Coast Community News 309

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 309

News

Forbidden

While AstraZeneka appointments are freely available, booking a Pfizer jab on the Central Coast is still almost impossible, despite assurances from Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, that more vaccines are headed to the region.

See page 8

Out&About

When your Dad is the Director of the Australian Reptile Park, what better to occupy you during lockdown than helping care for an at-risk koala joey?

See page 18

Four students and one graduate from the NAISDA Dance college at Kariong featured in NT Dance Company’s production Forbidden at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on September 3 and 4.

Health

See page 17

The Central Coast will not come out of lockdown on September 11 amid continuing concern over escalating COVID-19 case numbers in the region.

While announcing easing of restrictions in much of regional NSW, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on September 9 that with case numbers still high, stay at home orders would stay in effect on the Central Coast, along with various other regions in the state.

At September 9, there were 167 confirmed cases on the Coast.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said when the region’s lockdown was last reviewed in August there were 45 active COVID-19 cases, but that number had more than tripled since.

Coast lockdown to be extended following surge in COVID cases “For the first time, there are active COVID-19 cases in every single postcode across the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

“The only way we can beat the Delta strain is by getting everyone vaccinated.”

Crouch confirmed that the slight easing of restrictions for the region announced on August 26 will remain in force.

This allows for groups of up to five fully vaccinated people to gather outdoors within the LGA or within 5km of home outside the LGA from September 13.

As Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined a roadmap for coming out of lockdown once the state attained a 70 per cent rate of double vaccination, Crouch reminded Coasties that the regional percentage on the Coast to date is around 40 per cent.

“I am calling for everyone on the Central Coast to remain vigilant and follow the stay-athome rules,” he said.

Crouch said the state was on track to reach the 70 per cent milestone in mid-October, but only fully vaccinated residents would be permitted to take advantage of easing restrictions.

“There are approximately 21,000 Central Coast residents getting vaccinated each week which is good progress, but we need to do better,” he said.

“Both brands of the vaccine are safe, effective and free and both brands also reduce the likelihood of death by over 90 per cent.”

Meanwhile, case numbers on the Coast have more than doubled in the past week.

On September 3, eight cases were confirmed; two linked to

previously notified cases, one linked to a worksite cluster in Sydney and five under investigation.

On September 4, 15 more residents tested positive; 14 linked to known cases and the source of infection for one under investigation.

Fourteen were infectious in the community.

Seven more cases were announced on September 5; five linked to known cases and theothertwounderinvestigation, with five cases in the community while infectious.

September 6 saw the announcement of eight more cases; seven linked to known cases and one under investigation.

Then, on September 7, 22 cases were confirmed; 19 linked to known cases and three

under investigation.

Eleven were in the community while infectious.

September 8 saw 15 more cases announced; nine linked to known cases and the source of six under investigation, with 13 in the community while infectious.

And finally, on September 9, another 22 cases were announced; 13 linked to known cases and nine under investigation.

Of these, 20 were in the community while infectious.

Multiple Central Coast exposure sites are being announced daily.

Residents are urged to continue checking the NSW Health website for esposure site locations, times and dates.

Terry Collins

Central Coast ARAFMI has outlined the need for action on removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in a submission to Central Coast Council on its Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2021-25.

See page 33

Sport

Central Coast Mariners has announced its intention to enter the W-League competition in 2022/23 as the women’s league expands.

See page 40

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.

PAGE 2

10 SEPTEMBER 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.

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Ross Barry, Publisher

Coast Community News would like to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a copy of House of Diamonds, a feel-good novel written by author, Amber Jakeman.

Blurb for House of Diamonds: Enjoy this sweet sparkler of a modern love tale.

Handsome James Huntley the Third faces a challenge or two at his Australian jewellery business.

Sparkles fly when newbie jeweller Stella Rhys sets up her home-made jewellery stall outside his shop. She steals the limelight at his expensive PR stunt, and then she steals his heart.

Will these dazzling duelling jewellers ever work out what to do with an engagement ring?

House of Diamonds is the first volume of Amber Jakeman’s sweet House of Jewels series, international heart warmers featuring the romantic fortunes

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of the extended Huntley family.

Feel-good fiction author Amber Jakeman was a journalist, ghost writer and editor before succumbing to her addiction to uplifting endings. When not writing, Amber enjoys time with family and friends, sailing with her husband, travel, walking and savouring other writers’

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Journalists: Terry Collins, Sue Murray, Jackie Pearson, Maisy Rae, Harry Mulholland, Skaie Hull, Merilyn Vale, Hayley McMahon, Haakon Barry.

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1 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 254

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

2 SEPTEMBER 2021

Doggy library a fetching idea

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has successfully completed a small, but critical hazard reduction burn in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (SCA).

See page 3

Out&About

Huge aqua park to open in 2023

The aqua park, along with a massive outdoor concert venue, cafes, restaurants, a fancy new hotel, tourist park and an over55’s lifestyle residential village, will be on the grounds of the former 90ha Morisset Golf Club on Wyee Rd. Approval of the development by Lake Macquarie Council comes two years after the golf club was forced to close when the landowner reclaimed the property in August 2019, ending the club’s 50 years as a community hub in the area.

The arrival of the new development, named Cedar Mill Lake Macquarie, is set to be a huge drawcard for the region pulling in tourists and visitors from near and far.

Developers behind the project, Winarch Capital, said the precinct

CCN

The family and community precinct

was in an ideal position, just one hour from Sydney, with strong population growth and exceptional access to the M1 and major commuter rail links.

Winarch Capital Managing Director, Paul Lambess, said Lake Macquarie Council had given the green light to five out of six development applications for the project, including subdivision and sale of part of the site to Ingenia Communities.

Approvals had been sought to split and develop the site into four precincts consisting of: the family and community space; a cultural, arts and events space; tourism

accommodation; and lifestyle living.

The events space, which includes an amphitheatre with capacity to host 30,000 people, takes up 40 per cent of the entire site.

“We got approval for all but one – the development application for the live music event venue – because we need to do further studies, but we expect it to be approved as soon as we’ve done what’s required,” Lambess said.

Approval was also given for a tourist park to accommodate 300 camping caravans and cabin sites.

The former golf clubhouse will be redeveloped in a family and community precinct featuring cafes, restaurants, gardens and giant water splash park.

The water park will feature up to eight water slides, two water dumpers, a large run-through sprinkler, a mini lazy river and up to 20 10ft-high sprinklers shaped like leaves and flowers.

“We’ll get started straight away because we still want to be open

by September next year,obviously depending on the virus situation,” Lambess said.

“There’s a strong need for economic activity at the moment

so we can play our role as a catalyst by being a key employer and add construction activity in the area.

“The Cedar Mill project could contribute more than $790M to the local economy and create about 1124 jobs during construction.”

Ingenia Communities has purchased a 25ha portion in the southern end of the site to develop a lifestyle living project of 427 homes.

Ingenia Chief Executive, Simon Owen, said the company paid $30M for the site and it was a great opportunity to get that much attractive land so close to Sydney with so many services.

He said construction of the over 55’s housing development was likely to start by April next year, with completion expected early 2023.

“This will be the largest project we have ever undertaken in NSW and probably the largest land lease community that we’re aware of in the state,” Owen said.

Sue Murray

News

New intercity trains, called the Mariyung Fleet, have received the final tick of approval to start carrying rail travellers between Sydney and the Central Coast and Newcastle.

See page 5

A local organisation has sent a collection of ‘happy hats’ to the suburbs most affected by the current lockdown.

See page 14

Education

Health Local dog owners have created a ‘dog library’ to turn their affection for canines into something to build a sense of community during the lockdown.

The Tokyo Games have been concluded for Wallarah resident, Peter Marchant, after reaching up to the final 36 competitors in the Men’s Individual Compound – Open archery event.

See page 31

Puzzles page 19

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.

ISSUE 308

News

Elly and Bec lead Alpine Everesting challenge

IPART tells Council what is appropriate Administrator Rik Hart was told during a meeting he called with the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART) that it would be inappropriate for Council to seek to influence IPART when the full Tribunal was not present.

Hart had sought an urgent meeting with IPART after it granted Council a 15 per cent rate rise for three years instead of permanently.

Hart spoke out against the

IPART decision at the June 29 Council meeting, calling it irresponsible.

As he adopted the rates and the operational plan for 2021, he said he would seek an urgent meeting with IPART to discuss the rate rise beyond three years.

The meeting was held on July 27 and IPART has released a file note.

Protest group, Protest Against Extreme Rates of Central Coast, asked IPART for the minutes.

IPART replied, with a link to

the file note, and mentioned that it had improved its processes thanks to the group’s feedback.

“Credit where credit is due, it was refreshing to get such a positive response from IPART recognising the importance of transparency around the Council’s behind-the-scenes lobbying,” group member, Jude Roxburgh, said.

“Now we can see what they’re saying and correct any misinformation.”

IPART attendees at the meeting were Carmel Donnelly

10 SEPTEMBER 2021 8 SEPTEMBER 2021

(Chair) Liz Livingstone (CEO) and Sheridan Rapmund (Director).

Administrator, Rik Hart, and CEO, David Farmer, attended from Central Coast Council.

The file note shows that IPART Chair, Carmel Donnelly, indicated that the full Tribunal was the decision-making body of IPART and as such it was not appropriate at the meeting for the council to seek to influence or provide details as the full Tribunal was not present.

“Carmel noted that it was not appropriate to re-prosecute

previous decisions,” the file note said.

“Carmel stated that as Chair she has a job to do, and she would discharge that responsibility with appropriate due diligence and without fear or favour.”

The meeting started with Donnelly introducing herself as new Chair of IPART. Hart and Farmer both then gave brief introductions including their previous work history.

Continued page 4

Umina Beach Public School has shared images of ‘Spoonville’ – a community initiative aimed at spreading joy during lockdown.

See page 29

Sport

The Peninsula has scooped the pool at Surf Life Saving NSW’s Awards of Excellence, announced virtually on August 28, taking out four major awards including Surf Lifesaver and Youth Lifesaver of the Year.

See page 32

Puzzles page 18

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.

ISSUE 255

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Elly cycles to close the gap

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

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

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

News

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

ISSUE 026

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Dr Elly Warren, of Yerin Aboriginal Health Services in Wyong, is embarking on her third Alpine Everesting challenge in an effort to help cure cancer by donating funds to Tour de Cure.

While AstraZeneka appointments are freely available, booking a Pfizer jab on the Central Coast is still almost impossible, despite assurances from Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, that more vaccines are headed to the region.

See page 8

Central Coast Council’s water and sewerage business is expecting a loss of $11M this financial year.

See page 5

Out&About

The third stage of a $1.4M project to upgrade Bouddi Coastal Walk has been completed and the new section is now open for locals to explore.

Nineteen-year-old Alex Hart would love to be a truck driver, but he knows he’s got to work his way up, so for the time being he’s happy to have a full-time job...

See page 13

Business

See page 13

Health

Some of the Peninsula’s best known and loved business personalities have made a video together encouraging locals to get vaccinated so the community can get back to doing everything it loves sooner.

Out&About

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.

COVID ALERT

There are at least 29 suburbs on high alert in the northern area where the list of exposure sites grows longer and longer as the number of Central Coast COVID cases escalated to 130 on Tuesday, September 7.

Many of those cases have

been infectious while out in the community and some were linked to known cases, while the source of the infection for others is still under investigation, causing concern from health authorities that there were unknown infections within the community.

A week ago, on Wednesday, September 1, there were only two new cases, but since then new cases daily have risen exponentially to the highest number so far of 22 new cases on Tuesday, September 7.

Brooke Avenue School at Killarney Vale was closed on Tuesday, September 7 – the

fourth school in the past month to close because of COVID exposure.

There were about 60 students on the school grounds that day.

The school grounds, including the on-site YMCA Out of School Hours (OOSH) program, will remain closed until contact tracing and deep cleaning is undertaken.

Killarney Vale Public School re-opened on Monday following a COVID detection on Friday, September 3.

NSW Health has reminded families that children should stay at home unless they

absolutely need to attend school, such as if they are the child of an essential worker.

Anyone who was at Wyong Hospital’s emergency department waiting room on Thursday, September 2, between 8:45pm and 11:50pm is considered a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the results.

Health authorities are urging anyone in the following suburbs to be tested as there is mounting evidence of community transmission: Blue Haven, Charmhaven, Doyalson, Gorokan, Hamlyn Terrace,

Kanwal, Lake Haven, San Remo, Wadalba, Warnervale, Wyong, Blue Bay, Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale, Long Jetty, Shelly Beach, The Entrance, The Entrance North, Toowoon Bay, Budgewoi, Buff Point, Canton Beach, Halekulani, Magenta, Norah Head, Noraville, Toukley, Tuggerawong and Wyongah.

Meanwhile, the number of locals not following the stayat-home orders is also surging, with police issuing 422 fines since Operation Stay At Home began on Monday, August 16.

See page 4

Five of the Top 10 Suburbs for Affordable Houses in NSW are on the Central Coast – Mardi, Bateau Bay, Springfield, Point Clare and Kariong.

See page 21

Sport

Central Coast Mariners have finally been tasked to develop a new female team for the nation’s highest level of professional football...

See page 32

Puzzles page 19

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.

Young workers feel left out Less than 50 per cent of Peninsula residents have received both doses of their COVID vaccine as we approach Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s September 13 promise of more freedoms for the fully vaccinated.

The Premier announced those fully vaccinated would be able to participate in outdoor gatherings of up to five people who live in the same LGA from September 13.

Approximately 70 per cent of Peninsula residents have received their first dose of vaccine but it appears to be young people who are continuing to miss out.

Young people are bearing the brunt of the Delta outbreak but they are being vaccinated at half the rate of the rest of the population according to NSW Health.

It’s an issue that Taine Tepua, a local hospitality worker and university student, is facing.

Taine said, as a worker at McDonalds Umina, he is concerned about being on the front line and exposed to the virus without a vaccine.

“There has been a constant struggle to get a vaccine as I’m being told by some people, I am eligible, yet when I call nearby facilities, they say to wait a few weeks,” he said.

“There is a lot of confusion on ‘who’ different places are offering vaccines to.

“A lot of my friends have faced these struggles as well – one of them even said that they had been put on hold five time and each time they were told to call back later.

“I am concerned about being on the front line – we are facing adults who could possibly be carrying COVID-19 and aren’t actually being protected ourselves.

“Any adult with COVID-19 could unknowingly risk all of our workers and that adult could have the vaccine and be fine, but for us workers, we

don’t have that protection.

“I have been given an option from Erina to get the vaccine possibly within the month – the clinic told me to call them back in two weeks to see if there is any availability.

“There is a lot of confusion for people who are aged 15+ working in hospitality and accessing vaccines.

“I don’t think it helps that we had been considered as a part of Greater Sydney, however where almost everyone can get vaccinated in Sydney, it’s very hard for us on the Coast to get vaccinated due to lower supply.”

The lack of Pfizer supply on

the Coast is also affecting local high school students as they face further uncertainty about being able to return to school with face-to-face learning expected to resume from November 8.

Currently, students are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine if they are above 12 years old, and in a listed priority group according to NSW Health guidelines or are 16 years and older.

However there have been widespread reports from local parents that these appointments have been near impossible to secure.

Continued page 4

Today, Thursday, September 9, is R U Ok? Day – a day for the community to check in with friends and family.

See page 25

Sport

Dylan Littlehales from Wamberal has just missed out on achieving an Olympic medal by finishing fourth place in the final of the Men’s Kayak Single 200m - KL3.

See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit

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

The Central Coast will not come out of lockdown on September 11 amid continuing concern over escalating COVID-19 case numbers in the region.

While announcing easing of restrictions in much of regional NSW, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on September 9 that with case numbers still high, stay at home orders would stay in effect on the Central Coast, along with various other regions in the state.

At September 9, there were 167 confirmed cases on the Coast.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said when the region’s lockdown was last reviewed in August there were 45 active COVID-19 cases, but that number had more than tripled since.

Coast lockdown to be extended following surge in COVID cases “For the first time, there are active COVID-19 cases in every single postcode across the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

“The only way we can beat the Delta strain is by getting everyone vaccinated.”

Crouch confirmed that the slight easing of restrictions for the region announced on August 26 will remain in force.

This allows for groups of up to five fully vaccinated people to gather outdoors within the LGA or within 5km of home outside the LGA from September 13.

As Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined a roadmap for coming out of lockdown once the state attained a 70 per cent rate of double vaccination, Crouch reminded Coasties that the regional percentage on the Coast to date is around 40 per cent.

“I am calling for everyone on the Central Coast to remain vigilant and follow the stay-athome rules,” he said.

Crouch said the state was on track to reach the 70 per cent milestone in mid-October, but only fully vaccinated residents would be permitted to take advantage of easing restrictions.

“There are approximately 21,000 Central Coast residents getting vaccinated each week which is good progress, but we need to do better,” he said.

“Both brands of the vaccine are safe, effective and free and both brands also reduce the likelihood of death by over 90 per cent.”

Meanwhile, case numbers on the Coast have more than doubled in the past week.

On September 3, eight cases were confirmed; two linked to

previously notified cases, one linked to a worksite cluster in Sydney and five under investigation.

On September 4, 15 more residents tested positive; 14 linked to known cases and the source of infection for one under investigation.

Fourteen were infectious in the community.

Seven more cases were announced on September 5; five linked to known cases and theothertwounderinvestigation, with five cases in the community while infectious.

September 6 saw the announcement of eight more cases; seven linked to known cases and one under investigation.

Then, on September 7, 22 cases were confirmed; 19 linked to known cases and three

under investigation.

Eleven were in the community while infectious.

September 8 saw 15 more cases announced; nine linked to known cases and the source of six under investigation, with 13 in the community while infectious.

And finally, on September 9, another 22 cases were announced; 13 linked to known cases and nine under investigation.

Of these, 20 were in the community while infectious.

Multiple Central Coast exposure sites are being announced daily.

Residents are urged to continue checking the NSW Health website for esposure site locations, times and dates.

Terry Collins

Central Coast ARAFMI has outlined the need for action on removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in a submission to Central Coast Council on its Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2021-25.

See page 33

Sport

Central Coast Mariners has announced its intention to enter the W-League competition in 2022/23 as the women’s league expands.

See page 40

Puzzles page 22

It all starts with spirit

spiritsuper.com.au

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.

Office: Level 1.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

Health

See page 17

Ricky Zappavigna from Zapps in Booker Bay

Residents in 29 suburbs urged to get tested There is mounting evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in and surrounding the Lake Munmorah, Charmhaven, Bateau Bay and Toukley communities and people who live or work there are urged to be extra vigilant and get tested.

When your Dad is the Director of the Australian Reptile Park, what better to occupy you during lockdown than helping care for an at-risk koala joey?

See page 18

Four students and one graduate from the NAISDA Dance college at Kariong featured in NT Dance Company’s production Forbidden at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on September 3 and 4.

See page 21

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

ISSUE 309

News

Forbidden

News

Fast forward to normal

The NPWS is planning to revitalise Bateau Bay’s tired looking Crackneck Lookout precinct in Wyrrabalong National Park with smart new design features and improved facilities.

See page 3

See page 27

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

9 SEPTEMBER 2021

Out&About

Out&About

COVID cases hit 70 as Pfizer supplies dwindle

See page 13 The Grant McBride Memory Walk and Jog will be held for the fourth year during Dementia Action Week from September 20 to 26.

See page 27

Sport

3 SEPTEMBER 2021

Out&About

The 12 Central Coast teams who participated in the Vinnies Community Sleepout last Friday have already collected $24,604 to raise awareness of homelessness.

See page 13

A model of the aqua park

A project touted as Australia’s largest water play park will be opening up in 2023, right on the doorstep of the Central Coast at Morisset and the $235M project is set to be a showstopper.

ISSUE 025

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

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.

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2021 OFFICIAL

NEWS PAGE 3 Council staff at Gosford Chambers put on notice for pending relocation SHARE

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Central Coast Council staff based at the Gosford Chambers have been put on notice that their jobs are to be relocated to Wyong or the Erina depot, but with details surrounding the possible sale of the Gosford building still sketchy and an end to COVID-19 restrictions uncertain, any move before early next year is unlikely.

The building was identified for sale in Tranche 1 of Council’s asset sales program, but Council has so far released no details of any sale, saying only that asset sale updates will be provided to the community “at suitable milestones”.

“Asset sales will take an extended period to reach a point when public information can be disclosed, with updates able to be released when sale contracts settle, not during any negotiations or after exchange,” a Council spokesperson said.

Even so, staff with a primary work location of Gosford in their contract received an email last month advising they would be relocated.

Council has been in discussions with the United Services Union (USU), the Local Government Engineers

Central Coast Council’s Gosford Chambers

Association (LGEA) and the Development and Environmental Professionals’ Association (DEPA) over details of the relocation.

USU organiser, Luke Hutchinson, said there was much to be discussed.

“Obviously there are a lot of members who are going to be impacted by any move to Wyong- especially those living to the south of Gosford,” he said.

