Central Coast Business Review August 2022

Heatherbrae

Central Coast Business Review is a Registered Trade Mark of Adams Business Publications Pty Ltd

P.O. Box 3259, Erina, NSW 2250

Phone: (02) 4367 0733 Fax: (02) 4367 0744

Email: info@ccbusinessreview.com.au

Typesetting by Graphic by Design ph (02) 4365 6777

Print & Distribution by Bromley Direct ph 0412 439 773

© Adams Business Publications 1994. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any part prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure all information in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the publisher, Adams Business Publications. The producer accepts no responsibility for illustrations or photographs supplied by organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

Census highlights a divided community

THE

CCBR has started work on analysing this data looking at the population increase, how old we are, how much we earn and what is costs to pay off or rent a home.

On Page 6 you will see a brief Community Profile of Gosford, Terrigal and the main growth areas to the north: Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba and Woongarrah – all compared with 2016, 5 years ago.

Also, on Page 19 we have briefly analysed the Community Profiles for all of the Central Coast – by Post Code (2250 to 2263).

They make interesting reading if you are that way inclined!

Overall, the region’s population grew 5.75% over the past five years, down a little from the previous two periods but gener ally around 1% per year as predicted by the NSW Department of Planning.

Point is that most of this growth has been in the north due to a Wyong Council that was very active in approving residential subdivisions that saw thousands of homes built and young families move in.

Population growth in the north from 2016 to 2021 was 25.4%.

It is also worth noting that the Median Age of the population in Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba and Woongarrah is 35 years.

Elsewhere, across the Coast, the Median Age as around 46 years.

The divide between young and old is stark.

Going back 40 or so years Wyong Council planned for this population growth in the north, initially around Warnervale. As part of that growth they knew that the area would need amenities such as a shopping centre, picture theatres, swimming pool and other community facilities.

It was to be known as the Warnervale Town Centre and located on Sparkes Road – it was a large area.

Within the shopping centre there was to be a Coles Supermarket. Woolworths, who had closed down a number of super markets in the north because they saw no future eventually took note and realised they had missed the boat.

Not to be put off they hunted around and found some rural zoned land on the main railway line which they acquired and got rezoned for their own shopping centre.

Their first moves were to get Wyong Council to dump the Warnervale Town Centre, get State Rail to build a new railway station, a few kilometres from the Warnervale Station, right smack in the centre of their shopping centre so that they would control the retail market across the north.

Community facilities as planned with the Warnervale Town Centre did not exist under Woolies’ plans.

Regrettably, Wyong Council went along with them.

In the end Woolworths found they couldn’t get any traction with their tactics. Their property was on the side of the hill, the area promoted for the new railway sta tion has environmental issues on it.

So, today, with a young, growing popula tion in our north the essential community facilities planned by a forward thinking Wyong Council (until Woolies came along) do not exist.

I mention this as it is a history lesson worth noting.

Meanwhile, further to the south in Gosford, the Capital City of the Central Coast, the only planning that took place was to stop any growth at all.

A moribund Gosford got shaken up in a few short years between 2013 and 2016 with the advent of the McKenna/ Anderson Gosford Council taking the breaks off dur ing their short term from 2013 until 2016 when the councils were amalgamated.

The 2021 Census shows us how Gosford has grown from 3,499 in 2016 to 4,873 in 2021 – an increase of almost 40% (admit tedly off a low base).

The lesson from all this is that local gov ernment drives local communities for good or for worse.

When the two councils were amalga mated in 2016 the Central Coast had the world at it feet.

The tragedy of the failure of Central Coast Council has its genesis in the way the State

•

•

Work starts on St Hilliers’ Gosford project

WEDNESDAY 20 JULY saw the first sod turned on the site that will see construction begin on The Waterfront a 25 level, 136-unit mixed use tower on the Gosford waterfront by integrated property development and construction group St Hilliers.

The Waterfront is the second of a staged development on the site of the former Gosford Primary School acquired by St Hilliers in 2017 and now known as Central Coast Quarter.

Following the acquisition St Hilliers suc cessfully developed a 6-storey A-grade com mercial building at 32 Mann Street for the NSW Government that was completed in early 2019 as the first stage of the mixed use precinct. In August 2020 the Independent

Planning Commission approved a $150 mil lion mixed-use Central Coast Quarter project comprises 295 residential apartments across two towers, a 183-room hotel as well as commercial and retail space on the lower levels. This determination, provided the con cept approval for the remainder of Central Coast Quarter project.

Two years later and with a detailed development approval granted for the Northern tower and a successful residential sales and marketing campaign, St Hilliers has started construction.

Commenting on St Hilliers’ plans for the site during the Sod Turning ceremony Executive Chairman, Tim Casey said, “we are now in challenging times with rising build

ing costs, labour issues and sourcing mate rial that will see an escalation in the cost of developing projects.”

Mr Casey said that over 90% of the 136 apartments in The Waterfront develop ment had sold off-the-plan through agents, Foxwood Property and would be com pleted in 2024.

Meanwhile St Hilliers has commenced Gosford City Centre’s first design excel lence competition in conjunction with the Central Coast Council Design Advisory Panel. The competition will be for the bal ance of Central Coast Quarter precinct that will comprise the Southern stage with resi dential tower and retail podium and Eastern stage with a commercial tower.

our teams include

Across business, property, criminal, family law and wills & estates law,

Architect’s image of the Central Coast Quarter development. The Northern Tower is shown on the far left with the Eastern Tower adjoining. The shaded images represent the next stages in the development of the site.

Turning the Sod ceremony was led by Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council representative Gabi Duncan who conducted a smoking ceremony along with St Hilliers’ executive team: CEO Drew Brockhurst, Executive Chairman Tim Casey and Development Director Justyn Ng

Coast population up 18,860 since 2016

Gosford – Suburb – Community Profile

Population

2021 2016 Variation

4,873 3,499 +1,374

Median Age 35 35

Median Personal Income weekly $885 $719 +$166

Median Household Income Weekly $1,421 $1,203 +$218

Median Mortgage monthly $1,665 $1,400 +265

Median Rent Weekly $390 $340 +$50

Source: ABS Census 2016 and 2021

TERRIGAL

THE AUSTRALIAN STATISTICIAN has released the first tranche of the results of the 2016 Census revealing that the Central Coast’s population has grown by 18,860, up 5.75% over the five years since the last Census.

CCBR has reviewed some of the data released and commenc ing with this, our August issue, will revue data that shows how the Coast is changing.

The Table opposite shows Population, Median Age and Median Personal Income Weekly for the region by Post Code with compari sons from the 2016 Census.

We have selected Gosford, Terrigal and Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba, Woongarrah as suburbs to take a closer look at, as anecdotally they have seen significant developments over the last five years.

