25 JUNE 2021
ISSUE 298
NSW Coach of the Year
News
Central Coast Local Health District extended its hours at local COVID-19 testing clinics from Monday, June 21, after fragments of the virus were detected... See page 3
Out&About
The Australian Reptile Park is experiencing a baby boom, with baby animals centre stage in the daily show line up during the school holidays. See page 17
Deepwater Dragon Boat Club President, Kathy Cummings, has been awarded the NSW Coach of the Year at this year’s annual Dragon Boat State Championships.
Health
See page 38
Mixed reactions to State Budget The State Budget, handed down on June 22, has met a mixed reception on the Central Coast. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the Budget would help the region continue its recovery from COVID-19 by focusing on jobs. Among highlights for the Coast, he cited $3.4M to build a new, all-weather training surface at Gosford Racecourse, upgrades to five Coast surf lifesaving clubs, $32.8M to complete the redevelopment of Wyong Hospital and funds to continue major roadworks on the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, along Manns Rd, along the Pacific Highway at Wyong and on Blackwall Rd and Memorial Ave, Woy Woy. But the region’s Labor MPs say the budget falls short on funding for new infrastructure,
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, looks over the budget papers with Premier, Gladys Berejiklian
schools and social housing. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says it is a “major disappointment” containing “re-announced promises”. Crouch said the best way to help the local economy bounce back from COVID-19 is to
create new jobs and this will be achieved through the significant share of Budget funding being allocated to the Central Coast. “We know that many people are still doing it tough,” he said. “That’s why the budget provides cost of living support
like free preschool and $100 Learn to Swim vouchers, which will help to take the pressure off families and individuals.” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the budget included $43.9M for a new $100 Learn to Swim voucher for children
aged between three and six, and $150M for the Free Preschool program to continue until the end of 2022. “This is a budget which supports and protects our families and communities through record investments in health, education and transport,” Berejiklian said. “The biggest infrastructure pipeline in Australia now tops $108.5B and continues to be the backbone of our recovery, with NSW now adding more jobs than were lost during the height of the pandemic.” Business NSW Central Coast also hailed the budget for its reduced deficit, solid economic management and strong commitment to infrastructure spending through the COVID recovery. Continued page 25
A Central Coast grandmother of five has hailed the support she received from a free online service provided by Central Coast Health Promotion Service. See page 33
Sport
The Central Coast Crusaders have won five out of six matches over the weekend from Saturday - Sunday, June 19 & 20, with the Youth Men also winning Team of The Year at the Sport NSW Awards. See page 39
Puzzles page 22
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