“There are lots of issues we need to look.

“Members have a lot of considerations with travelling the extra distance, including impacts on childcare arrangements.

“We also need to look at how the move might affect traffic management and parking in Wyong in the interests not just of members but of the public.

“We want to try to avoid bottlenecks at the beginning

and end of each day.”

Hutchinson said there were many employees who are not necessarily tied to a desk and options other than a relocation to Wyong were being considered.

“We can’t see any forced movements before early next year with many members currently working from home due to COVID,” he said.

“Even early next year we will have to see how the COVID

situation is.”

A Council spokesperson said the Gosford building would need to be vacated upon sale and plans were being made for that now so the impact on staff can be mitigated as far as is practicably possible and the impact on the community is minimal.

“We have been working closely with the Union and team managers to identify possible alternate workplace locations for impacted staff

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and are now consulting directly with impacted staff to understand their individual circumstances and how this will impact them ahead of a physical return to the workplace, when that time comes,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to work directly with staff and the Union throughout the consultation process to keep them updated.”

Meanwhile, plans continue to progress with the Gosford Regional Library, which will have a Customer Service Centre, bookable meeting rooms and an innovation hub for the community, businesses and staff with demolition expected to commence early next year, and construction in April, the spokesperson said.

Until then, community members will still be able to access customer service support through Erina or Woy Woy Libraries (when reopened), or any time via the Online Customer Service Centre.

“Council is also looking at other potential spaces close to the current Council building for an interim Customer Service Centre for the community,” the spokesperson said.

Terry Collins

NEWS Will Gosford Chambers sale leave a void on the southern end of the Coast?

PAGE 4

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10 SEPTEMBER 2021

With Central Coast Council already putting plans in place to clear staff from the Gosford Chambers as sale of the building proceeds, the need for the Regional Library complex in Donnison St to be completed as soon as possible has intensified.

As businesspeople and residents raise concerns about the impact on the CBD of relocating Council staff to the

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Wyong Chambers or Erina depot, Council has reinforced that Gosford is a key town centre as part of the Central Coast Regional Plan.

“We are seeing a lot of positive development and growth in the area including the opening of the Central Coast Medical School and Research Institute,” a spokesperson said.

“We also continue to invest in the Kibble Park Place Plan and have key activation programs

to help support local businesses such as our Vacant Spaces and Blank Canvas programs.

“We remain committed to building a strong Central Coast economy capable of generating jobs, providing greater housing choice, essential infrastructure, lively centres for shopping, entertainment and dining, and protecting the natural environment.”

Gosford Erina Business Chamber President, Rod Dever, said he had been in discussions

with Council CEO David Farmer regarding the relocation of staff out of the CBD. “The Council, as we know, had two buildings - one in Gosford and one in Wyong,” Dever said.

“The Gosford building was the older of the two and the financial investment required to maintain the building and upgrade was far greater than that of maintaining the Wyong premises.”

This had resulted in the

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Gosford building being included in the list of Council asset sales compiled to help Council out of its financial distress, he said.

“What should be noted is that the Wyong building is not big enough to host all Council staff,” Dever said.

“Our understanding, after discussions with the CEO, is that some staff are going to Wyong whilst others are actually going to the Erina depot where there is available office space and room for

services to be relocated.

“Council has no intention of leaving a void on the southern end of the coast – this was initially our concern.

“When the new Regional Library and facilities are built in Gosford, Council will have a space in this building for services and office staff as well.

“The next challenge is to get that building built.”

Terry Collins

Test and isolate payment program extended The one-off $320 COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payments have been extended to the Central Coast as the region’s battle with the Delta variant intensifies.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the Support Payments provide financial support to workers who need to self-isolate and are unable to work while waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

“If you are self-isolating pending a negative result and forego work due to the requirement to self-isolate, you are able to receive $320 from Service NSW,” Crouch said.

“This is a simple but incredibly important way that the NSW Government is helping to cover lost wages of casual workers but also those who may have exhausted their sick leave or carer’s leave.

“We want to do everything

possible to ensure that everyone is in a position where they are able to follow the Public Health Orders to the letter, and not endanger the wider community by failing to self-isolate.

“Eligible workers who apply online for a Support Payment from Service NSW will get the $320 deposited in their bank account within three business days.”

The payments were previously available only to workers in Sydney’s local government areas (LGAs) of concern and have now been extended to all of NSW. Eligibility information is available and applications for the COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payment can be made at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/ transaction/apply-test-andisolate-support-payment.

Source: Media release, Sep 9 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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NEWS

PAGE 5

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Council investigates Wamberal tree vandalism Central Coast Council has launched an investigation following reports of vandalism on a Councilowned pathway adjacent to McGee Ave, Wamberal.

A resident reported that trees along the pathway had obviously been chopped through as heavy rains and strong winds hit the area overnight on August 24, causing two trees to fall across his driveway.

Council confirmed it had received a report August 25 of

some fallen trees on Council land following a storm the previous evening.

“Evidence of tree vandalism was observed following inspections by Council staff,” a spokesperson said.

“These actions may have contributed to the failure of the tree, and further actions to investigate unlawful activity are now underway.

“This includes contacting adjoining residents to seek further information and to determine whether there were

any witnesses to the unlawful tree damage.

“As well as harm to our environment, acts of tree vandalism can present safety risks to our community.”

A third vandalised tree collapsed onto another home adjacent to the pathway on September 1.

Council said residents who have evidence of tree vandalism on Council managed land are encouraged to lodge an official report to Council so safety risks can be assessed and dealt with

as required.

Reports of unlawful activity are also progressed in line with Council’s policy for Tree and Vegetation Vandalism Management.

Reports of tree vandalism can be lodged with supporting evidence through Council’s 24/7 customer service centre https://centralcoastcouncil. custhelp.com/app/request.

Urgent issues can be reported through customer service on 1300 463 954.

Another tree was vandalised on September 1 in the same pathway, this time smashing through a residence

Terry Collins

Calls grow for a resumption of NSW Parliament Labor, The Greens, One Nation, the Shooters Fishers and Farmers, along with multiple Independents, have joined forces to urge the NSW government to resume Parliamentary sittings in the state, currently on hold until at least October 12 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Labor leader Chris Minns said a petition had been launched calling for resumption of

sittings and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, has lent his voice to the call.

“There’s no excuse for the NSW Government to refuse to allow Parliament to sit so that they can continue to avoid scrutiny,” Minns said.

“We’ve now been in lockdown for more than 10 weeks, and Parliament hasn’t met in that entire period.

“Democracy is always

essential – but especially at a time like this.

“People are confused about rapidly-changing rules and need answers about the path forward; Parliament is where the Government would be forced to answer those questions.

“The Victorian Parliament is returning with a COVID safety plan in place, and the Federal Parliament has remained operating.

“NSW should be able to do the same.

“If we’re prepared to send 15- and 16-year-olds to work at Coles and Woolworths, then NSW Parliament should be back too.

“The people of NSW deserve to know that their representatives are working harder for them than ever.

“And they deserve to know that their Government is being held to account.”

Harris said the Government must consult to develop a COVID Safe plan for the return of Parliament in NSW. “The Federal Parliament has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve and our State and Region have been under lockdown for months without any democratic scrutiny from elected representatives,” Harris said.

“It’s time for the Berejiklian Government to be open and

transparent through the machinery of Parliament, particularly Question Time.

“The views and issues of the Central Coast community deserve to be aired in our State Parliament.”

The petition calling for the recalling of Parliament has attracted almost 20,000 signatures and can be found on the NSW Parliament website.

Terry Collins

Caring for our community • • • •

204/1 Bryant Drive PO Box 3763 Tuggerah NSW 2259

I

COVID-19 Medicare NDIS Centrelink

02 4353 0127

• • • •

NBN Veterans’ Affairs Jobs & Training Congratulatory Messages

I Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au I emmamcbride.com.au

Authorised by Emma McBride, ALP, 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259.

PAGE 6

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Independent living residents at Presbyterian Aged Care to stay put Independent residents at Presbyterian Aged Care at East Gosford are breathing a sigh of relief with the announcement on September 3 that they will remain in their homes following sale of the facility.

Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW General Manager, Jeof Falls, said the facility is under contract to be purchased by a local affordable housing investor – meaning all retirement living residents and tenants will be able to stay.

Prior to sale, the aged care component was closed with residents transitioned to nearby service providers.

This also saw the departure of staff, leaving residents in the independent living component facing an unclear future.

“Staff should be congratulated on their efforts to minimise the impact of the transition and to work closely with families to achieve their preferred outcomes,” Falls said.

“The retirement living residents and tenants will remain onsite in their homes

The East Gosford facility

with the new buyer.

“The site has been purchased by an investor in affordable housing projects on the Central Coast, BEA Projects Pty Limited, working with Pacific Link Housing and Key2 Realty.

“BEA Projects, working in conjunction with Pacific Link Housing and Key2 Realty, won the tender because they agreed to prioritise the housing of our retirement living residents and tenants.

“I am delighted that our residents and tenants will be able to stay in their homes, and that their new landlord is equally focused on assisting those in need with housing.”

The sale of the property was a decision by the Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW as part of a refocus of services on mission, and financial viability for the long term.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, who was a strong advocate for residents

throughout the process, said this was a significant step for affordable housing in the Gosford area and Central Coast region.

“Finding the right housing solutions is very difficult and takes a community pulling in the same direction,” Tesch said.

“I congratulate the efforts of so many who came together with a common purpose to assist those in need.”

Pacific Link Housing, the only locally based Tier 1 community housing provider, through its social enterprise real estate agency Key2 Realty will take on the management of the property in about six weeks’ time.

“Pacific Link Housing has forged a strong alliance with BEA Projects over recent times, and we are committed to addressing affordable housing shortages and the ‘invisible homeless’ issues in our

community,” CEO Ian Lynch said.

“Key2 Realty will (also) play an important role, acting on behalf of the new owners in relation to the property and tenancy management.

“Key2 Realty is different to other real estate agencies.

“Whilst it provides the same expert services on behalf of investment property owners large or small, for the same or often lower fees, it is a social enterprise; meaning its profits are distributed to programs that help those less fortunate across the local community.

“Whilst it is difficult to engage with the residents at the present time due to COVID restrictions, we have already introduced Pacific Link Housing and Key2 Realty via letter, and I have personally phoned a couple of the residents who are over the moon with the outcome, given what they were potentially facing.”

Source: Media release, Sep 3 Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW Media release, Sep 7 Pacific Link Housing

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

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Authorised by Liesl Tesch, 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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PAGE 8

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Lack of Pfizer on the Coast to impact students and the elderly While AstraZeneka appointments are freely available, booking a Pfizer jab on the Central Coast is still almost impossible, despite assurances from Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, that more vaccines are headed to the region.

Many Coast residents who have been medically advised against AstraZeneka are being forced to travel to Sydney vaccination hubs for a Pfizer vaccination, with GPs still awaiting confirmation of supplies and many advising patients they will probably not be available for dispensing before October.

Statistics released by NSW Health show most suburbs in the region have a double vaccination rate of just 39 per cent.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said Coast residents would find it hard to take advantage of the loosened restrictions from September 13 as they sit on Pfizer waiting lists.

“Central Coast residents have been in Lockdown for 10 weeks putting up with multiple rule

changes, having their vaccine appointments cancelled, forced to travel out of the area to access vaccines and now (will) potentially be penalised because there is not enough access to Pfizer – it’s just not on,” Harris said.

With a staggered return to face-to-face learning from late October, there are growing concerns that children and young people will not be able to be vaccinated in time.

Kindergarten and Year 1 students will return to face-toface learning at approved COVID-safe schools on Monday, October 25, with Years 2, 6 and 11 to follow from November 1 and Years 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9and 10 from November 8.

Year 12 students are already able to return in a limited way and this will continue for the remainder of Term 3.

From October 25, Year 12 will have full time access to school campuses and their teachers.

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, said many parents were contacting his office. “(They are) concerned that there is no vaccine available for their children to safely return to

school or for protection in their workplace,” he said.

“Frustrations are also mounting just to try and book a vaccine appointment for children on the Coast which is becoming unacceptable.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said it was not just schoolchildren who were being impacted, but also young

people who are on the front line in the retail and hospitality industry.

“Young Coasties should not be forced to travel to Homebush or the Northern Beaches to access the vaccination,” she said.

Older people with medical reasons for requiring a Pfizer vaccination are also frustrated.

Resident Rose Aloisio, an 89 year-old fighting a battle with leukaemia, has been unable to secure an appointment and eventually had an AstraZeneka vaccination.

“When you are at my age and live on your own and are constantly going to many doctors you are already getting frightened at the thought of being alone in hospital,” she said.

“COVID has only added to this fear.

“I have stayed home for months and not left my house, but I could not wait anymore so I had to get AstraZeneca.

“I want to make it clear that someone needs to wake up and think about the elderly – we are struggling too.”

Tesch said the failure of an appropriate vaccine rollout had left many in the community struggling, regardless of age, and that school staff and early childcare workers were also being forced to travel to-andfrom The Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park to be provided priority vaccinations.

“Under the NSW Government’s return to school rollout, school staff are required to be

vaccinated by November 8,” she said.

“Many school staff are already frustrated with the lack of access to the vaccine and fear being unable to work as the supply of Pfizer vaccines continues to struggle with the demand.”

Tesch has called for an alternative site on the Central Coast for teaching staff to get vaccinated.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said it was not fair to tell students under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with medical contraindications to only get vaccinated with Pfizer, when there are almost no Pfizer vaccines available on the Coast.

“The Premier has been promised by the Federal Government that more Pfizer vaccines will be coming in midSeptember,” he said.

“Unfortunately, she has not been advised how many are coming or exactly when they are coming.”

Terry Collins

Central Coast Friends of Democracy Submissions to the Public Inquiry should be made public Our local region faced another insult in April this year. This time, it was the Interim Administrator, Dick Persson, who recommended that the NSW government “take whatever action necessary to prevent the return of the currently suspended councillors, and to delay the September 2021 election”.

This delay was “to allow a formal Inquiry to determine what is needed to achieve the successful merger of the two previous Councils”.

Mr. Persson’s recommendation clearly indicated that he was calling for a Public Inquiry to allow the merger to be pushed through - whilst keeping the community’s voice out of the decision making process.

Over 20,000 community members signed an electronic petition calling for a judicial inquiry. Instead, the State government announced a Public inquiry on 26 April.

On 28 May, the Commissioner appointed to the Public Inquiry invited submissions from the public. At that time, the Information Sheet stated a clear intention that submissions were to be made public: Public availability and inspection of written submissions Generally, the Commissioner proposes that

submissions to the Inquiry will be made publicly available. ……..

The Commissioner may also withhold from public

display any part of a submission considered by her to be patently defamatory in nature or irrelevant to the Terms of Reference. …...Arrangements will be made for interested

persons to inspect the submissions locally.

Additionally, they may be published on the Inquiry website.

The information sheet also indicated that “There are protections available to persons making a submission to the Inquiry against potential liability for defamation in respect of matters contained in the submission, provided the material is relevant to the Terms of Reference.”

Submissions closed on 21 June. Over 100 people are listed as having made submissions to the Public Inquiry - each presumably understanding that their submission would be made public (unless requested otherwise) and become part of the public record.

In August, it was reported that a decision had been made that no submissions will be made public.

This goes against community expectations and is not consistent with the Inquiry’s Information Sheet for preparing submissions.

Although there may be some basis to redact some information, to not make submissions public is a further afront on our community - and our democracy.

www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

Make your voice count!

The Interim Administrator admitted that the community didn’t want the merger then - and don’t want it now.

Change will only happen if you make your voice count

Sign the petition to demerge www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com PO Box 106, Terrigal 2260 email: admin@ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

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PAGE 9

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

AUSTRALIA’S VACCINE ROLLOUT Australia’s vaccine rollout continues to ramp up, with over 1.3 million doses administered last week. On the Central Coast, access to the vaccine is becoming easier.

Around 75 Central Coast GPs are administering vaccines, 12 of those can administer Pfizer with more coming online soon.

36 community pharmacies across the Central Coast are taking bookings.

By ramping up the vaccine rollout and working together, we are ensuring that Australians can be confident that we will get the current outbreaks under control and continue to grow our economy.

Scan this QR code to check your eligibility and find out when and where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

LUCY WICKS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 lucy.wicks.mp@aph.gov.au

lucywicksmp.com

Authorised by Lucy Wicks MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250.

02 4322 2400

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PAGE 10

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Sharp increase in fines in aquatic crackdown

Central Coast fishers who flout the law are on notice with Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall, revealing an increase in fines of more than 44 per cent since 2018, as part of the NSW Government’s blitz on protecting and enhancing the state’s aquatic resources

Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall (centre), with Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, and Fisheries officers at Terrigal boat ramp

Marshall said there were 3,172 fines issued in 2020 under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, up from 2,782 in 2019 and 2,230 in 2018.

“This crackdown is part of our continued commitment to ensure a sustainable future for fishing,” Marshall said.

“Our fishers are incredibly passionate and the vast

majority of them do the right thing, but unfortunately a small minority think they can get away with breaking the rules.

“Rules are there for a reason and the Fisheries Management Act 1994 protects and promotes access to resources, including for Aboriginal cultural fishing purposes.

“I won’t apologise for coming down on repeat offenders.

“Issuing fines is not about Government walking around with a big stick, but rather working with the community to ensure our fishing resources are available for everyone, including our future generations who will also love to wet a line.”

Marshall said Fisheries Officers work closely with various fishing communities and run compliance programs

across the state, while also promoting the sustainable growth of commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture.

“NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries undertakes a risk-based compliance program, with a multi-faceted approach to the protection of resources,” he said.

“It is critical we take steps to

allow our fish stocks and the habitats they depend on to flourish and protecting these resources through risk based and outcomes focused compliance is a crucial part of ensuring that this happens.”

Source: Media release, Sep 2 NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads

Police and Emergency Services Public housing

Trains and public transport

Authorised by Liesl Tesch, 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

How can I help?

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10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Approximately 100,000 people on the Central Coast have not received a single dose of the vaccine.

Anyone who is over 18, who is not pregnant, and who does not have medical contraindications can receive an AstraZeneca vaccine.

Many local pharmacies, GPs and clinics are offering AstraZeneca vaccines right now.

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Unfortunately Pfizer vaccines are in very short supply, but the Federal Government has promised that more will come.

We are in a race against time to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Please don’t wait.

Adam Crouch MP

Member for Terrigal

Authorised by Adam Crouch MP, Shop 3 Fountain Plaza, 148-158 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

terrigal@parliament.nsw.gov.au adamcrouchmp

adamcrouchmp

PAGE 12

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Better Planning Group seeks to re-involve community in future development of Coast The Central Coast Community Better Planning Group and Central Coast Friends of Democracy will co-host a community planning forum on Saturday, October 23.

Better Planning Group Chair, Gary Chestnut, said the two community organisations wanted to invite the whole community to have more influence over how the Central Coast will be developed in the future.

“Since 2015 we have had a forced Council amalgamation, the introduction of State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) and planning panels – all of which have taken decision-making about

development on the Central Coast out of the community’s hands,” Chestnut said.

“The Central Coast local government area has also spent almost half of its first five years as a regional council under NSW Government Administration which has further eroded the community’s influence in decision-making and, until the Public Inquiry into the Council’s financial status is concluded, we do not know when our democratic local government representation will be restored.”

Former Central Coast Council Mayor and founder of Central Coast Friends of Democracy, Jane Smith, said the community planning forum will be a “first step” towards giving the

Gary Chestnut

Jane Smith

community a greater say in the region’s future.

“We know that members of the Central Coast community have very strong opinions about the future direction they want this region to move in and it is time their voices were

heard,” Smith said.

“The community planning forum will be a platform for discussion that will kick off a process across the Coast to make certain the whole community is well-informed about the impact of planning

decisions that are already in the pipeline.

“This event will be an opportunity to listen to current decision-makers from Central Coast Council, local and state organisations and activists who are already campaigning on behalf of the broader community.

“It will also be a platform for you to share your concerns and ideas about planning and developments in your own neighbourhood and the whole region.

“At the moment we are voiceless.

“Decisions are being made behind closed doors and with the flick of a pen that have long-term consequences for the local environment, for the

amenity of our villages and suburbs – for our beloved lifestyle.

“The Community Better Planning Group and Friends of Democracy invite all community members to register to participate in this important forum.

“It will be a starting point for an ongoing campaign to put our community in control of its future.”

Those wishing to attend the planning forum can register via https://www. ccfriendsofdemocracy.com/ events Source: Media release, Sep 9 Central Coast Community Better Planning Group and Friends of Democracy

Narara Ecovillage applies to IPART to vary water and sewer licence Narara Ecovillage Cooperative Ltd (NEV) has applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to change its approach to managing its community’s sewage, drinking water and recycled water needs.

NEV now intends to dispose of its sewage by transferring it to Central Coast Council’s sewage pumping station rather than recycling it for non-drinking

uses.

