ARIA-AWARD WINNING DUO AT WYONG
SMARINERS LAUNCH CHARITY SUPPORT ROUND ALAND UNVEILS NEW COMPLEX
YOUNG DOCTORS
IXTY-five medical interns have joined the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) workforce, with the graduates taking up positions at Wyong Hospital and Gosford Hospital. The interns will work with and learn from the CCLHD’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems. Read on inside.
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February – March ISSUE 54
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JUNOR DOCTORS START WORK
Boost to Coast local healthcare
SIXTY
fi
ve medical in-
terns have joined the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) workforce, with the graduates taking up positions at Wyong Hospital and Gosford Hospital.
The interns will work with and learn from the CCLHD’s skilled medical staff in one of the world's best health systems.
The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program to be provided by formal and on-the-job training in the region’s public hospitals.
The Central Coast cohort is part of more than 1,000 medical interns that have joined the NSW Health workforce to take up positions in public hospitals across the state.
Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice to become independent practitioners.
They receive two-year
contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional, rural and remote hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.
They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said he was pleased and grateful that more than 1,000 junior medical officers have joined the country’s largest and one of the world’s best health systems.
“These junior doctors
undertake vital functions in our hospitals and health facilities. I welcome them to our health workforce, and wish them the very best as they start on what will be an incredibly rewarding career in the NSW public health system,” he said Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said: “It is wonderful to have 65 new doctors join the Central Coast Local Health District to help ensure our community continues to receive the healthcare it needs.
“Our growing region is putting increasing pressure on our region’s health services and this new cohort will help to ensure our busy hospitals are supported with the necessary resourcing.”
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said: "We are committed to rebuilding our health system, and increasing the number of doctors and nurses is essential to achieving this goal. The Minns Government has made recruiting more healthcare professionals a top priority."
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said: “It is fantastic news that 65 new junior medical officers have made the decision to join our Central Coast community and begin their healthcare career journeys within the Central Coast Local Health District.
“Junior doctors have a vital role to play in our hospitals and health facilities and on behalf of the Central Coast community, I welcome the 65 junior medical officers to the Central Coast.”
DavidDavidMehan. Harris.LieslTesch.RyanPark.
Aland unveils new apartment complex
FOLLOWIG the success of Archibald by ALAND, developer ALAND has unveiled Amalfi By ALAND – a prestigious mixed-use project in waterfront Gosford, featuring 506 apartments and 9,530sqm of retail space.
The site at 50-70 Mann Street was previously occupied by the Frogys roller-skating venue, a muchloved institution on the Central Coast. Frogys was demolished in 2017, and the site has been vacant since that time.
ALAND plans to bring a Mediterranean flavour to Gosford CBD with Amalfi By ALAND – a cluster of three oval-shaped glass towers that will feature a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus an exclusive collection of four-bedroom ‘Sky Homes’.
The residential component of Amalfi By ALAND sits atop a commercial podium that will contain a supermarket, a caf? and a destination restaurant. Each of the towers will feature a stunning residents-only rooftop swimming pool.
The $600M development is located in the Gosford City Centre, within easy reach of Gosford train station, Kibble Park, Industree Group Stadium, Gosford waterfront and Gosford Hospital.
ALAND CEO George Tadrosse said Amalfi by ALAND builds on the excitement generated by Archibald By ALAND, a major residential, hospitality and lifestyle development nearing completion on nearby Donnison Street; 99% of the 327 apartments at Archibald by ALAND are already sold.
“The response to our Archibald development from the Gosford community has been quite overwhelming,” he said. “Demand for the apartments was so strong that many people missed out, so those buyers now have a further opportunity to secure a high-quality brand-new ALAND apartment just around the corner.”
“We’ve already demonstrated our strong belief in Gosford and the Central Coast by completing the iconic Archibald precinct, which contains 327 apartments, six hospitality venues and 130 voco® hotel rooms,” he said.
“Amalfi By ALAND is the next chapter in the story of Gosford’s transformation, offering superior openplan apartments and a number of special features such as glass-screened balconies and rooftop swimming pools.”
Today’s announcement was welcomed by the Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP, who says that
Amalfi By ALAND will help reinforce Gosford’s reputation as the “vibrant and thriving” capital of the Central Coast.
“Thank you to ALAND, who are so committed to investing in Gosford’s future,” she said. “The future of Gosford is being built today, and I cannot wait to see what ALAND’s Amalfi project has in store,” she said.”
Central Coast Council Mayor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, said the new ALAND development will complement several other projects including the new $32.7M Gosford Regional Library and $8.5M revitalisation of the Gosford Waterfront.
By 2041 the population of the Central Coast is expected to grow by 100,000, while the local economy will generate 55,000 new jobs over the same period.
Stamp duty relief for Coast families
MORE than 2,000 first home buyers have found their dream home on the Central Coast thanks to the NSW Government’s stamp duty assistance program.
The 2,145 new homeowners on the Central Coast have saved a combined $47.6M in stamp duty since July 2023.
The popular initiative has seen first home buyers across the Coast save an average of $22,185, significantly easing the pressure for people saving for a deposit.
The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme provides a full exemption from stamp duty for eligible buyers purchasing up to $800,000, and a concession for purchases between $800,000 and $1 million.
In Gosford, 628 buyers have saved a combined $13.5 million, while 522 new homeowners in Wyong saved $11.3M.
In The Entrance, 307 buyers shared
in $6.9 million in savings, and 65 buyers at Avoca Beach benefited by $1.3M. Statewide, total savings for more than 50,000 first home buyers across NSW have topped $1B.
The 50,000 families milestone coincides with the release of a helpful dashboard detailing the program’s impact suburb-by-suburb.
The First Home Buyers Assistance
Dashboard also provides program statistics Central Coast wide – as it does for every Local Government Area and regional classification in the state. It will be updated regularly and can be viewed here: First home buyers assistance dashboard | Revenue NSW
First home buyers can learn more about the program and calculate their potential stamp duty savings here: First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme – how to apply | NSW Government
This program is just one part of a suite of reforms from the Government to help address the housing crisis and ease the pressure on cost of living.
This includes sweeping reforms of the planning system to deliver more housing, including establishing the Housing Delivery Authority to speed up approvals.
CELEBRATE AUSTRALIAN HISTORY AND MUSIC From the past to the present
TWO incredible performances highlighting Australian culture and music are coming to The Art House this Autumn.
Returning to Wyong for the first time since 2019, The Grigoryan Brothers will take audiences on a musical journey through time when they perform their concert This Is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia.
This evocative and genre-bending concert will delight historians, music lovers and Aussie artists alike as each song is inspired by one of 18 relics housed at The National Museum of Australia. This is the first concert to feature an entire suite of original compositions.
From a 65,000-year-old rock shelter to Sir Don Bradman’s cricket bat, each track takes time-honoured mementos and turns them into music. The concert also showcases the full extent of the Grigoryans’ guitar mastery, with several variants utilised throughout the performance, including electric, 8-string tenor ukulele and 12-string classical. High-definition projections of the artefacts will also enhance the brothers’ playing and fully immerse the audience in the rich context of the music.
Putting a spotlight on Australian artists has long been at the forefront of what The Art House Wyong does, and that spotlight will pivot from the past to the present when Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp perform their newest Songs of the Southern Skies collaboration.