Population

Overall, the Central Coast population has grown by 5.75% which is a little over 1% per annum and aligns with the Department of Planning’s 2036 Growth Strategy (now superseded by a Regional Strategy).

Over the past 20 years, and particularly since 2006, the Central Coast’s population has grown at around 1% per year. Earlier years had seen growth drop to near zero.

Central Coast Population 2001 - 2021

Year Number People Change over 5 years %age change

2001 285,508 2006 293,710 8,202 +2.87% 2011 308,630 14,920 +5.08%

2016 327,736 19,106 +6.19% 2021 346,596 18,860 +5.75%

Source: ABS Census data

GOSFORD

Gosford’s population as increased by 1,374 or 39.2% and can be attributed to the number of residential developments that have been built and occupied during the 2016-2021 period.

With a Median Age of 35, Gosford is by far a much younger suburb that most of the rest of the Central Coast, except for north Wyong.

Terrigal’s population increased by 12.2% in the five years. This can be attributed to the large number of infill developments that has taken place in recent years. One aspect of Terrigal’s population compared with the number of residences is the number of apart ments that are generally vacant during the week and occupied at weekends. This will become apparent when the ABS releases the next tranche of the Census data in October.

Terrigal - Suburb – Community Profile

2021 2016 Variation

Population 12,730 11,349 +1,381

Median Age 43 42

Median Personal Income weekly $906 $734 +$172

Median Household Income Weekly $2,056 $1,679 +$377

Median Mortgage monthly $2,492 $2,167 +$325

Median Rent Weekly $520 $450 +$70

HAMLYN TERRACE, WADALBA, WOONGARRAH

By far the areas with the highest growth on the Central Coast is the Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba, Woongarrah with a growth of 25.4% - 5.1% per year. With a Median Age of 34 this area is by far the youngest on the Central Coast.

Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba, Woongarrah – Suburbs –Community Profile

2021 2016 Variation

Population 18,927 14,126 +4,801

Median Age 35 34

Median Personal Income weekly $799 $625 +$174

Median Household Income Weekly $2,046 $1,684 +$152

Median Mortgage monthly $2,167 $2,058 +$169

Median Rent Weekly $500 $450 +$50

Vice Chancellor’s vision for Gosford

Unemployment on the way up

The June 2022 Regional Labour Force survey data for the Central Coast is indicating that unemployment is now on the rise at 3.6% - up from 2.0% in May.

Data analytics consultant, Patrick Spedding from See-Change Solutions, says that equates to an increase in total unemployment of 2,460 to 5,470.

“By way of comparison with other regions in the Greater Sydney/6 Cities region, the Central Coast jumped from 2nd lowest to 7th in terms of employ ment rate.

The Central Coast also now has the lowest participation rate and employ ment to population rate,” he said.

“Youth unemployment also appears to have increased significantly in June. Full time youth employment seems to be trending down, and part time youth employment trending up.”

UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO was the Gosford Erina Business Chamber’s Guest Speaker at the July members lunch eon along with Member for Terrigal and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch MP.

Prof. Zelinsky’s talk centred around the new Gosford Campus, now in the design stage, for the University of Newcastle with a planned opening in 2025.

The 5-level Campus building will be built on a 4,672 sqm site on the corner of Mann and Beane Streets, Gosford with a footprint of 4,200 sqm.

“This building will set an example for building design and sustainability, with a World Leading 6 Green Star rating, a rating

CENTRAL COAST

INDUSTRY FESTIVAL

The Central Coast Industry Festival will be the largest event specifically for manufacturers and agricultural production companies ever held on the Central Coast.

22 August 2022 to 3 Sept 2022 Mingara Recreation Club For more information www.centralcoastindustryfestival.com.au

usually reserved for highly efficient build ings fully powered by renewables,” he said.

The new Campus will offer programmes covering business studies, law and cyber security, Prof. Zelinsky said, with student numbers reaching 900 within a decade

With UON’s Central Coast Clinical School and Research institute adjoining Gosford Hospital now fully operational and with a new Gosford Campus coming along, Prof. Zelinsky announced what he sees as a next step in his vision for Gosford – an Integrated Innovation Network for the region’s most promising innovators and entrepreneurs.

Such a Network would be modelled along the lines of UON’s highly successful 12N network.

Mr Spedding also commented that June also saw a drop in job vacan cies across most occupations, for the Central Coast.

The Central Coast unemployment rate increased in June, jobseeker recipients also increased, job vacancies decreased, and the payroll jobs index is also showing a decrease in June. In other words, all the economic indica tors are pointing downwards,” he said.

“Since May we’ve seen global sup ply issues driving up domestic interest rates and consequently driving up unemployment (now back up to 3.6%). If the Reserve Bank continues to over correct then we may end up with a stagflation scenario,” he concluded.

University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO addresses Gosford Erina Business Chamber members

Heatherbrae Pies opens at Ourimbah

Sydney for travellers looking for a rest break. It would appear to be an odd location but it is obviously working,” he said.

Commenting on the success of Heatherbrae’s Pies Mr Cox said it is about traditional values that customers still look for. “we bake all our pies on the premises employing skilled master pastry chefs who produce the high quality pies, sausage rolls, cakes and pastries for which we have become famous,” he said.

Mr Cox has designed all three restaurants all with old fashioned values in mind thus the Federation style of each restaurant.

The Ourimbah restaurant features two kitchens, one large and open to the public to see what is going on and a smaller one totally separate upstairs that devoted to gluten free pies and pastries.

HEATHERBRAE’S PIES HAS opened a new restaurant, the third, at Ourimbah on the Pacific Highway just a few kilometres north of the Ourimbah Interchange and within two days customers have been swarming in.

When interviewed by CCBR, Founder Russell Cox said, “I can’t believe it. I thought it would take a few months before people knew we were here. Obviously they have been watching and waiting for the doors to open.”

Established in 2001 at Heatherbrae, on the roundabout at Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae’s Pies has become a popular stopping off point for travellers, all because of the quality of their pies.

“We are more than just a pie shop,” Mr Cox said. “Right from start we set out to offer a full sit down or take away meal that includes side salads dishes and coffee. And it has worked.”

In 2016 Mr Cox opened his second res taurant at the Sutton Forrest Service Centre on the Hume Highway and it was an imme diate success as well.

Mr Cox, who had a long career in the food industry before going into the pie business said that having lived on the Central Coast for almost forty years he had wanted to build an iconic building that would automatically attract customers.

“Ourimbah is halfway between Sydney and Newcastle and the right distance out of

Being open 7 days from 6.00am to 9.00pm requires around 50 staff from full time and part time to casual.

