyong Neighbourhood Centre

Sunday, July 26 Tuggerah Lakes choral society winter concert, Tumbi Vale uniting church, 2:00pm

Tuesday, July 28 Wyong Council grant information session, The Entrance Community Centre, 5:30pm

Wednesday July29 Substance Use and Mental Illness course begins, St Vincent de

Paul, Wyong, 9:45am, free

Thursday, July 30 Romancing the Paranormal author talk by Renata Daniel and Angela Walton, Tuggerah Library from 1:30pm Wyong Council grant information session, Blue Haven Community Centre 11:00am

Thursday August 6 Artsfest, Anglican Kanwal

Lakes Church,

Friday, August 7 Annual Knit In, Toukley Senior Citizen Centre, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Saturday, August 8

World Lung Cancer Day fund raiser, Wyong League Club, includes dinner and floor show, from 6:30pm

Meet the Mayor, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, 10:00am to 11:00am War at Sea, exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museam, Tuggerah Library

Monday, August 3

Saturday, August 15

Toukley and District Art Society AGM, 10am, Federation Gallery, Wallarah Rd, Gorokan

Free screening To Kill a Mockingbird, Tuggerah Library, 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Saturday, August 1

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.

Ms Vaughan said.

The carousel started its life in France in the latter half of Europe’s Industrial Revolution.

It was then transported to Australia in the early 1800s and spent many years as part of a travelling fairground.

Wyong resident, Mr Johnnie Smith purchased the carousel in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that the carousel settled in its current location at The Entrance waterfront.

“For the last 36 years, the carousel has been lovingly cared for by the Haas Family, continuing their amazing family legacy of involvement in carnival and circus activities that stretches back 400 years,” Ms Vaughan said.

Ms Hanna Haas, who operates the carousel dayto-day, said that she loves to hear the special stories about family connections unfolding at the carousel every day.

“Parents and grandparents with fond childhood memories continue to bring young children along to share their experiences and memories, it’s great to see,” Ms Haas said.

“I hope that in the future, the bond the carousel has produced in past generations will continue to drive people to come and see this historic icon,” she said.

Ms Vaughan said Council would love

to hear more stories about the carousel and are encouraging the community to share their stories and memories.

“History should not be just facts and events,

its real subjects are the human stories we’re asking people to share to keep it alive,” she said.

Media release, 16 July 2015 Wyong Council media

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Term 3 Drumming starts back Monday 20th July Book now

www.therhythmhut.com.au ph 0420 682 258 Photo by Simply Infinite Photography

ATTENTION all food outlets and music venues. Advertise in this directory, this size for only $60+GST in full colour!

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BluesAngels $12 General $10 Concession

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P20 - Wyong P y g Regional g Chronicle - Julyy 24,, 2015

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Woodsy Cabinets Kitchen, Vanity and Joinery Repairs No Job too small Free Quotes Call Andrew 0415 065 262

Ad a logo or photo only $6 +GST Ad full colour only $6 + GST

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BluesAngels Your total acoustic blues/roots package, top to toe, and then some.

Minnie the Moocher to Eagle Rock and on into indie roots, beatnik jazz, backhills bluegrass and prog folk.

Available as duo, trio or band negotiable for your party, event or venue.

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4324 2801 BUCELLO’S COASTAL PAINTING SERVICES • Residential and Commercial • Interior and Exterior • New Work and Repaints Free Quotes All work guaranteed Quality’s my game and Ryan’s my name

Dance Central Coast Bush Dance & Music Association Experience Folk Music at its best at East Gosford Progress Hall @ 7.30pm Henry Parry Drive

August 8 Bush Dance with J H Dance Band Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

Students 13 to 18 $8 www.ccbdma.org for more information

Enq: 4344 6484 Entertainment The Troubadour

Slightly Off Call Leila at 0423 147 797 or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SlightlyOffMusic

Kitchen Quality Laminate Benchtops supplied and seconds for sale

R&J Benchtops Gosford

CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy

$12 General $10 Concession www.troubadour.org.au

4341 4060

Plumbing

YOUR LOCAL PLUMBER Same day service Guaranteed

Blocked drains, Leaking taps and toilets, Hot water and all aspects Of pluming drainage and gas fitting.