The ARIA-Award winning duo will put their signature acoustic style on a collection of songs from Australian women in music. SIA, Missy Higgins, Sarah Blasko, and Kate Ceberano are just some of the artists the duo will remix in this loving homage
to women that have helped shape the nation’s music industry.
And who better to deliver such an important message than two of the nation’s best female artists. Widely considered one of Australia’s most versatile vocalists, Katie Noonan is a five-time ARIA Award winner who’s known for her ethereal voice and adaptability. Karin Schaupp is one of the world’s most acclaimed classical guitarists and is renowned for her passion and expertise when performing. Long-time friends as well as collaborators, Noonan and Schaupp are a musical match made in heaven. Together they make magic.
The Grigoryan Brothers will perform This Is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia at 2PM on Sunday, March 30th. Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp will perform Songs of the Southern Skies Volume 2 at 3PM on Sunday, April 13th. Tickets for both events are on-sale now. Book online at: www.thearthousewyong. com.au
The Art House Presents The Grigoryan Brothers - This Is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia
Sun 30 Mar 2PM
Duration: 1 hour & 50 mins, incl interval
Tickets: Adult: $49.00 | Concession: $42.00 | Encore Member: $39.00
Under 30: $35.00 | Child under 12: $25.00
Optional: Scone with Jam & Cream $6.00 preorder ($4.00 for Encore Members)
Book: www.thearthousewyong.com.au
The Art House Presents Katie Noonan & Karin Schaupp: Songs of the Southern Skies Volume 2 Sun 13 Apr 3PM
Duration: 2 hours, incl interval
Tickets: Adult: $60.00 | Concession: $55.00
Encore Member: $52.00 | Group 10+: $54.00
Book: www.thearthousewyong.com.au
Always fighting for our community
IN politics, we are constantly going full steam ahead. There is no ‘off switch’. We are always fighting for our community. In all the business we sometimes forget to reflect on the progress we have already made.
Chris Minns and Labor took to the last election with a promise to rebuild our state after 12 years of Liberal-National neglect and stagnant wage growth.
Since taking office, there’s certainly a lot to be proud of.
We were elected with a clear mandate to rebuild essential services, invest in our frontline workers, address the housing crisis and stop privatisation.
That is exactly what we’re doing.
We’ve smashed the former government’s wages cap, which caused real wages to go backwards over the 12 years when they were in office. We’ve budgeted for a 10.5 per cent pay rise over 3 years for our State’s essential workers, on top of the 4.5 per cent pay rise we’ve already delivered, the biggest in a decade.
We’ve got the energy transition back on track by legislating a net zero target.
As a former local teacher, rebuilding our education system is especially important to me. In my electorate of Gosford, we are building a new public preschool in Umina, have seen a 64 per cent drop in teacher vacancies and have seen a 77 per cent reduction in the number of merged and cancelled
classes in local schools.
This means thousands more students have a qualified teacher at the front of their classroom. By investing in education, we are investing in a thriving future for NSW.
We are building better communities for NSW, ensuring that we have the roads, transport infrastructure, reliable and secure energy and the housing that we need to improve the lives of people in this state.
We have also introduced Transport Orientated Development – new planning laws that allow an increase of
density around our major train stations including Gosford, Woy Woy, Tuggerah and Wyong here on the Coast – to allow more local housing development close to transport hubs.
This also includes major investments right here on the Central Coast.
We’re beginning the design phase for much needed accessibility upgrades at Tascott Station, investing $40 million towards planning and development for the Gosford bypass, and $8 million over 4 years for footpaths to ensure that everyone in the community can safely navigate our streets.
Our investment of $8.5M into investigation and first steps in the activation of Gosford Waterfront is also a welcome investment in the future of Gosford.
Gosford Hospital has begun introducing Safe Staffing Levels in emergency departments, ensuring that nurses are supported in continuing to provide world-class care.
It’s the investment the people of the Central Coast rightly deserve.
We also know that people across the state are doing it tough right now, and it’s been increasingly difficult for families in NSW to make ends meet.
The best thing we can do to address cost of living pressures is to put downward pressure on inflation. Our government is doing exactly that by controlling spending through cutting waste and limiting any new spending to only must-haves.
The Minns Labor Government will continue to make responsible, better choices on how and where we spend the public's money, to ensure that we build a better NSW for all.
We’ve made a lot of progress since coming to office, but the reality is that there is so much more left to do.
I know the people of the Central Coast want us to work relentlessly on their behalf, and I’ll continue doing just that.
Liesl Tesch is NSW Member for Gosford. Visit www.liesltesch.com.au
Kook Warriors preparing for battle
THE Central Coast ‘Kook Warriors’ are preparing to raise money for cancer research, getting in the water every day for a surf or swim as part of SurFebruary.
The annual event is held in support of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, which conducts ground-breaking research into cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and wellness.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP, is encouraging Coasties to support the efforts of the Kook Warriors and the work of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse by getting involved in the SurFebruary initiative.
“What a fantastic opportunity for the community to take advantage of our gorgeous Central Coast beaches while also supporting an incredible cause,” she said.
“Supporting the Kook Warriors’ SurFebruary efforts is a thoughtful way for our community to show support for this vital research.”
According to the Cancer Council, one in two Australians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime.
The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse offers world-class facilities and treatments to provide comprehensive and expert care to people affected by cancer, while also conducting inspirational and innovative research.
Cancer survivor and team leader, Vanessa Hession, explains her personal reasons for joining the SurFebruary cause.
“Going through cancer, having survived that, I want everyone to have the best
opportunity and chance to get through, and the research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is next level.
“Surfing is something that everyone loves, it brings the community together. Our hope for SurFebruary is that we are able to rally the community and build momentum for this amazing cause.”
Coasties who would like to participate in SurFebruary, whether by signing up to participate or by sponsoring the Kook Warriors, can find out more information at www. surfebruary.com/fundraisers/ KookWarriors.
Business focus for 2025
PETER LAWLEY
GOSFORD Erina Business Chamber (GEBC) Board focus for the 2025 year will be:
1. Business Networking:
A members survey recently conducted has shown great interest from our members for member-based networking events, providing the opportunity for members to meet and link with other business operators in the region. GEBC will offer business events with key speakers from government and business updates.
2. Gosford Waterfront Plans
to remain on the coast and support local business is another key public infrastructure future need.
January Business Lunch
With limited information or consultation from the HCCDC, who have been tasked with progressing this critical plan, GEBC is calling for the State Government to establish a Central Coast Development Corporation, that is focused on key projects like the Gosford Waterfront. This region is undergoing major growth and needs critical infrastructure to be developed to improve the public and social spaces available.
3. Gosford TAFE and former Council site.
Another project that has stalled is the relocation of the Gosford TAFE, providing opportunities to utilise the former Gosford Council building, and establish affordable housing in the CBD on the current TAFE site. With the UoN new construction well underway to the north on Mann Street, the opportunity to book end Gosford with a new TAFE creating Gosford as a learning/ educational precent, linking with the new regional Library in the centre. The longterm benefit for Central Coast students
On 20th January 2025, GEBC hosted the Leader of the Federal Coalition Opposition, Hon. Peter Dutton MP at a successful business lunch at Gosford RSL. Key topics raised with Mr Dutton was the critical need for federal funding and support for public infrastructure (roads, public spaces etc) in areas like Gosford, with an estimated additional 3,000 residents in the coming years, following over $2B investment from private developers.
