Coast Community News 311

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 311

News

Three-month Peat Island consultation begins Detailed design work on plans to upgrade intersections on Manns Rd at West Gosford and Narara is nearing completion, with construction set to begin early in 2023.

See page 7

Out&About

Residents have until December 20 to make a submission on the recently released Planning Proposal for Mooney Mooney and Peat Island.

A short film produced by a team of University of Newcastle students has earned international recognition at Hollywood’s IndieX film awards, taking out wins in three categories.

See page 18

See page 3

Health

DELTA OUTBREAK CASES EXCEED 500 - See page 4

Councillors and staff summonsed to appear at Inquiry Some current and former senior staff of Central Coast Council and its predecessor councils, Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council, have been summonsed to appear at the Public Inquiry next week.

Administrator Rik Hart has confirmed he has received a summons, along with former Interim Administrator Dick Persson, CFO Natalia Cowley and CEO David Farmer.

The Commissioner will also hear from members of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and from several members of the public.

The suspended councillors have received emails explaining the areas of interest the Commissioner would like them to address when they front the inquiry.

These include: the availability

and adequacy of financial information and their reactions to the 2017/2018 budget and their understanding of the unrestricted cash position referred to in investment reports and why it was removed from October 2019.

She also wants to discuss the costs of the proposed regional performing arts centre and the decision to break the Warnervale Airport contract.

Other topics include the selection of the general manager; infrastructure backlog and spending on capital works; knowledge of staff matters including workforce numbers and costs, effect of wage freeze, staff culture; and the behaviour in and effectiveness of the Council meetings.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Public Inquiry said witnesses may be permitted to

make an oral address, subject to the nature and content of any written submission they have made.

The Commissioner will ask questions of witnesses and evidence will be given under oath.

The length of time of each person’s appearance will vary according to the nature of evidence being given.

This will be the Coast’s first glimpse of the Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch who the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock appointed in April of this year, six months after she suspended the councillors.

Under the State Government Act, the Minister had to re-instate the councillors or hold a public inquiry.

The public meetings start at 10am on Monday, September 27, and are expected to run daily

for a couple of weeks.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the public hearings will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and live streamed on the Office of Local Government YouTube channel.

The public will be able to view the proceedings via a desktop or laptop computer, smart phone or tablet.

Next week will be a big week in local government affairs on the Coast.

The third Council meeting for this month will be held on September 28.

The first ordinary Council meeting saw the Administrator agree to change the addresses of more than 500 riverfront homes.

He also agreed to the first $300,000 to be spent from the $5M earmarked for a masterplan for Warnervale Airport.

The second meeting was an extra -ordinary meeting where the Administrator agreed to send a report to IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) asking permission to charge residents more money for water, sewerage and stormwater.

IPART will publish the Council request so residents will be able to see how large an increase Council proposes.

The Administrator wouldn’t say.

He said the rules meant IPART had to make the report public.

IPART says it will make the report public on or before September 28.

Merilyn Vale

Council still using restricted funds See page 6

A Scrunchies for Dementia campaign to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation through the virtual My Walk & Jog challenge has been championed by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch.

See page 31

Sport

With this week’s announcement of the A-League 2021-22 fixtures, Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that they are yet to finalise a venue hire agreement with Central Coast Stadium.

See page 39

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.

PAGE 2

24 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.

Our content is originated through both our own team of local journalists as well as external

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Coast Community News is published weekly and its coverage takes in parts of Gosford West, Gosford East and Wyong Central Coast Council Wards. It also takes in parts of the State seats of Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance, and parts of the Federal seats of Robertson and Dobell For all other information, please visit our website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in and see us at Suite 1, Level 1, 86 Mann St, Gosford.

Ross Barry, Publisher

Blurb for SONATA: Melodies of Murder There was something enchanting about Sergeant Kate Willings that drew you in like a magnet….her world changing forever after discovering severed head during her early morning rounds.

Joining forces with Inspector Lord Pinhorn more mysterious bodies were discovered with no apparent link, while romances blossomed.

DO YOU WANT TO SEND US A STORY? CCN welcomes contributions from all members of the community, including citizen reports, media releases and letters to the Editor.

All contributions should be emailed to editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us in our publications and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce information at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial standards.

Were these murders the clever planning of a serial killer or are the smiling corpses purely coincidental?

When the murderer plays one tune too many, a favourite Sonata, the ugly truth is exposed.

Author Amelia married

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Next Edition: Coast Community News 312

and raised her family on the Central Coast of NSW. Her other passions include photography, dancing and power walking along beautiful beaches.

Now as a Senior, she enjoys the challenge of playing Bridge and is also a keen lawn bowler.

For your chance to win, write your full name, address, and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community News, Sonata Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on Sep 29.

The winners of the House of Diamonds competition were Patricia Taylor of Woy Woy, Janice Wilson of Lisarow and Tracy Bagot of Narara.

Deadline: September 29

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2250 - Bucketty, Calga, Central Mangrove, East Gosford, Erina, Erina Fair, Glenworth Valley, Gosford, Greengrove, Holgate, Kariong, Kulnura, Lisarow, Lower Mangrove, Mangrove Creek, Mangrove Mountain, Matcham, Mooney Mooney Creek, Mount White, Narara, Niagara Park, North Gosford, Peats Ridge, Point Clare, Point Frederick, Somersby, Springfield, Tascott, Ten Mile Hollow, Upper Mangrove, Wendoree Park, West Gosford, Wyoming 2251 - Avoca Beach, Bensville, Bouddi, Copacabana, Davistown, Green Point, Kincumber, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Saratoga, Yattalunga 2260 - Forresters Beach, North Avoca, Terrigal, Wamberal

Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Editor: Jackie Pearson, Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Sue Murray, Maisy Rae, Harry Mulholland, Skaie Hull, Merilyn Vale, Hayley McMahon, Haakon Barry.

Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

17 SEPTEMBER 2021 15 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 256

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Central Coast volunteer surf lifesavers raised their iconic red and yellow flags at Toowoon Bay on Monday to signify the start of the season this Saturday, September 18.

State Secretary of FBEU, Martin Dixon, said taking any fire station offline deprived a local community of a critical emergency response, leaving any response up to fire stations from further away and reducing the number of fire trucks at any incident.

He said the proposal by Fire

CCN

and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) was being fought by the Fire Brigade Employees Union in the Industrial Relations Commission.

“At the moment, fire stations without sufficient safe crewing levels are supplemented by other firefighters at overtime rates, which is necessary to keep our communities safe.

“Staffing shortages can be avoided by fixing the critical understaffing and underfunding of the service.

“The union for professional firefighters in NSW, the FBEU, is fighting hard to stop this

proposal through every way possible, including through the courts, but we need the help of local communities to fight it.

“We encourage people to write to their local State Member of Parliament, write to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, write to the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, and make your voices heard.

“We want people to let their family and friends know that this government wants to shut down their local fire station, depriving them and their community of a critical

emergency response if anything goes wrong.

“Most importantly, we need the community to support our local firefighters who are, of course, at the centre of this proposal.

“They are doing their best to maintain this vital service, and their employer wants to throw them aside and allow their local community to be exposed.

“We encourage people to apply for positions at their local Fire and Rescue NSW stations if they’re recruiting and be sure to thank your local firies for their exceptional work in the

community,” Dixon said.

Deputy Commissioner for FRNSW, Jeremy Fewtrell, said FRNSW was committed to keeping communities safe and used a risk-based approach to manage the readiness of its emergency service delivery.

“FRNSW has an established procedure of managing all of its on-call fire stations, and the practice of taking fire trucks temporarily offline is partly a result of changing demographics, improvements in technology, and a more modern understanding of fire safety and risks.

Continued page 6

News

Central Coast Council has commenced proactive patrols in natural reserves and continues to monitor open space areas for unauthorised bike jump and track builds.

See page 5

Out&About

Facebook ruling shuts down community discussion

With the announcement last week that the Central Coast will stay in lockdown for an unspecified time, the State and Federal Liberal Governments are playing the blame game.

See page 5

24 SEPTEMBER 2021 22 SEPTEMBER 2021

The High Court of Australia has made a landmark decision that will have a substantial impact on organisations that publish the news, including CCN.

Health

ISSUE 257

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

News

Anti-vax rally quashed by police About 150 anti-vaxxers scattered when police converged on Memorial Park at The Entrance last Saturday to break up their rally which was in breach of the Public Health Orders.

Out&About

As nominations for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards close this Friday, CCN has taken a look back on one of the finalists of the 2020 award – Umina’s Glitta Supernova.

See page 13

Some local businesses are still struggling to stay afloat even though the NSW Government has extended financial support for those affected by lockdown restrictions.

News

See page 16

Residents of Terrigal, Avoca and North Avoca should be on the lookout for six cyclists streaking past their homes on Sunday, September 26.

See page 17

Rotary Brisbane Water has been donating old mobile phones and laptops to Ettalong-based charity The Peninsula Lighthouse to assist those fleeing domestic violence.

See page 8

Out&About

Following the soaring success of their idea to bring a virtual market to Bouddi during lockdown, a Killcare duo has set their sights on expanding the initiative Coast-wide.

Sport

Kyah Simon of Tacoma has been selected for a 25-player Matildas squad in a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland on September 22, a match that will herald in a three-year international cycle...

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.

Buck passing doesn’t solve Pfizer shortage Friction between the State and Federal Governments has come to a head over the Central Coast’s lack of Pfizer supply as the region records over 60 new cases so far this week.

With cases on the rise and dozens of new exposure sites listed across the region, increased vaccination coverage is something the NSW Government said could get the Coast out of lockdown sooner.

As of Monday, September 13, over 70 per cent of Peninsula residents had received their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine and over 40 per cent

were fully vaccinated.

Over 48,000 doses of vaccine have been administered on the Peninsula.

The state-wide lockdown is expected to end in mid-October after the State achieves over 70 per cent vaccination coverage.

The potential for the Coast to leave the lockdown earlier would be dependent on vaccine supply and community uptake.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said there had been a ‘very short’ supply of Pfizer on the Coast and said he hoped the Federal Government would supply more Pfizer doses.

“Gosford and Wyong Hospitals are currently administering 4,800 Pfizer doses per week,” Crouch said.

“This is very good but we can always do better.

“This is just 40 per cent of what Gosford and Wyong Hospitals could do if Pfizer vaccines were readily available.

“Gosford Hospital even has the staff and the space ready and waiting to operate as a mass vaccination hub, but only if the Federal Government supplies more Pfizer doses.”

It is reported that Gosford and Wyong Hospitals can administer up to 12,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines per week in addition

to its administering of AstraZeneca doses but this is entirely dependent on supply.

Federal Member fo Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has welcomed a review of how General Practitioners (GPs) are allocated to areas like the Central Coast.

“Central Coast residents are doing their bit to hit the 70 per cent and 80 per cent targets,” Wicks said.

“To date,the NSW Government has received almost three million doses of Pfizer, which is enough to vaccinate around 45 per cent of the state with a first dose.

“However, I am advised the

Central Coast Local Health District has not received an increase in Pfizer allocations since July 2021.