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Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com

Tuition - Dance

Gosford Scottish Country Dancers hold an intermediate class on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 pm at Wyoming It’s an excellent form of exercise which brings men, women and young people together socially, learning new and old dances in a very friendly relaxed atmosphere No experience or partner necessary All ages welcome Cost $7.00 per week Contact Janice on

Recording studio to further engage with youth through music he Salvation Army youth service provider, Oasis Wyong, has cemented its commitment to fostering education opportunities for young people with the launch of its Acoustica Recording Studio.

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The Studio was launched on Monday, July 20 and aims to build young people’s musical skills and talents, whilst connecting participants to well-known members of 4388 2253 the music industry.

The program has been designed in partnership Tuition - Music with music producer Paul-I from MusicPro, ensuring a professional standard for the new facility.

After recently returning from years of working in London, Paul-I is set Kincumber starting to join the Salvos as its 13 August Bookings flagship artist in residence 4369 1187 Woy Woy starting July at Acoustica Recording Bookings 4341 4060 Studio.

Paul-I has worked www.ukecentral.info ukecentral.mail@gmail.com with people such as songwriter Rob Davis (Kylie Minogue), producer Geoff Dugmore (Robbie Williams), sound Harmonica Tuition technician Brian Hodgson all popular styles (Sir Paul McCartney), songwriter Andraé Crouch (Elton John, Stevie tomflood@hotmail.com Wonder, Madonna), Springfield bassist Abraham LaBoriel Sr. (Michael Jackson, Paul One on One Simon, Barbra Streisand), $25 half hr $40hr 1970s rockers Mungo Jerry, singer Sheila E (Prince), session musician Wanted Chester Thompson (Phil Collins, Frank Cash paid for Zappa, Weather Report), Australian musicians good quality Oliver Tank and Tommy swords & knives. Emmanuel.

A community benefit War & movie grant from Wyong

Beginner Ukulele Courses

Tom Flood

4324 2801

memorabilia also shop display units For large

collections home visit available

Smoking dragon Shop 12 Ebbtide Mall 155 The Entrance Rd The Entrance 4333 8555

Council has enabled Oasis to pilot a Music Masterclass Program to be run through the new studio.

With educational and industry expertise from MusicPro, workshops will be centred on song writing and rehearsal techniques, recording, music production, and live stage production.

Program participants will have an opportunity to be involved in a live performance band competition with the prize winners given the opportunity to record an EP. Oasis manager Ms Robyn Bust said she expected the program will see some excellent talent developed.

“We are so grateful to Paul for the time and effort he has put into designing and building this studio,” Ms Bust said.

“We are excited by the opportunities this facility will provide to further engage with local youth through music.

“This is a fantastic program for disadvantaged young people in need of a positive role model and a creative outlet.” Ms Bust said.

Media release, 16 July 2015 Kat Butterworth, Salvation Army

The Shame File

Ducks Crossing Publications has a very liberal credit policy for advertisers and realises that from time to time, people, businesses and organisations get into financial difficulty and may need assistance and time to get things back on track.

However, some people, businesses and organisations take advantage of this generosity they use advertising but simply don’t pay their account after several months and need to be taken to court to do so.

From time to time, as necessary, we will name these people, businesses or organisations as a warning to our readers so that they will be wary when dealing with them.

• Golden Scissors Futuretek Roofing Hairdressing, Wyong • David Hill, Long Jetty • Bakefresh, Wyong • Jessica Davis of Erina • Frazer Park Pty Ltd formerly - trading as A1 cleaning trading as The Big Prawn at services Crangan Bay • Rattananporn Massage, • Tony Fitzpatrick trading as Wyong

Sport

Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 - P21 1

Norah Head boat ramp officially opened

Warnervale defeated by competition leaders ound 12 of the Central Coast Rugby Union on Saturday, July 18 saw Warnervale defeated by Terrigal at Wongarrah Oval.