With a federal election to be held in Q2 of 2025, GEBC are highlighting this region’s needs, and offering an invitation for all major political party’s senior leaders to hear directly from the local Business community at events like this.
Peter Lawley OAM is – President of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber.
TheKookWarriers.
LAKE HAVEN HEADSPACE
LAKE HAVEN
70 Chelmsford Road
Tue, Wed, Fri
8.30 am – 8.00 pm Mon, Thu 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
headspace.org.au/headspacecentres/lake-haven/
headspace offers free mental health support and care for young people aged 12 to 25 years old.
At headspace, supporting young people involves more than just counselling. It's about empowering young people to see their potential and build pathways to success. As a vocational specialist, I’ve seen how pursing meaningful employment or study opportunities can transform a young person’s outlook, giving them purpose, routine, and a sense of belonging. By working within an integrated team, we provide holistic support that addresses both emotional wellbeing and practical life skills. Together, we help young people to build their independence and reach their goals.
Samantha
Bussenschutt
Senior Vocational Specialist headspace Work and Study
The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is a bulk billed, walk-in medical service for children and adults with illnesses or injuries that are urgent but not life-threatening.
Since it opened in 2023, the clinic has seen more than 13,000 patients. I'm calling on the government to deliver another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in our area so even more people can access a bulk billed doctor.
NEWS COMMENT
Dr Gordon Reid
THERE’S A PIECE OF THE CENTRAL
Coast in our nation’s capital
THE Australian Government’s $550M upgrade to the Australian War Memorial is taking shape with sandstone from Gosford Quarry sourced to help build new additions to the memorial.
The Australian War Memorial’s new main entrance required 380m3 or around 800t of Wondabyne Sandstone from the Gosford Quarry.
The quarry re-opened the same face that had been used to build the memorial in the 1930’s and ‘40’s so that builders could get a perfect match of new stone to the existing stone.
Stone was also processed at the
quarry using a variety of tools including a robotic chisel.
The existing Wondabyne sandstone stairs and bastions at the memorial had to be carefully removed, stored and reinstated to allow builders to connect the new main entrance to the existing heritage listed main building.
Wondabyne Sandstone is also being used in the still under construction Anzac Hall.
The Wondabyne Quarry is typically only accessible three times a year when the adjacent rail line is closed for maintenance; the extracted stone needs to be hauled across water via a barge, and
Dr Reid commends Dr Harkness on an amazing career
AFTER 47 years as a general practitioner, local Copacabana resident, Dr Randall Harkness is retiring from medicine.
Federal Member for Robertson and local emergency department doctor, Dr Gordon Reid MP, paid a visit to Dr Harkness on his last day at Providence Medical Umina Beach.
Dr Reid presented Dr Harkness with a certificate commending his
service to medicine on the Central Coast.
Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP: “Dr Harkness is an outstanding medical professional, who has dedicated 47 amazing years to medicine in New South Wales and on the Central Coast.
“Dr Harkness will be missed dearly by the Central Coast community, especially patients on the Peninsula.
then onto Canberra.
Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP said: “It is tremendous that sandstone from Gosford Quarry on the Central Coast has been used to help build the new main entrance to the Australian War Memorial.
“Our Central Coast community will be proud to know that a part of our region will forever help commemorate the sacrifice and service of Australian Defence Force personnel and their families at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
“I recently had the opportunity to be a part of the official public opening of the main entrance to the memorial,
which saw the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and other members of the Australian Parliament attend.
“I wish to thank Gosford Quarry for their marvellous work in providing premium sandstone for this project, and I look forward to seeing the rest of the development come to life.
“Our community can also see the Australian War Memorial’s Art in Conflict exhibition which is on display at the Gosford Regional Library from February 15, 2025”, Dr Reid said.
More information about the Australian War Memorial here: https://www.awm.gov.au/
Fighting for more Medicare urgent care clinics
FOLLOWING the success of the of the bulk billed Labor built Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Umina Beach and Lake Haven, Dr Gordon Reid is launching a community campaign for another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for the Central Coast.
The clinics are walk-in and open 7 days a week with extended operating hours.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics help reduce pressure on our hospitals and emergency departments, allowing them to focus on higher urgency and life-threatening conditions.
Since opening 12 months ago, over 12,000 patients have been seen at the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Umina Beach.
The Federal Labor Government announced in the 2024-25 Budget a further $227 million to establish a further 29 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP said: “As an emergency department doctor, practising medicine at the Wyong Hospital Emergency Department, I understand how important
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are.
“Medicare Urgent Care Clinics help reduce pressure on our emergency departments and provide an avenue of urgent care for people when they have urgent but not life-threatening illnesses.
“These clinics treat minor fractures, sports injuries, insect bites, and minor infections, just to name a few.
“It is clear how successful the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been since opening in 2023, the clinic has seen over 12,000 patients.
“That is why I am fighting for another Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the south of the Central Coast.
“Another clinic will ensure even more people can access a free doctor when they need to.
“Over the coming months, I will be taking my petition suburb to suburb, door to door, and asking our Central Coast community for their support.
“I want to gather as much support as possible, for another clinic, to show the Health Minister that this additional clinic is needed”, Dr Reid said.
To download a copy of the petition or to sign online, visit: https://drgordonreidmp.com.au/our-coast-community/we-need-another-medicare-urgent-care-clinic/
For more information about the Australian Government’s Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, visit: https:// www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc/about The
“On behalf of the whole Central Coast community, I wish Dr Harkness a very happy retirement and all the very best with this next chapter in his life.
Adam Crouch
Time to reinstate back to school vouchers for all
IT’S that time of the year where school zones are in force and there’s a little more traffic on the road.
That can mean only one thing – it’s back to school time! While this can be a joyous and stressful time, it’s also a time that parents are more under the pump than ever.
One of the biggest concerns I am hearing out in the community is the issue of cost-of-living and how its impacting parents as they prepare to send their kids back to school. On average, parents are expected to $684 per child on back-to-school costs this year. This includes essentials like uniforms, stationery, textbooks, and technology— items that are not luxuries but necessities for their children’s education.
On top of exorbitant interest rates, rising costs of groceries, rent, utilities and so much more household budgets are being stretched thinner and thinner by the cost-of-living crisis. Nearly 36% of parents will need to use credit cards or buy now pay later services just to afford these expenses, a massive increase over the past year. This will only push families deeper into debt and place
massive strain on family finances.
Even worse, parents will end up having to make difficult choices – paying their bills or ensuring their children have the tools they need to get ahead at
Ischool. It shouldn’t be like this.
Under the former Liberal-National Government, parents received 3 $50 Back-to-School vouchers which provided $150 of much-needed assistance
for families purchasing essential school supplies like uniforms, stationery, and books. We knew that the cost-of-living was a major pressure on household budgets and that’s why these vouchers were a cornerstone of the former Government.
The statistics speak for themselves, with over 3.5 million vouchers redeemed in 2023 by NSW families, most of which were claimed in lower-socio-economic and regional electorates.