“From the NSW Government allocation of Pfizer, the Central Coast has been receiving about half (2.1 per cent) of the Pfizer we would expect based on our population size (4.8 per cent), which has left a shortfall of about 30,000 doses locally.

“I thank the NSW Premier for her determination to stamp out the Delta outbreak in Western and Southwest Sydney, but its time our region gets back the 30,000 Pfizer doses that were taken to fight the virus on the front-line.”

Continued page 4

The 11th annual Cancer Council’s ‘Girls Night In’ event at Ettalong Diggers next month has been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

See page 25

Sport

Australia’s well decorated sports sailor and Gosford Sailing Club alumnus, Tom Slingsby, has successfully defended his 2019 title at the 2021 Moth World Championship.

See page 31

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.

To be hosted by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, the briefing comes as the number of cases announced on the Coast during this outbreak reached 312 on September 16, with more than 200 of those still active.

“The number of active COVID-19 cases on the Central Coast has nearly doubled in the

space of a week,” Crouch said.

“The briefing with Dr Chant will discuss this growth in case numbers, the increase in vaccination rates, and what more can be done to control the Delta strain.

In a letter to Labor MPs, Crouch said the region’s response to the pandemic should be managed in a bipartisan way.

“All MPs have a responsibility to ensure COVID-19 information is shared and promoted in a timely non-political way,” he said.

Announcement of the briefing came as Labor MPs ramped up calls for more support in the

region to stop the Coast becoming an area of concern.

“In the last two weeks, four schools in my electorate have reported positive cases of COVID-19,” Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said.

“This suggests to me that the virus is being picked up by workers who cannot work from home; there is little evidence of spread by outsiders.

“A large number of the new cases are linked to known cases which says to me that not enough is being done to support those who have been exposed to the virus.

“Inadequacy in the supply of the vaccine of people’s choice

is also a big factor, I think, in the spread of the virus locally.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) said Gosford Hospital is currently caring for a number of COVID patients, some of whom have been transferred from out of area as part of NSW Health’s networked hospital system.

“This system ensures patients can be transferred or redirected to other hospitals where necessary, including private hospitals,” the spokesperson said.

“Strict plans and protocols are in place for staff who care for patients with COVID-19,

Health

including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the ICU. “COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system.

Continued page 8

The oncological clinical trial group Breast Cancer Trials will encourage food lovers all over the country to stay in this October and enter the 3 Course Challenge to support breast cancer research.

See page 33

Sport

The official start of beach season for the Coast’s 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs was marked with the raising of the iconic red and yellow flags at Toowoon Bay this week with the season officially set to start on September 18.

See page 39

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.

District Health says hospitals ready for COVID surge Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) says it is well-prepared for the anticipated demand on hospitals because of increasing COVID-19 patients, expected to hit a peak in October.

CCLHD says there are no COVID-positive confirmed cases at Wyong Hospital at present, however, there are a number of COVID patients at Gosford Hospital, some who have transferred there from out of the area.

Last Thursday, September 16, a woman in her 20s died at Gosford Hospital after

contracting COVID-19.

She had an underlying medical condition and was not vaccinated.

NSW Health said she was a resident of a Life Without Barriers group home for the disabled in Wyong, where she acquired her infection.

“We are deeply saddened about the death of a young woman we provide support to and share our sincere condolences to her family and friends at their considerable loss,” said a spokesperson for Life Without Barriers.

“Our priority is offering our support and care to her family

and providing assistance they need at this difficult time.”

It was the second COVIDrelated death within a week as the coronavirus now appears to have a grip on the Central Coast and, other than hospital patients, there are about 200 people who are self-isolating at home and receiving care from the Health District.

Health authorities remain particularly concerned about the spread of the virus throughout the northern suburbs.

There are 73 positive cases still under investigation to determine the source.

In the past week, from Wednesday, September 15, there have been another 156 new cases with 83 linked to known cases and only 42 already in self-isolation.

The number of cases in the past week has jumped from 278 to 434 (as at September 21).

Health authorities are expecting that the spike in local COVID cases will also mean that the number of hospitalisations will increase over the next few weeks.

A spokesperson for Central Coast LHD said strict plans and protocols were in place for staff who cared for patients with

COVID-19, including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system.

Continued page 4

Black Dog Institute is asking people to unite in a time of lockdown and separation to put One Foot Forward by walking 20, 40, 60 or 100km during October.

See page 31

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Central Coast Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable offroad cycling infrastructure in the region.

See page 39

Puzzles page 23

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.

The use – perhaps unlawful – of internal and external restricted funds is expected to be one of the issues examined by the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial affairs when Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch begins hearings next week.

One of the Public Inquiry’s tasks is to investigate whether councillors “kept under review the performance of the council, including that council spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses” which should include resolving how $175M or more of restricted funds were spent in contravention of the Local Government Act.

One the eve of the inquiry Administrator Rik Hart said internally restricted funds were still being spent to keep the Council afloat but that the expenditure was now lawful and fund balances, as shown in monthly investment reports, were improving.

Since the councillors were suspended 11 months ago $60 million of public assets have been put up for sale, rates are up 13 per cent, harmonisation means some rates are up more than 40 per cent, hundreds of Council employees have lost their jobs and services have been cut.

Council has warned more cuts may be needed unless IPART permits a permanent 3 per cent rate increase and

Detailed design work on plans to upgrade intersections on Manns Rd at West Gosford and Narara is nearing completion, with construction set to begin early in 2023.

See page 7

Out&About

Residents have until December 20 to make a submission on the recently released Planning Proposal for Mooney Mooney and Peat Island.

A short film produced by a team of University of Newcastle students has earned international recognition at Hollywood’s IndieX film awards, taking out wins in three categories.

See page 18

See page 3

Health

DELTA OUTBREAK CASES EXCEED 500 - See page 4

Councillors and staff summonsed to appear at Inquiry

Solving restricted funds mystery a challenge for Inquiry

State’s Chief Health Officer to brief MPs Central Coast MPs will attend a briefing on September 17 with Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant and Central Coast Health CEO Brad Astill as COVID-19 case numbers soar in the region.

The CWA’s Umina Beach branch has put the call out for ‘urgent’ action on social and affordable housing options in NSW through a new ‘sleep out’ campaign.

See page 14

See page 13

Local Delta cases soar

Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP boards

Students from K-6 at selected schools have been encouraged to pick up a pencil or a paintbrush to design a sold sign sticker using a template.

See page 24

News

Three-month Peat Island consultation begins

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has completed more than 640ha of hazard reduction burning over the past week in the Central Coast Hunter region.

See page 5

Health

See page 12

News

Out&About

Home cooks can now get a taste of the top 10 dishes by executive chef, Craig Etches, as voted by his dining clientele at Glengara retirement community in Tumbi Umbi.

See page 17

Health

ISSUE 311

ISSUE 028

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Community loves home markets

See page 21

See page 13

Two fire stations at risk of service cuts

Struggling to stay afloat

Tuggerah Rural Fire Brigade crews were called to the M1 freeway on Wednesday afternoon, September 8, after a large road crusher machine had come off the back of a truck.

See page 5

Business

ISSUE 310

ISSUE 027

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Out&About

Central Coast Council has partnered with Grow It Local to get Coasties excited about growing and sourcing produce locally to reduce food waste.

See page 14

The Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) is calling on community support to save Budgewoi and Wyong Fire and Rescue NSW stations being taken temporarily offline during periods when they are short of staff.

16 SEPTEMBER 2021

News

Back to the beach

higher water and sewer rates.

The Council has borrowed $150M, on undisclosed commercial terms, in addition to its already substantial debt.

Despite all the measures listed above, the Council is still relying on internally restricted funds to pay costs, including payroll, almost a year after the suspension of Councillors.

According to Hart the NSW Office of Local Government gave Council permission to continue to use restricted funds up to a cap of $175M when Council was placed in administration last year.

Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, did not give the elected Councillors permission to use externally restricted funds when they

sought her assistance having learned that restricted funds had been spent without their knowledge or permission or that of the Minister.

Interim Administrator Dick Persson initially highlighted the alleged unlawful use of restricted funds as a major reason for the suspension of Councillors but later claimed it was the Council’s big budget deficits that were more of a problem.

CCN asked the Minister for Local Government and Office of Local Government for confirmation of the $175M cap arrangement and received the following statement: “The Minister has not received any application from Central Coast Council seeking approval to

borrow externally restricted funds.”

When asked on August 30 if Council could cover costs and pay staff without using restricted funds, Administrator Hart answered “No”.

“That is what you see in the investment report, we are still negative, but we are on an approved payment plan.”

Hart clarified this statement on September 22 when he said the balances of external restricted funds were “correct and proper” – repatriated using some of the $150M bank borrowings – so permission from the Minister was not required.

See page 4

A virtual trek will be held from October 16 to December 4 to support veterans facing financial hardship as well as encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active.

See page 27

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure in the region.

See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit

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

Administrator Rik Hart has confirmed he has received a summons, along with former Interim Administrator Dick Persson, CFO Natalia Cowley and CEO David Farmer.

The Commissioner will also hear from members of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and from several members of the public.

The suspended councillors have received emails explaining the areas of interest the Commissioner would like them to address when they front the inquiry.

These include: the availability

and adequacy of financial information and their reactions to the 2017/2018 budget and their understanding of the unrestricted cash position referred to in investment reports and why it was removed from October 2019.

She also wants to discuss the costs of the proposed regional performing arts centre and the decision to break the Warnervale Airport contract.

Other topics include the selection of the general manager; infrastructure backlog and spending on capital works; knowledge of staff matters including workforce numbers and costs, effect of wage freeze, staff culture; and the behaviour in and effectiveness of the Council meetings.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Public Inquiry said witnesses may be permitted to

make an oral address, subject to the nature and content of any written submission they have made.

The Commissioner will ask questions of witnesses and evidence will be given under oath.

The length of time of each person’s appearance will vary according to the nature of evidence being given.

This will be the Coast’s first glimpse of the Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch who the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock appointed in April of this year, six months after she suspended the councillors.

Under the State Government Act, the Minister had to re-instate the councillors or hold a public inquiry.

The public meetings start at 10am on Monday, September 27, and are expected to run daily

for a couple of weeks.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the public hearings will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and live streamed on the Office of Local Government YouTube channel.

The public will be able to view the proceedings via a desktop or laptop computer, smart phone or tablet.

Next week will be a big week in local government affairs on the Coast.

The third Council meeting for this month will be held on September 28.

The first ordinary Council meeting saw the Administrator agree to change the addresses of more than 500 riverfront homes.

He also agreed to the first $300,000 to be spent from the $5M earmarked for a masterplan for Warnervale Airport.

The second meeting was an extra -ordinary meeting where the Administrator agreed to send a report to IPART (the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) asking permission to charge residents more money for water, sewerage and stormwater.

IPART will publish the Council request so residents will be able to see how large an increase Council proposes.

The Administrator wouldn’t say.

He said the rules meant IPART had to make the report public.

IPART says it will make the report public on or before September 28.