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Warnervale put in a pleasing performance but were just not good enough on the day.

Best players for Warnervale were forward Richie Houston, winger Nathan Saipaia and outside centre Steve Attenborough, who scored a good try for the home team.

The match saw a very closely fought first half with Terrigal going to the halftime break leading by only 14 points to 5.

However the second half saw them pile on a

further 20 points to secure the win, 34 points to 12.

It was a most competent performance by Terrigal.

The win sees Terrigal still at the top of the competition ladder and playing some good team rugby.

A feature of the match was the three tries scored by their winger Dan Sargeant that did show they were certainly playing expansive rugby.

Media release, 19 July 2015 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union

Warners Bay win four in a row n Round 12 of the Women’s AFL competition, Wyong Lakes were defeated

by Warners Bay who made it four wins in a row.

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It was the second time in two weeks that the Bulldogs had the better of the Magpies and this win was built on the back of a consistent four quarter performance and a dominant display up forward from Naomi Medlin, who kicked four goals.

Once again Wyong Lakes were gallant, however, as has been the case all year, their inability to kick goals was an issue.

Apart from Medlin, Casey Elkins, Claire Turner and Mattea Dombkins were the best for Warners Bay. Emily Bohan, Jesse Graham, Rebecca Ives and Danielle Tasker were the pick for Wyong Lakes.

The final score was 6.8.44 to 1.1.7 in the Sunday, July 19 match.

Media release, 19 July 2015 Garry Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

The new Norah Head boat ramp was officially opened on July 16

yong Shire’s only ocean access boat ramp was officially and the boat ramp is one of its main attractions. opened on Thursday, July 16.

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Norah Head boat ramp is back in the spotlight after receiving a $2.85 million makeover.

Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said he knows how popular the ramp is with residents and visitors.

“It’s great to see the ramp being used and accessible for boats to go out to sea again,” Cr Eaton said.

“This is one of the most important recreational facilities in our shire, and we have been able to improve user safety and broaden the recreational capacity of the area,” he said.

The upgrade and associated works were made possible with funding from all three levels of government with Wyong Council contributing $1 million, the NSW Government $1.15 million and the

Federal Government $700,000.

Works included replacing the double main ramp and beach ramp, replacing a retaining wall with a rock wall, relocating a sewer main and installing a gross pollutant trap to manage debris and storm water run-off.

NSW parliamentary secretary for transport and roads, Mr John Sidoti, said the works were about more than just replacing a boat ramp.

“Not only has the boat ramp been upgraded, it was specifically designed to improve user safety.

“The ramp is wider, has improved grades for safer boat launching and retrieval, and the end of it has been extended below low tide level,” Mr Sidoti said.

Federal member for Dobell, Ms Karen

McNamara, said it was great to see the boat ramp back in action and helping to bring more visitors to the shire.

“Norah Head is a major tourism area for the shire

“Residents and visitors alike who love boating will benefit from the improved access to Cabbage Tree Harbour,” Ms McNamara said.

Media release, 13 July 2015 Wyong Council media

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News

P22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - July 24, 2015 P2

Singles’ finals championships held Les Morrison is he Central Coast Singles

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Championships were played across three separate disciplines, the open Major Singles, the Senior Singles for players over 60 years of age and the president reserve singles for Grade 5 Pennant players and below.

The final of all disciplines was hosted

by Munmorah United Bowling Club over the weekend of Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

The prestigious Major Singles, known as the “Blue Ribbon” title, attracted a field of 79 players and was narrowed down to eight quarter finalists, all of whom had never reached the final of this event.

The sectional rounds were keenly contested with many of the name players falling by the wayside.

The biggest upset was the defeat of four-times Zone Single’s champion, Ettalong’s Aron Sherriff

by Gwandalan’s Billy Maskell.