Despite the increased pressure from the cost-of-living crisis and the immense popularity of the Back-toSchool program, the Minns Government slashed the program, labelling it a cash splash. This is despite promising not to touch the program and rollover if elected. If that doesn’t highlight the wrong priorities and broken promises of Labor, I don’t know what does!
Families are doing it tough. Everyone is doing it tough. It’s time for the government to get their act together and deliver real cost-of-living relief for NSW. These vouchers were an important cost-of-living measure that families relied on, and we need them back.
Celebrating Australia Day
recently had the immense pleasure of attending two fantastic Australia Day events on the Coast, starting with the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association’s morning ceremony.
Australia Day is a day that unites us all and provides the unique opportunity to reflect on all the things that make our nation great, and this year’s ceremony at Wagstaffe was emblematic of that.
The centrepiece of the event, held at the historic Wagstaffe Hall, is the flag raising ceremony.
This year, the school leaders from Pretty Beach Public School jointly raised the Australian and Aboriginal flags in recognition of Australia Day, with a range of speakers and songs expressing love for this great country.
The event concludes with a free breakfast organised in conjunction
with local community groups like the Killcare Wagstaff Rural Fire Brigade and the Killcare Surf Life Saving Club and is a great opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate our country.
Another highlight is Central Coast Council’s Australia Day Citizenship ceremony, where I had the honour of welcoming 218 new citizens from over 37 different countries.
It is always a privilege to welcome new Australians into our community, and for these individuals, Australia Day now holds an even deeper significance. Additionally, Council’s Australia Day Ceremony recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to our region. It was an honour to be able to take part and recognise the individuals who make our community great.
Emma McBride
Tuggerah Medicare mental health centre opens
PEOPLE on the Central Coast can access free, walk-in mental health support and care with the opening of the Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and local Member for Dobell, Emma McBride MP, officially opened the service today.
The centre provides on-the-spot support for people in distress and ongoing care for more complex mental health needs.
Staffed by qualified mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, the centre will provide wraparound support and care across extended hours.
The Australian Government is strengthening Medicare by opening 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres across Australia, including 22 in New South Wales.
To boost access to specialist care, the government is investing an addi-
tional $29.9 million to provide access to psychologists and psychiatrists through every centre.
The centre is fully funded by the Australian Government, with $4.5 million being provided to Hunter New
TEngland Central Coast Primary Health Network to commission the service.
The centre is operated by Beam Health. On the Central Coast, there are two services at 1 Pioneer Avenue Tuggerah and Suite 1.1, Riverside Park Office Towers, 69
Central Coast Highway, West Gosford.
Locals can also make a free call to 1800 595 212 and be connected to a trained professional for advice, information or referral into the most appropriate local mental health service to meet their individual needs.?
Assistant Minister McBride said: “The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare through better mental health services.
“The Tuggerah Medicare Mental Health Centre offers a welcoming place where everyone can access free mental health information, services and supports.
“It is open extended hours, and no appointment or referral is needed. Just walk in to get free support from trained professionals.
“As Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I’ve opened Medicare Mental Health Centres across the country. I’m proud to now open one in the heart of our community. "
Strengthening Medicare with over $500M for women’s health
HE Federal Labor Government is strengthening Medicare with %573.3M to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women.
Assistant Minister McBride and Dr Reid welcomed the significant investment that will deliver better healthcare for women across the Central Coast.
The package of measures includes:
• The first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, with the listing of Yaz® and Yasmin® saving 50,000 women hundreds of dollars a year.
• More choice, lower costs and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants saving around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
• More Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, the first-ever clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign.
• The first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, with around 150,000 women saving hundreds of dollars a year from the listing of Prometrium®, Estrogel® and Estrogel® Pro.
C• More endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics treating more conditions, opening 11 new clinics and ensuring all 33 clinics are staffed to provide specialist support for menopause.
• Contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies, with two national trials to benefit 250,000 concession cardholders who will be able to consult a trained pharmacist at no cost and, if medications are required, pay only the usual medicine cost.
Some measures will take effect almost immediately, like the PBS listing of the first new contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, and the first new menopausal hormone therapies in more than 20 years.
Further details about the package of measures, including who will benefit can be found in the More choice, lower costs and better health care for women – fact sheet, on the health.gov.au website. Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride, Member for Dobell: “Women deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to their needs.
“Our Labor Government’s more than half a billion-dollar investment will deliver better healthcare for women. “These historic changes will save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.” Quotes attributable to Dr Reid, Member for Robertson: “Australian women have asked government to invest in their healthcare, and that what we’re doing.
“With no new contraceptive pill or menopausal hormone therapy added to the PBS in decades, it was clear the PBS wasn’t working for women. “It’s about time Australian women had more choice, lower costs and better health care.
Half a million for Central Coast crisis housing
ENTRAL Coast Federal Labor MPs, Emma McBride and Dr Gordon Reid, have announced $500,000 for Coast Shelter to establish new crisis accommodation and transitional housing.
The funding, through the Federal Labor Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund, will support Coast Shelter to deliver 32 dwellings on the Central Coast for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness.
The government has announced 41 organisations across Australia will share in $100 million for new crisis and transitional housing for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence, and older women at
risk of homelessness.
The funding will help thousands of women and children across Australia and is another part of Labor’s housing reform agenda.
Since coming to government, the Federal Labor Government has invested nearly 20 times more in crisis and transitional accommodation and programs than the previous Liberal government did in 10 years.
Hundreds of applications were received and were assessed through an open-competitive grants process and all successful projects, including Coast Shelter, demonstrated how the projects will meet the needs of women and children and older women at risk of homelessness.
If you or someone you know is
experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www. 13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride, Member for Dobell: “Family and domestic violence has a huge impact on vulnerable women and children.
“I’m pleased that our government is delivering half a million dollars to Coast Shelter to establish 32 one-bedroom units on the Central Coast for
crisis accommodation and transitional housing.
“Fleeing family and domestic violence is traumatic, and we want to make sure women and children are supported at every step.
Quotes attributable to Dr Reid, Member for Robertson:
“We know that having a safe place to go can be the difference between leaving a violent relationship or staying.
That’s what these projects are about – empowering some of the most vulnerable people in our community with a safe place to go.
Labor understands the need, that why we’re investing 20 times what the Liberals did in their decade in office, in just a few years”
David Harriss MP
Key health accommodationworkerprogram
THE Minns Labor Government is committing $7M to the Key Health Worker Accommodation program in Wyong, aiming to enhance housing options for health workers in the area, which could help address workforce challenges in the healthcare sector and improve access to medical services for the community.
The $200.1M program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional, and remote NSW, securing approximately 120 dwellings which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
The program is one of several investments the NSW Government is making to strengthen the regional health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government's $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Central Coast, Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England, and Western NSW).
The development of new dwellings is expected to alleviate a significant challenge in recruiting key health workers to the Central Coast, where available housing has been a barrier to attracting new staff, and ultimately strengthen the local healthcare system by enabling the region to draw in skilled health professionals.
65 medical doctor interns start their training
Central Coast Local Health District are currently training 65 medical
doctor interns making it a significant contribution to the workforce at Wyong Hospital and Gosford Hospital.
This influx of new talent is aimed at enhancing patient care and supporting the region's healthcare services.