Merilyn Vale

Council still using restricted funds See page 6

A Scrunchies for Dementia campaign to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation through the virtual My Walk & Jog challenge has been championed by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch.

See page 31

Sport

With this week’s announcement of the A-League 2021-22 fixtures, Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that they are yet to finalise a venue hire agreement with Central Coast Stadium.

See page 39

Puzzles page 19

It all starts with spirit

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Some current and former senior staff of Central Coast Council and its predecessor councils, Gosford City Council and Wyong Shire Council, have been summonsed to appear at the Public Inquiry next week.

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

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NEWS

PAGE 3

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Three-month Peat Island consultation begins Residents have until December 20 to make a submission on the recently released Planning Proposal for Mooney Mooney and Peat Island.

Touted by the State Government as a proposal to breathe new life into old assets, open Peat Island to the public and revitalise Mooney Mooney, there are members of the community who are not so sure about a rezoning which would see almost 300 residences built in the area.

First submitted to the then Gosford Council in August 2014, the planning proposal was referred to the Department of Industry and the Environment (DPIE) for Gateway determination.

In September 2015, the DPIE requested a revised proposal to address various issues.

This revised proposal was submitted to Council in November 2016 and a Gateway determination was issued with conditions in August 2017, extending the timeframe for completion of an LEP (Local Environment Plan) to August 2021.

Following extensive consultation, a second Planning Proposal Addendum package was submitted to Council in November 2020, resulting in the

Peat Island

current Planning Proposal, now open for public exhibition on the Central Coast Council website.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the proposal aims to unlock publicly-owned land in the area to capitalise on the stunning Hawkesbury River setting.

Key features of the proposal include: Nearly 270 new homes at Mooney Mooney to deliver more housing supply; retention of nine unlisted historical buildings on the island, and four on the mainland, to be restored and used for new community and commercial opportunities; new retail and café or restaurant opportunities; approximately 9.65ha of open space, including

opportunities for walking and cycling tracks, parklands and recreational facilities; retention of the chapel and surrounding land for community use; and 10.4ha of bushland dedicated as a conservation area.

“The NSW Government has been consulting widely, culminating in this rezoning proposal that strikes a balance between future land uses and achieving the best social and economic outcomes for the Mooney Mooney community,” Crouch said.

“It also opens up 2km of river water frontage with the potential for aquaculture.

“It is an amazing balance of

new development and preserving the natural beauty of the area.

“It’s about ripping down fences and opening up a parcel of land which has been closed to the public for almost a century.”

With housing affordability a major issue on the Central Coast, Crouch said the planned residences, which would include detached, attached housing and low-rise residential flat buildings ranging in height from one to three storeys, would provide another avenue for people to get into their first home.

Resident John Andrews, who is a member of the Mooney Mooney-Cheero Progress Association, said while opening

up the island for tourism was a good idea, many would be shocked by the proposal to build 267 residences in the area, particularly some on land west of the M1.

“Hopefully the plan respects the inclusion of this area in the National Trust’s register,” Andrews said.

“The problems with homes which are two and three storeys high is that they will not fit in with the historic buildings in the community, which are primarily cottages.

“There hasn’t been a land release on the Hawkesbury for almost 100 years and it might come as a bit of a

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shock to the community.

“It is a good idea to publicise and encourage visitors to this part of the world, which is not as wellknown as it should be, and zoning the island for tourism is a good thing, paving the way for everything from hotels to backpackers.

“But tourism would be a slow build, as opposed to a fast build of hundreds of residences.

“The land between the M1 and the island should also be zoned tourism and nor for private dwellings.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said any future uses of the land would recognise and protect the site’s significant Aboriginal and European heritage.

Community information webinars will be held over coming weeks with details to be available shortly.

Pavey said the Government would continue to work with the Peat Island/Mooney Mooney Community Reference Group on the future of the area’s community facilities.

The rezoning proposal will also remain open to submissions from the public until Monday, December 20.

Terry Collins

PAGE 4

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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281 COVID cases active as outbreak total passes 500 As the number of COVID-19 cases recorded on the Central Coast during the current outbreak tops 500, there is some good news this week, with Pfizer allocations to the region set to increase.

Of the 501 cases recorded by September 23, 220 were listed as no longer active, meaning there are currently 281 active cases in the region.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch,

advised that the weekly allocation of Pfizer doses for Gosford and Wyong Hospitals has been increased from 4,800 to 6,800, although your best bet is still to book a vaccination through a GP. Following a meeting on September 17 with all Coast MPs, Central Coast Local Health representatives and Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, Crouch said he had been told that the Federal Government allocates at least 60 per cent of all Pfizer doses to GPs. “This means that it is much

easier to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from a GP than it is to receive one at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals,” Crouch said.

While Gosford and Wyong Hospitals have the capacity to administer 12,000 Pfizer doses per week, Crouch said Chant had advised the Federal Government’s supply of Pfizer will remain “static” until October at the earliest.

“In spite of the supply challenges, our community is making fantastic progress in our vaccination rates,” he said.

It seems little else of note came out of the September 17 meeting.

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, said Chant acknowledged concerns about lack of access to vaccines for returning students and teachers and the need to support those who can’t work from home, but said Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) does not support Labor’s call for a stand-alone vaccination hub in the region due to a lack of supply from the Federal Government.

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during the current outbreak.

A woman in her 20s with underlying health conditions died at Gosford Hospital.

Of the 27 cases, 12 were in isolation during their infectious period.

On September 18, 29 more cases were announced; six of whom were in isolation whilst infectious.

September 19 saw the confirmation of another 20 cases, five of whom were in isolation during their infectious period, and on September 20, 19 more cases were confirmed, seven of whom were in isolation whilst infectious.

On September 21, 27 more residents tested positive, 11 of whom were in isolation whilst infectious, and 35 more cases were confirmed on September 22; 11 of whom were in isolation whilst infectious.

On September 23, 32 more cases were confirmed, five of whom were in isolation whilst infectious.

Terry Collins

Soft plastics recycling scheme open for sign ups More than 7,100 Central Coast households have opted into the Curby soft plastics program since it was made available in the region on August 9, following a successful trial last November.

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Coast, David Harris, said the MPs had secured a commitment to outreach services in partnership with organisations such as Coast Shelter and Yerin Aboriginal Health Service to improve vaccination access for the disadvantaged.

“We acknowledged Dr Chant’s incredibly difficult job throughout this whole situation and thanked Health for their diligent work to support our community,” Harris said.

Meanwhile, CCLHD has announced it will no longer identify exposure sites which are considered low-risk but will focus its contact tracing on confirmed COVID cases in households, workplaces, high risk facilities and any location where transmission has been identified or is considered likely to have occurred.

Over the past week, 189 additional cases were confirmed in the region.

On September 17, 27 new cases were announced, along with the region’s second death

Residents can register for the service on their smart phone.

It provides a simple, fun and rewarding way to recycle soft plastics from the comfort and safety of your home using your Council yellow lid recycling bin.

To register, download the Curby App and register before October 9.

Participants will be provided with Curby bags and tags to collect their soft plastics.

The tagged bags can be placed in yellow bins, from where the soft plastics will be separated and diverted from landfill and used to create other products.

Plastic bags cannot be placed in yellow lid bins for recycling unless they are in the special Curby bags.

Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said the Central Coast is leading the way to help shape the future of soft plastics recycling nationally.

“Our community’s dedication to reducing waste and protecting our land and marine environments continually amazes and inspires us,” Bolgoff said.

“We understand that many people in our community are waiting on their Curby Pack to arrive in the post – Curby has guaranteed absolutely everyone registered will receive their pack so please be patient as the Curby Team methodically go through the list of households and in the meantime, please keep collecting your soft plastics ready for when your pack arrives.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said Council was delighted to be part of the Australia-first program.

“We know that the Central Coast community is passionate about waste reduction but this response from our residents is simply outstanding,” Hart said.

“The values of our community are strongly tied to our environment and we are delighted to continually look for opportunities like the Curby program, which enables our residents to live their values.”

The program is run in collaboration with Australian recyclers iQ Renew and CurbCycle.

If residents do not have a smart phone they can recycle soft plastics using a nearby existing REDcycle drop off location, which can be found online at www. redcycle.net.au.

Source: Media release, Sep 17 Central Coast Council

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PAGE 5

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Insurance statistics show Coast’s storm exposure New home claims data released by NRMA Insurance shows the Central Coast recorded the sixth most home claims for storm and hail damage of any region in NSW over the past 12 months.

The data, for September 1, 2020 to August 2021, shows nearly six per cent of all storm and hail claims in NSW came from the Central Coast.

Data also shows the region was in the top five (fifth) for damage over winter.

The most impacted suburbs on the Coast over the past 12 months were Terrigal, Wamberal, Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Narara, Lake Munmorah and Tumbi Umbi (equal), Kincumber, Wyoming,

Lisarow and Avoca Beach.

There were more than 28,000 storm and hail claims in the past 12 months across the state, amounting to almost 60 per cent of all home claims.

This data has been released by NRMA Insurance in the latest edition of its Wild Weather Tracker and ahead of the start of storm season, traditionally October to March.

The Tracker revealed that more than 81 per cent of all stormrelated home claims in NSW over the past 12 months occurred during storm season, highlighting the importance of getting prepared.

Research of 1000 NSW residents which found that residents of Central Coast felt more prepared than they did in

Time to prepare for looming storm season

Autumn and were now the eighth best prepared region in the state, with a self-assessed preparedness score of 60/100 (up two point and four places from May 2021).

NRMA Executive General Manager Direct Claims, Luke Gallagher, said the Tracker aimed to help communities understand

that wild weather could happen at any time.

“We’re expecting a wetter than usual Spring on the east coast, so now is the time to start ensuring your homes, family and communities are prepared for the months ahead,” he said.

NSW State Emergency Service

(SES) Commissioner, Carlene York, said householders should be taking steps now to secure their homes and property before storm season hit.

“One of the best things you can do is to check and maintain your roof.

“This includes repairing any

damage, clearing leaves from gutters and trimming any overhanging branches,” she said.

“While our volunteers are ready, it is equally important that communities are ready as well.”

There is a wealth of information available on the NSW SES website to help householders prepare.

The NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker is released after every season outlining the volume of severe weather and natural disaster claims.

It tracks community research into the attitudes and behaviours regarding preparing for natural disasters and severe weather and includes expert advice on the critical steps people can take to protect their homes and property.

Sue Murray

Ourimbah driver reviver upgrade The roadside rest area at the M1 Ourimbah interchange will be upgraded with $150,000 funding from the Federal Government.

Senator for NSW, representing the Dobell electorate, Jim Molan, said funding would come from the Driver Reviver

Site Upgrade Program.

“Anyone who has used a Driver Reviver site here on the Central Cost or elsewhere across the country knows how vital they are for safety and fatigue breaks for drivers and their passengers,” he said.

“This funding will also support our hard-working local

volunteers who put in their time and effort to man our Driver Reviver sites, offering motorists a cuppa, friendly conversations and a nice spot to take a break to manage fatigue and reduce the risk of crashes.”

In total, the Government is providing $7.2M to upgrade 71 sites across the country.