Terrigal’s Darren

Halekulani's Lindsay Willding hailed the Single's Champion by runner up Alan Rogers

Morrison powered his way into the final with a strong semi-final win over Gwandalen’s Chris Willingham 31-13 and Avoca Beach’s Tony Shoebridge’s experience and consistency overshadowed his younger Gwandalan opponent Billy Maskell 31-20.

The final was a new stage for both players and Darren Morrison was in great touch to establish an early match winning lead over Tony Shoebridge 18-3, but to Tony’s credit, he fought back in a very high standard game of draw bowling to give the

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 - 24 0114 - 1.33 0737 - 0.57 1412 - 1.40 2025 - 0.74 MON - 27 0427 - 1.23 1018 - 0.57 1659 - 1.58 2340 - 0.55 THU - 30 0115 - 0.32 0707 - 1.39 1249 - 0.40 1922 - 1.89 SUN - 2 0330 - 0.13 0933 - 1.56 1522 - 0.29 2145 - 1.94 WED - 5 0552 - 0.26 1209 - 1.60 1813 - 0.43

SAT - 25 0214 - 1.26 0829 - 0.59 1509 - 1.43 2136 - 0.71 TUE - 28 0526 - 1.27 1111 - 0.52 1748 - 1.69 FRI - 31 0200 - 0.23 0756 - 1.46 1339 - 0.34 2010 - 1.95 MON - 3 0416 - 0.14 1024 - 1.59 1615 - 0.32 2235 - 1.86 THU - 6 0022 - 1.58 0644 - 0.34 1306 - 1.59 1920 - 0.50

SUN - 26 0320 - 1.23 0924 - 0.59 1605 - 1.50 2244 - 0.64 WED - 29 0030 - 0.43 0618 - 1.33 1200 - 0.46 1836 - 1.79 SAT - 1 0245 - 0.16 0844 - 1.52 1430 - 0.30 2057 - 1.98 TUE - 4 0503 - 0.18 1115 - 1.60 1713 - 0.36 2327 - 1.73 FRI - 7 0123 - 1.43 0738 - 0.43 1407 - 1.58 2034 - 0.54

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

final score some degree of respectability at 31-19.

For 27 year old Darren, a Number 1 Pennant skip at Terrigal and a Central Coast Representative skip, it was a welldeserved victory and another step up the ladder in elite company.

The Senior Singles were contested by a field of 52 experienced and crafty bowlers keen to show they haven’t lost their competitive edge.

The four semi-finalists had all previously enjoyed success in this championship event, including Terrigal’s Garry Murphy, runnerup in 2013, Lindsay Willding from Halekulani and Alan Rogers from Avoca Beach winning the title in 2009 and 2011 respectively.

The best overall performer was Terrigal’s Tony Swaine, who won the title in 2007 and was runner-up in 2006, 2011 and 2012.

The semi-finals produced some topdrawer bowling, with

Alan Rogers gaining the upper hand over Garry Murphy 31-23 and Lindsay Willding playing out a close encounter over Tony Swaine 31-28, to gain a finals berth.

As was to be expected, the final between Lindsay Willding and Alan Rogers was a close encounter with Lindsay establishing a handy buffer of 5 to 6 shots for three quarters of the game before the margin was progressively narrowed and the scores became locked at 30 all.

It was almost down to the toss of a coin, until evergreen Willding drew the ‘absoluter’ for game, set and match.

The 75 strong field in the Presidents’ Reserve Singles saw a bunch of emerging new faces reach the finals, with Breakers/ Wamberal Paul Charge maintaining his winning form in the semi-finals to defeat the 2012 President Single’s winner Steve E Balsdon 31-20, Fand RE Diggers’ Robert Dwyer playing himself into the final with a strong 31-10 win over Ken Young.

The final was a new and tense experience for both players, with Robert Dwyer establishing and maintaining an early 5 - 6 shot lead throughout the first half of the game with Paul Charge clawing his way back to take the lead 17-16 after 20 ends and held on to a 2-3 shot margin until Robert leveled at 28 all.

