Coast Community News 280

19 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 280

News

It’s opening!!

Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

See page 8

Out&About

Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

A free community event on the day will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day...

See page 17

Business

See story page 4 The revamped Leagues Club Field is set to open on February 27

Exclusive

Sacked CEO sets the record straight

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has accepted responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

Murphy, who has been blamed by Administrator Dick Persson for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered.

He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact restricted funds were being used for operational purposes.

Murphy has added his voice to those calling for an inquiry

Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

in the Council’s finances.

He says that because the impact has been so farreaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said he has been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30-day report.

He tells his side of the story about claims he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months.

Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

organised a review of the books to check the Council was financially stable.

He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019.

“Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said.

The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”.

The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks; to improve the budget process and develop a robust long-term financial strategy.

Continued page 12

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March...

See page 25

Sport

BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct.

See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

PAGE 2

19 FEBRUARY 2021

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ABOUT US

Coast Community News is published weekly on a Friday by Central Coast Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family-owned business.

CCN publishes three local, independent newspapers – Coast Community News, the Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 distribution points right across the Central Coast.

Most of our stories, as well as our digital programs such as “Friday 5@5”, can be viewed online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au CCN aims to serve the interests of the community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful interests to account through high-quality, independent journalism without fear or prejudice; 2. To provide an affordable medium for local businesses to advertise their products and services, including discounted rates for eligible not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local issues and ensure that important public notices are available to ALL members of the community irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances.

Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external

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Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: Coast Community Pelican Post - Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News - Post Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Coast Community Chronicle - Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263.

Coast Community News is published weekly and its coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, Gosford.

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2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Merilyn Vale, Dilon Luke, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Maisy Rae, Haakon Barry - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

5 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 278

RATES RAGE

10 FEBRUARY 2021

News

ISSUE 225

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

There has been a mixed reaction to the State Government’s response to a recent parliamentary inquiry into koalas

11 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 007

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

On a mission to break a Guinness World Record for the longest journey kitesurfing, Brian Kiss von Soly took a pit stop on the Central Coast to outwait bad weather on February 1.

Local members join calls to block PEP11

See page 17

Business

Protesters tested Administrator Dick Persson’s patience when he bravely fronted them for a conversation before he chaired the first Council meeting of the year.

Resident Marianne Hamilton, who later spoke at the Open Forum, claimed the survey which ratepayers were invited

CCN

to complete was “rigged”.

“It doesn’t give you the option to say no rate rise or anything other than 10 or 15 per cent,” she said.

“I feel like Council needs to be a lot more transparent; there are a lot of confidential meetings for example.”

Another resident called for an answer on why Persson refers to ratepayers as“shareholders”.

One woman asked “If we don’t pay our rates, what happens?” but Persson replied “You won’t win that battle”.

Persson faced derogatory

signage, television crews and journalists who moved in to record every word.

He admitted he may have called one person a jerk when he couldn’t get his answers out before people started baiting him, but said afterwards he failed his own standards of behaviour and was sorry for that.

But the Administrator did have a couple of wins.

He asked protesters who had read his interim report; only a minority put their hand up.

He asked how many realised

that Wyong residents would actually on average pay $3 a week less in rates even with a 15 per cent rate increase because of the effect of rate harmonization, which would see former Gosford council residents pay on average about $7 more.

Quite a few ratepayers said they hadn’t realised that.

When he finished, the crowd politely applauded him.

During the meeting itself, Persson said services such as libraries, pool hours and sporting field maintenance would be cut back if the

proposed rate rise does not get IPART approval.

The deadline for the Council’s submission to IPART is next Monday, February 8, and the Council indicated last year that it may need an extension for the report on why such a rise is needed.

“This need for a rate rise has come out of left field and IPART is aware of that and so is being accommodating,” Persson said.

Merilyn Vale and Jacinta Counihan

A lifesaving incubator will soon be online at Charmhaven’s SoCares Animal Care Facility, following a highly successful community fundraiser.

See page 17

Health

See page 3

News

Local members join calls to block PEP11

See page 17

Health

See page 25

Sport

The occasion of captain Matt Simon’s 200th game for the Central Coast Mariners has been marked with an exhilarating 3-2 win...

See page 40

Puzzles page 22 Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

$70M shortfall for essential services Four Director positions and their departments have been cut from Central Coast Council as part of cost-cutting, but Administrator, Dick Persson, says an extra $70M a year is needed to continue delivering the essential services of roads, rates and rubbish at current levels.

The Administrator presented his three-month progress report at Council’s meeting on Wednesday, February 3.

The meeting started late as Persson spent about half an hour speaking to protesters who gathered outside the Gosford chambers and were filmed by a television crew chanting “No rate rise”.

He asked how many of them realised that with the rate harmonisation process, former Wyong residents would pay on average $3 a week less.

Some of the protesters said they did not know that.

Persson acknowledged the challenge in communicating to the community the need for a rate rise.

“I can’t get the message to the community strong enough - this is dire,” he said.

Persson said he was happy to talk to residents but warned: “If you come to me with alternatives, we won’t talk if you haven’t read my report.”

The report says that cutting costs would deliver about 70 percent of the $70M per year shortfall needed for essential

services while a rate rise would deliver the rest - if the Independent Pricing and Regularity Tribunal (IPART) agreed to grant one.

Persson said that other services such as libraries, pool hours and sporting field maintenance would be cut back if the proposed rate rise did not get IPART approval.

Council wants a rate rise of 15 percent and its second choice is a 10 percent increase.

The deadline for Council’s submission to IPART was Monday, February 8 and the Council voted on Wednesday February 8 to sent the recommendation to IPART for the 15 per cent increase.

“This need for a rate rise has come out of left field and IPART

is aware of that and is being accommodating,” he said.

Meanwhile, the work of reducing the number of staff at Council continues and Persson said Council was meeting its redundancy target.

Four directors and their directorates – Governance; Innovation and Futures; People and Culture; and Information Management and Technology - have been cut.

The number of senior staff has reduced from nine to five and the business areas that fell under these directorates have been moved elsewhere within the organisation.

The governance director’s position was vacant, as was the IT position, and the director of Innovation and Futures has left.

The Human Resources department has been incorporated into Corporate Services and the Internal Ombudsman is no longer on the executive leadership team.

Also, the next line of managers has been cut from 39 to 26.

These positions will go as staff leave the organisation over the coming months.

“People are willing to go,” Persson said.

The capital works program for this financial year had been cut from $240M to $170M. Persson said the current shortfall of $70M every year was not sustainable and banks wanted evidence of a plan to reduce costs.

Bipartisan calls for cancellation of the PEP11 licence Central Coast Carers Retreat extends its care to wombats.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, showed solidarity with her Federal Labor colleagues when she joined Federal Opposition, Leader Anthony Albanese, Federal Labor MPs and concerned residents at Terrigal on February 5 to call for the cancellation of the PEP11 licence for exploration and drilling off the Coast.

See page 33

Sport

A second come back win in a row for the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium, this time against Western United, has given the side a slither of first place security.

See page 40

Continued Page 4

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, discusses the PEP 11 licence with residents

Tesch said any oil spill or gas exploration tower on our horizon was a threat to beaches all along the Coast, including on the Peninsula, as well as tourism, sea life, waterway users, and the integrity of the community.

“I am beyond proud to stand with Labor and Anthony

Albanese in saying no to PEP11 and no to gas exploration off the Central Coast,” she said.

“I have always been passionate about activating and connecting people to our waterways and will continue to work with Labor to stand by our environment and our next generation.”

With the licence up for renewal on February 12, Albanese told a crowd comprising MPs from all along the coastline, representatives of the Save Our Coast Group and Surfrider Foundation Australia, and dozens of concerned residents, that Continued page 3

Peninsula students were among those to benefit from a Back to School initiative organised by Central Coast volunteer-run charity We Care Connect.

See page 34

Sport

A Woy Woy athletics program has been ranked amongst the best in the state following its online success in engaging the community.

See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

The Administrator presented his three-month progress report at Council’s meeting on Wednesday, February 3.

The meeting started late as Persson spent about half an hour speaking to protesters who gathered outside the Gosford chambers and were filmed by a television crew chanting “No rate rise”.

He asked how many of them realised that with the rate harmonisation process, former Wyong residents would pay on average $3 a week less.

Some of the protesters said they did not know that.

Persson acknowledged the challenge in communicating to the community the need for a rate rise.

“I can’t get the message to the community strong enough - this is dire,” he said.

Persson said he was happy to talk to residents but warned: “If you come to me with alternatives, we won’t talk if you haven’t read my report.”

The report says that cutting costs would deliver about 70 percent of the $70M per year shortfall needed for essential

services while a rate rise would deliver the rest - if the Independent Pricing and Regularity Tribunal (IPART) agreed to grant one.

Persson said that other services such as libraries, pool hours and sporting field maintenance would be cut back if the proposed rate rise did not get IPART approval.

Council wants a rate rise of 15 percent and its second choice is a 10 percent increase.

The deadline for Council’s submission to IPART was Monday, February 8 and the Council voted on Wednesday February 8 to sent the recommendation to IPART for the 15 per cent increase.

“This need for a rate rise has come out of left field and IPART

is aware of that and is being accommodating,” he said.

Meanwhile, the work of reducing the number of staff at Council continues and Persson said Council was meeting its redundancy target.

Four directors and their directorates – Governance; Innovation and Futures; People and Culture; and Information Management and Technology - have been cut.

The number of senior staff has reduced from nine to five and the business areas that fell under these directorates have been moved elsewhere within the organisation.

The governance director’s position was vacant, as was the IT position, and the director of Innovation and Futures has left.

The Human Resources department has been incorporated into Corporate Services and the Internal Ombudsman is no longer on the executive leadership team.

Also, the next line of managers has been cut from 39 to 26.

These positions will go as staff leave the organisation over the coming months.

“People are willing to go,” Persson said.

The capital works program for this financial year had been cut from $240M to $170M. Persson said the current shortfall of $70M every year was not sustainable and banks wanted evidence of a plan to reduce costs.

Youngsters can now enjoy Storytime in person with the Toukley and Tuggerah libraries bringing back Storytime sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.

See page 33

Sport

A second come back win in a row for the Mariners at Central Coast Stadium, this time against Western United, has given the side a slither of first place security.

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

A free community event on the day will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

Central Coast Labor MPs took on Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, when NSW Parliament resumed in February, demanding answers to why the region has been ignored in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

The Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), David Mehan (The Entrance) and Liesl Tesch (Gosford) say that despite the Central Coast region suffering $163.3M of economic damage in the wake of last Summer’s destructive bushfires, the region did not receive a cent from the bushfire fund.

Impact assessment data and maps released by the NSW Government show that 40 buildings and 144 rural landholders were impacted by the bushfires.

“Instead of distributing

Wyong MP David Harris during Question Time in State Parliament

money from the $177M Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund on the basis of genuine need, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and the Berejiklian Government, allocated the vast bulk of the funding to seats held by the

Government, while Labor seats across the Central Coast received nothing,” said Shadow Minister for Central Coast, Wyong MP David Harris.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, who is responsible for bushfire recovery, faced a

Parliamentary Inquiry on February 8, which was originally to investigate funding allocations to councils under the Stronger Communities Program but then expanded to include the bushfire fund.

It is understood that Barilaro

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

See page 17

Business

The revamped Leagues Club Field is set to open on February 27

Exclusive

was asked to explain the government maps; which show the worst hit areas in terms of economic impact ($750M) from the fires are Coalitionheld seats on the South Coast; yet other areas such as the Central Coast, which also suffered extensive economic damage, did not receive any financial help.

Three council areas with a total $300M economic impact, according to government data, did not receive any funding and, in contrast, another council with an estimated $16M impact, received $40M in funding.

“Our communities simply got nothing,” Harris said.

“The fires didn’t discriminate on the basis of politics when they roared through our communities and I’m shocked that the recovery effort does.

Continued page 4

Sacked CEO sets the record straight

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley, is calling for a review of the NSW Government’s “rigid” bus pass policy ...

See page 33

Sport

Northern Power Cricket Club has raised over $20,000 toward the Kelly McGrath Foundation at their annual Pink Stumps Day on Sunday, February 7 See page 40

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day...

See story page 4

Health

Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund overlooks the Central Coast

Central Coast Carers Retreat extends its care to wombats.

Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

See page 17 Photo: Michelle Strang

See page 40

Continued Page 4

See page 38 Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club team members at the Pittwater Regatta

$70M shortfall for essential services Four Director positions and their departments have been cut from Central Coast Council as part of cost-cutting, but Administrator, Dick Persson, says an extra $70M a year is needed to continue delivering the essential services of roads, rates and rubbish at current levels.

The Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club have reformed their team spirit in 2021 ahead of their inaugural regatta at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday, March 6.

See page 17

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says the closure will disadvantage the most vulnerable

Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, was at the Australian Reptile Park on February 4 to encourage eligible Central Coast businesses to register...

See page 8

Out&About

See page 8

Out&About

A lifesaving incubator will soon be online at Charmhaven’s SoCares Animal Care Facility, following a highly successful community fundraiser.

Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese with Central Coast ALP members and other protestors against oil and gas drilling

Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

Central Coast Council decided at its February 8 meeting to formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15 percent rate rise.

Health

See page 3

See page 4

Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese with Central Coast ALP members and other protestors against oil and gas drilling

News

It’s opening!!

News

Out&About

Umina actor Samson Alston is set to star in an awardwinning Australian comedy in Sydney from February 17.

ISSUE 280

ISSUE 226

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Outrigger Canoe regatta at Point Wolstoncroft

See page 8

Out&About

Residents have been blindsided by an announcement that Ettalong Beach’s Centrelink office will close its doors on February 12.

17 FEBRUARY 2021

Despite the dozens of disgruntled residents gathered outside Gosford Chambers ahead of Central Coast Council’s February 3 meeting, and widespread community...

See page 7

See page 8

Out&About

Dozens of disgruntled residents gathered outside Gosford Chambers ahead of Central Coast Council’s February 3 meeting, protesting a proposed rate rise of 10-15 per cent.

ISSUE 225

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

For years flooding on the Peninsula has been a major issue, with heavy rain often seeing homes and businesses threatened as many streets go underwater.

Despite the dozens of disgruntled residents gathered outside Gosford Chambers ahead of Central Coast Council’s February 3 meeting, and widespread community...

See page 12

Out&About

19 FEBRUARY 2021 10 FEBRUARY 2021

News

Blindsided by Centrelink closure

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has accepted responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

Murphy, who has been blamed by Administrator Dick Persson for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered.

He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact restricted funds were being used for operational purposes.

Murphy has added his voice to those calling for an inquiry

Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

in the Council’s finances.

He says that because the impact has been so farreaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said he has been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30-day report.

He tells his side of the story about claims he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months.

Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

organised a review of the books to check the Council was financially stable.

He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019.

“Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said.

The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”.

The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks; to improve the budget process and develop a robust long-term financial strategy.

Continued page 12

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March...

See page 25

Sport

BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct.

See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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19 FEBRUARY 2021

O’Neill and Wicks clash over Mountain connectivity As connectivity problems in Mangrove Mountain continue, Senator Deborah O’Neill told the Senate that the Mountain community had been abandoned by the Federal Government, by the NBN rollout and by telecommunications providers. “(This has) left the entire community without regular or reliable connectivity for their computers or mobile phones,” she said.

“Residents have told me that, despite being a mere 76km from Sydney’s CBD, the telecommunications infrastructure at Mangrove Mountain has gone backwards in the past 20 years.

“This lack of infrastructure affects the education, health care and social lives of Mountain residents.

“It affects payment times, EFTPOS terminals and the online sales ability for small businesses.

“It breaks my heart when I hear great local business leaders who are trying to grow; who are employing people; who have jobs on their books

Senator Deborah O’Neill and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, met with Mangrove Mountain residents concerned over poor NBN access in October, 2020

that cannot be filled because they cannot function properly as businesses because of this Government’s failure to provide them with basic infrastructure.”

O’Neill accused the Liberal Party of “gutting” the NBN and that the “terrible copper nightmare” had seen Australia slip (from 20th) to 68th position on a ranking of internet speeds of 177 countries.

But Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the Federal

Government had a strong record on delivering connectivity in rural and regional areas, including in Mangrove Mountain.

“I have been working with residents from Mangrove Mountain that have had difficulties with their NBN connection,” Wicks said.

“I have been advised by NBN Co that a combination of Fixed Wireless and satellite technologies are available to

connect homes and businesses to the NBN network in Mangrove Mountain.

“These technologies were chosen for this area based on several factors including geographical location, existing infrastructure, population density, and the cost and time to build.

“NBN Co has also advised that the Mangrove Mountain South fixed wireless tower is performing very well, with an

average throughput over the past month of more than 50 Mbps on all nine cells.

“From 2007 to 2013, Labor went from zero premises connected to 51,000 premises connected.

“In contrast, from 2013 to 2020, the Liberal Government went from 51,000 to over 7.9 million.”

Wicks said Mangrove Mountain had also benefitted

from the $380M Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering on the Government’s commitment to improve mobile coverage and competition across Australia.

This included a Mobile Base Station on the corner of Wisemans Ferry Rd and Maroney Rd, officially switched on in October 2018.

She urged residents with connectivity concerns to contact her office.

Despite Wicks’s assurances, Mountain Districts Association treasurer George Azoury said many residents were still experiencing connectivity difficulties and the group had been actively working for a better service for 12 months.

“Many have been suffering from this issue for a long while,” he said.

“We have been in talks with Senator O’Neill and are all trying to find solutions.”

Residents have previously complained about the location of the area’s only tower, with its position on the downward side of a hill surrounded by trees impacting connectivity.

Terry Collins

MERCURE KOOINDAH WATERS RESORT WYONG 40 Kooindah Blvd, Wyong

Fri 19th, Sat 20th, Sun 21st, Mon 22nd, Tues 23rd, Wed 24th, Thurs 25th & Fri 26th

PAGE 4

19 FEBRUARY 2021

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Leagues Club Field set to open Feb 27 Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

Anticipation of the “world class public space” has been steadily mounting since it was first mooted in February 2019, by then Planning Minister, Anthony Roberts.