The Ourimbah property was built by Erina based builders Stevens Construction.

Planning Panel approves expansion to concrete manufacturing facility at Somersby

The Central Coast Local Planning Panel has approved a Development Application for the expansion to a concrete manufacturing facility at Somersby.

The facility at 149 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby is owned by Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia Pty Ltd (RCPA) who manufacture con crete pipes.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Committed to making your business grow

The site on the north-western edge of the Somersby Industrial Estate, comprises a total area of 15.91 hectares zoned IN1 General Industrial with a vegetated buffer along the northern, western and southern boundaries that are zoned C2 Environmental Conservation. The present facility occupies 9.5 hectares.

RCPA currently employs 35 full and part-time employees with expan sion expected to increase this to 55 employees.

business

An Australian owned company RCPA acquired the Somersby site in 2015 and built a state of the art facility manufacturing wall steel reinforced concrete pipes using a “dry cast meth od” that minimises environmental impact and the usage of power in its factories throughout Australia.

Automated transactions in MYOB and XERO

Personal service backed up with 30 years

Committed to making your business grow

Heatherbrae’s Pies new restaurant at Ourimbah

Heatherbrae’s Pies Founder and Managing Director, Russell Cox

North Shore Timber & Hardware opens in Erina

ONE OF SYDNEY’S leading timber mer chants, North Shore Timber & Hardware, will open their new warehouse at Erina in August. It is constructed out of 100% Australian timber.They where  previ ously operating from a warehouse at West Gosford.

Director Jim Forrester said that the opportunity arose three years ago to acquire the Erina site, which has greater vis ibility and is located closer to the areas of the Coast that have a need for their custom style of operation.

NST have been operating a sales office at Lisarow and a temporary holding yard at Somersby since moving from West Gosford in May 2022.

The Erina warehouse, on The Entrance Road, is constructed of 100% Australian engineered cross laminated and glulami nated timber. That is said to perform better in terms of its environmental credentials timber being 100% renewable and fully embodies stored carbon rather than large steel framed buildings.  North Shore Timber’s Chatswood warehouse built in 1991 is built of similar timber construction.

The Erina building, and the adjacent commercial building now under construc tion, is virtually totally off-grid with 100 KW PV and 250 KW Lithium Battery storage.

Mr Forrester said that timber construction is currently more expensive than steel but will be a less costly form of construction in the future .  He commented that the roof spans on a full timber warehouse are prob ably the largest in Australia.

The new store is fitted with state-of-theart racking and stocks a full range of prod

Coast water storage hits peak capacity

Early July saw the Mangrove Creek Dam reach its capacity of 190.0 giga litres for the first time since it was built in 1982 as a storage dam.

Mardi Dam was at 80.5% and Mooney Mooney Dam was as 100.0% capacity.

The three interconnected dams are owned by the Central Coast Water Authority and administered by Central Coast Council.

The Central Coast is one of the few Councils which owns and operates its own water supply business.

Water also is transported into the system by the Hunter Connection. This two-way pipeline provides addi tional water for operational reasons, or during drought, for both the Central Coast and Hunter.

ucts all stored undercover and will employ around twelve people.

It will also be the Head Office for the company that has stores in: Thornleigh, Chatswood, Warriewood, Eastgardens and Miranda

North Shore Timber & Hardware are longestablished timber Merchants , established some 50 years ago and owned by the Wilkinson Family who acquired the busi ness in the late 90s.

Meanwhile the company has started con struction of a 1,543 sqm building adjacent to the new Warehouse which is also off-grid and of timber construction.

This will comprise a 2-level premium office suite of 530sqm with frontage to The Entrance Road and 3 warehouses of 519sqm and 2 x 247 sqm to the rear.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast said these proper ties will go to market in the next few months

North Shore Timber & Hardware’s Erina Warehouse under construction showing timber framing

North Shore Timber & Hardware’s Erina Warehouse nearing completion

Caesar Franckin (1942-2022)

YOU COULD CALL him a Central Coast institution. Caesar Franckin of Caesar’s Coffee fame has died after a short illness.

A quiet and gentle man he built his life around fine food and fine wine, and of course his family.

Caesar Franckin was born in Vincenza, Italy on 8th October, 1942 and came to Australia with his family from Italy in 1952 when he was ten years of age.

By the time he left school his elder brothers Tony and Ben were working in the wholesale food business around Sydney’s Haymarket supplying the growing Italian and Greek community in Sydney.

At weekends Caesar and brother Tony would load up their truck with food and wine for the Italian and Greek farming com munity around Mangrove Mountain.

In those years sourcing good quality wine was difficult with the Australian wine industry very much in it infancy. However the wine growing regions of South Australia and the Riverina were producing excellent quality wines and would embark on wine buying excursions each year and buy bulk quantities directly from the wineries.

By 1960 the three Franckin Brothers, Ben,

Tony and Caesar could see the opportunity to set up their own busi ness buying top quality wines in bulk and bot tling them which saw the birth in Gosford of Franckin Wines, the first liquor store on the Central Coast.

It was also at this time that Caesar’s future wife Frances started her first job after leaving school in the liquor store. They would marry in 1969.

The years that followed saw the Franckins move from one store in Gosford to another, each one larger to accommo date the growing business. The third shop at 172 Mann Street became one of the best known businesses across the Central Coast all based on quality wines that the people loved.

During all this time, while brothers Tony and Ben concentrated on the business, Caesar’s passion for wine grew and he was recognised for his knowledge of Australian and imported wines. His ability to taste and blend wines became the success of the family business.

In 1971 Caesar founded the Gosford Beefsteak and Burgundy Club, which continues today, where members and guests meet once a month at local restau

rants with a menu selected by the Food Master matched with wines chosen by the Wine Master.

He went on to create a wine tasting group which he named Amici (friends) where several people interested in wine would meet each month to taste and rate wines from Australian wine growers.

In 1985 brother Tony Franckin decided to make a life change and move away from the Central Coast.

The business was sold and Caesar and Frances entered a new phase of their life founding Erina Gourmet Centre.

Their vision was to provide the best qual ity gourmet food and coffee on the Central Coast. And in true family style, over the years they were joined by their two daugh ters, Lara and Sonia who worked in the business after school and then full time.

Operating from a food factory in Erina, Erina Gourmet Centre produced fresh chilled and frozen pasta based gourmet

meals made from the best quality ingre dients sold direct from their premises as well as to a select retail market.

These meals were complemented by freshly roasted coffee now known under the Caesar’s Coffee brand.

In 2000 the Franckin Family opened their own purpose designed Gourmet Food Shop in a new iconic building at the Terrigal Drive and The Entrance Road Intersection which they described as ‘a little bit of Italy on the Central Coast’.

