Issue 83 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

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December 11, 2015

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Issue 83

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14.

Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission to the JRPP endorsing the development. At this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’ for the works to take place in three operational stages, with subsequent detailed development applications being lodged for each future stage. The development would include demolition of existing buildings and construction of a shopping centre with a supermarket, shop top housing, hotel accommodation, restaurant, multi-purpose function space, and ancillary parking and other works. Moving a motion for Wyong Council to endorse the development and make a submission to the JRPP in support of the developer, Cr Lloyd Taylor said: “We need to support the applicant on this particular one because

A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context

it is a huge commitment, a commitment that very few developers can make. “This is a $300 million project that will kick start the Central Coast and The Entrance,” Cr Taylor said. “This will really kick start investment in this tourist Mecca. “It will be the highest building on the Central Coast but that is a good thing. “It will hopefully kick start other sites and other areas. “We want businesses to succeed and grow and employ more people and this development is going to deliver.”

Cr Adam Troy seconded the motion and said: “It is not every day you get a $300 million development in council chambers, it is a milestone on the Central Coast. “It is going to be one of those focal points, a pretty special place and I can’t wait to see it happen,” he said. The site covers 21,357 square metres and takes in the existing Lakeside Plaza Shopping Centre and surrounding sites. According to a report prepared by Wyong Council staff for the consideration of councillors at their

December 9 meeting, the project is expected to generate 660 full time jobs, post construction. The proposal includes a retail podium and two towers and seeks variation to a number of Wyong Council’s planning controls. The site is identified as a ‘key site’ under Wyong LEP 2013 which allows for a bonus building height of 113.8 metres. The bonus building height is provided in return for “significant public benefits to be provided to the community and to stimulate further development and

viability of town centres,” according to the report. The proposed shop top housing would include 478 dwellings. The development would also encompass a 108 room hotel and parking for 1,433 cars. The podium would make available 13,250 square metres of lettable retail space fronting Dening St, Taylor St and The Entrance Rd. There are two levels of retail floor space along The Entrance Rd frontage and ground floor retail space along the Taylor St frontage containing a supermarket and a major

retail tenancy. The proposal includes two levels of basement parking and rooftop parking (179 spaces) with shade sails above the podium. Above the retail space, facing The Entrance Rd, shop top housing is proposed, comprising 48 residential apartments over three storeys. Within the northern (Dening St) end of the building is a restaurant and function/convention space (at the hotel lobby level). The next level up would be a landscaped level (referred to as the oasis level) which is located directly below the tower buildings and would contain two pools, landscaping, day spa, decks and a bar. Above this level, the development proposes two towers with 250 residential apartments (27 storeys) within a residential tower located on the corner of The Entrance Rd and Dening St. One hundred hotel rooms (6 storeys) and 110 residential apartments (11 storeys) would be located within a second tower building located on the corner of Taylor St and Dening St.

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

Continued P3

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P22 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Wyong services directory

Chance to Win! he Dubbo Western Plains Zoo and the Wyong Regional Chronicle have a family pass, valued at $131, to give to one lucky Central Coast family for a visit to the zoo.

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The Zoo is buzzing with baby animals of all shapes and sizes, not to mention a brand new Meerkat exhibit complete with a fun area for the kids to explore. “We’ve had some major breeding successes this year, with lots of new arrivals in our herds in particular, including Eland, Blackbuck, Banteng and Addax. “Also, summer is when the elephants and rhinos get into their pools or mud wallows to cool off, a treat for visitors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

often quite different from what was originally received. Contributions are welcome and are preferred in email form, ideally with any relevant photographs attached. Contributions must include the contributor’s name, address and phone numbers. This is not for publication but name and suburb will be published and anonymous contributions will not be included.

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to see.” To be in the draw to win the family pass to Western Plains Zoo, write your full name, address and a day time phone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Dubbo Zoo Competition, PO Box 1056 Gosford, NSW, 2250. Entries close 5pm, Monday, January 4, 2016. The winners of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Christmas competition were: Maree Sulter of Mt White, Leslieanne Elliott of Chain Valley Bay, Donna Russell of Lake Haven, Charlie Saliba of Budgewoi, Mark Symes of Glenning Valley and Michelle Webb of Watanobbi.

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Action by the community is the only thing that could save Gosford Council from being forced by the NSW Government into a merger with Wyong, according to Labor councillor Vicki Scott.

Jeff Sundstrom demonstrates at Gosford Council in support of Vicki Scott’s call for community action to stop forced amalgamation

Regional Planning Panel. “I think the community probably largely doesn’t know what is going on but really there is a great need for the community to be aware of what the effect of this is going to be,” Cr Scott said. According to Cr Scott, an amalgamation would result in lower levels of community representation and less contact between the community and council staff. Ms Scott said she believed the amalgamation could have a negative impact on community centres and all the other services

and facilities that Gosford Council has been known to deliver. “It will change the way we go about getting funding and will lead to even more detachment of communities at the edges of the region, including the Peninsula,” she said. “It is never too late; we have got until November 18 and the community can use its voice, that is why the rally was held.” Cr Scott said she did not think a bigger council would result in better infrastructure for the region. “What’s that saying about size?’

she said. “Blacktown Council is the biggest council in NSW and it is having financial troubles,” she said. Wyong jumped too early to make its preferences known to the NSW Government, according to Cr Scott. “The big problem for this region now is five people in Wyong made a decision that will have a big impact on the community of Wyong and potentially on the people of Gosford, without delving in to the other side of the argument,” she

said. Gosford Council decided to continue to explore its options in the time available before declaring its intentions to the NSW Government on November 18. Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the examination of options included having an ongoing dialogue with Wyong Council and conducting due diligence into all available options. Cr Scott said “no one has told me how I should vote on the issue of amalgamation but the conservatives are being told, by someone outside their community, how to vote and I think that is a shame for the people they represent.” In terms of what a new amalgamated council would mean for issues such as the future of Gosford Council’s Coastal Open Spaces Scheme, Cr Scott said no one from the state government or at a local level seemed to know the answers to such questions. “Every four years, every time there is a change in local government, there is a very real chance that things like COSS could disappear so the chance is there in an amalgamation too,” she said. Cr Scott said she thinks there has to be “some greater reason” for the NSW Government’s amalgamation push. “It is horrendous when you think about the cost, it could be $100 million -- and that money, if we want infrastructure, give both councils $50 million each and we will get the infrastructure we need. “Or for the next 20 years we will be feeling our way around figuring out which councillor belongs to which ward and it will cripple us for a long time. “That $100 million will be a line item on every budget. “A large council is a dispassionate council and the one thing that can stop it is the voice of the people,” she said. Media release, 4 Nov 2014 Jeff Sundstrom, Our City, Our Council, Our Choice Interview, 4 Nov 2015 Vicki Scott, Gosford Council READ MORE Pages 6 and 7

THIS ISSUE contains 56 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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Cr Scott said she would be addressing a community rally that was to be held on Saturday, November 7 on the forecourt of the Gosford Council building in Gosford. “Parts of the Coast, like the Peninsula, already feel like they are under-represented,” Cr Scott said. “Imagine dealing with a council for an area as big as Canberra with as many people as the Northern Territory and only 10 or a maximum of 15 councillors instead of 20,” Cr Scott said. “This is bigger than the tax office and Gosford waterfront. “This is huge. “It is about the absolute future of this region and it will affect us for generations,” she said. Following years of speculation and in spite of statements to the contrary, local councils across NSW have been given one month to show why the recommendations of IPART regarding their forced amalgamation should not be adopted. A group of concerned locals, calling themselves Our City, Our Council, Our Choice, organised Saturday’s peaceful rally to encourage and support Gosford Council in perusing its continuance as a standalone entity. In June, Gosford Council unanimously declared it believed it was fit for the future and its submission to IPART expressed its arguments for continuing as a stand-alone council. In October, IPART released its report card which declared Gosford “unfit” for the future and recommended it amalgamate with Wyong or form a joint organisation. Wyong Council was also declared unfit but has since declared, by one vote, a preference to amalgamate with Gosford to form a new Greater Central Coast Regional Council which would take in Wyee and abolish the Joint

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November 18, 2015 9 November 2015

Scott calls for community action on merger

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Issue 81

Council resolves to acquire part of Wyong Grove T

he acting CEO of Wyong Council has been authorised to acquire approximately one quarter of the Wyong Grove school site and carriage way at a fair market value.

A mayoral minute presented to the November 11 ordinary meeting of Wyong Council resulted in the Council resolving to go ahead with an attempt to acquire those parts of the former public school considered essential for organisations such as the Wyong Drama Group. The plan is to acquire those land and buildings either by agreement or compulsory process. The council authorised the acting CEO to execute all necessary documentation relevant to the acquisition. The school site, when purchased, will be classified as operational land for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993. If the site has to be obtained using a compulsory process, it will be done “pursuant to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991,” according to the adopted mayoral minute. Council will make an application to the Minister for Finance to commence compulsory

Wyong Drama Group members protest the sale of the Grove

acquisition of part of the site. The entire school site was recently sold by the Department of Education, at auction, to a Sydney developer, for $4.45 million. If the Minister gives his consent, then Council can begin negotiations with the new owner to acquire the part of the site currently used as the Wyong Grove Cultural and Community Hub. Mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said Council was true to its word and would now pursue compulsory acquisition so this important site can continue as a community facility. “We went to the auction in good faith and were hopeful of securing the site ourselves due to its high importance to our

community,” Cr Eaton said. “I even told bidders at the auction we would seek to compulsorily acquire the site – so everyone knew what we wanted to do. “So now it is time to act. “We can’t afford the whole site, so we will now move to try to acquire the part of the site which will provides the best value for the community.” Council spent over $100,000 upgrading the former school buildings which are currently home to a number of local community and drama groups. It is these buildings Council will now seek to acquire under compulsory acquisition arrangements. If the owner wishes to develop the rest of the

site, it will be subject to the normal Council development application process. “This whole process has caused a great deal of stress in the local community which has been really unnecessary,” Cr Eaton said. “The State Government broke its promise to the community but Council will not, and will now step in and attempt to save this important community facility.” In NSW, all levels of government can acquire privately owned land for public purposes. They may acquire the whole property, part of a property or an interest in the property, including easements for power lines, sewer or water. Most privately owned land, required by

government for public purposes, is acquired by negotiation and agreement between the landholder and the acquiring authority. The process is expected to take several months. “Obviously the hall is not included on the basis that the arthouse is developed and it has a studio of the size of the hall and is more adaptable,” Cr Eaton said at the November 11 general meeting of Wyong Council. Cr Eaton said he expected the fair market value of the area Wyong Council wishes to purchase to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. Acting CEO of Wyong Council, Mr Rob Noble said he had received a briefing from the relevant

director following a discussion with the purchaser of Wyong Grove. “They are in discussion with another buyer for the purchase of a small part of the site that is similar to what we are looking at,” Mr Noble said. “The level of pricing they are looking at is rather alarming to me and we need to keep that in mind,” he said. The motion to move forward with the compulsory acquisition of a portion of the site was carried unanimously.

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

Mayoral minute 1.6, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Councillors bullied into amalgamation vote even out of 10 Gosford councillors have voted to inform the NSW Government they are willing to amalgamate with Wyong Council.

The NSW Government has required all NSW councils deemed “unfit” to stand alone to make 50-word submissions by November 18 outlining their amalgamation preferences. Gosford’s deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle moved that “… based on its understanding that continuing as a stand-alone Council is not acceptable to the NSW Government… Council’s first preference is that Gosford City Council voluntarily merges with Wyong Shire Council.” Cr Doyle went on to give Gosford’s second preference, which was for Gosford City Council to merge with the southern part of Wyong Council up to Sparks Rd and for the remaining northern part of Wyong Shire Council to merge with Lake Macquarie City Council. “I find it hard to believe that we haven’t been provided a choice as councillors,” Cr Doyle said in opening discussion on the proposed motion. “As a working party, we took the opportunity to meet with the minister to express our fears, and I must say, they were met with respect and concern,” he said. Cr Doyle said a meeting with the local government minister, Mr Paul Toole did allay his fears about having no say in the process “a little”. “I say a little, because I

From left: Cr Jim McFadyen, Cr Gabby Bowles, deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle and Cr Jeff Strickson debate the future of Gosford Council

still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our ﬁrst choice,” he said. He said Wyong’s early move, by a margin of one vote, in favour of the formation of a Greater Central Coast Regional Council through a merger with Gosford, stymied the debate about options available to Gosford. “I really think we have been bullied and coerced

into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said. Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation. “I ﬁnd it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be ﬁnancially sustainable. “What happens if we stand alone?” she asked.

“I don’t agree that we don’t have a choice; we are denying our residents the right to a voice.” Cr Morris outlined the legislative process that would need to be followed if Gosford did elect to defy the minister’s advice and state a preference to stand alone. She questioned whether the $10 million funding promised to councils who volunteered to amalgamate

plus $10 million for infrastructure would come near to covering the costs of amalgamation. “In our submission we talked about ﬁgures of $37 million and $31 million, that leaves a shortfall of $48 million. “Where will it come from, the sale of assets, the sale of public land, a special rate variation? “I will refuse to succumb to the bullying of the state government for

a paltry $20m,” she said. Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one. “I would ordinarily be putting up one hell of a fight but the State Government has been very clever and would not be heading into this situation if they were not confident of the outcome,” Cr Bowles said. “While amalgamation would not be my preferred situation under ordinary circumstances, I believe what we are facing now are exceedingly extraordinary circumstances.” Cr Bowles said she would support the motion on the basis that it meant Gosford’s elected representatives would remain in their roles until the September 2016 election. “I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process... Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said. Cr Jeff Strickson said the benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”. Who is going to pick up the shortfall if we don’t amalgamate?” Cr Strickson asked. “I believe it is for the best intentions of the rate payers for the two councils that we do amalgamate and carry on so we can represent the people of the new area,” he said. Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues. Continued P3

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Community Access November 27, 2015

Historic forced voluntary merger M agreed to

can relate to their lives, that cuts through the neo-con and Green propaganda that ‘there is no difference between the major parties’,” Mr Davy said. “I want to see more parliamentarians in Labor’s leadership structure who have less interest in career, factional power, number-crunching and branch-stacking and more interest in, and with more demonstrated skills in research; identification of national concerns and national opportunities; genuine data-based collaboration with the membership and specialists; formulations of appropriate responses to national concerns; policy-development, political education of the Australian public; forward strategic thinking,” he said. He has urged branch members who consider voting for him to make Ms Charlton their second choice. Belinda Neal won the seat of Robertson in 2007 in a tight race but lost pre-selection to Deborah O’Neill in 2010. Mr Abrahams said he is running to offer members a communitybased candidate who wants to push for local policies, particularly around innovation and youth employment. As lead advocate for the early NBN rollout and as Chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast I’ve assisted in attracting significant investments to the region,” he said.. Media statement, 17 Nov 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach Media statement, 20 Nov 2015 David Abrahams, Killcare Reporter: Jackie Pearson

“The decision to voluntarily merge will ensure that our community will now have an opportunity to have a say in how our new Central Coast Council will be formed and that the region will be able to access $20 million in support from the NSW Government, to assist offsetting a small portion of the total amalgamation costs that will occur,” Mr Walker said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia

Gosford councillors vote for ‘voluntary forced’ merger Gosford councillors have voted in favour of “voluntarily” merging with Wyong Council, despite claiming they had been forced, bullied and coerced. Gosford’s deputy mayor Cr Craig Doyle said that his first preference was for a “voluntary” merger, but that “we haven’t been provided a choice”. “I still have some concerns that a voluntary forced amalgamation is our first choice,” he said. “I really think we have been bullied and coerced into a corner from which there is no recovery,” he said. Cr Hillary Morris said she would not vote in favour of the amalgamation. “I find it incomprehensible that we have been told to amalgamate or else,” Cr Morris said, citing the fact that IPART had found Gosford to be financially sustainable. Cr Gabby Bowles added: “It really does feel like we have been backed into a corner on this one.” But she said she would vote in favour of the merger. “I believe it is imperative our community has a voice throughout the process ... Gosford’s assets, infrastructure and staff, we can’t fight for them if we are not here,” she said. Cr Jeff Strickson said the

benefits of amalgamation could be as much as $196 million over 20 years and that was “too much to gamble”. Cr Bob Ward said he would support the motion because a single voice for the Central Coast would give the region strength on planning issues. Cr Deanna Bocking spoke briefly to thank the community for its support and passion along with the staff, CEO and fellow councillors. Cr Vicky Scott said: “I am not going to fall on my sword for peanuts”, comparing the $20 million funding on offer with the over $700 million turnover of the existing councils. Cr Jim McFadyen added: “I will not be supporting this motion or selling out the majority of the community or council staff.” Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna noted that during his three years on council its financial position had gone from an $8 million deficit to a $36 million surplus. “This council in my opinion is fit for the future, so I never thought we would have to worry about any amalgamation. “At the meeting last week, it was very clear they will force us which is wrong but looking at what is happening in Gosford, if

we do agree to amalgamation we can work with the Government to get the best outcome for the community.” The day after the Gosford Council vote, Dr Joseph Drew from the University of New England’s Centre for Local Government said NSW councils were being forced into amalgamations unlikely to benefit local communities on the basis of flawed methodology. Serious flaws in the methodology used by IPART to declare councils fit or unfit raised questions that were being ignored in the Government’s rush to amalgamations, Dr Drew said. “Why didn’t the Government or its independent experts at IPART see these obvious flaws which were pointed out on numerous occasions?” Dr Drew asked. “What will be the negative impacts on residents and ratepayers following decisions made on the basis of these flawed assumptions? Media release, 18 Nov 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford and Wyong Councils Media release, Nov 17, 2015 Dr Joseph Drew: University of New England Gosford Council meeting 17 Nov 2015 Reporter: Jackie Pearson •More stories on Council merger page 8 and 9

THIS ISSUE contains 77 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

osford and W y o n g Councils have agreed to an historic, voluntary merger as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform package. Both Councils submitted their merger preference to the NSW Government before the November 18 deadline – with it likely that a Central Coast council could be proclaimed late December and come into effect early next year. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the agreement was a defining moment in the Central Coast’s history. “Although time was against us, I’m very pleased with how both Councils have worked hard to protect the interests of their communities and the Central Coast,” Cr McKinna said. “I’m confident that this monumental decision to voluntarily merge means that the community’s voice will not be lost, which is something the NSW Government couldn’t guarantee under a potential forced amalgamation. “We’ll also have access to $20 million in support from the NSW Government for the voluntary merger that will make sure funding from our recent operating surpluses is not diverted away from vital service, facility and infrastructure improvements.