Plans were reinforced in August of that year by Roberts’ successor, Rob Stokes, as Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) named Landscape Solutions as the construction contractor.

Construction started in

November of that year and now the State Government’s $10M transformation is in its final stages of completion, with the community invited to open the playspace on Saturday, 27 February.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said that – much like Leagues Club Park itself – the community event would showcase the region, its people and its history.

“The construction of Leagues Club Park has been underway for the past 12 months, right through the COVID-19 pandemic, and in just a week’s time, this exciting playspace will be open and accessible to everyone,” Crouch said.

“The last 12 months has demonstrated the importance of open public space and to be able to deliver more than 20,000 square metres of it in the centre of the Central Coast’s capital is a fantastic result for our region.”

The free community event on February 27 will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

“This event will also be an opportunity to learn about our region’s culture and history, with performances and workshops by members of the local Aboriginal community and a discovery trail that leads

participants through a tour of the park’s significant features,” Crouch said.

The finishing touches are now underway at the site, with the remaining plants going in, play equipment undergoing final safety checks and the tidal terrace being put through its paces in a variety of weather conditions.

The free community event at Leagues Club Park will be held from 10am-4pm on Saturday, February 27.

For more information, go to: www.facebook.com/ events/267667448044625.

Source: Media release, Feb 17 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Coast Connect Central Coast Council’s weekly news and community information

From Council

In surveying the community recently about a proposed rate rise, many suggested alternatives be considered.

Overall an average of 10% suggested other savings or revenue options should be found.

In response to feedback from the community, other revenue options are being explored.

Last week at the Ordinary Council meeting I requested that Council explore the viability of introducing a visitor-based beach parking system to contribute to defraying of the costs of providing beach and tourist related reservices.

The Central Coast economy relies heavily on visitors.

Over 5 million people visit our region annually, with a large portion attracted to our beaches and beachside centres.

The Council provides many services to this group and currently they make no direct contribution to cover these costs.

Ratepayers carry this burden and in the current climate I feel it is important to explore options to collect parking fees from visitors. Any scheme that may be introduced should have a clear exemption for ratepayers.

We see a lot of our popular beaches with a user pay system that protects ratepayers. We do need extra revenue and I’m looking for other revenue sources.

I’ve requested a report come back to Council in midMarch scoping the administrative cost of establishing a beach parking system that provides protection to ratepayers, projected revenue stream, potential timeline for implementation and potential beaches and beachside centres impacted.

Dick Persson AM Administrator, Central Coast Council

Council looks to residents to help navigate our water future

We are planning the future water needs for our region and we want you to be part of the conversation. Residents can have their say on two important water projects: The Integrated Water Resource Plan

There are many things we need to consider including climate variability and change, population growth and advances in technology, as well as more acute stresses such as drought to ensure there will be enough water for the Coast in the future.

This plan will help our collaborative work with Hunter Water and the Department of Planning Industry and Environment to make sure both the Central Coast and Lower Hunter regions have water strategies that can work side by side.

The drought response desalination plant The community is invited to provide feedback on proposed modifications to the existing planning approval for the intake structure for a possible drought response desalination plant. This is our insurance policy in case of unprecedented drought conditions.

The existing planning approval for the intake structure will be modified from being located under the sand dunes at Budgewoi Beach, to a direct ocean intake structure off the coast between Jenny Dixon Beach, Noraville and Pelican Point Beach, Magenta.

Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com for further details on each project and to Have Your Say.

Development Applications and Consents Development Applications and Consents can be inspected at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au by searching ‘Development Applications’ or in person at Council offices in Gosford and Wyong 8.30am-5pm weekdays.

Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2019, submissions on Development Applications are required to be published on our website. Submissions lodged using Council’s DA Submission Form or online portal will have personal contact details and signature redacted. All other submissions will be published in full. Your submission may also be reproduced in full in Council reports or in Court proceedings.

Household Chemical CleanOut events return

We are once again encouraging residents to clear out unwanted hazardous chemicals from around the home and correctly dispose of them for free at the next bi-annual Chemical CleanOut events.

Community members can safely drop off their chemicals at Event Park, Kariong on 20-21 February, or at Long Jetty Council Depot on 27-28 February, 9am to 3.30pm.

With the rise in home improvements and home clean outs in 2020, now is an ideal time to responsibly dispose of any leftover cleaning products and paints lurking around garages and sheds.

Other items that can be dropped off include pesticides, gas bottles, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and batteries, fluorescent globes and tubes as well as any unknown or unidentified chemicals.

For the full list of chemicals that can be dropped off call 131 555 or visit cleanout.com.au.

For more information you can also search ‘chemical cleanout’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Council meeting

To find out when the next Council meeting is and to view it online go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ meetings

Council’s financial situation

Council has adopted a Recovery Action Plan that will review all aspects of Council’s operations.

For up-to-date information search ‘news’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

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NEWS

PAGE 5

19 FEBRUARY 2021

Public meeting on Davistown floodplain study Davistown Progress Association is urging residents to attend a public meeting to be held later this month on a draft floodplain study for the area.

Central Coast Council has drafted a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for the Davistown and Empire Bay catchments, with financial assistance from the NSW Government through its Floodplain Management Program.

The draft report is now on public exhibition for a period of six weeks to obtain community feedback before the Study and Plan are finalised and adopted

by Council.

Davistown has experienced severe flooding issues for years, with a combination of heavy rains and an ailing sewerage system causing ongoing problems.

In February last year, flooding was so severe that service to more than 400 homes was affected, as stormwater runoff flooded the sewerage system and Portaloos had to be rushed in.

The incident sparked a formal

Davistown consistently floods every time there is significant rain

request from the progress association for Council to undertake a major overhaul and audit of the sewerage system.

Heavy rains continued to cause major disruption throughout last year.

The draft documents look at three mechanisms of flood risk; Brisbane Water flooding as a result of ocean storms; catchment flooding as a result of local rainfall; and tidal inundation during high tides.

“The existing flood risks associated with tidal inundation are not significant in Davistown and Empire Bay, in comparison to the other mechanisms of flooding,” the Plan says.

“However, it is expected that in the future, as a result of sea level rise, a large proportion of the study area will be subjected to relatively frequent inundation from high tides.

“This will compromise the liveability of some portions of the suburbs through flooding of

roads, services and private properties.

“It should be noted that the effects of climate change will potentially aggravate the impacts of all three types of flooding in Davistown and Empire Bay. “As a result of sea level rise, it is expected that the magnitude and frequency of Brisbane Water flooding and tidal inundation will increase considerably.

“Additionally, the higher ocean level will compromise drainage conditions and exacerbate the consequences of local catchment flooding.”

The documents outline proposed strategies for mitigating these effects.

Progress Association President, Jenny McCulla, urged residents to read all the material and attend the information session.

“It’s important that Davistown

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residents read the online Plan, view the exhibition or read the limited copies available in the library,” she said.

“Or even seek a one-on-one discussion with Council officers.

“This way, if they are able to attend the local meeting, they can ask questions based on having prior knowledge of the Plan.”

The community drop-in session will be held at Davistown Progress Association Hall on February 24 from 4pm-7pm, with staff available to answer any questions about the study and plan.

A session will also be held at Empire Bay Progress Association Hall from 2-5pm on Thursday, February 25.

To obtain further details, review the draft documents or lodge a submission visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/ DEBFloodplain Submissions are to be addressed to the Acting Chief Executive Officer and will be accepted until Friday, March 26.

Terry Collins

PAGE 6

19 FEBRUARY 2021

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Nationals’ Resources Minister to decide Central Coast’s gas future Thousands of Central Coast residents are anxiously awaiting a decision on the renewal of the PEP 11 permit for oil and gas drilling 5km off the coastline.

The permit came up for renewal on February 12, with a decision expected soon by the Joint Authority on whether to renew the licence or cancel it.

The final decision on the permit’s fate will be made by the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Federal Resources Minister, Keith Pitt, both of the National Party.

Barilaro announced on February 17 that he had written to Pitt, the Federal Member for Hinkler in Queensland, recommending that PEP-11 not be renewed.

“Mr Pitt formally wrote to me last week seeking my recommendation, and I want to acknowledge the representations made to me by my parliamentary colleagues,” he said.

“I have listened to their views, and those of the people they represent – it confirms my own position to recommend that PEP-11 is not renewed.”

Pitt will now make his decision after receiving Barilaro’s recommendation and considering “all relevant information”, including advice from the National Offshore Titles Administrator (NOPTA).

The decision looms against a backdrop of discord within the National Party over fossil fuels.

Two weeks ago, senior Nationals rebuked the former resources minister, Matt Canavan, and colleague Barnaby Joyce after they had threatened to cross the floor if the Morrison Government moved ahead with its “net zero by 2050” carbon policy.

Meanwhile, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has reaffirmed her opposition to renewal of the permit, which is set to continue under the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 until a decision is made.

After refusing to take a formal stance on the issue for months, Wicks announced on February 5 that she would not support renewal of the permit.

The Federal Labor Party has also made its opposition to renewal of the lease well know,

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese

with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese visiting Terrigal on February 5 to reaffirm the party’s position.

But with the licence holders of the PEP 11 permit already making plans for exploration, unease is widespread.

When asked why $9M had been raised by the company even though the decision to extend the licence is still

pending, BPH energy CEO, David Breeze, said he was “certainly committed to continue with the project”.

Surfrider Foundation Australia said it “holds grave concerns” that the permit will be renewed.

“The joint venture companies currently holding the exploration permit continue to move forward with their plans to drill off the coast, despite the

PEP11 permit lapsing (on February 12),” Surfrider Foundation Chair, Sean Doherty, said.

“What do these gas companies know that the community doesn’t?”

Doherty said the NSW State Government and every Federal MP with an electorate adjacent to PEP11 have formally opposed the development of offshore oil and gas rigs.

“No fossil fuel development in Australia has been so broadly opposed by all sides of politics,” he said.

Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 extends between Newcastle in the north and Manly in the south and covers 4,500 square kilometres.

Save our Coast (SOC) has been leading the campaign for a number of years to stop seismic testing and drilling off the most populated coastline in NSW, which is also a major whale migratory route.

“Tens of thousands of people from the Central Coast and beyond have joined actions, signed petitions and contacted their local MPs,” SOC representative Tim Heffernan said on February 5.

“We are opposed to the project because the risk to our precious marine environment, tourism sector and coastal lifestyle far outweighs any benefits, especially in a time when the entire world is moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning toward renewables.”

Surfers For Climate is also opposing renewal.

“We do not want gas drilling in our backyard,” said spokesperson Belinda Baggs.

“Locals have drawn a line in the sand, and we hope that the state and federal decision makers are listening.”

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch has opposed PEP11 since 2017 and welcomed the NSW Government’s formal opposition.

“I want to thank the Deputy Premier for listening to our community’s strong opposition and acting accordingly,” he said.

“I’m calling for the Federal Government to stop PEP11 and stop putting our beaches and marine life at risk.”

Terry Collins and Ross Barry

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19 FEBRUARY 2021

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PAGE 8

19 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

Chance for youth to have their voices heard Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

Those in Years 10, 11, 12, or of the equivalent age, can apply to the program which consists of a four-day training camp where participants are split into committees to develop policy positions ahead of a day of debate on the floor of NSW Parliament.

Following the event, passed bills are formally presented to the NSW Government.

Ella Avni of Copacabana was a Y NSW Youth Parliament representative in 2019 while she was in Year 11 at Kincumber High School.

She said her decision to recently enrol in a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) at the University of Sydney was influenced by her time in the program.

"It really was the start for me getting into politics," Avni said.

Ella Avni at Y NSW Youth Parliament

"After that, I met my friend Abby at Youth Parliament, and she got me into the group, School Strike 4 Climate.

"I did a lot of advocacy with them for a while.

"I think it really improved my political engagement, not only on the Central Coast but statewide as well; it was like a gateway to everything else."

Since its beginning in 2002, approximately six Y NSW Youth

Parliament youth legislations have been passed into NSW law, including the recent Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

"The first camp (training) was really good for learning how state parliament worked, what the processes are, and they taught us all about writing bills," Avni said.

"We had a schedule that each day we would debate a few different bills.

"I was on the Women's Affairs committee, so we wrote our bill about equal access to sanitary products for homeless women.

"The residential camp was really amazing for me as I learnt how to improve my public speaking.

"I noticed my confidence shot up so much after that camp.

"It was a really good environment, and everyone was so accepting and everyone

is there to improve themselves."

Avni said her interest in politics has come from wanting to have a voice in her community.

"I saw an ad on Facebook for Youth Parliament, and I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to have a voice in my community and on what goes on in politics," Avni said.

"Because it affects us the younger generation and we

don't have much of a voice, I thought it would be a really good chance to get my voice out there and have a say."

The Y NSW is seeking representatives from all 93 NSW State Electorates to participate.

Y NSW CEO, Susannah Le Bron, said it was exciting to be back following the program's suspension in 2020 due to the pandemic.

"COVID-19 has brought the direct impact of political decisions on young people's lives and futures sharply into focus," Le Bron said.

"There's never been a more important time for young people to stand up and be heard, and the Y is incredibly proud as an organisation to bring these voices directly to the seat of power in NSW." Applications are open now and will close on March 12 at 5 pm.

For more information, or to apply, visit: www.ymcansw. org.au/community-services/ youth/youth-parliament/.

Jacinta Counihan

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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Crown Lands to assess contamination levels at Empire Bay boatshed With a decision still pending on whether or not the Empire Bay boatshed will be demolished, an assessment is to be conducted to examine the site’s contamination levels and to help inform future actions.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch said the detailed assessment was commissioned by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands.

“The NSW Government was forced to revoke the Empire Bay Marina licence in September 2020, due to ongoing safety and environmental concerns, and a failure by the licence holder to rectify issues despite repeated requests,” Crouch said.

“Crown Lands is issuing a factsheet to keep local

residents informed every step of the way on what has occurred to date, and what is planned for the future.”

Minister for Water Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the detailed assessment would determine the type, extent and level of contamination on the site and advise on requirements for site remediation.

“This contamination assessment, together with building assessments, will help inform next steps,” Pavey said.

“The marina structures and building are in poor condition and unsafe and have been fenced off to the public.

“Residents are advised not to enter the site.”

Crown Lands has instructed boat owners to remove their vessels from the marina prior to the contamination assessment getting underway.

The Empire Bay marina

“Central Coast Ferries has committed to moving their vessel to an alternative mooring location,” Pavey said.

“There will be no disruption to the regular ferry service.

“If boat owners fail to vacate

the marina the Department will be required to take compliance action which would involve fines of up to $1,100 for individuals and $2,200 for corporations and the impounding of vessels.”

Crown Lands will maintain responsibility for the control and management of the marina site until a decision is made about its future.

Central Coast Ferries Senior Master, Daniel Rond, said the service had been given seven days to remove the ferry moored at the site.

“We will not be at the marina by the end of next week,” Rond said.

“We have to work out where we can moor our regular vessel and organise access for our skippers.

“It’s a fluid situation but we are working with Crown Lands, Waterways and Adam Crouch on an alternate mooring site.

“We need to find a location around the Empire Bay/ Davistown area, but services will run as normal from the public wharf in Kendall Rd.” A spokesperson for Crown

Lands said a requirement of the former licence was to ensure the site was properly maintained.

“The Department repeatedly attempted to have the former licence holder remedy breaches, but either no or insufficient action occurred, and the licence holder failed to implement an agreed action plan,” the spokesperson said.

“The licence was revoked due to significant and ongoing breaches and the licence holder’s failure to rectify issues.”

The Save our Heritage listed Boat Shed Facebook group is continuing its campaign to have the 100-year old boatshed restored to preserve a slice of maritime history.

A petition organised by the group has so far attracted 660 signatures.

Terry Collins

Will IPART hear the cry of ratepayers?

IPART Acting Chair, Deborah Cope, has assured residents that every one of the thousands of submissions received regarding Central Coast Council’s proposed rate rise will be taken into consideration before the regulator makes its decision.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has received more than 4,100 private submissions in response to Council’s official request for a variation to allow for a 15 per cent rate increase

from next year.

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, Cope said all submissions would be scrutinised before a decision is handed down in May. “We recognise this is a really tough time for ratepayers as well as for councils and we have to get the balance right,” Cope said.

“It is important that councils have the funds necessary to provide services but it also important that (rises) are not more than what is necessary.

“We welcome submissions from people on whether or not

they think the application (for a rate rise variation) is reasonable or not.

“Submissions an integral part of what we do, and we will review them all; they will feed into our deliberations.”

Cope said the tribunal looked at four major areas when determining variation requests: Are people aware of what has been proposed? Is it affordbale?

Is there a demonstrated need for the money? and Has Council done the work to determine if there are other ways of saving money, or possible revenue streams, so rates don’t have to go up?

A refusal of Council’s proposed rate rise variation would not be unprecedented.

In 2018, IPART considered a modest reduction in water, sewerage and stormwater charges and a harmonisation of service charges across the region proposed by Council.

IPART determined Council’s prices to be significantly less than the reduction proposed and granted a further decrease in water rates than that originally proposed by Council.

With regard to Council’s submission on the proposed 15 per cent rate rise, Cope said Council had reported its initial

and amended surveys made available to residents.

“Based on that (amended) survey, 72 per cent of respondents said they favoured no rise,” she said.

“And half of those gave as their reason the mismanagement of Council.”

On the subject of rates harmonisation, which could see former Wyong residents pay three per cent less than at present, and former Gosford residents pay as much as 30 per cent more, Cope said that was a matter for Council to resolve.

“We are aware of the (rate) differentiation and we are also aware that some former Wyong ratepayers are upset at having paid higher rates for some time,” she said.

“But we set the percentage of how much the bucket can go up and then Council must go through the process with the community to find the right blend of rates across different areas and categories.”

IPART will accept submissions on the proposed rate rise until March 7 and will hand down its determination in May. Terry Collins

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Sacked CEO sets the record straight From page 1 In May 2019, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) issued its determination into Council’s water, sewer and stormwater prices and charges.