Drinking water will be supplied by Council instead of treating dam water to supply drinking water to the community.

The dam water will be treated to supply water for nondrinking water purposes.

NEV has applied to vary its licences granted under the NSW Water Industry Competition Act. IPART said NEV seeks to

include a new sewer rising main connecting the scheme to Council’s sewer main, extending the area of operations currently authorised by the licence.

Additional changes include a change in companies to provide the necessary technical and organisational capacity to build and operate the water industry infrastructure.

IPART will rule on NEV requests and any changes will be reflected in a new network

licence.

The original licences were granted by the State Government in 2017.

The scheme received commercial operation permission in October 2018, to operate a temporary treatment plant to produce recycled water for use in toilet flushing and irrigation, and reticulation networks for drinking water, recycled water and sewage collection.

IPART said it understood this

temporary plant was never fully commissioned and has since been removed.

“In 2019, NEV decided to remove the treatment plant from its operations and instead has signed agreements with Council to dispose of collected sewage directly to Council’s sewer network and to obtain drinking water from Council for drinking and for recycled water use within the scheme,” IPART said.

“To enable this change in

operations, NEV has constructed a new sewer rising main to transfer collected sewage from the scheme to CCC’s sewer main in Research Rd, necessitating a licence variation to include the infrastructure in its approved area of operation.”

The application is open for public comment until October 4.

Source: Media release, Sep 8 IPART

State announces $3.9B extension of JobSaver and small business relief Central Coast businesses and workers are set to benefit from an additional $3.9B in lockdown support funding, announced on September 2 by the State Government.

Including $1.5B from the Federal Government, the extra funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.

Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing

eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until January 14, 2022, with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the $3.9B in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.

“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Perrottet said.

“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.

“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed.

“We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”

The NSW Government has now committed $7.7B in

COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4B from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals in the state to more than $11B. The funding injection will see: extension of JobSaver from August 28; special payments for eligible businesses in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors with a turnover of more than $250M; special payments for eligible Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations in the social support and animal welfare sectors with a turnover

between $75,000 and $250M; extension of the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant from August 28; extension of payroll tax deferrals and waivers ; and monthly grants for eligible commercial and retail landlords.

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said the Government will continue to prioritise the fast payment of funds to businesses.

“We’ve put on close to 500 assessors in recent weeks and refined the application process,” he said.

“As a result, the number of applications older than 14 days is less than one per cent.

“We’re continuing to tailor our financial assistance to meet the needs across NSW and working around the clock to process applications and get money into accounts as quickly as possible.”

For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov. au/covid19.

Source: Media release, Sep 2 NSW government

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Move to protect threatened species in national parks Brisbane Water National Park is one of 110 across the state which will contain sites declared Assets of Intergenerational Significance (AIS) in a move to protect some of the country’s threatened species.

Koalas, rock wallabies and the Nightcap Oak are some of the iconic species set to be protected under an historic National Parks plan to declare 221 sites as AIS and set a target of zero extinctions of species on the NSW National Park estate.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Threatened Species Framework was about

protecting and improving the health of our threatened and iconic species for future generations.

“Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world,” Kean said.

“Globally, one million species face extinction over the coming decades and, as international biodiversity negotiations continue, everyone needs to aim high.

“Just as we have a net zero emissions target, we now also have a target of zero extinctions of species on our National Park estate, and are aiming to improve and stabilize the status of threatened species.”

“But our plan isn’t just about targets – it’s also about action and that’s why I am making

declarations for 221 sites to protect 92 endangered and iconic species.

“These AIS declarations are a game changer for threatened species, triggering the strongest possible legal protections – mandating conservation plans, targeted feral animal control, bespoke fire management and monitoring and reporting.

“We legislated the AIS provisions following the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which highlighted the need to protect our most important ecological and cultural assets.”

The new AIS have been identified as home to species at risk from feral animals, bushfire and climate change, and follow the first AIS declaration earlier

this year to protect the ancient Wollemi Pines.

There will be 221 AIS sites across 110 national parks totalling 301,843 hectares (3.89 per cent of the National Parks estate).

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF) has welcomed the announcement.

“This is a good start to help regenerate Australia following unprecedented bushfires,” said WWF-Australia Chief Conservation Officer, Rachel Lowry, said.

She urged the government to go further.

“Species outside national parks also deserve a zeroextinction target,” she said.

“Urban areas can be hotspots

for biodiversity including some of our most iconic threatened species.

“For example, there are important koala populations surviving in Sydney outside protected areas.

“Farmers who conserve high conservation value forests and woodland should be supported through a major boost in incentives by the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Trust.”

Lowry said the announcement comes at a time when attention is turning to international negotiations and calls for all nations to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and 30 per cent of the world’s seascapes by 2030.

“With global negotiations

underway to secure 30 per cent land and seascape protection, NSW could play a key role in helping Australia meet those targets through the expansion of their national park footprint, which is especially important after the bushfires,” she said.

“Only 9 per cent of NSW is within protected areas.

“Four of the six national unburnt landscapes in need of urgent protection post bushfires reside within NSW. “WWF urges the NSW Government to extend protection to these critical wildlife refuges as a priority intervention to prevent further species extinctions.”

Terry Collins

Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia accuses Liberal and Labor of colluding on registration rules The Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia has been working towards becoming a registered political party for over a year, with Traditional Custodian Tracey Howie set to contest the next Federal Election in the seat of Robertson, but a late change in electoral laws has put registration on hold.

Until recently, 500 members were needed by a proposed party to be registered.

The Party met this criterion and submitted its registration documents.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) had assessed the application and advertised nationally for objections with the objection period set to expire on September 6.

On that day, the Party received

Tracey Howie

a call from the AEC, advising the rules had been changed on September 2 so that new nonparliamentary parties must now have 1500 members.

The Party is accusing the major parties of banding together to get the changes through the Parliament quickly.

“This is just so typical of Liberal and Labor,” Howie said.

“They are always moving the

goal posts so Indigenous people never know where they stand and are undermined as a result.”

Convenor of the proposed Party, Uncle Owen Whyman, has written to the major parties and asked them if they are afraid of the proposed Indigenous Party of Australia.

Whyman says it is extraordinary that the major parties did not even debate the issue, with the Bill not even going to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny.

“People should feel they can vote for a minor party if that Party represents their views,” he said.

“At a time when many are ill at ease with the major parties, it will strengthen the suspicion that the major parties care only for their own skins and not for democracy or the people of Australia.

“In our case it can be difficult to get Indigenous people to get on the electoral roll and join our Party for fear this will somehow come against them, become another stepping stone to having their children taken away or ending up with a fine they cannot pay.

“It’s been a huge community effort to get our application this far.

“The Party only accepts Indigenous people as candidates and as members of the Board, but our membership is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and we welcome new members.”

Anyone can join on the Party’s website.

“It makes me laugh to think the major parties could be worried about us,” Whyman said.

“They are so much more

powerful than us.

“Are they afraid of our policy on the Baaka, the MurrayDarling?

“Or is it that they are scared of our education policies?

“We are calling education bureaucrats to account in NSW after NESA (NSW Education and Standards Authority) closed our schools and tipped Koori kids onto the streets in Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Western Sydney and the Central Coast.”

Howie, a direct descendant of Bungaree, who circumnavigated Australia with Matthew Flinders in the first years of the 19th century, is well known on the Coast for her strong advocacy of Indigenous rights.

She said environment and education are the two big issues for the Indigenous Party.

“We want the Kariong Sacred

Lands to be placed on a National Heritage register,” she said.

“Additionally, regarding sacred sites, the exploitation of Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permits must stop; both the Labor and Liberal parties are guilty here.”

“Education is another vital matter that the State Liberal Government has also turned into a dog’s breakfast.

“We want the NSW Education and Standards Authority closed, full stop.

“In its place, we will seek a Federal Commission with the authority to oversee Indigenous education, particularly for school refusers, bypassing the State.”

Source: Media release, Sep 7 Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia

The New Liberals announce election candidate With the next Federal Election slated for no later than May next year, the newly registered party, The New Liberals (TNL), has announced its candidate for the seat of Robertson.

Vania Holt has over a decade’s legal experience, including five years as a Public Prosecutor, and has founded her own law practice.

She is seeking to use her experience to be a new voice for the people of the Central Coast.

“The New Liberals’ goal is not only to fix the mess created by the political class in this country but to change political culture

Vania Holt

itself with real people from the real world who care about their country and their communities,” Holt said.

Holt said the “mess of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout

and its impact on the people of the Central Coast” was an example of the incompetence and unaccountability of the current Federal Government.

“First, we’re part of Greater Sydney, then we’re not, and then we find vaccines allocated for Coasties have been shipped elsewhere, and why?” she said.

“Because the Federal Government, including our current sitting member, failed to adequately plan for quarantine and ensure vaccine supply.

“Why are we not seeing supply contracts done directly with the vaccine companies?

“Why are we doing ‘swapsie’

deals with the UK, Singapore and Poland?

“Because it’s a mess; there’s no accountability.

“And what happens next year when people need booster shots?”

Holt said The New Liberals also intend to address the Federal Government’s handling of the environment.

“Bushfires, water shortages and coastal erosion aside, the Central Coast still faces the prospect of offshore oil and gas platforms just off our beaches and all the environmental risk that comes with that,” she said.

“The PEP-11 oil and gas exploration licence expired in

February 2021 and yet the Federal Resources Minister still has it under consideration for renewal.

“On top of that, BPH Energy has been issuing tenders for drilling services as late as July.

“So where is the transparency?

Where is the accountability? “(Member for Robertson) Lucy Wicks, (Member for Terrigal) Adam Crouch and (Prime Minister) Scott Morrison have all said they don’t want the project to go ahead, but it seems increasingly like they hope people on the Coast will forget about it until after the election.

“Then it will be too late to stop.”

Holt said she was optimistic about the future of the Central Coast and the role Coasties and TNL can play in Australia’s democracy.

“Now, more than ever, we need people on our beautiful Central Coast to stand up for what’s right, not only for our community, but the whole country,” she said.

“Whether you’re born and bred, or you’ve moved here for a better life, or you’re looking at voting in your first election, make sure you’re enrolled, make sure your voice counts.”

Source: Media release, Sep 8 Vania Holt, Candidate for Robertson

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The number of Central Coast residents not following stay-at-home orders is surging, with officers from the Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes Police Districts issuing 422 fines since Operation Stay At Home began on Monday, August 16.

Two men appeared in Wyong Local Court on September 8 following the discovery of a meth lab at Kulnura the day before.

that night where officers seized more than 10kg of methylamphetamine, a large quantity of methylamphetamine oil, more than 20kg of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of prohibited drugs, and equipment consistent with the large-scale manufacture of prohibited drugs from a shed on the property.

Fire & Rescue NSW HAZMAT rendered the lab safe before handing it to officers attached to State Crime Command’s

Chemical Operations Team.

All items and substances seized during the operation will undergo further forensic examination.

Both men were charged with various offences and refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on September 8, where they were formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Tuesday, November 2.

Source: Media release, Sep 8 NSW Police media

All NSW Police to be fully vaccinated All Central Coast employees of the NSW Police Force, along with others in the state, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

by November 30.

The move follows the escalation of cases of the delta strain in NSW and the significant risk the virus poses to both employees and the broader community.

Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner, Karen Webb, said the implementation of the mandatory vaccination regime for all police employees acknowledges the significant frontline role the NSW Police Force is playing to support the

State Government’s response to COVID-19.

“We know that the delta strain of this virus poses a significant risk to police officers and staff,” Webb said.

“Each day, we ask our officers to front up and perform their vital policing functions in this extremely challenging environment.

“The only way to face that risk is by ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are administered to all staff.”

All NSW Police Force members must have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 30 and at least doses

by November 30.

Evidence of vaccination is to be recorded to police systems to guide deployment, welfare and safety management.

“At last count, more than 17,000 police employees had already been fully or partially vaccinated,” Webb said.

“When we have full vaccination, we can ensure we provide a safe workplace for all.”

Exemptions will be available for medical contraindications and other valid reasons.

Source: Media release, Sep 7 Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner, Karen Webb

ON THE BEAT PAGE 15

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

422 fines issued under Operation Stay At Home

Two men charged after discovery of Kulnura meth lab

The arrests followed an incident on Burns Rd, Ourimbah, just after 5pm on September 7.

Police will allege a vehicle rammed two police vehicles, heavily damaging one and causing minor injuries to a male Senior Constable, before the two occupants fled on foot.

Detectives, assisted by local police and the Dog Squad, arrested two men – aged 35 and 48 – nearby a short time later, before they were taken to Wyong Police Station.

A search warrant was executed at an Ourimbah home, where police seized drug paraphernalia, $220,000 cash, an electronic stun device, and a ballistic vest.

As part of ongoing inquiries, a crime scene warrant was subsequently executed at a rural property in Kulnura about 9pm

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Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the Central Coast’s number of active COVID-19 cases continued to grow.

“We need 100 per cent of people on the Central Coast to follow the rules because it only takes a few people doing the wrong thing for the Delta strain

of COVID-19 to rapidly spread,” Crouch said.

“I’m disappointed that everybody who is following the rules, getting tested and getting vaccinated is being let down by a small minority of people who think they are above the law.”

Crouch said on-the-spot Personal Infringement Notices (PINs) range from $500 to $5,000.

He said 249 fines have been issued in the Brisbane Water Police District and 173 in the Tuggerah Lakes Police District, with common offences including failing to wear a mask and breaching the twoperson outdoor exercise rule.

Five on-the-spot fines have

also been issued by local police to Sydneysiders who travelled to the Coast without a permit, he said.

“Defence personnel have been deployed to the Central Coast and are assisting police officers with daily welfare and compliance checks on the hundreds of locals who have either tested positive or are close contacts,” Crouch said.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses contravening the Public Health Orders is urged to report it to Crime Stoppers.

Source: Media release, Sep 7 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Man to face court over Peats Ridge tobacco find earlier this year A man will face court next month after police seized more than $3M worth of tobacco at Peats Ridge earlier this year.

In March, police received information that a tobacco crop was being grown on a property off Euloo Rd. Strike Force Morgan, comprising detectives attached to Brisbane Water Police District, was established and a search warrant was executed at the premises on Monday, April 13.

Officers allegedly located a large tobacco crop over 13 hectares in size and valued at more than $3M, along with three kilns and an amount of cash.

Ten people working at the property were arrested at the time.

They were later released pending further investigations.

Following extensive inquiries, a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) was prepared for the offences of; possessing tobacco, tobacco seed, tobacco plant, tobacco leaf 500kg or above; manufacturing/ producing tobacco/seed/plant/ leaf 500kg or above; and dealing with suspected proceeds of indictable crime.

Attempts to serve the prepared notice on a 53-year-

old man were unsuccessful, and inquiries revealed he had left the country.

On September 2, investigators identified the man was currently staying in hotel quarantine.

He was issued the CAN and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Friday, October 1.

Source: Media release, Sep 3 NSW Police

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Certificates, policing powers and hefty fines all necessary I always agree with Pauline Wright, if I know what’s good for me (“Council of Civil Liberties expresses concern over new special powers for police”, CCN 308).

However, I think she has misjudged the COVID situation and the measures we need to combat it.

She is right that vaccination

HYLAND BYTES certificates are an essential weapon in the fight, but I cannot see this as a temporary provision.

In my view, we shall need to carry such certificates for a long time to come, just as, in the past, nobody could travel overseas without the little yellow booklet that proved you

were immunized against smallpox, yellow fever and the like.

In fact, if COVID proves to be an annual phenomenon, the vaccination certificate will need to be attached to, say, a Medicare card that can be produced at any time on demand.

Similarly, I accept the new police powers that I see as

Payroll taxes holding businesses back I can now see what is holding small business (back) from being established in NSW. I have spoken to a lot of our citizens over the past few years and one thing came from these discussions (and) that is payroll tax.

I do not think that business should be paying tax to hire labour in this state - and then the employees pay tax on their wages and salaries.

FORUM This is call double dipping.

I also ask what do we get for it - more bureaucracy?

It seems to any normal person that we are being bled of finance that could be used for the nation to build it bigger and better for all of us.

The other thing that came from these discussions is why do we have so many states arguing over our health, with

The Water Security Plan is currently out for consultation until September 28.

My understanding is that Central Coast Council is broke, yet someone in the Council seems determined to build a Water Desalination Plant in case we get a massive drought.

First a resident survey was conducted with an obvious slant to support the preferred approach of having a

FORUM desalination plant.

The whole concept seems to be based on some misleading data including: population growth being 50 per cent higher than historical averages; assumed increased water use per person rather than the actual reduction of the last 20 years; assuming climate change will reduce rainfall when it is actually increasing; the 20 per cent recent increase in storage capacity at Mangrove Dam which now gives us 6.5

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our way out of the pandemic seems counter-intuitive.

We arrest and fine people all the time for a variety of offences, so there must be some belief that this kind of punishment deters antisocial behaviour.

My view is that hefty fines are likely to have a positive effect on behaviour in this time of COVID, and I am all in favour of

anything that can return us to some semblance of normality.

People who are breaking the law are putting us all at risk and should be treated in the same way as drunk drivers: what about a Random COVID testing blitz in the worst-hit areas?

Email, Sep 6 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Deepest thanks to Coles team and customers

the Queensland premier saying: “Queensland hospitals are only for Queenslanders”.

I wonder where the lady thinks the money comes from to build them and keep them in good order.

I am not Queensland bashing but let’s get our nation back to what we had; a great and powerful country for all.

Email, Sep 4 Robert Findley, Point Clare

Desalination plant would be a waste of money Central Coast Council is currently seeking to waste more money on a Desalination Plant.

necessary to get on top of the outbreak.

I agree that they should be as time-limited as possible, but it is clear that the present powers are insufficient.

If they were working, we shouldn’t be facing the scale of the present outbreak, so some breakthrough measure is required.

To say that we cannot arrest

years water without any inflows; and no consideration of the infrastructure now in place to pump water from Wyong Creek to Mangrove Dam (which can actually use excess solar power during the day).

Please have a look at the draft Water Security Plan and let the Council know that we don’t want them wasting our rates on a white elephant that will never be used.

Email, Sep 8 Scott Jones, Somersby

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Coles customers and team members on the Central Coast as we acknowledge the most extraordinary fundraising milestone.

A massive $40M has been raised for Redkite by Coles across Australia in the past eight years – funds that go directly to support families facing childhood cancer.

In West Gosford alone, local customers helped raise more than $6,000 in the last financial year, placing Coles West Gosford in the top five highest fundraising stores in NSW. Coles’ fundraising has enabled 81 per cent more Australian families to have their urgent support needs met during their child’s health crisis.

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper Helping thousands of families and children affected by cancer, this has totalled 131,225 hours of counselling in hospital and in the community; 55,570 essential household bills paid; 18,626 hours of music therapy in seven hospitals across five states, and 3,110 scholarships and grants for young cancer patients and survivors.

Coles Group has been a passionate supporter of families affected by childhood cancer since partnering with Redkite in 2013, transforming the way they are cared for throughout their cancer experience.

This includes the launch of a new Redkite children’s counselling service to address the short and long-term mental health impacts for diagnosed children and their brothers and sisters.

It is only through the generosity of local communities across Australia that we are able to provide such tangible support for Aussie kids with cancer and their families.

Email, Sep 2 Monique Keighery, CEO Redkite

Thanks for covering athletics We are keen readers of your weekly CCN to catch up on all the news on our wonderful Coast.

I was especially impressed that you have recognized the world class efforts of Nicola McDermott in Paris at the recent Diamond League meeting, since she performed again with great success in

FORUM Brussels in Belgium and most probably will again in Zurich.

But what I find most pleasing is that you are the only publisher I ever come across which occasionally writes about athletics.

It is truly a shame that

athletics does not get more recognition in this country.

Thank you again for your efforts.

I am originally from Europe and I just love my athletics; I wish more people recognised our fantastic athletes.

Email, Sep 5 Werner Gross, Bateau Bay

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Forbidden

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

NT Dance Company’s production of Forbidden Photo: Duane Preston

Four students and one graduate from the NAISDA Dance college at Kariong featured in NT Dance Company’s production Forbidden at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on September 3 and 4.

Students James Boyd, Brianna Kemmerling and Kiara Malcolm and 2020 graduate Chandler Connell took part in the production, which was a cross-cultural, cross-border collaboration between NT Dance Company, NAISDA Dance College, West Australian

Ballet and traditional Yolngu artists from Miku Performing Arts, based in East Arnhem Land.

Supported by the Federal Government’s RISE Initiative, this collaboration has enabled NAISDA students to train, learn and perform with NT Dance Company in Darwin as part of a unique secondment and professional development program.

A NAISDA spokesperson said the collaboration between the dance college and NT Dance Company began in March this

year when NAISDA welcomed Larrakia man, NAISDA graduate and Artistic Director of NT Dance Company Gary Lang, for a three-week Artist-inResidency at its campus on NSW Darkinjung Land.

