Issue 108 of Wyong Regional Chronicle by Central Coast Newspapers

CHRONICLE WYONG REGIONAL

Issue 108

January 17, 2017

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Council has done nothing to generate employment - Mehan The proposed development looking down Beach Pde

Application lodged for iconic development at Canton Beach $22.5 million application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for the construction of a five-storey shop top h o u s i n g development on the corner of Beach Pde and Crossingham St, Canton Beach.

Until recently the land, located at 5 to 7 and 8 Beach Pde, has been used as a caravan park, but is currently vacant, according to the Central Coast Council’s Wyong DA tracker. According to a Statement of Environmental Effects

(SEE) submitted in support of the DA: “The proposal … includes a contemporary building that comprises one basement level containing 68 car parking spaces (49 residential, 10 commercial and 8 visitor with five accessible, to be confirmed), four commercial units at ground level and 36 units on the upper levels.” According to the SEE, the development will include 24 two bedroom units and 12 threebedroom units, including four adaptable units. “Council has identified the subject site as part of a key site … prescribed for significant uplift in height and floor space

ratio,” according to the SEE. “This is reflected in the development standards applied to the site by the Wyong Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) 2013… intended to stimulate the redevelopment of the Canton Beach foreshore as a tourist precinct, to provide active street-frontage uses and to supply additional residential accommodation. The provisions of the WLEP also required the preparation of a Development Control Plan (DCP) for any redevelopment of the site. However, in this

instance, a DCP has not been prepared because the applicant’s proposal “does not rely on the key sites’ provisions and instead is predicated on the development standards that would otherwise apply under the WLEP. “As Council has identified the subject site as a key site, its redevelopment for higher scale development is not only appropriate, but is anticipated by Council and residents. “The key sites’ controls seek design excellence, encourage amalgamation, Continued P5

he new Central Coast Council must develop the Wyong Employment Zone (WEZ) at Warnervale if it is serious about i n c r e a s i n g employment on the Coast, according to the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan.

Mr Mehan made his statements about the WEZ in response to questions about the poor recent performance of the tourism industry on the Central Coast. “The tourism industry is over-rated as a local employer,” Mr Mehan said. “The biggest employer on the Central Coast is retail, followed by health, and then community services,” he said. “We should make sure all employment opportunities are fully promoted and I think Council is doing the right thing with its current review of how it spends to promote the region,

but we haven’t had a big employer move to the Coast since Woolworths opened its distribution centre at Warnervale in 2009-10. “The major problem is that Council has not gone ahead with the Wyong Employment Zone in the manner in which it should have. “The former Wyong Council held it back in favour of its own pet projects, such as the idea we were going to get a new university there, and it seems that everything the former Wyong Council wanted to do in that northern area is still being supported by the Central Coast Council,” Mr Mehan said. Mr Mehan said he believed, in terms of the WEZ and the generation of local employment opportunities, the new Central Coast Regional Plan “throws it all back on Council” to get anything done. “But Council has done nothing to generate employment.

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

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Page 2 January 17, 2017

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o celebrate the announcement of its very first full year program, The Art House at Wyong, in conjunction with the Wyong Regional Chronicle, has a family pass to give away to see Diary of a Wombat on Saturday, April 1.

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Diary of a Wombat is just one of the children’s events The Art House Wyong has planned for 2017. The art House’s 2017 children’s shows are all based around books, with some of Australia’s most popular children’s stories onstage. The Australian classic Diary of a

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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.

Wyong Regional Chronicle covers: Alison, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Blue Bay, Blue Haven, Budgewoi, Budgewoi Peninsula, Buff Point, Bushells Ridge, Canton Beach, Cedar Brush Creek, Chain Valley Bay, Charmhaven, Chittaway Bay, Chittaway Point, Colongra, Crangan Bay, Dooralong, Doyalson, Doyalson North, Durren Durren, Fountaindale, Frazer

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and mail it to Wyong Regional Chronicle Art House 2017 Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford, NSW, 2250 by 5:00pm on Friday, January 27. The winners of the Wyong Regional Chronicle Fluff competition were Clare Gudaitis of Chittaway Point and Jasmine Eggleton of Jilliby.

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Issue 106

Auditor General asked to look into inexplicable selection of Kangy Angy land

he NSW A u d i t o r General, Ms Margaret Crawford, has been called on to investigate dealings surrounding the selection of land in Kangy Angy for the location of the Intercity Fleet Train Maintenance Facility.

State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, said he had written to the NSW Auditor-General requesting that the state’s chief auditor looks into the dealings surrounding the Kangy Angy site selection process. The proposed site in Kangy Angy did not originally appear on the list of 24 sites considered by NSW Government, and was only selected after being floated as an alternative by the former Wyong Council, who did not wish to approve the sale of the land at the preferred site in Warnervale. Former councillors, residents and community leaders have all questioned the legitimacy of the Kangy Angy decision citing concerns about inaccessible flood prone land, cost blow outs and environmental impacts. The multi-criteria used to assess the original 24 sites contained key factors surrounding enabling works including impact on earthworks, and diversion of utilities, that was left out of the final assessment given to

While basic questions go unanswered, the Brisbane train maintenance facility (pictured) is similar to that proposed for Kangy Angy

Kangy Angy. “The Kangy Angy site would never have passed the government’s original criteria,” Mr Mehan said. “Moving the goal posts to fulﬁl the wishes of a council that no longer exists is unacceptable. “New designs now include a heavy duty overpass bridge, that could cost upwards of $50 million, to access land that is completely unsuitable for the site,” he said. Mr Mehan said there had been a complete lack of transparency from the NSW Government around the maintenance facility. “I’ve written to the Auditor-General to investigate the processes and costings surrounding this project to shed some

light on the Government’s dealings in this area,” he said. In his letter to Ms Crawford, Mr Mehan said: “I am concerned that the process used to select the preferred site for the facility, Kangy Angy, has been a poor process which will result in extra cost to the public and the environment. “Better sites are located nearby. “It is of particular concern that the site selected should be an inaccessible, ﬂood prone, and E2 and E3 zoned (Environmental Conservation and Management) piece of land, over accessible land zoned industrial. “Transport type projects are not permissible under the

current zoning. “The selection process was improperly impacted with threats by Council’s then General Manager to use ‘political level’ inﬂuence to oppose the site originally chosen by TfNSW,” Mr Mehan said, quoting from an article published in the Newcastle Herald prior to the Wyong Council resolution to sell its Kangy Angy land to TfNSW. “The multi-criteria used to assess Kangy Angy against Warnervale [TfNSW’s original preferred site] is not the same as the criteria used to assess the other sites,” Mr Mehan’s letter said. “Eight criteria are used to assess the other sites while only seven were used to assess Kangy

the additional footings required on such filled ground for buildings, heavy engineering facilities and overhead wiring structures; and the huge overbridge structure (capable of heavy vehicle access) that will be required to access the site from Enterprise Dve over the Main North railway lines. “It would not be inconceivable that these site-specific costs may exceed $30 to 40 million above the costs of building a similar facility on alternative land. “The additional costs and readiness to construct a bridge to access the maintenance site are particularly galling for local people given the two nearby railway crossings at Ourimbah are a narrow bridge which requires an upgrade and an underpass which regularly floods,” Mr Mehan’s letter said. According to the office of the NSW Auditor General, Mr Mehan’s request has been acknowledged and he will receive a more detailed response within a couple of weeks. That response will indicate whether or not the matter will progress to an audit.

Angy. “The criteria not used, enabling works, included impact on culverts, earthworks and diversion of utilities. “Since Kangy Angy will require major earthworks to bridge the railway line and raise the facility above the floodplain; impact existing culverts; and, require diversion of power lines; I suggest its inclusion would have resulted in Warnervale being found the better of Media release, the two. Nov 30, 2016 “In addition to the Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan above, construction on Letter, the Kangy Angy site Nov 29, 2016 will prove extremely David Mehan, NSW Member expensive because for The Entrance of: the quantity of Phone interview, Dec 5, 2016 imported fill required Barry Underwood, office of and its consolidation;

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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NSW Auditor General

The proposed redevelopment of the Patonga Hotel has been refused by the Central Coast Council. Council chief Mr Rob Noble has written to the proponent’s architects, CKDS Architecture, informing them that the DA for alterations and additions to the existing hotel and takeaway shop at 8 to 10 Patonga Dve has been refused. In his letter, Mr Noble listed seven reasons for Council’s refusal. “The proposal provides inadequate car parking for the proposed development and is not in accordance with the provisions of Gosford Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013,” Mr Noble said in his letter. “The proposal has provided insufficient information on the parking penetration of the proposed use or in relation to available car parking in the area,” the letter said. “The proposal would result in unacceptable parking and traffic impacts on surrounding residential areas, particularly during peak times,” he said. “The proposal would adversely impact on the amenity of the area through increased traffic generation and car parking congestions. “The proposal exceeds the allowed Floor Space Ratio for the land under Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014 and for which inadequate car parking is provided and in these circumstances a clause 4.6 variation to the provision would not be supported. “The scale and intensity of the proposed restaurant and wedding reception is, and associated impacts, is inconsistent with the character of the area and the objectives of the B1 Neighbourhood Centre Zone.” Finally, Mr Noble said: “Approval would not be in the public interest.” The applicant now has six months to ask for a review of the decision and/or appeal to the Land and Environment Court. Mr Ross Trembath, chairman of the Patonga Community Working Group which had campaigned

The Patonga Hotel

against the proposal, said: “The way in which Council addressed the difficult task of weighing up the merit of the proposal within the fragile Patonga environment will not be lost on the people who would be most affected by it.” A report written by Council’s Department of Environment and Planning to assess the application said it had proposed adding a restaurant and wedding reception facility on the first floor of the existing café building without providing any car parking, relying instead on on-street car parking in the vicinity of the Hotel. The report said the application had been the subject of a large number of objections from the local community, with 83 submissions and a petition with 89 signatures. “The key issues raised in submissions were the increased intensity of the use, impacts on local character, non-compliance with planning controls, noise and amenity impacts on adjoining properties, inadequate car parking, traffic generation, pedestrian safety and the permissibility of wedding receptions,” the report said. According to the report, the Parking Report submitted in support of the application relied

on parking surveys carried out over two days in August 2002 and observations made on October 25 last year. “Since the application was lodged the applicant has made several changes to the proposal to reduce impacts,” the report said. “These changes will reduce some of the intensity of the proposal, however on balance, the lack of car parking for the proposal, and lack of supporting information to determine parking impacts relevant to the proposed development means that Council is unable to satisfy itself that the proposal will not have an adverse impact on car parking in the Patonga area, including on surrounding residential streets. “Additionally, the intensity of the expansion has potential to adversely impact on the amenity and character of the local area. “Based on these concerns the application is recommended for refusal,” the report concluded. There have been a number of previous approvals applying to both buildings on the site. The hotel building (including two residential dwellings) was approved in March 2000 (DA22677) and there have been several modiﬁcations and

alterations since then. In September 2003, Gosford Council approved a modification (Part 2) to relocate the ground floor dwelling to the first floor and convert that area for dining use. This modification was supported with an offer of $20,000 from the applicant in lieu of a shortfall of six parking spaces arising from the proposal. In March 2010, Council consented to a modification (Part 9) to the hotel for the removal of five on-site car parking spaces and a loading area, and the conversion of this area to beer garden seating. “Council’s assessment at the time noted that the proposal resulted in a shortfall of 18 car spaces being for the five spaces lost and a further 13 spaces for the additional beer garden/ dining area. “The applicant did not agree with the extent of the shortfall, based on decreased demand from patrons travelling by boat, ferry or on foot, and based on the parking report submitted at the time. “Following consideration by Council and a number of section 82A reviews the Council agreed with an offer from the applicant for a Voluntary Planning Agreement for $75,000 to be applied to car

parking or foreshore works in and between the town centre area and the Dark Corner boat ramp, in lieu of the five lost car parking spaces,” the staff report said. The refused development application, lodged in December 2015, proposed to replace the hotel kitchen area with storage, cool rooms and cafe area; extend the ground floor hotel area approximately 2.5m to the east and in part 2.6m to the south, for reconfigured dining area and relocated toilets; provide a covered area of approximately 94 square metres over existing outdoor hotel dining areas on part of the front elevation; provide a small stage inside the hotel; extend the first floor verandah on the hotel on the front elevation; extend the first floor of the hotel by 6.5m to the east to accommodate new toilets to serve the proposed restaurant/ wedding reception area; demolish most of the seafood cafe building and first floor residence, and provide a new two- storey building with an expanded kitchen/ storage area at the rear and expanded internal seating area at the front on the ground level, the report said. “Council’s assessment has identified a number of concerns with the proposal, which primarily relate to the proposed use of the first floor of the takeway cafe building as a restaurant and for wedding receptions, the lack of car parking as required under GDCP 2013 and the impacts of the use on the character and amenity of the local area. “While the alterations and additions to the hotel and ground level takeaway store will have a lesser impact, overall the scale of the proposal is out of keeping with the desired future character of the area and the objectives of the B1 Local Neighbourhood zone. “Accordingly, the application is recommended for refusal pursuant to Section 80 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.” Letter, 28 Nov 2016 Rob Noble, Central Coast Council Statement, 29 Nov 2016 Ross Trembath, Patonga Community Working Group Assessment report, 24 Nov 2016 Scott Cox, Central Coast Council

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December 15, 2016

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dvertising, media and p r o p e r t y entrepreneur, Mr John Singleton, has decided to kick-start the rebirth of the Gosford CBD with the development of the Bonython Tower at 155 to 163 Mann St, Gosford. Bonython Property and Investments, the development arm of the John Singleton Group, is currently waiting for the Central Coast Council to approve a Section 96 application to amend the DA that was approved 12 months ago. Another developer owned the majority of the site (except for a small property at 163 Mann St), located in the same CBD block as the Imperial Centre, but it was acquired by Mr Singleton with the development consent. The original consent was for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a groundﬂoor tavern with 75 units of shop-top housing. The current Section 96 reduces the number of units and increases the number of parking spaces to 62. The ground ﬂoor tavern is replaced with commercial space and the property at 163 Mann St (subsequently acquired by Singleton) is included. According to the company’s website, Bonython Tower will be a “premium mix of luxury residential and commercial suites… offering spacious one and two bedroom apartments with sensational views and the convenience of the vibrant Gosford City at your door.” The building will also include three levels of