The impact of this determination was that Council would receive about $39M less revenue each year for the period 2019 to 2022.

Murphy said that hit to income came on top of a population that was growing faster than the rate base.

He advised councillors in February 2020 that Council would be carrying out a service review.

A service review is a process that looks at all Council’s services to better understand the cost of delivery, the standard or level of the service and the quality of the service.

This had not been done since the formation of the Council in 2016.

“We were required to harmonise rating systems by July 2021, and we knew that this would generate anxiety among ratepayers about inequity and value for money,” Murphy said.

“We also knew that our population was growing at about 0.9 per cent per annum, however our rating base (increase in the number of rateable properties) was only growing at about 0.5 per cent per annum.

“This gap would not be sustainable in the long term.”

In March 2020, COVID-19 made another impact on income and services.

This was off the back of a major flood in February and a series of major bushfires from November 2019 to January 2020.

A Crisis Management Team was established and about 50 per cent of Council staff began to work remotely.

The new Chief Financial Officer left in April 2020, taking up another role in the public service.

Another permanent CFO would not arrive until after the eruption of the crisis that was silently working its way to the surface.

Murphy engaged consultants Grant Thornton on April 17, 2020, to review the budget process.

This included an operational review and potential cost savings and revenue sources.

“We chose Grant Thornton because they had not been engaged previously to provide any financial services and could provide a fresh perspective,” Murphy said.

“We asked Grant Thornton to model the impact of COVID-19 on Council’s finances.”

Grant Thornton developed a range of scenarios with one suggesting that the impact to Council could be as much as $100M. Some budget principles were developed: Continue to deliver essential services; Minimize job losses; Live within our means; and Stimulate the local economy.

“We also identified a number of budget levers that we could pull such as freezing recruitment, maximizing the opportunity of pooling developer contributions

“I accept responsibility for my actions” - Gary Murphy to reduce the drain on the general fund, increasing revenue, deferring capital works and asset sales,” Murphy said.

“We presented this approach to ourAudit Risk and Improvement Committee who commended management for a prudent approach.”

On July 16, 2020, a severe storm struck the Central Coast, causing extensive coastal erosion at North Entrance and Wamberal.

It too would mean another hit to Council’s finances as the State Government directed it to take emergency action at the beaches.

Once again, a Crisis Management Team was established to manage this situation on top of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 27, the council passed the budget on the Mayor’s casting vote.

Meanwhile, Grant Thornton was surprised to learn during its scenario modelling that Council did not more actively manage and monitor its cash flow.

So, Grant Thornton developed a model.

This was the moment that led to the discovery that would prove so catastrophic.

Grant Thornton identified that Council was “potentially” using internally restricted funds for

purposes other than for what they were collected.

“It wasn’t entirely clear, and we needed to do further and deeper investigations,” Murphy said.

“I asked one of the independent Audit Risk and Improvement Committee members for advice on a local government expert who could review the use of restricted funds.

“That led to me engaging DMB Consulting to carry out this review.”

The review took one month.

And DMB finally found what everybody else had missed for years; the use of restricted funds for operational purposes which is unlawful and it appeared nobody recognised they were restricted funds.

“This review uncovered the extent of the use of not just internally restricted funds but externally restricted funds as well,” Murphy said.

Misstatements in three consecutive years of audited financial statements show consecutive errors of $38M, $89M and $129M. Two of the years were before Murphy was CEO. “It was shocking and alarming,” Murphy said.

“We then reported this to the councillors, Ministers, the Office of Local Government, the NSW Ombudsman, ICAC and other key

Key points • PWC gave council a short term (0-3 years) low financial risk rating in 2019 • The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee endorsed a COVID budget approach as “prudent” • The COVID modelling uncovered possible unlawful use of funds • Murphy ordered a deep dive audit which then found the evidence of unlawful use of restricted funds • Murphy revealed the problem as per his lawful duty stakeholders.”

What happened next is public knowledge.

The Council publicly explained it had uncovered immediate and serious cash flow problems and the State Government stepped in with an advance so Council could pay its staff.

Council immediately began work on a recovery plan and commissioned a forensic audit in order to understand how this had happened, how far back it went and why it happened.

Behind the scenes, Murphy was asked to attend a meeting with the Mayor, Lisa Matthews, on October 9, where he was given an opportunity to resign with full entitlements.

Three days later he submitted his offer of resignation to the Mayor and went on leave.

The offer was discussed confidentially at the Council meeting on October 12 with no resolution and again on October 19 and again on October 26 with no resolution.

Between those (last) two meetings, on October 21, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock ordered the Council to explain why it shouldn’t be suspended.

The councillors had a week to defend themselves and handed in a report on October 28.

It cut no ice with Hancock.

On October 30, a Friday, the Minister suspended the councillors and appointed Dick Persson as Administrator.

By Monday, November 2, he was holding a press conference at Wyong chambers.

Murphy said he met with Persson that day, keen to work with him in implementing the recovery plan.

“I was advised that it was ‘not appropriate’ that I remain in the workplace and was advised initially to take personal leave and then I was advised that I was suspended but I was not advised the reasons for my suspension or how long the suspension would

last,” Murphy said.

“On November 20, I received an email requesting my attendance at the Council for a meeting with the Administrator.

“It was suggested I bring my lawyer to this meeting.

“I requested an agenda for the meeting.

“I received no response to this request.”

He was then advised by email a week later that his employment had been terminated in accordance with the terms of his contract – no reasons given.

The Administrator has only ever publicly said Murphy twice refused to meet with him.

Murphy said theAdministrator’s 30-day report placed the blame for the situation at his feet despite noting that there was a “catastrophic error” made at the time of amalgamation in 2016 with the Council not recognising that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash.

The Council had also inherited $317M worth of debt from the former councils.

“I have since reviewed the report and written to the Administrator pointing out a number of omissions and misstatements,” Murphy said.

He said the Administrator eventually responded on January 29 saying that he would not be responding and that he stood by his statements.

“As the CEO of Central Coast Council, I accept responsibility for my actions and I accept that mistakes were made and things could have been handled differently,” Murphy said.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how I could have done things better.

“I am truly sorry that good people will lose their jobs because of what has happened.

“I am truly sorry that ratepayers will lose some valued services.”

Merilyn Vale

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NEWS PAGE 13 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Murphy highlights key omissions from 30-day report In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, Murphy said there were a number of omissions from the Administrator’s 30-day report into the Council’s financial crisis and outlined three of them.

The first omission, he said, was historical findings.

“Given that the Administrator states that there was a ‘catastrophic error’ made at the time of merger where the Council failed to recognise that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash available at the time, I believe that an enquiry into the actions of the two former councils leading up to the merger should be conducted,” Murphy said.

“We now also know that there were also several misstatements in three audited financial statements.”

Murphy said these were: Audited financial statements in 16/17 had a $38M error; Audited financial statements in 17/18 had a $89M error; and Audited financial statements in 18/19 had a $129M error.

Murphy said the report reflected a lack of procedural fairness and natural justice.

“I was not afforded the opportunity to give any submissions before the draft report was finalised and to share the insights from the work I instituted to identify the issues and to present the plan developed for corrective actions,” he said.

The third omission, Murphy said, was a root cause analysis.

“I’m not aware that a root cause analysis has been done,” he said.

“No fault tree, no process mapping and the forensic audit has not been completed to my knowledge.

“I think we need to go back to the financial statements of the two former councils and critically analyse them through the lens of what we now know.

“What we still don’t know is why and how this happened.

“Like any crisis, it is important to understand what went wrong, how this happened, what are the lessons to be learnt from this and how do we prevent this from happening again.

“I believe that the Administrator’s report is a missed opportunity to do this and I have written to the Minister for Local Government requesting that a comprehensive independent inquiry be carried out from the time of merger to the time the Administrator was appointed.

“There are a number of parties in this story; the councils before merger; the Administrator and senior staff at the time of merger; the councillors and senior staff that followed; and Council’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and Council’s Auditors.”

Merilyn Vale Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

Questions for the Inquiry Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has joined the chorus of people calling for a fuller inquiry into how the financial crisis occurred.

In his interview, Murphy set out a long list of questions any such inquiry should cover at a minimum.

1. Given that the stated purpose of the initial Administrator in 2016 was to “undertake the appropriate preparatory work and allocate sufficient resources to ensure the newly elected Council can meet its statutory planning and reporting responsibilities under the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework and successfully complete the transition process” - was this considered to be adequately done?

2. What was the true position

of the amount of restricted and unrestricted funds of the former Gosford and former Wyong councils immediately prior to merger?

3. Why did the newly merged Central Coast Council not recognise that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash at the time of merger?

4. What were the delegations, controls and processes in place for the control, usage and reporting of restricted funds in the former councils prior to merger?

5. What were the delegations, controls and processes in place for the control, usage and reporting of restricted funds upon the formation of Central Coast Council?

6. Did any of these change from May 16, 2016, to the time of the suspension of the Council?

7. What internal audits were conducted since May, 2016, into restricted funds?

8. Was the timeliness and quality of the financial reporting to the elected body since May 12, 2016, considered to be adequate and in line with industry standards?

9. Was the annual budget development and approval process since May 12, 2016, considered to be adequate and in line with industry standards?

10. What was the extent of the debate on the monthly and quarterly budget review statements reported to the elected body since May 12, 2016?

11. Why did the unqualified audited financial statements of 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 contain material misstatements about restricted funds?

12. What degree of oversight and assurance did the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee provide to the elected body since May 12, 2016?

13. PWC was commissioned in 2019 to provide a review of the Council’s financial outlook.

One of the conclusions of the report was that in the short to medium term (0-3 years) there was a “low risk” from a financial performance perspective. How and why did they reach that conclusion?

14. What impact did the amalgamation have on the ability of the Council to operate effectively and efficiently?

15. What impact did the political decision making of the elected body have on the financial performance of the Council?

16. What impact did the lack of continuity of executive

leadership, especially at CEO and CFO level, have on the financial performance of the Council?

17. What impact did external factors such as natural disasters and the IPART determination on Council’s water and sewer fees and charges have on the financial performance of Council?

18. What other factors could have contributed to this crisis?

19. How could this crisis have been avoided?

20. What steps should be put in place to prevent this happening again?

21. What are the lessons learnt that will be of benefit to the local government sector?

“It is accepted that an inquiry will be time-consuming and costly,” Murphy said.

“However I do believe that in the same way that the inquiry

into the Glasshouse Project at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council provided some valuable lessons, learnings and recommendations in terms of project management and governance, such an inquiry into Central Coast Council will provide recommendations for improvement into financial management.

“Dismissing me and suspending the councillors are consequences of what has happened; they will not help in understanding what happened and preventing this from happening again in the future.

“I accept responsibility for my actions.

“This is not about me; this is about systems, processes, procedures, controls, checks and balances and oversight that failed.”

Merilyn Vale

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KEEP YOURSELF AND OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM COVID-19

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Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others

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Stay home if you’re unwell and get tested as soon as you have any symptoms

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If you have any symptoms, book a COVID-19 test immediately For the Gosford clinic, call 4320 5055 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends For the Erina clinic, call 4302 5252 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays For the Wyong clinic, call 4394 9200 between 9am and 5pm everyday

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Who’s mowing the path from Davistown to Kincumber?

I have written numerous emails to Central Coast Council regarding the sudden stoppage of mowing the grass on the water side of the pathway that stretches from Davistown to Kincumber.

It was first discussed that the Environment Protection Authority was to mow it.

I contacted the EPA and they advised that they own nothing, and the Council had got it wrong.

The Council owns this land and has now advised me that the Council’s Environmental Policy is to only mow 3m (10ft)

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper from water’s edge, meaning they only mow one width of the mower at the pathway edge.

In some parts of this reserve the grass and weeds are 1500mm (5ft) high.

How does the community enjoy the water, fish, swim, paddle, take boats out, (let) dogs paddle if we cannot get to the water’s edge.

This would be one of the (more) stupid policies the Council have put out.

Is this a Greenie thing?

The Council needs to consider the community living along this reserve; we look after it more than Council - we mow and keep it clean.

Davistown reserve is mowed to the water’s edge; why not Saratoga.?

Email, Feb 12 Pam Lowe, Saratoga

New thinking needed The three musketeers riding to our (Council) rescue assuage ratepayers by claiming they have a collective 100 years of experience.

But that’s just a number.

I’ve had 72 years of breathing; does that make me the healthiest man on the planet?

Self-aggrandisement is faint praise.

I haven’t seen nor heard anything remotely creative from these bastions of local government and fiscal

FORUM rectitude, just the regulation slash and burn and the old chestnut, whack on the odd rate increase, problem solved.

So I’ll give them a hand.

Has anyone thought of having a chat with the State Government?

After all, this whole fiasco seems to have (had) its genesis at the time of the (forced and unwanted) amalgamation.

Surely the State Government

should be invited to cough up a few shillings, indeed quite a few shillings as an act of goodwill.

Or make those who spent $20M in one year on new cars buy them back; must be pretty good cars.

As Alvin Toffler wrote in 1982, you can’t trust the people who got us into the mess to get us out of it.

New thinking, not century old stuff is a prerequisite.

Email, Feb 8 Allan Norris, Umina Beach

E-petition calling for judicial inquiry into Council Coast News has received many requests from readers on how to access an e-petition calling for a judicial inquiry into Central Coast Council.

Organised by long-time friends Susan Greene and

Marianne Hamilton, the petition needs to attract 20,000 signatures by February 26 to be eligible for debate in State Parliament.

The petition calls on the State Government to hold an inquiry to find out how the Central Coast Council financial crisis

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131-133 Donnison Street Gosford brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

happened,who was responsible and what reforms are needed to the Local Government Act to protect the community in the future.

Access the petition at https:// www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/ la/Pages/epetitions-list.aspx

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

FORUM

PAGE 15 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Where is the cost-benefit analysis on a desal plant?

The last thing that we need is a desalination plant as the centrepiece of our water-management strategy (CCN 279).

Such an installation would involve a huge capital cost, at a time when the Council is bankrupt, for what is only a back-up facility to be used in an emergency but will, otherwise, be an unused hulk, requiring ongoing maintenance costs from an already overstressed budget and depreciating financially and operationally with each year.

Where is the cost/benefit analysis that has been made of this project and how does the proposal compare with other options for securing our water supply into the indefinite

FORUM future?

Given the demonstrated incompetence of our Council, what confidence could we have that the idea has had any serious scrutiny at all?

Desalination plants throughout the world have a history of technical problems, and, of course, the price of the water produced is magnitudes greater than that of conventional water systems - something that the ratepayers will be burdened with on top of the other imposts already in the pipeline.

What we should be looking at is a recycling strategy that will recover the water that is now dumped in the ocean and

process it for reuse.

The same water can be used over and over again (suitably supplemented for the water loss that is unavoidable in any system), so that there never needs to be a shortage in future.

The technology is readily available, and it only requires a little imaginative thinking on the part of the city managers to come up with a workable initiative.

Let us have an engineering feasibility study on this option, before we are lumbered with another financial white elephant for future residents to deal with.

Email, Feb 16 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Look at council costs first I wanted to raise a discussion point with regards to our Central Coast Council.

The Council is in debt millions of dollars and the Administrator is seeking a special 15 per cent increase from IPART for council rates.

Meanwhile in my local area (Jilliby) there are still

FORUM maintenance crews edging the Jilliby cemetery on a Saturday morning (February 13).

I have no doubt this crew of about 5-6 men would have been on some penalty rates for weekend work at 1.5 or even double time?

Surely overtime and penalty

rates across the board are the first thing the Council should have stopped.

How can the Administrator say the 15 per cent increase is the only way out of jail when they still haven’t addressed expenses and looked for cost cutting measures?

Email, Feb 5 Paul Phillips, Lisarow

Do you know the Thompson family?

I am trying to find the family of Robert (Bob) Thompson, son of John and Elizabeth Thompson who lived at Kikoria NSW. Robert and Joan, with their three children, lived at 68 Hillcrest St, Terrigal.

FORUM He was an electrician and died on June 14, 1976.

I have photos of the family going back to when (Robert’s) father John Thompson was in WW1 in England (and) would

love to return them to the family.

Email, Feb 11 Pat Teale, Cootamundra Editor’s note: If anyone would like to get in touch with Pat Teale, please email editorial@centralcoastnews. net and we will put you in touch

FREE SEMINAR Wills & Estates Seminar

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast This free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect, so they know where they stand in: • Challenging a Will; or • Defending a Will from Challenge The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them if they have been

left out of a Will - or if you want to leave someone out of your Will - alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Challenging Wills and how you should best deal with challenges.

Mr Geoff Brazel, Solicitor will present the seminar on Challenging Wills to help you through the maze of legal regulation

The seminar will be presenting in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions.

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what steps you need to take to properly consider challenges to Wills.

WHEN: 23 February 2021 WHERE: Gosford RSL Club HOW: Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

PAGE 16 19 FEBRUARY 2021

ON THE BEAT

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Police want to speak to this man

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the theft from a Central Coast retail store last month.

At about 6pm on Tuesday, January 26, a man entered a business on Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach. and stole a case of alcohol.

Following investigations, police from Brisbane Water Police District have obtained

images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall, of average build, with a sunburnt complexion, brown short hair, brown facial hair and a moustache.

He was wearing blue board shorts and sandals and had tattoos on his arms and chest.

Police are urging anyone with

information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1. police.nsw.gov.au/.

Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

People should not report crime information via police Facebook and Twitter pages.

Man wanted by police Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted by virtue of an arrest warrant.

Ricky Sutherland, aged 51, is wanted for traffic related matters including driving whilst disqualified, with a warrant being issued for his arrest.

Police have received information that he is known to frequent the Central Coast area, including Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach as well as the Coffs Harbour area.

He is described as being of caucasian appearance,

between 165 and 175cm tall, with a thin build, grey balding hair and hazel eyes.

He has a distinctive tattoo on the right side of his neck.

Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts should not approach him but contact police via Triple zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Brisbane Water Police district Facebook page, Feb 16

Officer injured in collision

Source: Brisbane Water Police District Facebook page, Feb 16

Rock fisherman rescued A rock fisherman was rescued from rough seas at Avoca Beach on February 17.