This has allowed the Franckins to expand

Caesar Franckin

Industry Festival aims to fuel talent pipeline for local Manufacturing

THE CENTRAL COAST Industry Expo will be held at the Mingara Recreation Club from Thurs 1st – Sat 3rd Sept and provides local manufacturers and producers with the opportunity to showcase their businesses, products and brands to industry visitors from the local region and Sydney.

In addition to industry visitors attending each of the 3 days of the Industry Expo, on Fri 2nd Sept, students from local schools will attend the Expo to explore vocation and career pathways in manufacturing and help businesses to close skill gaps and fuel their talent pipeline.  The final day of the Expo, Sat 3rd Sept will be open to the wider Central Coast community.

“Manufacturing and Food Production industries are often overlooked or discount ed by young people and their parents when exploring career pathways and this presents a real challenge for local businesses which are hungry for talent to support their growth” said Alex Blow, Manager at Central Coast Industry Connect. “A key objective for the Industry Festival is to inspire young people to consider a career in modern manufactur ing and to connect them to education and training pathways which will help them build industry-relevant skills and capabili ties, he said. We also want to give parents of future job seekers, confidence that modern manufacturing offers dynamic, safe and rewarding career opportunities.”

The Industry Expo is part of the inaugural Central Coast Industry Festival, designed to support Central Coast-based businesses involved in the manufacturing and food / drink production sectors to rebound from the impacts of bushfires, floods and COVID-19 and build resilience against future disruption.

For more information and to register to attend the Industry Expo, visit the event web site www.centralcoastindustryfestival.com.au

into a wider range of gourmet heat n serve meals, fresh pasta and ravioli, and a wider range of coffee blends.

When COVID hit in early 2020 the shop design proved unworkable under social dis tancing restrictions and in any case it was time to downsize and take it a little easy.

Caesar, Frances and daughter Lara con tinued to run the Caesar’s Coffee from their home to their Online customers.

At the same time Caesar passed the busi ness over to Lara to continue his legacy.

Caesar Franckin is survived by his wife Frances, daughters, Sonia, Lara and Lisa and granddaughter Chiara.

From chef to PhD in Food Science at Ourimbah Campus

Chef Philip Davy is the perfect exam ple of the pathways offered to stu dents at the University of Newcastle’ Ourimbah Campus.

A qualified Chef, Mr Davy has complet ed his Bachelors Degree in Food Science and is now completing a PhD looking at the uni tisation of soy waste to boost protein levels in baked goods.

Mr Davy began his tertiary studies by undertaking Open Foundation, fol lowed by completion of undergraduate studies in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at the same Ourimbah Campus and followed this with an hon ours year.

He graduated with distinction, first class honours and a faculty commenda tion medal.

The PhD thesis title is “Valorisation of by-products from soy milk processing into marketable ingredients and func tional foods.”.

Mr Davy said, “ My journey in food started long before university as I worked as a chef in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. During my career as a chef, I worked in many restaurants and have expertise in Western and South East Asian cuisines, utilising both modern and traditional techniques. Further to this, I was able to develop an ability to run and manage small businesses and was a key partner in multiple successful ventures.

“While studying, I became aware of the vast quantities of food waste and byproducts that are produced during large

scale food production and decided that was where my research focus should be. Minimisation and utilisation of food waste and off cuts is a key element of being a successful chef and a major con tributing factor in the management of any food service venue.

At the completion of honours, I had decided that I wanted to pursue a career in academia at university and combine my passion for food, research and educa tion together. I realised that to achieve this I would need to complete a doctor ate, to fill the requirements of a course coordinator,” said Mr Davy.

Philip Davy

Nexus sets up Training Room

Nexus Smart Hub at North Wyong has set up a new training room designed to facilitate large board meetings, creative workshop sessions, team training and cli ent presentations.

The 24/7 training space offers state of the art facilities and flexibility in a modern and natural light filled space.

The room can be set up in configura tions:

• 40 persons in theatre style,

• 30 persons in U-Shape style,

• 28 persons in classroom style, and

• 20 persons in boardroom style.

A large and comfortable space the Nexus Training Room is fitted out with smart screens with wireless connections.

Full kitchen facilities and catering options are also available.

Coast Shelter’s 30th Anniversary

To celebrate Coast Shelter’s 30th Anniversary The Coast Shelter Race Day will be held at The Entertainment Grounds, Gosford on 6th October 2022.

Friends of Coast Shelter are invited to support the special fund raising lunch eon to support ending homelessness and domestic and family violence on the Central Coast.

Guests will enjoy buffet lunch and drinks, 8 races and entertainment.

For more information and to buy tick ets visit

www.coastshelterluncheon.com.au

With a Community Centre at 346 Mann Street, Gosford, Coast Shelter was founded by Laurie Maher OAM, former Mayor of Gosford, in 1992 who was also CEO until he retired in 2018.

Each year Coast Shelter provides spe cialist housing support to nearly 1,100 men, young people, and women with or without accompanying children, through access to our their services.

Their Community Centre helps the most vulnerable people in the commu nity by providing free meals and access to financial, medical and personal sup port services

The largest service provider on the Central Coast, Coast Shelter operates nine crisis accommodation refuges, 76 transitional houses and support services for men, women and youth.

Personalised Favours in the AFR Fast 100 Club

WEST GOSFORD ONLINE wedding and special occasions personalised gift store has joined the elite AFR Fast 100 club being placed 61st among Australia’s fastest grow ing businesses in 2021.

What started off ten years ago as a good idea has mushroomed into a $10 million business with over 60 employees that is as much an online retail business as a manu facturing business.

Melissa Wilkinson, an industrial designer, was looking to buy personalised wedding gifts for some friends who were getting married and found there was nothing on the market that fitted her ideas for such a special occasion.

he started by sourcing suitable products and embellishing them by engraving or adding personalised artwork thereby adding value, then selling them on eBay.

That was in 2010 and she soon found that she had hit on a niche market and established Personalised Favours online wedding and special occasions store with a well-designed website.

The business took off and it wasn’t long before the workload necessitated addi tional help and Ms. Wilkinson brought her brother-in-law Matthew Mosse-Robinson, a corporate banker for eight years, into the business.

Personalised Favours won the Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards in 2014 and 2015.

The last financial year saw Personalised Favours’ turnover increase by a whopping 25% due to changes bought about by COVID and the numbers of people in isola tion buying online.

However, initially business dropped right off as weddings were cancelled overnight

and a new range of products had be thought through and introduced to a new market.

Right from the start Mrs Wilkinson and Mr Mosse-Robinson have had a total focus on product innovation and customer service.

With the benefits of high-speed broad band their customer reach enables them to reach a global market. They now count around 100,000 customers worldwide including a strong customer base in the United States serviced through a dedicated US website.