The NRMA welcomed the funding and has been campaigning since 2017 for improved rest stops.

NRMA Road Safety expert, Dimitra Vlahomitros, said fatigue was one of the biggest killers with 319 lives lost on NSW roads in the past five years.

“Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol and rest areas provide a safe space for all road users to take a break and stretch their legs before getting back behind the wheel,” he said.

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nap of 15 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of crash.

“Great rest stops not only make regional travel easier, but rest stops with facilities that drivers want to stop to use will make regional travel safer,” Vlahomitros said.

Sue Murray

PAGE 6

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Internally restricted funds still keeping Council afloat On the eve of the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart has acknowledged internally restricted funds still need to be used to keep the Council afloat.

Hart said the expenditure was lawful and fund balances, as shown in monthly investment reports, were improving.

Since the councillors were suspended 11 months ago $60 million of public assets have been put up for sale, rates are up 13 per cent, harmonisation means

some rates are up more than 40 per cent, hundreds of Council employees have lost their jobs and services have been cut.

Council has warned more cuts may be needed unless IPART permits a permanent 13 per cent rate increase and higher water and sewer rates.

The Council has borrowed $150M, on undisclosed commercial terms, in addition to its already substantial debt.

Despite all the measures listed above, the Council is still relying on internally restricted funds to pay costs, including payroll,

almost a year after the suspension of Councillors.

According to Hart the NSW Office of Local Government gave Council permission to continue to use restricted funds up to a cap of $175M when Council was placed in administration last year.

Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, did not give the elected Councillors permission to use externally restricted funds when they sought her assistance having learned that restricted funds had been spent without their knowledge or permission or that of the Minister.

Interim Administrator, Dick Persson, initially highlighted the alleged unlawful use of restricted funds as a major reason for the suspension of Councillors but later claimed it was the Council’s big budget deficits that were more of a problem.

CCN asked the Minister for Local Government and Office of Local Government for confirmation of the $175M cap arrangement and received the following statement: “The Minister has not received any application from Central Coast Council seeking approval to

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borrow externally restricted funds.”

When asked on August 30 if Council could cover costs and pay staff without using restricted funds, Administrator Hart answered “No”.

“That is what you see in the investment report, we are still negative, but we are on an approved payment plan.”

Hart clarified this statement on September 22 when he said the balances of external restricted funds were “correct and proper” – repatriated using some of the $150M bank borrowings – so permission from the Minister was not required.

“Now what we are doing is, from the start of this financial year,you will see in our investment report the reference to the fact we temporarily authorised the use of internally restricted funds to fund our business,” he said.

“Now what we are saying is we are just borrowing from them for another month and as soon as we have built up cash sufficiently our aim is to repay them and the $100M loan.”

Under NSW Local Government law if a council decides to put money aside for a specific purpose, that money is called ‘internally restricted’ and can’t be used for anything else without the permission of the elected councillors.

If the Local Government Act says money must be used for a specific purpose, it becomes ‘externally restricted’ and the Minister has to give permission for it to be used for anything else.

According to Rik Hart, when he and Interim Administrator, Dick Persson, arrived last year, they found a balance of -$175M in restricted funds in the draft financial reports for 2019-20.

“That is the $175M which is the artificial cap which was applied to us by the State Government,” he said.

“They said ‘it is clearly going to take you time to sort this out so we don’t want you going above that cap’.”

The restricted funds spent prior to administration belonged to the general, water and drainage reserves and included internallyand externally-restricted monies, Hart said.

“The situation we are in is very similar to someone who has got behind with their mortgage – we’ve fallen behind, so we have called the bank and asked for a repayment plan,” he said.

“We are doing it within the law but we still have to repay the totals back so, if you like, we have got that permission from the State Government of a cap of $175M while we are getting ourselves out of trouble.”

CCN has not been able to find a resolution in Council meeting minutes between October 2020 and May 2021 to allow the ongoing use of internally restricted funds.

Council was asked for clarification and provided the following statement: “The previous Administrator inherited the overspent restricted funds when he commenced in his role on October 30, 2020.

“Once the Council had already unlawfully used the restricted funds during the first four months of the 2020-21 financial year (from July to October 2020), there was no action that could be taken to erase this occurrence for the remaining period of the financial year 2020-21.

“It was the former Council’s obligation to make a resolution for the use of restricted funds and they failed to do this.

“Mr Persson had no choice but to operate within the unrestricted fund deficit that had already been determined by the previous Council’s [alleged] unlawful actions.”

Administrator Hart said Council’s financial position was gradually improving thanks to access to grants from the Commonwealth and State Governments.

He said $20M in internally restricted funds had been “unwound” by Interim Administrator Persson.

“Some of the ones we unwound were the infrastructure reserve, waste disposal and land development reserve,” he said.

Last month Administrator Hart passed a resolution to allow the ongoing use of internally restricted funds.

“We need to have a Council decision to allow us to dip into internally restricted funds – there must be a Council decision to use funds temporarily, we are not cancelling them completely out.”

As for how the original -$175M had been spent without the knowledge or permission of the elected Councillors between September 2017 and October 2020, Hart said: “We don’t have the power to ask questions of people previously around.

“There’s no evidence one way or the other until people are asked by the Public Inquiry Commissioner under oath.”

The use – perhaps unlawful – of internal and external restricted funds prior to the current administration period will be examined by the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial affairs when Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch begins hearings next week.

Jackie Pearson

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PAGE 7

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Intersection upgrades should reduce travel times Detailed design work on plans to upgrade intersections on Manns Rd at West Gosford and Narara is nearing completion, with construction set to begin early in 2023.

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the Australian and NSW Governments had committed $66M to upgrade the Stockyard Pl intersection at West Gosford and the Narara Creek Rd intersection at Narara.

“This work will ensure safer

journeys and reduced travel times for the 20,000 motorists who use this stretch of road each day,” Wicks said.

“West Gosford and Narara is a high-growth area of the Central Coast, where traffic volumes are forecast to increase to about 27,500 vehicles per day by 2039.

“Improving these intersections now accommodates for the future infrastructure needs of our region and ensures local drivers and the wider community can get around safely.”

Podcast to aid community recovery

Central Coast Council has launched a new podcast series, Emergency Ready Now, to provide community members with the tools and knowledge to better cope when faced with adverse challenges, such as natural disasters and emergencies.

Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said the new podcast shared people’s stories about disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing.

“In recent years, our community

has been exposed to a range of emergencies and disasters, from devastating bushfires, floods and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through these challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare for next time?

“The new Emergency Ready Now podcast explores these important questions and looks at how we, as a community, can become more resilient and connected in the wake of

disaster,” Vaughan said.

The engaging 12-episode series shares the stories of community members and industry experts to explore topics and themes including the positive impact of resilience, supporting children’s mental health during and following emergencies, preparing for and recovering from trauma and loss, and financial and environmental impacts of disasters.

Administrator Rik Hart said the podcast provided a powerful platform to support community members impacted by natural

disaster, while highlighting the importance of community connectedness.

“Community stories are one of the most powerful learning tools we have.

“This new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery and gives a fantastic overview of how communities can proactively ready themselves for the future.

“It brings these complex issues to the forefront with the aim of establishing and maintaining healthy and resilient

communities,” Hart said.

The Emergency Ready Now podcast is presented by Central Coast Council and jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The first episode of the Emergency Ready Now podcast is now available on Whooshkaa, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said Manns Road forms an important link between the Pacific Hwy and Central Coast Hwy. “The first stage of the Manns Rd upgrade involves a range of improvements for these intersections and approach upgrades, including new traffic lanes and paths,” Crouch said.

“These improvements will provide safer and smoother access to St Phillip’s Christian College and Glenvale School on Narara Creek Rd, particularly during daily peak times around school drop-off and pick-up.

“An extra lane is also proposed on Manns Rd at the Stockyard Pl intersection which is anticipated to ease the pressure on southbound traffic.

“As part of the planning process, Transport for NSW is now consulting with business owners about proposed changes to parking in Stockyard Pl which will make it easier for heavy vehicles to turn around.”

Source: Media release, Sep 20 Central Coast Council

Source: Media release, Sep 20 Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, and member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch

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24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Drones to be used to keep beaches safe Shark surveillance via drones has recommenced at North Entrance and Avoca beaches, and a new addition to the program this year is Catherine Hill Bay. Surf Life Saving NSW, with the support of the Department of Primary Industries, is providing the drone coverage with flights starting last weekend to coincide with the start of surf patrols by lifesavers and lifeguards.

This year’s Shark Drone Program has expanded to 50 beaches along the NSW coastline, mostly in regional areas, with 200 drone pilots expected to put in

more than 9,500 hours and 25,000 flights.

The cost-effective, noninvasive drone patrols minimise the impact on marine life and have earned positive public response with people reporting greater confidence swimming at locations where drones operate.

Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales, said that alongside their primary use for shark patrols, the drones were an additional tool to assist volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards to identify other hazards such as rip currents, patrol outside flagged swimming areas and they were

an integral part of search and rescue operations.

New to the program this year will be the trialling of technology designed to extend the reach of the “eyes in the sky” with longrange endurance flight trials which could offer the possibility of exponentially increasing the coastal area covered.

“We’ve shown this technology is here to stay and hope with greater coverage we save even more lives,” Shales said.

The NSW Government has nearly tripled its funding to $21.4M to expand what it claims is the world’s largest suite of

shark management tools and technologies.

“We have done the research and invested in new technologies to bring added protection to our beaches including SMART drumlines, VR4G listening stations and the shark-spotting drones,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro.

“There is no other jurisdiction in Australia or across the globe which has done as much testing and trialling of technology and approaches to mitigate shark interactions.

“In partnership with Surf Life

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Saving NSW, we will be deploying the world’s largest domestic fleet of drones, thanks to an extra $3M to scale-up operations.

“We will be deploying over 100 SMART drumlines in nearly every coastal council area and the shark netting will continue in the Greater Sydney region while we measure the success of the expanded

technology-led solutions.

“Finally, we will be blanketing our coast with 37 VR4G shark listening stations to make sure that when a tagged shark comes close to the coast, everyone using our SharkSmart app will know about it instantaneously,including the lifesavers,” Barilaro said.

Sue Murray

Sexual assaults increase as crime drops overall There has been a significant overall drop in crime on the Central Coast over the past two years but incidents of sexual assault have risen sharply according to latest statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR).

The changing trends are thought to have been largely impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns since early in 2020.

BOSCAR’s Crime Statistics quarterly update of June 2021 shows that crime across most of NSW has remained stable or fallen in the past two years with the exception of sexual assault.

In keeping with state averages, incidents of sexual assault on the Coast rose by 29 per cent in the two-year period (above the state average), with all but four other categories remaining static.

Significant drops were recorded in incidents of: break and enter (18.6 per cent drop); motor vehicle theft (18 per cent drop); stealing from a car (24.4 per cent drop); and home theft (17 per cent drop).

Statewide, property theft and many violent crimes fell sharply in April 2020 in line with measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, although since then most violent offending, including domestic assault, non-domestic assault and robbery, has returned to prepandemic levels.