An artist's impression of Bonython Tower, to be built in Mann St

commercial space, the third incorporating an outdoor terrace. The recently-appointed Executive Chairman of Bonython Property and Investments is Mr Paul Anderson, former Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Gosford

Council. The redesign of the project has been completed by East Gosford-based architect, Mr Cain King, from CKD Architecture. “We have been working closely with Mr Scott Cox [Central Coast Council’s

Group Leader Environment and Planning] and his team to ﬁnalise the matter [of the Section 96 application] as soon as possible,” Mr Anderson said. “The redesign was to create a beautiful building in the centre of the Gosford

CBD,” he said. “The design brief was to create a building that would stand the test of timelessness and illustrate the absolute beauty of the surrounds in which it is situated and the benefits of Gosford as a place to live, work and play. “Given its location, the building has to reflect modern but quality materials in its finishes and fittings and will be attractive to investors and home occupiers as it provides unsurpassed views of Brisbane Water. “It has close immediate access to the railway station and other transport nodes along with the benefits of CBD living with supermarkets and specialty stores at its doorstep,” he said. The new design incorporates a groundfloor restaurant café “within the building that will be as good as you experience in Melbourne or Sydney,” according to Mr Anderson. “The ground floor café/ restaurant will be to cater for the extra people living in the site both during the day but also in the evenings. “We are expecting a top class restaurant operator who will cater for commercial operations as well as restaurant trading.” Marketing and Sales for the development has been taken on by Mr Stephen Gittoes of Gittoes Real Estate in East Gosford. Expressions of interest have been invited over Christmas with the official marketing to commence early in the New Year. In terms of who Bonython Property and Investments sees as the target market for the apartments, Mr Anderson said: “We welcome aboard anyone who has a passion to live in ultimate luxury in the heart

of the Gosford CBD.” The detail of the Construction Certificate and building contracts are currently being completed, so pricing for residences in the new building is not yet finalised. “We anticipate demolishing the current buildings midway through 2017 and construction will commence immediately following that. “We should see a crane on site by the end of the 2016-17 financial year.” The building will take 19 months to construct, so completion is anticipated by late 2018 or early 2019. Mr Singleton has had a connection to the Central Coast stretching back over 60 years when he spent family holidays at Killcare as a boy. Mr Singleton is said to have “an absolute unsurpassed passion for the Coast and everything it has to offer from beach front living, coastal lifestyle, and hinterland and rural opportunities, and all of this within an easy hour and half from the Sydney CBD. Ultimately, after endeavouring to encourage the likes of Lend Lease, Meriton and many other large developers to take the place seriously, Mr Singleton has decided to “do it himself”. Mr Anderson said Bonython Tower would be the first of many Bonython Property and Investment developments to be undertaken on the Coast “to give back to the community good quality design and facilities that it so badly needs and deserves”. Email, Dec 12, 2016 Paul Anderson, Bonython Property and Investments Jackie Pearson, journalist

THIS ISSUE contains 59 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

9 January 2017

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

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December 20, 2016

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he former W y o n g Council has been reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) by the NSW Auditor General, Ms Margaret Crawford, for an investigation into possible corruption by the Council in pushing a site at Kangy Angy over Warnervale as the location for Transport for NSW’s new intercity rail maintenance facility.

The Office of the NSW Auditor General responded to a request from the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan, by reporting the matter to ICAC and undertaking to “look more closely at the site selection process”. That process resulted in the newly-formed Central Coast Council selling flood-prone land to Transport for NSW to build the new inter-city rail maintenance facility. The Kangy Angy site was not originally considered by Transport for NSW until it was suggested by the former Wyong Council who did not want the facility built on land it had earmarked for other purposes at Warnevale. “Any significant issues identified will be included in one of my annual reports to Parliament

The Ourimbah rally and, inset, from left: Ms Michelle Nicholson and Ms Susan Zgraja

on transport, usually released in November or December each year,” Ms Crawford said. Mr Mehan said: “I welcome the Auditor General’s review into the selection process for the site of the facility and reporting any corrupt behaviour to ICAC. “I will be writing to the Secretary of Transport for NSW to ask for a review of the site selected,” Mr Mehan said. “I will continue to ﬁght for a sensible outcome to this matter which delivers the jobs the Coast needs on land better suited for the development,” he said. Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy, Mr Josh Frydenberg, ruled out the need for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to assess the

impact of the proposed (ORRA), attended by Trump, then they must facility on the Kangy around 150 concerned begin to sincerely listen and acquiesce to local Angy habitat of the locals on December 11. If local, state and demands,” Ms Zgraja nationally-threatened Regent Honeyeater and federal politicians wish said. “Groups like ours have to avoid “a Brexit or a Swift Parrot. The residents of Kangy Trump”, they need to had enough of political Angy have continued start listening to groups speak, weasel words and their campaign against like the Kangy Angy being patronised,” she the rail maintenance Residents’ Action Group said. “We live in a system where Councillors, “We live in a system where Councillors, planners and pollies automatically assume planners and pollies automatically status of expert, and assume the status of expert, and follow the the follow the principle that principle that we, the little people, don’t we, the little people, understand the complexities of issues.” don’t understand the complexities of issues. “I doubt if there is one facility since the Wyong (KARAG), according Ms action group that hasn’t Council announced its Susan Zgraja who spoke been told the decision intention to sell its Kangy on behalf of KARAG and made is for the greater Angy land to the NSW received cheers from the good. crowd at the rally. Government. “We the little “If Council, State people recognise an They were recently involved in a rally and, indeed, Australia’s inappropriately sized and organised by the Prime Minister, Mr positioned development Ourimbah Region Malcolm Turnbull, wish when we see it. Residents’ Association to avoid a Brexit or a “We are not against

development and socalled progress. “We are against decisions made through vested interest, ignoring costs to habitat, bad economic outcomes and the destruction of our quality of life. “There is always, always, an acceptable alternative. “Our problem is to have these alternatives accepted. “Why should Kangy Angy accept the desecration of a protected ﬂood plain, presenting many engineering problems making the project, not only an impending catastrophe, but hugely expensive, when there is a viable alternative sitting ready to go, with nothing like any of the problems exhibited at Kangy? “Why is it always so difﬁcult for sense to prevail? “When presented with arguments against these proposals, why is it not within the bounds of moral governance to accept that an error of judgement has been made, an acknowledgement that we the little people want alternative solutions and can often provide them. “It is precisely these scenarios that fuel Brexit and Trump responses. “You ignore us, fob us off and cheat us at your peril,” Ms Zgraja 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

Continued page 4

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Mariners seek to transform stadium T into a world-class entertainment hub

Issue 107

The Gosford Waterfront Alliance (GWA) sought a Judicial Review in the LEC based on arguments relating to a jurisdictional error in the application of a clause in the Gosford Local Environmental Plan (LEP) concerning car parking, according to the LEC judgement. The Alliance argued that

Aerial view of the Australian Metal Reﬁnery site Photos: Statement of Environmental Effects, Cardno

Internal yard area and ofﬁce at the metal depot

Application for metal depot at old abattoir site

A development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council seeking consent for the establishment of use of the old Woy Woy abattoir site at 170 Woy Woy Rd as a metal depot.

Local graphic designer Ms Katherine Close with Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds in front of the new mural.

History mural installed at Woy Woy Oval A new 36-metre mural, which has taken more than eight months to produce and over six weeks to construct has been installed at Woy Woy Oval. The three metre high structure is made up of 24 colour printed steel panels that feature a pelican symbol surrounded by approximately 100 original photographs of the Peninsula’s sport culture over the past 65 years. The images, which were collected over six months through interviews with local sport

personalities, as well as through sporting organisations, Woy Woy Library, and from the general public. Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said the decision to install the mural in Woy Woy was an important one and further enhanced the area. “Following Council’s recent investment into the $8.25 million redevelopment of Woy Woy Oval, it made sense to utilise this fantastic sporting arena and share the mural with the community,” Mr Reynolds said.

In February, more than 1200 primary school children from Woy Woy and Umina Beach Public Schools and St John the Baptist Catholic School came together on Woy Woy Oval to create the pelican symbol. American artist Daniel Dancer sketched the pelican on the grass, outlining where the children had to pose, and photographed the image from a 25 metre high cherry picker. Local graphic designer, Katherine Close, was commissioned to create the ﬁnal artwork.

Council leisure and lifestyle manager Mr Phil Cantillon said the new installation was dedicated to the community. “The aim of this artwork was to stand as an overarching symbol of unity, the pelican, and history of the 100 pictures of local sport. “The sporting community is a strong and vital part of the Peninsula community. “We wanted the installation to encapsulate the regular gathering of sporting teams and the community that occur throughout the year.

“The pelican was chosen to symbolise unity as they fly, feed and converge in groups all over the Coast’s foreshores, in the same way that our community unites in sporting arenas, like Woy Woy Oval, to watch or participate in a variety of sporting activities,” Mr Cantillon said. The installation will be fixed at Woy Woy Oval for at least five years. Media release, 14 Dec 2016 Ian Reynolds, Central Coast Council

THIS ISSUE contains 44 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

The metal depot has been operating on the site without Council approval for 30 months, according to documents lodged with Central Coast Council. Council had called on the land owner to take immediate steps to remedy the unlawful use of the premises and to remedy environmental issues raised. The application for the establishment of use was lodged on Wednesday, January 4, by Cardno NSW-ACT Pty Ltd on behalf of Peninsula Industrial Park Pty Ltd. If successful, the application will remedy the business’ unlawful use of the land. The environmental breaches were being addressed by the tenant under separate cover, according to the statement. According to a Statement of Environmental Effects, the site is located within the Peninsula Industrial Park, on the western outskirts of Woy Woy, adjacent to the main northern railway line and was previously known as the Woy Woy Abattoir which closed in 2004. “The site is now known as the Peninsula Industrial Park, which… occupies a space of approximately 12.5 hectare with a perimeter boundary of approximately

1.56km…enclosed by bushland to the north and west, a railway line to the south and Woy Woy Rd to the east…currently consists of industrial uses, cleared land and three dams. “Woy Woy Creek traverses the site.” A letter from Council to the landowner dated November 3 stated that an inspection had resulted in Council forming the view that, in addition to operating without approval, the business was not operating in an environmentallysatisfactory manner. “Batteries were not stored with adequate secondary containment to prevent ﬂuids from entering the environment should a leak, spill or escape occur. “Various leaks, spills and escapes of oil were located on the ground throughout the premises.” There was found to be “inadequate fencing to prevent waste from leaving the premises in the event of windy conditions”. “No protection exists on the stormwater inlet in close proximity to the premises. “A portion of the premises was dirt and not hardstand allowing for air pollution and water pollution risks. “Parts such as motors and radiators were stored without adequate bunding. “Unconsolidated waste material was littered throughout the premises on the ground.” The letter from Council to the land owner said: “A search of Council records has failed to

identify the required development application to change the use of the premises.” The land is zoned IN1 General Industrial under the Gosford Local Environmental Plan 2014. The area subject to the application is known as Australian Metal Refinery and is near the entrance to the industrial park. The business is fenced on all sides with a lockable gate and occupies 1530 square metres of land. The area contains an office, three parking spaces, truck loading, machinery, ferrous metal piles and bins containing nonferrous metals. Another 10 parking spaces are located within the industrial park for use by Australian Metal Refinery, according to a Statement of Environmental Effects. According to the statement, no refining takes place at the site, which has operated from 7:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 7:30am to 11:30am on Saturdays for the past 30 months. The business proposes to store 600 tonnes per annum of nonferrous metals and 1200 tonnes per annum of ferrous metals for recycling as well as 15 tonnes of batteries for reuse and another five tonnes of batteries for recycling. The business employs four fulltime staff and two part-time. Ferrous metals are stacked in a pile at the site and collected by a third-party truck while non-ferrous metals are stored in bins and bought by a metal works.

The Statement of Environmental Effects concluded that: “The proposed development is local development under the terms of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (as amended) and has been assessed against the requirements of Section 79(c)(1) of the Act, Gosford LEP 2014, and Council’s Development Control Plan 2013. “The metal depot is permissible with consent within the IN1 General Industrial zone.

“In this regard, it is considered that the proposal satisﬁes the aims and objectives as well as the prescriptive requirements of the above controls. “The metal depot has been in operation at this site for 30 months and is situated within an industrial park. “Therefore, it is in keeping with surrounding uses. “Accordingly, Council’s favourable consideration for the ‘Establishment of Use’ is requested.” Website, 4 Jan 2017 Central Coast Council DA tracker, DA00051323/2017

Planning breaches are investigated, says council chief Allegations of businesses operating without approval are investigated when they are reported to Council, according to Central Coast Council chief Mr Rob Noble. He was responding to questions about how a metal depot had allegedly been able to operate for 30 months at the old Woy Woy abattoir site without approval.

Mr Noble said it was “not appropriate” for the Council to comment further on the metal depot’s operation “at this time”. “The business in question has now lodged a DA with Council and all matters relating to its operation will be considered in the assessment process.” Media statements, 5 Jan 2017 Rob Noble, Central Coast Council

THIS ISSUE contains 30 articles - Read more news items for this issue at www.peninsulanews.info Ofﬁce: 120c Erina Street, Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Website: www.centralcoastnews.net

the Joint Regional Planning Panel, when approving the ATO development, had failed to consider design excellence in relation to car parking. The case also argued that the JRPP had failed to provide its reasons for approving the development. The GWA wanted the Court to declare that

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Issue 149

ATO building clears ﬁnal hurdle

he NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC), on Friday, December 16, dismissed an appeal by the Gosford Waterfront Alliance against the approval of an ATO building on the Gosford Waterfront.