“An internationally recognised choreographer, dancer, artist and teacher, Gary was joined by two senior NT Dance Company members, Millie and Triki,” the spokesperson said.

“Together they worked with NAISDA students to develop the creative process, share cultural learning and exchange.

“Following the Artist-inResidency, James, Brianna and Kiara flew out to Darwin in June just prior to lockdown, for their 10-week secondment with the Company.”

NAISDA CEO, Kim Walker, said he was thrilled with the experience and learning opportunities the unique collaboration created for NAISDA’s Advanced Diploma students.

“The program was designed to develop and equip emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists with authentic

company experience and strong connections into the professional dance industry,” he said.

“We are very grateful to Gary and his team for equipping our students with new skills and experiences.

“It has been wonderful to witness their development and creative journeys unfold.”

Participant James Boyd said the experience had been challenging but extremely rewarding.

“We covered a lot with Gary – connection with each other,

learning solos and partnering,” he said.

“We also spent time on understanding the feeling of a particular moment and how to carry that feeling into our movements.

“It was such an awesome opportunity to learn from someone like Gary who has a really unique style of blending partnering, ballet and contemporary with Indigenous dance.

Source: Media release, Sep 3 NAISDA

One week left to nominate NSW Women of the Year The search is on for the Central Coast’s most inspirational and influential female leaders to be nominated for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards, which celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said Coast women previously recognised in the awards included entrepreneur Suzy Miller, nurse Steph Forster, philanthropist Yvonne Crestani, firefighter Tanya Deger, psychologist Nada Potter, founder of Free Trade Day Yvette Wilson and businesswoman Claire Braund.

“There is just one week for people to make nominations for the 2022 awards and I encourage everyone to consider who they might put forward for consideration,” he said.

Categories of awards include Woman of the Year, Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and Regional Woman of the Year.

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant was named as the 2021 Woman of Excellence and also as the 2021 Woman of the Year.

“I am inspired by the female colleagues I work alongside every day as part of our COVID-19 response,” Chant said.

“I am surrounded by incredible intelligence, commitment, skill, compassion and determination.

“I encourage all women to believe in themselves and their capacity to contribute.”

The 2021 NSW Women of the Year Awards saw a record number of nominations as women across the State stepped up in the face of drought, fire, flood and COVID-19.

Nominations for the 2022 awards close on Friday, September 17 and can be made at: https://facs.smartygrants. com.au/WOTYA2022Winners.

Source: Media release, Sep 3 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

Claire Braund (pictured with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, and Premier Gladys Berejiklian) was named Terrigal electorate Woman of the Year in 2021

PAGE 18 OUT&ABOUT

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Looking after koala joey in lockdown a family affair

Billy, Matty and Tim Faulkner at home with Pixie Photo: Australian Reptile Park

When your Dad is the Director of the Australian Reptile Park, what better to occupy you during lockdown than helping care for an at-risk koala joey?

Billy and Matty Faulkner have stepped in to help father Tim provide around-the clock care for koala joey Pixie, whose mother fell ill in July.

Keepers at the Park had to make a daring rescue to save the joey, knowing that if they

didn’t intervene, the outlook for both the mother and joey were grim.

Park Director Tim Faulkner stepped into the role of surrogate parent to the 300g baby koala.

Working from home looks a little different when you’re caring for a koala joey and running one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife parks.

Between Zoom meetings, online learning with kids and koala feedings every four hours, there’s a lot going on at

the Faulkner household during lockdown.

Now weighing in at 420g, Pixie is thriving under the care of Tim and his sons, Billy, 11, and Matty,9.

“Now that they’re at the age where they can start developing those animal care skills, it’s been an absolute joy to get them really hands-on with caring for Pixie,” Faulkner said of his sons.

“The boys love helping me with preparing her bottle, feeding her and the all-

important weigh-ins to make sure she’s gaining weight every day.

“She just wants to be involved in everything we do at home – she’s so inquisitive.

“She loves to sit with the kids when they’re doing their homework or passing the time with a puzzle.

Pixie has also become an internet sensation, with video of the tiny joey amassing over two million views on social media in just five days as people around the country in

lockdown resonate with her story.

Pixie is one of the koala joeys born at the Australian Reptile Park this year as part of its koala breeding program.

Wild koala populations have been in decline for years now and after the Black Summer bushfires, their numbers have plummeted.

Breeding programs like the one at the Australian Reptile Park are vitally important for the future of the species.

Faulkner, who is also President of conservation organisation Aussie Ark said without dramatic intervention koalas could be extinct in the wild in less than 30 years.

“In a couple of years, little Pixie will join the breeding program and become a mother herself.

“She’s the future of her species, alongside the five other koala joeys born during our 2021 breeding season.”

Terry Collins

40 bags of kindness Coast and Country Primary Care (CCPC) at Erina was the recipient on August 27 of 40 Random Acts of Kindness Bags to support the health and wellbeing of homeless people on the Central Coast.

The bags, made up by The Entrance Rotary Club for CCPC’s Health on the Streets Team (HOTS), are packed with non-perishable food items such as baked beans and canned spaghetti as well as sweets and treats that do not require heating or cooking.

The Entrance Rotary Club member Don Cannings said CCPC reached out to the club in December last year asking for assistance in providing essential goods.

“We were contacted by CCPC

who put us in contact with Joel Sneaton, who is a social worker with HOTS, to help by gathering items that could help homeless people on the Coast,” he said.

“We suggested that we put (in) items that didn’t need heating and it made such a difference in the community.

“Sneaton was telling us after the first round of bags went out just before Christmas that after people had received their bags they were becoming more engaged with HOTS and going to their appointments, so he asked if we could keep providing bags in the future.

“We got a grant of $3,000 from Rotary Australia and The Entrance Rotary Club which will go towards making more bags in the future.

“As well as the food, we also have supplied sleeping devices

to keep people out of the weather and we have donated mobile phones, as homeless people on the Coast move around a lot and they usually have no way to be contacted.

“So, these phones enable CCPC to book and follow up on appointments.

“We also support other services that help homeless people on the Coast like Shoebox Revolution and the Benevolent Society; we try to help them where we can.”

The 40 bags dropped off to CCPC on August 27 was the third delivery made by The Entrance Rotary Club, with more planned in the future.

“The grant means that we should now be able to deliver these bags for at least the next 12 months,” Cannings said.

“It often takes me a couple of

days to get everything to put in the bags, and I’ve already started to put the next lot of bags together, but I won’t be making any more until we get the call from CCPC and restrictions start to ease.”

The Coast and Country Primary Care HOTS is a mobile health clinic for homeless people on the Central Coast, providing healthcare and linking people sleeping rough to housing and community services.

The service breaks down barriers faced by homeless people such as a lack of transport and a lack of identification and ensures that everyone sleeping rough has access to basic healthcare, safety and dignity.

Harry Mulholland

Melanie Bryan and Don Cannings of the Rotary Club of The Entrance delivering 40 Random Acts of Kindness Bags

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Kwong wins National Biography Award for One Bright Moon Patients of Wyoming-based doctor Andrew Kwong might be surprised to know he is also an awardwinning author.

Kwong, of Wamberal, has won the 2021 National Biography Award for a debut work for his memoir, One Bright Moon.

The award was announced recently by the State Library of NSW, along with overall winner, Truganini by Cassandra Pybus.

One Bright moon focuses on the rise of communism in China as Kwong outlines his own family’s journey when Chinese life was overrun by corruption, thievery, lynching and victimisation in the early years of the rule of Mao Zedong.

Kwong was born in Zhongshan in the Pearl River Delta.

In Mao’s new China, he began life as an enthusiastic revolutionary memorising the communist chants and songs.

But his beloved parents were intellectuals and teachers, and this marked them as traitors.

After witnessing his first execution at the age of seven and seeing his father arrested

Andrew Kwong

and put on trial, Kwong was the first in his family to escape the famine and persecution which followed, smuggled into Hong Kong in the bottom of a boat.

“I suppose I was one of the earliest boat people,” he said.

“I count myself very lucky.

“I started learning English in

One Bright Moon

Hong Kong at the age of 13 and at 19 I came to Australia.”

Kwong thought the story should be recorded for his children.

“Now I have grandchildren it is even more important,” he said.

After thinking about it for

Coastal Twist postponed to January The Coastal Twist LGBTIQ Arts & Culture Festival is plotting its way out of the pandemic by postponing this year’ event with adjusted plans for a fiveday, all ages festival on January 19-23, 2022.

“The inaugural festival in 2019 saw something very special,” Festival Director, Glitta Supernova, said.

“Commanding national attention by aligning with the most innovative festivals in the world, Twist embodied authentic inclusion of all people. “(It) quadrupled expectations with over 7,000 people attending across three days of free and ticketed beach, film, theatre, exhibition, dance, events with up to 50 per cent visitation.

Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the

event was all set to return this October long weekend, but COVID has once again intervened.

“Coastal Twist, like most festivals around the country, had to reimagine the how and why and we decided cancellation was not an option,” Supernova said.

“Pushing the festival out by almost four months would mean we could forge ahead and keep everyone safe with adjusted plans for a midsummer five day free and ticketed festival (in January).

“The festival has positioned itself as the catalyst for new perceptions of a more welcoming Central Coast, and a Coast which is showing its best side both to its neighbours and its visitors.

“That’s how regional healing and growth has opportunity to blossom.

Supernova said residents could get involved by: heading to the participate tab on the Coastal Twist website; signing up for the Puparazzi Pooch Parade; entering the surf event; becoming a sponsor or volunteer; having a stall at the community fair day; applying to enter the Art Show; entering a business in the window display competition; or holding their own event as part of the Twisted Experiences.

“This Festival is breaking ground in the continuing work for disarming the thinking that difference is somehow bad,” she said.

For further details go to Coastaltwist.org.au/ participate.

LEGACY IS kEEpInG thEIr promISE to mY dAd CHARLOTTE

A promise was made to a dying soldier in the trenches of WWI. A promise that his family would be looked after. With recent conflicts, our work is as important today as it was when we began.

Help us keep the promise, make a donation today.

T o D O N AT E , C A L L 1 8 0 0 5 3 4 2 2 9 O R V I S I T L E G A C Y.C O M . A U

Source: Media release, Sep 2 Coastal Twist

many years, Kwong actually took around four years to write the memoir, spending some time in the Blue Mountains where he found inspiration.

“I took community college writing courses, courses with the NSW Writers Centre,” he said.

“It was important to me to make the book readable and interesting.

“I am delighted that my memoir has won the National Biography Award for a debut work.

“Having been a part of the Central Coast for the past 42

years, I am excited to share this news with the community which has adopted me for all these years.

“I am very honoured by the award and at the same time full of humility.

“The other writers (nominated) are very high powered, and I hope this will encourage other writers on the Coast.”

State Librarian, John Vallance, said the ancient curiosity about other people’s lives and their importance is as strong today as ever.

“So much of what we understand of the world, we grasp through the ways others have lived,” he said.

While it was important to Kwong to document his experiences, he prefers not to dwell on the past.

“As a GP, I look forward rather than remembering the hard times,” he said.

“That’s what my mother always said to do.”

One Bright Moon is published

by HarperCollins and was featured in a CCN Book Review late last year (see our website).

Terry Collins

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ABC (C20/21)

Friday 10 September

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:55 5:25 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30

Saturday 11 September

10:00 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:20 2:30 3:30 4:40 5:10 6:15 7:00 7:30 8:20

Sunday 12 September

9:20 10:15 11:15 6:00 7:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:30 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00 7:40 8:30 9:25 10:15 11:05

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 Coronavirus: Public Update [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] That Pacific Sports Show [s] 2:00 The Capture (M l,v) [s] 3:00 4:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 Escape From The City [s] Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 6:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 7:00 The Drum [s] 8:30 ABC News [s] Gardening Australia [s] Midsomer Murders: Death By Persuasion (M v) [s] – A girl slips away from a Jane Austen weekend dressed in period attire and is found stabbed in the woods.

The Capture (M l,v) [s] ABC Late News [s] 11:05 12:05 The Vaccine [s] Question Everything [s] Rosehaven (PG) [s] 1:00 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] rage Guest Programmer (PG) 10:00 Coronavirus: Public Update [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] Grand Designs (M l) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 5:00 Designing A Legacy (PG) [s] 5:30 Further Back In Time For 6:00 Dinner: The 1910s (PG) [s] 6:30 Landline [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 7:00 (PG) [s] The Repair Shop [s] ABC News [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] The Trial Of Christine Keeler (M l,s) [s] – As Christine’s fame rises, pressure mounts on John Profumo. Police investigate Stephen Ward and Christine’s 9:30 stalker case goes to trial.

The Newsreader (M l) [s] Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s] 11:45 rage Guest Programmer 1:00 (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 10:00 Insiders [s] 12:00 Offsiders [s] 1:00 The World This Week [s] Coronavirus: Public Update [s] 3:00 4:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 5:00 Landline [s] 5:30 Gardening Australia [s] 6:00 Songs Of Praise [s] Shakespeare And Hathaway 7:00 9:00 (PG) [s] How Deadly World (PG) [s] Yom Kippur In Lockdown [s] Art Works [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Compass [s] 10:00 ABC News Sunday [s] David Attenborough’s Global 12:00 Adventure: The Rise Of Nature [s] The Newsreader (M) [s] Traces (M d,l) [s] Les Norton: Lobster Mobster (M d,l,s) [s] 1:00 Silent Witness (MA15+) [s]

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Flower Shop Mystery: Dearly Depotted” (M) (’16) Stars: Brooke Shields House Of Wellness (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Movie: “Something’s Gotta Give” (PG) (’03) – While Harry is an aging Casanova who refuses to accept his age, Erica is an acclaimed dramatist.

Unavoidable circumstances force these two individuals, who are poles apart in nature, to share a roof. Stars: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton Program To Be Advised Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (M v) [s] Home Shopping Home Shopping [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend [s] Seven’s Horse Racing: Flemington/ Rosehill *Live* [s] Seven News At 5 [s] Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Movie: “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” (PG) (’18) – Teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe, and must join with five spiderpowered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities. Stars: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson Movie: “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (M l,v) (’09) Stars: Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch Program To Be Advised Home Shopping Home Shopping Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend House Of Wellness (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] Better Homes And Gardens Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Homicide With Ron Iddles: Gina Rossato (M) [s] – Gina Rossato’s naked body was found dumped in a ravine, her throat was cut and she’d been beaten with a belt.

Surviving 9/11 (M v,s) [s] Ant Middleton & Rebel Wilson: Straight Talking (M l) [s] – Ant takes actress Rebel on the trip of a lifetime through Mexico, with just a 4x4, a backpack and each other for company.

Home Shopping

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

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 12:15 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 9:45 10:35

12:40 6:00 7:00 10:00 12:00 12:30 1:00 1:10 2:30 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 9:45 10:30 12:30 1:30 2:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 1:00 1:30 1:45 3:00 6:00 7:00 8:30 9:30 10:00

11:00 11:50 12:40

Today [s] 6:00 6:30 Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:00 Garden Gurus Moments [s] Movie: “Secrets Of My 7:30 Stepdaughter” (M v) (’17) Stars: Josie Davis 8:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 12:00 1:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 2:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:00 NINE News [s] 3:30 4:00 NRL: 1st Qualifying Final: Storms v Sea Eagles *Live* From Sunshine Coast Stadium 4:30 NRL: Post Match (M) [s] Movie: “Criminal” (MA15+) 5:00 (’16) – In a last-ditch effort to 6:00 stop a diabolical plot, a dead 6:30 7:30 CIA operative’s memories, 8:30 secrets, and skills are implanted into a death-row 9:30 inmate in hopes that he will 11:30 complete the operative’s mission. Stars: Kevin Costner 12:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 6:00 Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:30 Weekend Today [s] Today Extra - Saturday (PG) 7:00 7:30 Rivals [s] 8:00 Destination WA (PG) [s] Explore [s] 9:00 The Block: Master Ensuite 9:30 Week (PG) [s] 12:00 Travel Guides: 12:30 The Philippines (PG) [s] 1:00 The Garden Gurus [s] 2:00 Getaway (PG) [s] 3:00 NINE News Saturday [s] NRL: 2nd Qualifying Final: Roosters v Titans *Live* From 3:30 4:00 QCB Stadium, Townsville [s] 4:30 NRL: Post Match (M) [s] 5:00 Movie: “American Made” 6:00 (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons 7:00 8:00 Australia’s Top Ten Of 9:00 Everything: Music Men (PG) 10:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 11:00 Home Shopping 1:00 Wesley Impact (PG) [s] Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Today [s] 8:00 Sports Sunday (PG) [s] 8:30 Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] 9:00 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 9:30 Explore [s] 12:00 The Block: Master Ensuite 1:10 Week (PG) [s] 1:30 NRL: 2nd Elimination Final: 2:00 Eels v Knights *Live* From 2:30 Browne Park, Rockhampton [s] NINE News Sunday [s] 3:00 The Block: Master Ensuite 3:30 Week Reveal (PG) [s] 4:00 60 Minutes [s] 4:30 NINE News Late [s] The First 48: Blood Lust (M) [s] 5:00 – The city of Atlanta is gripped 6:00 with fear as a deadly killer 6:30 prowls the streets for 7:30 unsuspecting victims.

9:15 Prison Girls: Life Inside 10:15 (MA15+) [s] Dr Christian Jessen Will See 11:15 You Now: Chronic (MA15+) [s] 12:00 The Garden Gurus [s] 1:00

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

Entertainment Tonight [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Program To Be Advised The Graham Norton Show (PG) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Reel Action [s] Religious Programs [s] Healthy Homes [s] Seafood Escape [s] Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] Taste Of Australia [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] Left Off The Map [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] The Living Room [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Farm To Fork (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia [s] 10 News First [s] In The Shadow Of The Towers (PG) [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Ambulance UK (M d) [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised Blue Bloods (M v) [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Australia By Design [s] Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Farm To Fork [s] Healthy Homes Australia [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Australian Survivor (PG) [s] FBI: Straight Flush (M v) [s] FBI: Most Wanted: Rampage (PG) [s] FBI: Invisible (PG) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping

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

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, [s] Subtitles Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

SBS (C30)

5:30 Worldwatch 9:00 Tennis: US Open: Women’s Semi Finals *Live* 2:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:05 NITV News: Nula 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Inside Hitler’s Bunker (PG) (In English/ French) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Ramses The Great Empire Builder (PG) 8:30 World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Spain (PG) 9:30 Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11 (MA15+) 11:30 SBS World News 12:00 The Miniaturist (M l,s) 3:00 Tom Cruise - Body And Soul (M l) 4:00 Peter Kuruvita’s Coastal Kitchen 5:00 Tennis: US Open: Men’s Singles Semi Finals *Live* 2:00 Motor Sports: Superbike World Championship 2:55 Gymnastics: World Cup Bulgaria 4:35 The Interviewer 4:45 QE2: The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel 5:40 9/11 - Control The Skies (M) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Castles: Secrets, Mysteries And Legends: Spain (PG) 8:30 Celebrity Mastermind (PG) 9:30 Movie: “102 Minutes That Changed America” (M l) (’08) Stars: George W. Bush 11:25 Movie: “Spotlight” (M l) (’15) Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams 1:45 Movie: “Man On Wire” (PG) (’08) Stars: Philippe Petit, Jean François Heckel 3:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:00 Poh & Co. Best Bites 5:30 Worldwatch 6:00 Tennis: US Open: Women’s Final *Live* 9:00 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Motor Sports: The AusMoto Show 3:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Magazine 4:00 Motor Sports: W Series Highlights 4:40 Mission Galapagos 5:00 Cycling: La Vuelta 2021 Highlights 5:35 The Blitz: Britain On Fire (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Central Station: Sydney Harbour Bridge Closure (M) 8:30 Australia Uncovered: Strong Female Lead (M) 9:55 Vaccine: The Inside Story (M) (In English/ Mandarin) 11:40 The Surrogates (M s)

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

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PAGE 20

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Psycho-In-Law” (M) (’17) Stars: Katie Leclerc, Catherine Dyer, Mike Faiola What The Killer Did Next: Sian Roberts (M) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] SAS Australia: Ego (PG) [s] – Eighteen Aussie celebrities volunteer for the toughest test of their lives – a condensed version of the Special Forces selection course, which will physically and mentally strip them back to the core.

Program To Be Advised The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Make No Mistakes, He’s Mine (M v) [s] Home Shopping

10:25 10:40 11:00 12:05

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Four Corners [s] Coronavirus: Public Update [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] The Trial Of Christine Keeler (M l,s) [s] 2:00 Death In Paradise (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] 3:00 The Twist (PG) [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] 5:00 Chopsticks Or Fork? [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 7:00 The Drum [s] 7:30 ABC News [s] 9:00 7.30 [s] 11:00 Back To Nature: 11:30 Rainforest And Rock [s] Juanita: A Family Mystery (PG) [s] Decoding Danger: Firestorm (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Q&A [s] 12:30 China Tonight [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “The Lover In The Attic: A True Story” (M) (’18) Stars: Molly Burnett, Kevin Fonteyne, David Fierro, David Alexander What The Killer Did Next: Norma Bell (M) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: No One Is Alone (M v) [s] – Vic and Travis’ friendship is put to the test as they respond to calls to help two best friends in need; Jack realises he has a greater impact on Marcus than he thought.