The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program to be provided by formal and on-the-job training in the region’s public hospitals.
Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice to become independent practitioners.
They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.
They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine, and emergency medicine.
The addition of 65 new doctors to the Central Coast Local Health District is an encouraging development that will enhance healthcare services for the community, addressing growing demands and improving patient care.
Wyong Women of the Year 2025
Congratulations to Marney Mc-
Queen for being recognised as Wyong Woman of the Year!
Moving to Wyong 7 years ago Marney and her partner Frank Arangio purchased the Royal Hotel Wyong and quickly made a big impact in the community by raising funds to local charities such as Friends of Wyong River Rubbish Clean Up, Wires Group in Jilliby and Dooralong areas and We Care Connect to name a few.
Through all the fundraising efforts over $250,000 has been raised at the hotel for local groups.
Marney has volunteered her time to host the annual Wyong Christmas Carols, hosted the Wyong Business Awards, events at the Art House Wyong, Royal wedding at Love Lanes Festival, and many other local events.
Marney is involved with children’s activities such as P+C at Jilliby Public School and has volunteered with school working bees, and she sang and ran the fundraising raffle at the school during the Harvest Festival.
She is a great support at the Wyong Lakes Football Club, volunteering in the canteen and the BBQ, fundraising, and as the team manager for the Under 9's.
On top of being heavily involved with the community Marney is a trained singer, actress and comedian.
Mariners launch charity support round
THE Central Coast Mariners are proud to announce the launch of the Onside With the Mariners Charity Round, set to take place on March 30, 2025.
This special initiative will see the club rally behind three local charities—We Care Connect, Coast Shelter, and Health on the Streets—to support people affected by domestic and gender-based violence in the Central Coast region.
As part of this campaign, Mariners fans and the broader community are encouraged to donate essential items at a designated collection point at Erina Fair, open from Tuesday, February 18, until match day on Sunday, March 30.
These donations will provide much-needed relief to individuals and families in crisis, reinforcing the club’s deep commitment to supporting its community both on and off the pitch.
Mariners Isuzu UTE Men’s Coach, Mark Jackson said the initiative reflects the club’s mission to use football as a platform for positive change.
“The Central Coast Mariners have always been more than just a football club—we’re a community club. The
Onside With the Mariners Charity Round is an opportunity for us to stand alongside those who need it most, raising awareness and offering practical support to those affected by domestic and gendered violence,” Jackson said.
The highlight of the round will see the Mariners take to the field in a onecharity kit to mark the occasion, reinforcing the importance of this cause to the club and its supporters.
fundraising efforts of the round.
Each of the charities involved plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable members of the Central Coast community:
• We Care Connect provides essential supplies such as ing, cots, prams, and car seats to families in need, ensuring children have the basics for a safe and healthy life.
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of these special kits, with proceeds contributing to the
• Coast Shelter offers crisis accommodation and vital support
services for individuals and families facing homelessness and domestic violence.
GOSFORD RSL CELEBRATES
YEAR IN OUR NEW
HOME
IT’S hard to believe a year has passed since we opened the doors to our stunning new-look Gosford RSL!
From the moment we cut the ribbon, our journey has been filled with excitement, growth, and an incredible connection with our community.
To celebrate, we’re embracing the theme “Our Birthday, Your Wish”—
and what better way to grant a wish than by giving away a brand-new Toyota RAV4! It’s our way of saying thank you for making Gosford RSL the vibrant, welcoming place it is today.
Over the past year, we’ve shared unforgettable moments—thrilling games in The Grandstand Sports Bar, incredible shows in The Gallery,
delicious meals in The Gardens, and award-winning brews at Oak Haven Brewery. Now, it’s time to celebrate!
Join us on 25 March 2025 for the grand prize draw and your chance to win the ultimate birthday wish!
Collect your entries now and be part of the excitement.
Here’s to the first of many birth-
• Health on the Streets, an initiative led by the Primary Health Network, delivers mobile healthcare services to those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage across the Central Coast.
The selected charities have praised the Mariners for their commitment to local causes.
Fans attending the match on March 30 at Central Coast Stadium are encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity with the campaign. In addition to in-game fundraising activities, volunteers from the three charities will be present to provide more information about their services and the impact of community support.
With the power of sport uniting the Central Coast, the Onside With the Mariners Charity Round promises to be more than just a game—it will be a day of action, awareness, and support for those in need.
To contribute, drop off donations at Erina Fair from February 18 or visit https://ccmariners. com.au/onside-with-the-mariners/ for more information on what can be donated.
Central Coast businesses remain resilient
DESPITE concerns about wages and costs, the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey reveals business sentiment on the Central Coast continues to improve.
“It’s encouraging to see such a strong improvement in the Business Confidence Index for the Central Coast. At the beginning of the year, we had the lowest score in the State at -70.6. We’re finishing the year third highest at -31.8.” Said Business NSW Regional Director Scott Goold.
Forecasted business confidence for quarter one 2025 is -6.8.
“The Business Confidence Index across NSW has not been in positive territory since June 2021 so this quarter one forecast for the Central Coast is very significant. Central Coast businesses continue to show a high level of resilience
and optimism despite the increased cost and complexity of doing business.” Mr Goold said.
Wages have overtaken energy costs as one of the top concerns for businesses, highlighting the escalating pressure of rising labour expenses.
Coupled with rising insurance premiums and taxes, wage pressures have signalled a shift in priorities as employers grapple with a tight labour market.
The survey reveals the top three business cost concerns for Central Coast businesses are now insurance costs, wages, and supplier costs.
Energy costs have slipped to fifth place – with taxpayer-funded subsidies having an impact on energy bills.
“Businesses are also feeling the pinch as customers negotiate prices and cut back on spending.” Mr Goold said.
The survey found 45% of Central Coast businesses are
facing increased price negotiations, 43% are seeing a decrease in frequency of purchases, and 39% are waiting longer for invoices to be paid.
“Businesses are already under pressure from rising operational costs, and now, with delayed payments becoming more common, it’s even harder for them to stay afloat,” Mr Goold said.
“Nearly 40% of businesses are now waiting longer for
invoices to be settled, which means they have less cash flow to cover their own expenses. For small businesses, this delay could be the difference between staying open or closing their doors.”
Key findings from the report include:
• The top three business challenges are financial management, staff management, and strategic planning.
• Customer demand remains weak, with 43% reporting fewer purchases and 41% seeing smaller order sizes. Additionally, 45% are facing more price negotiation, and 16% are seeing increased demand for lower-cost substitutes.
• 39% of businesses are maintaining the same headcount and 39% are hiring additional staff
• Nearly 66% of businesses are operating below full capacity, highlighting signifi-
cant opportunities for improvement and efficiency gains.
Mr Goold said the findings show small and medium-sized businesses are facing significant challenges and need more government focus.
Business NSW is calling on the NSW government to:
• Implement reforms to the Emergency Services Levy to reduce the markup on insurance premiums for SMEs.
• Continue to remove barriers that prevent SMEs from dealing direct with the NSW Government.
• Join the fight against inflation by ensuring public sector wage increases are matched to productivity gains.
• Streamline the recognition of reputable qualifications attained overseas.
• Ensure that all invoices, both government and non-government, are paid within agreed timeframes.
days in our new home—Hip Hip Hooray! Visit Gosford RSL today to join the fun!