Council’s Kangy Angy land deal reported to ICAC T

January 12, 2017

23 December 2016

Issue 148

Bonython Tower looks like being ﬁrst cab off the rank

E FRE

12 December 2016

Council refuses Patonga Hotel proposal

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Edition 408

December 6, 2016

Issue 108

January 17, 2017

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the determination of the JRPP on June 30, 2016, to approve the mixed use commercial and retail premises at 99 Georgiana Tce, Gosford, invalid, but in her judgement, Justice Nicola Pain, found against the GWA on all grounds.

Council has done nothing to generate employment - Mehan

Continued page 10

$53 million Creighton’s development approved The proposed development looking down Beach Pde

he $53 million Rola Property Group’s mixed-use development at 27 to 37 Mann St and 125 Georgiana Tce, Gosford, which included the heritage-listed Creighton’s Funeral Parlour, was approved by the Joint Regional Planning Panel on December 15, 2016.

T An artist's impression of the Central Coast Mariners' vision for Central Coast Stadium

s Coach Paul Okon works hard to lift the Central Coast Mariners towards their former League-winning status on the ﬁeld, the local national A-League franchise has called on the Central Coast Council to lift its game and turn Central Coast Stadium into a best-practice venue. The Central Coast Mariners are arguably the region’s only premier sporting side and have stuck with the Coast when other sporting codes have turned their backs on the region. The local club was a foundation franchise in the national A-League football competition and one of only two regional clubs remaining in the competition. It has been playing its home games at the stadium since 2004, but the only things to have changed at the venue during those 13 years have been the height of the palm trees, the stadium’s name, and the quality of the playing

surface. Coast Community News has been attempting for months to break the story about the Mariners’ armwrestle with Council to bring the stadium into the modern era, but both the Mariners and Council have denied any negotiations or the existence of any Mariners’ Master Plan for the venue. The Mariners have listened to the thousands of Coast families, youths and seniors, many paid-up club members, who sit in blistering heat in the northern and eastern grandstands (the cheaper seats) because TV broadcast deals mean most Central Coast games kick off at 5:00pm during

By a vote of three panel members to two (and one abstention due to a perceived potential conﬂict of interest), the Central Coast JRPP gave consent, signed off the following day by the Central Coast Council, for the demolition of existing structures, retention and adaptive reuse of the

Creighton’s Funeral Parlour heritage item and erection of a new 18-storey retail, commercial, restaurant and residential development with 132 units and 205 car spaces. The original development application was lodged with the former Gosford Council in August 2014 and was

resoundingly rejected by the community and other stakeholders, including the National Trust, for the DA’s failure to incorporate the preservation of the Creighton’s building. Continued page 4

the summer months. Those same fans stand in queues instead of watching the match they have paid to see, sometimes way past half-time, to pay $5 for a bottle of water (worth $2 in the supermarket and provided the vendors don’t run out) and even more for hot food or a cold beer. The Central Coast Mariners have unveiled their vision for Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium and formally presented it to Council, which is the Stadium’s current owner and operator. The vision is the football club’s bid to transform the venue into a world-class entertainment hub. Continued page 8

An artist's impression of the JRPP-approved mixed use development

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

Application lodged for iconic development at Canton Beach $22.5 million application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for the construction of a ﬁve-storey shop top h o u s i n g development on the corner of Beach Pde and Crossingham St, Canton Beach.

(SEE) submitted in support of the DA: “The proposal … includes a contemporary building that comprises one basement level containing 68 car parking spaces (49 residential, 10 commercial and 8 visitor with five accessible, to be confirmed), four commercial units at ground level and 36 units on the upper levels.” According to the SEE, the development will include 24 two bedroom units and 12 threebedroom units, including four adaptable units. “Council has identified the subject site as part of a key site … prescribed for significant uplift in height and floor space

ratio,” according to the SEE. “This is reﬂected in the development standards applied to the site by the Wyong Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) 2013… intended to stimulate the redevelopment of the Canton Beach foreshore as a tourist precinct, to provide active street-frontage uses and to supply additional residential accommodation. The provisions of the WLEP also required the preparation of a Development Control Plan (DCP) for any redevelopment of the site. However, in this

instance, a DCP has not been prepared because the applicant’s proposal “does not rely on the key sites’ provisions and instead is predicated on the development standards that would otherwise apply under the WLEP. “As Council has identiﬁed the subject site as a key site, its redevelopment for higher scale development is not only appropriate, but is anticipated by Council and residents. “The key sites’ controls seek design excellence, encourage amalgamation, Continued P5

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

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

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Page 3 January 17, 2017

NEWS

Council has done nothing to generate employment - Mehan T

“If you ask Ian Reynolds [Central Coast Council administrator] or Rob Noble [CEO], they would say their main job is to bring the two councils together and not review every decision made by the former councils. “They are hoping the airport takes off, but I can’t see that happening with the competition from Newcastle,” he said. Mr Mehan said he was also concerned that the decisions of the former

Wyong Council and one of Mr Reynold’s first actions as administrator may very well force the NSW Government to take its proposed rail maintenance facility to another region. “They have spent so long making the decision about the location, and it

The location of the Wyong Employment Zone should have been made site for the Intercity Fleet Rail Maintenance by now,” he said. “It has all been down Facility until the former to Council putting the Wyong Council promoted NSW Government in another site in Kangy an unsuitable spot and Angy that is flood-prone environmentally denying them industrial and sensitive. land,” Mr Mehan said. Mr Reynolds The NSW Government had earmarked land within subsequently went ahead the WEZ as a suitable with the sale of the Kangy Angy land to Transport

for NSW last May. The decision to locate the proposed rail maintenance facility at Kangy Angy is now the subject of an audit by the NSW Auditor General, has been referred by the Auditor General to ICAC and is being reviewed under Commonwealth environmental protection

laws. Mr Mehan said he feared the actions of the former Wyong Council in relation to the Transport for NSW project would result in the region losing the facility and its positive economic flow-ons to another region. “The private sector has done nothing to create jobs, and tourism isn’t going to soak up the quantity of well-paying jobs needed,” he said. Mr Mehan said he believed Central Coast Council needed to be ready with an alternative site to Kangy Angy if Transport for NSW intimated that it would move the rail maintenance facility away from the Coast. “Council can always change its mind,” he said. Interview, Jan 16, 2017 David Mehan, State Member for The Entrance Jackie Pearson, journalist

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NEWS

Page 4 January 17, 2017

Long Jetty lake foreshore recreation area open to the public A

lake foreshore recreation area at the end of Archbold Rd, Long Jetty, is now able to be used by the public. Central Coast Council has completed the first stage of works of a $150,000 project designed to stop pollutants from entering the lake from the stormwater that runs off the local catchment. Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the area was previously a lowlying boggy area, making it inaccessible to the public. “These water quality improvement works, included filling in this boggy area, is now an 80 metre grassed area that the public can use,” Mr Dowling said. “It’s perfect for picnics, with some lovely trees to sit under, amenities and

$300,000 state funding for 11 projects in the Wyong electorate

ember for Wyong, Mr David Harris, has announced that 11 projects in the Wyong region will between them receive $300,000 worth of funding for community projects from the 2016 Community Building P a r t n e r s h i p Program.

new showers,” he added. The project involves the establishment of a planted swale to filter the stormwater and draw out nutrients and other deplorables, together with a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) that collects rubbish and dirt before the water enters the swale. The area is next to

a constructed beach immediately south of Long Jetty. Saltmarsh, and a range of native Australian plants, including succulents with flowers, will be planted in the swale in February. The plants absorb excess nutrients and trap the dirt in water before it enters the lakes, in a process called polishing.

ENJOY COASTAL LIVING IN

The result is cleaner water in the lakes. The project is supported by Council from funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and is due for completion in March. Media release, Jan 6, 2017 Central Coast Council Media

Funding awardees are: Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation, the Glen gym upgrade, $9,709; Wyong High School Parents and Citizens Association, community room upgrade, $25,000; YMCS of Sydney, Lake Haven Recreation Centre Park, shade cover, $18,665; Wyong Lakes Australian Football Club Inc, clubhouse rebuild, $40,000; Volunteer Marine Rescue NSW, mezzanine floor, $7,392; Toukley

and District Senior Citizens Club Inc, new carpet, $3,578; Norah Head Surfing Fraternity Inc, storage shed, $50,000; UCA Warnervale Regional Congregation, Warnervale Regional Uniting Church and Community Centre Development, $68,656; Sunnyfield, Sunnyfield Gumtree House walkway, $7,000; Wyong District Tennis Association Inc, court upgrades, $50,000; and, Charmhaven Tennis Centre Inc, water and erosion management, $20,000. “This funding will help organisations across our community to improve their facilities. “Congratulations to all the successful applicants, I look forward to seeing this funding put to use in our communities,” Mr Harris said. Media release, Dec 12, 2016 David Harris MP

Page 5 January 17, 2017

NEWS

Application lodged for iconic development at Canton Beach A

$22.5 million application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for the construction of a five-storey shop top h o u s i n g development on the corner of Beach Pde and Crossingham St, Canton Beach. From P1 act as a catalyst for social and economic development of centres and seek to deliver public benefit. “The new commercial and residential floor space will provide economic stimulus for the location and create a focal point on the Tuggerah Lake foreshore. “The proposal is in the public interest in that it reinvigorates a derelict site, provides active uses with visual links and pedestrian connectivity to the foreshore open space, and provides new commercial and residential floor space in a high quality building. “The proposal is reflective of the desired future character that is sought by these development standards and will support both the tourism and economic objectives of Central Coast Council.” The application described the proposed new building as an “iconic development”. “The ground floor commercial spaces will provide active uses and incorporate substantial forecourts, encouraging

The existing view looking down Beach Pde pedestrian traffic and providing a more vibrant interface. “Opposite the subject site is public open space adjacent to Tuggerah Lake. “The activation of the ground floor will also support the viability of the open space and encourage the use of this community resource. “The redevelopment of the site would revitalise this prominent location… assist in supporting the tourism industry and the local economy of Canton Beach, as well as strongly satisfying the demand for additional high quality residential accommodation,” the SEE said. The Statement argued that the proposed development satisfied the relevant objectives for the Tourist SP3 Zone under the WLEP and complied with the

majority of provisions contained in the Wyong Shire Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013. The proposal, however, exceeded Council’s height and Floor Space Ratio (FSR) limits for the location, but the applicant argued those excesses were justified. The proposed building would have gross floor area of 4,847 square metres or an FSR of 1.485:1, when Council requires 1.25:1 plus 15 per cent (1.4:1), resulting in a non-compliance of around 190 square metres. “It is our opinion that the proposed FSR of 1.485:1 is appropriate in this instance, as it is not a large departure from the control of 1.4:1. “This marginal additional area is unlikely to be perceivable to nearby residents or the casual observer.”

The proposed five storey mixed use building will have height ranging from 16.81 metres to 18.41 metres, whereas the maximum building height in the area is 16 metres. The non-compliance of the height occurs at the roof level by a maximum of 2.41 metres. “Council has accepted a higher height control that is larger than any current developments in the surrounding area,” the SEE argued in support of the excess height. “Therefore, the … variation of 2.41 metres is appropriate … for a particularly exposed site with two street frontages,” the SEE said. “Strict compliance with the height limit would reduce potential for maximising the potential of the site, where a fourth floor cannot be achieved with sufficient roof space.

“The development is also a better planning outcome for the subject site in terms of economic use of the land. “There are numerous proposed residential flat buildings and commercial buildings within the Wyong Local Government Area that have been approved by Council with heights exceeding the LEP standard. “These developments include 104 Ocean Pde, Blue Bay (27 per cent departure from the height control), and 15 to 23 Hely St, Wyong (approved 12 per cent departure from the height limit). “Accordingly, in our opinion, the proposed 15 per cent increase from the height limit is appropriate in this instance and should be accepted by Council.” The SEE also put forward justifications for falling short of development standards for parking, setbacks and landscape design. It argued the proposal responded well to all the principles set out in relevant State Environmental Planning Policies. “The intention of the design is to deliver a modern distinguishing building that will identify the locality and set the standard for future developments,” the SEE said. The site is 800 metres south of the Toukley Commercial Centre on Main Rd and 900 metres north of the Canton Beach Holiday Park.

Numbers 5 to 7 Beach Pde are currently vacant and number 8 Beach Pde contains a partially demolished house with scaffolding and wall structures still present. The majority of surrounding sites have been zoned for medium density development with standards to also encourage redevelopment and uplift of height and floor space. On the opposite side of Beach Pde is the coastline of Tuggerah Lake and an area of open space along the foreshore with a shared pathway, play equipment and park benches. “The proposal will also provide rationalised vehicle access and provide expansive ground floor forecourts and common open space for the residential unit that respond to and integrate with the foreshore open space areas,” the SEE said. “The residential communal open space will comprise 1004 square metres, incorporating a water feature and deep soil landscaping. “The development is a good response to the subject site and responds directly to Council’s objectives for renewal. “Our view is that the building will provide a high quality residential accommodation solution benefiting the wider community and the environment,” the SEE concluded. Website, Jan 4, 2017 Central Coast Application Tracker Wyong,DA7/2017

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NEWS

Page 6 January 17, 2017

Waste management contract evaluation criteria needs to be made public - Harris

Council loses the right to keep confidential airport report secret

Remondis workers with Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris and Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan “Central Coast Council Central Coast Council’s ressure is has a strong role to play outsourcing of waste mounting on the in protecting the wages management services to Central Coast and conditions of these a private company means Council to make Remondis employees workers. public the criteria it cannot directly negotiate “Council’s priority is intends to use to with Council or take to ensure that residents evaluate new waste protected industrial and ratepayers get the m a n a g e m e n t action against Council. best service possible and contracts before However, the union that is best achieved by they are finalised. and local MPs have been having local professionals Local Labor State calling for the Council, filling these roles. “There is nothing Members have said currently in the hands of a NSW Governmentstopping Council from the employees of the appointed administrator, ensuring that the tender Coast’s current waste criteria management contractor, to ensure any new tender evaluation protects the current includes clauses which Remondis, “deserve a conditions and wages of protect jobs and wages fair go”. waste service employees. for existing Remondis The NSW Transport “Drivers for the current staff. Workers’ Union, which waste contractor, “These workers aren’t represents the Coast’s Remondis, face losing up asking for a pay rise, they garbage truck operators, to $300 per pay packet simply want to maintain has been, for the past due to potential cost their current conditions,” 12 months, calling on saving measures in the said Mr David Harris, the former Wyong and new bid for the Central State Member for Wyong. Gosford Councils and “These workers are the new Central Coast Coast waste tender,” Council to ensure any Member for The Entrance, driving trucks that weigh over 20 tonnes on our new contract would be Mr David Mehan said. “Local waste workers streets and have the based on current wages have been disappointed experience to know and conditions. At the same time, by Council’s refusal to how to handle our local protections in roads.” the union is attempting place the tender process for to negotiate a new Media release, enterprise agreement wages and job security Jan 11, 2017 Peter Duggan, office of between its members for employees of the new David Mehan contractor,” he said. and Remondis.

entral Coast Council has been ordered by the NSW Civil and Administrative Claims Tribunal (NCAT) to allow a rate payer to have access to a previously confidential airport feasibility study.