“There’s no doubt that merging our two organisations will be challenging, but my fellow Gosford councillors and I are looking forward to working alongside our Wyong counterparts to achieve the best outcome for the residents of the Central Coast,” he said. Wyong’s deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster, said she was pleased Gosford Council was coming to the party and agreed voluntary amalgamation is the only way to go. “The only way now is forward. “We have to work together to ensure a Central Coast Council continues to deliver the best possible services our community need and want. “I believe we can do it and this decision means we have secured a much needed $20 million injection of funding for our

region. “This decision will put the Central Coast on the map as a region in its own right and I believe will ensure we get a lot more funding and recognition in the future.” Gosford’s CEO, Mr Paul Anderson and Wyong’s acting CEO, Mr Rob Noble will now meet to create a staff transition team and start on plans to amalgamate the two Councils. An informal meeting of the two councils will be held at Wyong Council chambers on Wednesday, December 4, which will be the first time the two councils have met since deciding on the merger.

Central Coast’s board members look forward to working with all sectors to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for the entire Central Coast,” he said. “ R e g i o n a l Development Australia Central Coast is confident the decision to form the one united entity will allow the Central Coast to proactively brand and market itself as a desirable region to visit, live and invest, which in time will greatly assist in

addressing the region’s higher than average unemployment rate. “We look forward to assisting all levels of government, business and the community to proactively work together to deliver the vibrant and successful future that the Central Coast rightly deserves,” Mr Walker said. Media release, Nov 18, 2015 Elizabeth Westrup, Regional Development Australia Central Coast

Splitting Wyong Council in two is delusional ne of Wyong’s Save Tuggerah Lakes Party councillors, Cr Lloyd Taylor, has accused Lake Macquarie City Council of wanting to steel Wyong Council’s money.

He has been critical of moves by Lake Macquarie Council to see the Wyong Local Government Area cut in half at Sparks Rd and absorbed into Gosford to the South and Lake Macquarie to the north. “Lake Macquarie Council is trying to dispense with the Wyong Local Government Area by making a recommendation to the State Government to cut Media release, Nov 16, 2015 Wyong in two,” Cr Taylor Gosford and Wyong Council said. media “Neither Lake Meeting transcript, Nov 25, Macquarie Council 2015 Wyong Council general nor Gosford Council meeting have any idea how the Jackie Pearson, journalist community thinks and I

am sure our community would not agree with the idea of a “forced retreat” from the waterfront,” Cr Taylor said. “Lake Macquarie City Council is ‘planning for increased flooding and changes to the foreshore lines that may occur as a result of sea level rise’,” he said. “They want to develop an adaptation plan which is double speak for no more development on land at Pelican or Blacksmiths. “If a ratepayer wants to build a new home, they won’t be permitted. “I had a phone call from a local in Wyong

concerned if we were amalgamated with Lake Macquarie that many waterfront properties would have restrictions imposed on them which would affect their 149 certificates. “I am against and idea that either Lake Macquarie or Gosford lay a finger on Wyong. “They only want Wyong because our finances are in order and want to steal money from our region,” he said.

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

Email, Nov 16, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong councillor

Your independent local newspaper

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Issue 122 Edition 382

14 storey development approved for Mann St

Issue 82

r Phil Walker, chair of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, has congratulated Gosford and Wyong Councils on their agreement to voluntarily merge as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform process.

Cr Vicky Scott spoke against merging with Wyong Council at Gosford Council's extraordinary general meeting

Three out of the four Labor Party candidates running for pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson are Peninsula residents.

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$20 million government support is a small portion of amalgamation costs

Three Labor candidates are from the Peninsula The seat of Robertson is currently held by Liberal MP Ms Lucy Wicks, who won it in 2013 from Labor’s Deborah O’Neill with a margin of three per cent. Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal lives in Woy Woy and has publicly announced she is running for pre-selection. Mr David Abrahams from Killcare has also announced his intention to stand for pre-selection. Pearl Beach resident Mr Van Davy has also announced he is running. Mr Davy said he did not belong to a local branch but was a member of the “central policy branch”. The non-Peninsula candidate is Ms Ann Charlton, who is a senior member of Senator Deborah O’Neill’s staff and lives in Wamberal. Mr Davy said he had been a member of the ALP for 50 years and wanted to represent the ALP because: “The ALP represents the best chance working Australians and their families have to achieve decent living standards and ‘people control’ over the shaping forces on society. “The Labor Party needs communicators who can engage with uncommitted voters, especially voters in Labor’s ‘lost’ heartland of centrist workers,” he said. “I do this well, as an educator who sketches the ‘big picture’ in ways that workers can understand,

Peninsula

E FRE

December 2, 2015 23 November 2015

m a j o r development worth around $17.6 million in the heart of Gosford’s city centre has been approved by Council.

The 14 storey mixed use development comprising a ground floor tavern, 75 residential units and basement car parking level will be built on the current Duttons Tavern site in Mann St. This development will maintain and upgrade the tavern that currently serves the surrounding area, provide new residential opportunities that support Gosford’s development as a regional city and is located close to public transport. The maximum height of the development complies with the Gosford Local Environment Plan but a minor variation in the floor space ratio has been approved. Allowances have also been made for car parking. The existing tavern does have some ground level parking at the rear in Paul Lane and there will be one level of basement car parking. Earlier plans for the development included a level of parking above the ground floor but issues of overshadowing Kibble Park meant the plans had to be revised so the development will only provide 33 parking spaces. Two podium levels will include 15 residential units. Floors three through to 12 will house another 54 residential units and there will be two penthouse apartments on the top floor. The proposal includes 24 one bedroom units, 47 two bedroom units and four three bedroom units. The tavern will be a redevelopment of the existing Duttons tavern and the hours of operation will

be in accordance with the liquor licence for the existing tavern. The owner of the site, Mr Bob Bourne addressed the council meeting before the development was approved. Mr Bourne said the ﬁrst development application he attempted to get approved through Gosford Council in the early 1970s took eight years to get accepted. Mr Bourne said, on this occasion, the professionalism of council staff had been “breathtaking”. Mr Bourne suggested that the nature of the new Mann St development went handin-hand with the rejuvenation of Gosford hospital and could provide future homes for hospital staff. The owner of the building that adjoins the development site spoke against the motion. He complained that a quantity surveyor’s report had not been released and questioned how he could make comment on the development without seeing its contents.

He was informed the report could not be made public because of copyright. He said he had owned the property adjoining the development since 1995. He said he had been contacted by a party representing Mr Bourne in 2013 to offer around $2 million to purchase his building and land. “I have had some discussions with Bob over the years and I told him some months before he lodged this development I was prepared to sign as consenting owner if he wanted to include my property, if he would pay costs of DA approval and it would be adjusted on sale to any purchaser. “He did not accept my letter and I can’t sell to someone who wants to buy my property for only a fraction of what it is worth.” A report to the council meeting referred to the potential of the neighbouring property, which is located between the Bourne development site and the Imperial Centre, to become “isolated”.

He complained that Gosford Council had not sent him information regarding the redevelopment prospects of his site. Deputy mayor, Cr Craig Doyle questioned whether or not council had addressed all concerns relating to the neighbouring property. Director for governance and planning, Ms Danielle Dixon said Council did have an obligation to look at the adjoining property and make sure this site has acceptable setback and that staff were comfortable the site could be developed and the setbacks were adequate. However, Ms Dixon said

it was unlikely the adjoining property would be developed to the same scale. “If you only have one site then you are constrained, which is why we gave preferences and additional incentives. “We think there is a possible development than can occur on that site but not to the same scale,’ Ms Dixon said. Most councillors who asked questions about the Bourne development were mainly concerned with the issue of available parking. Mr Bourne was allowed to substitute some parking spaces by undertaking to run a mini bus for the tavern. It was resolved that the proximity of the building to Gosford train station and bus routes meant that some units could be sold without an attached car space. Cr Gabby Bowles said parking was her main concern but concluded that she didn’t think it was a bad thing to have reduced parking spaces. “We should be pushing people to more sustainable and public transport,” Cr Bowles said. “I think this is a positive and unique opportunity because it is in the heart of our city and will accommodate people who don’t necessarily want their own car,” she said. “Tying parking spaces to properties in the strata plan

gives price points that we may not otherwise have in our city and it will improve the city,” she said. “We need people living in our city if we want it to thrive. “This is a really creative and positive outcome to encourage those who do not want to own a vehicle.” Cr Craig Doyle also spoke in support of the development’s approval. He said making single units available in the heart of Gosford would give young professionals a good entry point to the property market. “Wouldn’t it be great to have some young professionals in the centre of Gosford creating more demand,” he said. Mr Bourne told the meeting he was eager to progress the development to construction certiﬁcate stage as early as possible in 2016. Almost $460 million worth of development has now been approved for Gosford’s City Centre by Council and the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel. Meeting transcript, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Agenda item gov.155, Nov 24, 2015 Gosford Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

STOP PRESS s we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill

calling on the Federal Government to abandon the decision to build an Australian Tax Ofﬁce on the Gosford waterfront.

was carried 37 to 28 and also called for consultation with the community for any future federal infrastructure investment for the Central Coast.

Senator O’Neill’s motion

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Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson. The nominations of two of three local candidates, reported in the last edition of Peninsula News, have faced administrative obstacles. Killcare resident Mr David Abraham has withdrawn his nomination after being informed it was invalid due to what he described as “a small administrative anomaly”. “In the interests of unity and clarity, I will now withdraw from the Robertson pre-selection race rather than appeal this matter,” he said. Pearl Beach candidate Mr Van Davy has acknowledged he was unable to furnish the names of five supporting members required for nomination. He said he had requested access to a database of local ALP members so he could canvass them for support. He said that he would lodge an appeal if his nomination was not accepted. Describing herself as a community activist and former Gosford councillor, Ms Neal said she was the only Labor candidate ever to have successfully won the seat of Robertson from a sitting Liberal Member. “I have been a resident of the Central Coast and the Peninsula for 30 years and have raised my family here and run a business here. “I love this community and our environment, but we are not getting our fair share from either Federal or State government.” “I am very aware of both the benefits and challenges of calling the Central Coast and the Peninsula home, and I want to stand up and fight for our fair share of funding and resources.” Ms Neal said she believed most observers expected that

Ms Belinda Neal

an overwhelming majority of Peninsula Labor Party members would support her in the preselection. Ms Neal said she had always been a strong advocate for the local community. She claimed to have secured more Federal funding for the Peninsula and Robertson overall during her time as Federal Member than the Liberals had done in the previous 10 years. “As the MP for Robertson, I ran a successful campaign for a Regional Cancer Treatment Centre at Gosford Hospital with a Federal Government grant $28.5 million and negotiated the support of the NSW Government for ongoing operational costs.” She said she had “obtained Federal funding for our schools and hospitals, commuter car parks and a new freight rail corridor to reduce delays and disruptions for commuters, obtained CCTV in the Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina CBDs to counter antisocial behaviour and secured funding for massively-improved water infrastructure for the Peninsula”. She said she was “passionately committed to securing more training assistance and new Youth employment programs to give our young people better opportunities”. “Whatever your politics, you have to agree that what has happened to TAFE under successive NSW and Federal

FREE 7 December 2015

Fire brigades to get station improvements

governments is a disgrace,” she said “I will fight to make sure our young people have access to the skills and learning they need to succeed in the future. “I will not rest until we have restored an affordable, high-quality TAFE system and ended the farce of $100,000 uni degrees.” Nevertheless, Ms Neal said she was not resting only on her record: “Ï want to achieve new goals for the people of the Peninsula and obtain the best results for our community. “Working as an MP is all about achieving for the community,” Belinda said. “I have spoken with many Peninsula residents, about local issues, and I have gained new insights on how to further improve our health services, enhance education, secure better infrastructure and encourage local jobs.” Ms Neal said she had worked in close cooperation with many Peninsula and Gosford community partners over the years, including church-based charitable organisations, social welfare organisations, disability services, youth support groups, mental health support groups, women’s groups, parents and citizens organisations, unions and the union movement as a whole. She said she had “a great record in Council and as an MP of standing up for sustainability, meaningful action on climate change and conservation of our natural and built heritage”. She said she had the trust of the environmental movement on the Central Coast, including the Greens. “At the next election, Labor must attract Green preferences to have any chance of winning Robertson,” she said. Media release, 30 Nov 2015 Belinda Neal, Woy Woy Bay Email, 1 Dec 2015 Dave Abrahams, Killcare Interview, 1 Dec 2015 Van Davy, Pearl Beach

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve their stations. Gosford Council has agreed to donate the services associated with the applications. The project to be undertaken to improve the Pearl Beach RFS facility will be the construction of an additional tanker bay with a new office and new meeting room. The current station comprises of two bays. One houses a Category 1 heavy tanker and the other a Category 12 personnel carrier. The station does not have a meeting/training room and lacks appropriate storage space. If the brigade was to accommodate a second tanker it could not be stored in the current bay. The rear of the Bays RFS Station will be extended to house a meeting room, office, kitchen, amenities, change and store room. The improvements will align the station to the RFS building standard. The kitchen and amenities at the station were in poor condition and below the required standard, according to a report from council staff. Detailed drawings for Pearl Beach and The Bays Stations were

not available but similar projects to be undertaken at Wamberal and Mangrove Mountain indicated that Council would donate around $5500 to $6000. It said the Gosford Rural Fire Service was responsible for all bush fires, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other fire related incidents. This also extended to bush fire mitigation, planning and public education. Gosford Council has had a long history of working in partnership with the Gosford Rural Fire Service, according to the report. Under the Act, Councils have the responsibility and funding obligations for the establishment of a Fire Control Centre, the establishment of Rural Fire Brigade Stations, the supply of ancillary vehicles, the maintenance and repair of the vehicles, the insurance of all vehicles, the maintenance and repair of all buildings dedicated to the RFS, the insurance of all buildings dedicated to the RFS; and the general costs associated with the running of the RFS. The report stated that the existing Rural Fire Brigade stations at Pearl Beach and The Bays were aged and had limitations that required upgrading to meet Rural Fire Service and local brigade needs for kitchen and amenities. Gosford Council agenda CON.40, 24 Nov 2015

Neal alleges defamation Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition. Ms Neal claimed the article was inaccurate and untrue, defamatory and damaged her reputation. She said that whether or not Peninsula News had the intention or reason to damage her reputation that had been its effect. Peninsula News does not believe the article was defamatory, but apologises for any hurt or

embarrassment it may have caused her. As a gesture of goodwill, further distribution of Peninsula News was stopped when Ms Neal raised her complaint and material in the article was deleted from online editions. Apart from the media release used in the lead article on this page, and seeking an apology and retraction, Ms Neal has not submitted any corrections of fact for publication. Peninsula News, 4 Dec 2015 Mark Snell, editor

December 11, 2015

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Issue 83

$300 million project recommended to Joint Regional Planning Panel T

he Joint Regional Planning Panel is expected to approve a $298 million staged mixed use development at 78 to 118 The Entrance Road when it meets at Wyong on Monday, December 14. Wyong Council agreed at its December 9 meeting to make a submission to the JRPP endorsing the development. At this stage, the applicant is seeking ‘concept approval only’ for the works to take place in three operational stages, with subsequent detailed development applications being lodged for each future stage. The development would include demolition of existing buildings and construction of a shopping centre with a supermarket, shop top housing, hotel accommodation, restaurant, multi-purpose function space, and ancillary parking and other works. Moving a motion for Wyong Council to endorse the development and make a submission to the JRPP in support of the developer, Cr Lloyd Taylor said: “We need to support the applicant on this particular one because

A photomontage of the proposed development within its surrounding coastal context

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

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P33

News

$300 million project recommended

rom P1

At the rooftop level of the hotel building is a public viewing platform and at the rooftop level of the residential tower is a private viewing platform. Also proposed are public domain works including a piazza fronting Dening St and a bus hub on The Entrance Rd, street tree planting and a lighting art work on the soffit of the residential tower which can be programmed with images and colours. There are no operational stages included in the current development application but it is envisaged that the construction would have three stages. Stage one would include demolition and excavation works within the southern half of the site. Two levels of basement parking would be constructed along with escalators, retail floor space and a loading

Extract from The Entrance master plan showing iconic sites looking east with the subject site circled in red

area. The supermarket would relocate to the completed southern side of the site and be open to the public. The existing supermarket and 130-space car park would remain in operation. Stage two would take in demolition and excavation works within the northern half of the site, construction of two levels of basement

parking over the remaining northern half and construction of ground floor retail and hotel back of house facilities. Stage three would produce a new retail podium and conference centre, construction of podium residential fronting The Entrance Rd, construction of a rooftop car park and the hotel and residential towers.

In its current conceptual form, the development application doesn’t comply with all development controls for The Entrance area. However, its status as an iconic site has meant the majority of councillors consider its benefits outweigh any shortcomings that can be addressed within the three future detailed development applications.

For example, the current concept has a shortfall of 144 parking spaces and provides zero setback for tower buildings above podium when 10 metres is required. A total of 19 submissions were received relating to traffic impacts, building height, noise and amenity, overshadowing, boundary treatment, location, appearance

and operation of loading docks, impacts on views, impact on property values and architectural merit. “The proposal is generally consistent with the urban form envisaged for the redevelopment of the site,” according to the report prepared by Wyong Council staff. Cr Lloyd Taylor said in terms of public benefit, the developer would be paying around $11 million in Section 94 contributions that can be used by Wyong Council to build and provide community services. “This is a very worthwhile project and I think any questions about public benefits will be worked out in the subsequent development applications,” he said. Agenda item 2.1, Dec 9, 2015 Wyong council ordinary meeting Interview transcript, Dec 10, 2015 Lloyd Taylor, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

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Gosford City Farmers’ Market Gosford Racecourse, 4 Racecourse Rd, Gosford West

News

P44 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Councillors from both councils meet and form a joint transition team yong and Gosford councillors held their first meeting on move forward to a joint December 2 following the historic decision to voluntarily merge organisation. A Project Management the two Central Coast Councils.