With a focus on customer service and innovation, Personalised Favours now has a product range of over a thousand items, and new products being constantly intro duced, and a turnover time from order to shipping of a maximum of two days.

When interviewed by CCBR the pair had just ordered a new laser engraving machine and three embroidery machines – a sub stantial investment.

A few years ago, Mrs Wilkinson’s husband and co-founder of the business, also an industrial designer, joined the business as National Sales Manager.

With a workforce of over sixty people employee satisfaction and health is of prime importance and

Mrs Wilkinson said that with mental health in the workplace always an issue they are constantly on the alert to provide

support to all staff.

“We see that we also need to offer a career patch for our people and this includes upskilling, team building and a leadership programme.”

“We employ people from school leavers to mums with special time needs,” she said.

As the company’s workforce has increased they now employ a Human Resources Manager and Production Manager.

Argyle Estates

Melissa Wilkinson and Matthew Mosse-Robinson

Central Coast Council moving forward

BY CENTRAL COAST COUNCIL CEO DAVID FARMER

THE CENTRAL COAST Council’s plans about what will be delivered for the next year and following two years are in place after being adopted at the June Council Meeting.

Due to a larger than budgeted, pro jected surplus for the 21-22 financial year, Council has responded to community feedback and been able to allocate extra resources for local roads maintenance, vegetation management and planning assessment. Additionally, a cautious budg etary approach has been taken with an allocation of a contingency for increased electricity costs due to current volatility in the electricity market.

Council’s delivery program also incorpo rates all the changes resulting from IPART’s (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) recent decisions to continue the special variation for ordinary rates to 30 June 2031 and stagger increases to the reg ulated water, sewer and stormwater drain age fees and charges for the next four years.

“We have also projected increases in our capital works budget, to ensure projects which have been started, but were impact ed by global distribution issues, availability of contractors, resourcing issues due to COVID and significant weather events, are able to now be completed’” said David Farmer, Council’s Chief Executive Officer.

Key activities ahead include commence ment of the construction of the Gosford Regional Library; continued pathway con struction at Magenta and Tuggerawong; playspace upgrades across the coast at Wyongah, Blue Haven, Berkeley Vale, Koolewong, Tuggerah, and Killarney Vale; road upgrades at Woy Woy, Lisarow, Budgewoi and Shelly Beach and gross pol lutant trap works at Toukley, Copacabana, East Gosford, and Halekulani to support

improved environmental management. Further investigation of a food organics and garden organics (FOGO) processing solu tion and completion of the Central Coast Housing Strategy is also scheduled.

“Business owners, residents and ratepay ers can be assured that we have stabilised the organisation after a period of turmoil and are focussed on maintaining a finan cially sustainable Council,” said Mr Farmer.

“Our financial discipline over the last 18 months resulting in the significant financial turnaround of Council means we have the flexibility to be more responsive to commu nity concerns and external cost pressures.

“The forecasted surpluses for the finan cial years ending 2022 and 2023 are being responsibly allocated for repayments towards the emergency loans that had to be obtained to repay restricted funds and for priority service areas. These adjustments still keep us on track with our 10-year LongTerm Financial Plan that provides for longterm financial stability for the organisation,” said Mr Farmer.

The State Government have announced that the Central Coast local government elections will be held in September 2024. Mr Rik Hart is currently the Administrator of the Council.

For more information about Council ser vices, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council quits land at Doyalson and Bateau Bay

Central Coast Council’s Asset Sales Programme has seen further property sales at Doyalson and Bateau.

The Doyalson properties comprise three undeveloped adjoining lots at: 200 Thompson Vale Road 34.96 Ha 740 Thompson Vale Road 88.86 Ha 1550 Thompson Vale Road 18.21 Ha

All were sold to Spring Creek Properties Pty Ltd for $6,050,000.

The properties had been acquired by Wyong Council in 2015 from Woodbury Park Estates Pty Ltd for $7 million and were valued for Council at $$.5 million.

Wyong Council had acquired the land

along with a parcel at Jilliby from Warner Business Park in 2015 as it was considered to be within the Strategic Investigation Area for the proposed Central Coast Regional Airport.

The land was sold through an external agent via a competitive expression of inter est and a contract was entered into with the successful proponent on 28 September 2021. The contract settlement occurred on 6 June 2022.

Bateau Bay land

10A Cynthia Street, Bateau Bay is a level 1,887sqm lot surrounded by well

Council extends Local Planning Panel members

Following recommendation from Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart the Central Coast Planning Panel confirmed at their 23rd June meeting the appointment period of the current Panel members until 29 February 2024 along with two additional members

Chair/Alternates:

• Donna Rygate (Chair)

• Jason Perica (alternate)

• Kara Krason (alternate)

Expert/Professional Members:

• Greg Flynn

• Linda McClure

• Stephen Leathley

• Sue Francis

• Grant Christmas

• Stacey Brodbeck

• Michael Ryan

Community Panel Members:

• Anthony Tuxworth (Gosford East Ward)

• Lynette Hunt (Gosford West Ward)

• Paul Dignam (Wyong Ward)

• Scott McGrath (The Entrance Ward)

• David Kitson (Budgewoi Ward)

• Stephen Glen (Gosford East and Budgewoi Wards – alternate)

• Geoffrey Mitchell (Gosford West –alternate)

• Glenn Watts (Wyong Ward – alternate)

• Mark Elsey (The Entrance Ward – alter nate)

Council provides no background as to who the Community Panel Members are however they were appointed by Central Coast Council in May 2020 after Mayor Cr Jane Smith put forward an alternative list of ten community mem bers for the panel which only included one name from the list that Council staff had recommended.

established residential area valued at $550,000 and sold for $1,830,000 through local agents DiJones Central Coast.

The site was listed for sale by Council in May 2016 however remained unsold since then.

The land was sold via auction and a contract was entered into with the suc cessful bidder on 6 April 2022.

Sales exceed $60 million

The sale of the Doyalson and Bateau Bay properties has bought the total value of asset sales under Council’s Asset Sales Programme to $62 million.

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer

Colony Close Tuggerah units in demand

A WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT

at 4 Colony Close, Tuggerah Business Park that was controversially approved for mixed-use residential and service apartments has been rethought by the developer who is now constructing 31 warehouse units on the 6.5 Ha site.

This follows the strong demand for warehouse / industrial units throughout the Central Coast.

Commenting on the change of heart by the developer, agent Brett Dowling from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast said that Sydney builder and developer Plantino Properties had originally joint ventured with the landowner to develop a mixed-use development of residential and serviced apartments with ground floor

retail space.  However after initial feasibil ity studies were conducted, a different approach was taken with the help of LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast and it was decided that the demand for ware house units was stronger and that this would be the best result for the site.