Many property offences, including theft and break and enter, remain below prepandemic levels.

In the 24 months to June 2021 one of the 17 major crime categories was trending upwards, six were trending downwards and the remaining 10 were stable across NSW. The offences trending downwards were: break and enter dwelling (down 16.6 per cent); motor vehicle theft (down 8.6 per cent); stealing from retail stores (down 13.9 per cent); stealing from dwellings (down 9.8 per cent); stealing from a person (down 28.4 per cent); and fraud (down 11.5 per cent).

The only major offence to show a significant upward trend in the 24 months to June 2021 was sexual assault, which rose statewide 21 per cent year-on-year to June 2021.

As reported in the previous quarterly report, in March 2021 sexual assault reports spiked by 61 per cent in-line with an unprecedented community focus on the prevalence and response to sexual violence.

Irrespective of the March 2021 spike, sexual assault reports have increased in the last 24 months (up 16.2 per cent yearon-year excluding the March 2021 increase).

The increase in sexual assault is due to rises three categories: adult victims (16+) up 27.2 per cent; historic child sexual assault reports (up 27.7 per cent); and child victims reporting current sexual assaults (up 12.4 per cent).

“The increase in adult victims appears to be almost entirely among female victims,” the report says.

“While victimisation increased for women of all ages, the rise was larger for women aged 1824.

“The majority of the increase was also driven by assaults between intimate partners, mainly boy/girlfriend and spouse/ ex-spouse.”

BOCSAR Executive Director, Jackie Fitzgerald, said that in the time since the data was collected, crime trends will have been significantly impacted by the current COVID lockdown.

“We know from 2020 that stayat-home orders interrupt criminal activity and lead to sharp falls in many crimes,” he said.

“The impact of the most recent restrictions will be closely monitored in the coming months as NSW residents gradually resume regular activities.”

Source: Media release, Sep 20 BOSCAR Crime Statistics quarterly update, June 2021

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PAGE 9

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

CENTRAL COAST VACCINE ROLLOUT There are currently 110 vaccination providers in the Central Coast LGA, including: Over 70 general practices and 44 pharmacies.

A Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic and one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

All Australians aged 12 and over are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

To make your booking today, please scan this QR code or visit australia.gov.au

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.

4322 2400

LucyWicksMP

PAGE 10

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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More GPs and pharmacies to help vaccine catch up Vaccination rates on the Central Coast are on the rise, with more than 80 per cent of the eligible population having received one COVID jab and more than 50 per cent now being doubly vaccinated.

Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, says the region is well on its way to achieving the 70 and 80 per cent targets which will see more restrictions eased.

She said the Moderna vaccination will become available at the end of this week, and an additional 31 GPs are now administering Pfizer across the Coast.

“I have been advised by the

Central Coast Primary Health Network that an additional 31 GP clinics will be online this week,” Wicks said. “(This) is in addition to the 15 GPs, the Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation that have been administering Pfizer in our community for months and brings the total number of GPs administering Pfizer on the Central Coast to over 45.

“I know this is welcome news to many in our community who have found it difficult to get a Pfizer vaccine locally.”

Wicks said local pharmacies are expected to receive their first allocations of Moderna late

this week following batch testing, with more than 100 locations region-wide still dispensing Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca).

The Moderna vaccine will be available for anyone aged 1259.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the Pfizer and

Moderna supply was long overdue.

“The Central Coast community has been immensely patient and resilient throughout this very long and frustrating lockdown,” Tesch said.

“The announcement of the Moderna vaccine finally being

made available to us is exciting and means that we will finally have greater local access to vaccines.

“Coasties are well and truly ready to finally get the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and do their bit to get us out of lockdown.

“It feels the Central Coast has been at the back of the line in the disastrous Federal government vaccine rollout, especially as our vaccines were stripped from Coasties to be delivered to west ad southwestern Sydney.”

Community pharmacies will be at the forefront of the vaccine delivery, with suburbs earmarked to have pharmacy vaccines available to include:

Bateau Bay, Bensville, East Gosford, Gorokan, Gwandalan, Kanwal, Lake Haven, Mangrove Mountain, North Wyong; Saratoga; Terrigal; The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Toukley, Wamberal, West Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyoming.

“We are all in this together to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the community from this virus that his caused so much turmoil in our lives since the beginning of last year,” Tesch said.

“This is our ticket out.”

Bookings can be made now at www.findapharmacy.com.au.

Terry Collins

Celebrating foster and kinship carers Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, is encouraging residents to nominate people for a Carer Recognition Award to mark the start of Foster and Kinship Care Week.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Alister Henskens,

said: “Foster and kinship carers provide vulnerable children with a solid foundation on which they can grow and thrive.

“During the pandemic, they’ve stepped up and taken on extra challenges like remote learning, and the Carer Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary contribution.”

The NSW Government is strengthening support for foster and kinship carers, prospective adoptive parents and guardians through My Forever Family NSW. My Forever Family NSW is leading a renewed recruitment drive to recruit new adoptive parents, guardians and foster carers.

“We need more people to open their homes and hearts to children in … a permanent or part-time way,” Henskens said.

“The support you give now can last a lifetime.”

Crouch said foster carers open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children, providing vital stability, support and care.

“This week is a fantastic

opportunity to celebrate foster and kinship carers, and to recognise the enormous contribution they make on the Central Coast.

“Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, a local organisation coordinated by Cath Rowe, is just one of many groups which supports foster and kinship carers.

“I encourage everyone to consider who they can nominate for a Carer Recognition Award.”

To find out more about the Carer Recognition Awards and for more information about becoming a foster carer, visit https://www.myforeverfamily. org.au/.

Terry Collins

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?

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 4342 4122 Peninsula News - half page - Aug 20.indd 1

30/10/2020 10:20:13 AM

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PAGE 11

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEW EXTENDED HOURS

MONDAY & THURSDAY OPEN TILL 8AM - 9:30PM

INTRODUCING 3 NEW GP'S:

New Patients Welcome

Dr Ramy Sokar

OPENING HOURS Mon & Thu: 8am – 9.30pm

Interests include Women's Health, Children's Health, Men's Health, Aged Care & Chronic Disease, Health Assessments, Employment Medicals, Workers Compensation and Vaccinations.

Tues, Wed & Fri: 8am – 6pm Saturday: 8am – 3pm Sunday: Closed (02) 4315 2600

Dr George Shehata

providencemedical.com.au/umina

Interests include Heart Health Management, Men's Health, Children's Health, Aged Care, Adolescent Health Women’s Health & Pregnancy, Screening Programs and Skin Excisions.

297 West Street Umina Supporting our local community All our doctors are now

Dr Younis Nash.Henin

BULK BILLING ALL PATIENTS

Interests include Men's Health, Women's Health, Children's Health, Chronic Disease Management, Surgical Procedures and Ingrown toenail Treatment, Travel Vaccines.

to help with any hardships caused by Covid

Make Providence Medical your GP home

CENTRAL C OAST

UMINA NOW OPEN Accepting all referrals Walk In appointments available

310 West Street, Umina Beach

• Ultra-Low Dose High Definition CT • Digital X-Ray • OPG and Cephalogram • Ultrasound • Obstetric Ultrasound 3D/4D • Gynaecologic Ultrasound • DEXA/BMD • Interventional Procedures • Women’s Imaging • Paediatric Imaging • Cardiac Imaging • Digital Dental Imaging

Includ i Speci ng a Wom list e Paed n’s, iatric & Cardi ac Imag ing

4311 7700 - www.lifeimaging.com.au Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm - Saturday 8:00am - 12pm

PAGE 12

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS

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Fisheries investigate mangrove vandalism A reward is being offered for information relating to the destruction of mangroves in the Hardys Bay area.

NSW Fisheries Officers are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

A post on the NSW DPI

Fisheries facebook page says for the second time in two years environmental vandalism has occurred along the waterfront at Hardys Bay. “It is alleged that on Sunday night, September 12, sometime after sunset a large number of mangroves were cut down along the foreshore

of Hardys Bay adjacent to the marina,” the post says.

“A monetary reward may be provided for information leading to the conviction of those people involved.

“Mangroves are protected in NSW and form a vital part of the marine ecosystem providing essential habitat for

fish stocks.”

Members of the public can remain anonymous and are asked to contact the Fisherswatch hotline on 1800 043 536 with information.

Source: NSW DPI Fisheries Facebook page, Sep 17

Local voluntary assisted dying advocate asks for community support Chair of the Central Coast Group of Dying With Dignity NSW, Stephanie Short, believes NSW is at risk of being left behind as every other state now has Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws (VAD) laws.

Short is calling on local residents to write to members of the NSW Legislative Council (upper house) where the last VAD Bill was lost by one vote.

“As Queensland’s Parliament passed Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation last week every MP from the major parties voted according to their consciences and refrained from having to adhere to party policy,” Short said.

“On Thursday evening, September 16, after 55 separate amendments had been debated and rejected, the legislation passed 61 votes to 30.”

Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk, said: “This is about choice.

“This is not about me or anyone in this House telling someone else what to do.

“This is about the choice of an individual to say how they wish to end their life with dignity.

“Dignity is a word that I hold dear to me.

“There is dignity in work.

“There is dignity in the family and the friends that surround you.”

According to Dr Stephanie Short, “On the Central Coast we are fortunate that all our Members of Parliament support the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill: Liesl Tesch (Gosford), Adam Crouch (Terrigal), David Mehan (The Entrance) and David Harris (Wyong).

“In New South Wales it is wonderful to see the National Party, through their leader John Barilaro, giving their support.

“They are listening to their communities.

“As John Barilaro says, both the state and the church should keep out of individual lives.

“VAD was brought in to

provide patients control over their end of life.

“Evidence locally and internationally tells us that the desire to pursue VAD is rarely about uncontrolled symptoms.

“In the Victorian Community of Practice audit, only one case of over 340 cases reported uncontrolled symptoms as the sole reason for applying for VAD. “VAD is about choice, exerting control over one’s own circumstances.

“This is why it was brought in in all the other states, this is why terminally ill people apply for it and this is what we must strive for when the VAD Bill is tabled in the New South Wales Parliament later

this year by Alex Greenwich, Independent MP for Sydney.”

Short’s own interest in and commitment to VAD originated from a “formative experience” in her own life.

“It really started when my grandmother died in the family home, my father had built a granny flat on the back for my grandparents and fortunately we had a really good GP and my father was a GP as well.

“She had adequate pain relief and I always feel we were relatively privileged to be able to allow her to die at home peacefully at home.

“Our GP was very supportive of pain relief and my grandmother

had a peaceful death at home and I thought everyone should have that right if they choose.

“It is people who are more connected who are able to get the care they need and that is why it is an equity issue,” she said.

She said garnering the support of Members of the NSW Legislative Council was going to be crucial.

MLC contact details can be found here https://www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/ members/downloadables/ Pages/members-of-thelegislative-council.aspx Source: Media release, Sep 20 Central Coast Group Dying with Dignity New South Wales

Central Coast Friends of Democracy Climate change - a snapshot “Australia received the lowest score awarded to any of the 193 members of the United Nations for the level of climate action.”

(RenewEconomy, 1/7/21) “Australia’s environment minister, Sussan Ley, has argued ...that she does not have a duty of care to protect Australian children from climate harm caused by the potential expansion of a coal mine. A partially successful class action was brought by 8 Australian teenagers ….to challenge a proposal by Whitehaven Coal to extend its Vickery coal mine. The teenagers argued the .. expansion would endanger their future because climate hazards would cause them injury, ill health and economic losses, and in his judgement, Justice Bromberg agreed.” (SMH, 22/7/21) “The IPCC Working Group 1 report is a code red for humanity.

The alarm bells are deafening…. greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk.” (IPCC Media, 9/8/21) “Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has dismissed calls for stronger targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions ….saying a UN report on catastrophic climate change has not shifted his view” (SMH 11/8/21) “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US has declared July 2021 the world’s hottest month in 142 years of records.” (SMH, 14/8/21) “In a landmark ruling, a NSW court has ordered the EPA to take action to address climate change. ….. the case was on behalf of the Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action following the 20192020 bushfires that scorched more than 5 million hectares in NSW.” (SMH, 27/8/21)

“One-in-100 year extreme sea-level events along the world’s coastal regions will become annual occurrences by the end of the century even if the most ambitious climate change action is taken ….” Nature Climate Change journal (SMH, 31/8/2021) “Australia must shift to zero emissions as fast as possible to avoid worsening climate-change-induced conflict and war, says a group of top former defence and security leaders including former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie….

Australia has suffered a lack of leadership and inaction...that has left the nation ill-prepared for the security implications of devastating climate impacts at home and in the Asia-Pacific, the highest-risk region in the world”. (AFR, 2/9/21) “In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the AMA [Australian Medical Association]..... and many of the country’s medical colleges say: “Medical leaders across the country are calling on your government to urgently take much greater action to avert a further deterioration of the current climate crisis”. (The Conversation, 14/9/21) “The federal environment minister, Sussan Ley, has approved Whitehaven Coal’s Vickery mine extension .... The approval..is the second coalmining project Ley has green-lit in the past two weeks”. (Guardian, 16/9/21). This follows a federal court ruling that she has a duty of care to protect young people from the climate crisis.

“Climate change could cut property prices across a swath of Sydney’s northern suburbs ...with Reserve Bank analysis showing many homeowners face declining equity in their houses and rising insurance costs….. suggested there would be 254 ‘climate-sensitive suburbs’ [by 2050] ..rising to 1438 suburbs by 2100” (SMH, 21/9/21) * italics, bold, underline added by CCFoD

What are our Federal MPs, Lucy Wicks and Emma McBride, doing about climate change?

www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

Make your voice count!

Sign the petition to demerge www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com The Central Coast Friends of Democracy (CCFoD) initiative was launched on 12 May 2021 with the aim of strengthening our democracy. Our focus areas include: • restoring local democracy and reclaiming our Council • a stronger NSW ICAC and a Federal Integrity Commission with teeth • urgent action on climate change • active and resilient local communities and neighbourhoods.

If you also care about these things – then register on our website to receive updates.

PO Box 106, Terrigal 2260 email: admin@ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

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PAGE 13

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Approximately 51,000 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.

Anyone who is over 12 and under 59 can receive a Moderna vaccine.

Dozens of pharmacies and GPs are offering AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines right now.

SUBURB

CLINIC

VACCINES

HOW TO BOOK

Avoca Beach Bensville Copacabana East Gosford East Gosford Erina Erina Erina Erina Erina Heights Gosford Gosford Gosford Green Point Kincumber Kincumber Saratoga Saratoga Terrigal Terrigal Wamberal Wamberal West Gosford West Gosford

Avoca Beach Medical Centre Bensville Pharmacy Luca's Chemist Chemist Saver East Gosford Pharmacy Blooms The Chemist Erina Fair Coast & Country Respiratory Clinic Erina Fair Medical Centre Erina Pharmacy Chemist Outlet Caligem Health Gosford Hospital Spring Medical Group Green Point Medical Centre Priceline Pharmacy Kincumber Doctors Blooms The Chemist Saratoga Medical Centre Kuoch Chemist Terrigal Medical Centre Pharmacist Advice Wamberal Surgery Amcal+ Pharmacy West Gosford Late Night Chemist

AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Moderna AstraZeneca AstraZeneca, Moderna AstraZeneca AstraZeneca AstraZeneca, Pfizer Pfizer AstraZeneca AstraZeneca AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Moderna Pfizer AstraZeneca, Moderna AstraZeneca, Pfizer AstraZeneca, Moderna Pfizer AstraZeneca, Moderna AstraZeneca, Moderna

hotdoc.com.au 02 4369 2022 02 4308 6600 02 4325 2947 findapharmacy.com.au 02 4365 1155 hotdoc.com.au hotdoc.com.au 02 4367 6535 02 4367 4251 hotdoc.com.au nsw.gov.au hotdoc.com.au healthengine.com.au findapharmacy.com.au hotdoc.com.au 02 4369 1494 hotdoc.com.au 02 4384 1173 02 4385 3150 findapharmacy.com.au healthengine.com.au 02 4325 2866 02 4339 3089

Unfortunately Pfizer vaccines are in very short supply, but the Federal Government is supplying more directly to GPs.

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 14 ON THE BEAT

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Police investigate Central Mangrove fatality A woman and two children died in a crash at Central Mangrove on Tuesday night.

Shortly before 10pm, a Toyota Prado being driven by a woman with five children on board was travelling on Wisemans Ferry Rd, left the roadway and crashed down an embankment as it was approaching Nurses Rd. A motorist travelling on Wisemans Ferry Rd came across the crash and notified emergency services.

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District and Central Coast Traffic and Highway Patrol attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The driver, a 32-year-old woman, and two children – a six-year-old girl and 10-yearold boy – died at the scene.

A further three children – boys aged one, five, and nine – were treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where they remain in stable conditions.

The driver of the Hyundai Accent, a 37-year-old man, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

Inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash with a report to be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Source: Media release, Sep 22 NSW Police media

Proud and passionate sergeant retires Brisbane Water Police District farewelled one of its longest serving officers on September 16, when Sergeant John Rutherford retired following a 40-year career.

The last 18 years of Sgt Rutherford’s service were at Brisbane Water.

Known by his mates and colleagues as Rutho, the sergeant started his career as a Junior Trainee in 1981 before being sworn in as a serving officer and working in several Sydney metropolitan stations.

He obtained his rank of Sergeant at City Central

before transferring to Brisbane Water in 2003.

“Sergeant Rutherford will be remembered as being a

passionate and proud serving NSW Police officer,” a post on the police district’s facebook page said.

“He had a strong interest in supporting not only his serving colleagues but working with the retired police association network on the Central Coast.

“Congratulations from your friends and colleagues in the extended policing family, and on behalf of the Brisbane Water Community we wish you and your wife best wishes in your retirement.”

Source: Brisbane Water Police District Facebook page, Sep 16

Driver charged following cyclist death Anyone with information about these incidents should call

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au Information provided will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

A man will appear in Gosford Court on December 8, following the death of a cyclist hit by a car at Kincumber South on September 17.

Just after 2:30pm emergency services were called to Empire Bay Dr following reports a cyclist travelling northbound had

been hit by a passing car.

Police commenced CPR on the 68-year-old male cyclist before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.

The 29-year-old male driver of a Holden Commodore was uninjured and taken to

Gosford Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

Upon his release he was arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station.

Officers from Brisbane Water Police District together with the Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding

the incident.

Following inquiries, the driver of the Holden was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, driving in a manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).

The Wyoming man was granted conditional bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on December 8.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au.

Source: Media release, Sep 18 NSW Police

Planning our water future Check out our water plan!

*OUTLINE INDICATIVE ONLY

To ensure that the Central Coast has a resilient and sustainable water supply, now and for future generations, we have developed the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan.

You can get involved by viewing the draft plan, FAQs, factsheets and video – before completing our online feedback form by 12 October 2021.

Got a question about the plan? Use our online Q&A board or book a 20-minute meeting with one of our technical experts.

yourvoiceourcoast.com use it wisely

For Sale

4 London Drive, North Wyong – Land Area: 4,272m²*

– Building Area: 2,486m²* – New Long Term Lease

Murray Pettinger 0402 857 564

*(approx)

Online Auction Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 10:30am

Angus Grier 0412 666 444

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PAGE 15

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

PAGE 16

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

FORUM More resources answer to Court shortcomings SHARE

Despite the good face being put on it by Michelle Meares, I doubt that the changes to the Family Court system will bring about the benefits that she predicts (“Merged court system should benefit vulnerable families”, CCN 310).

Disadvantaged women, in particular, have no idea how the system works now, and these changes might look significant from a legal perspective but they are largely insignificant from the viewpoint of the intended client group.

The idea that amalgamating two courts into one will automatically improve access is absurd.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

HYLAND BYTES Women who are in a desperate situation are hardly in a position to appreciate the niceties of legal protocol involved in the new arrangement which has been widely criticised.

It certainly does not represent “a new and considered approach to case management”, no matter what Ms Meares says.

It is merely a measure designed to squeeze a little more performance out of a structure that is hopelessly underfunded and sinking under the weight of the load placed on it.

If the government were really concerned about the welfare of

Family Court clients, it would increase the number of judges, so that cases could be heard in a timely manner.

As it is, cases can drag on for years with no resolution, causing untold mental hardship to the participants.

It is a little ironic that enormous concern is being expressed about the mental health effects of lockdowns (in which people sit in their own houses, suffering only from a little boredom of their own making), while so many who have been in genuine distress for years, as their cases drag on, apparently don’t warrant any consideration at all.

Email, Sep 30 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

Still waiting for bridge to be widened FORUM

Over the past 20 years I have asked the State Government to widen the over bridge in Etna St from the high school to Mann St.

This area in times of overload has become the most blocked roadway in Gosford.

I wonder how long do the

people have to wait for the bridge to be widened?

The same goes for the Manns Rd to Narara, going to the Pacific Highway.

I am starting to wonder when

is the government going to use our finances for the majority of the people, not just the few, or if we even have people in power to do what is expected of them.

Email, Sep 19 Robert Findley, Point Clare

On salt water and saying sorry Firstly I would like to make comment regarding the letter from Scott Jones of Somersby, concerning the possibility of Central Coast Council wanting to build a desalination plant.

I could not agree more with him; it would be a total waste of money.

The Sydney Desalination Plant is proof of this.

Well done Scott.

FORUM Secondly, regarding another Scott - Scott Morrison.

It was interesting to hear the Prime Minister on television talking about the issue of abuse against women, and that it will not be tolerated in the Parliament.

Has he conveniently forgotten his abuse, in Parliament, of Christine Holgate.

His statement seems to me to be seriously hypocritical.

He still owes Christine Holgate a full and public apology.

I have been a Liberal voter since I arrived in Australia 44 years ago.

Unless Mr Morrison makes some major changes to the way his Government operates, that is likely to change.