The atmosphere was conciliatory and optimistic as the councillors came together for a high level briefing on the recently released Draft Central Coast Regional Plan. With the Central Coast’s population expected to grow by 71,260 to 409,450 by 2036, the newly merged Central Coast Council will need to play a key role in delivering the 40,000 new dwellings needed to accommodate these new residents. Wyong Council’s mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said it was heartening to see the councillors come together to talk about the Central Coast as a whole in such a positive way. “We are finally starting to think and talk as a Central Coast Council and that is an important step we need to take to truly deliver for our growing

community. “As one Central Coast Council, we will have the clout and drive to push for more funding and infrastructure for our region and ensure the State Government’s plan does deliver jobs and opportunities for our residents,” Cr Eaton said. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said it was important for councillors to continue to play a key role in shaping the new merged Council. “There are certainly a lot of rumours flying around as to when and how the new Council will emerge,” Mr McKinna said. “What we do know is that all the councillors want to be involved and help shape the new Council so the community can continue to have a voice and representation. “It is the community who must be top priority

in the decision making and it is us as councillors who will ensure that,” he said. The meeting heard there have already been three key Joint Executive Meetings held to discuss aligning policies and systems as the Councils

Office (PMO) has now been set up with Gosford’s executive manager of performance and strategy, Ms Janine McKenzie, and Wyong’s chief financial officer, Mr Stephen Naven, as joint leaders. The PMO has been tasked to plan, manage and report on the

transition process, and will move between the two current Civic Centres to show staff cooperation is underway and ongoing. The PMO will be supported by a Joint Transition team comprised of subject matter experts who will manage and work on individual projects within the overall transition program. Staff from both

Councils will be seconded to the Joint Transition team at various times and for varying lengths of time. Councillors agreed to meet again once the state government makes the announcement about amalgamation. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Wyong Council media Gosford Council media

Citizens’ panel recommended to determine new Council structure ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP has said if the State Government moves forward with its undemocratic plans to merge Wyong and Gosford Councils without any real public consultation, then the community, not politicians, should decide how representation should work.

“Central Coast ratepayers have had no say at all in whether Wyong and Gosford Councils should merge. “Instead, the politicians have made all the decisions thus far,” Mr Harris said. “With such a large

geographical area from a potential new Council, representation of local communities is paramount,” he said. A larger Council potentially reduces councillor representation to ratepayer ratios from the current level of

1:17,000 to 1:25,000 Mr Harris stated, calling for a citizens’ panel to determine any new Council structure. “The appointment of a citizens’ panel featuring prominent Central Coast residents would allow for a consultation

process designed to benefit ratepayers, not politicians. “The structure of the new Council should rest with the people who are most affected, the average ratepayer, as they will be the most affected.” he said. Media Release, Dec 7, 2015 David Harris MP, member for Wyong

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News

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P55

Joint submission to minister a matter of expediency “It was put together with letter and submission sent to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, was intended to encourage him to consider issues the best intent by the two of importance to the Gosford and Wyong councillors and their CEOs with guidance from communities, according to acting CEO for Wyong Council, Mr Rob Noble. their professional officers

Mr Noble said he understood the concerns raised by community groups and some councillors that the letter and submission regarding the potential amalgamation of the two councils had been sent without the documents being debated at council meetings or subject to community consultation. “The situation we were confronted with last week was we had been starting to hear rumours of an announcement being made by the minister as early

as last Friday [December 4] and we were most concerned, if that was to occur, we would not have had an opportunity to make suggestions to the minister about administrative matters for him to take into account,” Mr Noble said. “So we hurriedly got together to put the document together, we took legal advice on a range of matters included, put it together and got the imprimatur of the majority of councillors,” he said. Mr Noble said the

content of the submission and covering letter were not put to a vote before being sent. “I am sure there were some of the councillors present who would strongly disagree with us doing that,” he said. However, Mr Noble said he would argue that without taking the opportunity to put something to the minister prior to an announcement: “All of a sudden we could end up with an arrangement that was untenable and unworkable.

and put to the councillors.” He said the fact there had not been an opportunity to put the ideas to either of the councils for consideration or endorsement was “one of those unfortunate things. “You do nothing or give it your best shot and try and at least have some sort of a say on behalf of the organisations.” According to Mr Noble, who has worked in local government since 1978 and been involved in mergers at other councils, the way local government works is “pretty clunky”.

“In between council meetings, it is up to the CEOs of the organisations, under the guidance of the mayors, to run the business of the local authorities, so that is what effectively happened last week to get the communique to the minister,” he said. “We wanted to make sure the minister took into account as many matters as he really ought to, to get a good outcome for the local communities. “The proclamation is done by the governor on behalf of the minister to take into account administrative matters so, in the absence of technical matters being considered, you could end

up with a very messy and unfortunate merger taking place. “The submission was written simply to try, from an administrative perspective, to ensure the minister was aware of issues of importance to both councils that he might take account of when making suggestions to the governor about the formulation of the proclamation. “Convention would normally be that the governor would accept the recommendations of the minister.” Continued Page 6

Community Environment Network From our desk....

Lot’s happening at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre these school holidays!

As 2015 draws to a close, we have been recognising the hard work of many groups and volunteers that have been working for the environment in our region.

Open most days in the School holidays (after Xmas) from 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm) Admission: Adults $6, Child / Conc $4, Family $16

Each year, CEN calls for nominations and gives out the BAT Awards - based around a cricket theme that reflects the need for us to “Be A Team”. Our Awards presentation was held on 26 November and the following worthy recipients were acknowledged: • Rookie of the Year - Barbara Gorman, who has worked tirelessly to fight against Wyong Council’s retrograde tree policy a battle still to be won! • Best 12th Man - John Wiggin, a stalwart of the local environment scene, who continues to support a range of organisations, often behind the scenes. • Most Outstanding Community Group - Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance. The Alliance was set up in 2011 to support over 15 individual Sustainable Neighbourhood groups established across Lake Macquarie. • Special Recognition: Outstanding Campaign - Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council - for their commitment over many years to a successful court challenge to the proposed expansion of a Rocla sand mine at Calga. The award was accepted by Tassin Barnard from Walkabout Park. • Special Recognition: Outstanding Campaign - Laurie & Jo Eyes - for their sustained effort to uncover the truth about the proposal for a Regional Airport in Wyong. • Overall BAT Award - Bernadine Mitchell - for her significant achievements over 27 years in leading and coordinating the Copacabana Dunecare Group. Bernadine has also been an active member of her community through the Surf Club, Copacabana Community Association and local school. We thank all our members, supporters and friends for their efforts throughout the year - they are truly making a difference in protecting our environment and keeping the Central Coast a special place to live. If you would like to join the CEN, volunteer or support the work we do - then visit our website for more information. We wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season! John Asquith, Chairman CEN

• Displays • Aquaria • Wet Touch Table • Craft • Plasters • Rockpool walks • Junior Marine Scientist Quiz • Audio Visual Room • Whale bones, Shark jaws & more !! Our theme in January is FOSSILS & FISH! BAT Award: (l to r) John Asquith (CEN Chairman), Bernadine Mitchell, Tassin Barnard, John Wiggin, Laurie Eyes, Barbara Gorman

More info: www.ccmdc.org.au

Wyong Council is not telling you what they are doing at Warnervale Airport CEN has uncovered information that Wyong Council is lobbying to have the Warnervale Airport Restrictions (WAR) Act repealed. Council included the request in a letter to the government regarding the amalgamation of both councils. The WAR Act commenced in 1996 and it protects surrounding property owners from expansion of the airport without public consultation and the permission of the Minister for Planning. This legislation is essential to protecting the homes, lifestyle and environment of locals. CEN estimates that approximately 15,000 residents in Wyong Shire being in the suburbs of Mardi, Watanobbi, Warnervale, Wyee, North Wyong, Wallarah, Halloran and Jilliby could be adversely affected by a Warnervale Jet Airport.

In November, CEN wrote to the NSW Government requesting that alleged breaches of the Warnervale Airport Restrictions Act be investigated. Revelations on what council has been planning have only become available through press releases, FOI applications and selective interviews. No reports, studies or justification has been provided through the normal process of council meetings. As amalgamation moves forward, even less information is likely.

CEN is very concerned at what decisions may be taken as Gosford and Wyong Councils move into transitional arrangements prior to full amalgamations. Decisions in this period may be made by the Implementation Committee comprising Mayors, Deputies and the CEO of both councils alone. CEN is calling on the NSW Government to hold Wyong Council to account for their decisions and actions at Warnervale. In addition, ensure that there continues to be no Regional Airport in the Central Coast Regional Plan.

Support our call for a investigation of Wyong Council

TAKE ACTION NOW! Land identified for sale at Coburg St, East Gosford

Phone: 43494756 or Email CEN at: airportactiongroup@cen.org.au

Our Central Coast - Worth Protecting The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au

Ph: 4349 4756

News rom P5

Mr Noble said points made in the submission included the fact both councils committed after being elected in 2012 to four-year delivery programs of works and infrastructure that runs to June 30, 2017. The CEO submission

P66 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

asked the minister to consider empowering the councils to complete the programs they undertook to deliver to their communities. “Another one was that we not be required to immediately bring the rating systems and structures of the two councils together from the get go because there are some significant

differences between any two authorities in the way they construct and negotiate rates with their communities and the level of rates for different groups.” Mr Noble also clarified what will happen to the resolutions, policies and systems put in place by the two existing councils once they are dissolved.’

If the next local government election occurs before the formal constitution of a new local government for the Central Coast, the existing resolutions, policies and systems remain in place until the newly-formed council is officially convened. Of course, the newlyelected councillors can vary

them in accordance with normal processes. If the new council is created prior to the next local government election, resolutions, policies and systems stay in place until such time as they are varied by the new body. “The various planning instruments in place, such as Local Environment Plans and Development

Control Plans, all those things would still have currency as of the date of the change over until such times as they may or may not be varied,” Mr Noble said. Interview, Dec 9, 2015 Rob Noble, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Councillors and community groups object to high handed actions taken

CEN has written to Mr December ouncillors and community groups have opposed the first actions community’s other 14 Thursday, taken by a project control group (PCG) put in place to start work elected representatives 3 with the deadline Toole requesting that the on the potential amalgamation of Wyong and Gosford Councils. would have no say in for comments being proposal from the PCG be

The PCG consists of the mayors and deputy mayors of both Wyong (WSC) and Gosford Council (GCC) and the CEO from each council. The group has written to the NSW minister for local government, Mr Paul Toole MP, outlining issues it believes need to be addressed to enable the new council to “continue to deliver quality services to the Central Coast community.” The submission and covering letter made recommendations in relation to: the wording of an amalgamation proclamation; the makeup of an implementation committee; and the repeal of the Central Coast Water Corporation Act 2006 and the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996. “We recommend

the mayors and deputy mayors of GCC and WSC be appointed as members of an implementation committee for the new council during the transitional period,” the submission also said. Gosford mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna said the intent of the letter and submission was to get matters before the minister that both councils thought were important. He said the Water Corporation had been replaced by the joint water authority and that the request to repeal the airport act was driven by Wyong Council. Cr McKinna said councillors, staff and senior executives from both Wyong and Gosford Councils were waiting for Mr Toole to announce whether he would approve

the amalgamation. He said a meeting with the minister in November that had been attended by both mayors, deputy mayors and CEOs did discuss the idea of the mayors and deputies being on an implementation panel should an amalgamation occur. However, the Community Environment Network (CEN) chairman, Mr John Asquith said he was concerned that the letter and submission to Mr Toole had only be signed by the two council chief executives and that only four elected representatives would be on the implementation committee if amalgamation goes ahead. Mr Asquith said that would mean the

the formation of a new council for the Central Coast. “The letter was not a result of a Council resolution nor of a public or open meeting,” he said. “CEN believes it is beyond the powers of the mayors and deputy mayors acting alone.” The letter to Mr Toole, signed by Mr Paul Anderson, CEO for Gosford Council and Mr Rob Noble, acting CEO for Wyong Council, said that the submission regarding an amalgamation proclamation had been “informed by input from the councillors of both councils”. However, Wyong councillor Bob Graham said the letter and submission had been circulated to councillors on the evening of

the following day at 12:00pm. Cr Graham said he believed the letter and submission were not legal documents because they had not been resolutions of either Council. “There has been no public consultation, nor was there a properly constituted Council meeting to discuss these interim arrangements,” CEN’s Mr Asquith said. “It results in most of the community being disenfranchised in both Gosford and Wyong. “It is an undemocratic proposal which bypasses the community and most elected councillors.” Council elections are not expected until at least September 2016 but, according to Gosford’s Cr McKinna, Mr Toole has said they could be deferred until May 2017.

rejected outright and that a process be put in place which allows the public and other councillors to participate. “The process should include: open Council meetings, including all current Wyong and Gosford councillors; no sidelining of duly elected councillors; no change to decision making until a council election; and community participation in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice,” Mr Asquith said. “If the NSW Government wants council amalgamations, it is their responsibility to ensure the representation and democratic interests of ratepayers are safeguarded. Continued P8

AD A DVE VERTISE VERT RTIS ISEM EMEN EMEN MENT E T ENT

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays!

DAVID HARRIS MP

YASMIN CATLEY MP

DAVID MEHAN MP

Ph: (02) 4352 2711

Ph: (02) 4972 1133

Ph: (02) 4334 1012

MEMBER FOR WYONG MEMBER FOR SWANSEA MEMBER FOR THE ENTRANCE Authorised by David Harris MP, Shop 4, 142 Paciﬁc Highway, Wyong NSW 2259

DELTA ELECTRICITY

COMMUNITY

NEWS Vales Point l Munmorah

Central Coast and Lake Macquarie – December 2015

Bush Fire Season Ready

Message from the Chief Executive Welcome to the ﬁnal Community News for 2015. The NSW Government has accepted an offer for the sale of Vales Point Power Station. The sale to Sunset Power International Pty Ltd is expected to be ﬁnalised this month. The owners of Sunset Power have extensive experience in managing power and coal assets across Australia and are committed to the ongoing operation of Vales Point. I am pleased to share that I will continue in my role as Chief Executive. The new owners will continue to use the name “Delta Electricity” for signage and public events. We look forward to continuing to support the communities that surround Vales Point. If you need to get in touch with the station our contact numbers are unchanged and our website address remains de.com.au. As we have mentioned before, the decommissioned Munmorah Power Station was not part of the sale and will remain in Government ownership. An update on the demolition project is included within this newsletter.

ENVIRONMENT

Mental Health Month

Delta is prepared for the upcoming bush ﬁre season. On behalf of Delta, the rural ﬁre service recently completed three hazard-reduction burns.

Delta recently supported Mental Health Month to raise awareness of the issues faced by many Australians and to share ways to stay mentally healthy.

These burns are part of Delta’s Bush Fire Risk Management Plan in place to assist in protecting neighbouring properties from damage caused by ﬁres originating on or passing through Delta land which covers more than 2,400 hectares around Vales Point and Munmorah power stations. The recent burns were completed at: Darlingup Road, Wyee; Saliena Ave, Lake Munmorah (directly west of the Lake Munmorah Residential Resort) and at the forest just west of the Munmorah TransGrid switchyard, opposite the entry road to Munmorah Power Station.

Munmorah Project

COMMUNITY

Throughout the month, information and helpful tips Craig Hamilton (left) with Delta Chief were shared at team Executive Greg Everett. meetings and employees attended workshops presented by AccessEAP, our employee assistance program partner, to improve their understanding of mental health issues across the workplace. The highlight of the month was the healthy mind and body breakfast where guest speaker radio sports broadcaster Craig Hamilton emphasised the importance of looking after your mental health every day. The breakfast raised more $600 for Soul Café in Newcastle.

Creating Opportunities

EMPLOYMENT

Delta Electricity continued our long tradition of supporting local youth employment on the Central Coast by offering roles to nine new apprentices in November. At the start of 2016, three ﬁrst-year apprentices will start six months of training at the new Hunter Valley Training Centre at Rutherford and six second and third year apprentices will start onsite at Vales Point Power Station. Delta’s apprenticeship program provides skills training and valuable industrial experience.

I wish you and your families all a safe and happy summer and holiday season and, if you have a chance, I hope you will come along to one of the Christmas events that we are sponsoring.

The program enables Delta to develop the skills and knowledge we need for sustainable electricity generation, as well as create all important employment opportunities for local young people.

Greg Everett Chief Executive Delta Electricity

Oliver’s Story

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION

The decommissioned Munmorah Power Station will remain in Government ownership, after the sale of Vales Point Power Station is ﬁnalised. The tender for the contract to demolish Munmorah Power Station opened in November and is available on the tenders section of de.com.au. The tender closes on 9 February 2016 with the contract expected to be awarded by April 2016.

Successful Safety Audit

In August, Newcastle University student Oliver Watkeys was awarded a Delta Electricity Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship valued at $5,000. “I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude at being awarded a Delta scholarship. This scholarship provides me with career and potentially life altering prospects. You will forever have my gratitude for this opportunity. “I hope that I can prove myself worthy of receiving this scholarship, by going on to make a positive difference to the lives of people living with mental illness,” Oliver said. Oliver will use the funds to travel to England to meet with academics before starting his psychology honours year at the university’s Ourimbah campus in 2016.

SAFETY

WorkCover completed an audit of Delta’s OHS system in August and Delta Chief Executive Greg Everett says that the results are something all employees could be proud of.

Left to right: Oliver Watkeys with Delta Corporate Secretary Ray Madden

“Delta passed the audit with exceptional results by achieving 100 per cent in the two categories audited (management responsibility and risk management). “This result is outstanding and reﬂects our continued focus to making safety our number one priority and keeping our workplace injury-free,” said Mr Everett.

Vales Point Power Station

Munmorah Power Station

T 02 4352 6111

E info@deltaelectricity.com.au

A training session at the Hunter Valley Training Centre.

What’s On?tions

elebra Christmas C ts family for nigh ing along the br u yo tic re as su nt Make these fa istmas spirit at of fun and Chr ted by Delta. or pp events su as tm is hr C e fre ecember Sunday, 13 D Lake arols by the Gwandalan C 9pm From 5pm to nual Gwandalan an of Lions Club e in front or sh re fo on the Carols event Bowling Club. of Gwandalan December Saturday, 19 elight ols by Candl Swansea Car ith ﬁnishing w From 5:30pm m 9p ﬁreworks at , phrey Reserve um H Thomas a. se an w S , et Wallarah Stre

News rom P6

“There is no urgency and therefore no impediment to a proper process being followed“. According to the letter to Mr Toole from the two CEOs, the PCG was established shortly after each of the Coast’s existing councils resolved to make amalgamation

P88 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

with the other its first choice after being told by the NSW Government that it was unfit to continue as a stand-alone council. The PCG had met three times by December 4 when the letter and submission were sent to Mr Toole. It had identified that the two councils had “evolved a range of business and administrative

processes, some of which are reasonably well aligned and others (more critically) which are not,” the letter said. The letter said both councils would be happy to assist the minister in wording a proclamation for the amalgamation of the Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas. The submission accompanying the letter identified what

the PCG called “critical provisions” that sections 214(1) and 218C(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 could be the subject of facilitating provisions in an amalgamation proclamation. It covers the delegation of functions and powers and asks the minister to make those that existed prior to amalgamation carry over into the new council.