“We have sold 30 out of 31 units with approximately two thirds sold to owner occupiers and a third sold to investors. There was a mix of local owner occupi ers, local investors and also investors based in Sydney,” Mr Dowling said.

With sizes ranging from (approximate ly) 75sqm to 220sqm units have sold between $3,200 - $3,600 per sqm.

Plantino Properties are aiming to have the project completed by August.

Investor buys Kincumber industrial unit

A Sydney investor has paid $1,025,000 (GST not applicable) for Unit 2 at 6 Hawke Street, Kincumber.

The unit is part of a 4-unit complex with a floor area of 334sqm over 2 levels and comprises full bathroom and kitchenette with 3 car spaces. The mezzanine floor as a load bearing capacity of 12 tonnes.

The property was sold with a 12-month lease-back to the present occupier at $50,000 per annum giving the buyer a 4.8% return.

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale

Somersby industrial lot sells to owner occupier

An owner occupier has paid $885,000 plus GST for a 306sqm industrial warehouse with mezzanine office space at 21 Kangoo Road, Somersby.

Unit 9 is part of a multi unit complex.

Karen Aubrey from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

FOR LEASE PROFESSIONAL & SPECIALIST MEDICAL SUITES

The Perpetual Corporate Trustee as cus todian for Gosford Investment Trust has purchased Suites 3, 8 and 12 in the Gosford Private Medical Centre building, adjoining the North Gosford Private Hospital, paying $4,150,000 plus GST.

With a total area of 510sqm the suites were sold in cold-shell condition.

Also, Marcnic Investments Pty Ltd and Coughlan Fund Pty Ltd have acquired Site 13 of 121sqm paying $930,000 plus GST.

Andrew Dunn from DiJones Commercial Central Coast negotiated both sales.

152-154 PACIFIC HIGHWAY TUGGERAH

Easy Parking, great exposure, well maintained & presented property with well known quality tenants including Trader Vics, BCF & Super Cheap Auto, PRP Radiology, Australian Clinical Labs Pathology, Fullerton Health Medical Centre, Geriatrician; Psychologists, Dentist, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Cafe & more.

Ideal for the Professional, Legal, Financial or Medical Specialist with sizes from 16m2 up to 95m2 suitable to Lease or Purchase.

Features include:

• Flexible lease terms • Competitive rentals • Excellent parking

• Air-conditioning, carpets, kitchenette

• Balcony access for East Wing suites

• Exposure of Complex to Tuggerah Straight

For further details contact Julie Davies on 0402 779 186

Gosford Private Medical Centre suites sell

SALES LEASINGS

Warnervale Cubbyhole units selling

Burgtec signs long lease on new Berkeley Vale factory

Jaimy Vetger from DiJones Commercial Central Coast reports the sale of units 40 and 41 in the Cubbyhole development at 2 Warren Road, Warnervale.

With a total area of 62 sqm the units sold for $265,000 plus GST.

Owner Occupier buys 98sqm retail shop

A buyer who plans to occupy Shop 1 at 36-38 Showground Road, Gosford opposite Gosford Railway Station has paid $533,000 plus GST for 98sqm cold-shell.

The shop is on the ground floor of residential unit block and adjacent to the Gosford Super Mart convenience store.

Anthony Scarcella from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negotiated the sale.

Central Coast furniture manufacturer Burgtec has signed a 6 year 9 month lease with 2 x 5 year option on Building A at 10 Corella Close, Berkeley Vale.

Building A is of 3,100sqm and forms part of a 5-building complex that has seen tenants Interpod and Innovair relocate their operations to the new site earlier this year

The property has been developed by Power Projects International who will retain the building to the rear of the block.

Close, Mr Rogers said that they have been exciting inclusions to the Berkley Vale landscape.

“The four buildings constitute signifi cant industrial buildings that accom modate the needs for some local manu facturers and has successfully absorbed some of the high level of demand that the Central Coast industrial market has been experiencing,” he said.

The NSW Roads and Maritime Services agency has sold a vacant 5 lot triangular shaped property, 3A Debenham Road South, West Gosford, with a total area of 1,929.5sqm.

The site overlooks Central Coast Highway and is zoned 92% B5 (Business Development) and 8% zoned IN1 (General Industrial).

The government owned property was sold at public auction where there were 6 registered bidders: 2 present, 2 online bid ders and 2 phone bidders.

The buyer, a local business, paid $1.4 million plus GST however their identity has been withheld.

Karen Aubrey from L J Hooker Commercial Central Coast reported the sale.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the leases on all sites.

Commenting on the development at 30 Apprentice Drive and 10 Corella

Wyong office space leased

An NDIS business has leased a 165sqm office space in The Halton Rivers Business Centre at 34-36 Pacific Highway, Wyong.

Terms of lease for Suite 3 are 1 year with 3 x 1 year options at a rental of $46,00 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

The lease was negotiated by Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast

“The quality of the businesses com mitted to the buildings show the extraordinary depth of local manufac turing. Power Projects International, Interpod, Burgtec and Innovair are all successful locally based businesses enjoying growth within the current climate.

Physiotherapist leases Tuggerah industrial unit

A physiotherapist has leased a single level office suite with premium fitout of 270sqm in a industrial complex at 8 Teamster Close, Tuggerah Business Park.

Terms of lease for Unit 11 are 3 years with 3 year option at a rental of $41,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negoti ated the lease.

RMS sells West Gosford block to undisclosed buyer at auction

Power Projects International development site at Corella Close, Berkeley Vale – Burgtec factory bottom right hand corner

Café at Gosford Private leased

Katherine and Holly Mercer have leased a café at 12 Jarrett Street, North Gosford next to North Gosford Private Hospital

Terms of lease for the 28sqm space are 2 years with 2 x 2 year options at a rental of $1,6000 per annum plus Outgoing and GST.

Andrew Dunn from DiJones Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Haulage company leases Tuggerah site

A haulage company has leased a 3,500sqm industrial lot with 336sqm factory building thereon at 5 Johnson Road, Tuggerah.

Terms of lease are 2 years with no option at a rental o $80,000 per annum including Outgoings plus GST.

Ty Blanch and Robert Bose from LJ Hooker Commercial Central Coast negoti ated the lease.

Mechanic leases at West Gosford

G & S Mechanical Pty Ltd has leased Unit 2 at 3 Luke Close, West Gosford.

Terms of lease for the 189sqm factory unit are 2 years with 1 year option at a rent al of $32,000 per annum plus Outgoings and GST.

Brad Rogers from Raine & Horne Commercial Central Coast negotiated the lease.