Home Shopping

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:40 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:35 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:05 4:50 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:25 10:40 10:55 11:40

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] The Recording Studio (PG) 11:30 12:00 What Is Music? [s] Coronavirus: Public Update [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address 2:00 Media Watch (PG) [s] 3:00 Victoria (PG) [s] 4:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 5:00 The Twist (PG) [s] 6:00 The Repair Shop [s] 7:00 Chopsticks Or Fork? [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 7:30 9:05 The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] Rosehaven (PG) [s] Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] 10:05 Staged (M l) [s] 11:05 ABC Late News [s] 11:35 The Business [s] Four Corners [s] 12:30 Media Watch (PG) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “The Wrong House” (M) 12:00 (’16) Stars: Clare Kramer, Tilky Jones, Allison McAtee 1:00 What The Killer Did Next: Kate Prout (M) [s] 2:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 3:00 Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 4:00 5:00 Seven News [s] 6:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:00 Program To Be Advised 7:30 RFDS (M v) [s] – When a catastrophic explosion at an 8:40 underground mine creates a 9:50 mass-casualty incident, the 10:40 RFDS are called to save the lives of two brothers caught in 11:10 the blast.

The Rookie: New Blood (M) 12:00 The Latest Seven News [s] Chicago Fire: Blow This Up 12:50 1:00 Somehow (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:05 4:50 5:05 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:35 10:30 10:45 11:00 12:00 1:30

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Australian Story [s] 12:00 Back To Nature [s] Coronavirus: Public Update [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 2:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] 2:30 Victoria (PG) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] 3:00 The Twist (PG) [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] 5:00 Chopsticks Or Fork? [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 6:00 7:00 The Drum [s] 8:30 Sammy J (PG) [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Q&A [s] A Life In Ten Pictures (PG) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] 10:45 Midsomer Murders (M v) [s] 11:15 12:30 Victoria (PG) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Hannah’s Law” (M v) (’12) Stars: Billy Zane, Danny Glover, Greyston Holt Kochie’s Business Builders (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: Esky Rescue (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Movie: “27 Dresses” (PG) (’08) – After serving as a bridesmaid 27 times, a young woman wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side as her sibling marries the man she’s secretly in love with.

Stars: Katherine Heigl The Latest Seven News [s] The Front Bar (M) [s] Home Shopping

Monday 13 September

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Landline [s] 11:30 Coronavirus: Public Update [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] Death In Paradise (M v) [s] 2:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] Escape From The City (PG) 3:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 4:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 5:00 The Drum [s] 6:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 7.30 [s] 7:30 Australian Story [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] China Tonight [s] Road To Now: Age Of Conflict (M v) [s] ABC Late News [s] 9:10 The Business [s] 10:50 Juanita: A Family Mystery 11:20 (PG) [s] Traces (M l) [s] 12:30 Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s]

11:00 11:15 11:35

Tuesday 14 September

12:30 1:15 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:05 4:50 5:10 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30

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

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

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

Wednesday 15 September

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 5:25 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:15 9:35 10:05

PRIME (C61/60)

Thursday 16 September

ABC (C20/21)

2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:40

9:40 10:40 11:10 12:05 1:00 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:40 9:40 10:40 11:10

12:05 1:00

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30

10:00 11:15 11:45 12:35 1:30

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

PAGE 21

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

SBS (C30)

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 6:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:00 Getaway (PG) [s] 7:30 The Block: Master Ensuite Reveal (PG) [s] 8:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 1:00 2:45 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:30 NINE News [s] 4:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] Under Investigation: Murder 5:00 6:00 Island (M) [s] – The brutal murder of 23-year-old Elizabeth 6:30 ‘Beth’ Barnard in 1986 divided 7:30 the close but secretive community of Victoria’s Phillip 8:45 Island.

100% Footy (M) [s] 9:45 NINE News Late [s] The Arrangement (M l,s,v) [s] 10:45 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 11:45 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 12:30

Entertainment Tonight [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (M) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] Have You Been Paying Attention? (MA15+) [s] The Montreal Comedy Festival (MA15+) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 6:00 Tennis: US Open: Men’s Final *Live* 10:00 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Inside Central Station 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 The Supervet (PG) 5:00 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 10 Mistakes That Sank The Titanic (PG) 8:30 Secret Scotland (PG) 9:20 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:15 SBS World News 10:45 Outlier (MA15+) (In Norwegian/ Saami) 11:35 Reprisal (MA15+) 1:40 The Secret Life Of: Peter (PG)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Desperate Housewives: Connect! Connect! (M s) [s] The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] The Hundred With Andy Lee Travel Guides: Israel (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] Reverie: Altum Somnum (M v) [s] – Monica seeks help from the team after a bombing kills dozens of people; Mara dives into the mind of a coma victim to identify a perpetrator.

Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s]

Entertainment Tonight [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] The Cheap Seats (M l) [s] Best Of The Sydney Comedy Festival (MA15+) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Rise Of The Clans: Brothers At War (M v) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Civil War (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Julie Bishop (M) 8:30 Insight 9:30 Dateline 10:00 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 The Point 11:30 Cacciatore: The Hunter (MA15+)

6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 12:00 1:00 2:15 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:45 9:40 11:10 12:10 1:00

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Desperate Housewives: The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened (M s) [s] The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] Paramedics (M) [s] Kings Cross ER (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] BTK: A Killer Among Us (MA15+) [s] Bluff City Law: Ave Maria (M) Explore [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:15 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off My Map [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:00 WIN News [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Making It Australia (PG) [s] 9:00 Bull: Fallen Idols (PG) [s] 10:00 Bull: To Save A Life (M) [s] 11:00 Bull: The Missing Piece (M) [s] 12:00 The Project (PG) [s] 1:00 The Late Show (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

5:00 5:15 5:30 11:00

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Desperate Housewives: Mama Spent Money (M s) [s] The Block: Guest Bedroom And Redo Week (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] RBT: Chicken Man/ Kiwi Stubby (PG) [s] Epstein’s Shadow - Ghislaine Maxwell (M s) [s] – Ghislaine Maxwell is introduced as Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged partner in crime.

Reported Missing: Jean (M) NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med: More Harm Than Good (M) [s] World’s Worst Flights (M l) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (PG) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:30 Entertainment Tonight [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off My Map [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 Making It Australia (PG) [s] 8:40 Gogglebox (PG) [s] 9:40 Law & Order: SVU: Sightless In A Savage Land (M) [s] 10:40 Blue Bloods: Naughty Or Nice (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Rise Of The Clans (M v) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Edwardian (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Cornwall (PG) 8:30 The Battle Of Alcatraz (PG) 9:20 The Victim (MA15+) 10:25 SBS World News 10:55 Criminal Planet: The Art World’s Biggest Feud (MA15+) 11:45 Mr Mercedes (MA15+) 12:45 Taken Down (MA15+) 3:50 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+)

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

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

11:30 1:00 2:00 3:00 3:40 4:10 5:05 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:35 8:30 9:30 10:25 10:55 11:45

France 24 Feature News NHK World English News Worldwatch NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) Worldwatch PBS Newshour Insight: Delaying Motherhood Living Black (PG) The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Georgian (PG) Jeopardy! (PG) Letters And Numbers Mastermind SBS World News Tony Robinson’s World By Rail: Russia (PG) Looking For Life On Mars (PG) War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) SBS World News Hunters (M) The Killing (M l) (In Danish)

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

PAGE 22

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

PUZZLES

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ACROSS

62. Riding seat 65. Blood fluid 67. Plentiful 69. Dribble 70. Swiftness 72. Cravat 73. Emerged 75. Common 77. Lout 79. Come in 81. Cheat 82. Poke fun at 84. Send (money) 85. Protector 86. One-on-one fight 87. Vulgar 88. Unchanged (2,2)

1. Poor (excuse) 4. Angrily 8. Bare 11. Eye droplets 13. Circle (Earth) 15. Dutch shoes 17. Globe 18. Mistreat 20. Family 21. Remove fleece from 24. Lagoons 27. Jogged 28. Free-for-all 30. Peeved 31. Sales booth 33. Inscribed DOWN 34. Formed a crowd 35. Largest continent 1. Candle string 36. Week divisions 2. Do penance (for) 39. Recount 3. Barrel 42. Remains 4. Tiny landmass 44. Pleadingly, on bended ...

5. Loved deeply 45. Long tales 6. Pictorial symbol 46. Santa’s bag 7. Egg centre 48. Person beyond help 8. Metal pen-point 49. Holiday house 9. About-face (1-4) 50. Rework (text) 10. Biblical garden 52. Invasive plants 12. Valuable possession 54. Actor, ... Hackman 14. Coat with pan juices 55. Omission 16. Boughs 56. Hold up 19. Unfortunately 57.

Created 22. Interrupt (speaker) the alphabet once only.

23. Prevents (disaster) 60. Honey drink

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK

Fill in each letter of

25.

Bends to circumstances 26. Compositions 29. Discovered 32. Attach 35. Jumbled letter puzzle 37. Leg/foot joint 38. Perspired 40. Spooky 41. Keen 42. Country, ... Arabia 43. Rescued 44. Massage 47. Film theatres 51. Dealer 52. Planets 53. Reeks 54. Kimono-clad hostess 58. Once more 59. Clairvoyance (1,1,1) 61. Zones 63. Burglar deterrent 64. Builds 65. Leap 66. Valletta is there 68. 100 cm 71. Frog-like animals 72. Started golf match, ... off 74. Upon 76. Powerful need 78. Dues 80. Slippery fish 83. Age

MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

M S MISSING LINKR U I P S

J E U Y C B Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

K D O A O E S A E R M L B U E NE A M O T A EE N U E S P S A S U UASRH E KR N E E U D L A RA E S T E I O O G O A O I E D O P S P I E L AS RSE H E OM I N L L A A N T R E N O C U T LA H EG OO IU S M O O D D N E S N TW O LY E A FOO V R U A K P DO S E A T D T RP S E I T U C L E N S A T CH E S A S N E S E O S T E SA E V E E A E S O E G S A S

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

S E E R

© Lovatts Puzzles

O

V S A A I Y S C LB P K U D O S O O Z E S

D

E N S R Y

Missing Link Solution:

L B J U E F E A R O T A K U L A R G E S T MCCN O O G O V E N OM I N A L D R EW N B L O I N G O U F O Y E R Q U A C T D T H

E X A L T

U I Y T K

E B R

A

© Lovatts Puzzles

© Lovatts Puzzles

© Lovatts Puzzles

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

K

Missing Link Solution:

J A K NUMB S V E N D A C E OOP S H P I Z H E RO I SM OV A I P N S A T CH E L E V E N E A Y

Q U E I P E X E A M E S

M FS Q K V Q U GI APRS K R S U NE E A M MA HE O R L Y A E S RP EY A J W S O S S X OUDSDHN EE R E OW L D S A S S C T E C L I P S E C HHU RN T F S A S UU S B E G P T O Y S O N J U I C Y Z E B U I R I T K R O Z O N E O G

J U T D M T P S A D E E X DE EW LS E E A E A R R A L L S T E A K S S V B A I N A

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: How to Grow Terrific Tomatoes

CHERALYN DARCEY

Growing tomatoes is easy.

Sure, they can have their fair share of challenges but overall, they are one of the easiest and most rewarding of crops.

Now is the time to get your summer tomato crops started by seed and some of the hardier or early tomatoes seedlings can certainly go into your garden once the last frost has well and truly come and gone.

You will find that as with all plants, there is a greater variety of seeds than seedlings available and for those wanting to try heirloom and the weird and wonderful, your appetite will be rewarded by hunting down seeds.

All tomatoes need a warm, full sun position and while they are not super fussy about soil type, they will do best in a free-draining soil which is high in organic matter.

Tomatoes cannot be grown in the same spot each season as they are heavy feeders, especially of nitrogen and attract diseases that can live on in the soil and effect the next crop.

Rule of thumb is to rotate these positions every three years and an inbetween crop that will help your soil is beans as they are nitrogen-fixing.

Three-Stage Method I have a ‘three stage’ method of raising tomatoes from seed to avoid early spring pest problems and to save space for late winter crops that may still be thriving.

Seed takes about 7 to 10 days to germinate and is best planted in a seed raising mix in trays.

Keep moist, but do not overwater as they are prone to root rot and place in a sunny, warm position.

Once germination occurs, move each viable seedling to its own small pot of 50% compost and 50% good quality potting mix.

Add about ¼ teaspoon of sulphate potash and do not fertilise with any nitrogen based fertilise as these can make the plant focus too much on leaf production and not on flower and fruit production.

Once roots have filled the new pot, let the soil become lightly dry and then transplant into the garden.

Plant each 1 metre apart into position by covering the stem to just over the first two leaves as this will encourage deeper root growth. Feed each plant with an organic fertiliser and water.

Provide support for each plant by either using a tomato cage or plant

trellis or by surround with 3 to 4 wooden stakes.

These need to be at least 1.5m in length for most varieties and 2m is best.

Tomato stems break easily so as the plant grows, tie to stakes or trellis with a soft, flexible garden tie.

Something with a bit of give is best and old pantyhose is a brilliant eco solution.

Lastly, add mulch to the top of the soil as this will help retain nutrients and water and deter weeds and pests.

Snip off some of the lateral stems as the plant grows to increase air circulation.

Most tomatoes may be grown successfully in large containers if you

are prepared to keep an even closer eye on your plants as they will need greater attention.

Tomatoes in containers will dry out very quickly and as they are heavy feeders, you will need to ensure that you use a top-quality potting mix and enrich the soil regularly with an allround organic fertiliser.

Try compact tomato plants for the best results and ensure your pots are at least 40cm in height and in width for each plant.

A few quick tips for healthy tomatoes: when watering avoid splashing on the leaves as this can encourage disease and pests; space at least 1 metre apart for good air circulation; wash hands and tools with a disinfectant

YOU & YOUR GARDEN: Frank, Hiring a Landscaper

Not everyone has the time or even inclination to learn and create a garden from scratch.

This is where a good landscaper comes in.

They can not only design a garden to suit your desires and patch of the earth, but they can also help develop a plan to keep it maintained.

The level of their assistance is also totally up to you.

Maybe you want them to do it all, including the maintenance, or perhaps just the heavy lifting or even just the design and plant suggestions.

From my experience, most people seem to just want a good head start and they are happy to take it from there.

Frank the Roofer lives in West Gosford and owns a busy local trade business.

As well as being time-poor he is also not an experienced gardener and he began with what he described as a ‘terrible wasteland of a backyard’, he made the decision to employ a landscaper, Next Level Landscaping.

“He designed different areas for me to use for entertainment and relaxation and found plants for me as I had no idea what would work.” Frank explained.

Along with a small lawn, magnolia and bamboo plantings, the landscaper has used in an interesting combination to provide privacy and definition between spaces while giving Frank with a beautiful, tidy and low maintenance garden that fits his lifestyle.

“I’m really happy with the result as I did not have a clue what to buy and he has made such a difference to my garden”

between working with each plant to avoid the spread of pests and disease and treat problems quickly.

Tomatoes You Could Try This Season Everyone needs a ‘Tommy Toe’.

They are a sweet cherry tomato on the larger size and are very easy to care for.

Newbies to tomato growing should try Mama’s Delight as it produces lovely salad fruits and is another easygrow plant.

Looking for a tomato with a lower acidity? Then try ‘Yellow Mellow’.

Extend your tomato harvest by popping in the much favoured ‘Apollo’ for an early crop and a ‘Grosse Lisse’ for a mid to late cropping tomato that also has a heigh yield.

Those planning on planting into pots could try the yummy ‘Patio Roma’ or for a burst of colour, the tiny ‘Tumbler Yellow’, which can also be successfully grown in hanging baskets.

Heirlooms that add variety and interest include the colourful ‘Brandywine’, smoky flavoured ‘Black Russian’ and ‘Jaune Flamme’ is a wonderfully rich flavoured tomato that has a long cropping season.

For the tomato aficionados and foodies, you will adore the delightfully complex flavours of ‘Black Krim’.

Personally, I’m growing the fascinating Reisetomate, also known as ‘Travellers Tomato’ for the first time.

This lumpy-looking tom can be snacked on by pulling off the bulbous sections, hence the name. I’ll keep you updated.

GARDEN ANSWERS “Dear Cheralyn, I am a unit holder and we have just had removed a very old wattle tree from our front garden.

Could you suggest a shrub for replacement?

It needs to be slow growing and not to exceed the gutter.

Needs to be hardy and not need a lot of water.

Spot gets plenty of sun.

Would you be able to suggest a couple of plants?”

Thank you, Julie Davis, Woy Woy Hi Julie, have a look at these native shrubs: The beautifully blossomed Lilac Hibiscus Alyogyne huegelii or Sand Bottlebrush Beaufortia squarrosa for bright red flower or one of my favourites, Cocky’s Tongues Templetonia retusa.

All of these are suit dry conditions and are small shrubs that are easily maintained in your area.

Happy Gardening!

TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK Check out your blooming fruiting trees for bees and if there seems to be a lack of activity, you will need to employ hand pollination techniques.

Now is the time to dig in green manure crops in preparation for spring planting.

This week, you could plant artichokes, asparagus crowns, cape gooseberry, capsicum, beetroot, climbing and dwarf beans, cabbage, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumbers, eggplants, endive, melons, squashes, lettuce, spring onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, sweet corn, alyssum, calendula, California poppy, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisies, gazania, gerbera, marigold, petunia, salvia, zinnia, kangaroo paw, nasturtium, snapdragon, salvia.

MOON GARDENING GUIDE: 11th 17th SEP The waxing moon is in Virgo on Saturday which means the best time for planting herbs and until tomorrow evening you will find that thinning out of seedlings and taking cuttings is also favourable.

Monday the moon is in Sagittarius so weeding and liquid feeding of your garden is advised with a focus on fruiting plants.

No planting or transplanting on Tuesday but Wednesday and Thursday sees the waxing moon move into Capricorn and this is a good time for the care of above ground food crops.

Wedding, pest and disease control and watering are best done on Friday this week.

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 CoastFM963.

She is also co-host of @ MostlyAboutPlants a weekly gardening podcast with Vicki White.

Send your gardening questions, events, and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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BOOK REVIEW

CCN

False Witness

Author: Karin Slaughter Publisher: Harper Collins

Callie is fourteen and babysits for Trevor since Trevor’s parents, Buddy and Linda, are busy working.

Callie’s older sister, Leigh, previously babysat for Trevor as well, but she went onto other jobs and recommended Callie.

That decision would set about a series of events which would haunt the girls for the rest of their lives.

Callie and Leigh are really Calliope and Harleigh (you can see why they have shortened

CCN

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

their names).

Their mother is known as Phil, an ex-felon who carries a baseball bat as she is forbidden to own a gun.

So effective is she with her Louisville Slugger she has earned the nickname after a famous baseball player, Phil Rizzuto.

Phil was not mother of the year material and the girls were abused, but Phil doesn’t see it that way: “That is how it was with abusive parents. They only remember the good times and you only remembered the bad.”

While Callie’s life was one of addition and homelessness, Leigh’s life took another route.

She became a defence attorney and met a great guy, Walter and is raising a daughter, Maddy,

who is 16.

Recently however, cracks have emerged, and Leigh’s life is a little off the rails.

She in in the process of getting divorced and she can’t seem to communicate with Maddy.

Thank goodness there is social media so she can follow

her.

Leigh has also been forced to take a job at a corporate law firm.

The extra money was needed to help pay the private school fees for Maddy.

While Callie and Leigh aren’t in each other’s lives they do meet up every so often, or

basically when Callie needs help.

One day Leigh is summoned to the top floor of her employer, a floor reserved for the partners of the firm, which she is not.

Andrew Tenant, from the well-off Tenant Automotive Group, one of the firm’s biggest clients, has been accused of rape.

Turns out that Andrew is Trevor, the boy she and Callie used to babysit.

He found Leigh through a magazine article and now wants Leigh to be his lawyer.

Andrew reveals a secret that Leigh thought would be hidden forever.

This book is the first one I have read with the pandemic as a backdrop.

And even though we live with

it every day I found it a bit off putting, which I know sounds stupid (but I read to escape these things).

In a letter to the reader, the author explains that she “wanted to incorporate the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, but I also knew that the story was not about the pandemic so much as about how people are managing to live through it.”

Reading the first chapter will give you an idea of what is to come.

It isn’t easy reading as the subject matter is so confronting, but it is timely.

Even though I found it difficult to read some sections, it is still one of the better books I have read this year.

Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

ARTS & CULTURE CENTRAL COAST ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE

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

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

Join us for the fun and enjoyment of art!