The submission also suggested that the proclamation should be worded to allow for the continuation of financial reporting and delivery plan implementation of both existing councils until June 30, 2017. It also called for the Gosford and Wyong rating structures to remain unaltered until such a time as the new council can adopt a rate

equalization model. Media release, Dec 8, 2015 John Asquith, Community Environment Network Letter and Submission, Dec 4, 2015 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council Rob Noble, Wyong Council Interview, Dec 8, 2015 Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council Interview, Dec 8, 2015 Bob Graham, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

Councillors, executives and staff await their fate he councillors, executives and staff of Wyong Council are Government Act. “One of them would currently waiting for the NSW minister for local government, Mr be for the minister to Paul Toole MP, to announce their fate.

Both Wyong and Gosford Council made 50-word submissions to Mr Toole prior to November 18 stating their preference to ‘voluntarily’ amalgamate following a report from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) that they were unfit to stand alone. “We are waiting to hear back, as are all councils across NSW,” said Mr Rob Noble, acting CEO of Wyong Council. “Mr Toole has indicated that he will report on the way forward

prior to the end of the year, and everyone is reading that as before Christmas. “We have heard rumours [about when the announcement is likely] but seriously, they are only rumours”, Mr Noble said. The joint discussion held between the two councils on Wednesday, December 2 had been attended by the majority of the 19 councillors and was an opportunity for councillors to have conversations about the forthcoming merger,

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according to Mr Noble. “We are dealing with politics here and you never say never, do you?” Mr Noble said when asked if he thought it was likely that the minister would allow an amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils. “Anything is possible but, based on everything that we have been through, it looks very likely that it will be a Gosford-Wyong merger. “Lake Macquarie pushed pretty hard for Wyong to be split in two, but the minister did indicate prior to the due date of November 18 for submissions, that he was interested in full merger proposals and not boundary adjustments, and in my view, it would be a boundary adjustment if they split Wyong in two,” he said. However, Mr Noble said a merger between Lake Macquarie, Wyong and Gosford was also not entirely out of the question. In terms of how the two existing councils will be dissolved and the new local government area created, Mr Noble said he understood there are different options available under the Local

present a proposal to the Boundaries Commission for them to conduct an inquiry into a proposed merger between Gosford and Wyong,” he said. “That would involve an evaluation process, including the consideration of any public feedback. “The commission would then make a recommendation to the minister who would either accept the recommendation or reject it and then announce details of how the merger would occur. “The minister would then call for the NSW Governor to make a proclamation to dissolve the previous local governments and create a new one. “Of course, the minister would also require transitional arrangements to be put in place between the date of the Governor’s proclamation and the actual start date of the new council”, Mr Noble said. According to Mr Noble, the minister told a delegation from Gosford and Wyong, who met with him prior to the November 18 deadline, that he was considering five different transitional options across the state. “We don’t know what

they are or what one he would be considering for our area, but it was expected that councils that agree to merge would remain in office until the next [local government] election, but that there will be some transitional arrangements put in place to facilitate the merger,” Mr Noble said. He said a second option available to the minister, other than referring a merger recommendation to the Boundaries Commission, would be for the CEO of the Office of Local Government to conduct an inquiry and report back to the minister. “My understanding is it would require some consideration of public feedback, but the state government is quite powerful and local government is a mere instrument of the state and they have got ultimate power over what it does and how it does it. “We need to be prepared and do the very best job we can to implement the ultimate decisions and try to make sure it is the best outcome for the community,” he said. Mr Noble confirmed that there are provisions within the NSW Local Government Act for the minister, in certain circumstances, to appoint administrators in place of

a local government area’s elected representatives. “If, let’s say, there was to be an administrator appointed, and we don’t believe that is likely because the minister has indicated that volunteer councils will remain in office, the administrator becomes a replacement for the elected body and they perform a function as if they were the elected body,” he said. “They would still do a form of public consultation and representation as if they were elected, but it would be only one person, so it is definitely not as effective as if you have a body of elected councillors. “We might end up with a hybrid model -- who knows -- where there might be an administrator involved in some sort of committee process. “We don’t really know what model the minister is looking at,” he said. Mr Noble confirmed that the letter and submission sent to Mr Toole requested an implementation committee consisting of the Gosford and Wyong mayors, deputy mayors and CEOs. Interview, Dec 9, 2015 Rob Noble, Wyong Council Jackie Pearson, journalist

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P99

News

New Chinese Theme Park agreement needed due to government delays ollowing a confidential meeting of Wyong Council, its acting CEO Mr Rob Noble was authorised to attempt to negotiate a new contract for the sale of the land on which the proposed Chinese Theme Park is to reside.

The confidential session followed a failed attempt by Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM to have decision-making powers over sensitive confidential matters such as the theme park site sale contract, delegated to the mayor, deputy mayor and acting CEO. Cr Eaton made the attempt by moving a mayoral minute in response to the latest leak of confidential documents to the Newcastle Herald. As reported elsewhere in detail in this newspaper, the mayoral minute was altered and the adopted version called for an urgent report from staff regarding breaches of confidentiality that will be presented to Wyong Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next meeting. As a result, all councillors were able to participate in the confidential meeting relating to the sale contract for the proposed theme park land at Warnervale. The item appeared on the agenda papers as â&#x20AC;&#x153;6.1 confidential update on Warnervale Employment Zone land dealingsâ&#x20AC;?. During the open council meeting prior to the confidential meeting, Cr Doug Vincent attempted to ask questions about why the item was named as

An artist's impression of the theme park

such, stating that he had another document that gave the item a different name. Cr Eaton warned Cr Vincent several times that he was dealing with confidential information and could not read from the confidential papers he had before him. When council moved into its confidential session, Cr Vincent declined to participate and left the chamber stating that he did not disagree with the confidential nature of the matter but with the way he believed it would be dealt with in the confidential session.

In November 2012, Wyong Council formally approved the sale of 15.7 hectares of land at Warnervale to the Australia Chinese Theme Park Pty Ltd (ACTP) for $10 million, for the purpose of constructing a $500 million theme park. ACTP and council entered into a contract for that sale, and ACTP has paid a $100,000 deposit to council pursuant to that contract. The completion date for that existing contract is December 2, 2015, when the balance of the contract price of $9.9 million is due on

completion. A development application has already been submitted to Council to build a Place of Public Worship (temple) and ancillary structures and is going through the assessment process. The development application attracted a fee of just over $100,000 which has been paid along with $40,000 in rezoning fees. ACTP put forward a confidential offer to Council in respect to the existing contract. Council rejected that offer, but resolved for its acting CEO to negotiate

an alternate contract for the benefit of the community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This proposal is the single biggest investment to ever come our way and we remain determined and committed to make it happen,â&#x20AC;? Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is unprecedented in our lifetime,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone in tourism will tell you we need more man-made tourism attractions and this is as big as it gets: $500 million in investment directly into our shire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The tourism and

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jobs that will flow into our region are enormous and will have a long lasting benefit for our community.â&#x20AC;? In an interview with Scott Levi on ABC radio 92.5, Mr Eaton said the theme park development was not being held up by financial stumbling blocks but due to delays in getting NSW Government approvals. Cr Eaton said the Development Application, when finally lodged, will have to be approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel because its value will be greater than $20 million. However, before a DA can be submitted, according to Cr Eaton, parts of the land require rezoning which must go through a NSW Department of Planning Gateway Approval process. Cr Eaton told ABC Radio that Gateway Approvals usually take one month but the theme park rezoning proposal had taken six months. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The original plan was always that they would have their Development Applications approved before they had to settle on the land,â&#x20AC;? Cr Eaton told ABC radio. As such he said the ACTP really had â&#x20AC;&#x153;an optionâ&#x20AC;? to take up the contract contingent on all approvals being in place. Media release, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council media Meeting transcript, Nov 11, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Audio transcript, Nov 12, 2015 ABC Radio 92.5 Jackie Pearson, journalist

News

P10 P1 110 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Council receives report on breaches of confidentiality and related matters ssues relating to breaches of confidentiality and the use of “closed” council meetings were again discussed at Wyong Council on November 25.

During the current term (since September 2012), Wyong Council has considered 37 motions to close parts of its meetings and has considered 48 motions to “move in to confidential” (closed session). According to a report prepared by Wyong Council’s general counsel, Mr Brian Glendenning on breaches of confidentiality and related matters, councillors voted unanimously to close parts of meetings relating to those 37 motions. All but two of the 48 motions to “move into confidential” were resolved so as to close that part of the meeting. The report was prepared for the November 25 general meeting of Wyong Council in response to an attempt by Wyong mayor Cr Doug Eaton to move to delegate decision making on confidential items to the mayor, deputy mayor and CEO at its November 11 meeting. Cr Eaton had attempted to introduce that power to delegate based on recent leaks of confidential information relating to the development of a regional airport and a Chinese theme park. The seven page report outlined the sections of the Local Government Act that related to a council’s ability to close parts of any meeting

and the status of current investigations. “Council is currently investigating (alleged) release of confidential information considered at a number of recent meetings. “It is not appropriate to comment on the progress or likely outcome of those investigations,” the report said. ‘As a result of the matters currently under investigation, procedures associated with dealing with sensitive and confidential information to be considered at meetings of the Council have been reviewed. “It is not appropriate to provide precise details of the additional measures that have been deployed as doing so might reduce the impact of those further measures,” Mr Glendenning’s report said. He summarised those measures as: enhanced security controls on electronic business papers and sensitive documents; enhanced security audit processes; and revision of the content of published confidential business papers. “The revised measures will result in reduced access to sensitive and confidential material, with such access provided in a much more controlled manner and environment. “The revised measures…will make it more difficult for councillors to exercise their functions in some circumstances. “Those outcomes are unfortunate but necessary to minimize the very significant impacts these breaches have on Council’s operations.

“Council has consulted with the NSW Office of Local Government concerning the measures that will be deployed. “Those measures are consistent with measures employed by other local councils that have faced similar difficulties.” According to Mr Glendenning’s report, the Local Government Act balances the requirement for openness by empowering councils to deal with specific matters in confidence and by prescribing when it is lawful for a council to deal with matters in a manner that is not open. The discussion of the report at Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, November 25 included an attempt by independent Cr Greg Best to request all councillors to “provide full and unfettered access to all their meta data for analysis, thereby removing them and council of suspicion”. Wyong’s deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster declined to amend her motion, which was to note the report on confidentiality, to include Mr Best’s proposal. Liberal Cr Lloyd Taylor said the report was comprehensive. “But we do have a Rasputin in the ranks who is actively working to undermine the successful operation of the organisation,” Cr Taylor said. Labor Cr Doug Vincent spoke in support of the report but said that just because something can be dealt with confidentially doesn’t mean it should and that he believed Wyong Council over-

used confidentiality at the cost of escalating community mistrust. He gave examples of non-commercial matters that had been dealt with away from public scrutiny, including a briefing from the Acting CEO which

assessed the true costs of amalgamating with Gosford Council. Deputy mayor, Cr Lynne Webster said she believed the report proved that the majority of information is dealt with in full view of the

public. Agenda item 4.1, Nov 25, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Meeting transcript, Nov 25, 2015 Wyong Council ordinary meeting Jackie Pearson, journalist

Private Members Bill introduced to stop Wallarah 2 ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris MP, has introduced a Private Members Bill called the “Wyong Special Area (Protection) Bill 2015” which actively seeks to block any attempt to mine or participate in any mining-related activities within the Wallarah 2 Coal Mine Project site.

“This bill seeks to extinguish any existing licenses or approvals,” Mr Harris said. The legislation seeks to hold the NSW Liberal Party to account for the promise they made in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 election campaigns to stop mining activity in the Wyong water catchment and Wyong

valley regions. “I am proud to be presenting this Legislation to the Parliament on behalf of the Wyong and Central Coast community,” Mr Harris said. “Now this Government under premier Baird and planning minister Stokes have the opportunity to right the wrongs of

former premier Barry O’Farrell and minister Chris Hartcher and keep that solemn promise made to the electorate, a promise covered right across the state, and support this Bill.” Email, Nov 19, 2015 David Harris, member for Wyong

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P11 W P 1

Gross Pollutant Trap program highly commended yong Council’s Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) capital works program has been recognised at a state level.

At the annual NSW Stormwater conference in Sydney, Council’s GPT program received a Highly Commended for Excellence in Asset Management. Council’s manager of waterways and asset management, Mr Peter Ham, said it was an honour to receive the award. “This award recognises our innovative approach to improving water quality in the Tuggerah Lakes system, particularly through our commitment to the GPT program,” Mr Ham said. “A GPT may not seem too exciting but they are doing a great job keeping the lakes looking good. “GPTs play a vital role in the lakes system and are designed to stop pollutants, such as litter, garden waste and sediment from entering the lakes. “We know whatever goes into the stormwater drains, creeks or rivers will eventually end up in our lakes, so it’s vital to capture as much litter and organic matter as possible beforehand.” This financial year

Council will be installing another 10 new GPTs around the lakes at the following locations: Tuggerah Pde, Long Jetty x 2; Oleander St, Canton Beach; Myrtle Brush Park, Berkeley Vale; Lentara Walk, The Entrance; Cresthaven Ave, Bateau Bay; Buff Point Oval, Buff Point; Nicholson Cres, Toukley; Lakedge Ave, Chittaway Bay; and Murrawal Rd, Wyongah. Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said it was great to see Council’s hard work being recognised and rewarded. “We have worked hard to improve the health of Tuggerah Lakes and our GPT program is just one of the important steps in achieving this,” Cr Eaton said. “We are continually looking at new ways to improve and protect this great asset of ours. “We are doing works in and around the lakes to not only improve the water quality but also the amenity of the area which will in turn attract more visitors to the area. Media release, Oct 29, 2015 Wyong Council media

Warnervale Community Centre funding to be used for another purpose ederal member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara MP, has confirmed that $325,044 in funding that was secured to continue the provision of services previously provided by the Warnervale Community Centre, will instead be used to fund an Aboriginal case worker for the Warnervale area.

Ms McNamara said this funding was secured after receiving advice at the start of the year that the Warnervale Community Centre (delivered by Uniting Care Burnside) was unsuccessful in receiving continued funding to provide family and children’s services in the north of the Wyong Shire. “I’m pleased to have been successful in securing this funding from the Federal Government. “I am, however, not pleased that Uniting Care Burnside has decided to use the funds for a different purpose. “This funding, secured after consistent and proactive lobbying, was obtained with the intent to continue the provision of services previously offered by the Warnervale Community Centre,

following Uniting Care Burnside’s decision to close the centre on June 26. “Unfortunately, the latest information from Uniting Care Burnside indicates a change in direction of funding allocation and the secured funds will now be used to recruit an Aboriginal case worker to provide home visits and parenting support in the Warnervale area to indigenous and non-indigenous clients and not the delivery of their previous services from the Warnervale Community Centre. The community centre services that the funding was intended to be used for included the Bright Sparks Playgroup, a social skills program called ‘Be Your Own Hero Group’, and counselling. “I understand and acknowledge the

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angst felt amongst the Warnervale community when the Warnervale Community Centre was unsuccessful in receiving funding under the DSS Grant Program earlier this year after applying for grants that were not relevant to the Central Coast demographic. “When I heard of this issue, I immediately met with the then social services minister, Mr Scott Morrison MP, to see what I could do to reinstate the funding to keep delivering the Warnervale Community Centre services to the families and children in the Warnervale area. “With funding now secured for two years, it has been the decision of Uniting Care Burnside not to deliver the previous services of the Warnervale Community Centre, which were aimed

at improving the lives of families and children in the Warnervale area. “I know that the loss of this funding was a contentious issue. “It was even a promise from the NSW state Labor candidate, and now member for Wyong, at the time of this year’s state election. “This is what my role is about, listening to the concerns of the community, representing these concerns in parliament to the relevant ministers and fighting for what is needed for Dobell. “Unfortunately, I have no control over the decision made by Uniting Care Burnside to allocate the money to another program as their decision still remains within the scope of the Department of Social Services guidelines,” Ms McNamara concluded. Media statement, Dec 1, 2015 Colby Crane, office of Karen McNamara MP

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P12 P1 112 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Fears of a digital Research confirms ongoing effectiveness of divide being realised Advertisement

traditional advertising Based on their research and worldwide experience, international marketing company NRS Media has provided the following 10 compelling statistics to help convince small to medium enterprises (SMEs) of the effectiveness of advertising in traditional mediums. As small businesses have a limited budget, they’re often cautious about investing in marketing, so having some real facts and figures can help them justify their expenditure. 1. spent on advertising benefits an SME 8x as much as a larger firm Small businesses are often wary about spending money on advertising, wrongly thinking it’s the sole realm of big companies. But even though they have less money to spend, they will see more impact when they do advertise.

2. An investment of $1 in newspaper advertising gives an average return of $11.89 in revenue According to research by the Direct Marketing Association, the return that small businesses can get when they invest in newspaper advertising is eleven times their expenditure. See the research by the DMA at http://printinthemix.com/fastfacts/show/414. 3. Advertising is the second most effective marketing method, behind word of mouth Some people think advertising doesn’t work, or that they’d be better investing their time in social media. But only 35% of small businesses think social media is successful. Advertising and word of mouth are both more effective. 4. 64% of SMEs say their advertising has been a success Small businesses might think advertising only works if you’re a big corporate but that’s simply not true. Even more small businesses could experience success if they had the support of a media partner who could guide them to create the most effective campaign. 5. 61% of small businesses with high levels of growth advertise, consult marketing advisers, or have their own marketing experts. Only 43% of small businesses not experiencing growth do If you need to grow their business, advertising is important. It’s actually one of three elements that marks out high-growth businesses from other SMEs. 6. An estimated 46% of digital ad impressions aren’t actually seen by people This shocking figure is a surprise to many people. Why pay for adverts that can’t be viewed? 7. Clickthrough rates from online ads are falling, from 9% in 2000 to just 0.2% in 2012 As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. Not only are they less likely to be seen, they’re also less likely to clicked. That makes it much harder to reach out to people. The figure is likely to be less again in 2015. Traditional advertising can help. 8. TV, newspaper and magazine advertising is more likely to be noticed than online ads As we face more and more digital noise, online ads are becoming less effective. 9. Traditional media is also more likely to be trusted Newspaper, magazines and TV ads all have the highest level of trust, at 63%, 62% and 61% respectively. Radio and billboards aren’t far behind and are trusted by 58% and 55% of consumers. However, online ads are less trusted, with search ads coming in at 44%. That drops to 33% for banner ads. It makes sense for small businesses to place their budget into areas where they can influence people and grow trust. These statistics show that that area is traditional advertising. 10. 88% of consumers still use print to get information Despite what some people say, print is far from dead. So if you are worried that people don’t use print anymore, this research can help. It showed that 63% of people like print ads, compared to just 25% for online adverts. This information has been supplied based on newspapers of all types and sizes around the world. The trust and effectiveness factor will be far higher for newspapers such as those published under the Central Coast newspapers banner, as they are highly regarded for their content and are read from cover to cover because of their relevance to their readership and longer shelf life.

ears of a digital divide separating regions of the Central Coast have been raised due to the switch from the original Fibre-to-the-Premises NBN plan to the Fibreto-the-Node NBN plan currently being rolled out.