Mr Laurie Eyes of Wyong has won his application, under the Government Information Public Access Act, to access the Warnervale Airport Opportunities Feasibility Study, February 2013. The study was produced by the former Wyong Council with input from valuers and consultants, but it has never been placed in the public domain. It is understood that the 2013 study was referred to when Wyong Council was making its confidential decisions in 2016 about whether to go ahead with the development of an airport at Kiar Ridge or resell the land it had acquired for that purpose. Mr Eyes said he believed the study was “all about whether the airport should be an airport or an industrial estate”. Mr Eyes has campaigned strenuously

for years against any proposal to develop any airport, including the airport at Warnervale, now named Central Coast Airport, into a regional airport. He said he believed the land would be better utilised and would better assist with the region’s unemployment problem, if it was developed as an industrial estate. “It is about what is in the best interests of the whole community,” Mr Eyes said. According to Mr Eyes, in the Tribunal, Central Coast Council argued that if the Tribunal decided against the Council and determined that any part of the study had to be disclosed to Mr Eyes, that “access to any such part of the document ought to be limited to inspection only, with no permission to make copies, or to take verbatim notes that may compromise a substantial part of the document. “Such a direction is warranted on the basis that there is an overriding public interest in the Tribunal preventing infringement of the Council’s copyright in the document,” the Council argued. However, Tribunal Senior Member Dinnen did not accept

the arguments of the Council’s legal representatives. “Senior Member Dinnen has not made orders as requested by Council, and I expect to receive an electronic copy of the document, as requested and as ordered,” Mr Eyes said. “Council spent around $20,000 of ratepayers’ money to stop me trying to get another document last year because they use a Barrister and a Lawyer as representatives in the Tribunal,” he said. NCAT is the NSW Small Claims Court and Mr Eyes chose to represent himself. After the ruling, Central Coast Council wrote to Mr Eyes stating that it was considering its rights of appeal in the decision. Ms Melanie Domingo, Central Coast Council’s Legal Officer, said in her letter to Mr Eyes: “I will contact you as soon as I have instructions on whether the Council will be exercising those rights”. It is understood Council had 28 days from December 21 to lodge an appeal. Emails, Jan 12, 2017 Interview, Jan 12, 2017 Laurie Eyes, Wyong Creek Jackie Pearson, journalist

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January 17, 2017

Community Environment Network Looking back and looking forward.... 2017 will mark 20 years since the Community Environment Network (CEN) was formed. Our beginning was a forum held at the Central Coast Leagues Club in May, 1997. The forum brought together individuals and groups from across the region (including Lake Macquarie and the Hunter) to share their stories and vision for the future. The forum was organised in part by the Brisbane Water & Gosford Lagoons Catchment Management Committee with support from the Department of Land & Water Conservation - both organisations have long since been absorbed into other entities. The energy and enthusiasm at the Forum was inspiring. At the end of the day, there was a consensus that this kind of gathering needed to continue - that there needed to be an overarching network for the region - and so the journey began. At that time, we were the “Central Coast Community Environment Network” however, as our activities broadened, we became the Community Environment Network. 2017 will be about celebrating our 20 years - but more importantly, it will be about bringing together individuals and groups that are working for the environment and their communities - renewing our efforts, both individually and together. The vision of CEN is about working for ecologically sustainable development (ESD), a concept that exists in legislation and that we believe is a model that will take us towards a just and sustainable society. ESD is not “anti-development” - it is about encouraging development that complies with 4 key principles: 1. Intergenerational equity 2. Precautionary principle 3. Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity 4. Improved valuation and pricing of assets and services (eg. “the polluter pays” principle). It would be nice if we could say that we were well on the path to achieving ESD, however, the challenges seem to be increasing. We invite you to join us, and many other Central Coast residents, to continue this work towards ESD. Let’s work together to achieve real progress in 2017! There are many ways of doing this—become a member, volunteer, attend one of our events... or contact us to find out what works best for you. Jane Smith, CEO

What do you ou know about Urban Wildlife?

Wildwatch - Connecting Kids with Nature! Research over the past decade has built up an impressive body of evidence demonstrating the benefits of connecting children with nature. This includes an increase in environmental knowledge, a deeper, more personal, understanding of the way their world functions, academic gains, and higher social and emotional functioning, especially in self-esteem, calculated risk taking and confidence. (Australian Association for Environmental Education). Wildwatch is an opportunity for children (and families) to engage in a program that promotes a love of nature, opportunities to observe nature and increase knowledge, skills and understanding. By signing up to Wildwatch, your family will receive an Introduction pack, a Wildwatch diary, a bi-monthly kid friendly newsletter, special invitations to family friendly events and invitations to participate in a number of Wildwatch action each year (eg. Monitoring birds in your backyard). Joining Wildwatch is free!

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Photo: Robb Westerdyk

UPCOMING EVENTS Rockpool Discovery Walks

Become a marine biologist by discovering our local rock platform animals. You’ll be amazed at how Come along to The Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy on special these creatures really are! Saturday, 4 February to celebrate World Wetlands day 2017. As well Fri, 20 Jan - 8:00-9:00am as enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast, participants will take part in activities such as talks about wetlands, water quality monitoring, a Mon, 23 Jan - 11:00am- 12noon bird spotting walk, dip-netting for water bugs, lucky door prizes and Wildwatch Activities displays relating to local environmental projects. Suitable for children between 5-14 World Wetlands Day is celebrated on the 2nd of February each years of age. year and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wed, 18 Jan - Birdwatcing for Kids! Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. 9-10am, The Entrance The theme for 2017 is Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction. This theme is selected to raise awareness and to highlight the vital roles Fri, 20 Jan - Dipnetting and Water of healthy wetlands in reducing the impacts of extreme events such Testing - 10-12noon, Holgate as floods, droughts and cyclones on communities, and in helping to Tue, 24 Jan - Dipnetting and Water build resilience. Testing - 10-12noon, Ourimbah Breakfast with the Birds is organised by CEN’s Waterwatch program and supported by the Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Trust and Birding Citizen Science - Rock NSW. The Central Coast Waterwatch Program is supported by Local Platform monitoring Land Services through funding from the Australian Government. Sat, 21 January - 9am-11am Registrations start at 8.00am with activities and breakfast running Come along to help us monitor the through till 11:00am. The cost for the event is $10 per adult and $6 for diversity of life on Bateau Bay rock children (4-16 years) and this includes breakfast and site entry. platform. You will receive a briefing Numbers are limited and bookings are essential. For more on the methods (using transects and information and to book - visit www.cen.org.au/events quadrats) - and then we will work in This event is supported by: teams to collect data. For many events there is a small charge. These charges vary so please check the website for details.

Complete our online survey www.cen.org.au g.au

Bookings are essential FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK - VISIT

www.ccmdc.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

Page 8 January 17, 2017

Floodplain Management Study Report running late T

he Floodplain Management Study and Plan for the Wyong River is running behind schedule according to the Central Coast Council’s own timeline for the project.

Two community information sessions were held in October and November (neither of which were advertised in this newspaper) to provide residents and business owners with an opportunity to “hear from Council experts and external specialists about the feasibility of the options raised.” A report was due to go back to Central Coast Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, in December, but it has not yet been tabled at a meeting. The draft report was

The Wyong River during flooding anticipated to go on public exhibition in “early 2017”. The Wyong Regional Chronicle has asked Central Coast Council for an update on the status of the project. Flooding has been known to cause

significant disruption and inconvenience to residents and business owners within the catchment. “During severe floods, there is potential for property damage to be incurred as well as a risk to life,” according to

Central Coast Council’s ‘haveyoursay’ website. “As such, flooding can place a significant financial burden on the community and place lives at risk.” The outcomes of the flood study conducted in 2014 confirmed that significant floodplain areas are susceptible to inundation, with approximately 1,600 properties predicted to be inundated during a one in 100-year flood. The Floodplain Risk Management study was then commissioned by the former Wyong Council to evaluate measures for managing the existing, future and continuing flood risk across the catchment. The study is being completed as part of Central Coast Council’s Floodplain Risk Management Program,

which aims to reduce the impact of flooding on the community. It is funded by Council with additional funding and technical support provided by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage. Those present at the sessions asked council to provide flood education for existing property owners as well as new people entering the area. Those in attendance were told the potential benefit of keeping the mouth of Tuggerah Lake permanently open had been investigated in other studies and shown to have little benefit. “It was suggested that creek dredging used to occur for flood benefits,” feedback notes from the meeting said. Questions were raised regarding why

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stormwater drains are not cleaned out very often. The area for the proposed regional sporting facility, and surrounding streets (Lake Rd) was identified as having flooding/drainage problems, and residents have to dig out drains themselves to allow water to drain. “It was suggested that the supercentre had raised the water table. “The concept of the Anzac Rd levee raised some concern as it may not help the Lake Rd area, and may even allow water to reach the area quicker. “A suggestion of putting flood gates on drainage lines may help Lake Rd, and include these on the Ourimbah Creek side, as water comes from there also. “New developments in the area needed to manage their own runoff to prevent flooding getting worse elsewhere. “A concern regarding what would happen when the proposed Mardi Detention basin was full was raised, and it was explained that an emergency spillway would be included. “Concerns regarding illegal filling of the floodplain along Lake Rd were raised. “A concern that the Tacoma Floodway option would cause environmentalists to prevent its implementation was raised. “A concern about the lack of drainage through the dairy was raised. “It was conceded by some attendees that preventing the whole Wyong catchment valley from flooding was impossible,” the feedback notes from the first information session concluded. According to Council’s timeline, the final report was expected to be adopted by Council and implemented in mid2017. Website, Jan 13, 2017 Central Coast Council haveyoursaycentralcoast. com.au

Page 9 January 17, 2017

NEWS

Spot rezoning raises concern A

proposal to rezone land at 66 Oakland Ave, The Entrance, has been labelled a recipe for disaster by the State Member for The Entrance, Mr David Mehan. Mr Mehan said he had written to Central Coast Council, urging it to withdraw the “spot rezoning” on the land. “The proposal would see the developer able to double its floor capacity, going against the current Local Environment Plan,” Mr Mehan said. “Community members along Oakland Ave and Ashton Ave have been vocal in their opposition to the development, with many residents writing submissions calling on the Council to reject the proposal. “While we do need sustainable development in The Entrance, this spot rezoning is not the way to go,” he said. “Council shouldn’t pick and choose what height and size sites can be. “Council should stick with the regional plans for building up the CBD and not approve sites out of step with the LEP on the whim of some developers. “We need to take a whole of region approach to our developments and make sure what is built here will benefit our entire community,” he said. The planning proposal, which had been on public exhibition up until December 16, relates

to land to the west of The Entrance Town Centre and consists of two groups of adjoined lots that are located to the south and north of Ashton Ave. According to the proposal prepared by Council: “The site is located in an area currently undergoing transition with single dwellings being replaced by medium-density and high rise development… in an area that provides transition between high density development to the east and lower density residential development to the west.” According to the council the proposal would enable “the redevelopment of the subject land for residential flat development at a scale that reasonably reflects the applicable building height provisions of the Wyong Local Environmental Plan 2013. According to the proposal, the floor space ratio would move from 9:1 up to 1:85:1. Central Coast Council has argued, in its proposal, that the changes to FSR would be consistent with “all relevant actions identified under the Central Coast Regional Plan 2036. “The proposal will promote the economically viable redevelopment of land within an existing centre…will generate additional activity in the construction industry providing local employment opportunities and potential additional retail

spending in the area… promotes an appropriate increase in residential densities within a wellserviced urban area,” the Council’s report said in response to specific Regional Plan Actions. According to Council, the rezoning proposal also aligns with the objectives of the Wyong Shire Settlement Strategy 2013 and The Entrance Peninsula Planning Strategy (2009). In a media statement, the Central Coast Council said only three submissions had been received in relation to the proposal. “The Central Coast Regional Plan 2036 anticipates 75,500 more people to be living on the Central Coast within the next 20 years. “The Central Coast needs to deliver a variety of housing choice to suit the needs and lifestyles of our growing community. “We are aware of the growing housing demand and decreasing affordability throughout the coast and mid- to high-rise development in attractive, wellconnected centres, close to jobs and facilities and services by public transport is a key part of that solution,” the statement said. Media release, Dec 15, 2016 Peter Duggan, office of David Mehan Planning proposal, Nov 2016 Central Coast Council Media statement, Dec 16, 2016 Central Coast Council media Jackie Pearson, journalist

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

www.CentralCoastNews.net 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.

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

e Frkeeone! Ta

Edition 410

9 January 2017

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

Application for metal depot at old abattoir site A development application has been lodged with Central Coast Council seeking consent for the establishment of use of the old Woy Woy abattoir site at ...

