3 SEPTEMBER 2021
ISSUE 308
News
Elly and Bec lead Alpine Everesting challenge
Central Coast Council is urging residents to exercise caution and report any suspected asbestos containing materials found on beaches or other public open spaces after a resident found more than 75 pieces of the dangerous material at Terrigal over a two-month period. See page 3
Out&About
Over the past year, Erina-based Dr Elly Warren has taken part in the Tour de Cure to raise money for cancer research but this year she has decided to take the fundraising up a notch.
Rain, lockdown or shine – life doesn’t stop at Calga’s Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. See page 17
Business
See page 33
COVID cases hit 70 as Pfizer supplies dwindle As the Central Coast prepares to enter its 10th week of lockdown, COVID-19 case numbers in the region have risen to 70 amid growing concerns over the shortage of Pfizer vaccination appointments available. With continued pressure from Premier Gladys Berejiklian for residents to be vaccinated, Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has given assurances more vaccines are headed our way, with more GPs set to administer Pfizer this month. Even so, people who have been advised against receiving the AstraZeneka vaccine for health reasons are still finding
it almost impossible to book a Pfizer jab, with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, saying a lack of information surrounding just when the vaccines will be available is a major concern (see more page 12). Seven new COVID cases in the region were reported on September 2, three linked to previously notified cases and the source of infection for the other four cases under investigation. All seven cases were in the community while infectious. These new cases were in addition to 16 cases announced over the past week. On August 28, two additional COVID-19 cases were
confirmed – one linked to a worksite in Sydney and one a household contact. Neither of these people was in isolation during the infectious period. Two more cases were announced on August 29 – one who had been isolation while infectious with the source of infection under investigation and the second linked to a Sydney workplace, in isolation during the infectious period. Six positive cases were confirmed on August 30, with five of them close contacts of previously notified cases and the source of infection for one case under investigation. On August 31, the tally rose by four more cases, all of which
were linked to previously notified cases. Two of them were in isolation while infectious and two were infectious in the community. Two more patients tested positive on September 1, one linked to a previously notified case and one linked to a Sydney worksite. Both were in the community while infectious. Seven cases have now been linked to the KI Building Services exposure site at North Gosford. Anyone who attended the site (including the site office) between August 20 and 27 is considered a close contact and should get tested and isolate for 14 days since their last
exposure at the site. Central Coast Local Health District reported that a review of Service NSW check-in data for the site indicated incomplete data and inadequate records. Police are undertaking ongoing compliance checks and inspections of the site. Meanwhile, the list of exposure sites in the region continues to grow, with latest additions including West Gosford, Wadalba, Tuggerah, Erina Fair, Wyoming, Kangy Angy, Toowoon Bay, Ettalong Beach, Hamlyn Terrace and Gosford. To see a full list of all exposure sites in NSW visit NSW Health case locations web page. Terry Collins
Pfizer in short supply on the Coast - Page 12 -- Vaccines mandatory for healthcare workers by end November - Page 35
For the first time in 70 years, there is no longer a member of the Sparrow family on the payroll at Walker Bros Timber and Building Supplies at North Gosford, following Keith’s retirement. See page 25
Sport
The Central Coast has scooped the pool at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence, taking out seven major awards. See page 39
Puzzles page 22
It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.