Emergency services were called to the beach at about 8.10am following reports a fisherman had been swept off rocks on the southern end of the beach.

The 50-year-old man – who was wearing a lifejacket at the time – was rescued by local lifeguards using a jet ski.

The man, from The Ponds in Sydney’s north-west, was assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gosford Hospital for further assessment.

Brisbane Water Police District Inspector, John Zdrilic, said the outcome could have been fatal if the man hadn’t been wearing a lifejacket.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“The conditions out on the water (were) rough and windblown, which could have proven extremely difficult for rescue crews,” Zdrilic said.

“After recent drownings in other parts of the state, this is a timely reminder for all fishers about the importance of wearing a lifejacket – it can quite literally save your life.

“By wearing the appropriate safety equipment, this rock fisherman has escaped with

just a few minor cuts and bruises.

“His lifejacket kept him afloat while emergency services were responding.”

Anyone rock fishing in a declared location must wear an appropriate lifejacket.

This includes people helping you to rock fish and children.

Failing to wear an appropriate lifejacket while rock fishing in a declared area may result in a $100 on the spot fine.

For information relating to rock fishing, lifejacket laws, rock fishing safety tips and assistance in finding a life jacket right for rock fishing, visit: https://www.watersafety. nsw.gov.au/Pages/rockfishing/rock-fishing-safety. aspx Source: Media release, Feb 17 NSW Police

The scene at Kariong

An officer from Central Coast Highway Patrol was injured in a three-car collision at Kariong on February 11.

The collision occurred between two police cars and a black Mercedes after the driver attempted to drive north on a south band lane during a pursuit.

Acting Inspector of Highway Patrol Central Coast, Martin Searle, said on February 11 the pursuit originally started in the Newcastle region at 11am.

“Around 11am, police from Lake Macquarie Area District

Photo: Channel 9

Command tried to stop a black Mercedes that was known to police,” Searle said.

“That driver refused to stop; the pursuit was initiated in the Murrays Beach, and that was terminated due to safety reason.

“The Black Mercedes continued on south down the Pacific Highway and onto M1.

“A short time later, near Ourimbah, police from the Central Coast Highway patrol observed that black Mercedes again and they attempted to

stop that driver … and a further pursuit was commenced.

“Near the Kariong on-ramp, the car driver commenced a u-turn to travel north in the south-bound lane and shortly after a collision occurred between (the car and) two marked highway patrol vehicles.

“As a result of that one of the officers sustained some injuries; some minor facial lacerations, and some fractures to his right wrist.”

The officer was taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment.

Jacinta Counihan

Training and Volunteer Day

February 27th at 10am - noon All are invited…

We will be back in the saddle in March and are looking for new volunteers to help with the horses and general work around the facility at Kangoo Rd, Somersby.

Training provided, no expertise required, but a love of the outdoors, horses and helping with disabled riders would be a good plus.

Also morning tea and a tour of the wonderful centre Call 0412 393 452 for more info

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Valentine’s Day treat for sweet sisters Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day, receiving a bouquet of roses and a showering of love by park keepers.

In a cute video released by the Park, the pair were seen receiving kisses and cuddles from staff all day for Anna’s

first-ever Valentine’s Day. Elsa had a rough start to life as her mother was unable to produce milk for the joey, and keepers were forced to intervene as she would not have survived otherwise.

During Elsa’s infancy, koala whisperer, Hayley Shute, took on the role of becoming Elsa’s surrogate Mum. Since then, Elsa has thrived

and grown into a perfect little koala.

Anna the koala joey was born last year, to Elsa’s birth mother – Irene.

This makes Anna and Elsa beloved sisters just like their namesakes from Disney’s movie Frozen.

The pair have a very special bond and are often seen enjoying their lunch together.

Mammal keeper, Hewin Hochkins, said the two are the most affectionate koalas staff have had the pleasure of working with.

“I loved giving them roses and giving them lots of attention for Valentine’s Day,” Hochkins said.

“It’s more important now than ever to show the world just how special our koalas are and the importance of our crucial

breeding program.

“If this video encourages just one person to donate towards koalas and their protection, then we can say we have spread the love this Valentine’s Day.” Prior to the fires that ravaged Australia in 2019 and 2020, over 90 per cent of koala habitat had already been lost with the remaining 10 per cent being fragmented and

vulnerable to intense bushfire.

It is estimated if koalas decline at the current rate, they could be extinct as soon as 2050.

The Australian Reptile Park’s sister charity Aussie Ark launched Koala Ark in response to the koalas’ potential extinction crisis.

Jacinta Counihan

Storytime back at four libraries Kids can now enjoy Storytime in person with Central Coast libraries bringing back Storytime sessions across four libraries every Tuesday and Thursday.

Erina and Toukley Library will be holding their sessions at 10.45am on Tuesdays and Kincumber and Tuggerah will hold theirs on Thursdays at the same time.

Places are strictly limited for

each event, and tickets will be available at the branch from 10.30am on the day.

No masks are required, but libraries urge anyone feeling unwell to stay home.

If people are unable to visit a library branch, the children’s team is running live online Storytime and Sing and Stomp each Monday morning in Term 1.

Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 18 19 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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First solo exhibition at the age of 96

At the age of 96, Kath Giovanelli of Macmasters Beach is exhibiting for the first time as a solo artist at Gosford Regional Gallery.

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Her exhibition, Drawing from Life, features a collection of life drawings and paintings and will be one display until February 28.

Giovanelli said had been drawing for a long, long time.

“The curator came and looked at my work and decided to give me a show, and there it is, sitting in the Regional Gallery now,” she said.

“It is an exploration of life drawing from many aspects, so I have covered a lot of ground with it.”

The exhibition features only a small number of the many pieces Giovanelli has completed over her lifetime.

Born in 1924, she began her career as an artist in the 1960s following a summer art school run by legendary Australian artist John Olsen.

Her artistic influence include her teachers John Olsen, Ruth Faerber, Meike Cohen, Robert Klippel, David Fairburn, and the work of European modernists (such as Matisse) and American abstract expressionists encountered on her travels.

She has experimented with various styles and techniques for figurative representation throughout her career, including expressive drawing, tonal

painting and collage.

Her work has always been grounded in a love of drawing.

She views “life-drawing” as an essential practice, an essential part of being an artist.

“Art has been a lifelong journey,” she said.

“Seeking and searching fulfilment all the way; I can’t say I ever arrived.”

Kath Giovanelli has exhibited as a finalist in the Hunters Hill Art Prize many times since 1955 and received the Nora Heysen Award three times.

She has been exhibited as a finalist in the Gosford Art Prize three times (2008, 2014, 2019).

COASTAL DIARY

Jacinta Counihan

EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

FRIDAY, FEB 19

Kangoo Road, Kariong, 20- 21/02, 9am - 3:30pm WEDNESDAY, FEB 24

Love Letters, Woy Woy Little Theatre, Ticketed, 19/02 - 7/03, www.trybooking.com

Antiques & Collectables, Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort Wyong, 19/02 - 26/02, 10am - 3pm SATURDAY, FEB 20 Chemical clean out, Event Park

Public Exhibition: Davistown-Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, Davistown Progress Association Hall, 4 - 7pm yourvoiceourcoast.com/ DEBFloodplain

THURSDAY, FEB 25 Public Exhibition: Davistown-Empire Bay Floodplain Risk

Management Study SATURDAY, FEB 27 and Plan, Empire Bay Progress Bouddi Coastal Run, Association Hall, Killcare Beach, 2 - 5pm yourvoiceourcoast.com/ DEBFloodplain

FRIDAY, FEB 26

Register online, 6am - 6pm

Chemical clean out, Council’s Long Jetty Depot Morris Place, Bateau Bay,27 - 28/02, 9am - 3:30pm

Recreation Hall, RSVP to attend, 1pm - 4pm

SUNDAY, FEB 28

Sydney Symphony Public exhibition: Northern Lakes Flood- Orchestra: Andrew Haveron Performs Bach, plain Risk Management The Art House Wyong, Study and Plan, Ticketed, 7pm Blue Haven Community Hall, 4 - 7pm Multi Sports Festival, yourvoiceourcoast.com/ northern-lakes-floodplain

Umina Tennis and Futsal Club, 9am - 3pm, Registrations essential

Peninsula Lions Club: WEDNESDAY, MAR 3 SUNDAY, MAR 7 Car Boot Sale, Public exhibition: Dunban Road Car Park Northern Lakes Floodon the cnr of Ocean plain Risk Management Beach Road, Troubadour Folk Club Study and Plan, The Rise Twilight: 7am - 1pm Grand opening, Halekulani Community Open day, Everglades Club Woy Woy, Hall, 4 - 7pm Avoca Beachside Markets, Wood Glen Ticketed event Knife in the Boot: yourvoiceourcoast.com/ Heazlett Park Foreshore, Retirement Village, Phoenix Collective northern-lakes-floodplain 9am - 2pm Coal Ash Public Meeting, 4:30pm - 6:30pm Tango Quartet, RSVP - rsvp.therise.com.au Point Wolstoncroft Sport Greenway Chapel, SATURDAY, MAR 6 and Recreation Centre - TUESDAY, MAR 2 or call 02 4365 6800

Green Point, Ticketed, 2:30pm www.trybooking.com Clean Up Australia Day, Register online cleanup.org.au

WEDNESDAY, MAR 10 Tribute: Olivia Newton-John, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, 11am

SATURDAY, MAR 20 Flavours by The Sea, Terrigal Memorial Foreshore, 10am - 10pm

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee.

Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

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Arty Crafty Day comes to Davistown Davistown Progress Association is getting set for a huge Arty Crafty Day on March 6.

“The whole process, from making the piece to opening the kiln, is long and challenging with many opportunities for disappointment along the way but I find it exciting, especially when the kiln gods are smiling.

“I have immersed myself in clay for many years; teaching pottery, giving workshops and with (my partner) Neil, building a mudbrick home in Tumbi Umbi; a wonderfully peaceful place to work among the gumtrees and wildlife.

“I have spent many years on the committee of the Central Coast Potters Society and am a life member.

“I was also on the advisory committee at the Gosford Regional Gallery and a foundation member.

“At the moment my work evolves around dry glazes, one-off pieces, often textured, which have an ancient, perhaps

To be held between 9.30am and 4.30pm at the Progress Hall, the day will feature a variety of stall holders selling home crafter wares, as well as music, refreshments including vegetarian food and a sausage sizzle, tea, coffee, cold drinks and cakes.

The day, which aims to raise funds for maintenance to the hall, will also feature a chocolate wheel, yoga demonstrations, dancing and history walking tours.

Potter Marienne Stollery is one of the artists who will have her work available for sale.

“I first discovered pottery 50 years ago and from the moment I touched the clay I knew I was well and truly hooked,” she said.

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Asian influence.

“These pieces are fired multiple times in order to get the effect I am after.

“In contrast, being an avid gardener, I am enjoying making animal planter pots.

“So far I have enjoyed making elephants, goats, ducks, cats, dogs, possums but I am sure there are more to come.”

Also exhibiting her works on the day will be silversmith Anita Riemann.

Always creative, she found her passion in making silver jewellery six years ago.

She can start to make a piece with a vision in mind and loves how along the way the piece turns into something else.

She has been involved in many artisan shows on the Coast and works from her studio at Killcare Heights.

Pottery pieces by Marienne Stollery

Terry Collins

Somersby’s Riding for the Disabled back in action After 12 months in limbo due to COVID19, Riding for the Disabled is planning to be back in action at Somersby from March 1 and is kicking off its return with a training and volunteer day on February 27.

the horses during the shutdown.

“There has been rain, which has been great, so we’ve had feed for the horses,” Cameron said.

“But it’s really been left to half a dozen people to keep things going.

“We’ve had to care for the horses one person at a time because of COVID restrictions.

“We have a new horse and we’re getting all the horses washed and spruced up ready for lessons to resume.

“We’re really happy to be starting up again.

“All the paperwork is done, and we just hope all the schools will be able to organise travel, to resume with us.

Coach Jenny Cameron, who is a past president of the organisation and also a regional rep for the area, said COVID had not only seen lessons abandoned, but had presented logistical problems for the group.

“We ran two lessons last year and then we were locked down,” Cameron said.

With no lessons running, the organisation still had to care for

Sun 7th March - Central Coast Greenway Chapel, Green Point - 2.30pm

Knife in the Boot - TANGO Info : PCMUSIC.NET

“All things being equal we will re-start lessons on March 1.”

Cameron said the group was also getting organised to host the state AGM on May 1.

“There are 36 centres across NSW and we’re looking forward to hosting the AGM,” Cameron said.

“The Central Coast was one of the first centres to open, 43 years ago.

“We originally started at Tall Timbers and in 2002 we moved to our current premises at

Somersby.”

The charitable organisation caters mostly for school groups, with Tuesdays and Saturdays being reserved for private clients.

“We have a couple of coaches in training and we’re hoping to build up to a full complement again – it’s almost like starting a new centre.

“We have plenty of people in the wings, waiting to ride.”

Cameron has been involved with the organisation for 23

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years.

“Riding is such good therapy for disabled children” she said.

“It’s all about the discipline and the fact they are doing something their friends don’t do.

The official Training and Volunteer Day will be held between 10am and noon on February 27 at Riding for the Disabled off Kangoo Rd at Somersby.

Volunteers are needed to help with the horses and perform

general work around the facility.

“Volunteers do not need any expertise as we will train them, but a love of the outside, horses and disabled riders would be a good plus,” Cameron said.

“We will be having morning tea and a tour of the wonderful centre.”

For more information call 0412 393 452.

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5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Movie: “Fierce Creatures” (M l,s) (’97) Stars: John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Ronnie Corbett, Carey Lowell, Robert Lindsay 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] – Australia’s most controversial social experiment is back. Can a group of singles meeting and marrying at first sight find their happily ever after?

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6:00 Headline News [s] 5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 12:00 Movie: “A Killer Among Us” 1:00 PBS Newshour (M v) (’12) Stars: Jasmine Guy, 1:00 9Honey - He Said, She Said: 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Destination Flavour China 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] Has COVID Changed Our Anna Maria Horsford, Dwight (In English/ Mandarin) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Dress Code? [s] Schultz, Mykelti Williamson 2:05 Luke Nguyen’s Railway 1:10 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] Vietnam (PG) Justine Schofield [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 2:35 Egypt’s Lost Princess (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] Shane Jacobson (PG) (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 4:30 Great British Railway 5:00 10 News First [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] Journeys 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 7:30 Highway Patrol Special: 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] Battlers And Boofheads (PG) [s] 9:15 Botched: Reality Star Vixens 5:35 Letters And Numbers 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 6:00 Mastermind Australia And Their Afflictions (M) [s] – 8:30 The Good Doctor: (M) [s] Dr. Nassif has a ruff case ahead Not The Same (M) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 8:30 NCIS: The First Day (M v) [s] of him when a dog bite victim 9:30 The Resident: Moving On And 7:30 Great Continental Railway needs some TLC. Mother Hens (M) [s] 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles: Journeys 10:15 Labour Of Love: 10:30 The Latest Seven News [s] Russia, Russia, Russia (M) [s] 8:40 24 Hours In Emergency: 15 First Dates (M) [s] 11:00 Station 19: 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] Forever Changes (M) 11:15 NINE News Late [s] Do A Little Harm (M l) [s] 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 9:30 Michael Portillo’s Abandoned 11:45 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen 12:00 Splitting Up Together: Britain (PG) Cuba Libre (PG) [s] Nevertheless ... She Went Colbert (PG) [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late 12:35 Tipping Point [s] Clubbing (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 10:55 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 1:30 Home Shopping 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 11:45 Borgen (M l,s) (In Danish)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Stan Grant’s One Plus One [s] Running Wild: Australia’s Camels (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address Media Watch [s] Parliament Question Time [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly (PG) [s] Aftertaste [s] Why Are You Like This (MA15+) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) Staged (MA15+) [s] ABC Late News [s] Four Corners [s]

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Nanny Killer” (M v) (’18) 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Explore [s] Stars: Morgan Obenreder, 1:15 Married At First Sight (M) [s] Danielle Bisutt, Tucker Meek, Violet Hicks, David Rees Snell, 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Bruce Katzman 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 9:15 The Equalizer: Pilot (M v) [s] – 6:00 Seven News [s] Robyn McCall, an enigmatic 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] former CIA operative, must use 7:30 Ambulance - Code Red (PG) her extensive skills to help a [s] – Critical Care Paramedic teenager accused of murder Rob and Dr Adam fight to save and on the run from the the life of a boy who has been criminals who framed her. stabbed in the street.

10:15 Chicago Med: In The Name Of 8:30 The Bay (M v,l) [s] Love (M mp) [s] 9:30 The Latest Seven News [s] 11:15 NINE News Late [s] 11:00 Criminal Confessions: 11:45 New Amsterdam: A Killer App (MA15+) [s] The Karman Line (M) [s] 12:00 Code Black: 12:35 Tipping Point [s] Home Stays Home (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 1:00 PBS Newshour 1:30 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Destination Flavour China 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] (In English/ Mandarin) 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] 2:05 Luke Nguyen’s Railway 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] Vietnam (PG) 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With 2:35 Grave Of The Vikings (PG) Justine Schofield [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] Jane Turner (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 4:30 Great British Railway (PG) [s] Journeys: Norwich To Brandon 5:00 10 News First [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 6:00 WIN News [s] 5:35 Letters And Numbers 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 7:30 The Cube (PG) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 8:30 Bull: The Bad Client (M) [s] 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic 9:30 Bull: Wrecked (M) [s] Towns: Plantagenet (PG) 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] 8:30 Michael Palin: 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen 9:20 Vikings(MA15+) Colbert (PG) [s] 10:15 Romulus (MA15+) 1:30 Home Shopping (In Old Latin) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 11:25 SBS World News Late 11:55 The Night Manager (M s)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Australian Story [s] How Deadly World (PG) [s] Australia Remastered [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Back Roads [s] Q&A [s] Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One (PG) [s] Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (M) [s] ABC Late News [s] Royal Wives Of Windsor (PG)

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs” (M s,v) (’14) – The FBI pursues Mormon polygamist Warren Jeffs for arranging the marriages of underage girls. Stars: Tony Goldwyn, Molly Parker, Joey King, David Keith, Martin Landau, Sabina Gadecki, Barbie Robertson, Alex Knight 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 8:30 Wife Swap Australia: Jackson And Hagar Families (PG) [s] 9:45 Busted In Bangkok (M) [s] 10:45 The Latest Seven News [s] 11:15 Celebrity Obsessed: David Letterman (MA15+) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Today [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Explore [s] 1:15 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 9:00 The Equalizer: Glory (M) [s] 10:00 Murder For Hire: An Ex-Wife’s Revenge (M l) [s] – After a bitter divorce, an addiction therapist blackmails her patient into helping her find a hitman to kill her ex-husband; but what she doesn’t know is the patient enlists the help of an undercover officer.