Planning breaches are Council to prepare plan for investigated, says council channel dredging chief Allegations of businesses operating without approval are investigated when they are reported to Council, according to Central Coast Council chief Mr Rob Noble.

A dedicated team at Central Coast Council will prepare and implement a plan of management for the Brisbane Water Channel, according to Member for Terrigal ...

Swimmers rescued from Ettalong sand bar

House prices increase on Police to investigate pelican Sydney demand deaths in dog attacks The Peninsula is becoming At least five infant pelicans increasingly popular with were mauled to death by dogs Sydney home buyers paying at Blackwall on December 30. higher prices for local homes that are still within reach of the Sydney CBD, according to a Woy Woy real estate agent.

Channels, markers and speed limits change Boating skippers need to be aware of new speed limits, new channels and markers in Brisbane Water, according to boating safety officer Mr Mark Raward at NSW Maritime.

Ocean and Umina Beach Surf Life Savers were tasked with rescuing a group of swimmers at the Ettalong Point sand bar on December 27 after a jetski officer noticed the group was unaware of the changing tide.

Free advice about Garbage service interruption lifejackets at boat ramp averted A stop work meeting to be held by the Transport Workers’ Union that may have interrupted the Peninsula’s garbage collection services on January 10 has been averted.

A mobile van will provide free advice about modern life jackets and will exchange old lifejackets for new at a discounted price in Woy Woy on Sunday, January 22.

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

FRE

January 12, 2017

Your independent local newspaper

Ph: 4325 7369

Issue 149

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

Mariners seek to transform stadium into a world-class entertainment hub As Coach Paul Okon works hard to lift the Central Coast Mariners towards their former League-winning status on the field, the local national A-League franchise has called on the Central ...

ATO building clears final hurdle

$53 million Creighton’s development approved

The NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC), on Friday, December 16, dismissed an appeal by the Gosford Waterfront Alliance against the approval of an ATO building on the ...

The $53 million Rola Property Group’s mixed-use development at 27 to 37 Mann St and 125 Georgiana Tce, Gosford, which included the heritage-listed Creighton’s Funeral ...

Approval sought for a $20 million development in West Gosford

$1.1bn worth of development applications processed

Performing arts centre buck passing continues

An eight storey $20m apartment monolith could provide 80 apartments in West Gosford if approved by Central Coast Council.

The Central Coast Council used the end of the 2016 calendar year to celebrate strong post-merger development activity

The buck continues to be passed between Central Coast Council, the NSW Government and the Member for Robertson over the best location for a regional performing arts centre ...

Planning proposal for the Gosford CBD raises many concerns The Community Environment Network (CEN) has continued its opposition to the Central Coast Council’s current planning proposal for the Gosford CBD.

Having wards is counter to the reasons for amalgamation - Holstein Former Gosford Mayor and Member for the State Electorate of Gosford, Mr Chris Holstein, said he was not commenting at this stage on whether or not he intended to run as an ...

Examination of new council wards reveals anomalies Many questions remain unanswered about the first election of the new Central Coast Council, now due in less than nine months.

The full articles and more can be seen on line on our website www.centralcoastnews.net Coast Community News focusses on news specifically related to post code areas 2250, 2251, 2260 and articles can also be read and shared on your mobile phone by going to www.coastcommunitynews.com.au.

FORUM Page 10

January 17, 2017

Grandiose announcement Another fatal collision on not matched by reality Motorway Link Rd C

entral Coast Council and Premier Baird, in conjunction with A m p h i b i a n A e r o s p a c e International (AAI), announced a $100m, 240 job, 18,000sqm aircraft factory on a Warnervale Airport in September 2016.

FORUM

AAI has now submitted a Development Application for a $2.8m, 27 to 37 job, 2,760sqm factory on 0.68ha, a tiny fraction of what was promised. These are the simple facts associated with AAI’s Development Application.

As with everything council and airport, the grandiose announcement is not matched by reality and the entire Central Coast is worse off as a result of the deception. Email, Dec 21, 2016 Laurie Eyes, Wyong Creek

Elites are attacking on the ATAR marks system V

arious elites are once again using dishonest attacks on the ATAR marks system which decides the university courses students can enter, to help students from p r i v i l e g e d backgrounds receive even greater advantages.

The present system isn’t perfect but their latest propaganda is outrageous. Fair changes are possible and have been put forward often in the past, but our elites don’t want fairness. They want to look after themselves. Email, Dec 17, 2016 Norman Hanscombe, Ourimbah

If you’re reading this, so could up to 150,000 other people

Letters to the editor should be sent to:

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Chronicle PO Box 1056 Gosford 2250 or editorial@wyongnews.org

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out to that many people using any other medium? Don’t be fooled by the hype, advertising in this newspaper is by far much better value for money than any other medium. Not only does it have the reach and readership within the area it covers, but readers can keep the advertisement and refer to it as often as they wish.

Call 4325 7369 to see how inexpensive it is.

s Sally McNab, a 20 year old San Remo woman, is the first Central Coast resident to die on Central Coast roads in 2017, after a four vehicle collision on the Motorway Link Rd at Blue Haven on January 10.

Ms McNab died at the scene after a 78 year old driver allegedly merged out of Blue Haven Way into the path of her Volkswagen Polo. The impact sent Ms McNab’s vehicle careening into the path of two other vehicles and resulted in Ms McNab’s death and various injuries to the eight other motorists and passengers involved. As officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit continue investigations into the incident, Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, has called on Roads and Maritime Services to conduct an immediate safety audit at the intersection between the Motorway Link and Blue Haven Rd. “This is an absolute tragedy, we can’t allow it to happen again. “I’m calling on the RMS to immediately take action to avoid any more accidents,” Mr Harris said. Presently, the stretch of road in question contains a short merge lane with the speed limit for the Motorway sitting at 100km/h. Mr Harris said this

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.

combination left no room for an error in judgement for motorists attempting to merge onto the Motorway. Mr Harris’ call comes after Ms McNab’s death, the second death on this stretch of road in less than a month, following a similar incident in December 2016 which claimed the life of 75 year old, Mr John Howitt. A Roads and Maritime Services Spokesperson confirmed the RMS was undergoing safety improvement investigations, which included reviewing the current speed limit, following the two deaths in such a short span of time. The spokesperson also said that nearby works to install median safety barriers was due for completion at the end of January. Despite confirmation that the RMS was indeed looking into the dangerous stretch of road, Mr Harris said requests had already been made to the RMS Hunter/Central Coast to address the road following the death of Mr Howitt late last year.

Mr Harris also confirmed that residents had held concerns over the stretch of road with one resident contacting Mr Harris on December 5, 2016, requesting the road be reassessed over fears a serious accident could occur. “There has been suggestions to install lights, but most people think that right hand turns should be banned immediately, pending further work,” Mr Harris said. “There has also been a suggestion that speeds be reduced on the Link Rd as well,” he added. Mr Harris contributed the rise in traffic accidents along this stretch of road as an add on effect to the developing of North Wyong. “Aldi opened in Blue Haven in 2015, bringing more traffic to the area. “People turning right from Blue Haven Way have to negotiate traffic moving at 100kmh. “There is little room for error if people misjudge the speed of incoming traffic,” Mr Harris concluded. Media release, Jan 10, 2017 NSW Police Media Media release, Jan 10, 2017 Zachary Harrison, Office of David Harris MP Media release, Jan 11, 2017 NSW police Media Media Statement, Jan 13, 2017 Nathan Alexander, Roads and Maritime Services Media Interview, Jan 13, 2017 David Harris, Member for Wyong Dilon Luke, Journalist

Page 11 January 17, 2017

ONTHEBEAT

Man charged over Fireworks responsible for a Wyong stabbing death and serious eye injuries A F

man was charged with wound with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm following a stabbing of a man in Wyong on the evening of January 9. The man was refused bail following his arrest and appeared in Wyong Local Court on January 12 where he was again refused bail and will appear again on February 21. At about 8:40pm on January 9, a white Holden Commodore with four occupants, two men and two women, was travelling on the Pacific Hwy at Wyong. Police have been told the men were involved in an argument, when one

of them was stabbed. The injured man, aged 35, exited the vehicle with one of the women, near Wyong Hospital. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. The second man and woman left in the Commodore. Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation. The Pacific Hwy was closed for a short time while the scene was examined.

Media release, January 10, 2017 NSW Police Media

Man arrested after a pursuit at Bateau Bay A

29 year old man continues to assist with inquiries after a pursuit at Bateau Bay on January 2. At about 6:30am, a blue Holden Commodore came to the notice of police after highway patrol observed it doing a burn out on the Central Coast Hwy, near the intersection of Bateau Bay Rd. It will be alleged the driver of the car did not stop the vehicle, and a pursuit was initiated. The Commodore

was abandoned on the Central Coast Hwy, near the intersection of Coleridge St, Bateau Bay. After a short foot chase through bushland, the 29 year old was arrested. Inquiries revealed the man had three outstanding warrants. A search of the man located a quantity of a prohibited drugs and a knife. Media release, Jan 2, 2017 NSW Police Media

ireworks were responsible for the death of one man at Budgewoi Beach and the serious injury of another at Blue Haven during New Year celebrations in the early hours of Sunday, January 1.

Police are investigating the events leading up to a man receiving serious eye injuries after a firework exploded at a Blue Haven address at around 12.20am on Sunday, January 1. The 19-year-old man was attempting to light a firework which subsequently exploded. The man sustained burns to his face. He presented at Wyong Hospital and staff notified police. Mr Ceejay Lapington was transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition where he was expected to undergo further vision tests. Inquiries were also continuing into the death of well-known local man, Mr Barry John Walsh Junior, at Budgewoi, just before 3:00am on January 1. Emergency services were called to Budgewoi Beach after he was hit by a firework. He had sustained a serious head injury and despite the efforts of friends and emergency services at the scene, the 52-year-old could not be revived. It is understood he was lighting the firework at the time of the accident,

Barry Walsh Junior from facebook but Detectives from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were investigating the events leading up his death. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This gentleman actually had this firework for some time, potentially up to 10 years, and had discussed with his friends on the evening that it was time to light it to try it out,â&#x20AC;?

said Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command Chief Inspector Cole Lott at a media briefing held at Wyong Police station. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure all his friends were shocked by what has taken place,â&#x20AC;? CI Lott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His wife was hysterical at the time and she subsequently was transported to Wyong Hospital and sedated,â&#x20AC;? he said. The Central Coast Bulldogs posted a tribute to their former club member on their facebook page which read, in part, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Central Coast Bulldogs wish to pass on our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Baz Walsh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baz was a member of our team for a number of years and made some great friendships with

a number of past and present players.â&#x20AC;? Following the accident, Ms Tash Sharwood of Blue Haven set up an online fundraising campaign for Mr Walshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Jo and two daughters, Toni and Sarah. By January 12, 35 people had donated $3,230 in 10 days, but the campaign was well short of its $10,000 target. Mr Walshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral was held on Friday, January 13 at Lake Macquarie Memorial Park followed by a celebration of his life at Budgewoi Hotel. Media release, Jan 1, 2017 NSW Police Media Media briefing, Jan 1, 2017 CI Cole Lott, Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command Facebook, Jan 1, 7, 9, 2017 Central Coast Bulldogs RL Website, Jan 12, 2017 Tash Sharwood, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RIP Baz Walsh

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Page 13 January 17, 2017

OUT&ABOUT Page 14

January 17, 2017

Surf Schools to be held at Toowoon Bay Beach S

urf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) will hold a series of Summer Surf Schools aimed at educating children in essential surf safety tips in a fun setting. The program is for children aged from 8 to 14 years, teaching children surf awareness and safety, basic rescue techniques, surf skills and sun protection, whilst also showing them how to enjoy the beach in a fun but safe way through participation in a mixture of activities.

Mr John Bell with Ms Mele Kaufusi

The activities will include use of body boards, nipper boards and beach volleyball. Fully-qualified surf lifesavers oversee the program and ensure the highest teaching and safety standards are maintained. SLSCC CEO, Mr Chris Parker, said “the motivation for Surf Life Saving Central Coast to conduct this program is to teach children how to enjoy the ocean in a fun, confident and safe manner. “Our aim is for participants to have a

great day at the beach but at the same time learn surf safety skills that they will maintain for life. “The beach is a huge part of the Central Coast lifestyle and also one of the main reasons people come to visit the Central Coast. “We still have too many people getting into difficulty at our beaches,” Mr Parker said. The Street Summer Schools will run on January 17, 19 and 23 at Toowoon Bay Beach.

Mele Kaufusi awarded a Bouddi Foundation for the Arts grant Free Tea and Technology

ele Kaufusi from Toukley has been awarded a grant from the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts to further her talent as a singer. Ms Kaufusi, aged 25, is from Tonga and has taken the opportunity while in Australia to develop her singing talents. She has been encouraged to develop her voice by all who hear her, and her coach, an Opera Australia member, and the grant will be used to pay for singing lessons. Shakespearean Actor and Chairman of the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts, Mr John Bell,

announced the awarding of $24,500 in grants to 13 talented young artists from the Central Coast. “The amount of talent among young artists on the Central Coast is extraordinary.” Mr Bell said. “The Central Coast can be very proud of them.” This is the fifth year that the Bouddi Foundation for the Arts has announced its grants program. In that time, over 40 grants totalling $96,500 have been made to young artists under 25. “Not only is the depth of talent remarkable,” Mr Bell continued, “but the range of artistic pursuits undertaken by these young people is both

exciting and inspiring. “We have been able to provide support to dancers, both contemporary and classical musicians, a writer and, in the visual arts, a photographer, painters and a ceramicist.” “The Foundation has adopted a structured approach to its grants program,” Mr Bell explained, “with the aim of both developing the talent of young artists, and then supporting them as they consolidate their accomplishments into careers. Media release, Jan 12, 2017 Joy Park, Bouddi Foundation for the Arts

Media release, Jan 6, 2017 Chris Parker, Surf Lifesaving Central Coast

events for Seniors Y

ourLink and Adssi HomeLiving Australia will be running two free Tea and Technology for Seniors events in February. Attendees will be part of a relaxed free event where they will learn more about how to use an iPad, apps and technology. This event creates a unique opportunity to have questions answered, share information and demystify technology. Guest speakers include a representative from Adssi HomeLiving

Australia, who will discuss how to access aged care, together with the changes being introduced by the government in early 2017. Attendees will also learn more about YourLink, an award winning free app for seniors to stay in touch with family, friends, services and the local community. YourLink is one of the few apps designed specifically for seniors, with information that’s relevant and helpful, all in a design that is easy to use. Attendees are encouraged to bring

along their iPad to make it more hands on. Guests will have support to download interesting apps discussed during the session. The event will be held at Mingara Recreation Club on Tuesday, February 7 and at Club Toukley on Thursday, February 9. Complimentary morning tea will be provided at both events. Entry is free and registration is essential. Media Release Jan 9, 2017 Kristin Whitney, Adssi Australia

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SONGS FROM STAGE AND SCREEN A Cre8ion Production

MODEL CITIZENS

SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2PM Meet Mothball, the naughtiest wombat in Australia and see this beloved, award-winning children’s book live on stage.