Attend a weekly art group with mentors, exhibitions, workshops and a monthly members meeting with guests and prizes, held on the 4th Thurs of the month at The Entrance Community Centre 4333 8387 www.tlas.org.au president@tlas.org.au

CENTRAL COAST POETS INC

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 www.cottagecrafts.net.au

COMMUNITY GROUPS ABC - “The Friends”

Safeguard ABC’s independence, funding, & standards. Meetings through the year & social mornings Well-known guest speakers 0400 213 514 www.fabcnsw.org.au

CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Geoff 0447 882 150

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE

Not for profit service providing free legal advice Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm 4353 4988 contact@centralcoastclc.org.au

LEARN TO DANCE

Social ballroom dancing for all ages, all you need is a desire to learn and dance, no partner required. meet every Wed -Tuggerah community hall, 2:00pm Anne - 0409 938 345 anneglazier@y7mail.com

CENTRAL COAST MARINE

DISCOVERY CENTRE Would you like to read, write and share your poetry. The revamped CCMDC is open.

We hold workshops and create Schools and Group bookings welcome by appointment. anthologies.

Building has special needs We meet the second Saturday access and toilets each month.

Open 7 days 9am – 3pm.

Wyoming Memorial Community Terrigal.

Hall. Contact us by email 4385 5027 info@centralcoastpoets.com.au ccmdc@bigpond.com or you may ring Clive www.ccmdc.org.au 0419120347

TERRIGAL WAMBERAL RSL SUB-BRANCH

Pension and welfare officers available to assist with DVA compensation claims and benefits Breakers Country Club Wed & Fri 10am – Midday Meet 2nd Sat 10am 4384 2661

Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. org.au.

U3A CENTRAL COAST

Wed-Thurs-Fri - 12.30pm, Progress Hall Henry Parry & Wells Street East Gosford

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA

Hearing loss management Support and educational groups providing practical experience and confidence 4321 0275

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111

S.A

Is Internet porn destroying your life.

We may be able to help.

We are a 12 step fellowship like AA. Meets every Sat at 7pm on the Central Coast Contact for further details 0473 631 439

able to sing harmony would be an advantage.

See our website for details and upcoming concert.

4307 9355

Club Umina, Melbourne Ave, Umina Beach Visitors Welcome.

0414 280 375

www.centralcoastchorale.org

PROBUS CLUB OF KARIONG

SOUNDWAVES CHORUS Male singers wanted No experience required, rehearsals 7pm Mondays at Parkview room Central Coast Leagues Club 0431 225 489

Meets at Everglades Country Club Woy Woy, at 10am 3rd Tuesday each month.

Enjoy a wide variety of Guest Speakers, Social outing and activities with Friendship Fellowship and Fun. 0407934003

newcastlesagroup@gmail.com Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for Support for those suffering POLITICAL PARTIES seniors. Keep your mind active with asbestos diseases and and make new friends. others interested in asbestos HENRY KENDALL 0408 704 701 issues. You are not alone, meet CENTRAL COAST GREENS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au COTTAGE & with others who can share Local, state wide, national and Make new friends & have fun HISTORICAL MUSEUM their experiences. Bring a international issues and while serving your community VOLUNTEERING Visit our c1838 Cottage & family member or friend. campaigns Everglades Country Club Museum with exhibits of early 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on Council and parliamentary CENTRAL COAST 3rd Monday of each month settlers. School and group fourth Wed of each month. representation Refer potential volunteers to 0478 959 895 bookings. Members & Maree 0419 418 190 3rd Thur community organisations & volunteers welcome. Open centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au provide support to them.

WOMEN’S GROUPS Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Training to volunteers and GROW MENTAL HEALTH 2:30pm. West Gosford WOMEN’S HEALTH managers of volunteers Info SUPPORT 4325 2270 sessions held regularly.

LABOR PARTY CENTRES Small friendly groups formed www.henrykendallcottage.org.au 4329 7122 Counselling, therapeutic and to learn how to overcome OURIMBAH / NARARA Brisbane Water Historical Society recruit@volcc.org.au social groups, workshops, anxiety, depression and BRANCH loneliness and improve mental Discussion/action - community domestic violence and abuse FELLOWSHIP OF KINCUMBER MENS SHED health and well being. Weekly issues. All services provided by Issues - 3 levels of Kincumber mens shed in women for women FIRST FLEETERS meetings at Woy Woy and Government, Ourimbah Room association with Kincumber 4324 2533 For anyone interested Wyong. Grow is anonymous, - Ourimbah RSL, www.cccwhc.com.au Uniting Church op shop. in early history. free and open to all.

7.00pm - 1st. Monday Selling tools, machinery, Don’t need to be a First Fleeter.

1800 558 268 0410 309 494 clothing, books and household Point Clare Community Hall or www.grow.org.au SOROPTIMIST kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com items. on the first Saturday of 2nd Sat 10:30am INTERNATIONAL PROBUS CLUBS each month 8am - 12pm 4311 6254, 4340 4435 DYING WITH DIGNITY BRISBANE WATER 4369 7222 Campaigning to give those Making a difference in the lives AVOCA BEACH sparkes2251@outlook.com suffering unrelievable terminal of women & girls through or incurable illness the choice PROBUS CLUB awareness, advocacy & action COMMUNITY CENTRES COASTAL A CAPPELLA to receive legal medical with a great social program, 2nd Thur 7 pm Award winning women’s assistance to die. guest speakers and optional Breakers Country Club, a cappella chorus.

Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. bistro lunches. Google our Dover Rd, Wamberal GOSFORD-NARARA Music education provided.

0434 426 486 name for our fully informative sibrisbanewater@siswp.org NEIGHBOURHOOD Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ robyncameron@y7mail.com www.siswp.org newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd CENTRE Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah.

Mon each month at Avoca School Holiday activities, Performance opportunities.

Beach Bowling Club.

INNER WHEEL CLUB PROSTATE CANCER playgroup, multicultural Hire us for your next event. avocaprobus@gmail.com GOSFORD NTH SUPPORT GROUP programs, community activities 0412 948 450 Make friends, Make a Last Fri 9.30am Rooms for Hire coastalacappella@gmail.com EMPIRE BAY difference!

Terrigal Uniting Church 4329 4477 PROBUS CLUB Join us and develop lasting 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal admin@gnnc.com.au CENTRAL COAST Friendship, fellowship, friendships with like minded 4367 9600 and fun in retirement. women serving our community CHORALE www.pcfa.org.au Very active club, outings, 6.30pm 2nd Wed One of the best (SATB) excursions, dining Phillip House, Kariong choirs on the coast.

MEALS ON WHEELS ALCOHOLICS 3 times a month 0405 385 610 We seeks new members.

Delicious meals delivered free ANONYMOUS iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com 1st Thur 1.30pm Reading of music and Join us for a midday meal - Someone cares.

HISTORY GROUPS

MUSIC

HEALTH GROUPS

SERVICE GROUPS

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Business & Property Sustainability, wellness and Aboriginal heritage at the heart of Bells expansion plans Sustainability and the importance of local Aboriginal history will continue to be the focus when Bells of Killcare expands operations.

The business has submitted a development application to Central Coast Council to increase its hotel beds and to open a wellness centre on the site.

The Wellness Centre would include nine treatment rooms, eight therapy rooms, and an indoor magnesium pool.

A yoga room would double as a gallery which could promote local artists.

Eight new cabins would increase the hotel accommodation by 16 rooms bringing the total of rooms to 42.

Alterations to an existing residence would turn it into staff accommodation and an existing shed would be used for hotel housekeeping and maintenance.

But there is no change proposed to the restaurant Wild Flower Bar and Dining and no change in the capacity of

An artist’s impression of the proposed Wellness Centre and Gallery Elevations and Perspective Photo: White + Dickson

events and conference activities accommodated within what would become a consolidated site incorporating 107‐119 and 121‐133 The Scenic Rd, Killcare Heights into one allotment of 7.155 ha.

Sustainability measures include expansion of an existing solar system, a “closed loop” composting machine for the restaurant and recycling up to 80 per cent of food waste as mulch for use on the property.

Twenty per cent of the restaurant produce is

generated by the onsite kitchen from the garden meaning zero food miles for that 20 per cent.

Other kitchen produce is sourced as close by as possible, the application states.

It says it uses only organic or biodegradable chemicals in the veggie garden.

Bells fosters the habitat for native wildlife and removes non‐indigenous plants.

Rainwater is collected, stored in the dam and reused on the gardens.

A management statement

submitted as part of the application, said: “Our vision is to further educate the local community, staff and guests on our important Aboriginal history.

“We are acutely aware that we live in an area of strong Indigenous history and significance, and we believe we will have the ability to share local knowledge and timeless dreamtime stories with the world given the opportunity to build a space to facilitate this.

“We plan to do this by

featuring Aboriginal and other local peoples, artwork and crafts in the proposed gallery on a regular basis, working closely with other business including Girri Girra, Jake Cassar Bushcraft and Bouddi Art Gallery.

“We have worked with both Tim from Girri Girra and Jake Cassar over the past few years and would like to encourage the opportunity to further develop and explore their offerings within our range of activities, tours and experiences.

“It is our intention to plant native bush foods and other native plants in the new garden to complement the Indigenous education opportunities including tours available to our local schools, community groups and guests.

“Chefs will incorporate these ingredients into The Wild Flower Bar and Dining menu and beverage offering.

“Bells at Killcare is also exploring opportunities to support The Glen at Chittaway Point, a drug and rehabilitation centre for Indigenous and non‐ Indigenous men,soon to be expanded to support women.

“Opportunities include exhibiting and selling artwork produced by clients from The Glen at the new gallery and donating a percentage of all artwork sales to The Glen.”

The cost of the development is $5.6M including GST, says the report.

The proposal will go on public exhibition until September 24, according to the Council DA tracker.

Source: Central Coast Council website DA Tracker DA62765/2021

Five Coast suburbs identified in the top 10 most affordable markets Five Central Coast suburbs have made it onto a list of the 10 most affordable housing markets in the state.

RiskWise Property Research has undertaken an in-depth analysis into the housing market identifying the top 10 affordable suburbs in NSW, with the analysis clearly showing that detached houses represented solid buying opportunities for those with long-term strategies.

Point Clare came in at number two on the list, with Mardi at number five, Kariong at number six, Bateau Bay at number eight and Springfield just making the list in 10th position.

CCN

The median price of houses in the Central Coast suburbs which made the list were between $800,000 and $850,000, compared to Greater Sydney’s median of around $1.2M. The median price for a house at Point Clare was $819,352 with a five year growth rate of 48.3 per cent and at Mardi the median price was $829,000 with a growth rate of 42.7 per cent over the past five years.

At Kariong the figure was $840,879 (43.7 per cent growth rate) and at Springfield $843,650 (46.8 per cent growth rate).

The increasingly popular suburb of Bateau Bay has a median price of $842,047 with

a surging 62 per cent price growth over the past five years.

Co-founder of national property buyers’ agency network BuyersBuyer, Pete Wargent, said with mortgage rates still close to the lowest on record, all states offer some opportunities for those with a reasonable buffer and a level of employment security.

“With first homebuyers still active, and now competing with investors for a low level of stock on the market, we expect affordable suburbs to be sharply in focus,” Wargent said.

“There are decent opportunities for buyers looking for houses with high land value as a proportion of the property,

and a strong component of scarcity, especially if they intended to hold on to the property for several years or longer.

“The current ultra-low interest rates have created a unique environment where buying a house in many areas was cheaper than paying rent on one.”

Wargent said the Central Coast region has been a strong drawcard to homebuyers seeking lifestyle, and as more people can work remotely is gaining even more of a reputation as having good buying potential.

Affordable housesP CCN309 – pic to come

Source: Media release, Sep 6 BuyersBuyers

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PAGE 26

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27 Keeping water rates low ranks as highest priority in Council survey SHARE

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Keeping the cost of water rates lower was the number one concern of residents in a survey conducted for Central Coast Council earlier this year.

The concern showed up in the unprompted section where people doing the survey were asked for the top three areas they wanted Council to improve.

The response focused on only two areas, pricing and water quality.

“Respondents from each data source were most likely to suggest that improvements should be directed towards lowering the price of water/ keeping pricing at a reasonable level, as well as improving the quality of drinking water,” the report says.

The concern over water quality was even higher in prompted answers.

“The qualitative exploration also showed that while not all are experiencing poor quality drinking water, many who didn’t have an issue still sympathised with those experiencing quality issues – something potentially driven or exacerbated by word-of-mouth and social media,” the consultants said.

The survey is part of Central Coast Council’s community engagement as it attempts to increase water rates next year, with its submission due to be submitted by September 10.

The survey, conducted by Woolcott Research and Engagement, mentions the unprompted answers but the Council summary of the survey does not.

This is despite Council saying that “part of this submission to IPART involves us checking in with the community to make sure their views are considered”.

The Council summary focuses on its four targeted areas.

These included increasing the price of water during drought and harmonising the prices for sewer services between the former Wyong and Gosford areas just like the residential rates.

This time, Wyong residents would be the ones paying more in any price adjustment.

Council said there was a mixed reaction to scarcity pricing.

“One potential barrier to

acceptance to emerge from the analysis was the potential impact this price structure could have on vulnerable customers,” the Council summary says.

“So, if this were to be introduced, safeguards would need to be in place for this customer group, and this would need to be clearly communicated to the community.”

The survey also looked at the

support levels of drainage charges being set by Central Coast Council as part of general rates, to be in-line with how other councils charge for this, instead of being determined by IPART. “There was not a clear level of support for the idea of drainage pricing being set by Council as part of general rates,” the Council summary says.

Respondents were not happy

with sewerage overflows, either.

Although less than 10 per cent said they were personally affected about half were concerned about the impact on the environment.

“From the exploration of these results, it was evident that when overflows do occur in community spaces they appear to have high visibility – particularly in and around beach areas which are of significant concern to residents,” the Council summary said.

The summary showed that satisfaction with reliability of water supply was pretty high at about 80 per cent but satisfaction with water quality was lower by a good 20 per cent.

The survey was done with three distinct groups: a structured (representative of the Central Coast community) survey amongst 510 residents aged 18+; an unstructured survey via the website which attracted 620 responses; and a phone survey of 120 decision makers in small and medium businesses.

The full Council summary of the survey and the entire survey report are on the Council website. https://www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/allprojects/its-time-talk-watersewer-and-stormwater-prices Merilyn Vale

New childcare centre proposed for Holgate An early learning childcare centre is proposed for 242 Wattle Tree Rd, Holgate.

Holgate Public School is located on the same road, about 300 metres south of the site, and the Beyond the Garden Gates café is opposite the subject land.

The neighbouring property to

the south provides health services to the community.

The applicant, Doug Snedden Planning Pty Ltd, said the proposed development would make a positive social contribution to expanding the region’s childcare services to meet increasing demand from local residents.

“Correspondence from the proponent, Simone Brand, Director, Sprout Early Learning Centre, demonstrates that there is a strong local unfilled demand for early childhood services,” the application states.

“Currently, Sprout has 726 children on its waiting list.

“The proposed development will provide additional childcare meeting the needs of families.

“Importantly, it will provide a more suitable arrangement for those families which currently face the disturbance of having to send siblings to different locations/services.

“The proposed development

Planning to separate?

If you’ve separated or you’re planning to separate, here’s how you find out what you’re entitled to ...

A FREE online information session will be presented by Jennifer Sorrenson, a Family Lawyer at Turnbull Hill Lawyers, on Tuesday, 14 September 2021 from 6.00pm to 7:30pm.

Jennifer will also talk about: •

how superannuation is now treated as “property” and how superannuation can be split

•

whether you get more property if the children are living with you

•

what happens if you owned a lot of assets in your own name before your marriage

Jennifer will explain to you “who gets what” property when you separate from your partner. • She’ll give you tips to help you take control and discuss how your entitlement is worked out.

what happens if you have a business.

Business owners need early advice on all issues, including tax consequences.

will also provide economic/ employment benefits for the region in terms of both initial construction multipliers and future economic activity associated with staffing and support services for operation of the childcare centre.”

The childcare centre, costing about $3.2M, would cater for

up to 103 children and have a total of 23 staff.

The development application is open for public comment until October 1.

Details can be found on the Central Coast Council website.

Source: Central Coast Council website DA tracker: DA 62893/2021

Turn to TurnbullHill She’ll give you guidance on how to avoid costly court disputes and will also explain the different steps involved when cases proceed through the Family Court (in situations where there is no choice but to go to court).

Because of her experience, Jennifer understands the pressures of breaking up and will point out some of the common problems in Family Law property disputes and how to avoid them.

To register for our upcoming online sessions visit our website or scan

turnbullhill.com.au enquiries@turnbullhill.com.au

the QR code

Jennifer Sorrenson Family Lawyer

PAGE 28

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Should young Aussies pay off HECS debt or invest?

WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine

Young people earning money above and beyond their living expenses face a choice: pay down their tertiary education debt or invest?

While everybody has their own unique circumstances, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

If you undertook your tertiary education on a Commonwealthsupported place (CSP), you’ll likely have received a helping hand from the government in the form of a HELP loan. Your HELP debt is the money borrowed from the government to undertake tertiary education.

That covers loans labelled as HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET FEEHELP, OS-HELP, SA-HELP and VET student loans.

This money is paid back depending on your level of taxable income. If you earn less than $47,014, you don’t pay anything. Between $47,014 and

$54,282 you’ll pay back 1% of your taxable income annually, which increases incrementally through to 10% for those earning over $137,898.

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), almost 3 million people had an outstanding HELP debt at the end of the 2019-20 financial year. The average amount was $23,280, up from $22,425 in 2018-19.

The time taken to repay HELP debts has also been increasing, reaching 9.3 years in 2019-20, up from 9.2 years in 2018-19.

HELP debt is cheap, maybe the cheapest debt you can get.

Unlike other types of loans, HELP debt does not incur an interest charge.

But the amount owed does increase. HELP debt is indexed to inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). CPI is currently 1.1%, next to nothing, so in a way this figure could be

treated as the annual interest charge on the loan.

“Paying down a HELP debt has very little merit at all, because the amount that comes out of your pay is very low, and the amount by which that debt grows is negligible,” says financial author Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon.

“But it will form part of getting a home loan because you will have to service that debt at different thresholds.”

Financial experts often talk about good debt and bad debt.

HELP debt is certainly good debt.

Not only is it contributing towards your future earnings, by aiding a career and the money you get

from it, but it costs next to nothing.

You should work out what position you would be in if you pay down debt versus the position you would be in if you invest that spare cash.

“If we look at it from a return perspective, it comes down to the interest rate,” says Elysse Lorenti, a senior financial

adviser at Perpetual Private.

“When the interest rate is more than 5%, you’re likely to be better off making additional payments on your debt. But if the interest rate is less than 5%, you’re often better off to invest your surplus income rather than paying down debt.”

DAVID THORNTON

World Pension Alliance condemns COVID early release The international pension body is warning of the dangers in governments allowing unrestricted pension withdrawals as a pandemic response.

The WPA represents pension plans and providers in Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Latin America, and Australia. Currently, Australian

Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) chief executive Eva Scheerlinck serves as its president.

WPA has sent an International Federation of Pension Fund Administrators (FIAP) endorsement to the OECD about the practice, just as Chile and Peru look to extend COVID pension withdrawal schemes.

“Unrestricted withdrawal of pension savings intended to provide retirement income without repayment will undermine the retirement security those funds are intended to provide,” Scheerlinck said.

“This will only aggravate the situation of these workers in their old age, since they will suffer from greater financial

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According to WPA, Chile has drained 25% or US$50 billion of retirement savings already after three rounds of withdrawals (for up to 10% of the funds).This has left five million Chileans without any retirement savings at all.

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trillion, than the impact seen in Chile and Peru.

However, a study from The McKell Institute found COVID early release applicants had already lost $3164 each in savings as they lost out on the strong market rebound. The report added many of these would have to make voluntary contributions to top up their retirement savings. KANIKA SOOD

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In Peru, about US$28 billion or 64% of existing funds would be withdrawn as government approves new mechanisms.

This would leave almost six million residents without any retirement savings.

In Australia, the total COVID early release withdrawals of $36.4 billion during 2020 were a smaller fraction of total superannuation assets of $3

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Business welcomes NSW re-opening roadmap Business NSW Central Coast has welcomed the State Government’s reopening roadmap, outlined on September 9, saying it gives the region’s business owners an idea of what reopening our economy will look like, allowing them to plan with some confidence.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined a string of measures which will set the path for businesses in the hospitality,

retail and fitness industries to reopen from the Monday following NSW reaching the 70 per cent ‘double dose’ milestone, currently expected to be in mid-October.

The initiatives include: hospitality venues can reopen with one person per 4 square metres indoors and per 2 square metres outdoors; retail stores can reopen with one person per 4 square metres; personal grooming services can operate with one person

per 4 square metres, capped at 5 clients per premises; gyms and indoor recreation facilities can reopen with one person per 4 square metres – with classes limited to a maximum of 20 people; domestic travel, including travel to regional NSW can return; weddings and funerals can resume with up to 50 people in attendance; employers must allow staff to continue to work from home if they can; masks will remain mandatory for all public indoor venues.