11:00 NINE News Late [s] 11:30 The Horn: The Storm (M) [s] 12:30 Tipping Point [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:00 Destination Flavour China (In 2:30 My Market Kitchen [s] English/ Mandarin) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:05 Luke Nguyen’s Railway 3:30 Everyday Gourmet With Vietnam (PG) Justine Schofield [s] 2:35 King Solomon’s Mines (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful John Newcombe (PG) (PG) [s] 4:30 Great British Railway 5:00 10 News First [s] Journeys (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] 5:35 Letters And Numbers 8:00 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 6:00 Mastermind Australia 8:30 Gogglebox (M) [s] 6:30 SBS World News 9:30 Law & Order: SVU: The Long 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces Arm Of The Witness (M) [s] (PG) 10:30 This Is Us (M) [s] 8:30 Michael Mosley: Trust Me, I’m 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] A Doctor (M) 12:30 The Project (PG) [s] 9:25 Cornwall With Simon Reeve 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen (PG) Colbert (PG) [s] 10:25 SBS World News Late 2:30 Home Shopping 11:00 24 Hours In Police Custody 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] (M l)

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

TEN (C13)

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SBS (C30)

6:00 Headline News [s] 5:00 CGTN English News 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 5:15 NHK World English News 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:00 Destination Flavour China 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] (In English/ Mandarin) 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 2:05 Luke Nguyen’s Railway 3:30 Left Off The Map [s] Vietnam (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork [s] 2:35 Jonah And The Whale (PG) 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: (PG) [s] Rachel Griffiths (PG) 5:00 10 News First [s] 4:30 Great British Railway 6:00 WIN News [s] Journeys 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia 5:35 Letters And Numbers (M) [s] – A detour has the teams 6:00 Mastermind Australia explore the historic German 6:30 SBS World News town of Hahndorf.

7:35 The Architecture The 8:30 Hughesy, We Have A Problem Railways Built (PG) (M) [s] 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: 9:30 The Graham Norton Show Circle Of Life (M) (M s) [s] 9:20 The Story Of The Songs: 10:30 The Project (PG) [s] Whitney Houston (M) 11:30 WIN’s All Australian News [s] 10:15 SBS World News Late 12:30 The Late Show (PG) [s] 10:45 Outlander (MA15+) 1:30 Home Shopping 11:55 Berlin Station (M l,v) 4:30 CBS This Morning [s] 2:50 Hell On Earth (MA15+)

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

PAGE 22 19 FEBRUARY 2021

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23 19 FEBRUARY 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Big Garden or Little Farm

CHERALYN DARCEY

With over 60,000 small hobby farms now operating in Australia, occupying over 20% of farming land and numbers steadily increasing, the only people having problems with the surge in a desire for the semi-rural life are the agents who cannot find enough of this type of property to sell.

WHAT IS ‘LIFESTYLE ACREAGE’?

A handy rule of thumb that I have heard time and time again and it is close to true: If you can mow your property with a standard hand operated mower, it’s a residential block.

If you need to use a ride on mower then you are on lifestyle acreage.

If you require a tractor to mow your land, then you have a rural property.

A legal and generally accepted definition is that if you are not creating your primary income from the land itself, you are on lifestyle acreage.

Most of us of a certain age would probably be more familiar with the term, ‘Hobby Farm’ and my family were inspired enough by the 1970’s ‘Grass Roots’ movement to tree-change us out of the city to what would today be called Lifestyle Acreage.

IS IT FOR YOU? You may have seen ‘Big Little Farm’, a beautifully poetic film about a couple and their move from the big city to a small farm and been inspired to take the leap, or perhaps you just need more plant space, but you are not alone if you are one of countless people around the world who dream of a much larger patch of earth to call home.

Maybe lifestyle acreage is tempting you with dreams of collecting fresh eggs for breakfast while you pass by your recreation of Monet’s Garden, and pumpkins just about ready to take to the local Farmers Market, so let’s look at the reality of moving you, your family and plans onto a Lifestyle Acreage Property.

Whether you grow anything on your property or not, more land means more work.

No land is ‘set and forget’, you will need to control growth, weeds, pests and disease on a grand scale.

That means not only work, but also money.

Speaking of pests, most people cite being closer to nature as one of the top reasons for a tree-change.

Nature is not all singing lorikeets and cute wallabies bounding by at dawn, it means snakes, ticks, leeches and other facets of the Australian bush that you may find challenging.

The possibility of bushfires and storms and how you plan to manage for these are a high

priority and should factor into your decision making when looking at properties.

Water supply, power, sewage and waste management are all equally vital elements that need careful consideration as well.

Along with countless books on the subject, these two local webpages are brilliant resources to give you grass roots advice: farmstyle.com.au and nswfarmers.org.au GARDENING ON A GRAND SCALE My favourite piece of advice for gardeners facing a new patch of earth of any size, is to start small and build as your skills increase and your understanding of the environment you find yourself in deepens.

With acreage, it may be tempting to grow hundreds of every single thing straight away because you now have the space, but you will probably not be able to attend to the upkeep.

Things to consider include what you are going to do with all the produce, larger scale peat and disease control, fertilisation and watering.

Starting small means not only area but also the amount you are planting and the types of plants that you are growing.

Research is always the key to successful gardening, so find out what is growing well in your area already and what is possible.

Soil testing for contaminates would be strongly advised before you begin, and you can obtain a deep analysis with advice of what to do should a problem be indicated from Macquarie University research.science.mq.adu.au/vegsafe for a $20 donation.

The good news is that the demand for market garden produce from local small farms is booming, so this is easily an area that can bring in additional income for your family.

Again, research is the key, so find out what is selling well in your area, what is missing and what is in demand.

Your customers will not only be those visiting the local farmers market where you could set up a stall, but local cafes, restaurants and specialty local food stores, so go and talk with them.

Find out what they might like to have a supply of and how you could fill that need.

Selling from your front gate is as old as farming, so a sign and local advertising could bring in the customers you need, but another increasingly popular way of selling produce is via the internet.

Setting up an online shop where local people can purchase and then pick up from your farm, a central meeting place on a set day, or have it delivered, are all ways to encourage and keep regular customers.

Down on the ground, succession planting will give you a steady stream of produce over a harvest season to sell.

This means putting in crops over their advised planting season every week.

Although the dedicated market garden customer is used to variations in supply, consistent and longer availability of your produce will build your reputation.

A CENTRAL COAST LIFESTYLE ACREAGE HAVEN Clare Thornley and her husband Paul made the move from Sydney to a lifestyle acreage property of 2.5 acres in Jilliby on the NSW Central Coast nearly 7 years ago, looking for a better lifestyle.

Although their home is now in a rural area, it is still rather close to all the amenities that the family uses.

Schools, shops and even a major shopping centre are all close by.

A benefit of having all that extra land, Paul’s parents reside in a separate cottage upon the

land with their own gardens and privacy, yet with the family close by.

This is an arrangement that many tree-change acreage seekers are looking for.

The Thornley family have made a successful transition after leaving their Sydney Upper North Shore life behind and now say that apart from occasional loss of water and electricity in storms, they are very happy.

Their sons have lots of room to explore and grow, they have been able to run a successful home business, their extended family is close, and they are thriving in a natural, peaceful pocket of the NSW Central Coast amongst the gumtrees, wildlife and their own lovely gardens.

ON THE GARDEN GRAPEVINE Gwandalan & Summerland Point Community Garden Market 7.30am - 12pm. Sat. 20th February. 32 Dulkara St. Gwandalan. There will be the usual jams and pickles. Choko Pickles are back again and also strawberry jam and Lilly Pilli Jelly. Also, some craft and odds and ends, and a little from the garden.

COASTFM963 Gardening Gang On the Road 11am - 1pm Sat. 27th Feb. East Gosford Community Garden, Newman Memorial Park, 10 Wells St, East Gosford. Local Radio hosts Pete Little & Cheralyn Darcey, will be visiting this gorgeous community garden. Cheralyn will be talking ‘Small Space Gardening’ and giving you lots of advice, answering your questions and Pete will be there to keep her on her toes!

THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT Asian greens, dwarf beans, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, endive, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, parsnips, climbing peas, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb, salsify, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, swede, turnip, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, cineraria, cornflower, everlasting daisy, foxglove, grevillea, hollyhock, larkspur, lobelia, nemesia, polyanthus, statice,

chives, coriander, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rocket, winter tarragon DOWN IN THE GARDEN MAIL: WONGA WONGA VINE Lovely readers, thank you so much for your emails with suggestions, kind words and of course your gardening questions. This week I have a query about cuttings.

Louise writes: “Following on from your column of 27 January, would you please give me some guidance on the best way to strike a Wonga Wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana). I took 6 cuttings around 6 weeks ago and they are in water but look the same to me as they did when I started! Thank you” Dear Louise, I’m sure some people might have had luck with Wonga water propagation, but this Australian Native does a lot better with soil propagation methods. Take cuttings from Wonga Wonga Vine any time of the year each in winter.

They need to be about 6 to 8am in length and taken from semi-hardwood (young growth that is beginning to harden) when the plant is not flowering. Roots will grow from nodes so cut the ends just below a node and cut on an angle for maximum bark layer revel and remove all the lower leaves. Dip the bottom up and over the bottom nod in either honey or a hormone rooting mix. Plant them into a seed/cutting raising mix or cutting sand and keep moist. They do take a while but should grow roots in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Good luck Louise!

Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on CoastFM96.3 a live home and gardening lifestyle radio show: www.coastfmgardeninggang.com Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com Cheralyn continues the gardening conversation at facebook.com/coastfmgardeninggang

PAGE 24 19 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT&ABOUT

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Phoenix Collective brings tango to Greenway Classical music ensemble, Phoenix Collective, will perform at the Greenway Chapel in Green Point on March 7, featuring the founder of TangoOz and professional bandoneon player, Maggie Ferguson.

The show, Knife in the Boot, is the Phoenix Collective’s first concert of 2021.

With Maggie on bandoneon, Edward Neeman on piano, Isabella Brown on double bass, and Dan Russell as the director and violinist, the ensemble will explore early and traditional works from tango’s birthplace, Buenos Aires, and works by the father of Nuevo Tango, Astor Piazzolla.

Bandoneon player, Maggie Ferguson

CCN

“I’m from the Central Coast, originally from Copacabana, and that’s where Phoenix Collective actually started,” Russell said.

He said it began as a means to play high art music with exceptional musicians who share similar views musically, artistically and emotionally.

In just three years, they were playing concerts in three cities at unique core venues and doing recordings, music society performances and workshop engagements.

“We have 36 concerts lined up this year, but we started with eight in the first year,” Russell said.

“Last year in the middle of COV ID we received funding to

create a digital sessions platform which was a way we could still perform during lockdown and record separately, piece it together with some films and present it to our audience without a concert hall.

“Greenway chapel, in my opinion and (that of) many others, is the best intimate performance space for classical and tango music on the Central Coast.

“It has got these 180° views of bushland, and it is so beautiful and peaceful.

“Is really special place.”

Bookings and Information: www.pcmusic.net Jacinta Counihan

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE

www.cottagecrafts.net.au

CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

Free social French conversation groups, small classes at East Gosford and Bateau Bay Inquiries - Nathalie 0416 303 804 www.afcentralcoast.org.au afcentralcoast@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST ART SOCIETY

Lectures, demonstrations and discussion.

Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre.

Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

Would you like to read, write and share your poetry.

We hold workshops and create anthologies.

We meet the second Saturday each month.

Wyoming Memorial Community Hall. Contact us by email info@centralcoastpoets.com.au

or you may ring Clive 0419120347

HANDWEAVERS, SPINNERS AND TEXTILE ARTS GUILD

Spinning and weaving, patchwork and quilting, felting and other fibre and fabric crafts, community quilting bees - Day and Night Groups 4325 4743

CCN

Russell said the ensemble had previously played with Maggie Ferguson in 2018 to a sold-out audience on the Central Coast.

“Knife in the boot features Maggie Ferguson and she is one of Australia’s leading authorities on Tango,” Russel said.

“She has lived and studied with some of the old greats of bandoneon and of tango.

“Her sister and parents live on the Central Coast, I believe.

“Basically we were exploring the traditional early tango material but also the famous material.”

Phoenix Collective began in 2018 as an initiative of Dan Russell.

drawing, scrabble, CENTRAL COAST MARINE scrapbooking, sit & sew, table DISCOVERY CENTRE

Wed of each month.

Maree 0419 418 190

www.henrykendallcottage.org.au Brisbane Water Historical Society

PROBUS CLUB

with a great social program, guest speakers and optional bistro lunches. Google our name for our fully informative newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd Mon each month at Avoca Beach Bowling Club.

tennis, Ukulele The revamped CCMDC is open.

4304 7065 FELLOWSHIP OF DYING WITH DIGNITY Schools and Group bookings Campaigning to give those FIRST FLEETERS Join us for the fun and welcome by appointment. suffering unrelievable terminal For anyone interested in early enjoyment of art!

Building has special needs GOSFORD-NARARA or incurable illness the choice history.

Attend a weekly art group with access and toilets NEIGHBOURHOOD to receive legal medical Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. mentors, exhibitions, Open 7 days 9am – 3pm.

CENTRE avocaprobus@gmail.com assistance to die.

Point Clare Community Hall workshops and a monthly Terrigal.

School Holiday activities, Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair.

2nd Sat 10:30am members meeting with guests 4385 5027 playgroup, multicultural 0434 426 486 4392 1926 4311 6254 ccmdc@bigpond.com and prizes, held on the 4th programs, community activities robyncameron@y7mail.com www.ccmdc.org.au Thurs of the month at The Rooms for Hire Entrance Community Centre LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY 4329 4477 4333 8387 Make new friends & have fun PROSTATE CANCER TERRIGAL WAMBERAL admin@gnnc.com.au www.tlas.org.au COASTAL A CAPPELLA while serving your community SUPPORT GROUP RSL SUB-BRANCH president@tlas.org.au Everglades Country Club Award winning women’s Last Fri 9.30am Pension and welfare officers 3rd Monday of each month a cappella chorus.

Terrigal Uniting Church available to assist with DVA COMMUNITY GROUPS 0478 959 895 Music education provided.

380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal compensation claims and ALCOHOLICS Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ 4367 9600 benefits ABC - “The Friends” ANONYMOUS Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah.

WOMEN’S GROUPS www.pcfa.org.au Breakers Country Club Safeguard ABC’s - Someone cares.

Performance opportunities.

Wed & Fri 10am – Midday independence, funding, & Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Hire us for your next event.

Meet 2nd Sat 10am WOMEN’S HEALTH standards. Meetings through MEALS ON WHEELS Henry Parry & Wells 0412 948 450 4384 2661 the year & social mornings Delicious meals delivered free CENTRES Street East Gosford coastalacappella@gmail.com Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw.

Well-known guest speakers Join us for a midday meal Counselling, therapeutic and org.au.

0400 213 514 Help with shopping and social groups, workshops, POLITICAL PARTIES AL - ANON FAMILY www.fabcnsw.org.au cooking classes domestic violence and abuse GROUPS HEALTH 4363 7111 issues. All services provided by U3A CENTRAL COAST We offer hope and friendship women for women CENTRAL COAST Enjoy a diverse range of CENTRAL COAST GREENS for people affected by 4324 2533 courses and activities for Local, state wide, national and CARAVANNERS S.A someone else’s drinking. www.cccwhc.com.au seniors. Keep your mind active international issues and 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Is Internet porn destroying your Al-anon family groups and make new friends. campaigns Trips Away, Social Outings, life. meet weekly, please contact 0408 704 701 Council and parliamentary SOROPTIMIST friendship with like minded We may be able to help.

1300 252 666 www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au representation folk We are a 12 step fellowship INTERNATIONAL al-anon.org.au 3rd Thur Geoff 0447 882 150 like AA. BRISBANE WATER Meets every Sat at 7pm on the centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au Making a difference in the lives VOLUNTEERING BETTER HEARING centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Central Coast of women & girls through CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY LEGAL AUSTRALIA Contact for further details awareness, advocacy & action Refer potential volunteers to CENTRE Hearing loss management LABOR PARTY 2nd Thur 7 pm 0473 631 439 community organisations & Not for profit service providing Support and educational newcastlesagroup@gmail.com OURIMBAH/ NARARA Breakers Country Club, provide support to them. free legal advice groups providing practical Dover Rd, Wamberal Training to volunteers and BRANCH Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm experience and confidence 4323 3890 sibrisbanewater@siswp.org managers of volunteers Info Discussion/action community 4353 4988 4321 0275 www.siswp.org sessions held regularly.