WEDNESDAY 5 APRIL 7.30PM Channel your inner Doris Day, Marilyn Monroe or Judy Garland and let The 7 Sopranos take you on a journey of spine-tingling songs and memories.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 19-20 MAY Circus Oz explodes back onto stage, audaciously unpacking the myths of modern Australia with their latest high octane circus show Model Citizens.

Page 15 January 17, 2017

OUT&ABOUT

Art House releases 2017 program he Art House, Wyong, has released its 2017 line up.

Presenting a fantastic program of nationally touring shows across the year, The Art House, which officially opened in May last year, has cemented its place as the Coast’s premier performing arts’ centre and has followed through on its aim to provide the northern end of the Central Coast with the opportunity to see professional performing arts in their own backyard, as well as bringing some of Australia’s most prestigious theatre companies to a Coast audience. There’s something for everyone, with dance, drama, quality children’s shows, concerts and, incredibly, a circus, which will all have full use of the venue’s facilities. In 2017 The Art House will play host to such companies as Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Theatre company, Australian Dance Theatre, Monkey Baa, Belvoir and Ilbijerri Theatre Company, which will all be sharing the stage this year with the incredible home-grown

An interior view of The Art House at Wyong talent of community The Witches, from Griffin hasn’t missed out either, companies like the Theatre Company, takes and with internationally Wyong Musical Theatre the form of a madcap renowned dancer/ Company, Jopuka and interactive one-man choreographer Josh Coast Theatre Company, show, with only the brave Horner as ambassador whose show, the Vicar daring to book the front of The Art House, it’s of Dibley, appears at the row. no surprise that two of theatre in March. Kid’s favourite, Horrible the country’s premier For children, 2017’s Harriet, who lives in the dance companies will be shows are all based roof of her school and bringing their shows to around books, with keeps teachers chained the Coast during 2017. some of Australia’s most in the cellar to do her Sydney Dance popular children’s stories homework, busts into the Company perform Frame brought to life onstage. theatre on August 30; and of Mind on July 5 and The season is kicked the last of the kid’s shows Australian Dance Theatre off with Australian classic for 2017, and just in time bring Be Your Self Redux Diary of a Wombat, for Halloween, Room to Wyong on August 30. on April 1, which uses on the Broom, promises puppetry and live music songs, laughs and scary to bring the story of fun for kids aged 3 and Mothball Australia’s up on October 23. naughtiest wombat to the While there are some stage. well-known names On June 8-9, Roald coming in children’s Dah’s scariest novel, theatre, everyone else

Executive director of The Art House, Ms AnneMarie Heath said: “These inspirational, professional dancers will appeal to the huge dance community on the Coast and this will be an incredible opportunity to see worldclass contemporary dance live in Wyong, and for local dancers to experience one of their workshops.” The 2017 program has room for glamour and music too, with The 7 Sopranos becoming fifties pin-up girls for Songs from Stage and Screen on April 5, as well as internationally acclaimed musicians Jane Rutter and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, in their romantic new show, Classical Heroes and the Art of Seduction on October 30. In June, The Art House presents two indigenous works, The 7 Stages of Grieving and Coranderrk. The 7 Stages of Grieving is a wise and powerful one-woman

play about the grief of Aboriginal people and the hope of reconciliation. It’s at the theatre on June 13-14. Finishing the month, Coranderrk (June 24) recreates the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1881 where the men and women of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve went head to head with the Aboriginal Protection Board. The mind-boggling Circus Oz, will be guaranteed to shock audiences with their latest high octane circus show (May 19-20). “I really feel that there is a show for everyone in 2017, and to be able to fulfil the promises we made when we opened that this would be a venue providing quality performing arts’ to the community, is really all we could want,” Ms heath said. Media release, Jan 12, 2017 Anne Marie Heath, The Arthouse

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

RESIDENT BAND

BLUESANGELS

WITH WITH MONTHLY MONTHLY GUEST GUEST ARTIST ARTIST SHAWN SHAWN LIDSTER LIDSTER FEB 4 - 7pm till 11pm

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ONTHEBEAT

Page 16 January 17, 2017

Ourimbah car-jacking Counterfeit $50 notes used to purchase items results in arrests T

wo men have been arrested following an alleged car-jacking in Ourimbah.

At about 10:15pm on December 19, a woman was sitting in her parked Holden Commodore Sedan at a shopping centre car park in Ourimbah. Two men, aged 30 and 24, approached the car and began banging on the driver’s window, allegedly demanding she handover the car. The older man allegedly kicked and smashed the driver’s window and dragged the 51-yearold woman from the car, before both men got in and drove from the scene. The woman received minor injuries during the incident but did not require hospital treatment. Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area

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.

Command were notified of the incident and patrolled for the men. A short time later, officers located the Holden Commodore crashed into a power pole on Wyong Rd, near Beckingham Rd, at Berkeley Vale. The two men were arrested at the scene and were assessed by NSW Ambulance Paramedics for injuries resulting from the crash. The older man suffered facial injuries, while the younger man received an injury to his ankle.

Both were taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment under police guard before being taken to Wyong Police Station where they were charged. S u b s e q u e n t investigations also established the men were allegedly involved in a separate single-vehicle crash on the Pacific Hwy at Ourimbah earlier that evening. The 30-year-old man was charged with aggravated take/drive motor vehicle in company, negligent driving (x2), not give particulars to owner of damaged property, and drive while disqualified (x2). The 24-year-old man was charged with aggravated take/ drive motor vehicle in company; possess prohibited drug and an outstanding warrant. Both were refused bail. Media release, Dec 20, 2016

Flasher commits act of indecency at Warnervale P

olice are appealing for information after a man reportedly committed an act of indecency near two children in Warnervale on December 22.

At about 12:45pm, a witness observed a man approach two young girls on Warnervale Rd, and reportedly commit an act of indecency near them.

The man spoke to the children and was later seen to leave the area and get on a northbound train. The children also left the area. Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command were called to the location where they spoke to the witness. Investigators would

like to speak to a man who they believe may be able to assist them with investigations. When he was last seen, he was shirtless and wearing black shorts. Police would also like to speak to the children involved or anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident. Media release, Dec 23, 2016 NSW Police Media

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.centralcoastnews.net They’re all there and it’s FREE Want to share something you ﬁnd really interes ng, see www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

man has been charged after allegedly using counterfeit currency to make multiple purchases in the Wyong region. From January 8-11, a 25-year-old man attended numerous locations in The Entrance, Long Jetty, Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale, and Tumbi Umbi, where he allegedly used counterfeit $50 notes to purchase items. At about 2:30pm

on January 11, police attended a home on Ocean Pde, The Entrance, and arrested the 25-yearold man. A search of the property allegedly uncovered items believed to be used in the making of counterfeit material. The man was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with 28 offences, including numerous counts of use counterfeit

money knowing it to be counterfeit and dishonestly obtain property by deception. He was also charged with take and drive conveyance without consent and drive whilst disqualified, after he was allegedly located in possession of a stolen motorcycle. He was refused bail to appear Wyong Local Court on January 12. Media release, Jan 12, 2017 NSW Police Media

Passenger stabbed by another passenger man has been charged after an alleged stabbing in Kanwal.

At about 8:30pm on January 9, a 26-year-old man and a 34-year-old man were passengers in a car travelling south on Wyong Rd, Kanwal, when they became involved in an argument. The younger man allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the older man about six times to the neck and head.

The vehicle came to a stop and emergency services were contacted. The 34-year-old man was treated at Wyong Hospital before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command commenced an investigation. Police arrested the 26-year-old man at a

caravan park in Freemans Waterhole on January 11. A knife was seized as well as the motor vehicle which was involved in the incident. He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on January 12. Media release, Jan 11, 2017

Killarney Vale resident granted conditional bail K

illarney Vale resident, Mr Peter Camilleri, was granted conditional bail at a hearing in Wyong after charges of reckless wounding were laid.

Mr Camilleri must report to The Entrance Police daily and refrain from consuming alcohol or entering the suburb of Forresters Beach.

Mr Camilleri must also refrain from contacting Mr Daniel Gardiner or any civilian prosecution witness. Documents, Dec 29, 2016 Court Briefing, Department of Justice NSW

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Page 17 January 17, 2017

OUT&ABOUT

Special wetlands event to celebrate World Wetlands Day T

119 undersized fish seized at The Entrance N

SW DPI Fisheries officers seized a whopping 119 undersized fish in two separate incidents at The Entrance during the Christmas week.

The seized fish, including Tarwhine, Yellowfin, Bream, Schnapper and Tailor,

were all retained for evidence. A number of people will be issued fines for allegedly possessing prohibited size fish, possessing more than the bag limit and not paying the Recreational Fishing Fee.

Recreational fishers should be aware of the size limits for species of fish they catch and want to keep. If you catch an undersize fish, you must return it to the water immediately with the least possible harm. Website, Jan 11, 2017 Tuggerah Lakes LAC

Kanwal man arrested for indecent assault A

man will face court this month after allegedly indecently assaulting a young girl in Kanwal. Just after 8am on December 12, a 12-yearold girl was waiting for a bus on Walker Ave, Kanwal, when she was approached by an unknown man who indecently assaulted her. When the girl attempted to leave the area, the man grabbed her arm. She elbowed him and broke free before the man fled the area.

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.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command responded and an investigation was commenced by the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad, The Entrance.

As a result of their inquiries, a search warrant was executed at a home at Kanwal on December 20, where a number of items of clothing were seized. A 35-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Wyong Police Station. He was charged with aggravated indecent assault and granted strict conditional bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on January 18. Media release, Dec 21, 2016 NSW Police Media

The Fletcher Gallery ART CLASSES + WORKSHOPS AT SPRINGFIELD PRIVATE TUITION FOR DETAILS CONTACT ZOE FLETCHER www.zoefletcher.com 4324 2801 or 0497 766 522 zoefletcher_1@hotmail.com

he Community Environment Network (CEN), is e n c o u r a g i n g residents to visit the Central Coast Wetlands Tuggerah Reserve to celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 4.

As well as enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast, participants will take part in activities such as talks about wetlands, water quality monitoring, a bird spotting walk, dipnetting for water bugs, lucky door prizes and displays relating to local

environmental projects. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 each year and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The theme for 2017 is Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction. This theme is selected to raise awareness and to highlight the vital roles of healthy wetlands in reducing the impacts of extreme events such as floods, droughts and cyclones on communities, and in helping to build resilience.

This year, to help raise an appreciation and understanding of wetlands on the Central Coast, a morning of activities has been planned at the Central Coast Wetlands, Pioneer Dairy, located on South Tacoma Rd, Tuggerah. Registrations start at 8.00am with activities and breakfast running through ‘till 11:00am. The cost for the event is $10 per adult and $6 for children (8-14 years) and this includes breakfast and site entry. Media release, Jan 4, 2017 CEN Media

Daniel Villani is NSW U18 Cadet Judo Player of the Year K

ido Judo Mingara’s Daniel Villani has been selected for 2017’s Junior National Japan Tour.