The issue was explored during a Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout earlier this year. Senator for NSW, Ms Deborah O’Neill raised the issue of a possible digital divide as one in seven NBN connections on the Coast failed due to rotten copper wiring. Sen O’Neill told the committee 14 per cent of Gorokan residents had been unable to connect to the NBN due to the poor condition of the copper wiring. Currently, Gosford and parts of Long Jetty are the only Coast suburbs connected to the NBN through the Fibre-to-thePremises (FTTP) plan. Shadow minister for communications, Mr Jason Clare, and Sen O’Neill are both staunchly opposed to the current Government’s decision to rollout what they said was the secondrate version of the NBN. According to Sen O’Neill and Mr Clare prime minister, Mr Malcolm Turnbull is creating two classes of people on the Central Coast, those lucky enough to have fibre all the way to the home, and everybody else. The Fibre-to-theNode (FTTN) NBN has a propensity for failure due to the archaic nature of the copper wire system but, according to Sen O’Neill, it is also simply outdated. FTTN was first proposed in Australia in 2005, but by 2011, it had been labelled obsolete. FTTN is a dead end system which provides virtually no upgrade paths to the faster and more reliable FTTP system, according to Sen O’Neill. All the considerable labour costs of rolling out FTTN, such as fibre

installation, cabinet installation, electrical work, fibre splicing and copper upgrades are all fruitless when moving to FTTP networks. It may also cost more to remove the outdated FTTN architecture and electrical systems if and when a full fibre to premises NBN was finally rolled out. NBN FTTP campaign blog, NBN Myths states: “The short effective life of the FTTN is apparent. “Countries which had previously installed FTTN systems like Germany and the UK, are now gradually replacing these networks with FTTP systems. According to technology commentator Mr Renai LeMay, the fact that it has taken multiple governments 10 years to orchestrate and deliver either form of NBN is a testament to the state of Australia’s abysmal telecommunications sector. Fibre to the premises would have laid the foundation for worldclass telecommunications in Australia and fueled a developing digital economy by breaking Telstra’s stranglehold on market competition, he said. “But the reality of the current NBN (majority being FTTN) will foster a legacy of decades of technical failures,” Mr LeMay said. Mr Jason Clare said the rollout was an absolute mess and claimed the Turnbull Government overshot the total cost of the project by almost double. “A document entitled “HFC PLAN B: Overbuilding Optus”, dated November 2015, has leaked out of NBN and its contents are damning. “It reveals that the Optus HFC network, a key component of Malcolm Turnbull’s NBN, is in far worse condition than Australians were led to believe and NBN Co is considering overbuilding the network, costing hundreds of millions more and meaning hundreds of thousands of Australians will have to wait longer

to get the NBN. “In April 2013, the prime minister promised his NBN would cost $29.5 billion. “In December 2013, the prime minister said his NBN would cost $41 billion. “In August this year, the now prime minister admitted his NBN would cost up to $56 billion and said ‘all of us can have real confidence in the numbers’”, Mr Clare concluded. With doubt surrounding the future of the FTTN network, Sen O’Neill sought a guarantee from NBN Co representative, Mr Morrow that the FTTN network would deliver people on the Coast 25 megabits per second download and 5mbps upload speeds. Mr Morrow labelled Ms O’Neill’s request as ‘silly’ and said he would not be pinned down by a committed information rate. Sen O’Neill said the fear of a digital divide is justified considering how long the rest of the Coast has to wait just to get on the network. “Gosford and the regions around it have the real NBN, but the rest of the Central Coast is a live experiment,” Ms O’Neill said. NBN Myths blob concluded that the FFTN “is a short-sighted waste of time and money that will still leave Australia lagging behind the rest of the developed world, squandering billions of dollars on obsolete technology.” The current version of the NBN, incorporating a mix of the pre-installed FTTP NBN and the FTTN being rolled out, is expected to be completed nationally by September 2018. Media release, Aug 12, Oct 20, Nov 20, 2015 Richard Mehrtens, office of Deborah O’Neill Media release, Oct 6, Nov 25, 2015 Ryan Hamilton, office of Jason Clare Website, Nov 20, 2015, NBN Myths Interview, Nov 21, 2015, Renai LeMay Journalist, Dilon Luke

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P13 133

News

Active environmentalists awarded

Other Regional News - In brief Wyong Regional Chronicle focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262, & 2263. Given the advent of a Greater Central Coast Council in the near future, following is a summary of news articles

published in the most recent edition of each of our sister Central Coast publications. The full articles and more, as well as all previously published editions, can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net

Peninsula Community Access Edition 382

Copies of these other publications may be obtained from our offices in Gosford, by subscription, or from a myriad of locations in the areas covered by each publication.

News Phone 4325 7369 Fax 4321 0940

7 December 2015

Peninsula News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2256 & 2257.

BAT award winners from left, John Asquith (CEN Chairman), Bernadine Mitchell, Tassin Barnard, John Wiggin, Laurie Eyes and Barbara Gorman

s 2015 draws to a close, CEN have been recognising the hard work of many groups and volunteers that have been working for the environment on the Central Coast.

Each year, CEN calls for nominations and gives out the BAT Awards, based around a cricket theme that reflects the need to “Be A Team”. The awards presentation was held on November 26, and the following recipients were acknowledged. Rookie of the Year was won by Ms Barbara Gorman, who worked tirelessly to fight against Wyong Council’s tree policy. Best 12th Man was Mr John Wiggin, described as a stalwart of the local environment scene, who continues to support a range of organisations, often behind the scenes. The award for Most Outstanding Community Group was given to Lake Macquarie Sustainable

Neighbourhood Alliance, set up in 2011 to support over 15 individual Sustainable Neighbourhood groups. Most Outstanding Campaign was a special recognition award given to the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park and Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, for their commitment over many years to a successful court challenge to the proposed expansion of a Rocla sand mine at Calga. Laurie and Jo Eyes also received special recognition for their sustained effort to “uncover the truth about the proposal for a Regional Airport in Wyong”. Overall BAT Award was received by Ms

Bernadine Mitchell, for her significant achievements over 27 years in leading and coordinating the Copacabana Dunecare Group. Ms Mitchell has also been an active member of her community through the Surf Club, Copacabana Community Association and local school. CEN chairman, Mr John Asquith thanked all members, supporters and friends for their efforts throughout the year and wished to acknowledge the difference they were making in protecting the environment and the Central Coast.

Belinda Neal may be only Peninsula candidate

Neal alleges defamation

Fire brigades to get station improvements

Former Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal may be the only remaining Peninsula candidate for Labor pre-selection for the Federal seat of Robertson.

Labor preselection candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has alleged Peninsula News has defamed her in a front page article published last edition.

Both Pearl Beach and the Bays Rural Fire Brigades have been permitted to submit development applications to undertake projects to improve... p j p

C il renegotiates i li Council licence with Everglades Country Club

Endangered bushland rezoned as residential

E i Services S i Erina centre decision ‘will be remembered’

Gosford Council has renegotiated a licence with the Everglades Country Club in Woy Woy to allow extensions of buildings at the club.

Gosford Council will rezone a block of endangered bushland in Wagstaffe Ave, Wagstaffe, as residential, despite objections from the Community Environment Network.

Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has described the NSW Government’s decision to locate a new Services NSW centre at Erina and not in Woy Woy as a course of action the Peninsula community will

Property to be considered in urban edge study

Excavator cuts power to 1200 premises

New bike spaces at Woy Woy station

The water quality at the Peninsula’s nine monitored swimming spot is dependent on the efﬁciency of Gosford Council’s sewerage system, according to the ...

Around 1200 homes and businesses in parts of Woy Woy, Horsﬁ eld Bay and Phegans Bay experienced a power outage on Tuesday, November 24, ...

Contracts have been awarded for the installation of 50 secure bike spaces at Woy Woy station, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast...

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.CentralCoastNews.net They can also be seen on www.PeninsulaNews.info

E FRE

December 2, 2015

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 122

Coast Community News focuses on news specifically relating to post code areas 2250, 2251 & 2260

Media release, Dec 2, 2015 John Asquith, CEN Chairman

West Gosford major intersection upgrade officially opened

Senator forced to ‘correct the record’ regarding intragovernmental

Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC, and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, ofﬁcially opened the $170 million Central ...

communication The Turnbull Government has admitted a paper trail exists between the federal and NSW governments over the decision to put the Australian Taxation ...

Labor sabotaging the delivery of 600 jobs for political gain - Wicks

Senate votes to stop ATO on Gosford waterfront

Culture C Committee calls C on moratorium on arts precinct

Labor is continuing to mislead Central Coast residents and businesses as part of its anti-jobs, anti-infrastructure agenda, according to member...

As we were going to press, the Federal Senate had voted resoundingly in favour of a motion by Sen Deborah O’Neill calling on the Federal Government to abandon...

Gosford’s International Culture Committee has called for a moratorium on the signing of contracts relating to the site for an arts precinct ...

Calga win is by far the C biggest outcome and achievement - LALC

Greens welcome Land G l L d and Environment Court decision

New Service NSW outlet for Erina

14 storey development approved for Mann St A major development worth around $17.6 million in the heart of Gosford’s city centre has been approved by Council.

Ending slavery is a choice. Take part. endslavery.salvos.org.au is printed on 100% recycled paper products, even the ink is made from vegetable matter. So when you’re done reading this paper please recycle it or give it to someone else to read

Darkinjung Local Aboriginal The Central Coast Greens The Minister for Finance, and Property, Land Council (LALC) has have called for owners of Services Perrottet has acknowledged its long the Rocla sand quarry at Dominic standing objection to the Calga to donate the site announced that work will extension of the Calga Sand for conservation after commence on a new Service rehabilitation. NSW one stop shop in Erina. Quarry has been... The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News articles can also be read and shared on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au.

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P14 P1 114 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Land owners deprived of rights through rezoning

egarding the article concerning the purchase of Warnervale word than acquire. A 24 hectare site next to Economic Zone (WEZ, Kiar Ridge) land from Terrace Towers the Warnervale Grammar (Wyong Regional Chronicle Nov 27 P5).

The inference by CEN chairman was that council paid too much for this land. The Warnervale Economic Zone (WEZ) land was purchased for $10 million and the balance of the mentioned $17 million was for a site in a different location. He also claims that the VG for this land is $7.5 million. This valuation is irrelevant, as the VG value has no bearing on its commercial value. The purchase price of any land, as we all know, is almost always higher than the VG. The WEZ land comprises of eight separate blocks. I know that Terrace Towers purchased three of these blocks for over $12 million. It would be fair to assume that they paid well over $20 million in total for this land. This must raise the question, what was the inducement that made them sell this land to Council for such a big loss? This is not the only issue with the WEZ. There is the question of the theft of land usage rights by rezoning usable rural land to E2 conservation. Over 50 per cent of the

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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

land in precinct 13 has had this zoning placed on it. In 2006, Wyong Council engaged valuers Robertson and Robertson to value this conservation land. An example of these valuations is 11 acres valued at $40,000. This land is earmarked to be acquired by Wyong Council. Cleared and improved land is not immune from E2 zoning. It does not end here, in the preferred option D in the WEZ documents, there is a reference to future development on the site. Once developed, the only land available in the site will be conservation land. How convenient. By that time, the land will be in the hands of Council, who would stand to make millions from its sale.

This statement may seem to be somewhat over the top, but is backed up by the following State legislation, State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 (Amendment No 21). This legislation is aimed directly at the WEZ. Then there is the plight of the landowners who have had the whole of their properties rezoned to E2. This makes their land relatively worthless, as the E2 zoning has the same restrictions as E1, the zoning for national parks. The only difference being E2 land is privately owned. This results in this land becoming a bushfire hazard surrounded by factories. Once again this land is earmarked for acquisition. With all these issues, the WEZ is effectively dead, apart from when Council drags it out when they want to convince the public that they are doing something about unemployment. The following is another example of how Council use conservation zonings to ‘acquire’ land. Theft would probably be a better descriptive

School was rezoned from rural 1C to a conservation zoning and naturally, the owners objected. Council offered to rezone a maximum of 2 hectares to a usable zoning with the proviso that the owners would give to Council the remaining 22 hectares at no cost. It did not end there, the landowners also had to pay all legal costs to transfer the land into Council’s name, plus any other ‘reasonable’ costs attached to it. The owners accepted this proposition. The details of this act of bastardry are outlined in the Council minutes of August 10, 2005. As an aside but very relevant to this issue, in 1973 there was a Royal Commission regarding land tenures. The Commission of Enquiry into Land Tenures Final Report was handed down in February 1976. This document shows in detail how landowners are to be deprived of their property rights. It is only available to the public in a highly censored form. The uncensored version will not be released until 60 years after the death of the commissioner, who died in 2006. Fortunately, I have a copy of the uncensored version. Email, Dec 1, 2015 Robert Heath, Halloran

Fifteen councillors will be disenfranchised have written to all Gosford councillors as a concerned resident of Wyong Shire, to urge them to stop Wyong mayor, Doug Eaton, from seizing control of the council amalgamation process by rejecting the recommendation to the Minister by the Gosford and Wyong Council’s General Managers at their council meeting on December 8.

While the submission sent on December 4, 2015, to Mr Paul Toole MP, minister for local government, on behalf of the two councils, was only signed by the two general managers, it appears to have been drafted by Cr Eaton to further his agenda to take control of the amalgamation process. The submission recommended to the Minister: “We recommend the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of GCC and WSC be appointed as members of an Implementation Committee for the New Council during the transitional period.” This will mean that for the next nine months most councillors in Gosford and Wyong will not have a say in how things are done after the end this month. The letter was not a result of a Council resolution and I am concerned that it is beyond the powers of the mayors and deputy mayors acting alone. It means that 15 out of 19 councillors had no say in the submission and were disenfranchised by this process. Furthermore there was no public consultation, nor was there a properly constituted council meeting to discuss the interim management of

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the way the merger will be administered. It results in the community being disenfranchised in both Gosford and Wyong. It disenfranchises 50 per cent of Wyong shire, as Ward A residents are not represented in this process (only Wyong mayor and deputy mayor from Ward B participated in the decision). Council elections are not expected until at least after September, 2016 so there is no urgency and therefore no impediment to a proper process being followed. I requested, as a matter of urgency, that at Gosford Council’s meeting on December 8, councillors please reject the GM’s recommendations for the mayors and deputy mayors of Gosford Council and Wyong Council to be appointed as members of an Implementation Committee and adopt a process that should include open council meetings, including all current Wyong and Gosford Councillors that would allow for community participation in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice. Email, Dec 7, 2015 Doug Darlington, Long Jetty

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P15 155

Two robberies on Bryant Dve, Tuggerah olice are seeking public assistance following two street robberies on the same street in Tuggerah over the past month.

About 10:00pm on Tuesday, November 17, a 20-year-old man was in a car on Bryant Dve Tuggerah, when he was approached by three males. The trio allegedly dragged the man out of his car and assaulted him before stealing money from his wallet and fleeing. The man reported the matter to police before being taken by ambulance paramedics to Wyong Hospital, where he was later released. About 9:15pm on Friday December 4, a

45-year-old man was walking along Bryant Dve, Tuggerah, when he was approached by three males. They allegedly assaulted the man before stealing money from his wallet and fleeing. The man took himself to Wyong Hospital the following day where he was treated for non-lifethreatening injuries, and later reported the matter to police. Police from

Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command are investigating the incidents, and are investigating whether the robberies are related. Police are hoping to speak with three males who may be able to assist with inquiries. All three are described as being in their late teens or early 20s. Investigations into the incidents are continuing and police urge anyone with information to come forward. Media release, Dec 10, 2015 NSW Police media

Two men stabbed man has faced court after two other men were stabbed at Watanobbi on Tuesday, December 1.

About 11:15pm, police and NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to an address in Dunrossil Ave, Watanobbi where the occupants had been woken by a male calling for help. On arriving, emergency services found two men, aged 18 and 25, with stab wounds, in the front yard. After being assessed by paramedics on site, the 18-year-old man was transferred to Gosford Hospital. The 25-year-old

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.

received treatment at Wyong Hospital. A 23-year-old man was arrested in a nearby

backyard just after midnight. The Watanobbi local was charged with reckless wounding and wielding a knife. He was refused bail and was to appear in Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, December 2. It was to be alleged the men were injured during an altercation and all parties were known to each other. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 NSW Police media

Overly ecstatic man falls from his boat olice charged a 38-year-old man following the alleged seizure of more than 1,600 MDMA (ecstasy) tablets when searching a boat on Lake Macquarie, near Mannering Park.

At around 9.40am on Monday, December 7, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command responded to reports of a man falling from a boat on Lake Macquarie. On arrival, officers spoke to a soaked man near the boat ramp at Mannering Park. Roads and Maritime Services located the vessel and towed it to police who were waiting at the boat ramp. Officers alleged that

Media release, Dec 7, 2015 NSW Police media

15g of cannabis, drug paraphernalia and more than 1,600 MDMA tablets, with an estimated street value of $35,000, were found and seized during the search. The 38-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station. The man was refused bail and was scheduled to appear at Wyong Local Court on Tuesday, December 8.

On The Beat

Witnesses sought regarding possible child abduction

here are concerns for a child’s welfare after residents told police they saw a young girl screaming while being carried into a van at Long Jetty on Saturday, December 5.

Around 2:10pm police were contacted by witnesses who heard a girl, believed to be aged around 12 or 13, screaming near the Central Coast Hwy at Long Jetty. Police attended the location where they spoke to witnesses, including a 10 year old boy who told police he saw a screaming girl being carried into a gold van by a man. Officers also spoke to two adults, both of whom heard a girl screaming, although the adults did not see the girl being carried into the car. Police have released CCTV images of the van, with the van being described as white with

roof racks running from front to back, a distinctive wave like handle on the front passenger door, black and yellow registration plates, dark tinted windows and sliding doors on at least one side of the vehicle. The van is believed to be an older model Toyota Hiace and was last seen travelling west along Swadling St, Long Jetty, with the man in question only being described as having olive skin and hairy arms. The crime manager of Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command, Detective Inspector Dave

Waddell, said police had not received reports of any missing children in the area and are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to clarify what happened. “This could very well be a case of a parent having an argument with their daughter,” DI Waddell said. “If there’s anyone out there who can help us resolve this matter, please do get in touch.” Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information that may assist to contact Wyong Police Station on (02) 4356 6099. Emails, Dec 5 and 7, 2015 NSW Police media

San Remo girl missing olice are appealing for information into the whereabouts of a teenager missing from San Remo.