Mariners Isuzu UTE Men’s Coach, Mark Jackson. Scot Goold.
Salvos urge vigilance with money
THE Salvation Army urges Australians to reassess their finances in 2025, as 46% start the year in debt and 30% struggle to budget. Rising living costs and reliance on credit cards and buy now, pay later schemes have worsened financial pressures. The Salvos’ Moneycare service offers free financial counseling, tools, and resources to help individuals manage debt and avoid financial distress. Support is confidential and accessible online or via phone.
200 new defibrillators added to total
THE NSW Government has announced the delivery of nearly 200 defibrillators to NSW sporting and recreation organisations, bringing the total to over 2,500 devices. These life-saving tools, funded through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program, receive up to $3,000 for purchase, installation, and training. With $500,000 allocated annually, 80% of this round’s funding supports regional and disadvantaged communities. Premier Chris Minns highlighted their vital role in saving lives during cardiac arrests.
TATM laws at clubs, pubs now in effect
THE deadline for pubs and clubs to comply with new ATM laws is February 1, 2025, as part of the NSW Government’s gambling harm minimisation reforms. ATMs and EFTPOS machines must be at least 5m from gaming rooms and out of sight. Non-compliance may lead to fines or prosecution. Other measures include reducing gaming machine caps, banning gambling signage, cashless gaming trials, and a $100M commitment to harm reduction efforts.
HCF supports Smith Family for good
HCF, Australia’s largest not-forprofit health fund, has partnered with The Smith Family to support 1,500 disadvantaged students through the Learning for Life program. This three-year partnership provides financial, personal, and educational resources to help break the cycle of poverty and improve health outcomes. HCF employees will also volunteer in program activities. With 63,000 students already benefiting, the initiative highlights education’s vital role in building healthier, more equitable communities across Australia.
Aussies fear cancer survival rates
SEVEN in 10 Australians fear their location, age, gender, sexual orientation, income, or language may impact their cancer treatment and survival, according to a Leukaemia Foundation study. With one in 12 Australians likely to face blood cancer, barriers for regional, First Nations, CALD, and LGBTQIA+ communities exacerbate health inequities. The Leukaemia Foundation’s “A Fair Go” campaign seeks to raise awareness, provide resources, and advocate for equitable cancer treatment and care for all Australians.
Govt’s incentive is good but not great
THE Australian Government’s $10,000 incentive for apprentices in residential construction and clean energy is welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Coun-
Coast workers could lose out
HOUSANDS of workers on the NSW Central Coast could lose crucial penalty rates and workplace entitlements if the Australian Retailers Association’s application to the Fair Work Commission succeeds, new data has revealed. The proposed cuts seek to abolish overtime, weekend and evening penalty rates,
reduce rest time between shifts, remove work breaks and scrap annual leave loading for retail workers. In exchange, workers will receive a salary increase of 25% under the proposal, which falls seriously short of compensating for the significant loss of these protections. According to ABS data, 14,894 permanent award-re-
cil of Australia (TECA) but criticised for overlooking widespread skills shortages across industries like agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and ICT. While the $627M initiative supports recruitment and retention in targeted sectors, it fails to address systemic gaps in small business support and broader workforce needs. ITECA urges inclusive policies to strengthen Australia’s apprenticeship system across all industries.
Sorting priorities in public health issues
THE Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) has outlined seven priorities for the next government to address key health issues, including obesity, gambling harms, and climate change. PHAA emphasizes prevention over treatment, as obesity has overtaken tobacco as the leading cause of preventable disease. Priorities include creating a Disease Control Centre, investing in prevention, improving First Nations health, reforming gambling, tackling climate change, and introducing universal oral healthcare through Medicare.
NSW doctors lag behind national rates
GENERAL practice training in NSW is improving with an 8% rise in GP registrars for 2025, but it lags behind the national growth of 19.8%, says the RACGP. Rural areas saw only a 4% increase, with regions like Western NSW severely underrepresented. The RACGP urges NSW to match Victoria’s $40,000 incentives for GP trainees and calls for federal investment to fund 1,500 more training places over five years to address workforce shortage.
liant workers on the Central Coast could be affected by the proposal, losing thousands of dollars of hard-earned money. Secretary of Unions NSW Mark Morey said the proposed changes undermine hard-fought worker protections and severely impact low paid employees already struggling to make ends meet.
Thinking of skiing New Zealand in 2025?
IF you’ve always been curious to experience skiing or snowboarding in New Zealand, now is the time to think about your trip. Southern Hemisphere winter will be here before you know it.
Cardrona Snow Resort is the best place to start your NZ snow experience with 20% of terrain beginner, 25% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain and the
scenery, skiing above the river, fields and mountains below is absolutely stunning. The exciting news for this well-known snow resort is brand new terrain opening up (150 hectares) called Soho, including a new high speed 6 seater chair.
Kids programs for 2025 include 4 day programs for skiers (age 5 and over), snowboarders (age 7 and over) from $NZ570 - incredible value for
Aussies with the same instructor and group all week including lunch. Multi-day passes for adults start from NZ$390 for 7 days (blackout dates apply). Cardrona has on-mountain childcare for ages 3 months to age 2 and ski kindy from 2 -4 so everyone is up on the mountain at the same time. For more info on passes, accommodation recommendations and more visit cardro-
na-treblecone.com
Cardrona has free mountain shuttles and bus transport to and from Queenstown and Wanaka. Check out cardrona-treblecone.com/ mountains/transport.
DESTINATION INFO. MAGAZINE OUT MAY 2025 IN NEWSAGENTS. www.snowaction.com.au
The Sydney Airport Hotel with the VIBE
What is a Moxy?
SYDNEY is lucky enough to have a Moxy hotel, have you heard of them? Moxy Hotels are the Mariott Bonvoy’s incredible young and vibrant group of hotels located across the world with a focus on fun and stylish communal spaces with smart rooms with tucked away furniture, walk-in showers, a cool laundromat and eye-popping interiors.
THE HOTEL
This is an airport hotel with a difference and you won’t want to go anywhere during your stay. The vibe is friendly and relaxed and the ground floor has an extensive section of coffee table, art and design books, a plethora of family games and a great bar for breakfast and dinner. This cocktail bar serves up great dinner from 5pm including wholesome quinoa bowls, burgers, linguine, gnocchi and delicious cauliflower gnocchi.
Setting the tone of how things roll at the Moxy, you are gifted a signature cocktail or mocktail upon arrival. Enjoy happy hour at the bar between 4-6pm for $7 beers and wine and if you’re looking to let off steam, bicycles are available for use as well as a well-equipped gymnasium. Refill your water bottle with filtered water on every floor, every aspect of this hotel is well-thought out with a travel theme-even the carpet has an airport runway theme and nothing is missed from a design eye- the shampoo and conditioner in the showers are cool and room furniture is designed to fold up and be stored on the wall. ‘Thought-
ful, spirited and fun’, this particular Moxy opened in August 2023 and has regular on-site activations with a focus on playfulness. The hotel’s extensive artwork includes work from local artists Elliot Rutledge and Evi O.