His coach, Mr Paul Acciari, said this came as no surprise off the back of Villani’s stellar 2016. Villani secured titles in four state, national and Oceania Judo competitions as part of the U18 years Cadet Men’s Competition. Capping off his 2016, Villani also secured the NSW U18 Cadet Judo Player of the Year 2016 Award, for the third year in a row. Villani, who has just returned from a stint in the USA, is mostly self funded in his sport with assistance from the KIDO Elite Development Program, which aims to extend talented players’ suitable overseas training opportunities. Villani got to spend three weeks with four time Olympian, Jason

Daniel Villani is ready to start his 2017 season with a three week training stint in New York Morris, in New York, training and learning skills to better his judo. Mr Acciari said Villani’s next bout of international training, two weeks at Tokia High School, Japan, will work well with his 2017 competition

start and preparation for the ACT and QLD International Open selection events. Media release, Jan 16, 2017 Peter Acciari, KIDO Judo Mingara

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

Page 20 January 17, 2017

ARTS&CULTURE Central Coast Potters Society Classes, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and social events. Annual exhibitions in May and December. Open Day in Sept 4324 5343 info@ccpotters.org

Wyong Drama Group A friendly group, presenting 3 major productions a year. Monthly meetings 1st Tues. 7.30pm Grove Community Centre 1300 665 600 wyongdramagroup@gmail.com

ANIMAL CARE Central Coast Cat Care

$20 Desexing Special Cats only No Pedigrees 4388 6448 4325 3163

COMMUNITY GROUPS ARPRA ARPRA is the peak body representing residents living in Residential Land Lease Communities in NSW. We are a non-profit org providing advice and advocacy and training 4358 8246 arpranorthlakes@outlook.com.au

foot Bolivia cards, Toy library and community garden 4388 5801 manager@bvnc.org.au www.bvnc.org.au

The NSW Justices Association Inc Seeking volunteers for 8 community JP Desks in Wyong Area Free Insurance and training provided 0418 493 388

Central Coast Community Legal Centre benefits@nswja.org.au Not for profit org in Wyong providing free legal advice. Volunteering Intake times for legal advice Central Coast Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Refer potential volunteers Lorraine Stewart to community organisations 4353 4988 and provide support to centralcoast@clc.net.au volunteers and community organisations. Central Coast 50+ Training for volunteers and Singles Social Group managers of volunteers Invites Ladies & Gents for Information Sessions held dinner, dancing - BBQs & regularly across the Coast Socialising each w/e. 4329 7122 Monthly programme for all recruit@volcc.org.au areas of the coast 0412 200 571 Wrap with Love 0437 699 366 Knitting blankets for cold 50pssg@gmail.com humanity. Donations of 8ply yarn Central Coast gratefully received Social Group Long Jetty: 4333 4353 Social contact, Toukley 4399 3351 entertainment events, new friendships, for 30’s-60’s Wyong Neighbourhood Live music, house parties, Centre dinners, BBQs, picnics, trips Supporting disadvantaged away etc. vulnerable and isolated Monthly Meet & Chat members of our community 0422 243 101 offering a range of email cco30s@live.com.au

Gambling Solutions Gambling help counsellors providing free confidential professional service to gamblers, family and friends Woy Woy, Kincumber, Gosford and The Entrance 4344 7992

community services, events, projects, workshops, arts programs and an open community garden. 4353 1750

Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (Gosford) Meet last Fri 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 Mon Toukley RSL Club, Holmes Ave Toukley 10.00am to 12 noon 4356 9300 GROW Support Groups Small friendly groups formed to learn how to overcome anxiety, depression and loneliness and to improve mental health and well-being. Anonymous, free and open to all. Weekly meetings at Bateau Bay and Wyong 1800 558 268 www.grow.org.au

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

POLITICAL GROUPS

GARDEN CLUBS

HEALTH GROUPS

Politics in the Pub Central Coast Discussion of important political, social, economic, educational and philosophy issues in a non partisan manner. The Grange Hotel 4th Thur (ex Dec)

www.pcfa.org.au

Tuggerah Lakes Wyong Toastmasters Showband Club Play brass instruments, Vibrant, progressive group. Conquer your fears of public meet every Tues & Thurs. Lake Munmorah Senior Play at community events speaking in a supportive Citizens Club Park Road The learn-by-doing environment. Computer Classes, dancing, 10.30am - 1st, 3rd and 5th Entrance (north end) exercise, pilates, yoga, craft, 0407 406 669 Friday carpet bowls and Tai Chi. Wyong RSL 4358 8390 Anzac Ave Wyong 4328 8297 Australian Labor Party joppa@theorchards.com.au Long Jetty Senior Ourimbah/ Narara Citizens Club bateaubayshed@gmail.com Branch Computer classes, line Discussion/action dancing, tai chi and zumba Bateau Bay community issues Central Coast Cactus gold - M-F, 9am to 3pm Neighbourhood Centre 3 levels of Government and Succulent Club for full list of activities Financial Counselling, Tool Niagara Park Primary 3rd Sat 1 to 3.30pm 4332 5522 Library, Computer Hub School 7.30pm 1st Mon Plants for Sale, Raffles, and Computer Lessons, 0410 309 494 kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com afternoon tea Long Jetty Over Private Art Therapy Charmhaven Community 50s Club Sessions, Homework Central Coast Greens Indoor bowls, computers, Centre Help, Self Esteem Group, The Central Coast Greens exercises, yoga, line0401 544 052 Grandparents Raising For a fairer, more transparent dancing, tai chi and more 4399 2420 Grandchildren Group, and accountable government 9am to 3pm EAPA-Energy Accounts based on democratic principles 4332 5522 Payment Assistance, Early Local, state-wide, national Links Outreach Worker, and international issues and Mingaletta Aboriginal campaigns - Council and Better Hearing Tax Help, Holiday activities Torres Strait Islander Australia Central Coast parliamentary representation for kids and young people, Developing a new economy Corporation Hearing loss management Community Garden, Events, Protecting our environment Meeting place and Support and educational Referral Services, Op Shop Peaceful conflict resolution referral hub for education, group providing practical and Food Store. Community participation health, well-being and experience and confi dence Community BBQ on first We meet monthly every 3rd cultural programs through Learn the benefits to Thurs Thu - Details and info: consultative services and hearing aids 4332 7450 centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au community programs http://bbnc.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com 4321 0275 Mon-Fri 9am 4pm www.centralcoast.betterhearing australia.org.au 4342 7515 Berkeley Vale admin@mingaletta.com.au Neighbourhood Centre Indoor bowls, mahjong, walking for pleasure, slimmers support, hand and Bateau Bay Men’s Shed Environment for mature aged men to repair items, share and learn skills and socialise 9am to 1.30pm Tue to Thur 1 Bay Village Road, Bateau Bay 0435 807 633

NSW Labor Party The Entrance Day Branch Monthly meetings to discuss and debate policy as well as campaign for local labor candidates and Members of Parliament. 2nd Mon 2pm The Entrance Leagues Club 4332 2907

Warnervale Branch - NSW Labor Party To support and promote NSW Labor within the Warnervale area. 1st Tue 7pm Hamlyn Terrace Community Centre 0419 128 497 warnervale.labor@gmail.com

PROBUS CLUBS Bateau Bay Ladies Probus Club Warm welcome, friendship and interesting speakers. 4th Mon, RSL Hall, Killarney Vale 4332 6625 Toowoon Bay Probus Club Morning tea, guest speakers talking on topics relevant to Seniors, as well as regular exciting social events. 4th Thur 10am. Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Brooke Ave & Eastern Rd., Bateau Bay 4334 3979 Tuggerah Combined Probus Club Inc Meet new friends and enjoy social events. 2nd Thur., 10:30am, guest speakers. Social outings 3rd Thur. Woodbury Park Community Hall, Mardi 4351 0450

SERVICE GROUPS Inner Wheel Club Wyong Women’s club with the common interest of giving back to the community while developing lasting friendships. 7.00 pm 3rd Wed Wyong Uniting Church 4393 2755 iiw.au.wyong@gmail.com

The Rotary Club of the Entrance Inc. A small, friendly and effective club supporting many local organisations, and international Rotary Activities. Meetings 6.30 pm Tues

Mingara Recreation Club 4367 6540 rotarytheentrance@gmail.com

Torchbearers for Legacy Toukley Raising funds for Brisbane Waters Legacy. Harry Moore Golf Day, Garage markets and street stalls. 2nd Mon 9.30am Norah Head Legacy 0414 701 489 hartas@bigpond.net. aurotarytheentrance@gmail.com

Northern Settlement Services - Volunteers 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, interrupted meals, early starts, breathtaking Tuggerah Lakes views. Rewards: - Saving distressed boaters or maybe saving a life 0488 442 051 uc.tuggerahlakes@marinerescuensw. com.au

SPECIAL INTEREST Biz Plus Networking Association Grow your business and in the process build worthwhile relationships. Biz Networking breakfasts Every Thur 7:15- 9am Erina Leagues Club Geoff Neilson network@bizplus.com.au

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants as well as residents in residential parks 4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

National Parks Association Central Coast Twice weekly bush walks, varying distances and grades of difficulty. Explore, enjoy scenery, fauna, flora, history. Keep fit and make friends 4389 4423 & 4332 7378

Central Coast Soaring Club Inc Gliding Club, Learn to fly, Instruction FREE to members. 14 Y/O and up for Training Thur, Sat, Sun (weather permitting) Bloodtree Rd Mangrove Mountain 0412 164 082 0414 635 047 www.ccsoaring.com.au

Bridge Club Social bridge Tues, 9.45am1pm The Greens The Entrance (with or without a partner) Len 4332 6989 David 4392 0606 Tuggerah Lakes U3A Long Jetty - Discussions, play reading, cryptic crosswords, talks, readers group, Mahjong Toukley - Creative writing, French conversation Berkeley Vale - Music Appreciation Chittaway Bay - Movies 4390 2451 www.tugglakesu3a.info

Mingara Indoor Bowls Club Daily competition (singles, pairs & triples) Winner’s Prize Strongly social. Sun 9.30am- Noon. Mon 6.30–9pm. Wed 9.30am-2pm Ray 4389 2567 Mingara Club 4349 7799 raymurphy1935@hotmail.com

SPORT KI-DO Mingara Judo Academy Junior boys and girls Mon and Wed Two classes 6-8.30pm from 7yrs Kangy Angy 0413 237 010 www.kidomingarajudo.com.au

WOMENS GROUPS BPW Central Coast Empowering women of all ages in the areas of work, education, well-being and friendship. Monthly dinner meetings, two course meal and speaker. Community transport avail. Chris Levis 0438 989 199 bpwcentralcoast@hotmail.com www.bpw.com.au/central-coast

Central Coast Lapidary Northern Women’s Club Minerals & Gems Health Centre Learn silverwork, Family law advice, Cabochons, Faceting, Enamelling, Stone Fieldtrips counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, & fossicking Weekly domestic violence and Workshops Tues and Thurs abuse issues. 8.30am-2.30pm All services are provided by Thurs 6-10pm 10 Ourimbah women for women Creek Rd Ourimbah 4351 1152 4362 2246 www.cccwhc.com.au cclapidary@optusnet.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisation 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.

Page 19 January 17, 2017

Race Day for all the family

McDonald and Fletcher are no longer Mariners T

he Central Coast Mariners wish to advise Members, fans and media that the contracts of Brad McDonald and Matthew Fletcher have been terminated by mutual consent.

McDonald made a total of nine Hyundai A-League appearances across his two stints with the Central Coast Mariners during the 2012/13 and 2015/16 seasons. Fletcher arrived at the Central Coast Mariners in January 2016 and made seven appearances for the club. The Club would like to thank the Professional Footballers Australia

(PFA) for their support with facilitating an outcome and as such, both players will receive all entitlements due under their contract. McDonald and Fletcher both thanked the fans and club for their opportunity. “I would like to thank all of the fans for their support for the club and I wish I could have had the chance to play in front of them this season,” McDonald said. “The boys are fantastic and I have made a friendship with every single one of them and wish them the brightest and most successful future throughout their careers,” McDonald said. “I would like to thank the club, players, staff

and fans for everything they have done for me since I started at the Mariners,” Fletcher said. “I’ve met some amazing people that I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life and I wish the club all the success in the future,” Fletcher said. The Central Coast Mariners would like to thank McDonald and Fletcher for their services to the Club, and wish them all the best with their future endeavours. The Central Coast Mariners will make no further comment on this matter. Media release, Jan 14, 2017 Tyson Scott, Mariners Centre of Excellence Tuggerah

The Wyong Diary

SPORT

Kids’ fashions on the field will be a feature of the Wyong Racecourse family day

yong Family Race Day will be held on January 22 at Wyong Race Club.

Gates open from 12pm with kids free all day and a $10 entry fee for adults. Wyong Town Centre Management promises heaps of free entertainment for the kids including a Kids Fashion on the Field event which

features prize packs in each category. Categories include: Best dressed/novelty summer wear (Under 5s); Miss Best Dressed Summer (6-11); Master Best Dressed Summer (6-11); and Miss and Master Best Dressed 1216 years. Other entertainment includes magicians, puppets, free face

painting, kid’s lawn games, an art tank, go carts, a Central Coast Mariners football game and amusement rides. For the adults there will also be live music, a variety of different catering options and the opportunity to BYO picnic on the green. Media release, Jan 10, 2017 Mary-Anne Beckers, Wyong Town Centre Management

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

Tuesday, Jan 17

Saturday, Jan 21

Fluff, The Art House, Wyong, 11:00am and 2:00pm YMCA Skate Park Leagues, Bato Yard, Bateau Bay

Lennon Through A Glass Onion, The Art House Wyong

Wednesday, Jan 18 Cares Bike Safety Program, by NSW Police, 13 Palmdale Rd, Palmdale, 9:00am to 2:00pm, bookings essential

Thursday, Jan 19 Waste Wise Workshops, No dig gardening, Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, Hue Hue Rd, Buttonderry, 9:30am adults; kids 1:00pm, bookings essential

Friday, Jan 20 Ben Woodham, Gwandalan Bowling Club, 7:30pm

Sunday, Jan 22 Wyong Family Race Day, 12:00pm kids’ fashion on the field, kids’ chill out zone amusement rides, interactive buskers, Wyong Racecourse

Monday, Jan 23 Art Exhibition, For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas, The Art House Wyong until Feb 9

Tuesday, Jan 24 Education for teens caring for family members with mental illness, Headspace Lake Haven and Weds, Jan 25

Celebration, Greater Toukley Vision Waste Wise Workshop, Worm farming for kids, Buttonderry Waste Management Facility, Hue Hue Rd, Jilliby at 10:00am and for adults at 12:00pm, bookings essential

Friday, Jan 27 Ben Woodham, Entrance Leagues Club, 8:00pm Crawfish Stew, Royal Hotel Wyong, featuring Todd Stewart, 8:00pm

Saturday, Jan 28 The Rewbies, Wyong RSL, featuring Margaret Rew, 8:00pm

Tuesday, Jan 31 Carl Barron, Drinking with a Fork, The Art House to February 2

Wednesday, Jan 25 Australia

Day

Eve

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.

Children’s entertainment at the Wyong Racecourse family day

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

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

Janice on 4388 2253 Sandra on 4392 8716

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 20 January 17, 2017

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hysiotherapist for the Australian Dolphins swim team and Tuggerah resident, Mr Brett Doring, said the team was off to a stellar start to their four year regime to make the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Mr Doring is the 19 strong team’s head physiotherapist and is responsible for keeping the team of elite swimmers in tip top condition. The Dolphins secured 11 medals, including two gold at the FINA World Short Course Swimming

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Tuggerah man, Mr Brett Doring, is keeping the Dolphins in pristine condition in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Championships (25m) held in Windsor, Canada, to kick off their build up to the Olympics.