Central Coast Community Profiles by Post CodeCensus 2021 with 2016 comparisons

Post

2250 71,168 41 $771 67,194 41 $641

Variation 3,974 $130 +5.91%

2251 33,721 46 $763 32,702 44 $641 Variation 1,019 $122 +3.12%

2256 16,039 48 $654 15,598 48 $543 Variation 441 $111 +2.82%

2257 30,403 47 $697 29,010 46 $569 Variation 1,393 $182 +4.80%

2258 5,253 41 $822 5,164 39 $711 Variation 89 $111 +1.72%

2259 66,236 41 $699 59,513 40 $566 Variation 6,723 $133 +11.29%

2260 25,845 42 $920 23,417 40 $755 Variation 2,428 $165 +10.36%

Post Code* Total persons Median Age Median Personal Weekly Income

2261 55,129 42 $722 52,754 42 $595 Variation 2,375 $126 +4.50%

2262 21,411 39 $657 20,830 39 $530 Variation 581 $127 +2.79%

2263 24,554 44 $615 24.767 45 $517 Variation (213) $99 -0.86%

TOTAL 346,596 43 $727 327,736 42 $600 Variation 18,860 $127 +5.75%

Source: ABS Census 2016 and 2021

The impact of the annual wage increase

minimum wages go up by 4.6%, with a minimum rise of $40 a week. This means that workers who earn Award minimum wages over $869.60 receive an increase of 4.6%, while workers who earn below $869.60 receive a $40 increase.

By Warwick Ryan, Partner, Hicksons Lawyers

BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES across

Australia closely follow the decisions setting the minimum wage each year. The deci sions have a large flow on effect for workers and their employers.

This year, cost of living pressures have recently eased slightly for 2.7 million Australians.

Thanks to the National Wage and Safety Net Review decision from the Fair Work Commission (the Commission), from 1 July, minimum wages have increased by at least $40 a week. This has meant the hourly pay rate for Australians who currently live on the minimum wage has lifted from $20.33 to $21.38.

In addition to the increase in the mini mum wage, the Commission has also made the decision to increase the minimum wages in work place awards. These award

Some business sectors will be allowed to delay implementation of the increase until the 1 October. This applies to industries which have been heavily impacted as a result of Covid-19 and the restrictive lock down conditions and covers the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.

While these are difficult times for local businesses, the Commission highlighted “a sharp increase in the cost of living and the strengthening of the labour market” as reason behind the substantial wage rise determination in comparison with last year’s smaller increase of 2.5%.

The impact of the COVID pandemic played a part in the decision to increase wages by this amount. For the past few years, wages in Australia have been low in comparison to the cost of living amounting to a real wage fall of 1.2%. This fall in real wages increased significantly during the pandemic.

Now the decisions have been made, businesses need to consider what the impact will be. As with most of these changes, the impact that the decision will

Inflation bogey returns after 30 year holiday

In the years from 1962 to 1990 Australians experienced a series of recessions which were aimed at balancing the economy that was growing too fast.

For most of that time high unemploy ment, wage demands and high interest rates.

The 1990 “Recession we had to have”, according to Treasurer Paul Keating, saw the Federal Government introduced policies that that would stabilize the economy and continued through the Howard years and beyond.

The result is that Australians and Australian businesses in particular have learned to live with a predictable economy and never understood the meaning of the word “recession.”

During those early years businesses that had grown up, living on high economic growth and taking big risks soon became casualties and went broke always taking their suppliers and employees with them.

Boom and bust was simply a way of life.

Those business owners and manag ers who were astute enough not to take unnecessary risks survived and slowly grew strong.

With prices now on the rise, more busi nesses and consumers are confronting the possibility that record inflation rates are pre dicted to persist well into 2022 and beyond.

The causes are many. Farm input costs are almost out of control, having had stag nant wage growth for 30 years the unions are calling wage increases, fuel costs have sky rocketed and Russia’ invasion of Ukraine and China and India’s continuing growth while the Western economies are trying to become ‘green’ is seeing enormous pressure place on energy costs.

The World has changed – almost over night.

Business owners now need to consider a range of scenarios to effectively deal with these inflation-related challenges.

• Lock in interest rates or reduce borrow ings in anticipation of rising ratees,

• Aim to address supply chain disruptions,

• Keep a tight rein on operating costs,

• Keep a close eye on competitors and look for their vulnerabilities,

• Maintain a close watch on receivables, and,

• Remember the old adage – “When the going gets tough the tough get going.”

have on business is varied.

Research by The Australia Institute says that a wage increase of 5% only amounts to a 1.85% increase in labour costs for employers. For smaller businesses like the café’s, which have higher labour costs, the proportion of labour costs are greater, meaning the impact of these increases will be bigger. These kids of issues have led to concerns that the wages decision may have a damaging effect on the small business community. Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief execu tive Andrew McKellar has warned that the increase is too much in the current eco nomic circumstances The minimum wage is clearly a balancing act. The recent wages decision will bring welcome relief to many Australian households and is a step in the right direction for many low paid workers. It should be remembered; however, many small businesses are also trying to survive in the same high-cost environment. An increase in labour costs will only add to the existing financial pres sures that these business face. It is impor tant that all businesses are aware of these changes and check to make sure that their employees are being paid properly.

Underpayment of staff can be a costly mistake for business owners and manag ers.

Census highlights a divided community

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Government set it up to fail.

Instead of two divided communities we got five divided communities and a parlia ment of fifteen (fifteen) councillors the majority of whom had their own agendas that guaranteed that failure.

Six years, and counting, down the drain.

Our present State Government won’t listen but hopefully a new government in March next year might see reality and scrub the divisive Ward System so that the Central Coast can become one cohesive community with ten councillors who have to think globally.

Wishful thinking, I know but worth con sidering just the same.

Right now we need to continue supporting the Administrator and CEO of this council so that who ever gets elected in September next year will have a sound organisation which they can not wreck.

Edgar Adams Editor

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By Troy Marchant, Director, Adviceco Chartered Accountants

Healthy habits for SME’s this new Financial Year to save time and tax

ONE OF OUR favourite sayings is: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Never has it been more relevant for business owners everywhere. To get you going this new financial year, there are some simple things you can do to boost your business health, and save time and tax.

Year-round advice

Many business owners avoid regular contact with their accountants because of the perceived expense, but it actually has the opposite effect. An account ant can take a holistic and diagnostic approach to your numbers so you can stop fretting about cashflow, peer above the parapet, and focus on growth driv

ers. More often than not, business own ers started out with a vision of meeting a consumer’s needs and wants, not with a vision of scrutinising budget sheets and finance statements. Your accountant is like your personal trainer to your busi ness health, keeping you on track with the fundamentals and motivating you to tackle improvement areas. Thankfully, contact with your accountant doesn’t have to be as frequent as with a person al trainer before you see results. The best advice schedule is unique to everyone as it can be based around business mile stones or tax milestones. A good guide is to consider quarterly reviews, and additional reviews on an as-needs basis.