An Incredible Deal
Leading the way with what travellers actually need, you can stay at Moxy and park your car for 5 nights
for free. Secure, hassle-free valet parking with an inclusive return airport shuttle absolutely free of charge. The car park is protected, keeping your vehicle safe from the elements with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. After these 5 free nights the daily rate is from $15 a day, $100 weekly or save up to 20% on extended monthly stays. Please check re larger vehicles like 4WD and with with modifications
like bull bars or longer and wider than 2.3m x 5.3m).
More than just a hotel, Moxy Sydney Airport has become a traveller favourite. It is celebrated for its award-winning design and signature energy that turns a stopover into a memorable part of the journey. 56 Baxter Road Mascot www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ sydxp-moxy-sydney-airport/overview phone 9132 4800
with EMMA WILSON
Nevada - Your next family destination
Lake Tahoe
Right up there with the world’s greatest destinations, Lake Tahoe is a must for all natural wonder lovers. As one of the 20 oldest lakes on earth, created from glacial erosion filled with 99.9% pure water Lake Tahoe is simply breathtaking. In winter white snow capped craggy alps form a rim as far as the eye can see. If you get up close to the lake shore you can see through to the bottom of the lake.
Summer
In summer the lake comes alive with a multitude of activities, SUP, canoeing, swimming and boating with towns and villages supporting tourism on the lake. Bars, restaurants and parks to enjoy picnics dot around the lake, there is a distinct ‘summer camp’ vibe as well as an American Indian influence.
Lake Tahoe was home to three Tribes - Washoe, Maidu and Paiute who reportedly came to the lake seasonally to hunt, fish and gather medicinal plants. As you move about Lake Tahoe you can observe American Indian influences, different motifs, reference to totems and there is a sense of respectfulness to nature and the American Indian influences here.
The gorgeous surroundings make it clear why people live in this region of the USA. It is home to some of the wealthiest American billionaires with huge stunning timber mansions right on the lake and when you watch the sunset over the water and witness the snowcapped Sierra Mountains turn orange you’ll be thinking how you can move here too.
Polar Paddles at Sand Harbor State Park are offered by Clearly Tahoe.
Winter
Nevada snow resorts are simply incredible, you really are spoilt for choice. The ideal scenario would be to spend several weeks here to experience them all. Here’s the short-list:
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is a local community-owned hill and if you’re staying at Incline Village it will be a 2 minute drive up the hill - and yes - you will check your map twice like we did because how can a ski resort be 2 minutes uphill from a stunning lake, but it is. It’s a bit of a secret gem, Diamond Peak might not be as widely known
as some of the others, this resort has very decent backcountry access, steep runs, wide intermediate runs, easy learning areas and - the piece d’resistance - the most incredible downhill intermediate run skiing down towards Lake Tahoe that is simply breathtaking and worth experiencing for this alone. Money-saving tip: Diamond Peak has three day passes that are great value. I recommend staying in the area, get a couple of families together to share local accommodation that comes with a kitchen to keep meal costs down and spend the other couple of days exploring Lake Tahoe activities, walks, shopping and daytrips.
Mt Rose
If this resort isn’t named because it’s as lovely as a rose - it should be. On an average snow day the runs are generous in size, great groomers, non-crowded slopes and runs for all abilities. When the powder falls, the Mt Rose chutes come alive and the snow frothers (expert ski enthusiasts) come out of the woodwork to enjoy them. There is great back country access here and the vibe is authentic Nevada. Enjoy a coffee out in the sunshine or a beer in the salon-style bar. No shiny showoffs here.
Heavenly Resort
If you have an Epic pass, the charm of this expansive resort is skiing from Nevada state to California and skiing downwards from great elevation towards the lake. Staying at or near the Nevada-side casinos is good value. The local area and resort feels very local-oriented and low-key.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Surrounded by forest and close to the lake is the lovely Hyatt Regency. A great place to base yourself to explore the area, this hotel is a destination in its own right. Interestingly, it’s a great location for a solo holiday or as a solo parent because of the activities on offer and the shuttle bus system, you’ll be kept busy and everything is organised for you.
The outdoor pools and spas are great and include a swim-up pool (swim from inside the hotel to outside) Activities - like archery are on offer near the pool. Please note that during extensive renovations any activities on the beach side of the property will be impacted.
Most hotels claim they have a gym and it’s generally tokenistic but this hotel gym is extremely substantial and includes online programs to choose from. On-site are 5 restaurants and an amazing spa offering cryotherapy (cold therapy helping muscle ache) and float therapy. The selection of activities on offer is insane - everything is free or attracts a small fee - from snowshoeing, hiking, art (soap making, pinecone art, postcode workshop, yoga, soundbath or cocktail making. The hotel provides S’mores kits (marshmellow, chocolate and biscuits) you can toast on the hotel firepits on site or a 3 minute walk down on the beach (renovation pending so please check).
Snow Resorts - you can access Diamond Peak from the Hyatt Regency
regular shuttle bus service. Mt Rose is an 18-20 minute drive up the hill.
Accessibility
Again, accessibility for disabled travellers can often be tokenistic but this Hyatt is thorough in this regard. Public spaces - swimming pool, exercise equipment, bathrooms, reception and restaurants have been taken into consideration.Contact the hotel for more information.
111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada email hyattlaketahoe@ hyatt.com for bookings and enquiries or call +1 775 832 1234 for more info.
Getting There and Away
You can get to Lake Tahoe via a four hour drive from San Francisco or change planes in Los Angeles to fly to Reno (1-1.5 hours or less) or San Francisco to Reno is just 45 minutes. North Tahoe Express is the shuttle between RNO and North Lake Tahoe.
TART Connect is the free on demand transportation service across the North Shore.
Roadtrip
It’s a great experience to do a road trip through Nevada in fact there are 10 designated road trips to choose from if you’re heading to Utah, Seattle, Southern California or beyond. Check out Travel Nevada Roadtrips for trips such as; Travel Nevada Loneliest Road in America, Lake Tahoe Loop, Extraterrestrial Highway, Great Basin Highway, Neon To Nature, Rubies Route and the Free-range Art Highway are some of these routes. Depending on the route, you can expect state parks, museums, beautiful mountain views, ghost towns, Sagebrush Saloons and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
To start planning your Nevada adventure check out travelnevada.com.
A TRANQUIL ESCAPE - Luxury and sustainability at Samanvaya Resort, Bali
THE warmth of Samanvaya’s hospitality begins long before you even set foot in Bali. A week prior to our arrival, the resort’s friendly staff reached out offering to arrange dining and spa reservations, ensuring a seamless travel experience and creating anticipation. This level of communication continued throughout our stay, with quick responses via WhatsApp or the in-room iPhone provided in each villa— personal touches that made us feel like valued guests.
Nestled in the rolling green hills of Sideman Valley, Samanvaya Luxury Resort is the sanctuary you’ve been searching for if an adults-only tranquil escape is your idea of bliss. Located about 90 minutes from the bustling crowds of Denpasar, Sideman (pronounced see-da-men) feels like a hidden gem, where traditional villages, lush rice terraces, and a grounded pace of life define the landscape.
The resort driver greeted us warmly upon arrival, followed by the reception team, who welcomed us with smiles, cool lemongrass tea, and chilled hand towels setting the tone for a special stay. Visiting in mid-January, our concerns about the rainy season were soon dispelled by the resort’s warm energy. Mornings were clear and mild, perfect for exploring, while afternoon showers added a misty, dreamlike atmosphere.