Media release, Dec 20, 2016 Brett Doring, Coast Sport

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Page 21 January 17, 2017

2017 Black Diamond AFL Fixtures draw T released K

illarney Vale, The Entrance, Bateau Bay and Wyong Lakes are all back for another shot at the AFL’s Black Diamond Cup, with the season commencing on Saturday, April 1, and concluding on Saturday, September 2.

have a final four, while the Reserve Grade and GE Women’s competitions will have a final five and final six respectively. Other points of interest from the fixture include: general Bye/Wet Weather Rounds for Easter and Queens Birthday Weekend; Black Diamond Cup and GE Women’s Competition will have a bye for Representative Fixtures on May 20; the Indigenous Round will be held on May 27, which will once again see a number of clubs wear specially designed jumpers for the day; “Big Freeze - Newcastle” Charity Day to be held at No 1 Sportsground on June 17; and the Women’s Round will be held on July 15.

This season will see six teams compete in the Black Diamond Cup competition, nine in the revamped Black Diamond Plate competition and 11 in the Reserve Grade competition. The GE Women’s competition will consist of 12 teams following the inclusion of Muswellbrook as well as a second team in Newcastle. The Black Diamond Cup and Black Diamond Plate competitions will

Media release, Jan 12, 2017 Garry Burkinshaw, BLK Diamond AFL

The Shame File CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS 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.

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SPORT

Mariners drop to bottom of the table

he Central Coast Mariners now sit at the bottom of the Hyundai A-League table, thanks to a goal in the ninth minute from former Mariner, Michael McGlinchey, handing Wellington Phoenix a 1-0 when the teams met in New Zealand on January 14.

Mariners’ Coach ,Paul Okon, made a variety of changes to the starting 11 following his team’s previous loss to Sydney FC, seeing Connor Pain, Kwabena Appia and Liam Rose replacing, Trent Buhagiar, Blake Powell and Harry Ascroft in the starting line-up. Okon has continued to show his faith in the younger players of the Mariners’ squad. Mr Okon said: “As the younger players gain more experience, they become better footballers, at the moment that’s what’s available and we have no issue in using young players. “I don’t think there’s a young player in the country who wouldn’t want to come to the Mariners because we’re playing so many young players,” said Mr Okon. The Mariners started the game well in the opening five minutes, with the players keeping possession of the ball and threatening the Wellington Phoenix defence. However, a swift attack by Wellington allowed Roly Bonevacia to send in a through ball to the feet of Michael McGlinchey, who dribbled on the outside of Storm Roux and slotted the ball through the defender’s legs, leaving Paul Izzo stranded at his near post, despite his effort to save the goal. The Mariners were unable to rekindle their performances in the opening five minutes, as a lack of quality possession in the final third, yet again, caused the Mariners to only register a couple of timid shots, leaving

Paul Izzo pulls of a save against Wellington Wellington’s keeper, Glen Moss unfazed. “In that mid to front third, we need to have more composure and better decision making, but I thought defensively, tonight, we were quite sound. “The average age of our back four and keeper tonight was 20 or 21, we’re a club that gives opportunities to young players and tonight was no different,” said Mr Okon. The Mariners played in strong winds, and heavy rain, and were unable to create any real shots on goal. Despite their creative flair, Connor Pain and Fabio Ferreira were unable to break the deadlock with their best attempts attacking on the wings. The Mariners’ defence was under pressure throughout the game, with Paul Izzo pulling off a variety of saves to keep the score limited to 1-0. Mariners’ keeper, Paul Izzo, showed yet again why he is establishing himself as one of the best young keepers in the A-league, by not conceding in the final 10 minutes, after Phoenix players, Hamish Watson and Adam Parkhouse, tested his goalkeeping abilities, with Izzo pulling off a tremendous double save to keep the game 1-0. “Wellington had one or two crazy moments at the end, but they deserved their win, and we will go home and prepare for another big game in five

days against Melbourne City, in Melbourne, so hopefully, we don’t have any players who are struggling, fitness wise,” Mr Okon said. After the match, Paul Okon was keen to focus on the positives of the game. “We didn’t concede a goal for 85 minutes, which we haven’t managed to do in the New Year. “That’s a positive we can take from it and we

move on,” Mr Okon said. The Central Coast Mariners play Melbourne City in Melbourne on Thursday, January 19 and will be hoping to gain their first win in seven games since defeating Peth Glory on November 24, 2016. Website, Jan 14, 2017 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners Satria Dyer Darmawan, Journalist

Let your community know about: • Weddings • Engagements • Special Birthdays • Special Anniversaries • New Born Babies • Special Achievements

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SPORT Page 22

January 17, 2017

Surfing Fraternity celebrates 40th Anniversary Local round of the with a new book N National Skate Park League being held at Bato Yard orah Head Surfing Fraternity (NHSF) held its 40th Anniversary in 2016 with a reunion at Soldiers Beach where they launched a book, A History of Norah Head Surfing.

The afternoon get together at Soldiers Beach, the traditional home of the club, was attended by around 300 people, many travelling from afar to catch up with their old team and club mates. The afternoon was followed by a night of camaraderie at Norah Head Sporties. The gathering at Soldiers started with a Welcome to Country ceremony conducted Ms Tracie Howie, representing the local Gur-in-gai People. Ms Howie is a direct descendent of Bungaree, the leader of the people who were the original inhabitants, and after whom Norah Head was

The traditional Paddle Out Ceremony at the Norah Head Surfing Fraternity 40th anniversay named. To commemorate the occasion, members of the local surfing community co-operated to provide stories and photos for the new book. The publication was launched jointly by Federal Member for Dobell, Ms Emma McBride, State Member for Wyong, Mr David Harris, and the collaborator and main author, NHSF Life member and inaugural

Tide CharT FORT DENISON

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters Add one hour to the times below when Daylight Saving is in force

Time - Height(m) 0127 1.39 0041 1.42 0717 0.62 0628 0.55 TUE 1241 1.63 WED 1323 1.49 1952 0.50 1912 0.42 0307 1.37 0402 1.39 0913 0.73 1022 0.73 FRI 1503 1.27 SAT 1608 1.21 2123 0.60 2217 0.62 0555 1.49 0005 0.60 1235 0.63 0644 1.56 MON 1820 1.21 TUE 1326 0.55 1913 1.25 0135 0.53 0215 0.49 0808 1.69 0846 1.75 THU 1446 0.40 FRI 1523 0.35 2038 1.34 2116 1.38 0335 0.43 0417 0.42 1003 1.82 1043 1.82 SUN 1635 0.28 MON 1714 0.27 2234 1.45 2316 1.48

0215 1.37 0811 0.69 THU 1409 1.37 2035 0.56 0500 1.43 1133 0.70 SUN 1716 1.19 2313 0.62 0052 0.57 0728 1.63 WED 1409 0.47 1958 1.29 0255 0.45 0925 1.80 SAT 1559 0.30 2155 1.42 0502 0.42 1125 1.78 TUE 1753 0.28

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

President, Tony Booth. A traditional Paddle Out Ceremony was held to pay tribute to passed members of NHSF and NHSA (the original club which operated from 1965 to 1972). A tag team event, comprising teams made up of young and old, past and present members, was won by the team led by Glen Winton. Mr Winton is the most successful of Norah Head surfers, having been ranked in the top 10 on the World Professional circuit for five years in succession during the 1980s. An Expression Session of all surfers was staged after the paddle out to celebrate the lives of all Norah Head surfers, past and present. The book was completed in time for the reunion, and features photos, reports from surfing magazines and newspapers, and the recollections and stories of Norah Head surfers dating back to the late 1950s. It covers the stories of the first Norah Head Club, the Norah Head Surfers Association, including some classic old photos, and stories from their first Secretary, Bernice Olsen and early members, Bob Carroll, Kevin Millington and Brad Lambert, and the 40 years to date of the Norah Head Surfing Fraternity, with a great collection of photos and

stories provided by a good range of members, past and present, who contributed to the project. Among the featured surfers are Norah Head Legend, Graeme Wood (Woody), who was a member of both clubs, and, the Harris, Spong and Winton brothers, who were part of the most successful era of Norah Head surfing, The Golden Era, from 1978 to 83. Many other surfers have shared their stories in NHSF’s colourful history, and there are featured chapters include women’s and junior surfing. The book also features a chapter which pays tribute to those Norah Head surfers who have passed on, as well as recollections of NHSF’s involvement with protection of the local environment. Submission, Jan 11, 2017 Tony Booth, Norah Head Surfing Fraternity

ome of the best talent on the Central Coast will be carving up Bato Yard Skate Park as part of the NSW local rounds of the National Skate Park Leagues, on January 17. This event, which is one of a series of amateur events being held at skate parks across Australia, offers the chance for boarders and riders to pull out their best laser flips, ollies, 360s and mctwists as they compete to be champion of their region. In addition to being a local hero, the winners will progress to the NSW state finals where they’ll compete for a spot in the national Skate Park League finals in Melbourne in April. The Skate Park League is more than just skateboards and kick flips as BMX and scooter aficionados can also show off their skills, and young people with a disability can compete in the wheelies category. Everyone is encouraged

WAR MEMORABILIA WANTED

to watch the action and join in the fun, with free food, activities and entertainment provided as part of the community festival. YMCA NSW CEO, Ms Leisa Hart, said: “Skate leagues have been making headlines in the USA for quite a few years and now we’re able to bring the same excitement and opportunities to young people here. “The Skate Park League competition offers all skaters and riders the chance to test their skills at the highest level. “We’re really excited to be involved and to help young people on the Central Coast and across NSW continue to reach their potential.” Competition is open to young people aged 12-25 with registration on the day. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Media release, Dec 20, 2016 Louise O’Donnell, YMCA NSW

Page 23 January 17, 2017

SPORT

Mariners’ National Youth League side are on top of the table T

he Central Coast M a r i n e r s ’ National Youth League side are on top of the table in Conference B, having won three games and drawn three.

On Saturday, January 7, the Mariners’ youngsters took on the Western Sydney Wanderers at the Coast club’s Centre of Excellence at Tuggerah. Josh Bingham was deployed up front in Coach, Mr Ben Cahn’s, squad and bagged himself a brace for the afternoon, which added to a stunning strike from distance by Mortaza Safdari, to seal all three points for the Yellow and Navy. In addition to Josh Bingham, Mickael Tavares, returning from an ankle injury, played a full 90 minutes in the Y League match. Tavares’ composure in midfield showed that he is close to successfully returning to A-League action. Lachlan Wales also went close to scoring on two occasions in the first 10 minutes, but Wanderers’ shot stopper, Nicholas Suman, was on fire to make several point blank saves to keep his side in the battle. Bingham showed signs of class in the opening stages as well, but Suman was again on hand to deny his header in the sixth minute of play. Against the run of play, which saw the Mariners

Central Coast Mariners' Youth League squad in high spirits in the leadup to Christmas dominate, the Western Sydney Wanderers found themselves a goal up in the 16th minute after the shot of Ramy Najjarine took a deflection and flew into Adam Pearce’s net, giving him no chance. After a quick drinks break, Bingham had his goal after imposing himself as a real threat up front for most of the first half. Young Mariners’ Shelford Dais whipped in a pinpoint cross that allowed Bingham to leap above the pack and head home to equalise in the 30th minute. The second half kicked off in the same fashion as the first half, but it wasn’t long until the Mariners took the lead. Wales and Peter Kekeris both went close in the first couple of minutes, but as he has done already this season, Safdari pulled the trigger from distance, and his spectacular effort had the

Mariners a goal up in the 53rd minute. A minute later the Yellow & Navy made it 3-1 when Dais broke into the box and was brought down illegally. Bingham took the honours and sent Suman the wrong way to double his own tally for the afternoon. The match confirmed a well-earned three points at home for the Mariners. The Mariners will play their final match of the campaign against Sydney FC at home on Saturday, January 21. Mr Cahn, said the side was flying high at the top of the table and boasted a good chance of making a Grand Final berth. The Youth League competition is split into two conferences; Conference A (Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory) and Conference B (Central

Coast Mariners, FFA Centre Of Excellence, Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC). To decide the Foxtel National Youth League Champions, the winner of Conference A will play the winner of Conference B in a straight Grand Final. As it stands, the Mariners had a bye in the second last week of the competition before facing Sydney FC in the last round. Mr Cahn credited the morale of his squad but admitted they had not been looking too far ahead. “We started slowly with a loss to the FFA Centre

of Excellence, but three draws followed that, and we’ve now won three in a row, so the boys are flying at the moment,” he said. “We’re not thinking too far ahead, we’re just trying to focus the boys on the process of everyday training and their own development so if the Grand Final comes, it comes, hopefully it does, but more importantly it’s about what they’re doing day-to-day and where they’re going long term in their careers. “We’ve got an unbelievable group of boys who have forged a real closeness. “They work really hard for each other, despite competing with each other for first team contracts. “The boys who don’t make the team turn up and support the team with a good attitude, and the boys that do play support the ones who aren’t. There have been a range of standout performances this season and Cahn also mentioned that there could be some representative honours on the horizon. “It’s hard to pick out individual performances because there are boys

stepping up every week, but there’s two young boys, Gianni Stensness and Peter Kekeris who are both on the fringe of the next Young Socceroos camp,” he said. This is the second season of the eightgame National Youth League format, but Cahn suggested there could be reasons for the season to be longer. “I’m an advocate that the National Youth League season should be a longer competition,” Mr Cahn said. “The unpredictability of it makes it good. “One week you might play a team of 16-yearolds and the next you might play almost an A-League reserve team, so there’s lots of learnings in it for the boys and great experience,” he said. The Central Coast Mariners last won the Youth League in the 2011/12 season, with players like Tom Rogic, Trent Sainsbury, Mustafa Amini and Mitch Duke. Website, Jan 7 and 12, 2017 Tyson Scott, Central Coast Mariners

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