“This roadmap is what the business community has been crying out for,” Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director, Paula Martin, said.

“Although the Central Coast will remain in lockdown for the short term it is encouraging to see NSW leading the way in vaccinations, learning to live with COVID and reopening for business.

“Some certainty for businesses will be a massive boost.

“Businesses can start planning their re-opening right now; they can order stock, engage staff and re-engage with their loyal customers.

“It’s been incredibly difficult for businesses during this Delta outbreak because the bills have kept coming in, without any revenue.

“What’s really important is for our community to support local businesses in huge numbers as soon as we reach that 70 per cent fully vaccination milestone

but continue to play their part in adhering to the COVID safe rules.

“I know business owners will also need to be vigilant in ensuring staff and customers play by the rules to ensure COVID Safe measures are always adhered to.

“Together, we can make October the start of NSW getting back to business.”

Source: Media release, Sep 9 Business NSW Central Coast

Council to seek a substantial rise in water rates Central Coast Council’s water and sewerage business is expecting a loss of $11M this financial year.

The figure was revealed when Administrator Rik Hart approved Council’s submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a substantial rise in water rates.

The Council faced criticism from a registered public forum speaker for not making public the size of the increase it is hoping to get.

Council said it was inappropriate as IPART would make the decision and so far, the increase was only an aspiration.

The Council had 10 accompanying documents which remained confidential when Hart approved the

submission process at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, September 7.

Council said the process meant that the documents will become public only after IPART publishes them on its website.

The public speaker, resident Kevin Brooks, said he was disappointed the public was not being told the actual percentage increase in water prices that Council was proposing.

“It is clear that the price hike will be well in excess of underlying inflation, and I can see no reason why Council can’t be transparent at this time about the precise percentage increase it is proposing,” Brooks said.

He also criticised Council for ignoring public sentiment expressed in a survey about the water and sewer business.

“Survey respondents were

asked to suggest up to three different things that they want Central Coast Council to focus on and improve,” he said, quoting the survey that Council had commissioned.

“And the two highest scores by a country mile … were 36 per cent (said) lowering the cost/keeping water prices reasonable and 34 per cent (said) water quality, in particular tackling dirty brown water.”

Brooks said no other issues came close to those two.

“Yet, the Council’s four-page summary of the consultation does not include one single reference to the community preference for lower prices,” he said.

He asked how a summary of the consultation could not include the clear winners from the survey.

“In pushing for a water rate hike well in excess of underlying

inflation, Council seems intent on ignoring this feedback,” he said.

He suggested an increase in the cost of wages was the real reason Council wanted the water price rise.

But CEO David Farmer had a graph ready to show after Brooks finished speaking.

The graph showed that wages had come down in 2021.

Farmer said it was close to a 25 per cent reduction in total staff costs and the postulation that productivity and staffing costs had not come down was clearly false.

Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader gave a presentation showing the expected loss of 11M in this current financial year.

He said the Central Coast had the lowest water bills in the

state and that they were now lower than they were in 2009.

He said the revenue levels were unsustainable and that while the business had delivered 98 per cent of its proposed capital works in 2021, including the Mardi to Warnervale pipeline, the maintenance backlog was growing as staff worked on reactive repairs instead of maintenance.

He said Council was seeking a price increase consistent with those prices in 2018 in real terms.

But he said the outcome could be very different to the submission.

Administrator Rik Hart asked a number of questions including whether the community, when appraised of all the issues during a forum, was supportive of increases.

Loader said yes, there had

been agreement from the community that there needed to be investment for dirty water and environmental issues.

Hart said the new monthly financial reports that had come to a recent Council meeting had shown that water and sewer lost $3M in July.

“The other half of the business actually picks up that loss and that is not sustainable,” he said.

In 2019, the IPART decision saw Council drop revenue from water and sewer and drainage rates by $39M. Council’s submission is due to IPART by September 10.

The next steps before a decision is made include public consultation.

A final decision is expected in May next year with new prices from July 1, 2022.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Government announces changes in GP classification to address doctor shortage An announcement that the Federal Government is to review its GP classification system as the Central Coast continues to experience a shortage of medical practitioners has received bipartisan support in the region.

Federal Liberal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, says the review aims to help regions like the Central Coast respond to workforce and population changes which may be impacting access to local GP services.

A region with Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status can access a pool of internationally trained doctors and bonded doctors to practice locally.

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said the review is long overdue, with much of the region classified as a nonDPA which makes it harder for local practices to recruit and retain GPs. “I’ve been calling on the Government to address the acute GP shortage on the Coast for a long time now, and this

review is a step in the right direction,” she said.

“The DPA system clearly isn’t working.

“It’s left practices short of doctors, it’s forcing patients to wait weeks for routine appointments and it’s putting even more pressure on Emergency Departments because people can’t get in to see a GP to get the treatment they need.

McBride said it was crucial that the Government acts quickly and conducts the review as soon as possible.

“The review must be transparent, and GPs must be included in the process because they see first-hand how shortages are affecting people on the Coast,” she said.

In the meantime, the Government has introduced the Exceptional Circumstances Application which will allow practices to seek a review into their own DPA status in real time, but more needs to be done, McBride said.

“The Government must put emergency measures in place

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

in the meantime, to make sure locals have quick and easy access to healthcare in their own communities,” she said.

“In the middle of a pandemic, this is vital.”

Wicks said she has been seeking improvements to the current DPA status of the Central Coast for years to ensure it recognises health service changes locally.

“I have made representations to the Minister for Regional Health, David Gillespie, and I’m pleased he has been able to respond to our concerns with this review of Distribution Priority Areas,” she said.

“GP clinics in non-DPA areas can now apply for an exceptional circumstances review.

“If approved, an area will be

eligible to access additional programs for that year to support recruitment from a broader pool of doctors.

“The DPA exceptional circumstances review is just another tool the government is using to help clinics recruit doctors to care for communities like the Central Coast.

“The Primary Health Network has been working to attract and

retain GPs to the Central Coast with a number of incentives, support networks and programs.”

Building on this announcement, Wicks said 170 medical students have commenced study at the new Central Coast Clinical School in Gosford.

“This has put the Central Coast and Gosford on the map as a region of medical excellence and I have no doubt that is going to help drive positive outcomes for our region,” she said.

Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie said the DPA classification allows the government to identify regions where locals face an increased challenge to access a GP. The DPA indicator supports other initiatives that encourage doctors who are subject to location restrictions, such as overseas qualifications, to work in regional and rural areas.

Terry Collins

Wicks announces free Head to Health pop-up service A free Head to Health PopUp service is now available for people across the Central Coast experiencing mental ill-health due to COVID-19.

Federal Liberal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the pop-up clinic, located at

Tuggerah, has been developed to support the mental health of people across the region, of all ages, who may be struggling during the extended lockdown.

“Sometimes finding the support you need can seem overwhelming,” Wicks said.

“This service is designed so people who may not have

needed to access mental health support previously can do so by chatting to a trained professional.

“If your mental health is suffering because of the current pandemic, now is the time to reach out, even if you’ve never felt like this or asked for help before.

“By calling (the clinic), residents can discuss their needs and concerns with a trained professional who will help direct them to mental health services in their area that most appropriately meet their individual situation.

“Head to Health Pop-Up can also provide face-to-face

services onsite or telehealth services.”

The clinic is one of 10 in the state set up by the Federal Government to support those living in areas most affected by the NSW lockdown.

It is at Beam Health, 1 Bryant Dr, Tuggerah.

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Source: Media release, Sep 7 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks

PAGE 32 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Fine dining at home: Josh MacLucas, VIP Private Chef

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

JOSH MACLUCAS

This is the fifth instalment of our lockdown special.

In lieu of being able to head out for dinner, we’re embarking on a virtual tour of the coast’s best eating establishments.

We’ve asked chefs to inspire us with recipes that we can make at home, bringing the fine dining experience into our own kitchens. This week we’re talking to Josh MacLucas, Executive Chef and Director, at VIP Private Chef.

VIP Private Chef, established by local couple Josh and Renée MacLucas, commenced post lockdown in 2020.The business has quickly cemented its place in the local food scene and carved out a fine dining niche in homes across the Central Coast. The aim being to deliver

restaurant quality food, with the convenience of not having to leave the house.

From humble beginnings as a sushi chef, Executive Chef Josh MacLucas developed an impressive resume, immersing himself in cultures worldwide, working alongside award winning international chefs and leading busy commercial kitchens for over 25 years, before settling on the Central Coast to raise his family.

At the heart of VIP Private Chef is Josh’s passion for exquisite food, fresh home grown produce, presented with sophisticated simplicity combined with luxurious,

generous service. VIP Private Chef’s recipes have been created to showcase the best of local producers and Josh’s garden.

Extensive herb, fruit and vegetable gardens are located on the family properties at Erina and Lake Macquarie.

From the flourishing olive trees, pomegranate bushes, coffee bean trees, native finger limes and dragon fruit snaking generously up the palms and timbers, Josh has spent the past year cultivating a garden of wonderous flavours that will shape his menus for many seasons to come.

Josh and Renée recognize

Oysters with tequila chilli lemon granita Ingredients: 12 Sydney rock oysters – For your lockdown seafood fix, VIP Private Chef recommends their favourite local seafood supplier: Mark loves Seafood at Westfield Tuggerah. With 5 trips a week to the market, guaranteed freshness and quality with a great selection of local seafood. Call & Collect, you will find the service at Mark’s incredible.

Juice of 1 large lemon (90ml) Patron silver Tequila (30ml) 1 Birds eye chilli deseeded 10 peppercorns A pinch of VIP Private Chef smoked salt Making your granita: 1.

Blend the lemon juice, tequila, chilli, peppercorns & salt and pour into a flat

the challenges that can emerge when planning special occasions, whether it be vulnerable family members that can’t venture out, babies that have an instinct to cry whenever a dinner plate gets served or dietary restrictions.

With this in mind, VIP Private Chef have crafted degustation menus accommodating dietary intolerances, allergies and anaphylaxis. Renée, aka the baby whisperer, is committed to bouncing babies so that parents can eat slowly, with two hands and not rush and all families can come together for an inclusive and memorable dining experience.

VIP Private Chef has created a deliciously luxurious 2 course meal for you this lockdown. All ingredients below are available for either online delivery or click and collect from your local store.

Offerings during lockdown With private dinner parties and events off the cards, VIP Private Chef has used this lockdown period to launch their range of gourmet food products. To support your local Private Chef this lockdown, head over to vipprivatechef. com.au and browse the range of gorgeous extra virgin olive

oils herb infused with homegrown garden staples.

From Rosemary & garlic oil, lemon & thyme to chilli & lemongrass and black truffle oil, there is an oil in every flavour to add a little VIP luxury to your cooking.

Whether you are an avid foodie, amateur cook or beginner, every order receives VIP Private Chef’s personalised service – Josh is on hand for questions and happy to chat about how to get the most out of your oils and incorporate them into your favourite dishes.

Purchase your oils direct from the VIP Private Chef website, or their stockists - you will find VIP Private Chef’s oils on Bamvino’s shelves and in their hampers or in Home Ground Central Coast boxes.

Lamb shanks in red wine sauce with VIP Private Chef signature truffle roast potatoes

Pre-heat your oven to 210c. ceramic bowl or dish and place in freezer.

Ingredients: 2. Scrape the partially frozen granita with a fork, breaking up any large chunks, * 2 lamb shanks repeat this every 45 – 60 mins over the * 1 large brown onion (medium diced) course of the freezing. * 1 carrot (roughly diced) 3. The granita is done when the mixture is * 2 celery sticks (roughly

completely frozen and it appears to be a chopped) flaky dry texture. This could take upwards of 8hours thanks to the inclusion * 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped) of the alcohol. Transfer to a smaller * 10 x cherry tomatoes (whole) container for storage.

30ml VIP Private Chef Rosemary *Tip: as adding alcohol to the blended mix & Garlic oil significantly slows the freezing process, if 250ml Tomato passata you are after a speedy granita prep, leave 150ml Red wine your tequila out of the mix and blend the 250ml beef stock remaining ingredients. This will reduce your 2 x rosemary sprigs total freezing time to around 4 hours. To 1 x thyme sprig serve, simply dress your oysters with a ½ bunch basil couple of ml’s of tequila and then spoon the Pepper & VIP Private Chef Smoked granita on top. salt.

Lamb shanks:

Truffle potatoes:

1. Put *ingredients in a baking tray and mix with oil.

2. Place in the oven on 210 degrees for 30 mins uncovered 3. Remove the tray, adding the red wine whilst stirring, then the passata and beef stock. Cover with foil and return to the oven and cook on 160 for 3 ½ hours.

4. Take the tray from the oven and remove the shanks from the sauce. Simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10 mins to reduce and thicken, then add salt & pepper to taste.

3 medium washed potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 8’s 1.

Pre-heat the oven to 210 degrees.

2. Place the potatoes on a tray and drizzle them with a small amount of VIP Private Chef Extra Olive Extra Virgin Olive oil.

3. Transfer them to the oven for 30 mins.

4. Remove from oven shake tray and return to oven for 25 mins on 160 5. Remove from oven drizzle with VIP Private Chef truffle oil and season with salt and pepper to serve.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

ARAFMI submission on Disability Inclusion Plan highlights the vulnerability of carers Central Coast ARAFMI has outlined the need for action on removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in a submission to Central Coast Council on its Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2021-25.

The submission also said communities need to consider the vulnerability of family and friends who support people impacted by mental health over a lifetime “Feedback highlighted the invisibility of mental health carers and lack of support for carers in a way that is meaningful for them, as carers tells us they often feel they are caring for their loved ones with a disability, alone, and unfunded,” ARAFMI Family and Carer Program Coordinator, Cath Rowe said.

“Families and their carers are often unidentified and unsupported because of the stigma associated with mental illness, as families and carers may conceal their caring role.

“Supports such as the NDIS serve people with disabilities

ARAFMI’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Kinship Carer Group

and focus on the person living with a disability; meanwhile our carers, who are usually family members, are becoming increasingly burned out and unsupported.

“Carers remain in the shadows of their loved one’s disability; our community does not see the true picture.

“If we are genuinely being

inclusive, this means being inclusive to all.”

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan is a four-year plan that seeks to identify ways that residents and visitors living with a disability can experience greater accessibility and inclusivity into mainstream services, facilities,

information and support.

ARAFMI Peer Support Worker, Erin Higgins, said the plan acknowledges that people living with disabilities have value to give, and allows them to contribute to the Councils’ plan.

“It also shares an increased awareness that disability is both physical and mental,”

5@5

she said.

Higgins’ own story is included in the Plan, giving hope to others who experience an “invisible” disability as she uses her own lived experience of mental illness to help others who have faced similar challenges.

Central Coast ARAFMI continues to promote the

mental health of carers, individuals and whole families.

“Although good progress had been made in developing an inclusive and accessible community, more needs to be done,” a spokesperson said.

“Particularly in hearing the voices of children who are carers, and because living a meaningful, inclusive life can significantly improve conditions such as clinical anxiety and depression to a degree that rivals medication.”

The Central Coast Council Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-25 is available for community feedback until September 13.

Central Coast ARAFMI encourages carers and people impacted by mental health living on the Central Coast to view the plan and offer feedback at https:// www.yourvoiceourcoast. com/all projects/disabilityinclusion-action-plan.

Source: Media release, Sep 3 Central Coast ARAFMI

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PAGE 34

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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Career change without a major lifestyle change Ringa McCarthy of Green Point was a chef in her native Estonia and in Ireland but when she decided to reenter the workforce after being a stay at home mum to her two children for some years, she was looking for a career that was more family friendly.

At the age of 38, she has recently completed a Certificate III in Individual Support through TAFE Digital, allowing her to study around her busy family life and obtain a nationally recognised qualification.

She has already gained employment with an aged care provider in an industry crying out for more workers.

As a young girl, McCarthy used

to help care for her grandmother, who had dementia, when she lived with her single mum in Estonia.

So when it came time to launch a new career she chose to draw on that lived experience.

“I wanted to do something that gave back to the community but could also fit in with my family life,” she said.

“I used to be a chef for many years in Estonia and Ireland, but kitchen work is not friendly for a young family.

“I started thinking about my grandmother and my years spent caring for her, and I decided aged care could really work for me.”

McCarthy is now working parttime with Aquamarine Personalised Home Care and loves her new profession.

Ringa McCarthy retrained as an aged care provider

“The work feels very rewarding,” she said.

“My clients want to continue

living independently in their own homes and they are so grateful for the support to help them

achieve that.”

The Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Caring for Older Australians found that by 2050, more than 3.5 million Australians will be using aged care services and to cater for that growth, the workforce will need to quadruple to nearly a million workers.

TAFE Digital teacher Vikki Warner said the industry offered a combination of job security and satisfaction.

“Almost all of our TAFE Digital graduates walk straight into jobs and if you are compassionate and love helping people, it can be the perfect profession,” Warner said.

“You really are making a difference in a person’s life by helping them retain dignity as they age.

“It’s a beautiful thing to help care for someone in those years and it is definitely more than just a job.”

McCarthy said studying through TAFE Digital allowed her to change her career without changing her lifestyle.

“It was great for my family – I found the balance I needed and could do webinars and study when the kids were at school or later in the evenings,” she said.

“TAFE Digital allowed me to choose when and how I wanted to learn and study; it was perfect.”

For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Source: Media release, Sep 6 TAFE Digital

Council of P&Cs welcomes new child protection taskforce Central Coast Council of P&Cs (CCCP&C) has welcomed the announcement of a new child protection taskforce which will work to prevent vulnerable children slipping through the cracks, by better coordinating services and support throughout the lockdown and beyond.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens, said the Child Wellbeing Taskforce would bring together NSW Government agencies and nongovernment sector leaders, to

develop a plan for the transition out of lockdown.

“When it comes to protecting children, everybody has a role to play, and this Taskforce will ensure a coordinated effort to improve services and support for those most vulnerable,” Henskens said.

“We’ve worked hard throughout the lockdown to ensure continuity of services and support for at-risk children, but we also recognise that this difficult time may have adversely affected some children and young people.

“The Taskforce will develop a plan for the road ahead that

focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people as we transition out of lockdown.”

The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will include representatives from the Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education and sector peak organisations.

The initial focus will be promoting awareness of child abuse and neglect to all frontline workers, improving access to digital devices and internet for atrisk families and enhancing support for young people exiting out-of-home care.

Minister for Education and Early

Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said teachers play an important role in the child protection system.

“As frontline workers, it’s important teachers know what to look out for and how to respond when they see something that is not right,” Mitchell said.

“The NSW Government is taking a holistic approach to supporting children during this difficult time; mental health and wellbeing support is also front and centre for students.

“The new Taskforce will help a range of front-line staff, including teachers, identify those at-risk

and connect them to support.”

CCCP&C spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee, said the organisation was pleased to see the partnership between NSW Government departments and community organisations to look at new ways to ensure vulnerable children are protected.

“It has been a number of years since the current policies and procedures were developed and with the many changes in families’ circumstances and developments in technology, along with the inability of current systems to cope and then add COVID as well, practices certainly

require a rethink,” Brownlee said.

“This will hopefully change practices to help ensure every child is protected and the complex, difficult cases are investigated and resolved before police need to be involved.

“Sadly, the data for the Central Coast shows more investment is needed right here and new ways of partnering is a great strategy.

“CCC P&C looks forward to hearing from the Taskforce and working with them in partnership across schools and the community.”

Terry Collins

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Bella to be face of Redkite Week Copacabana student Bella Farrugia is set to be the face of national Coles Express fundraiser Redkite Week which raises muchneeded funds for leading children’s cancer support charity Redkite.

Bella, who has Down syndrome, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of five.

Redkite helped her family throughout her experience, and Bella is now sharing her story to help other kids with cancer.

During Redkite Week – which runs from September 13-19 – Coles Express customers can choose to round up any purchase to the nearest dollar to help Redkite provide vital financial and mental health support for families.

When Bella was diagnosed with cancer a week before her sixth birthday, her father Ritchie worried that she wasn’t going to understand that she was unwell.

“During the first few months, I stayed at the hospital with her

full-time,” he said.

“The beginning was particularly hard because there were so many unknowns.

“When a kid is about to have chemotherapy, the doctors prepare you for the worst because they don’t know how it’s going to affect the child – especially kids with Down syndrome because their chromosomes are different.

“Redkite made us feel like we were not on our own.

“They funded a social worker who was a great support when

Woolworths goes online with Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour Woolworths has gone digital with its popular Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours, with a new look to the education program set to provide more opportunities for Central Coast students in Years 5 and 6 to learn where their fresh food comes from.

Launched in 2018, the instore experience has seen more than 260,000 Australian school and early learning centre students participate.