Tahlia O’Grady, aged 17, was last seen by family at her home on Scenic Dve, San Remo, on Tuesday, November 10. She is described as being Caucasian in appearance, about 160170cm tall, with a thin build, fair complexion with shoulder-length black, dyed hair. Police have confirmed

Police and family members are concerned for Tahlia’s welfare and would like her to know she is not in trouble, but police need to speak to her to know that she is safe and well. that h as at December D b 10, 10 Tahlia had still not been located.

Media release, Dec 4, 2015 NSW Police media

Health

P16 P1 116 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Wallarah 2 helps families of ‘Kids in Need’

(L to R) Sarah McCormack, her son Mac, Lorraine and Ava Churchill CC Kids in Need, Kenny Barry Wallarah 2, Rhonda Doyle CC Kids in Need, Peter Allonby Wallarah 2

entral Coast Kids in Need provides accommodation support to financially burdened parents with seriously ill children and will continue bringing families closer, partly thanks to a recent grant from the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation.

The volunteer fundraising group formed in 1993 helps families who have seriously ill children with their accommodation bills, as Central Coast families do not qualify for any government assistance due to their proximity to Sydney and Newcastle. “Many people are unaware that there is a $43 to $60 per night fee to stay in Ronald McDonald Houses,” said Ms Rhonda Doyle, treasurer of Central Coast Kids in Need. “This means that families with children undergoing prolonged treatments are faced with bills for thousands of dollars, just so they can be close to their seriously ill child,” Ms Doyle said. To aid the group,

which consists of just 15 volunteer members, the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation has granted $4,300 to accommodate families for 100 nights in critical stay accommodation. “This grant is a great help in achieving our goal of keeping our local families together during times of crisis and we thank the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation for its generous support,” she said. Mr Kenny Barry, project manager of Wallarah 2 Coal Project said: “Wallarah 2 is proud to contribute to this important initiative. “We hope this grant can contribute to bringing Central Coast families with seriously ill children closer together without

the added stress of financial strain,” Mr Barry said. In the 2013/2014 financial year alone, Central Coast Kids in Need was able to pay accounts for 238 families, totalling over $270,000. They hope to continue these remarkable efforts through the support of local businesses such as Wallarah 2 and the Central Coast community. “We are currently appealing for donations and every dollar counts,” Ms Doyle said. “If you want to support Central Coast Kids in Need or you’re interested in finding out more about what we do, you can visit our website at www. cckin.com.au,” she said. Media release, Dec 9, 2015 Katey Small, Brilliant Logic

Lions clubs fund two vital signs monitors wo new vital signs monitors at Wyong Hospital will allow constant monitoring of acutely unwell children.

The vital signs monitors, worth over $31,000 in total, were funded by a generous donation from the Lions Club of Chittaway Bay, with support from the Australian Lions Foundation. The money was raised at the Club’s “Kids Watch Appeal” held earlier this year. Wyong Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) nursing unit manager, Mr Mark Booth, said that the monitors will make a significant impact on the treatment and care of children. “The new wall mounted monitors allow us to monitor children continuously for long periods of time. “This means uninterrupted monitoring of vital signs, which in turn allows us to detect signs of early deterioration in a child’s condition,” he said.

The fixed bedside monitors will be placed in the unit’s increasingly busy short stay area. The monitors have a detachable second screen that can be used when transporting a patient to other areas or hospitals. “Monitoring is an essential part of the role of the short stay area and the availability of these machines will mean that children presenting to the PAU will be provided with the best quality of care. “We are very grateful to these groups and the community for their hard work in raising the funds for these monitors and for their ongoing support of Wyong Hospital,” he said. President of the Lions Club of Chittaway Bay, Ms Lee Chambers, thanked the Australian Lions Foundation for their contribution. Ms Chambers also

thanked the Lions Club of Killarney-Bateau and the Lions Club of The Entrance, as well as the Chittaway Bay Tavern and the local community for enthusiastically supporting the “Kids Watch Appeal”. “We set out to raise money for the Hospital to purchase one monitor and through the generosity of the local community and the hard work of our members, we reached over $31,000 which has enabled the purchase of these two monitors for our sick kids,” she said. “Seeing first-hand the difference our efforts have made in the care of children attending the PAU is very rewarding and I would like to thank everyone that was involved in reaching this wonderful conclusion,” Ms Chambers said. Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District Media

McNamara welcomes Ice Taskforce response ederal member for Dobell, Ms Karen McNamara has welcomed the Federal Government’s response to the National Ice Taskforce Final Report.

“This response, with its focus on six key areas, brings into fruition many of the possible solutions highlighted at the Central Coast Ice Summit held in May this year,” Ms McNamara said. “This response is comprehensive, thorough and designed to make an impact on our community. “The response to the

six identified key areas will mean real change in our communities to help stop the scourge of this insidious drug,” she said. Ice is the second most commonly used illegal drug in Australia with the latest statistics showing that Australians pay 80 times more for a kilogram of ice than in China, making selling ice

in Australia a lucrative business for crime figures. “By providing funding to create local solutions to tackle our local problems, I know that we can make a difference to those who need it.” Media Release, Dec 4, 2015 Colby Crane, office of Karen McNamara MP

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P17 W P17

Health

Hearing impaired students meet Free hearing at inspirational conference

checks at Bateau Bay he Hearing Bus will visit Bateau Bay Bowling Club on January 16 to offer free hearing checks and raise hearing health awareness.

The mobile hearing service has provided over 35,000 free hearing checks in communities across Australia since it first launched in 2009. Manager at Australian Hearing Erina, Mr Matthew Reid, said as age-related hearing loss developed gradually over time it was common for people to not be aware their hearing is diminishing. Hearing loss is a prevalent issue in the community, with around 60 per cent of Australians over 60 suffering from some form of hearing loss. “A hearing check is a quick and easy way to measure the sounds you can and can’t hear. “Our team will also be on hand to guide you through what next steps you may have to take in regards to your hearing,” Mr Reid said.

As well as having a hearing check, visitors to the bus can find information on a range of common hearing issues and view a display of easy-to-use hearing devices for around the home. This includes headsets for watching TV and alert systems for doorbells. According to Mr Reid, not everyone who is experiencing problems hearing needs a hearing aid. “Sometimes it’s just hearing the TV at normal volumes, hearing your doorbell, or hearing your friends on the phone that’s the problem,” he said. No appointment is necessary, Australian Hearing will provide hearing checks to any interested adults who visit the bus on the day. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Sandra Murphy, Australian Hearing Bus

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tudents have been inspired as the second Advocate, Access and that it was inspiring to Aspire Conference for deaf and hearing impaired students was hear the speakers not only held at Newcastle University Ourimbah Campus on November 27. talk about their careers

High school students from the Central Coast, Northern Beaches, Maitland and North Rocks listened to the personal stories of achievement from three speakers. Everything was communicated inclusively on the day, including sign language Auslan, live captioning and spoken English provided simultaneously, ensuring that every participant could access the method that was best for them. In particular, the live captioning fascinated the

students with the speed and accuracy of the typist. The relieving assistant principal of Gosford High School, Mr Rodney Adams, who is also hearing impaired, organised the event and was very pleased with the success of the day and observed that students not only enjoyed learning about the careers and lives of other speakers but were also excited by the opportunity for networking with students from all schools during the holidays. Many of the students in attendance were the

Dr. Mythily Ramanathan (MBBS, Dip in GP, Dip in Child Health, FRNZCGP, FRACGP) Female Family Physician/General Practitioner Practising at shop 3/112 Wyong Rd, Killarney Vale, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and every second Saturday of each month from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

Phone: 02 4332 6174 or use Health engine web site https://healthengine.com.au/

only deaf student in their school so opportunities like this proved to be very special as there was a rapid exchange of contact details throughout the day so they could continue to keep in touch. The message of the conference was advocacy, access and aspiring to ones goals, with bravery and resilience being a common theme. Students commented

but also their experiences travelling and studying overseas, attending NIDA and writing novels. The conference gave those in attendance a broader view of the opportunities and pathways for deaf students to study and achieve their future dreams. Email, Nov 30, 2015 Glenys Ray, Gosford High School

p: 02 4339 7446 m: 0431 468 723 m: 0434 980 700 e: enquiries@relativecare.com.au w: www.relativecare.com.au

Relative Care Home Support Services is a locally owned and operated private Home Support Service with local TXDOLÀHG DQG compassionate Carers. You do not need to sign a contract or book ongoing services—you can just book one service if needed. Our services are provided for the time you request them. No waiting for your Careworker to turn up! Domestic Assistance Personal Care Transport to appointments Social Support

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Education

P18 P1 118 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

MacDonald stands against stand-alone Central Coast university and the mobility and Europe, the Sydney arliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald world standard. “The small universities discernment of students, Basin is growing rapidly MLC said he did not support a new stand-alone Central Coast have 30 to 70 per cent means the prospects for and the Central Coast university.

Mr MacDonald made his comments at a Central Coast Higher Education summit held on Monday, October 19. The summit was held to examine the role higher education will play on the Central Coast as the population grows by 64,000 by 2031. The summit was also attended by federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks MP, and University of Newcastle vice-chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen. “Some in the community have promoted the concept of a standalone university,” Mr MacDonald said. In a speech to the NSW Parliament upper house after the summit, Mr MacDonald said the essence of remarks he made at the summit related to whether

there should be a new university developed on the Central Coast. “I may have been a bit blunt in my opinion of the proposal for a new standalone Coast university, but we must not let parochialism override what is best for students, industry and community. “I said we should draw on the evidence from the New South Wales Auditor-General’s report into NSW universities. “Those reviews into our state’s institutions have consistently shown that smaller universities are challenged on a range of indicators. “The current ratio for the University of Newcastle as at 31 December 2014 was 2.3. “The three smaller regional universities ranged from negative 3.7 to 1.5.

“Newcastle’s operating margin was 5.4 per cent. “The state average was 6.6 per cent. “The country universities recorded margins between negative 4.7 per cent and 5.8 per cent. “The auditor tracked the “earnings gap” of the universities. “This is a comparison of the growth in earnings relative to the growth in expenses. “The University of Newcastle had an earnings gap of 0.6, but two of the three smaller universities are in negative territory. “Research capacity is a key indicator of the health, reputation and prospects of a university. “I pointed out that the University of Newcastle has 90 per cent of its research at or above

of their research below world standard. “The University of Newcastle has a Times Higher Education World University Ranking in the mid-200s, and it is improving. “The three country universities are not rated. “The five metro universities will benefit from $954 million of capital expenditure in 2015. “The University of Newcastle will spend $133 million, but the country universities have only been able to secure $153 million across the three institutions. “I am not denigrating our smaller universities; I am a product of one of the country universities. “I very much enjoyed my experience, and am forever grateful to the University of New England. “However, it would be a denial of reality to ignore these financial challenges and the evolving higher education landscape. “Online delivery, blended learning, asynchronous learning, “flipping the classroom”, Massive Online Open Courses [MOOCs], deregulation, a greater propensity to work and study, a rapid expansion of domestic and international tertiary education providers,

a greenfield sub-scale university are weak. “The Ourimbah campus of the University of Newcastle currently services 4,500 students and it has strong linkages with Hunter TAFE. “There are advanced proposals for a University of Newcastle medical school based at Gosford Hospital, and possibly a Central Coast medical research institute. “To duplicate this infrastructure, research, course delivery, academic staffing and administration would only serve to dilute the capacity, reputation and financial sustainability of all Central Coast higher education institutions. “I commend the University of Newcastle for holding the Central Coast Higher Education Summit. “It was valuable to canvass the future for tertiary education as it is incredibly important for the prospects and development of the region. “Like the rest of the country, the Central Coast is transforming,” Mr MacDonald said. “Our economy is witnessing the rise of the services sector,” he said. “Economic growth has moderated, Asia is growing at nearly double the rate of America and

is confronting a youth unemployment rate of 15 per cent. “Rapid development on the Coast is presenting planning and environmental challenges,” he said. In the speech, Mr MacDonald said the education profile of the Coast shows lower levels relative to the rest of the State. Thirty-two per cent of its residents finish their education at year 10 compared with 24 per cent across NSW. Nineteen per cent of people there have a tertiary education, which is 0.9 per cent lower than the state figure. Paradoxically, 23 per cent of residents aged over 15 have a trade qualification compared with 17.7 per cent across NSW. It has higher proportions of its workforce in the health care, social assistance, retail trade and construction industries. “There have been calls for a greater higher education presence and a higher participation level on the Central Coast,” Mr MacDonald said. Email, Oct 26, 2015 Mitch Cutting, office of Scot MacDonald

Every three minutes there are two reports of child abuse/neglect.* In 2008-2009, more than 930 new reports of child abuse per day. This means that there were two reports of abuse or neglect of a child for every three minutes of a day. Our kids need our protection now!

To reach out to a young person in need, please call our donation hotline on 1800 06 22 88 or donate online at www.youthoffthestreets.com.au. *AIHW, 2008-2009.

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

www.youthoffthestreets.com.au

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P19 W P19

Inspiring program motivates children to try new educational activities

Education

$792,000 donation enables better programming tuition

yong Council libraries have become some of the first official Learning Destinations in the state for Children’s University Australia, to encourage lifelong learning in young students.

This innovative program, developed in the United Kingdom, aims to motivate children aged 7 to 14 to discover learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Council’s library services section manager, Ms Andrea Edwards, said their involvement with the program kicked off on Friday, November 27. “We are so excited to become part of such an inspiring program that motivates children to try new educational activities. “To celebrate, we hosted a launch event with students from Wyong Public School at Tuggerah Library,” Ms Edwards said. Students from Wyong Public School were issued with their Passport to Learning, before carrying out their first learning activity, which was then recorded in their passport.

Students are rewarded and publically acknowledged for their participation once they reach the number of hours they need to graduate, this ranges from a Bronze Award after 30 hours of learning to a Doctorate, which they receive after 1,000 hours of learning. “By recognising their achievements at different stages, students are encouraged to continue to explore new learning experiences and visit new places, all while having fun,” Ms Edwards said. “Children who take part in the program adjust more easily to new learning situations, are more likely to try new things and be more independent. “Participating students not only have higher attendance and accomplishments than their peers, they are also creating lifelong skills to help them thrive beyond

the classroom in their personal lives and the workplace. “I strongly urge teachers and parents to encourage schools to register and get involved in this program that looks to foster successful, optimistic and independent students. “The majority of the events we host will count as a validated activity for students from author talks to school holiday events. “This program truly reflects the heart of what we do. “We create dynamic learning environments that connect and inspire lifelong learning,” Ms Edwards concluded. Children’s University is a widening participation program run through the Centre of Excellence for Equity for Higher Education at the University of Newcastle. Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Wyong Council media

Teachers take senior roles in other schools r Brad Glachan is leaving Northlakes High School to take up the deputy principal role at Wadalba High School.

“Brad has been a fabulous member of staff and we wish him all the best in his new role,” said Northlakes High School principal, Ms Michelle Rowley. “We also farewell Mr Ben Bryant who will

be going to Maitland Grossman High School as relieving head teacher of science,” Ms Rowley said. “Ben has been a great teacher and leader in this school,” she said. “We also wish Ms

Lawson (HSIE) and Ms Barnett (administration) and families all the best with the awaiting arrival of their babies.” Newsletter, Nov 6, 2015 Michelle Rowley, North Lakes High School

donation of $792,000 has been secured by Northlakes High School that will enable the school to install the professional version of UNITY 3D game development software on all computers.

“Mr O’Mahoney has managed to secure the donation,” said North Lakes high School principal, Ms Michelle Rowley. “This will allow

teachers to teach programming through all stages of high school in a gaming format, which students can relate to,” she said. “This will be

incorporated into technology subjects in 2016.” Newsletter, Nov 6, 2015 Michelle Rowley, Northlakes High School

Northlakes selected as a departmental trial school

orthlakes High School is a trial school for a new Department of Education process called Validation.

“We will be supplying all sorts of information to a team of principals to prove our progress on our management Plan, and our effective use of school resources,” said principal of Northlakes High School, Ms Michelle Rowley. “I am very pleased with the positive outcomes of many of our big initiatives, which include the house system, Positive

Behaviour for Learning, CAP classes, library as Learning Centre, extensive Aboriginal programs, support for students with disabilities and welfare needs and so much more,” she said. “Just this week, we ran a year eight welfare day, Aboriginal student numeracy day, and an AVID student visit to another high school. “Ms Hewett continues

to source courses to be run at Northlakes High School in conjunction with mainstream curriculum. “We are hoping to introduce a Child Services and Land Management program in 2016,” she said. Newsletter, Nov 6, 2015 Michelle Rowley, Northlakes High School

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

$7 per Night Come and join in on the fun! No partner necessary No special clothes - just soft shoes Lively music New dancers welcome

Contact Janice on 4388 8 2253 Contact Sandra on 4392 8716

Demand for copies of Wyong Regional Chronicle has been extremely high lately. If you can’t wait to get your copy - read it online! If you lent yours to someone that won’t give it back - read it online! Missed an edi on or want to re-read something - read it online!

Simply go to www.wyongnews.org They’re all there and it’s FREE

Out&About

P20 P2 220 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Youth Action Team celebrates its achievements

TreeTops wins two tourism awards reeTops Adventure Park, Central Coast has won Gold in Adventure Tourism and took out the People’s Choice Award at the 2015 NSW Tourism Awards.

The Wyong Action Team 2015 graduation ceremony

yong Council’s Wyong Action Team (WAT) have wrapped up their 12 months of ‘making stuff happen’ for youth by youth with a graduation ceremony at the Civic Centre.

