23 JULY 2021
ISSUE 302
Coasties tire of big-media beat ups
News
Senator Deborah OâNeill is demanding answers on what has happened to the $35M promised for commuter carparking at Gosford and Woy Woy. See page 3
Out&About
The Australian Reptile Park has introduced a Pay Discover Forward scheme to benefit Central Coast children in need and their families. See page 18
A Sydney-based news crew from A Current Affair got more than they bargained for this week when they confronted local gym owner, Rhyss Keane.
Health
See page 10 Rhyss Keane out the front of his Wyoming gym
Restrictions tighten As the Central Coast prepares to enter its fourth week of lockdown, tighter restrictions imposed from July 19 have added to fears the lockdown could be extended beyond July 30. But the push for an early release from restrictions for the Coast is gathering momentum. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said Premier Gladys Berejiklian had flagged that an easing of restrictions for the Coast, as well as the Wollongong area, is being considered. âAt Wednesdayâs press conference, the Premier said: âBut we are also looking at opportunities to perhaps address those regions [Central
Non-essential retail is closed until July 30
Coast and Wollongong] in a particular way given we can keep the virus outâ,â Crouch said. âLast week I committed to fiercely advocate for the Central
Coast regionâs lockdown to end, but only if it is safe to do so. âEvery decision made by the NSW Government should follow the health advice to the
letter. âIâve been speaking to the Premier daily about our region and how the majority of people have done a great job by following the stay-at-home
orders. âRight now the ball is in our court to keep on following the rules and to get tested if you have any symptoms at all. âAll it could take is a single case to scuttle our hopes of getting out of lockdown, so thereâs never been a more important time to remain vigilant.â Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said he had been working with Crouch to see the Coast released from severe restrictions âas soon as is feasibleâ. âThey tell us they have it under rolling review, but we will continue to push,â Harris said. Continued page 4
Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of the latest round of Love Local online guides as the region remains in strict lockdown See page 31
Education
Central Coast HSC students and their families will have 24-hour access to support from Australiaâs leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams. See page 38
Puzzles page 22
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