Upgrade technology

Cloud accounting software, state-of-the art security systems, and a transition to Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 is like the fruit and veg of business health. All of the efficiencies in optimal use of digi tal systems gives you intelligence and efficiency that nourishes your business.

The Labor government is consider ing whether and how to implement policy to support business digitsa tion announced in the May Federal Budget by the former Treasurer, with an increased deduction by 20% via the Small Business Technology Investment Boost and Small Business

Skills and Training Boost. Stay tuned for more information about this.

Review your personal income structure

Phase 3 of the Liberal Government tax changes are set to be honoured by the new Labor government. These tax changes relate to income tax and sig nificantly favour higher income earners. This means that the way companies and discretionary trusts distribute money could be structured in a way for maxi mum tax efficiency. From Financial Year 2024-2025, the tax rate will change from 32.5% to 30%, raising the upper threshold for the 30% tax bracket from $120,000 to $200,000, removing the 37% tax bracket and raising the 45% lower threshold from $180,000 to $200,000.

You need to talk to us now about what options might be available specifi cally to you in order to save tax.

We recognise that the fast pace of change in business finance can be overwhelming and frustrating so we are absolutely willing to help.

Please just contact us.

Additionally, we are hosting a compli mentary business planning workshop on Wednesday 8 August. If you’re curious about some of the strategies we use to boost business growth, please join us.

Register at www.adviceco.com.au

WHY BUSINESS OWNERS ON THE CENTRAL COAST CHOOSE CCBR TO

GROW THEIR BUSINESS

It’s simple.

✓ They can reach over 20,000 business readers every month.

✓ Most widely read and trusted business publication on the Central Coast.

✓ The repetition of your ad every month means readers will get to know you and remember you.

✓ Independent surveys show 94% of readers will use the CCBR for reference when looking for suppliers.

✓ The quality of the publication and the content means readers retain the CCBR for future reference.

Call Edgar Adams now on 0404 472 571 or Email: edgaradams@ccbusinessreview.com.au

A BUSINESSMAN FLYING first class is sitting next to a parrot. The plane takes off and the parrot orders a Glenlivet, neat. The businessman asks for a Coke. After a few minutes, the bird yells, “Where’s my scotch? Give me my scotch!” The flight attendant rushes over with their drinks.

Later, they order an other round. Again, the bird gives the crew grief for being slow and the businessman joins in, “Yeah, the service stinks!”

Just then, the flight attendant grabs the pair, opens the hatch and throws them out of the plane. As they hurtle towards the ground, the parrot says to the terrified man, “Wow, that took a lot of guts for a guy with no wings.”

A man is recovering from a minor surgery when a nurse comes in to check on him. “How are you feeling?” she asks.

“I’m okay,” he says, “but I didn’t like the four-letter word the doctor used during surgery.”

“What did he say?” the nurse asks. “Oops.”

After my husband injured himself, I ran him over to the doctor’s office. There, the nurse dressed his wound and gave him instructions on how to care for it. She then reassured him by adding, “Now, if you do everything I’ve told you, you won’t be with us for long.”

In his late 80s, my father-in-law went to renew his driver’s license. At one point dur ing the road test, he approached a four-way stop, looked to his left, and cruised straight through the stop sign. “Sir! You didn’t look to your right,” yelled the frightened inspector.

My father-in-law calmly shook his head. “That’s Mum’s side.”

Our doctor’s office called to let my hus band know that the results from his blood tests came back and he was just fine. That didn’t suit my husband.

“What’s my cholesterol level?” he asked.

“Mr. Crocker, you are just fine,” insisted the nurse.

“Still, I’d like you to mail me the results.”

A few days later, he received a postcard from the doctor’s office. It read, “Mr. Crocker, you are just fine!”

Sarah, the self-appointed arbiter of the town’s morals, stuck her nose into every one’s business.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused her neighbour George of being an alcoholic after spotting his pickup parked in front of a bar one afternoon.

“George, everyone who sees it there will know what you’re doing,” she told him in front of their church group.

George ignored her and walked away. Later that evening, he parked his pickup in front of Sarah’s house and left it there all night.

“Before coming here tonight I was dis cussing my talk with my wife and she said to me: ‘Don’t try to be too charming, too witty or too intellectual, just be yourself.’”

This guy is driving down the road one day, with twenty penguins in the back seat. Of course, he gets pulled over by a policeman who tells him that he can’t drive around with penguins in his car and that he

should take them to the zoo. The guy says, “Yes, of course, officer” and drives off.

The next day though, the policeman pulls the same man over again and finds he is once more driving around with twenty penguins in the back of the car.

He says to the guy, “Hey! I thought I told you to take those penguins to the zoo yes terday.”

The guy says, “I did, officer. And today, I’m taking them to the movies.”

The first woman said, “Sometimes I find myself standing in front of the refrig erator holding a jar of mayonnaise and I can’t for the life of me remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sand wich with it.”

The second woman then said, “Yes, I know what you mean. Sometimes I’ll be halfway up the stairs and can’t remember wheth er I was on my way up or on my way down.”

The third woman then knocked her hand on the table and rather smugly said, “Well, I’m glad I don’t have that problem; knock on wood.”

As she rapped her knuckles on the table, she said, “That must be someone at the door. I’ll get it!”

Quote of the month

“People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.”

Andrew Carnegie

DiJones Commercial

DiJones Commercial is a multi award winning team that has a wide skill base ready to help commercial property owners, investors and developers.

Sales & Auctions

Commercial Leasing Retail Management & Consulting Facilities/asset management Business Brokerage Property Advisory Valuations

Leasing & Management

Whether it be office, industrial or retail, DiJones Commercial offers a broad range of leasing capabilities, including exclusive leasing and pre-commitment strategies, market rental appraisals, sub-lease mitigation and property advisory services across all asset classes.

Sales & Auctions

We build custom marketing campaigns tailored to your sale needs. We attract premium buyers through our extensive DiJones database of Sydney investors. Our team have experience in selling shopping centres, industrial property, retail investments, hotels, resorts, development sites, and specialist properties.

THE FIRST-EVER

The thrilling BMW i4 heralds a new era of electric driving. It imbues true sports heritage delivering electric performance that goes beyond feeling fast – to feeling alive. It’s time to experience this ultimate electric driving machine.

Find out more at Worthington BMW today. Worthington BMW 1 Kangoo Rd, Somersby. Ph (02) 4340 9988. worthingtonbmw.com.au LMCT 16016