Accommodation: A Fusion of Nature and Luxury
Samanvaya’s accommodation is a beautiful union of traditional Balinese design and modern comfort, blending into the surrounding landscape. Walking through the resort feels like stepping into a hidden oasis—lush tropical palms, vibrant flowers, flowing water channels, and intricately designed pathways guide you to your villa. The attention to detail is exceptional, with each villa incorporating locally sourced materials, handcarved wood accents, and elegant bamboo architecture. The bathroom took our breath away with a sink carved from a large crystal gem, an elegant private hot tub featuring an opening in the bamboo architecture revealing the night sky. Geckos and frogs from the surrounding garden negated the need for music manifesting a harmonious mood.
The resort offers a mix of newer and more tradition-
al-style villas, each thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive experience in nature while maintaining a high level of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the rice fields, while nearby plunge pools, as well as a stunning resort infinity pool add to the feeling of seclusion and serenity. The designers have thought of everything here, including a linen draped bed featuring integrated air conditioning. The commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the design, from eco-friendly toiletries to the use of local resources and labour.
Every space feels intimate, intentional, and designed with relaxation in mind—whether you’re lounging on comfortable villa furniture, taking in views from your balcony or soaking in a tub under the stars. Whatever you choose, the friendly and efficient team will bring you a world class cocktail to enhance the vibe. Samanvaya blurs the line between room service, well-appointed venue and pool side hospitality, whatever we needed was replied with a friendly ‘yes’. Everything just flows.
Samanvaya has a distinct personality, shaped by its Kiwi founders Tracey and Rob, who have infused the resort with a genuine passion for the region. The team members operate as a family and demonstrate authenticity and care, only possible based on the role that Samanvaya plays in the broader valley community.
Asri Dining: Local Flavours, Flawlessly Executed
Dining at Asri, the resort’s paddock-to-plate restaurant, is a sensory experience. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including chilies, green beans, and rice from the resort’s fields. Dishes are indulgent yet wholesome, leaving you satisfied but refreshed.
Breakfast featured many options, including fluffy banana pancakes drizzled in local honey and flavourful Mie Goreng noodles. Evenings were a delight, with standout dishes like artisan bread with cinnamon butter, Beef Rendang, and Balinese curry. The Tuna Tartare highlighted the fresh seafood available in the region. Conscious travellers will appreciate the plant-based and sustainably sourced options. Samanvaya also offers a surprising selection of locally produced wines made from Australian grapes, alongside international varieties. Every meal feels like an experience, whether you’re dining with a view of the misty valley or enjoying one of the venue’s many garden nooks.
Ananda Spa: The Ultimate Rejuvenation
No luxury escape is complete without a visit to the spa, and the Ananda Spa at Samanvaya does not disappoint. Nestled amidst the lush greenery, the spa offers a range of treatments designed to soothe, rejuvenate and restore.
authenticity of the interactions makes for a far richer and more meaningful experience.
What truly sets Samanvaya apart is its deep-rooted connection to the local community. The team here is genuinely engaged, warm, and eager to share their culture. Almost all staff members are from the Sideman Valley, and their pride in their home is visible. They’re not just employees— they’re storytellers, eager to share insights about their traditions, history, and way of life.
I opted for the Anti-Fatigue Massage, a heavenly experience that combined deep-tissue techniques with a choice of aromatherapy oils to melt away any lingering tension. The Salt Scrub was another highlight, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and renewed. Each treatment is performed by skilled therapists who seem to have an intuitive understanding of exactly what your body needs.
The spa itself is a sanctuary of peace, as soft Balinese music and singing bowls play in the background, the gentle sounds of nature completing the experience. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring or simply to indulge in a moment of self-care.
Support Sideman: A New Sustainable Tourism Model
Forget the cookie-cutter hospitality of a five-star chain—there’s no “tropical kabuki” (as humorously depicted in The White Lotus series). The
Beyond exceptional service, Samanvaya has implemented an inspiring initiative known as the Support Sideman program. This unique program allows visitors to contribute to environmental and educational efforts in the region. One particularly impactful project involves an innovative recycling-for-rice exchange, where locals collect waste in exchange for much-needed rice. During our visit, we learned that over 15 tonnes of waste had been collected, leading to the distribution of 3 tonnes of rice to local families.
The resort is also actively involved in maintaining the valley’s ecological integrity by supporting reforestation efforts and advocating for responsible tourism development. As more travellers discover Sideman, Samanvaya is playing a crucial role in ensuring that growth is sustainable and beneficial for the local community, mitigating risks of overdevelopment as is common in other parts of Bali. Guests are encouraged to share their ideas. A recent visitor and ‘animal lover’ funded a local vet to sterilise and immunise dogs in the area.
Final Thoughts: A Transformative Stay
Samanvaya Luxury Resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave. My husband and I left with a sense of healing, harmony, and happiness far beyond our expectations.
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LEGAL
KIDS PUNISHED FOR POSTING Little evidence for new law
POSTING social media content
that shows motor vehicle theft and break and enters is now a serious crime that attracts up to two years jail on top of whatever sentence you receive for the head crimes.
So called performance crime is a new offence created by an amendment to the Crimes Act 1900
Many in the legal community are concerned that through this law kids are being made scapegoats for the government’s inability to control the social media giants.
The amendment to the Crimes Act effectively permits a sentence of up to two years jail to be bolted on to the any sentence for motor vehicle theft and (or) the break and enter.
Little evidence has been produced, or relied, in the drafting of the new law that shows a causal link between posting a crime and the commission of future crime.
“Anybody who posts social media content of themselves in the commission of a serious crime is obviously no master criminal –this new law is all about punishing children for posting,” Parramatta criminal solicitor, Mathew Nott, said.
“The authorities are clearly worried about the potential these posts have to incite ‘copycat’ crimes but there is no evidence that occurs.”
“The real issue here is that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat don’t block child porn posts, footage of terrorists beheading people, or live streaming of massacres – let alone car theft and joyriding.
“The government can’t control these platforms, so kids who post are in line for disproportionate jail sentences so authorities can tell
the community that they are tough on crime.”
“The authorities are clearly worried about the potential these posts have.”
The new law would appear to be directed at children (under 18s) and was passed in response to public outrage over the spike in crime in regional areas during 2022-23, much of it attributed to youths
under 18 years of age.
“We have heard troubling reports, particularly from our communities in regional NSW, of offenders posting footage of their offending behaviour on social media, particularly in relation to motor vehicle offending,” Attorney General Michael Daley, said during the second reading of the bill in NSW Parliament.
“There have also been high-profile examples of this behaviour in the context of serious break and enter offences, sometimes committed in people’s homes while they are asleep.
“Disseminating recordings of offending behaviour online may encourage others to engage in
similar dangerous criminal behaviour.
“It might send the message to impressionable young people, or other people in our community, that criminal acts are socially acceptable. It may also provide people with information or ideas about how to commit criminal offences.”
The new law is subject to review after two years.
See: https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/ viewdoc/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ca190082/ s154k.html
If you are in legal trouble, contact Sydney’s Nott and Co Lawyers for assistance. www. nottandcolawyers.com.au