Issues – 3 levels of contact@centralcoastclc.org.au HENRY KENDALL 4329 7122 Government CENTRAL COAST recruit@volcc.org.au COTTAGE & Function Room, Grange Hotel, LEARN TO DANCE ASBESTOS DISEASES Wyoming Social ballroom dancing for all HISTORICAL MUSEUM SUPPORT GROUP COMMUNITY CENTRES 7.30pm 1st. Monday ages, all you need is a desire Visit our c1838 Cottage & DOYALSON WYEE Support for those suffering 0410 309 494 to learn and dance, Museum with exhibits of early SOCCER CLUB with asbestos diseases and Kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com no partner required. settlers. School and group GOSFORD 50+ LEISURE others interested in asbestos Football club for the local meet every Wed -15 Lorraine bookings. Members & AND LEARNING CENTRE issues. You are not alone, meet community. Juniors from under Ave Berkeley Vale, 2:00pm volunteers welcome. Open PROBUS CLUBS Mon-Fri 5 to senior teams. with others who can share Anne - 0409 938 345 Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am Chess, darts, handicraft, indoor Kerry 0410 045 981 their experiences. Bring a anneglazier@y7mail.com 2:30pm.

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AVOCA BEACH 4325 2270 origami, painting, pencil 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on forth

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Business & Property

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre calls for JobKeeper encore Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March, theatre owners Beth and Norman Hunter are worried about maintaining staffing levels into the future.

The Hunters have lent their support to a week of action organised by Independent Cinemas Australia (ICA) urging the Federal Government to extend the scheme beyond March.

“JobKeeper has been really significant in helping us pay staff during the pandemic,” Norman Hunter said.

“When it ends, that will have a deep and fundamental impact on our business in the short term.

“But we are not inclined to give up and will do everything we can to ensure the continuation of the business.

“Cinemas were among the first venues to be closed (during the period of social resrictions) and one of the last to be reopened.

“This sent an inappropriate message that cinemas were dangerous but not one person has contracted COVID-19 at a cinema.

“Our staff are fundamental to the operation of the business and we have not had to let one person go through the pandemic, but when JobKeeper ends we will have to assess staff numbers and nothing is off the table.”

Hunter said industry-wide cinemas were down about 70 per cent in patronage.

“We are not that bad, but not far off it,” he said.

With patronage of 75 per cent now allowed, and masks no longer required to be worn by patrons or staff, business was picking up, he said.

“Our tiny cinema rates among the top five in the country,” she

said.

“We consider our staff family and will do everything we can to keep all of them.”

But the end of JobKeeper could make that difficult for the Hunters, for whom Avoca Beach Picture is more than a business.

“My father built the cinema 70 years ago and it has been a family business all my life,” Norman Hunter said.

“There has been a tremendous amount of community support.

Senator Debar O’Neill threw her support behind the ICA week of action demanding an extension of JobKeeper, not just for the cinema industry, but for all businesses.

“Australian businesses have really tried to do the right thing by employees throughout COVID,” she said.

“For many, such as Avoca Beach Picture theatre with its staff of 30, JobKeeper has been the saviour.

“But on March 30 many

businesses will face a cliff and we can’t afford for them to fall over.

“Much comment from the Federal Government bamboozles and distracts but the reality on the ground is that small businesses need ongoing support to continue to operate.

“When JobbKeeper ends, our economy will shrink and there will be more people on Centrelink cues.”

O’Neill urged Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, to “stand up to Prime Minister Scott Morrison” and push for an extension of JobKeeper, but said in the meantime the best thing residents could do is support small businesses locally.

“I have been here to Avoca Beach Picture Theatre twice during COVID,” she said.

“It is a hub of joy and storytelling and people are safe here.”

Terry Collins

Senator Deborah O’Neill with Norman and Beth Hunter at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

Forum to tackle housing stress A forum will be held at Tuggerah in March to tackle housing stress on the Central Coast, especially for women aged over 55, who are the fastest growing sector of homeless people.

Housing stress is measured by the amount of money spent on housing as part of income, said a spokesperson for the

Elderslee Foundation, which is running the forum.

“It leads to people missing meals and medicines, failing to pay bills including rent and mortgage payments, having to move and leave their communities and social support networks,” he said.

“In June last year, on the Central Coast only 22 out of 538 available rental properties were affordable to those in the

very low-income bracket.

“When we know how important it is to have a home, these statistics should shake us all up and urge us to make a difference.

“Especially so, when we find out that older women aged 55 or more are the fastest growing cohort of homeless people.

“This terrible situation is because of movements in the

housing market, forcing prices up, higher than the increases to wages and fixed incomes, making housing out of reach for too many people.”

The Elderslee Foundation is supporting the formation of Action on Housing Older Women.

The first step is to hold an event to increase awareness and understanding of older women’s homelessness, to

identify potential solutions for the Central Coast and to bring people together to share their interest in taking action.

The forum, Creating Collaborative Housing Solutions, will be held on Wednesday, March 10, at Elderslee@Tuggerah, 2/160162 Pacific Highway, Tuggerah (near Beaumont Tiles).

Speakers and the audience will develop a shared

understanding of the nature of older women’s homelessness and evidence-based approaches to solutions.

To make a booking go online to nswtickets.com.au/ event/12465 or phone 0409 048 169.

Source: Media release, Feb 11 Elderslee Foundation

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Draft policies on infrastructure contributions Central Coast Council has drafted two works-in-kind policies and supporting guidelines for Local Infrastructure Contributions which will be put on public exhibition for the community to review and provide feedback.

The development of these drafted policies and guidelines deliver on recommendations outlined in an audit report by the NSW Auditor General in August 2020 and includes input gathered during Council

staff consultation and legal advice.

The policies and supporting guidelines will provide greater transparency and identify clear assessment protocols for the lodgement and consideration of requests to undertake infrastructure works in lieu of Development Contributions.

Local Infrastructure contributions are charged by Council when new development occurs to fund local infrastructure needed to service an increased number of

residents in the area.

This type of local infrastructure typically includes water and sewer infrastructure, local roads, stormwater and drainage, shared pathways, parks, play spaces or other recreational areas, environmental land and community facilities.

While contributions are typically in the form of monetary payments for works which Council will deliver under the relevant Local Contributions Plan, applicants for a

development may seek to undertake works-in-kind in lieu of full or partial monetary payment.

Works-in-kind can be beneficial to Council by reducing operational expenditure and resources associated with delivering the works.

However, there are governance, financial and other risks associated with works-in-kind.

An example is where works delivered might not meet

Council specifications, as such, they result in ongoing maintenance costs or rectification works at Council expense.

These policies and supporting guidelines seek to minimise those risks, and include measures such as independent valuations for proposed worksin-kind as well as guidelines embedded in operational procedures within Council to ensure infrastructure is constructed to relevant Council standards and consistency

with adopted Development Contribution Plans and/or Developer Servicing Plans.

Public exhibition of the draft policies and guidelines will occur in early 2021, followed by a further report to Council which considers any submissions.

Central Coast Contribution Plans are available to view on Council’s website.

Source: Media release, Feb 9 Central Coast Council

Bed tax on short-stay properties mooted As the Council searches for ways to recover debt, and the Council Administrator suggests a visitor parking tax, others have started to think up other ways of how the Central Coast can make money.

One suggestion that could solve two issues in one is imposing a bed tax on the increasing number of Airbnb’s and Stayz properties popping up on the Central Coast.

Patrick Spedding from SeeChange Analytics has been collecting data from both companies for the last year and has estimated that on average

over $70M a year is collected by vacation homeowners, many of whom are not Central Coast residents.

Speeding said he calculated his figures by multiplying the average revenue from both Airbnb and Stayz over November, December and January by 12 months.

“The gross revenue generated by the short-term rental market (Airbnb and Stayz), based on the Airbnb data I collect, shows in November Airbnb made $3,045,957 and Stayz $2,605,151; December, Airbnb made $2,534,496, and Stayz $3,339,692; and in January, Airbnb made $3,416,910 and

Stayz $4,257,473,” Spedding said.

His research also found there were 1,280 Airbnb dwellings alone on the Central Coast in January, with an occupancy rate of 44 per cent and an average daily spend per night of $306.

Spedding acknowledges these statistics might be swayed as COVID has influenced the chosen months, however, he said the point is to show how much money could be made if a bed tax was applied.

“That equates to over 3,000 active listings (Airbnb + Stayz), with an average of three rooms

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per booking,” he said.

“Total Airbnb nights booked in January were 11,000, which works out to around 30,000 rooms for the month, or an average of just under 1,000 rooms per night (Data for Stayz is similar).

“The short-term rental economy exceeds the hotel economy on the Central Coast, yet is unregulated, and generates little by way of direct employment or revenue into the local economy.

“Essentially, there are over 3,000 properties in residential areas being run as businesses; that don’t employ people and generate income that mostly

doesn’t benefit the Coast; that put additional stress on the community infrastructure and decrease social amenity, yet don’t pay any fees or taxes to Council.

“When I’ve asked Council, I’m told they “don’t have the resources” to regulate Airbnbs, even though many are advertising more bedrooms than allowed under the LEP. “Economically, we’d be better off with more hotels and less Airbnbs.”

The idea of imposing a “bed tax”’ may also help solve the rental shortages across the coast, specifically near the beaches.

All suburbs still have an average rental vacancy rate below 1 per cent, with the average sitting at 0.5 per cent.

“A healthy rental vacancy rate is around 3 per cent, according to industry sources.”

Other data revealed in Spedding’s latest research shows building approvals were also down during December, a year over year decrease of 17.6 per cent.

This is in stark contrast to October, which saw a year over year increase by 148.8 per cent.

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Where do our charity dollars go?

Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine Check that your donation reaches the right people.

When entertainer Celeste Barber set up her bushfire fund at the peak of the bushfires last year, she did it in the name of the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Her fund raised over $50 million for the charity, although it was later revealed that while the RFS was a worthy cause, donors weren’t aware exactly where their money was going. Instead of directly helping people who had lost family, homes and property, the registered charity for the donations was specifically the RFS. The lesson for us is that while we want to do the right thing, we need to keep an eye on where our charity dollars are going. Earlier in 2020, a study by the consumer organisation Choice revealed that some

charities receive only around 10% of the money raised at fundraising events (after costs are deducted). But it also found examples where 100% of the donations went directly to the cause, usually when running costs are subsidised.

If you’re attending an event or buying an item where a percentage of the takings are given to a charity, consider doing a rough calculation of how much the event might cost and how much money is likely to reach the charity and its beneficiaries.

If you’re only attending the event to support the charity, consider that a direct donation is likely to have a greater impact.

The government website Australian Charities and Not-forProfits Commission (acnc.gov. au) provides information to help you understand where your money goes.

Start by checking that your

chosen charity’s name is on the ACNC Charity Register and that it is registered as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). This way, your dollars go further. Bear in mind, however, that not all charities are DGRs and you may

not be able to make a claim on your donation come tax time. If you are not donating directly, ask to see identification from anyone collecting funds. If you are donating online, make sure you can see the charity’s

own website.

The website should also provide information on where it allocates donations – how much is spent on running the charity and how much reaches its intended recipients. Aussies

are known for being generous and eager to donate money to those in need, but it’s important to be on the lookout for scams.

Where there’s money to be had, there are often scammers ready to take advantage.

Gold makes way for Bitcoin Millennials are turning their backs on gold and buying Bitcoin as a defensive play.

A poll undertaken by deVere Group, which surveyed over 700 millennials in North America, the UK, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, Australasia and Latin America, found that more than two-thirds (67%) view Bitcoin as a better

safehaven asset than gold.

Bitcoin has soared since the onset of the pandemic; at the time of writing it was up by about 535%. “It’s always been a go-to asset in times of political, social and economic uncertainty as it is expected to retain its value or even grow in value when other assets fall, therefore enabling investors to reduce their exposure to losses,” says deVere CEO

Nigel Green.

“But, as this survey reveals, gold could be dethroned within a generation as younger investors, who are so-called ‘digital natives’, believe it competes better against gold as a safe-haven asset.” Add to this the role central banks are playing in devaluating traditional fiat currency.

“Another key factor is the historic levels of money print-

ing, as central banks around the world attempt to prop up their economies following the fallout from the pandemic,” says Green.

“If you are flooding the market with extra money, then in fact you are devaluing traditional currencies – this, and the threat of inflation, are legitimate concerns to a growing number of investors, who are seeking alternatives.

“The trend shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. “As the world continues to shift towards tech and as millennials become a more dominant part of the economy, we should expect Bitcoin to also take an increasingly influential role, especially in regard to being a ‘recession-proof’ asset.”

SUBSCRIBE TO TODAY Subscribe to Money today and receive a free digital upgrade Visit moneymag.com.au and click subscribe

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Breathing life back into Gosford CBD As tourists flock to the Central Coast, more and more people are bringing Gosford to life by moving their businesses to the CBD. Local providore and soap shop, Central Coast Commons, is one of them, only recently opening its doors to sell a range of locally sourced goods from more than a dozen local suppliers.

Business owners Tom and Hema Urban said they wanted their business to be not just a shop, but an experience.

“A lot of tourists go to places and pick up things such as magnets, so one thing we wanted to do was showcase some products manufactured in the Coast and bring them together into one place because I didn’t think there was anywhere you could do that,” Tom Urban said.

“What I wanted to do was to be more than a store, I want to offer people something they could watch, ask questions about, and participate in through workshops.

Tom and Hema Urban

“So soap making seem to fit the bill and be a little bit different.”

Urban said they would eventually consider expanding to markets.

“Specifically throughout COVID, a lot of these products

were just sold at markets, so you had to track down the owner,” he said.

“I think a lot of our suppliers were happy to have somewhere that sells them permanently.”

Other than soap, you can purchase anything from

candles to creams, nougat and necklaces.

Urban works in tourism, and wife Hema works for a scientific journal, and the pair moved to the Central Coast over two years ago.

“It has always been a bit of a

5@5

dream of mine to own a business in the tourism space,” Urban said.

“It’s exciting to have the idea and develop it and to have the opportunity to open.

“We had seen Gosford start to, I guess, gentrify a little bit,

with lots of funky new cafes and restaurants opening; we really liked that.

“We wanted to create a business that showcased a bit of the Central Coast and things that are made here, and also to offer an experience to businesses and locals.

“We did look around at a few different locations towards the southern end of the Central Coast, but we really liked Gosford and it just kind of fitted when we found a suitable property; it is easily accessible.

“We are really excited for the park to open as well.”

Urban said the couple first developed their skills in soap making during COVID (restrictions).

“We didn’t do any damage to anything as we worked with some chemicals,” he said.

“But some didn’t go quite right, so we have a few boxes at home of soaps that just haven’t worked out; it’ll last us a lifetime.”

Jacinta Counihan

CCN

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PAGE 30 19 FEBRUARY 2021

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 19 FEBRUARY 2021

Swimming for Jess For the second year in a row, Avoca resident and paramedic Josh Barnes will jump into the pool in support of ReachOut’s annual Laps for Life initiative in March.

The month-long swimming challenge raises funds to increase awareness around young people in Australia living with mental health difficulties and to help prevent youth suicide.

For Barnes, involvement is personal, with his team of swimmers named Jess’s Squad in honour of his late sister.

“My sister was a champion swimmer who won state titles in both surf and pool,” he said.

“Later in life she experienced mental health battles and she passed away last year through other circumstances.

“Last year I assembled a small crew of eight or so and we would meet at Gosford or Woy Woy pool to do laps in

preparation.

“But this year we wanted to spread the word about youth mental health and get it out on everyone’s social media.

“Currently there around 15 of us but I hope we will end up without about 40.”

As a paramedic, Barnes has assembled a team which includes other paramedics, doctors and health professionals.

“Even my mum, who is a medical receptionist, is on board,” he said.

“But we also have lifeguards and carpenters in the squad – everyone from strong swimmers to those who don’t swim much.”

While he used to swim a lot, Barnes said he hadn’t trained for a while and would gradually extend his training sessions in coming weeks.

Each member will log laps swum in March on the lapsforlife website, to be added to the squad’s tally.

Barnes has upped his own personal distance goal.

“Last year I did 20km; this year I’m trying for 30,” he said.

People can sponsor the squad on the website.

With young people’s mental health heavily impacted by COVID-19, Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has thrown his support behind the initiative, saying now was a vital time to get involved.

“The mental health of young people across Australia has been profoundly impacted by issues such as COVID-19 lockdowns,high unemployment levels, financial stress and uncertainty about the future, and as we move into 2021, ReachOut continues to support more young people across Australia than ever before,” he said.

“Despite the country wide lockdowns, the Laps for Life community swam more than 35,000 kilometres in 2020; an incredible achievement.

“This year, I’m challenging

everyone to help us smash that record.”

Director of Marketing and Fundraising at ReachOut, Tracey Campbell, said taking part in Laps for Life also had wellbeing benefits for participants.

“Swimming – and exercise in general – is a great way to improve our mental health and wellbeing.

“At the same time, swimmers help raise funds for the work ReachOut does to help so many young Aussies through whatever life throws at them.”

People can get involved by visiting lapsforlife.com.au to register a personal swimming challenge and fundraise for youth mental health.

Participants set their own lap or distance goal and then dive on in.

To register to take part in Laps for Life, visit: lapsforlife.com. au Terry Collins

Jess’ Squad was named in honour of swimmer Jessica Barnes, who died last year

Funding available for sports club defibrillators Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is encouraging sport and recreation facilities to apply for a share of $1M from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Program.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, with a life saving defibrillator

Crouch said the program would help to ensure local facilities could invest in lifesaving equipment.

“Without a defibrillator, it is very hard for first responders to get a person’s heart beating again,” he said.

“Having a defibrillator on

hand when a medical incident, like a cardiac arrest, occurs can quite literally be the difference between life and death.

“Up to $1M in funding can now be accessed by sport clubs, recreational associations and local councils.

“I’m encouraging our local clubs and organisations to take advantage of the funding on offer through this life-saving program.”

Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee, said up to 7,000 people in NSW experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

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each year.

“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and that early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival,” he said.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, April 12.

For more information, go to: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/ clubs/grants/defibrillator.

Source: Media release, Feb 15 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

PAGE 32 19 FEBRUARY 2021 HEALTH & LIFETSYLE

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Yoga could be the answer for you

GEORGIA LIENEMANN This is our final instalment in our six part series on ‘feeling good’ and we’re talking to Jeannie Parker from local business The Yoga Collective in Erina.

1. Tell us a little about your business and the philosophy behind it.

The Yoga Collective Central Coast is a local community yoga studio where we aim to provide you with an immersive and integral yoga experience. Our philosophy here at The Yoga Collective is to “empower, rejuvenate and transform”, catering for the whole community to support their physical and mental wellbeing.