The eight members of the 2015 WAT were supported by Council’s youth officer to implement the Youth Engagement Strategy and focused on providing opportunities for young people to develop their employability and life skills, while celebrating the role they play within the community. According to Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, the WAT members epitomised the promise of local youth and should be congratulated for their achievements this year. “This team of young leaders have really achieved this year and the graduation ceremony was a great opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their year,” Cr Eaton said. Council’s youth officer, Ms Lyn Cooper,

said the members completed eight actions, delivered 10 activities and directly engaged with almost 2,000 of their peers during their service. “The eight WAT leaders have spent the year developing their leadership skills through a combination of training and experience,” said Ms Cooper. “Some of the ‘stuff’ they have made happen includes the production of short videos to show people how to use the Council’s outdoor gyms, the annual Youth Impact Forum, youth employment events such as ‘Be Your Own Boss’ and ‘Get Started’, musical performances at ‘Breakfast by the Lake’ as part of the Wyong Lakes Festival as well as driving two highly successful skate events in the shire. “It’s been a huge year

for the WAT and they can all reflect with great pride in truly ‘making stuff happen’ for youth, by youth,” said Ms Cooper. Actions by the WAT Team were funded through a Youth Opportunities Grant from the NSW Office of Communities and through Council. The make-up of the 2016 WAT has also been finalised, with 12 outstanding young people ranging in age from 14 to 17 years selected. The 2016 WAT leaders comprise students from Northlakes High School, Gorokan High School, Wyong High School, Wadalba Community School, and Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College – Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi Campuses. Media release, Dec 3, 2015 Wyong Shire Council Media

The team at would like to take this opportunity to thank our thousands of readers and advertisers for your interest and support over the past 16 years. We would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Our office will be closed on December 21, 2015 and will remain so until January 5, 2016

Spanning 30 categories, the Awards celebrate tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement and success throughout the year. TreeTops co-owner, Ms Sandrine Gaymard said: “We’re delighted to have won two amazing awards. “We’re always looking to create new and active ways for people to connect with our gorgeous bush-land and we believe it’s this passion to innovate that makes us such a popular

destination. “At TreeTops, we’re about providing a unique and educational experience in the trees that is completely safe and gives visitors a real wow feeling,” she said. Located in Ourimbah State Forest at Wyong Creek, TreeTops has attracted 200,000 adventurers since opening in 2008. Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald MLC, congratulated TreeTops

on their outstanding achievements at the 2015 NSW Tourism Awards. “The Central Coast has so much on offer for domestic and international visitors and I am delighted that Treetops Adventure Park was recognised at this year’s NSW Tourism Awards,” Mr MacDonald said. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Mitchell Cutting, office of Scot MacDonald MLC Media release, Dec 1, 2015 Michelle Fraser, Lighthouse Communications Group

Free Wi-Fi at Wyong parks

esidents and visitors alike can now enjoy free Wi-Fi at Memorial Park at The Entrance and Frank Ballance Park at Wyong as part of Council’s refurbishment of the precinct.

The free Wi-Fi hotspot swill provide better opportunities for the high volume of tourists who visit the area who will be able to access further information on accommodation, attractions and retail and dining experiences, parking and Council services. Local businesses will further benefit by being able to collect demographic data of

the visitors to the area allowing them to tailor their marketing and promotion to what visitors to The Entrance really want. “The Entrance is, I believe, the tourism hub of the Central Coast and free Wi-Fi will certainly bring more visitors into the area,” Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM said. “We know more tourism means more jobs

and opportunities for our residents and that is what we want more than anything,” Cr Eaton said. “Providing free Wi-Fi brings huge economic benefits to local retailers by encouraging foot traffic, enticing visitors to stay longer and spend more and promoting customer loyalty.” Media release, Nov 25, 2015 Wyong Council media

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P21

PRESENTS

MT PENANG GARDENS 18-22 December 2015 6.30-9.30pm

Come along to see the stunning lights display on the Central Coast. đ Themed interactive light displays; Mad Hatters and Santa’s sleigh.

đ Meet Elsa from Frozen. đ Christmas music and drum circles. đ Nativity scene with live animals. đ Join the Scavenger Hunt and support Ronald McDonald Family Room.

đ Face painting, jumping castles, food vendors and much more! $15 PER FAMILY (max. 2 adults & 3 children under 18); $5/person; children under 3 free. Buy your tickets at the gate: Parklands Rd, Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong. (2 minutes from the M1 Gosford exit). Call 4340 1002 to buy tickets in advance. Follow us on Facebook for updates Facebook/Mt-Penang-Gardens-Event-Park. Supported by

SANTA WILL BE THERE!

Out&About

P22 P2 222 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Santa is expected to pay a visit to carols at Memorial Park The Entrance

The Tuggerah Lakes Show Band will play traditional Christmas Carols

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The traditions of Christmas will be kept alive with traditional carols performed by the Tuggerah Lakes Show Band and there will also be a special guest for the kids. JB Dance will start the Christmas celebrations at 6:00pm with a Children’s Christmas dance spectacular. The kids and the young at heart will enjoy a ‘Merry Minions

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The usual sideshow attractions will be part of Christmas Carols at The Entrance

Christmas Experience’ on stage during the night, then join in for the opportunity to get up close with the Christmas Minions. The main focus of the evening will be the traditional carols performed by the Tuggerah Lakes Show Band. Santa is rumoured to be taking time out of his busy schedule to greet the crowd at approximately

8:50pm. Audiences will be encouraged to sing along to their favourite carols, with song booklets available for purchase on the night. To complete the festivities, a special fireworks display proudly sponsored by Star 104.5 will be on at 9:00pm. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Kellie Purcell, The Entrance Town Centre Management Office

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P23 W P23

Council landscape architect a top three finalist

Out&About

Samaritans get into the true Christmas spirit

yong Council has some of the best in the business working to improve open space and recreational activities for residents and visitors, according to mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM.

“This was proven recently when one of our landscape architects was a top three finalist in the Frank Stewart Distinguished Service Award - the most prestigious individual award bestowed by Parks and Leisure Australia. Mr Boyd McMillan from Wyong Council narrowly missed out on winning, but said being named in the top three across the country was an honour in itself. “I never thought I would ever be considered for such a prestigious national award,” Mr McMillan said. “I live and work in Wyong shire and love seeing the enjoyment our community get from using the facilities I have designed for them.” Mr McMillan is part of a team who strives to continually look for ways to improve and create new recreational opportunities and open space activities across the shire. Council’s recreation planning and development manager, Mr Michael Ross, said it was an honour to have Boyd in the team. “Boyd has a wealth of experience in his field and has been at Council for more than 28 years,”

Mr Ross said. “One of the main projects Boyd is currently working on is the exciting new regional skate place at Bateau Bay. “Being an avid skater himself, this project will certainly meet our skate community’s needs, having one of their own working on the project. “The other is the Magenta shared pathway that will provide a key missing link in our shared pathway network, and work is expected to start early next year. “Both of these projects will not only benefit our community but will also attract tourism and future investment to the Shire.” While these are big investments in improving open space, the team is also working on a number of other projects to improve recreational activities, including the extension of Toukley Skate Park which is expected to be finished in December. Works are also under way at Canton Beach to upgrade recreational facilities such as improved access around the amenities block, three new fitness stations and landscaping. Work there is expected to be finished in April

2016. At Soldiers Beach, decking is being built over the tanks in front of the surf club to provide extra seating and improve the amenity of the area. This is expected to be finished in time for Christmas. Contracts have been awarded to upgrade the first three play spaces across the shire at Sunshine Reserve, Chittaway Point; Blueridge Reserve, Blue Haven; and, Aloha Dve Chittaway Bay. Each of these will have new play equipment, rubber softfall and park furniture. The play space in Aloha Dve is expected to be finished at the end of November, weather permitting. Wyong’s mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said these projects represent a $17 million investment in the community. “All these projects will be delivered in the coming months and are a great example of the work we are doing to improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors alike,” Cr Eaton said. Media release, Nov 12, 2015 Wyong Council media

From left Linda Carter from Samaritans, David Jewell managing director of Wyong Race Club and Sindy Jenkins director from HMA

amaritans have launched the 2015 Christmas Appeal to focus on raising awareness of vulnerable youth in the community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

To mark the launch of the appeal, residents at Samaritans Student Accommodation in Wyong gathered to decorate their Christmas tree. In the past, Christmas has been a time of difficulty for residents who have struggled through adversity, but this year they are comforted knowing they are safe and supported by Samaritans. The Appeal is aiming to raise $120,000 to support and bring hope to children and young people living in the shadow of disadvantage. Samaritans volunteers and staff are busily

preparing for the annual Christmas Lunch in Wyong. The Lunch ensures people in the community, who may feel isolated or are experiencing difficulty, can enjoy Christmas Day with a free lunch and company. Cec Shevels, Samaritans chief executive said: “At Samaritans, we go the extra mile at Christmas time. “We try to ensure that the joy of Christmas reaches everyone, particularly the lonely, the homeless and the marginalised. “Christmas hampers,

gifts for children and our wonderful Christmas Day Luncheon in Wyong ensure that the hope of Christmas is shared by all in our community,” he said. The Christmas Lunch will be held at Wyong Race Club at 11am with support from ongoing sponsors HMA and Wyong Racecourse. Samaritans encourage people to give generously this Christmas to support those less fortunate. The Samaritans Christmas Appeal will run until December 31. Media release, Nov 26, 2015 Penny Harnett, Samaritans Foundation

20% OFF HUT-WIDE! THE RHYTHM HUT CHRISTMAS SALE

ALL DRUMMING CLASSES, DRUMS + DRUM ACCESSORIES. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 1st - 14th DECEMBER www.therhythmhut.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 Centre 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 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 0437 699 366 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

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

Lake Munmorah Senior Citizens Club Computer Classes for beginners and advanced. Come and join regular activities: dancing, exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, carpet bowls and Tai Chi. 4358 8390

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. 2nd Mon 9.30am Norah Head Legacy Accure 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

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

Wrap with Love Knitting blankets for cold humanity. Knitted blankets warm the heart of those who give and those who receive. Donations of 8ply yarn gratefully received. Long Jetty: 4333 4353 Toukley 4399 3351

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

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

Mingaletta Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Corporation The Mingaletta community centre provides its members and other community groups a meeting place and referral 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.

P24 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

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

Northern 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

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

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

Health Groups Better Hearing Australia Central Coast Hearing loss management Support and educational

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

We meet at Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi. 4351 0450

10 Ourimbah Creek Rd Ourimbah 4362 2246

Service Groups

Bridge Club Bridge players can enjoy a game of social bridge on Tuesdays, 9.45am1pm The Greens The Entrance with or without a partner. Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606

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

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Volunteers wanted, challenging conditions, interupted meals, early starts, breathtaking tuggerah lakes views. Rewards: - Saving distressed boaters or maybe save a life 0488 442 051 uc.tuggerahlakes@ marinerescuensw.com.au

kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com

Special Interest

Politics 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

Brisbane Water Caravan Club

Warnervale Branch - NSW Labor Party To support and promote NSW Labor within the Warnervale area to give a voice to those who find it difficult to use their own. 3rd Tue 7pm monthly Hamlyn Terrace Community Centre 0419 128 497 warnervale.labor@gmail.com @g

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

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 830am-230pm Thurs evening 6-10pm

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 yo gd a ag oup@g a co

Sport KI-DO Mingara Judo Academy Junior boys and girls Mon and Wed Two classes 6 to 8.30pm from 7yrs $5 Lessons Kangy Angy Near Westfield 0413 237 010 www.kidomingarajudo.com.au do ga ajudo co au

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 Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

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 Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Australia Post is about to increase their postage rates by over 42% and we can no longer continue to absorb these increases. Subscription rates have therefore needed to be increased from $50 to $75 for 25 editions commencing from December 1, 2015.

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P25 W P25

Out&About

Spectacular fireworks display to end 2015 at The Entrance

N Modern Art will headline the entertainment this new year's eve at Memorial Park The Entrance

ew Year’s Eve celebrations at Memorial Park The Entrance this year will feature two local bands, with the aim of attracting families and encouraging locals to “bring the kids along”.

“This event is family friendly, alcohol free and full of festive spirit,” according to Donna Judge, The Entrance Town Centre Management events and promotions coordinator. The entertainment kicks off on the Sails Stage at 4:30pm with a performance by duo Pati and Josie. Pati and Josie will combine their many years of professional experience, with different styles and musical influences to entertain through till 8:00pm. ‘Modern History’, the headline band, will take

the raw flair of a live band, the production of a touring stage show, and the electricity of an incredible DJ, and smoosh it into something you never knew you wanted to hear and see so badly, according to their hyperbolic promotional material. From the sounds that have jammed dancefloors around the world for years, to beats heard and loved on the radio, ‘Modern History’ will take audiences on a journey for this year’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations. Special Guest DJ Ant

will show off his DJ skills before, during and after the performances by the band. Stalls and amusement rides will be set up in the park and there will be a spectacular fireworks display proudly sponsored by Mingara at 9:00pm. There will be a strong police presence to ensure that the alcohol free area is adhered to, and that it will be a safe place to bring the children. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Donna Judge, The Entrance Town Centre Management

Patsie and Josie will be performing at The Entrance Memorial Park on new year’s eve

The Wyong Diary

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

Friday, Dec 11 Camp Breakaway Christmas Carol Night, Highview Ave San Remo from 6:00pm

Saturday, Dec 12 Doylo Summerfest Carols, Doyalson RSL Club, 4:00pm to 9:00pm Ben Woodham, Bateau Bay Bowlo, 6:00pm

2:00pm to 3:00pm

Sunday, Dec 27

Saturday, Dec 19

Mirrabooka, Sails Stage, The Entrance, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Carols at St Luke’s Anglican Church, 21 Hammond Rd, Toukley, from 4:00pm

Sunday, Dec 20 Long Jetty Plant Out, Tuggerah Paradem Long Jetty, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Sunday, Dec 13

Monday, Dec 21

Sam Bannerman, Lakes Hotel, The Entrance, 2:00pm Jono Lee Jones, Morisset Country Club, 4pm Gwandalan Carols by the Lake, on the foreshore in front of Gwandalan Bowling Club, 5:00pm to 9:00pm Dutch Courage, Sails Stage, The Entrance, 11:00am to 3:00pm Baubles and Brass hosted by Central Coast Brass, Club Toukley RSL, 2:00pm

Murphys Puppets, The Pram Show, Tuggerah Library, 50 Wyong Rd Tuggerah for children aged from three to six, 10:30am to 11:15am

Friday, Dec 18 Christmas Lake Haven

Craft, library,

Thursday, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Memorial Park, The Entrance, 4:30pm to 9:15pm Lawrence Baker Duo, Bateau Bay Bowling Club, 7:30pm Brassick Duo, Canton beach Sports Club, 7:30pm

Saturday, Jan 9 Gwandalan Country Music Festival, Gwandalan Bowling Club, Gamban Rd, 11:00am to 4:00pm

Thursday, Dec 24 Carols by Candlelight, Memorial Park, The Entrance featuring Merry Minions Christmas Experience 6:00pm

Friday, Dec 25 The Samaritans Christmas Lunch, Wyong Race Course, from 11:00am

Saturday, Jan 16 The Hearing Bus, Bateau Bay Bowling Club, Bias Avenue, Bateau Bay

Monday, Jan 18 Android Petting Zoo, hands-on tutorial to learn the basics, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, 2:00pm

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.

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Classifieds Antennas

P26 P2 P 2 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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

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Phone: 4325 7369 - Fax: 4321 0940

Installations & Tuning New home specialist Credit cards OK HAYWARD VIDEO All areas Gosford 4323 6367 Woy Woy 4344 4414 Warnervale 1800 244 456 0412 685 555

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

December 12 Contra Dance with Pastrami on Ryebuck

E-mail: manager@centralcoastnews.net or download a form from

www.centralcoastnewspapers.com Ad a logo or photo only $6 +GST Ad full colour only $6 + GST

Entertainment

Gardening

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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

Admission $18 incl. supper Folk Fed Affiliates & Pensioners $15,

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

YOUR LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Same day service Guaranteed Lighting, Power Points, Phone & Data, Fault Finding,

No job too small. Seniors Discount. Lic number 265652C

Also household maintenance, landscaping and weed control, landclearing and all rubbish removed Fully Insured

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Kitchen

CWA Hall The Boulevarde Woy Woy www.troubadour.org.au

4342 6716

corporate – website – events a one stop solution for all your photographic needs

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Plumbing

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Music Club

s Eden Christie of Mackillop Catholic College, Warnervale, placed second in the 2015 Wild Fig Young Entrepreneur Support (YES) Awards on Tuesday, November 24.

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The event awards students for their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, with Ms Christie awarded for her creation of Snoozeport. Snoozeports are fully self-sufficient sleeping pods hired by the hour by weary travellers coming through Sydney International Airport or installed as pop-ups at major events such as concerts and festivals. As a result of Ms Christie placing second, Mackillop Catholic College, Warnervale, will be presented with a $300 cheque, donated by Forsythes Recruitment. Chairman of the YES Awards Committee, Mr Bruce Cottrill said: “This awards program is not intended as an academic

award. “It rewards creativity, communication and passion. “Each year we have seen a steady improvement in both quality of communication and passion for the business solution that students are trying to sell.” Mr Cottrill said. Wild Fig Service Alliance is a not for profit organisation consisting of members representing a broad range of established businesses on the Central Coast who are collectively focused on improving service standards within their own businesses and the local community. Media release, Nov 24, 2015 Phaedra Pym, A Way with Words

Tuition - Dance

Wanted

Gosford Scottish Country Dancers

Cash paid for good quality swords & knives. War & movie memorabilia also shop display units For large collections home visit available

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

4388 2253

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

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

CLASSIFIED advertisements start from only $30 + GST - 4325 7369

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P277 W

Out&About

‘Change the Story’ Storage King collect framework is a world first

gifts for children

torage King Berkeley Vale is running a toy drive for the children’s ward at Gosford Hospital.

Storage King is encouraging the public to make a donation of a new toy or other appropriate gift for children from newborns to 16 years of age. Donations can be left at the storage facility before December 14. “We ask that gifts be wrapped, and to make it easier for Santa to distribute them, donors should tag the gift as well showing what gender and age it’s for,” said the manager of Storage King Berkeley Vale, Mr Darryn

Roberts. “We’ll make a space available in our stores and get them all to Santa in time for him to make Christmas for the children in care a little bit brighter,” he said. Fundraising manager for Central Coast Local Health District, Ms Jan Richens, said: “We really appreciate Storage King’s efforts in helping out the children, both those in wards and those who might present at Emergency on the day.” “We’re always keen

to get involved in a good cause, especially when its local people helping local people. “Everyone on the Coast will know someone who’s needed Gosford Hospital at one time or another, and so we’re sure that everyone will be eager to get involved and show their support,” Mr Roberts said. Donations can be left at 2 Blade Cl, Berkeley Vale. Media release, Dec 2, 2015 Darryn Roberts, Storage King Berkeley Vale

Care for the Coast is a Noble Cause beneficiary iveTribe.com, an Australian online community, is donating $1,500 to a Central Coast charity organisation, Care for the Coast.

The donation is provided through LiveTribe’s initiative, Noble Causes, and it is going to be used to create Christmas hampers for disadvantaged families living on the Central Coast. The LiveTribe community team will be travelling to San Remo from Sydney on Monday, December 21, to meet with Care for the Coast volunteers and to present the hampers to the families. According to Care for the Coast founder, Ms Gina Atkinson the

donation couldn’t have come at a better time. “We are a grassroots organisation and while we can collect many second hand item donations, we always have a hard time raising funds to purchase necessities. “With this donation we can create amazing Christmas hampers for as many as 50 families.” The funds were raised by LiveTribe members donating their survey participation points and LiveTribe.com. A LiveTribe community member, nominated Care for the

Coast earlier this year when the Noble Causes initiative launched. LiveTribe Noble Causes focuses on hyper local initiatives that help LiveTribe members’ immediate communities around Australia. It allows LiveTribe. com members to actively participate in charitable activities by nominating and donating to personal causes. Care for the Coast is the first LiveTribe Noble Causes beneficiary. Media release, Dec 4, 2015 Natasha Boehm, LiveTribe

Ms Karen McNamara (centre) with Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AM and Dr Phil Lambert PSM, chair and deputy chair of Our Watch

s Karen McNamara, federal member for Dobell, said it was an honour to speak at the launch of ‘Change the Story’, a framework to address the causes of violence against women and their children.