With a redesign of the program, students will now be able to use immersive AR and VR activities to take a virtual tour of a Woolworths store, as well as get closer to the farm, to help educate and inspire conversation about fresh fruit and vegetables.

Designed in collaboration with educators, food scientists and nutritionists, the program also allows students the ability to virtually step onto an Australian farm to learn how

fresh food is grown and meet some of the farmers who supply fruit and vegetable to their Woolworths stores.

The redesign comes as new Woolworths research shows that less than half of the children surveyed in NSW and the ACT aged 6-14 could correctly identify a leek, apricot or a beetroot.

Woolworths Erina, Gosford and Lisarow Group Manager, Tim Burr said the company was committed to helping families make healthier and easier decisions when it comes to their lifestyles.

“A big way we can do that is by educating younger Aussies about where food comes from, the food production process, Aussie suppliers and growers, and the need to support a sustainable future,” he said.

“Our new Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tour achieves all this using technology to create a fun learning experience.

“Taking the Fresh Food Kids

Discovery Tours online also enables teachers to bring the curriculum virtually to life, even if students are learning from home.

Teachers from schools in locations where home-based learning programs are underway can also alter the program to suit their existing online programs.

Coast schools interested in participating in the new digital program can request a free classroom kit containing all the materials and lesson plans required, along with access to a supporting Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours app.

The roll out of the new digital program will start with Years 5 and 6 and be available to Kindergarten to Year 4 from early 2022.

More details available at www.woolworths.com.au/ discoverytours.

Source: Media release, Sep 6 Woolworths

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we were in hospital, paid the car registration so we could get to hospital and home for short breaks in between treatments, and they provided Coles vouchers so that we had food.

“Today, Bella is 19 months in remission and is in Year 2 at school, which she loves.

“She continues to have blood taken and sees medical teams every few months so relapse is always on our minds.”

Redkite supported 2,400 families across the country in 2020, and 760 in NSW alone.

Redkite’s General Manager Fundraising, Tatiana Issacs, said the pandemic had put even more pressure on families and there was more demand than ever for essential support such as fuel and grocery vouchers and counselling for family members.

Coles General Manager Operations, Tony Parry, said Coles Express was proud to be fundraising for such an important cause.

“Our Coles Express team members are passionate about supporting their communities and helping families with

Bella Farrugia

children whose lives have been diagnosed with cancer,” he said.

“Simply rounding up at the till is a small act which will make

a huge difference to families in need.”

Source: Media release, Sep 9

Enrolling now for Years 7 to 12 for 2022 ET Australia Secondary College is an independent Years 7 to 12 high school which equips students with the literacy and numeracy skills to be successful in employment and/or future study by delivering the mainstream curriculum in a safe and supportive learning environment.

The gifted and talented program helps me to think deeper about topics that I have never considered.

Tristan, Year 11

Book your tour at: etaustralia.com/secondary-college Click on ‘Enrol Today’.

ET Australia Secondary College

PAGE 36 27 AUGUST 2021 CLASSIFIEDS

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

University of Newcastle offering ATAR adjustment in recognition of COVID hardship The University of Newcastle is providing increased support for HSC students this year, including five ATAR adjustment points, in recognition of the extraordinary challenges they have faced in education since the start of last year.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, said the University was committed to supporting Year 12 students’ aspirations of pursuing higher education.

“We know this is an extraordinarily challenging time for Year 12 students, their families and their teachers and we’re here to support them,” he said.

“We want Year 12 students to know that if they’re planning to study at the University of Newcastle next year, they’ll still have every opportunity to do that.

“We’ll make sure our processes are adjusted to take account of the delayed exams recently announced by the NSW Government.

“It’s important to remember there are many pathways into the University of Newcastle and all of these will continue to be

University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus

available, despite HSC exams being delayed to November.

“These include the Schools Recommendation Scheme, ATAR-based admission, Year 12 Spotlight Program and our renowned Enabling programs.

“We are also introducing pathways in the form of new Diploma programs, in areas such as Business, Education, Engineering, Science, Built Environment, Arts, and Social Sciences.”

Zelinsky said the University was engaging closely with high schools and would continue to do so over the coming weeks

to make sure they had the information they needed.

“We have strong relationships with the more than 170 high schools across our regions and much of the support we have developed for Year 12 students is in direct response to the feedback from principals and teachers,” he said.

“We’ve already increased our support for Year 12 students in the lead up to their HSC, through programs like Uni&Me that offers the opportunity to connect with a University of Newcastle student ambassador to plan their transition from

school to university.”

University ProVice-Chancellor College of Human and Social Futures, Professor John Fischetti, said Year 12 students and their families may benefit from practising positivity each day.

“Human brain wiring includes more than 100 billion neurons, which, especially in young people, can be changed by stimulation – good or bad,” he said.

“The unanticipated time that we now have with our children is tough and stressful, but it is also amazing.

“We are there to see them struggle, we are there to help them succeed.”

Fischetti said while the HSC is an important milestone, it is not the “be all end all”.

“All options for your amazing futures are available after the HSC,” he said.

“Those may involve taking a slightly different path to enabling programs or to a degree that is related and through which you may apply to transfer into later on based on your success.

Fischetti said learning from home was helping students

develop “future-focused skills”, including the skills to deal with ambiguity, critical thinking and taking more ownership of their own learning journeys.

“Some students are actually thriving given the ownership they are getting in their own learning and the flexibility of learning from home,” he said.

Students may be eligible for a range of adjustment points through various schemes, including the Educational Access Scheme, Year 12 Adjustment Points Scheme, Regional and Rural Adjustment Points Scheme and the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme.

The University will also offer the COVID points scheme to this year’s HSC students where school leaver applicants will be offered an additional five adjustment points in recognition of the extraordinary challenges they have faced in education since the start of last year.

The points will be applied automatically via the Universities Admission Centre to students who preference the University of Newcastle.

Source: Media release, Sep 2 University of Newcastle

Apprenticeship subsidy program to end in March The Australian Government’s Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements (BAC) subsidy which offers employers up to 50 per cent of their trainee’s wage to be paid for 12 months, is expected to end in March 2022.

Breanna from Invitation To Health is now a full time trainee thanks to the wage subsidy

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

10 FRI

17 FRI

0413 0.25 1028 1.65 1634 0.34 2243 1.63 0533 1.26 1105 0.56 1738 1.72

Since the start of the BAC, introduced to help employers recover from the impact of COVID-19, ET Australia’s Adult Training College has seen a significant increase in traineeship numbers across business, childcare and disability sectors on the

Central Coast.

So far, the BAC has led to well over 100,000 people finding entry level employment in traineeships and apprenticeships across the country.

“Our traineeship numbers have increased by over 50 per cent since October last year,” ET Australia Business Development Manager, Dana Mahia, said.

“32 per cent of these trainees are employed at businesses we haven’t dealt with in the past.

“Along with receiving the 50 per cent wage subsidy,

TIDE CHART

these businesses have used the free trainee recruitment service we offer to find a suitable trainee for them if ET Australia’s Training College is their Registered Training Organisation of choice for their traineeship.

“Invitation To Health in Wyoming is one example; they’ve hired two trainees full-time to take advantage of the Government’s push for more trainees.

“The subsidy also allows businesses with newly hired, casual, or part-time employees to benefit from the wage subsidy should they

convert their position to a traineeship.

“Over a 12-month period this could mean a wage subsidy of up to $28,000 per employee who enters a traineeship training contract for an eligible Certificate II or higher qualification.”

ET Australia’s Training College Manager, Cath Roden, said, the wage subsidy could be a key factor to help businesses recover when NSW comes out of lockdown.

Source: Media release, Aug 16 ET Australia

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

11

12

13

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

23

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0453 0.32 0032 1.34 0430 1.19 0537 0.41 0143 1.22 0307 1.16 1115 1.66 1205 1.65 0626 0.51 0727 0.59 0840 0.64 0957 0.62 SAT 1730 0.38 SUN 1833 0.44 MON 1302 1.63 TUE 1410 1.61 WED 1525 1.62 THU 1637 1.66 2334 1.48 1947 0.49 2111 0.49 2332 0.38 2229 0.45 0024 0.32 0108 0.28 0146 0.26 0221 0.27 0253 0.30 0323 0.35 0624 1.34 0707 1.42 0747 1.48 0825 1.53 0901 1.56 0936 1.57 SAT 1202 0.49 SUN 1253 0.42 MON 1338 0.38 TUE 1420 0.37 WED 1500 0.38 THU 1541 0.42 1830 1.76 1915 1.77 1957 1.75 2035 1.69 2112 1.61 2147 1.51

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

PAGE 38

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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Schools Launchpad to offer HSC healthcare courses in 2022 Central Coast high school students will be able to gain skills to help them secure work in the growing health and aged care sectors, thanks to new virtual TAFE NSW courses to be offered as part of the HSC in 2022.

With the Australian Aged Care sector expected to grow to one million workers by 2050, the NSW Government will deliver in-demand skills training to Year 11 and 12 students with courses in Care in Ageing, Health Administration, and Allied Health.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee, said the virtual Schools Launchpad courses are designed to build the sector’s future workforce and allow students to step straight into jobs after school.

“The new virtual courses give students an opportunity to complete their HSC with highly relevant and realworld skills that employers are looking for,” Lee said.

“Students will finish high school with a head start in

their career, as they will be qualified to work in a variety of in-demand roles including as a Personal Care Worker, Allied Health Assistant, and Medical Records Officer.”

Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said the TAFE Launchpad courses are an important part of school

curriculum reforms.

“The new curriculum is about ensuring students are prepared for in-demand jobs, including in growing industries like health,” Mitchell said.

“Our curriculum will truly be world leading, and importantly create incredible

opportunities for all our students to achieve their best and have rewarding careers in their future.”

TAFE NSW Head of Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Skills Team, Anne Barrow, said students studying the virtual Care in Ageing course will learn

workplace communication skills, WHS, infection control policies, and the practices of person-centred support.

“They’ll also gain a First Aid Certificate and learn how to provide individualised support to clients with diverse needs, including people with dementia,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) Helen Emmerson said the courses connect students with a range of career opportunities in the sector.

“These virtual courses give local high school students the chance to learn about the career paths available for carers in aged care in their local communities,” Emmerson said.

“It’s such a rewarding industry with so many job opportunities.”

Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR. Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses.

Students can express their interest via their school career counsellors.

For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/ launchpad.

Source: Media release, Sep 3 Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee

Steiner School goes solar The Central Coast Steiner School, catering for children for all over the region, is set to install a 260-panel rooftop solar system, thanks to people across Australia donating funds to allow the provision of an interestfree loan to the school to reduce its carbon footprint.

Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia (CORENA) is providing an interest-free $68,094 loan, with the school funding the remainder of the $74,903.40 full cost of the solar installation.

The 99kW solar installation will avoid an estimated 127,750kWh of grid electricity/year, which will result in carbon emissions reduction equivalent to 23 average homes using renewable energy instead of grid electricity, a spokesperson said.

“It’s expected that solar will reduce the school electricity bills by thousands of dollars per year, and the CORENA

An artist’s image of the new Central Coast Steiner School building

loan will be repaid in 5.5 years.”

The independent school, which caters for students from Early Kindergarten to Year 10, will have the solar system installed on the roof of a new school building that

is to be built in December.

The rooftop solar system will be installed during construction.

Principal, Rosemary Michalowski, said care for the natural environment is a

fundamental underpinning of Steiner education.

“We educate students to be well-informed and responsible stewards of the world’s natural resources,” she said.

“This investment in solar energy is in alignment with our commitment to a sustainable and just future for all.”

CORENA operates Australia’s longest running donor-driven revolving fund

for practical climate action.

The fund offers interest-free loans to not-for-profit and community organisations to pay for projects that reduce carbon emissions.

This is CORENA’s second interest-free loan to a Steiner school, following the installation of a 100kW rooftop solar system at a Tasmanian Steiner school in 2020.

CORENA founder, Margaret Hender, said Steiner schools are noted for their climatefriendly initiatives.

“We’re delighted to now also help the Central Coast Steiner School to install solar,” she said.

“We welcome future project applications from more schools if they want help with reducing their carbon emissions.”

Applications for new loans and donations can be made at https://corenafund.org. au/.

Source: Media release, Sep 2 Central Coast Steiner School

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10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Littlehales gets fastest finish but misses medal

Dylan Littlehales

Dylan Littlehales finishes fourth in the Final race, only 0.012 seconds behind third place, Robert Oliver, Britain

PARALYMPICS Dylan Littlehales from Wamberal has just missed out on achieving an Olympic medal by finishing fourth place in the final of the Men’s Kayak Single 200m - KL3.

The KL3 category is defined

by Paralympics Australia as for athletes with an impairment in one leg who are able to sit forward in the Kayak and paddle by driving with their legs and hips.

Yet the power generated in the competitor’s upper bodies, rotations back and forth in their abdomens and – most importantly – the speed with

which they slice through the water mean the only road block for these disabled athletes comes from the strength of their competition.

Britain’s Robert Oliver finished 0.012 seconds ahead of Littlehales, to achieve Bronze, and less than a second behind two-time Gold Medallist from Ukraine, Serhii Yemelianov and Russia’s Leonid Krylov in Silver.

The 21-year-old had set his ambitions on taking the Gold away from Rio 2016 winner, Yemelianov but walked away without a medal.

Since setting a new world record at Rio, the 28-year-old Ukrainian has remained the powerhouse in the sport,

winning the World Championship in 2017 and 2018, and now his second Olympic Gold.

Littlehales will return home knowing that his semi-final race time of 40.234 seconds was the fastest finish at this year’s Games, only 0.424 seconds behind Yemelianov’s world record of 39.810.

His aspiration for Gold remains within his outstretched grasp and the young man will likely have more opportunities to realise this dream during the next decade of competition.

For now he may take heart in being one of 179 Australians to represent his nation at the Para Games, the largest ever Aussie

team to date.

This team place eighth overall and earned 80 medals: 21 Gold, 29 Silver and 30 Bronze, including two Gold and one Silver for teammates of Dylan within the Canoe Sprint cohort.

The two wins went to Curtis McGrath in the Men’s Kayak Single 200m - KL2 and Va’a Single 200m - VL3, and one Silver for Susan Seipel in the Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2.

Australian Sports Commission Chair, Josephine Sukkar AM, commended the team on both its podium success and overall commitment to a Games beset by multiple challenges.

“Our Paralympians are no strangers to adversity, but the preparations to get to these Games were like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” she said.

“In the face of these challenges, our Paralympians haven’t just settled for getting to the start line in Tokyo, they have excelled and inspired all Australians with their performances, humility, humanity and good sportsmanship.

“Their joy in competing was matched by the joy we felt watching.

“They have flown the flag for Australia as incredible ambassadors for our country and they have again raised

global awareness about the astonishing abilities that people with disabilities possess.

“They have made all of Australia proud.

“There will be Australian children with disabilities who watched these athletes compete in Tokyo and will be dreaming of being a Paralympian themselves one day, perhaps at a home Games in Brisbane in 2032.”

Source: Media release, Sep 6 Morgan Kasmarik, Australian Institute of Sport

Central Coast Basketball appeals for $80,000 in unpaid game fees BASKETBALL

sustainability.

Central Coast Basketball, like many not-for-profit organisations, has been challenged with lack of income during lockdown and is encouraging members to pay outstanding fees amid concerns about its

A spokesperson said the Board is meeting regularly to put strategies in place that plan for best and worst case scenarios.

“We are being cautious with spending and minimising costs where we can to ensure the

sustainability of theAssociation, however, there are still members who have not paid games fees from last season,” the spokesperson said.

“This amount is in excess of $80,000 and is needed for us to survive.

“Invoices were emailed on June 28 and our staff and

Board will be contacting individuals to prompt payment.

“With no return to community sports in sight, we strongly encourage anyone with outstanding invoices to take advantage of Active Kids Vouchers set to expire in December.

“We know it’s a tough time,

but payment of outstanding game fees is essential for the future of our Association.

“Our By-Laws also require all players to be financial, so payment of outstanding fees will ensure you can hit the court when we reopen.

“We know our members appreciate honesty and while

it’s hard for us all at the moment, we know there are better times ahead – we just need to survive this period.

“Please feel free to reach out to a Board member if you need to discuss the matter.”

Source: Media release, Sep 3 Central Coast Basketball

Humpback Highway Watch Ronny Ling and his Central Coast Dolphin Project and Central Coast Newspapers have combined to bring you a regular Humpback Highway report in each edition of this newspaper.

Well the whales have been very few and far between over the last week or so.

Only a few sightings have come in from those on boats.

However, reports from out at the shelf have numerous whales taking advantage of the currents off the Continental Shelf to return

south, just a shame that is about 25klm out.

Dolphins have been regularly surfing off most of the regular beaches including Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca and Macmasters.

Seals are popping up all over the place at the moment, it’s easy to tell it’s the “sealy season”.

It’s really important to remember, seals are quite at home on the land, it’s where they rest and recuperate.

With big swells and rough seas, our coastline often gives them a bit of space to “take time out.”

They are wild animals and deserve that

respect.

They will bite if they feel threatened.

Enjoy them from a good distance, 40m is best.

Never try to feed or touch them, and never get between them and the water.

Keep kids and pets well back, so everyone including the seal will be safe.

If you’re planning to go whale watching, remember to comply with Health Regulations and police/government directions.

If you are lucky enough to spot a whale, seal or dolphin, please text or call the Project on 0490 401 969 or email centralcoastdolphins@gmail.com

PAGE 40 SPORT

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Mariners to enter a W-League team in 2022/23

FOOTBALL Central Coast Mariners has announced its intention to enter the W-League competition in 2022/23 as the women’s league expands.

On September 3, eight months after the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirmed control of the A-League and W-League, it announced a raft of new initiatives to drive the women’s game forward.

The expansion will see the addition of teams from Wellington Phoenix and Western United FC, along with the Mariners, join the competition ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.

The timetable for expansion will be finalised and announced in the coming weeks and will mean the W-League will provide more games and more opportunities for the nations’ elite female footballers, with the addition of the first new

CCN

women’s teams since Melbourne City FC joined in 2015.

The W-League Finals Series will be expanded with the addition of a Preliminary Final - rewarding the teams that finish first and second on the league table with an extra chance to reach the Grand Final, as well as giving fans more drama-filled finals football.

A new Club Championship has also been launched by APL, designed to bring together fans of the men’s and women’s games, and ally the club teams in partnership.

APL Managing Director, Danny Townsend, said this was just the beginning of a sustained investment program in women’s football.

“We want to unleash football’s potential in Australia, and this is a significant step forward in delivering the future that the game deserves,” he said.

The Mariners have announced

they will enter the W-League competition and complete the pathway to professional football for aspiring females on the Coast and in Academy teams.

“This is a very important and logical step for the club to provide a completeness of brand and ensure that football remains the number one sport on the Central Coast, from grassroots through to the professional game in men’s and now women’s,” a spokesperson said.

“In addition, the Central Coast Mariners, working with Central Coast Council, have submitted an application to FIFA for the Central Coast to be nominated as a base camp for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

“The Mariners’ inclusion into the W-League is an important step to ensure that the required infrastructure requirements are reached, and that the impact of the Women’s World Cup will hold long term benefits, leaving a great legacy for

female sport on the Coast.

“If successful, the Central Coast region will also benefit, giving the community unique exposure to what will be the biggest football event ever held in Australia.

“Furthermore, the additional home matches that the W-League will bring to the Central Coast provides not only more exciting match days for families to attend, but it will also aid job and economic growth for the region and become the second team to represent the Central Coast on the national stage.”

Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp, said there was a lot of work ahead.

“The time is finally here after years of hard work, dedication, research and progress for the women’s game on the Coast,” he said.

“The opportunity is now right there for us to take advantage of, and the barriers of our past proposals no longer exist.

“Our intention to enter the 2022/23 competition is also to ascertain that we have prepared in the correct way, to confirm all the boxes are ticked, stakeholders are consulted, and funding and resources are secured, ensuring that this is not a rushed process.

“We are adamant that our W-League team will require and use all the resources provided to them, in parity to our A-League team and the standards we uphold for them.

“This will take time as we will have to secure and confirm the correct training and playing facilities, as well as securing significant sponsorship and funding to ensure that the team are prepared and highly competitive in the W-League.

“Making this formal submission of intent is a huge step for the club and I look forward to working extremely closely with the APL to ensure that our strategy and submission to enter into the W-League is one of the most

exciting and successful expansions ever made by the league.

“I know our community is ready and this is also fundamental to the long-term security and stability of the club on the Central Coast.

“The APL will not take the decision lightly and the reality is, we will have to prove without any doubt to them and the entire football community that we have the funds, resources, talent and infrastructure to deliver this.

“The whole country will be watching, and it is time to unlock and deliver the pathway for talented young female footballers on the Coast which previously was non-existent.”

The Mariners will submit a completed strategy and plan for the APL to consider by the end of the year and seek to ensure that it is fully endorsed by the PFA.

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Terry Collins

CALL 02 4325 7369 OR SEE WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU