6 AUGUST 2021
ISSUE 304
News
Nicola’s dream continues
Despite assurances from Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart, that he is against any sell-off of the Council’s water and sewerage assets the USU is concerned. See page 5
Out&About
Tascot local, Nicola McDermott, has flown through to the Women’s High Jump Final after her clinical qualification on Thursday, August 5.
Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to “adopt, not shop” when making the commitment to bring a new companion animal into their home. See page 17
Business
See page 38
Coast Pfizer vaccines diverted to Sydney Hundreds of Central Coast residents were left frustrated and angry over the weekend when their Pfizer vaccination appointments, many of which had been made months in advance, were rediverted to HSC students in the areas of greatest concern in Sydney. Many furious residents, some of them essential workers, took to Facebook to vent their fury as Coast politicians slammed the move and criticisms of the Federal Government for failing to secure adequate vaccination supplied poured in. NSW Health announced that Pfizer appointments at Gosford and Wyong hospitals and the Belmont vaccination hub would be rediverted. One Coast business owner vented her frustration after
Pfizer vaccination appointments at Gosford Hospital have been redirected to HSC students in Sydney
being forced to close her business and home school her children during the past five weeks of lockdown, with financial assistance from the government “still pending”.
“Knowing that it is important to be vaccinated I have been trying to get an appointment for five weeks,” she said. “Three weeks ago, I managed to book into the new vaccination
hub at Belmont on Monday, August 2. “On July 31 I received a text message to tell me that my appointment was being cancelled to give priority to
year 12 students. “I was shocked, totally upset. “There was no regard (for) my mental health.” She said she had hoped to be fully vaccinated before resuming her work as a hairdresser following lockdown. “I wanted to feel safe, and I wanted my clients to feel safe,” she said. “I feel in this country today that some lives are more important than others. “I feel it is important to be a voice for my family and the many others struggling in this tough situation. “It is important for governments to understand how these decisions affect families just like mine in Australia right now.”
Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent, both of which have multiple branches on the Central Coast, are looking at merging to create the nation’s largest customer-owned bank. See page 25
Education
Since emerging from the pool stage of the Men’s Hockey competition undefeated, Berkeley Vale’s Matt Dawson and the Australian team have now advanced to the Gold Medal Final. See page 40
Continued page 12
Puzzles page 22
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