Launched at Parliament House on November 10 and developed by ‘Our Watch’, in partnership with Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and VicHealth, ‘Change the Story’ is the first framework of its kind in the world. “While there is no single cause of violence against women and their children, current evidence shows it is more likely to occur where gender inequality is ingrained in society,” Ms McNamara said.

“To change the story that ends in violence, we must begin with gender equality and respect,” she said. “It is a sobering fact that one in three women over the age of 15 experiences physical violence and one in five experiences sexual assault in their lifetime in Australia. “Violence against women and their children is completely contrary to the values of modern Australia. “Under the national plan, governments are working with businesses and community

organisations to make Australia a safer place for women and their children. “No sector of the community is immune from this form of violence, so we need the commitment of all Australians to address its root causes in the months and years ahead. “Reducing violence against women and their children is a national priority and I want 2015 to be the turning point in our response,” she said. Media statement, Nov 11, 2015 Colby Crane, office of Karen McNamara

Christmas Carols at Toukley

hristmas Carols are being held at St Luke’s Anglican Church at Toukley on Saturday, December 19.

The event will include live music, community carol singing, a free sausage sizzle, market stalls, face painting and a visit from Santa, who will

arrive in a fire engine. There will also be a bumper Christmas raffle which will be drawn during the programme. Tea, Coffee, soft

drink and slices will be available and all are invited, with the event starting at 4pm. Email, Nov 30 Adel Firth-Mason, PR.

Out&About

P28 P2 228 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Photos Ian and Dianne English

Mardi Gras Carnivale back with a vengeance he 2015 Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras Carnivale was a resounding success according to president of Tuggerah Lakes Festival Inc, Ms Angelika Koop.

The 63rd celebration was attended by 20,000 people at The Entrance on Saturday, November 28, an indicator that this much-loved local event is “back and here to stay,” Ms Koop said. “The sheer number of people on the street enjoying the event was the best indicator of its

popularity and success,” she said. The traditional parade included over 50 floats from local organisations and three big bands. Activities in Memorial Park included continual performances by local artists, fitness and selfdefence demonstrations, stalls, buskers and

fireworks. The event was sponsored by the Wyong Regional Chronicle, Wyong Council, Sea FM, 2GO, NBN and The Entrance District Chamber of Commerce. Interview, Dec 9, 2015 Angelika Koop, Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras Carnivale

Christmas tree sellout utgoing Northlakes Toukley Rotary Club president, Ms Jenny Abourizk has advised that their Christmas tree sales fund raiser was a great success.

The Christmas tree sales on the weekend of December 5 and 6 at both Wyong and Bateau Bay sold out before 10:00am on both days. Club president, Ms Jenny Abourizk praised the work of past president Torin and the volunteers who leant a helping hand.

“I was amazed at the number of customers waiting before the trees arrived at 6:30am”, Jenny said. Coming into next year, the club will be holding a cabaret at Halekulani Bowling Club on Sunday, February 7. Next year Mr Steve

Edmunds will take the reigns as club president, being elected at the club’s annual general meeting held in the last week of November. Email, Dec 6, 2015 Jenny Abourizk, Rotary Club of Northlakes Toukley

Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P29 W P29

Sport

Mariners’ play to entertain style has opposite effect bad night at the office for Roy O’Donovan, an empty supporters’ bay and an on-song Melbourne City side all had a part to play in the Central Coast Mariners’ harrowing 1 to 5 loss at Central Coast Stadium on Thursday, December 3.

In fact, Melbourne City FC gave the 4,500 faithful Coast fans (those who didn’t join the Yellow Army match boycott at ‘the pub’) a memorable demonstration of what entertaining attacking football looks like. It was always going to be challenging to get Central Coast families to attend two home games that were only four days apart and most had elected to attend the afternoon game against the Western Sydney Wanderers on the preceding weekend. The other reason the stadium was eerily quiet was summed up by the ‘Gone to the pub’ banner at the front of the usual supporter’s bay. Even the brass band decided to join the ongoing protest by A-League supporter groups against the FFA’s banning policies by boycotting the match.

The Central Coast Mariners took to the field with a formation change and a brand new back line. For the first 20 minutes the fresh back line combination of Joshua Rose, Jake McGing, Jacob Poscoliero and Storm Roux looked like they might be able to put a lid on the home side’s habit of conceding early goals this season. The Mariners seemed willing to build attack from the back line and the opening 20 minutes saw some good team work between Anthony Caceres and Nick Fitzgerald. Mariners’ lone striker Roy O’Donovan missed two early chances which could have greatly changed the whole complexion of the match. Harry Ascroft also looked bright for the Mariners in the opening

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quarter, but received a warning after a foul on Ivan Franjic at the 10 minute mark. Novillo started to make his mark on the match from the 15th minute and the pressure was felt by the Mariners’ defenders and midfield. Goal keeper Paul Izzo was able to deflect a pretty brash shot from Novillo at the 16th minute. Shortly after, Anthony Caceres cleverly drew a foul, resulting in a yellow card for Jack Clisby, and took a free kick for the Mariners that ended up in Melbourne City’s possession. Mitchell Austin showed his attacking potential with an excellent length-of-field run, but his pace could not be topped off with any goalscoring prowess. Austin made another run at the 24th minute and his pass did connect with O’Donovan but the striker was unable to convert. Shortly after, Harry Novillo did an excellent job at the other end of the park giving Melbourne City a one-goal lead, his third goal in three games. The demeanor of all 11 Coast players noticeably dipped as soon as the visitors scored. Between the Novillo opener and half-time, the Mariners put together promising periods of play. Roy O’Donovan couldn’t complain about the service coming from midfield – it just was not his night. Harry Ascroft managed to stave off a cross from Mooy to Navillo just before half time, but a sloppy Poscoliero pass gave Bruno Fornaroli, with help from Paartalu

Navillo, the and opportunity to make sure the Mariners were in no doubt about which team was in control with the gap widening to 0 goals to 2. Shortly after half time, Nick Fitzgerald had a great run and a direct shot on goal that was the best of the game for the Mariners. Seconds later the Mariners were attacking again, but a cross from Austin could not connect to result in a goal. Mid-field tussles and glimpses of attack from the Mariners characterized the next 15 minutes of the match. Good work from Fitzgerald and Roux at the 52nd minute again failed to ignite O’Donovan and a quick counter-attack saw Izzo fumble and nearly take Melbourne to a three goal lead. A frustrated punt from Fitzgerald shortly after was an easy save for Melbourne’s keeper. At the 57th minute Novillo did score a third goal with a shot across the keeper. It was an individual effort that cut through several Mariners’ defenders to get there. With half an hour remaining, Austin, Caceres and Fitzgerald combined to attempt to save face for the home side, but their efforts were easily thwarted by a sound Melbourne defence. At this point, Walmsley’s coaching for the home side started to look questionable. His replacement of Josh Rose with Michael Neill had some home fans scratching their heads. Shortly after, Ascroft was replaced with the

fresh defender Tomislav Uskok to make his first A-League and Mariners appearance. Melbourne ramped up the pressure leading in to the 70-minute mark when O’Donovan was replaced by Joshua Bingham as the Mariner’s final substitution. Bingham looked like he might make a difference with a promising run, but Melbourne’s fourth goal came shortly after – a Mooy assist for a Stefan Mauk finish. Uzkok’s debut was somewhat marred when he accidentally and literally knocked out team mate Storm Roux, resulting in Roux being removed from the field with suspected concussion, reducing the Mariners to 10 men for the remaining 15 minutes. The home side defended bravely for that

15 minutes and Mitchell Austin gave the Mariners one goal with a stylish penalty shot into the right hand corner of the net. McGing, Fitzgerald, Rose and Austin kept trying their hardest, but the weight of the score was crushing and five minutes extra time seemed like extreme punishment. Emotions can be difficult to contain when a team is three goals down at home, and when a free kick to Melbourne City, taken by Mooy in the final minute of extra time, gave the visitors the goal that buried the game, the local supporters decided to be the first out of the car park. Melbourne City showed superior skill and style with a performance worthy of finals football. The Mariners players looked crushed as they shook hands with supporters who did stay the course. Now in eighth place with only five points, Tony Walmsley has an uphill battle to restore the faith of fans and players in his “play to entertain” mantra. Match transcript, Dec 3, 2015 Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City FC Jackie Pearson, journalist

Sport

P30 P P3 330 - Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015

Council proud of its Skate Place Strategy he Central Coast is fast becoming the home of skating as Wyong Council prioritises the expansion of skate facilities.

Council’s Skate Place Strategy details improving and expanding local skate facilities as well as building a regional facility with the potential to attract state

and national events to the Coast. Work is currently underway at Toukley to expand the current facility to cater for more riders and increase the

T ide Char T FORT DENISON

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

Time - Height(m) Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

0123 0.45 0201 0.45 0754 1.76 0832 1.81 FRI 1430 0.34 SAT 1509 0.30 2022 1.38 2104 1.38 0326 0.46 0412 0.49 0955 1.82 1039 1.79 MON 1633 0.28 TUE 1719 0.30 2234 1.37 2325 1.37 0018 1.37 0116 1.39 0600 0.56 0701 0.58 THU 1218 1.66 FRI 1316 1.58 1901 0.34 1957 0.37 0320 1.51 0420 1.61 0927 0.56 1040 0.50 SUN 1531 1.45 MON 1641 1.42 2151 0.38 2247 0.37 0611 1.80 0031 0.36 1247 0.32 0702 1.88 WED 1844 1.43 THU 1341 0.25 1937 1.43 0208 0.39 0254 0.42 0838 1.92 0922 1.89 SAT 1516 0.22 SUN 1600 0.25 2115 1.41 2201 1.39 0423 0.53 0507 0.59 1045 1.73 1124 1.62 TUE 1721 0.37 WED 1800 0.43 2329 1.34 0100 1.32 0150 1.33 0644 0.71 0742 0.74 FRI 1247 1.43 SAT 1339 1.34 1924 0.53 2011 0.56 0342 1.40 0436 1.47 1001 0.72 1106 0.66 MON 1547 1.24 TUE 1651 1.24 2156 0.58 2246 0.56 0609 1.63 0016 0.50 1248 0.49 0650 1.71 THU 1834 1.30 FRI 1330 0.40 1919 1.34 0141 0.43 0225 0.40 0814 1.86 0856 1.89 SUN 1450 0.26 MON 1531 0.22 2045 1.42 2130 1.45 0400 0.40 0452 0.43 1026 1.87 1113 1.79 WED 1659 0.22 THU 1745 0.26 2306 1.49 2358 1.50 0052 1.51 0152 1.52 0649 0.52 0758 0.56 SAT 1300 1.56 SUN 1402 1.44 1927 0.38 2024 0.43 0400 1.61 0501 1.68 1032 0.52 1143 0.45 TUE 1630 1.31 WED 1737 1.32 2226 0.48 2325 0.47

0242 0.45 0913 1.83 SUN 1550 0.28 2148 1.38 0503 0.52 1127 1.73 WED 1809 0.32

0217 1.44 0812 0.59 SAT 1422 1.50 2054 0.38 0517 1.71 1147 0.41 TUE 1745 1.42 2340 0.36 0120 0.37 0751 1.92 FRI 1430 0.22 2028 1.43 0339 0.47 1004 1.82 MON 1641 0.30 2245 1.36 0013 1.32 0553 0.65 THU 1204 1.52 1841 0.49 0245 1.36 0850 0.75 SUN 1441 1.27 2103 0.58 0524 1.55 1201 0.58 WED 1746 1.26 2332 0.54 0059 0.46 0731 1.79 SAT 1410 0.33 2002 1.38 0312 0.39 0940 1.90 TUE 1615 0.21 2217 1.48 0548 0.47 1203 1.68 FRI 1834 0.32

capacity of the site. Council’s recreation planning and development manager, Mr Michael Ross, said skating would have to be one of the fastest growing individual sports in Australia. “Skateboarding, BMX and scooter riding participation rates are definitely on the rise and you can see this if you go to any one of our 16 skate facilities around the Shire,” Mr Ross said. “That’s why we are spending $80,000 to double the size of the one at Toukley adding in more elements, such as wedges, to make it more skate-able for a range of riders. “Skating is more than just a hobby these days it’s now one of the most competitive sports with big dollars behind the competitions. Wyong mayor, Cr Doug Eaton OAM, said Council is delivering on what the community

Artist's impression of a flow bowl and skater

wants, to help lead an active lifestyle. “Our skate facilities are becoming more and more popular in the community with riders from all backgrounds,” Cr Eaton said. “It’s great to see how this free asset can bring so much joy to the community whether it’s being used as a place to get away and ride or practice their new tricks. “We want to help our

community grow with this interest and as part of our skate strategy we are expanding and improving our current facilities as well as building a regional one at Bateau Bay. “We are spending more than $2 million on the regional skate place at Bateau Bay. “This facility is in a prime location and will have the potential to attract national and possibly international

events to our region and this will bring more tourists and their spending dollars. “It’s a win-win for our local riders and the economy,” Cr Eaton said. Work will start on the regional skate facility at Bateau Bay in January 2016, and it is expected to be open in July 2016. Media release, Nov 30, 2015 Wyong Council media

Coach of the Year again

oach of the NSW Rugby League Cup side, Wyong, Mr Rip Taylor was awarded Coach of the Year at the Central Coast Sports Federation Awards 2015.

0255 1.56 0915 0.56 MON 1515 1.35 2125 0.47 0558 1.75 1242 0.38 THU 1836 1.35

6 9

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

In his 36 years of coaching, Mr Taylor has taken his teams

to 30 finals series, 23 grand finals and won 12 premierships.

This is the second consecutive year he has been awarded Coach of

the Year after receiving the same award at the NSWRL awards. Media release, 25 Nov 2015 Kevin Dewar, Central Coast Sports Federation

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Wyong Regional Chronicle - December 11, 2015 - P31 W P31

Government commits $10 million to regional sports complex

yong Council has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of $10 million from the National Stronger Regions Fund towards the $24 million cost of stage one of the Tuggerah Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex.

The site of the proposed complex is located on 18 hectares at Lakes Rd, Tuggerah, close to the northern rail line and M1 motorway. “Council has been lobbying the Federal Government for funding towards the cost of this facility for some time and it’s absolutely great to have their commitment to stage one,” said Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton OAM. “Council has committed to funding $14 million towards stage one as well as the recurrent operations maintenance and renewal cost over 20 years, further supporting its strong commitment to investing in our community, providing essential community

services and job creation,” “It is estimated the total project will create 70 new full time positions during construction and 28 new full time positions in the region after five years of operation,” Mr Eaton said. “This announcement is certainly an early Christmas present for the region and bodes well for establishing the Central Coast as the place to hold future major sporting events in NSW,” Federal Member for Dobell, Karen McNamara MP commented on the strong sporting community we have on the Central Coast. “The creation of a cohesive sports community that embodies social connectivity will

build upon this fantastic sporting culture currently alive and well in Dobell,” Ms McNamara said. Stage One, which will cost an estimated $24 million, will consist of nine playing fields, including a premier field and cricket pitches, public amenities including change rooms, canteen, public toilets and store rooms as well as public car and bus parking. Stage two, which will consist of an indoor facility with a 3,000 seat grandstand, sports halls, amenities and offices, as well as a shared pathway, is estimated to cost another $30 million.

Sport

Fairy tale story for Daniel Lloyd’s AFL rookie draft he Black Diamond AFL’s profile received a major boost when Killarney Vale’s Daniel Lloyd and former Warners Bay player, Paul Hunter were drafted by AFL clubs during the Rookie Draft on November 27.

Lloyd was taken by Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Draft with pick number 26, whilst Hunter was selected by Adelaide Crows with pick number 13. Lloyd and Hunter took different routes to achieve their dream of being picked to play in the AFL. Lloyd played locally with Killarney Vale but Hunter moved to Brisbane as an 18-year-old in 2012 to play in the North Eastern AFL (NEAFL) state league competition for Redlands. The Killarney Vale player had a distinguished junior career which included regular appearances in NSW junior sides that saw him obtain an AFL Scholarship with the Western Bulldogs as a 16-year-old, but when the club opted to pass on the opportunity to draft him, Lloyd believed his AFL dream was over. Lloyd returned to the Black Diamond AFL to play for his beloved Bombers and continued to be considered one of the best players in the league. Despite this status, he has never played a representative game for the BDAFL, although he did play as a top up player for the Sydney Swans Reserves in a NEAFL match in Newcastle in 2013.

After hi his 2014 season Aft was cruelled by a broken ankle, Lloyd had a brilliant 2015 season which saw him win the club’s best and fairest award and raise the attention of team mate and former Essendon AFL captain, and now GWS assistant coach, Mark McVeigh. The club sent representatives to watch Lloyd play in Killarney Vale’s semi-final clash with Warners Bay, and they would have left that match in raptures as Lloyd dominated the match, kicking nine goals. Having been invited to train with the Giants over pre-season, the 186cm, 89 kg powerful mid-sized forward has made the most of the opportunity and the club drafted him with the 26th pick in the Rookie Draft. Lloyd said he’s still coming to terms with what has happened over recent weeks. “I’m very excited to have a home here at the Giants now and I’m looking forward to the

Media release, Dec 7, 2015 Lesley Chart, Wyong Shire Council

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

year ahead,” he said. “As a 23-year old, you don’t really think another opportunity will come up, so I’m so glad this has come to me and I’m very happy. “This is a life-changing moment and it’s a great opportunity for my family and I.” Black Diamond AFL football operations manager, Mr Garry Burkinshaw was thrilled following the announcement. “It is a fantastic result and great recognition for Daniel and Paul. “It is also a great result for the region as it goes to show that no matter where you play, or what age you are, if you are good enough you will get noticed. “For years we have seen a number of young players leave the region, more often to their detriment, in an attempt to get noticed by AFL clubs. “Daniel in particular has not played football anywhere except for Killarney Vale in the Black Diamond AFL for the past five years. “We wish both Daniel and Paul all the best and look forward to following them on their AFL journey,” Mr Burkinshaw said. Media release, Nov 27, 2015 Gary Burkinshaw, Black Diamond AFL

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