You don’t have to be able to touch your toes or do a handstand - yoga is for all shapes, all sizes, all abilities and ages! We aim to provide classes to suit your needs, age and physicality ability. Our experienced professional teachers will help you to feel supported and comfortable in whatever you are hoping to achieve from your yoga practice.

2. How did you come to be teaching yoga and running the studio?

I’ve been teaching a variety of yoga styles for the last 5 years, but my yoga practice extends back to over 25 years, with a foundation of Ashtanga and Hatha. I grew up in the foothills of Byron Bay, training for sixteen years in classical and contemporary ballet at the Conservatorium of the arts with Southern Cross University.

In 2016 I undertook Vinyasa Yoga teaching training with Sandy Delgado and Samantha Bijok at Austral Yoga. I then completed my advanced vinyasa yoga training and advanced level 2 yin yoga training with Power Living Australia. I’m also trauma informed and trained in ‘frontline yoga’ which helps bring yoga and mindfulness tools to those who work in the front line and I can accommodate students who may have experienced other forms of stress in their lives.

The business itself has a long history and was run for twenty years by Mardi Bell under the name ‘Yoga ways’, who still teaches at the current studio.

I joined the studio in 2016 as a teacher when it was taken over by Leah Davies and renamed ‘The Yoga Collective’. During that time, I built a strong connection with the community of

students and fell in love with the yoga space.

During the lockdowns in 2020, the studio had to close its doors as the space went up for sale.

The idea of the studio being permanently closed and seeing the community of students and teachers disbanded deeply saddened me, so it was during this crazy and challenging time that I decided to take on the challenge of purchasing the business and bringing it back to life.

3. What styles of yoga do you offer?

Offering you more than just dynamic vinyasa, we also include Yin, Hatha, heated and nonheated Prenatal, Mums and Bubs classes, plus a plethora of workshops and courses to provide you an immersive and integral yoga experience.

4.

What are some of the benefits of including a regular yoga practice?

The benefits of yoga are limitless! Firstly, it helps build fitness, strength, flexibility and stability. A regular yoga practice also teaches us to be kinder to ourselves and those around us.

We gradually become more aware of the way we

are treating our bodies and minds.

Through the use of the physical postures (asanas) combined with the breathing techniques (pranayama) we also learn to move and breathe consciously. The more aware of the way we are breathing, the more we’re able to tap into our parasympathetic nervous system as opposed to sympathetic where we are reacting or responding in “fight or flight” mode.

Yoga also gives us a “tool kit” to help take care of our emotional and mental wellbeing. When we truly connect to the yoga practice, we begin to meet ourselves in a new way. We become more discerning about how we’re fuelling our body and pay more attention to our thoughts and the stresses we allow into our lives. Kindness in the world starts with being kind to ourselves.

5. Do you have any interesting case studies you can share with us?

Yes, my own! I was seriously injured in a car crash a few years ago and it was thanks to yoga that I have recovered to the point that I have. I know that if I had not been practicing yoga my

injuries mightn’t have healed to the extent they did – nor would I have been so supported in my state of mind.

These days I practice less “Yang” or dynamic yoga and more gentler “Yin” yoga styles. Yin yoga helps with working into the connective tissue, shifting tension and improving my body’s response to pain. Through a daily practice of Yin and Hatha yoga I remain mostly pain free.

6. You’ve recently moved to Erina - tell us about the new studio.

The move to the new larger studio or 125 square metres in size means we are able to provide all students with four square metres per student. This provides our yoga community a safe environment to practice yoga together plus genuinely adhering to the Social Distancing rules. Whilst we’re in a larger room, we still maintain the smaller classes along with the boutique atmosphere.

Now located in The Lifestyle building, Erina, our studio is a part of a community of lifestyle businesses that include acupuncture, martial arts, a hair salon, dance school and the Central Coast’s first futuristic ‘EMS’ Gym. We have all day free parking, the use of shower and toilet facilities on site. This is fantastic for early morning 6am classes before work!

7. Can you give a few suggestions of what people can do for their health at home?

1. Move. Movement is medicine!

2. Eat well. Food is medicine!

3. Sleep well.

4. Rest is crucial to good health.

5. Drink lots of water.

6. Try growing a little edible garden.

7. Take the time to read, listen to music and do the things that inspire you!

8. Connect with nature and people. We are energetic beings we need community connection, joy, so try to see people face to face, as often as we can with the current circumstances, put down the phone or device and disconnect from the digital world at least a few hours a day.

For more information about The Yoga Collective, head to www.theyogacollective.com.au

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Cohan needs our help What was initially thought to be growing pains, has proved to be a bigger challenge for sweet and bubbly 12-year-old, Cohan Daly.

On December 31, 2020, he was diagnosed with a bone cancer called Osteosarcoma, and now his parents are asking for financial assistance to help pay for his treatment.

Cohan currently has over 15 tumours both behind his knee and across his lungs, requiring him to undergo chemotherapy in Sydney for the next six months.

Cohan’s aunt, Tammy Fardell, has started a GoFundMe page to assist Cohan’s parents, Ellicia and Michael Daly, in

paying for treatment after they recently dropped to a single wage.

Ellicia lost her job due to her inability to provide stable work hours because of the chemotherapy’s rotating schedule and her refusal to leave Cohan during this time.

Cohen’s father, Michael, is working full time as a mechanic to pay the bills to the best of his ability but expenses have started to stack up, and the loss of income is being felt.

As Elliicia’s older sister, Fardell said she had always been able to fix everything, but this was different. “(With my younger sister) I have always thought, I’ll fix it, but when she told me, I thought, I don’t know how to fix that,”

Fardell said.

“Every little bit helps because it means my sister and brotherin-law don’t have to worry about how the mortgage is going to be paid.”

The Dalys also have another son, Cooper, who has autism.

He is required to travel down to Westmead Children’s Hospital each week.

“His brother Cooper has autism, and he understands what is going on, but at the same time, he is quite blasé about it which has helped Cohan a little bit because he is not treating him any different,” Fardell said.

Cohan has recently started Year 7 which Fardell said he would continue to the best of

his ability.

“We have all tried to take a leaf (out of) Cohan’s book; he is an amazingly strong child,” she said.

“Helping him to not focus on [his diagnosis] is where we are at the moment.”

The campaign already has $20,000, and Cohan has maintained his smiles and positivity, but Fardell said the treatment and events have been unimaginably hard for him and his family and they would be grateful for any support.

Donate at www.gofundme. com/f/cohen-daly-tumorfight-journey-of-a-superstar Jacinta Counihan Cohan Daly

Scholarship for child DV victims The Central Coast has one of the highest recorded domestic violence instances in NSW and having access to funding to help families, especially children, is vital in helping them rebuild their lives.

That’s where Australian Charity of the Year 2018, Friends With Dignity, comes in, offering its eighth round of the Little Friends Scholarship Program to local families to ensure children who are facing, or have faced, domestic violence have the ability to normalise their lives.

Danielle Habib, who is coordinator of Catholic Care’s Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Service at Central Coast Family Centre in Tuggerah, has welcomed the scholarships.

She said the Centre was

receiving a vast amount of referral for support for families experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Families are unable to provide safe shelter or food for children, let alone the finances for school uniforms, school camps or after school sporting or art activities,” she said.

“The benefits of this local program will aid in starting to rebuild the confidence of so many children and young people who previously had that taken away from them due to family violence.

“When we are able to support the children and young people who are growing up in a domestic family violence situation, we help promote good mental health and respect which leads to a decrease in the continuation of the cycle of violence in families and the

beginning of the healing journey.”

Charlie (not his real name) is eight years old and has been living in a violent home on the Central Coast for the past four years.

His teachers were becoming more and more concerned with Charlie’s increasing aggressive behaviour towards other children.

Charlie was supported financially into a local soccer club where he made new friends; he could use his energy to exert in physical activity while learning to respect his team-mates.

He was given praise for his efforts and slowly his aggressive nature dissipated.

This, of course, took some time and Charlie still has a long way to go.

Charlie said he felt he had a

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space where he was able to exercise emotions on the field through running and feeling “puffed out” and not “explode” at home or school, but most of all he felt part of “something”.

It’s children like Charlie who can be helped by the Little Friends Scholarship Program.

The educational and extracurricular scholarships help to cover a variety of expenses from helping children attend camp and after school activities with their peers, to providing uniforms.

“This initiative is needed now more than ever due to the nature of the COVID

restrictions,” Friends With Dignity Director and Chief Financial Officer, Julia McKenna said.

Habib said having access to funding for our local families suffering the impacts of domestic and family violence would mean that children could start to thrive once again, instead of trying to survive.

“We know that school can be the one safe space for children and young people that are currently living in domestic and family violence situations and access to the basics can mean the difference for a child feeling accepted or feeling further

isolated by their peers,” she said.

“For a child or young person to be engaged in a sport or art activity after school fosters positive relationships while giving some reprieve to home situations.

“These after school programs help to build resilience and supports the healing journey for many children.”

Applications can be made online, until February 26, to the Little Friends Scholarship Program on the Friends With Dignity website.

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Junior Landcare grants up for grabs Primary schools and early learning centres across the Central Coast are being encouraged to apply for the 2021 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and Bee Bonus, with $1.5M in grants available.

The Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants offer up to $1,000 for recipients, and the Bee Bonus offers an extra $500 to support the conservation of Australia’s bee population.

Recipients on the Coast can use the grant to grow a vegetable or bush tucker garden, or for composting, worm farm or other environmental projects to help educate the younger generation about the importance of landcare to the environment.

Woolworths Erina, Gosford and Lisarow Group Manager, Steven Holmes, said the program is all about inspiring Aussie environmental champions in the area.

“The Bee Bonus puts the spotlight on the impact honey bees and native bees have on our ecosystem, creating awareness and encouraging

positive action,” Holmes said.

“The grants help deliver programs that not only educate younger generations on how to be more environmentally conscious but also get students hands-on and directly supporting the growth of a sustainable, greener future.

“If we work together, we can help support the growth of flora

and fauna so that bees can continue their vital role in supporting our agricultural systems and improving biodiversity.”

An estimated 15.6 million hectares of native Australian forest were destroyed in the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis, resulting in a negative impact on honey bees’ ability to provide pollination services to

Australian crops and horticulture.

With bees and pollination a crucial part of the horticultural and agricultural industry in Australia, schools and early learning centres can use the Bee Bonus to develop native beehives, pollinator gardens or bee education programs.

Landcare Australia CEO, Dr

Shane Norrish, said the program encourages continuous participation from childhood to adulthood so that the children of today, become the landcarers of the future.

“Junior Landcare helps young Australians develop skills, share knowledge, create new experiences and foster connections with place and community,” Norrish said.

“Bees and pollination are integral to our environment, and the new Bee Bonus will help grow students’ understanding of our native habitats, why bees are an important part of our ecosystem and their role in fresh food production and supporting biodiversity through pollination.”

The investment represents the largest number of Junior Landcare grants offered in one round to date.

Since 2018, Woolworths has also contributed more than $1M to a total of 1,155 primary schools and early learning centres across Australia.

The program is funded through purchases of the Woolworths Bag for Good™, an initiative that was launched in June 2018 when Woolworths removed single-use plastic shopping bags across all stores.

Applications for Woolworths’ Junior Landcare Grants are open until March 19.

Visit landcareaustralia.org. au/woolworthsgrants to apply.

Jacinta Counihan

New program offered to Coast schools A new program in primary schools challenging stereotypes about disability will be facilitated on the Coast by Social Futures Local Area Coordinator for the NDIS, Maree Jenner, based in Gosford.

Maree Jenner is breaking down barriers about disability among primary school aged children

CCN

The free program, Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside, is aimed at breaking down misconceptions and social barriers as well as encouraging awareness and inclusion for people with a disability.

Following resounding success in the NSW Central West, Social Futures is now looking to roll out the program throughout schools on the Central Coast and calling for expressions of interest.

It is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and delivered with local area co-ordination services by the community

service organisation, Social Futures, which promotes inclusion, fairness and social justice.

As a person of short stature, Jenner engages young people and speaks to her own experience of difference and the challenges she faced “growing up little” in a world built for average height people.

“I am so passionate about this program because I have a physical disability; I am different,” Jenner said.

“It is such a good opportunity to go in and talk to children because they notice things, they are learning, and the earlier you talk to young people, the better.

“Young people have questions about disability, they are curious about difference.

“They want to know why that is, and to understand.

“Having contact with me and becoming familiar with disability helps to remove

awkwardness.

“Through this program we support young people to feel comfortable with difference and open avenues towards understanding and respect.”

Jenner said children with disability, whether physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional or sensory, were at increased risk of being bullied, which could result in poor mental health, anxiety, depression and even suicide.

“Sadly, bullying happens frequently in our country but often it occurs as a result of ignorance and misunderstanding, and this program wants to rectify that,” she said.

President of Central Coast Council of P&Cs, Sharryn Brownlee, said it was wonderful to see the Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program being offered to Coast schools.

“Sadly, bullying happens and

often it is a result of ignorance and misunderstanding,” she said.

“This program is aimed at breaking down prejudices and will educate, inform and help rectify the misconceptions that are out there around disability.

“Through this much needed program, all children will become familiar with disability and that will help them to be more comfortable with difference.

“The program helps fill the gap in schools that has needed NDIS investment and it is very pleasing to see NDIS ensuring Central Coast children now have access.

“We warmly welcome Maree Jenner, the NDIS Social Futures local co-ordinator and hope all Coast primary schools will participate to help reduce the levels of anxiety, depression and bullying,”

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Astounding haul from waterways cleanup Children at Kincumber High School braved the blustery conditions on February 15 and helped clean up their local waterways as part of the Clean 4 Shore program.

Fifteen eager students joined Founder of Clean4Shore, Graham (Jono) Johnston, and Central Coast Council Estuary Officer, Kristy McQueen, in picking up rubbish and commencing some small scale bush regeneration work on the Island at the end of South Kincumber Channel.

Teacher Meg Lawler said the program has become really popular, to the point where students are signing up for future terms in advance.

“It has got to the momentum where we have too many kids,” Lawler said.

“A lot of kids sign up again and again and just put their names down for all three sessions over the next two terms.”

Lawler said Johnston could direct the kids to where the most rubbish is by analysing which way the winds have been going.

“The things kids find is amazing,” she said.

“They found bikes and tents, which is shocking for them as they didn’t expect those things to be in the mangroves.

“They make it fun; they get stuck in the mud, and they are provided lunch after.

“It really opens the kids’ eyes up to all the rubbish that is out there.

“Lots of kids find money which is cool which they get to keep.

“They have a tennis ball challenge because it is astounding how many tennis balls get washed down the drain.

“Through the bush regeneration program, the kids removed a lot of the invasive pests on the islands, which Kristy helped teach them about.”

Clean4Shore said 160 kilos was offloaded at Woy Woy Tip. Jacinta Counihan

Kincumber High School students taking part in the Clean4Shore program

New before and after school and vacation care service for Kariong Coast Community Connections, in partnership with Kariong Public School, has opened a new Before and After School Care and Vacation Care service at Kariong Public School.

Located on the school grounds, the Before and After School Care service will be available every weekday from 6.30am to 9am, and 3pm to 6.30pm.

The Vacation Care Service will commence during the April school holidays and will be available from 7am to 6.30pm.

Due to the convenient location, children will no longer be required to travel from the school - past driveways, passing cars, or in the rain - as they will be supervised by qualified educators in a large, dedicated facility within the school grounds.

Coast Community Connections now operates one long day early learning centre, four outside school hours care services and two vacation care

services across the Central Coast.

CEO, Bruce Davis, said with children’s care services already operating in three other Central Coast locations, the organisation is pleased to be able to extend the offering to the Kariong community.

“With over 30 years of experience in children’s services programs, Coast Community Connections takes a holistic approach to its childcare services and is guided by the input, ideas and belief systems of the child, the family and the educator,” Davis said.

“Our philosophy and programs are focused on fostering children’s wellbeing and development through recreational experiences and learning.

“With childcare services being limited on the Coast, Coast Community Connections is pleased to be able to add a fourth service location, to provide even more options to

support busy parents within our local community.”

Coast Community Connections provides life changing community services caring for people from all walks of life across the Coast.

The local, not-for-profit, registered charity has been a leading provider of quality care to the Central Coast community for 45 years with longstanding connections to schools.

As a large local employer, Coast Community Connections provides over 80 jobs to staff who all live on the Central Coast.

It also uses more than 300 local businesses, ensuring that they support the local economy wherever possible Among its offerings are youth and counselling services as well as aged and disability services, including home maintenance and modifications.

Source: Media release, Feb 11 Coast Community Connections

Newspapers

Notice of Exhibition

Davistown-Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan

Central Coast Council has drafted a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for the Davistown and Empire Bay catchments, with financial assistance from the NSW Government through its Floodplain Management Program.

The draft report is now on public exhibition for a period of six weeks to obtain community feedback before the Study and Plan are finalised and adopted by Council. Submissions are to be addressed to the Acting Chief Executive Officer and will be accepted until Friday 26 March 2021.

Council will be running two community drop-in sessions, where staff will be available to answer any questions about the study and plan on: • •

Wednesday 24 February, 4pm-7pm at Davistown Progress Association Hall

Thursday 25 February, 2pm-5pm at Empire Bay Progress Association Hall.

If you are unable to attend, online one-on-one sessions can be booked.

To obtain further details, review the draft documents or lodge a submission visit yourvoiceourcoast.com/DEBFloodplain

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More places at UoN Central Coast campus More places are set to open up at Newcastle University’s Central Coast campus, with the Federal Government providing more than $25M for new places and short courses.

The University will receive $15.3M this year to deliver student places and $9.9M to deliver short courses.

Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge, said the additional funding builds on the Government’s significant reductions to the cost of study in priority areas.

“We’ve created up to 30,000 additional university places for Australian students through our budget funding and Jobready Graduates package,”

Tudge said.