Email, Sep 11 David Finch, Woy Woy

Ten years to halve emissions Already we dread hot summers, we dread bushfire season, we have increased flash flooding events, and we see the effects of storms and rising oceans on many nations around the world.

The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Report has shown that we have less than 10 years to cut global emissions in order to avert the worst impacts of climate change and stay under two degrees, which may enable us

A FREE online information session will be presented by Jennifer Sorrenson, a Family Lawyer at Turnbull Hill Lawyers, on Tuesday, 28 September 2021 from 6.00pm to 7:30pm.

Congratulations TAFE and Central Coast’s Trilogy Disability Services for your joint initiative of a traineeship, possibly leading to a Certificate III in Allied Health (CCN, September 11).

We need more such collaborative efforts.

There has been recent media questioning concerning formal post-school learning as a route to a well-paid, secure job.

A qualification, whether a bachelor’s degree, diploma or certificate is a signal that one is a capable learner at that level and has certain skills and knowledge.

Most employers will require confirmation of employability during a trial period, where selected applicants show they can fit in and adapt to the organisation’s culture and practices.

A traineeship develops these sorts of abilities because it involves applying in the workplace the things one is learning in class and informing one’s learning in the classroom by one’s experiences in the workplace.

Rapid increase in the proportion of people gaining a

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.

turnbullhill.com.au enquiries@turnbullhill.com.au

to prevent run-away global warming.

Australia is behind other major Western nations on our commitment, which currently would lead us to a three-degree temperature rise.

The government may soon announce a commitment to zero emissions by 2050 but this is too little too late.

To have a chance of staying below two degrees, global emissions must be halved by

2030 and we must achieve zero emissions by 2040.

This is not impossible, if we take the threat seriously and fully commit.

This should not be a partypolitical issue.

It is an issue of survival for future generations and all of humanity.

We must all demand that our governments bring their full resources to bear on this existential issue.

Email, Sep 13 Rafaele Joudry, Narara

The benefits of post-school study

Planning to separate?

If you’ve separated or you’re planning to separate, here’s how you find out what you’re entitled to ...

FORUM

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper post-school qualification, if in the absence of a proportionate increase in demand, means a swelling in the number of applicants.

Hence, it can take longer to land that key job than it might have done hitherto.

Again, a traineeship, by having one already ‘in the door’, confers advantage.

Some businesses may not require a qualification, relying solely on workplace-based training.

The employee who does not complement this with formal study may lack the broad knowledge in which to set their workplace-based learning, so is less equipped to look critically and creatively at work practices, or how the newlyacquired skills might be

adapted to the needs of another enterprise.

It is harder to progress within the organisation, transfer to a new employer, or set up one’s own business.

Career progression suffers.

One might have to perform low-skilled, poorly paid work while seeking one’s job of choice.

But one has a much better chance, with a post-school qualification than without one, of this being an interim measure while finding that first job on the career ladder.

On the issue of repayment of fees when they apply, chances are one will be better off because one’s income across life will be significantly larger, through higher pay, less underemployment and, shorter periods of unemployment.

Moreover, when people refer to rewarding careers, they have in mind work that is interesting, varied and delivering a sense of achievement by contributing to a better world.

Most involve some formal post-school study.

Email, Sep 17 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

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 the QR code below Call us on

1800 994 279

Jennifer Sorrenson Family Lawyer

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 17

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Thousands of forest photos behind unique online gallery

Some of the photographs on exhibition

Central Coast photographer, Shayne Leslie, will open her first online photography exhibition, Strickland, on Thursday, October 14, at www.lesliephotography. com.au.

Strickland State Forest is a seven-minute drive from Leslie’s home at Wyoming and she has taken thousands of pictures there since 2011.

The exhibition features more than 60 photos and is presented in a unique gallery style.

“The challenge of an online exhibition is capturing the feel of a gallery without making it a corporate slide-show,” Leslie said.

She has overcome this by embedding images into an online gallery giving the photos scale and depth.

Leslie said Strickland State Forest had captured her imagination.

“The environment is a living exhibition of exceptionally diverse forest habitats from wildflowers and dry heath

woodland to tall eucalypts and lush rainforest,” she said.

Strickland State Forest has been inducted into the Hunter Central Coast Tourism Awards Hall of Fame after winning the Gold Award for Ecotourism three years in a row in 2011,

2012 and 2013.

It was also awarded a silver ecotourism award at the NSW Tourism Awards in both 2013 and 2014.

“I discovered the forest for myself in the early 2000s when I moved here from Sydney,”

Leslie said.

“Over the years, and particularly in lockdown, like all things of great beauty it has become a little too popular.

“It is teeming with wildlife.

“The number of people

bringing their dogs off-leash into the area or walking offtrack has exploded, and this is having a negative impact on the ecosystem.

“It is a beautiful place, yet fragile.”

The exhibition is free and you

can register for the opening night at 6pm on October 14 at www.lesliephotography.com. au.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Shayne Leslie

PAGE 18 OUT&ABOUT

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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International short-film wins are a dream come true for Ike A short film produced by a team of University of Newcastle students has earned international recognition at Hollywood’s IndieX film awards, taking out wins in three categories.

The wins are a dream come true for budding cinematographer Ike Leggett of Forresters Beach.

Leggett joined forces with seven fellow students to produce the film The Rite of Writing which tells the story of a screenwriter who is forced to work with a group of other writers, all specialists in different movie genre, and each with a completely different view of how the film they are working on should play out.

The film took out Best Student Comedy, Best Student Parody and an Outstanding Achievement Award for Student Director at the prestigious awards.

It was created, developed,

Budding cinematographer Ike Leggett

shot and edited over a sixmonth period by the eight students in their final year course in Short Film Production.

“It was quite an undertaking for me,” Leggett said.

“All of the others are doing communications degrees, but I am studying for a Bachelor of Information Technology majoring in interactive media.

“One of my course directives is cinematography in short film and I suppose I was in the right place at the right time to be involved in the project.

“I had only ever filmed one music video, so I came to it with not much experience, “I was working with a super-talented cast and crew and I wanted to learn

Ike Leggett behind the camera during the filming

everything I could.

“I applied myself and picked up a lot as we went – I suppose we all learned from each other.

“It was a wonderful experience – a rare opportunity.”

Leggett said the group was “absolutely stoked” to hear of the awards success.

“This turned out to be so

much more than an assignment – everyone put their heart and soul into it and we have been freaking out on group chats,” he said.

“With COVID we can’t get together to celebrate but we’ve been having a great time online.”

Leggett has been concentrating on film and

games development and hopes to work in an IT field which requires creativity.

“I’d like to work in anything to do with making web sites, video games or cinematography in TV or film,” he said.

For now, Leggett runs his own YouTube channel at https:// www.youtube.com/channel/ UCJu2hpU3jpQjdUbnk4vr5uA. The IndieX Film Festival is an LA-based international film festival which screens films and hosts Q&As with filmmakers in Hollywood, California and is accredited with IMDb – a great bonus for budding filmmakers at the start of their careers.

Along with Leggett, the Rite of Writing crew comprised: Makayla Cocking (producer); Matthaus Schumacher (writer); Mitchell Treharne (director); Samuel Adamson and Lachlan Alderson (production design); Isaiah Zorro (sound designer); and Julienne Fox (editor).

Terry Collins

Video of joey’s first steps goes viral A video of one of the Australian Reptile Park’s newest arrivals has gone viral, attracting more than 250,000 views in two days.

The first hops of Jumping Jack the eastern grey kangaroo joey were caught on camera and posted on September 20.

The small joey is already gaining confidence as he wobbles about the Park.

He is sticking closely by Mum Joy’s side but will begin to adventure further away as he

Jumping Jack the kangaroo joey with Mum Joy Photo: Australian Reptile Park

gets older.

Park Director, Tim Faulkner, said keepers had seen a few joeys pop their heads out from their mothers’ pouches in recent weeks.

“It’s always so exciting when they take the great big leap from Mum’s pouch.

“Is there anything cuter than the first wobbly hops of ‘roo joey?” he said.

Jumping Jack is a part of the Australian Reptile Park’s eastern grey kangaroo family which visitors will be able to

interact with and hand-feed when the park is open following COVID-19 restrictions.

In early July, the Australian Reptile Park introduced its Pay Discover Forward program where NSW residents can “pay it forward’ with their Discover NSW Vouchers and the park will donate a double pass to charity on their behalf.

Details on the park’s website.

Source: Media release, Sep 22 Australian Reptile Park

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New ‘on hold’ music will make a difference Customers contacting Newcastle Permanent could soon be making the unusual request to remain on hold a little longer, after the customer-owned financial institution refreshed its hold music in support of local Australian artists and longtime Charitable Foundation partner Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD).

The music track For the First Time was produced by a group of young artists brought together through MMAD and Universal Music Australia and is performed

by Wamberal-based MMAD Ambassador and 2016 Australia’s Got Talent winner Fletcher Pilon.

Supporting the call from the

Australian music industry for businesses to support Australian artists, Newcastle Permanent turned to MMAD to help with the search for a local artist to support.

Under the agreement, the associated music licensing fees have been covered by Newcastle Permanent enabling any revenue made from the use of the song over its telephone network to go straight back into the charitable programs and services MMAD provides to young people throughout Australia.

Co-founder of MMAD, Dominic Brooks, welcomed the partnership and encouraged more local businesses to support and recognise local charities and musicians however they can.

“When we were approached by Newcastle Permanent with their idea I was blown away,” he said.

“What an incredible opportunity to showcase our artists.

“I immediately had a number of possible artists and tracks come to mind, but the track by Pilon is perfect.”

Newcastle Permanent Chief Customer and Product Officer, James Cudmore, said it was a unique way to recognise and reward local artists.

“We’ve wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to support the local artists who’re being mentored by one of our Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation partners, MMAD, and we can do so simply by asking

our customers to go on-hold,” he said.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to show support and extend our partnership with MMAD through this innovative agreement and during this challenging time for local artists.”

MMAD recently launched a creative online youth centre called Access All Areas, to empower people under 24 with opportunities, information, mentoring and support networks.

It’s believed to be the first of its kind in Australia and was made possible by a $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

OUT&ABOUT PAGE 19

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Wamberal artist Fletcher Pilon is who Newcastle Permanent Customers will be hearing while on hold

Harry Mulholland

Farmers and villagers help research second novel

Anna Downes with copies of her latest book, The Shadow House

Following the success of her first novel, the Safe Place, which was set largely in France Wamberal author, Anna Downes, decided to look a little closer to home for the setting of her second book.

The Shadow House, to be released on September 28 by independent publisher Affirm Press, might ring some bells with those familiar with Narara Ecovillage.

“It’s important to make it clear that the book is not set at Narara Ecovillage but they have been wonderful helping out with research,” Downes said of the novel, which is a gripping thriller about a single mother fleeing an abusive relationship who seeks sanctuary in an idyllic ecovillage.

“I had done a first draft of the book, but what was missing was a sense of place,” she said.

“One of the characters had a dream of establishing an ecovillage so I decided to look for one locally to provide inspiration.

“I took an Open Day tour at

Narara Ecovillage and was struck by the tight-knit community in a beautiful setting which was really creative about sustainability.