It was ‘game on’ but Paul steadied with some telling draw shots to claim the title 31-28 Media release, 20 July 2015 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

Central Coast Veteran’s Singles champion

es Morrison, 76, of Wyong Bowling Club defeated Warren Smith, 74, of Halekulani at the Bowls Central Coast Veteran’s Singles championship on Friday, July 10, at The Entrance.

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32 bowlers took part on the day, with the first section played at The Greens, The Entrance and the second section at Avoca Beach Bowling Club.

Warren Smith showed solid form over the four days defeating Tom Harris, 2014 winner Norm Whitten, Richard Love and Jack Burnes.

At the second section,

Les Morrison defeated Kevin Nebauer, Keith Thornton, Bob Burnett and John Edwards.

Warren Smith started well and had the upper hand in the final, however Les Morrison’s consistency gradually overhauled Warren with a final score of 21 to 17.

Media release, 12 July 2015 Kevin Dring, Bowls Central Coast

Killarney Vale too good in AFL illarney Vale won a dour contest over Warners Bay, 9.15.69 to 3.9.27 at Feighan Oval in round 12 of the Black Diamond AFL on Sunday, July 19.

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The match never reached any great heights as both sides were missing key players.

After a tight first half which saw Killarney Vale lead by 12 points at half time, the match was blown open in the third quarter through the brilliance of Daniel Lloyd, who kicked three goals for the term.

Killarney Vale, with

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skipper Brendan Lewis marshalling his defence superbly, were able to prevent Warners Bay from kicking a goal in either the second or third quarters on their way to a 42 point win.

Apart from Lewis and Lloyd (four goals), Ethan Lenson and Kyall Walford were the best for the Bombers.

In first division, Wyong Lakes recorded a comfortable win.

Media release, 19 July 2015 Garry Berkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

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Sport

Wyong y g Regional g Chronicle - Julyy 24, 2015 - P23 3

Sporting Schools program to change school sport

Coroner recommends mandatory wearing of life jackets by rock fishers

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urf Life Saving clubs on the Central Coast have welcomed the Coroner’s recommendations regarding the safety of rock fishers.

Rock fishing is currently the leading cause of coastal drowning in NSW, with 53 recorded deaths of rock fishers in NSW since 2010.

The coroner’s inquest into nine of the deaths concluded on Thursday, July 2 and led to the recommendation to make it mandatory that lifejackets be worn by rock fishers.

This inquests came four years after deputy state coroner Buscombe recommended compulsory lifejackets for rock fishers should be considered, and three years after a Surf Life Saving report commissioned by the Department of Primary Industries recommended mandatory lifejackets while rock fishing be legislated.

Surf Life Saving New South Wales’ manager, Mr Andy Kent thanked the Coroner for her thorough inquest, and said he’s looking forward to seeing new safety initiatives implemented.

“Surf Life Saving New South Wales fully supports

the recommendations delivered by the Coroner.

“We welcome the opportunity to assist police and emergency services, Department of Primary Industries and recreational fishing groups to work through these recommendations and how they can be implemented,” said Mr Kent.

Surf Life Saving has been tackling rock fishing safety by focusing on public education, encouraging use of lifejackets and issuing dangerous surf warnings through the media when hazardous conditions are forecasted.

Despite these efforts, surf lifesavers have become increasingly frustrated as the drowning toll continues to rise.

Mr Kent believes mandating the use of lifejackets for rock fishers is a sensible next step in ensuring the safety of our waterways.

Coastal safety assessments of rock fishing blackspots contained in Surf Life Saving’s Project

Blueprint reports were tabled at the inquest.

“Our volunteer lifesavers see first-hand the untold impact these tragedies have on the families of those killed and we fully support any measures which will make the sport safer,” said Mr Kent.

“As the inquest was unable to find any evidence that wearing a lifejacket would make rock fishers less safe, we would support a move to make them mandatory as a way of reducing drownings,” he said.

“This would also decrease the risk faced by our volunteers who are called on to rescue rock fishers who have been swept into the ocean.”

