9 APRIL 2020
ISSUE 237
YOUR REAL INDEPENDENT WEEKLY LOCAL NEWS
Tourist asked to stay home The word is coming from all levels of government on both sides of the political spectrum, “if you’re staying on the Central Coast and don’t live here, go home”. And if you are a Coast resident who is aware of non-residents staying in the region, report them. As Easter and the school holidays approach, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has called for holiday makers and tourists to return home and stay home while social distancing and social isolation measures remain in place. “Home means home, this is not the time for a holiday,” Wicks said. “I’ve heard from many local residents about their concerns with an influx of holiday makers choosing to self-isolate on the Central Coast. “While I can understand why tourists would want to come to our beautiful region, right now, it’s simply not OK. “It is vital for the safety of our community that people stay in their primary residences to self-isolate and to follow the Government guidelines around
non-essential travel. “This is a particularly important message with school holidays and the Easter long weekend approaching.” The State Government has made it abundantly clear that holidaying in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse to be traveling at this time, and the offence carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for six months or a fine of up to
$11,000 (or both), with an additional fine of $5,500 for each day the offence continues, Wicks said. “I look forward to a time when tourists can return to the Central Coast to support local businesses, enjoy our beautiful beaches and amazing scenery, when the restrictions are lifted,” she said. “We are all in this together, we all have the responsibility to
do the right thing and stay at home to protect our community from coronavirus.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, echoed the sentiment and said only permanent residents of the LGA should be on the Coast. “The Central Coast LGA currently has the fourth highest count of COVID-19 cases in NSW (as of April 1),” Crouch
said. “The way to stop this increasing is for everyone to follow the restrictions and social distancing rules. “If your residential address is not a Central Coast suburb, it’s important that you go home. Given the LGA’s status as a popular holiday destination and its abundance of holiday homes, Crouch advised permanent residents that they should feel free to report any holidaymakers flouting the travel directive to Crime Stoppers. “The Federal and State Governments have made it crystal clear that no one should be travelling right now,” he said. “Any non-permanent residents who travel to the Coast risk placing undue pressure on our Local Health District if they get sick. “The Central Coast Local Health District is doing an amazing job in dealing with this pandemic, but they are only equipped to deal with permanent residents, as are all other Local Health Districts in the State.
News
Relief is at hand for families on the Central Coast, with the announcement on April 2. See pages 4
News
More positive signs are emerging that the Coronavirus curve is flattening in NSW, including here on the Central Coast . See page 5
Editorial
Continued page 8
A 6ft shark grabbed my hand The man bitten by a shark whilst surfing at Wamberal Beach on Monday, April 6, has been identified as 38-year-old Wamberal resident, Hayden Edwards.
Hayden Edwards with his children
A spokesperson for Central Coast Council confirmed reports of the encounter. “At approximately 10:15am, a surfer was paddling his craft at the local beach when he encountered what is believed to be a shark. “The surfer suffered lacerations to his right hand. “After making his way to shore, he was provided initial first aid by Council Lifeguards before being transported to hospital for further treatment. “The incident is being investigated by NSW Department of Primary Industries who will attempt to
identify the species involved in the attack,” the spokesperson said. Edwards himself has since taken to social media to confirm the details. An avid surfer, Edwards said that a perfect day in the water quickly became a nightmare. “I’ve been surfing most days for as long as I can remember. “As I wandered down the track to Wamberal Beach, I could see the water glittering from the sun, it was beautiful. “I paddled out, but once I was out the back, the perfect day became a nightmare, as within a split second, a 6ft shark grabbed my hand, severing three tendons, and tearing a hole in it. “I’m extremely lucky that it didn’t rip my arm off but unlucky that it happened at all,” Edwards said.
In his post he also thanked the Council Lifeguards and nurses and doctors that treated him and said he was now preparing for surgery to repair the tendons and the rehab that followed. He also thanked the community for their well wishes and said he was keen to spend more time with his family. “I just want to get back to my favourite thing in the world, being a dad to my three beautiful kids. “Life’s short, don’t waste it,” Edwards said. Source: Website, Apr 6 Dorsal Reports Australia Social media, Apr 6 Hayden Edwards, Wamberal Media statement, Apr 7 Central Coast Council Media Reporter: Dilon Luke
The irony of the greatest ever state intervention in society by a Liberal government is not lost on most people. See page 12 Woy Woy Philosophy Society
Missive #15: The Birth of Libertarianism
Week one of the shutdown was exciting, piquing our natural interest in human behaviour ... by week 3 were all ready to bite each others arms off. See page 29
Puzzles page 19
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