“There are more university places for Australians to study in areas like teaching, engineering, health, languages and agriculture, and we are also making it cheaper to study those subjects.

“The cost of studying teaching and nursing is 42 per cent less under the Job-ready Graduates package.”

Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the University’s Central Coast campus would share in the $25M over four years and would attract more students to Robertson, supporting the university as well as local jobs and businesses.

“The University of Newcastle will be helping Australians to

SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37 19 FEBRUARY 2021

NAIDOC Week award for Bethany

gain the skills and qualifications needed to help drive our economic recovery from COVID-19,” Wicks said.

“Having more students studying at the University of Newcastle will also help boost local businesses.

University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, welcomed the announcement.

“The additional places provide the perfect opportunity for our Central Coast students to develop the relevant skills for a career in industries that already exist on the Coast,” he said.

Source: Media release, Feb 2 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

Easter raffle to raise funds As Easter approaches, the Valley View Public School P&C is looking to raise money through its Easter Raffle to help upgrade the school’s smart boards.

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P&C President, Lee-Anne Bishop, said the some of the school’s smart boards are in desperate need of replacing.

“Over the last few years the school has seen a decline in some of the resources, one of these being smart boards,” Bishop said.

“Smart boards are roughly $5000 each, and we are looking at five that need replacing.

“The five we have identified actually don’t work at all, meaning teachers are relying on the paper handouts, which is going against the sustainability ethos of the school.

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“So there is a really big push on raising at least $5,000 from this raffle to go towards implementing a new smartboard.

“Throughout the year, we hope COVID will not rear its ugly head again, and we can get out there and raise more funds for the school’s smartboard replacement program.”

Raffle winners will take home an Easter hamper which Bishop said contains all the favourite Easter treats.

“We usually request from our school community little packets of Easter eggs, larger Easter eggs, and a lot of Easter craft as well,” she said.

“It is quite an art and crafty community, “We will put together a team of volunteers in the week leading up to the raffle being drawn, and we will put together these beautiful hampers, and sometimes we can get up to 50 hampers out of these donations which is really wonderful.”

Jacinta Counihan

PUBLIC NOTICE

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Year 6 Terrigal Public School student, Bethany Johnston, has been awarded a NAIDOC Medal of Excellence for her entry in the 2020 NAIDOC Week competition.

Principal, Michael Burgess, said she was one of only 25 students from across the state awarded a medal.

“There are two parts to the competition; one is the artwork part, the other is creative writing or essay,” Burgess said.

“She was given a Medal of Excellence and was the winner in the artwork selection of that competition.”

Bethany was up against other students from Kindergarten to Year 12 right across the state.

“Most students in the school

created entries and a number of them were entered into the NSW competition,” Burgess said.

“But Bethany was chosen, and her artwork was recognised.”

She was presented with her award at a Terrigal Public School online assembly.

Jacinta Counihan

PUBLIC NOTICE

TENDER Tenders are called for the license of the Uniform Logo (production & sell), for the school year commencing 1 May 2021 and for a term of FIVE (5) years.

Annual school enrolments will be approximately 1023 General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Linda Dowling School Administrative Manager Kincumber-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 02 4369 1555 Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential - School Uniform Tender” and sent to: The Principal Kincumber High School 24 Bungoona Road KINCUMBER NSW 2251 Tenders close at 3pm on 26 February 2021 All applicants must make themselves familiar with the proposed Uniform Logo

(production & sell) Licence agreement.

PAGE 38 19 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT & NEWS

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Lots of enrolments at Ourimbah campus As Orientation Week kicked off on Monday, February 15, at the Ourimbah campus of The University of Newcastle, enrolments so far are showing positive signs of growth in student numbers compared to previous years.

Communications Coordinator, Warrick Glynn, said enrolments were still coming in, however, the university had seen encouraging demand for the Master of Exercise Physiology and Graduate Diploma Psychological Science which are new programs offered at the Ourimbah campus.

“A particularly good story is the growth in Food Science and Human Nutrition as this aligns with food industry located on the Central Coast and recent investment in new teaching facilities at Ourimbah campus,” he said.

Other courses to see growth in student numbers are

Secondary Education and Exercise and Sport Science.

The biggest increases in enrolments at the university were in Education, Science and Psychology, with the new Bachelor of Criminology also generating significant interest.

University Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic) and Vice-President, Professor Mark Hoffman, said there had been a high demand for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 2021.

“It’s exciting to see student numbers so strong this year, especially since we know how challenging 2020 was for so many of them,” he said.

“We are noticing the highest growth in degrees that embed work-integrated learning into the program and have strong graduate employment opportunities.”

The top 10 most in-demand courses in NSW for 2021, as measured by applications through the Universities

CCRU unveils new naming rights partner

Admissions Centre, included two from the University of Newcastle.

They are the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine joint medical program at University of Newcastle and University of New England, which is the second most popular course in the state; and the Bachelor of Nursing, the ninth most popular in NSW. Orientation Week is aimed at helping new students build a sense of community in the post-COVID “new normal” context.

This year will see a return to more face-to-face learning experiences for students, following the move to a higher proportion of online learning last year.

Each course will set its own blend of on-campus and online activities and new Covid safe protocols such as checking in to buildings.

Sue Murray

Planes, drones and helicopters Central Coast residents might notice helicopters, planes and drones flying over the area between now and March 9 looking for bushfire hazards.

They are part of Ausgrid’s Bushfire Risk Management Strategy which will see the electricity provider working with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Central Coast Council and community groups to inspect powerlines, poles and other equipment in bushfireprone areas.

The helicopter crews use radar imaging equipment and high-resolution photography to identify potential bushfire hazards.

The radar sends and records 300,000 pulses every second to create a three-dimensional representation of the network and is capable of identifying branch heights with an accuracy of within two centimetres.

Aerial patrols will be flying in the area until June 7 and crews will be in the air from about 8.30am to 4pm.

The helicopters fly between 18 and 55km/h, 500-1000 feet from the ground and the planes fly 1400-1700ft above ground level and reach speeds of 180210km/h.

Ausgrid says the helicopters and drones need to fly low at times, and this may startle livestock in rural areas.

The company suggests property owners may want to consider securing livestock during the patrols.

“Every endeavour will be made to stick to the flight schedule, however due to factors out of our control, such as adverse weather conditions, it may change slightly,” Ausgrid’s website says.

“Drones (UAVs) allow us to get a clearer image of our poles.

“Drone cameras will be focused on the pole tops, so no

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

19 FRI

26 FRI

0209 1.42 0827 0.72 1416 1.23 2021 0.68 0202 0.50 0829 1.83 1507 0.30 2105 1.45

pictures of the general public will be taken.

“The drones travel no higher than 35m from ground level and travel at speeds between 5 and 20km/h.

Suburbs which will see air action between now and March 9 include: Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, East Gosford, empire Bay, Erina, Erina heights, Forresters Beach, Gosford, Green Point, Holgate, Kariong, Kincumber, Kincumber South, Koolewong, Lisarow, Macmasters Beach, Matcham, Mount Elliott, Narara, Niagara Park, North Avoca, North Gosford, Picketts Valley, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Saratoga, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Terrigal,Wamberal, West Gosford, Wyoming and Yattalunga as well as suburbs on the Woy Woy Peninsula.

Source: Ausgrid website, Feb 13

CCRU President, Larry Thomson (left) with Swietelsky Managing Director, Simon Hughes (right)

RUGBY Central Coast Rugby Union (CCRU) have announced Swietelsky Rail Australia as their new Naming Rights Partner for the top men’s grade in 2021.

The announcement came on the morning of Wednesday, 17 February, after the partnership was confirmed late last year between CCRU President, Larry Thomson and Swietelsky Managing Director, Simon Hughes.

The three year contract will start this season, with the

primary intention being to boost investment into the local clubs that make up the top men’s division for necessary equipment and apparel, including playing balls, training equipment and ground management uniform.

Thomson has high hopes that this new partnership will lead to better outcomes in CCRU by its focus on the local club level.

“Simon Hughes has shown his commitment to Central Coast rugby and is looking to assist in whatever way he best can,” said Thomson.

“With Swietelsky’s

commitment to our zone’s rugby, we will be able to put more commitment into our clubs.

“We are hoping to improve on the commitment over the coming three years, but for this season, the primary focus is equipment and apparel for the clubs.”

The newly named, Swietelsky Premier One Championship is scheduled to be played over 18 rounds with a four round finals series, and will begin on Saturday, 10 April.

CCN

More prizemoney for longer distance races GREYHOUND RACING Gosford greyhounds is set to benefit from a $1 million prize money increase to be distributed throughout the next four months of racing in the Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) calendar. $10,000 in total prizemoney has been allocated to Gosford for its 700m race event, as part of a newly added distance series to be held also at Lismore, Dapto and Bathurst.

According to GRNSW, this is the second, seven-figure prizemoney increase for NSW

TIDE CHART

participants in the past five months, after a $1.33 million prizemoney boost last October, and a record $33 million in returns paid to participants in 2019-20.

The prizemoney is being offered with the intention of supporting 500m racing and encouraging longer distance racing from 440m and beyond.

“This is great news for our participants and the industry,” GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov said.

“As I mentioned late last year when we increased stakes for middle distance and midweek metropolitan racing, we made

a concerted effort at the outbreak of COVID-19 to operate on a very tight budget and make savings where possible, and subsequently pass those savings on to our participants.

“We have been able to continue to race throughout the pandemic, and as a result and with forward thinking, we are now able to pass on more of those savings to participants through this prizemoney increase.”

Source: Media Release, Feb 16 GRNSW

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

20

21

22

23

24

25

27

28

1

2

3

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Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0030 0.66 0303 1.42 0405 1.43 0510 1.47 0609 1.55 0117 0.58 0938 0.74 1058 0.72 1209 0.66 1304 0.57 0700 1.64 0745 1.74 SAT 1523 1.15 SUN 1645 1.12 MON 1802 1.15 TUE 1900 1.21 WED 1348 0.48 THU 1429 0.39 2228 0.74 1945 1.29 2119 0.73 2333 0.72 2025 1.37 0332 0.36 0511 0.34 0604 0.37 0247 0.42 0420 0.33 0045 1.68 0912 1.90 0955 1.92 1040 1.89 1126 1.81 1215 1.68 0702 0.43 SAT 1545 0.25 SUN 1623 0.22 MON 1703 0.23 TUE 1744 0.28 WED 1826 0.36 THU 1307 1.53 2145 1.53 2228 1.60 2357 1.68 2311 1.65 1911 0.46

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs - Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

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19 FEBRUARY 2021

BMX track upgrade underway at Terrigal BMX BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct.

The new BMX track will include upgrading the track’s jumps, asphalting berms and laying a synthetic surface on dirt sections which will make the track more accessible and functional, particularly during wet weather.

The upgrades are part of the Duffy’s Oval upgrade, with work recently completed on the amenities building.

The Terrigal recreation precinct is one of the Central Coast’s premier sporting venues and is being revitalised with the upgrading of key facilities.

The area is home to the Terrigal United Football Club and Terrigal Little Athletics Club.

The amenities building upgrade focussed on improving accessibility and functionality, providing male and female toilets, change room and

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox (far right), oversee the upgrade of the Terrigal BMX track

showers, an accessible toilet and shower, multiple storerooms, a canteen and a club function room.

Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said the upgrades were important for an ageing but popular sports venue.

“The building upgrade provides the opportunity to meet current accessibility requirements and to better meet the needs of local sports groups and users,” Cox said.

“The BMX track upgrade will also improve the riding experience and ensures it

meets BMX Australia’s specifications.”

The amenities building upgrade has been jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government, with a $250,000 grant from the Stronger Communities Fund.

The BMX track redevelopment

has been funded by a $300,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Central Coast Administrator, Dick Persson, said the modified building design reflects Council’s vision for an active and connected community.

“These projects are great examples of the community and Council working together with the financial support of the NSW Government to deliver facilities that provide health and social benefits for our community.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said Duffy’s Oval was one of the most highly-used sporting venues in the local area.

“The new change rooms, toilets and canteen facilities are a huge asset for the Terrigal-Wamberal Little Athletics Club who use Duffy’s Oval in the summer months, and Terrigal United Football Club in the winter months,” Crouch said.

“And resurfacing the BMX track with asphalt berms will make it safer and more accessible during wetter weather conditions.

Construction work on the Terrigal BMX track is expected to be completed within the next two months.

Source: Media release, Feb 15 Central Coast Council

Phoenix marinated FOOTBALL A dominant showing by the Central Coast Mariners at Wollongong Stadium has earned them a comfortable 2-0 win against Wellington Phoenix.

The victory has come as a great relief for the Mariners, who have now broken Phoenix’s unanswered, six-game winning streak against them and established their highest season win count since 2014.

After a busy early February schedule with two nail-biting comeback wins, the blue and yellow were rewarded with another clean-sheet after effecting a game-plan that saw them dominate possession, territory and shots on target.

Early on, the Mariners benefited from a reckless, studs-up diving challenge on Matt Simon by Phoenix attacker, David Ball, that earned him a red card in the 27th minute.

CCN

Nonetheless, the Mariners responded with patience, maintaining their shape and stifling their opposition’s chances to attack, exploiting their lack of a strong target man in the box.

In attack, the Mariners began to find opportunities to test Phoenix goalkeeper, Stefan Marinovic. Oliver Bozanic had a long shot on target, making use of space in the midfield, before Matt Simon once again found the back of the net in the 40th minute.

The perfectly weighted through ball came from Marco Ureña, finding Simon lurking in between the centre-back defenders.

Simon lined himself up against Marinovic and drove the ball across goal into the far, bottom corner.

After a quick VAR check, Simon was awarded his third goal in three games.

The pressure continued to mount for Phoenix with the

beginning of the second half, with another mistake coming from the centre-defensive position leading to penalty goal in the 50th minute.

Surprisingly, captain Bozanic stepped up to take the penalty and swung the ball high into the top corner, marking both his first penalty goal in the A-League and the opening of his 2021 account.

At 2-0 the Mariners continued to maintain their control over the ball and defended with a high press against their thinly spread opposition.

The incisive passing play of Ureña and Bozanic almost led to more goals for Simon but, in the end, the Mariners banked a convincing win.

The Central Coast find themselves in thin air atop the A-league ladder, four points clear ahead of their next match against eight place Adelaide United, at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday,19 February.

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Coast’s Indigenous Talent Identification program expands to the Hunter

Winners of the 2020 CCAS Annual Awards (from left to right): Hockey Head Coach, Brett Johnson, Male Athlete of the Year, Alexander Jones (Hockey), CCAS Managing Director, Michael Murphy, and Chairmen’s Award winner, Olivia Miles

The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) have signed a new partnership with industrial and commercial and equipment insurance provider, United Agencies of Australia (UAA), expanding upon the company’s sponsorship work with the Central Coast Academy of Sport (CCAS) in 2020.

In parallel with its efforts with the CCAS, UAA will seek to bolster the HAS in its regional

Hockey program, as well as expand the Indigenous Talent Identification Day (ITID) in the Hunter.

The ITID has run in the Central Coast for a number of years, inviting Indigenous students from the region’s schools to perform at their preferred sport under the inspection of the CCAS’s coaching staff. The program seeks to unearth local talent across five sporting disciplines: Aussie Rules, Basketball, Netball, Golf and Test and Measurements, with

the intention of delivering full scholarships to successful applicants.

In 2020, Olivia Miles won the Chairmen’s Award at the CCAS Annual Awards night after coming through the ITID program in Netball.

Now, the program will be run in the Hunter in cohesion with the HAS. UAA Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Murphy, spoke of the company’s local origins and the greater scope of its

sports scouting operations.

“UAA is a locally born and bred company dating back to the early 80’s, committed to diversity and inclusion and striving to always promote this within our organisation,” he said.

“Our most recent endeavour is to build on our talent identification program in the Central Coast by launching into the Hunter as well.

“By supporting pathways for Indigenous youth in Australia

we are enhancing the educational, employment, training and career development opportunities for people of Indigenous descent by offering scholarships in the Academy of Sport programs.”

Ian Robilliard, the CCAS Managing Director also commented on the UAA’s support to regional athletes.

“UAA are an important corporate partner of the CCAS and I’m thrilled that our work is being leveraged to a higher level with engagement with the

HAS. “In an environment where sponsorship at regional level has never been more important it’s great to see UAA engaged with the HAS across the ITID and Hockey mediums.

“I have no doubt this level of support will see our two organisations engage in friendly competition as the programs further evolve.”

Source: Media Release Feb 17, CCAS Media

$8,000 to support rise of women and girl’s cricket CRICKET The New South Wales International Cricket Council T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund has awarded an $8,000 grant to Terrigal Matcham Cricket in aid of the club’s improvement of its equipment and opportunities for women and girl’s cricket.

The money comes in response to the rising interest in women’s sport on the Central Coast and beyond.

For Terrigal Matcham’s President,Andrew D McFadden, this means more funds to put towards kitting out their club with the necessary playing and training equipment and

personnel, moving closer to a larger vision of growing their senior squad from one team into three.

“In our club and in the CC,

women’s cricket is going from strength to strength, and these grants are absolutely critical to keeping that growth going,” said Mr McFadden.

“Most of the girls and ladies who come to play cricket with us have no gear, so the idea is to make sure they are kitted out accordingly with all that they

need.

“The money will largely go towards supporting whatever we can do to keep that growing number of girls increasing.”

Terrigal MP, Adam Crouch, commended the club’s efforts in improving the participation of women in the sport.

“This funding from the final round of NSW ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Legacy Fund will see grassroots cricket made more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.”

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer, Lee Germon, also congratulated the successful recipients and acknowledged the Legacy Fund’s role in helping to grow participation.

“Through the wonderful

generosity of the NSW Government, $6 million in grants has been distributed to clubs and councils right across NSW to support participation growth and leave a lifelong legacy for our cricket communities”, Mr Germon said.

“The past two rounds of the Fund have had an incredible impact on cricket in NSW and this final round will be no different.

“Congratulations to all of the successful recipients and thank you for your support of cricket in your community.”

Source: Media Release Adam Crouch, Member for Terrigal Interview, Andrew McFadden