Surf Life Saving NSW will offer its expertise in coastal safety and risk assessment to assist in the implementation of any of the Coronial recommendations.

Media release, 2 July 2015 Liam Howitt, Surf Life Saving NSW Emma Horn, journalist

Test your limits!

Ms Karen McNamara with members of the Warnervale Cricket Club

ember for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP has announced that 23 local schools in her electorate have signed up to be part of Sporting Schools, the biggest change to school sport in over a decade.

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As part of a $100 million Commonwealth Government initiative to keep kids fit, healthy and happy, Sporting Schools was launched and schools in Dobell can now take part in the participationfocused program.

“This is one of the Government’s cornerstone preventative health programs aimed to improve our children’s health through getting more kids involved in physical activity,” Ms McNamara said.

“Being involved in this new program will expand

sporting opportunities for children before, during and after school hours in Dobell primary schools.

“Sporting Schools is designed to deliver sports in line with local school’s needs and, ultimately, to get children active, engaged and having fun through sport, more often.

“A quarter of Australian children are now overweight or obese and many more lack the basic skills like running, catching, throwing and kicking needed in everyday life.

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“Our new Sporting Schools program is so important to ensuring current and future generations of Australian kids keep fit, healthy and happy,” she said.

“With three-quarters of Australian kids spending their spare time watching television and only one third of children managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day, we need to do more.”

Media release, 21 July 2015 Colby Crane, Office of Karen McNamara MP

Sport

P24 - Wyong P2 y g Regional g Chronicle - Julyy 10,, 2015

Brad Sheridan named NSW Country Player of the Year urimbah, Central Coast and NSW Country Cockatoos Rugby Union player, Brad Sheridan, has been announced as the NSW Country Player of the Year.

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Mr Sheridan was announced as the recipient of the Will Tanner Award at a presentation at Coogee following the Cockatoos’ last representative match of the 2015 season.

The Will Tanner Award was named in honour of the former Cockatoos’ player who lost his life in a horse riding accident on his Quirindi property in 1997.

Brad Sheridan has been a member of the Cockatoos’ playing squad for the last three years, but up until this year, he had to play second fiddle to some seasoned campaigners which restricted his match time.

He was a member of

Brad Sheridan receiving his award from NSW Country Rugby Union President, Barry Ruddy

the country development team that toured the United States in 2014 and it was on this tour that he really came into his own as a back row forward.

This year he claimed the number seven jersey from the start and in the process, played every minute of the Cockatoos’ representative program, which included matches

against NSW Suburban, Brumbies Provincial and Queensland Country.

He was a dominant presence at this year’s NSW Country Rugby Union Championships for the Central Coast, which led to his selection in the Cockatoos’ squad and put him in line for selection for the Cockatoos’ representative matches.

Mr Sheridan was a strong performer for the Cockatoos throughout their 2015 campaign which saw him never far off the ball in defence, resulting in numerous pilfers, together with his trademark strong ball carries in attack.

Will Tanner Award points were allocated on a 3-2-1 basis by a panel of judges for each of the Cockatoos’ matches and Sheridan’s consistency in accumulating points in each match during the program saw him take out the award.

His win maintains the dominance back-rowers have had in the 18-year history of the Will Tanner Award.

Mr Sheridan is only the second Central Coast player to win the award in its 18 year history.

Former students in the limelight ormer Northlakes High School students have been in the news lately.

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Para-Olympic champion and former Northlakes student, David Hall has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Rhode Island.

At 16 years of age, David Hall was hit by a car while hitchhiking and ended up having both legs amputated.

Another ex-student,

Jake Howden performed on The Voice.

“The school has a long history of nurturing talent and it is great to see him on such a large stage,” Northlakes High School principal, Ms Merrilyn Rowley said.

Newsletter, 17 July 2015 Marrilyn Rowley, Northlakes High School

Media release, 9 July 2015 Larry Thomson, Central Coast Rugby Union David Hall who attended Northlakes High School is now in the Tennis Hall of Fame