“It was the perfect inspiration for the setting of my novel which actually takes place in an ecovillage built over farmland.

“It follows a woman who moves to the village with her children.

“Strange things start to happen and she discovers the same things happened to farmers who had lived at the site previously.

“She sets about finding out what happened in the past so she can protect her children in the present.

“I knew very little about farms and needed to do some research – and again I found the answer right here on the Coast.

“Dominello’s flower farm at Peats Ridge was wonderfully helpful in my research.”

With a degree in drama from Manchester University and three years of study at RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London under her belt, Downes worked as an actress for four

years in her native England, performing on the West End and in such TV shows as EastEnders.

“I found it was an unfulfilling lifestyle, full of anxiety and instability and decided I needed a break,” she said.

“I decided to cross experiencing a ski season off my bucket list and moved to the French Alps, where I met my husband, who is Central Coast born and bred.

“My first novel was inspired by a job my husband and I did together after that ski season as caretakers/housekeepers for a wealthy family on a beautiful but remote property.”

After arriving in Australia some 11 years ago, Downes worked for a number of years as a massage therapist but when she found herself the mother of two children she decided she needed a change of pace.

“I didn’t have an outlet for myself,” she said.

“My world revolved around the children but I needed to achieve something outside of motherhood.”

Downes began taking writing workshops and submitting pieces to short story competitions, receiving several short and long listings.

“I made a deal with my husband,” she said.

“I would give writing a real go for five years or so.

“If I hadn’t sold anything or been published in that time I would get a full-time job.”

Downes’s first book was hugely successful, being published in the US and the UK as well as in Australia and being translated into several languages.

It was Affirm Press’s number one bestselling crime debut of 2020.

“Writing a second novel is about proving your mettle,” she said.

Written largely at the kitchen table during lockdown, The Shadow House looks set to meet the brief.

Downes finds her acting background helpful, especially in forming her characters.

She speaks dialogue out loud, workshops different options as if she’s in a rehearsal room, and road tests emotional states to see how they feel before describing them on the page.

“I do miss live performance … but ultimately I prefer writing because I can practise my craft

any time I like; I don’t need anyone else to create,” she said.

The Shadow House will be released on September 28, available online from major book outlets.

Terry Collins

ADVERTISEMENT

CONGRATULATIONS! Lucy Wicks MP Federal Member for Robertson On Australia being awarded 193rd place out of 193 United Nations member countries for action on greenhouse emissions1.

What an extraordinary achievement for a small country like Australia to beat pollution powerhouses like Russia and China to the bottom of the global rankings!

But this award has not been an overnight success. It has involved decades of support of dirty, expensive, and increasingly unreliable fossil fuel energy at the expense of cleaner, cheaper and more reliable renewables.

Special mention also should be made of our government’s ongoing contribution to extreme weather events and their economic and social costs in the other 192 member countries. No doubt they will be looking to return the favour when the opportunity arises.

This award ensures that we will be given our due recognition when the history of the 21st century is written, and future generations will be able to look back and see what this government has achieved in our name.

1. www.dashboards.sdgindex.org Written and authorised by:

Geoff Cameron Narara Scientist Company director Former member and supporter of the NSW Liberal Party Grandfather

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ABC (C20/21)

Friday 24 September

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

Saturday 25 September

8:30 9:20 10:05 11:05 11:20 11:40 12:10 12:40 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:20 2:25 3:30 4:45 5:10 6:15 7:00 7:30

Sunday 26 September

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

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Q&A [s] 11:30 Grand Designs (PG) [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 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:30 Gardening Australia [s] – Jerry Coleby-Williams visits a city garden; Jane looks at succulents; Costa Georgiadis learns about bushfire recovery.

Des (M l) [s] Capital (M s) [s] The Capture (M l,v) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Vaccine [s] Question Everything [s] Rosehaven (PG) [s] 10:50 rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] rage (PG) [s] rage Guest Programmer (PG) ABC News At Noon [s] Grand Designs (M l) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 10:00 The School That Tried To 12:00 End Racism (PG) [s] Further Back In Time For Dinner: The 1930s (PG) [s] Landline [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) [s] 2:00 The Repair Shop [s] 5:45 ABC News [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] – With storm clouds gathering, the islanders realise they can no 6:15 longer ignore the rumblings of war.

The Trial Of Christine Keeler 10:30 (M l,s) [s] The Newsreader (M l) [s] 11:30 Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s] rage Guest Programmer (M) 1:00 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] Compass [s] 4:00 Songs Of Praise [s] 5:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 5:30 Landline [s] 6:00 Gardening Australia [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 7:00 (PG) [s] Todd Sampson’s Life On The 8:30 9:30 Line: Resistance (PG) [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] Art Works [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Back Roads [s] ABC News Sunday [s] Restoration Australia [s] Fires (M) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] 10:30 Les Norton: The Real Thing 11:30 (MA15+) [s] Silent Witness (MA15+) [s] 12:30 Dark Place (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: “Kissin’ Cousins” (G) (’64) Stars: Elvis Presley, Yvonne Craig, Glenda Farrell, Pamela Austin, Jack Albertson 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: “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (M v) (’06) – Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult Program To Be Advised Home Shopping Home Shopping [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] – Wake up to a better breakfast with Matt Doran and Monique Wright, for all the latest entertainment, news, sport and weather.

Program To Be Advised AFL: Road To The Grand Final [s] – A look at how Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs persevered through the year and made it into the AFL grand final.

AFL: Pre Game [s] Seven News [s] – Brings you the latest developments in today’s top stories.

AFL: Grand Final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs *Live* From Optus Stadium [s] AFL: Post Game [s] – A full review and analysis of the AFL Grand Final.

Program To Be Advised Home Shopping Home Shopping Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend House Of Wellness (PG) [s] AFL: Grand Final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs *Replay* [s] Better Homes And Gardens Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] Disappearance Of William Tyrrell (M) [s] Manhunt: Nightstalker (M) [s] Movie: “The Real Des” (MA15+) (’20) – Dennis Nilsen is one of the most notorious serial killers in British criminal history. This documentary features exclusive interviews with those involved in his case.

Star: David Tennant The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Krystal Hart (M) [s] The Blacklist: Nicholas Obenrader (M v) [s] 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 10:30

1:00 2:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

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

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:30 Garden Gurus Moments [s] Movie: “Moonstruck” (PG) (’87) 8:00 Stars: Cher, Nicolas Cage, 12:00 Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello 1:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:30 3:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 NINE News [s] NRL: 1st Preliminary Final: Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles *Live* 4:30 From Suncorp Stadium, 5:00 Brisbane [s] 6:30 NRL: Post Match (M) [s] Movie: “Shooter” (M l,v) (’07) – 7:30 8:30 A marksman living in exile is coaxed back into action after 9:30 learning of a plot to kill the President. Stars: Danny Glover, 11:10 Mark Wahlberg, Kate Maravan, Michael Pena, Ned Beatty 12:10 Rivals [s] 1:10 Home Shopping 2:00 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 [s] Travel Guides: Canberra (PG) 9:00 The Garden Gurus [s] 9:30 Getaway (PG) [s] 12:00 NRL: 2nd Preliminary Final: 1:00 Melbourne Storm v Panthers *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 2:00 2:30 NINE News Saturday [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] 3:00 Rugby Union: The Rugby 3:30 Championship: Australia v 4:00 Argentina *Live* From 4:30 Queensland Country Bank 5:00 Stadium, Townsville [s] 6:00 Rugby Union: The Rugby Championship: Post Match [s] Movie: “Triple 9” (MA15+) (’16) 6:30 7:00 Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor 8:00 Australia’s Top Ten Of 10:00 Everything (PG) [s] 12:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 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 Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] 12:00 Movie: “Middle School: The 1:00 Worst Years Of My Life (PG) 1:30 (’16) Stars: Griffin Gluck 2:00 The Block: Kitchen Week (PG) 2:30 NINE News: First At Five [s] 3:00 RBT: Meat Tray (PG) [s] 3:30 NINE News Sunday [s] 4:00 The Block: Kitchen Reveal 4:30 (PG) [s] 60 Minutes [s] 5:00 NINE News Late [s] 6:30 The First 48 (M) [s] 7:30 Prison Girls: Life Inside (MA15+) [s] 8:40 Dr Christian Jessen Will See You Now: Sexual Health 9:40 (MA15+) [s] 10:40 The Garden Gurus [s] 11:30 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30

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

The Talk [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Program To Be Advised The Graham Norton Show (PG) [s] Nick Cody: Live At The Enmore (MA15+) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping Reel Action [s] Religious Programs [s] Healthy Homes [s] Escape Fishing With ET [s] Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] Taste Of Australia [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] What’s Up Down Under [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Farm To Fork (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia [s] 10 News First [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Ambulance UK (M d) [s] FBI: Most Wanted (PG) [s] NCIS (M v) [s] Home Shopping Religious Programs [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Destination Dessert (PG) [s] Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Three Veg And Meat [s] Healthy Homes Australia [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] 10 News First [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] Young Talent Time Unmasked [s] FBI: Most Wanted (PG) [s] FBI (PG) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

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 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Native America (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Death Of The Pyramids (PG) 8:30 World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Norway (PG) 9:35 The Queen’s Mother-In-Law (In English/ German/ Greek) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:55 The Eagle (M l,v) (In Danish/ Icelandic/ English) 4:10 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Gymnastics: Artistic Mersin Turkey 4:45 QE2: The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel (PG) 5:35 Cheating Hitler: Surviving The Holocaust (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK (PG) 8:30 Celebrity Mastermind (PG) – The four winners from the first rounds battle it out for the coveted Celebrity Mastermind winning title.

9:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:20 Feast To Save The Planet (PG) 12:20 Deep Water (M l,v) 4:25 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 4:50 Destination Flavour 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Cycling: The Power Of The Pedal 4:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:35 Mission Galapagos 5:35 Cheating Hitler: Surviving The Holocaust (PG) (In English/ Polish) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Inside Central Station: Lidcombe Self Harm (M) 8:30 Australia Uncovered: Bowraville Murders (M) 10:15 Russia: 1000 Years Of History (PG) 12:00 24 Hours In Emergency: From This Day Forward (M l) 12:55 John Pilger - The Dirty War On The NHS: Deadly Spin (M l) 2:55 Sinkholes - Deadly Drops (PG)

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

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PAGE 20

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Thursday 30 September

Wednesday 29 September

Tuesday 28 September

Monday 27 September

ABC (C20/21)

PRIME (C61/60)

TEN (C10)

NINE (C81/80)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Landline [s] 11:30 Restoration Australia [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] Des (M l) [s] 2:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 2:30 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 The Drum [s] 4:00 ABC News [s] 5:00 7.30 [s] 6:00 Australian Story [s] 7:00 Four Corners [s] 7:30 Media Watch (PG) [s] 8:45 China Tonight [s] Road To Now (M v) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] The School That Tried To End Racism (PG) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] 11:25 12:00 Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s] Victoria (M v) [s] 1:00 rage (MA15+) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Marrying Mr. Darcy” (PG) (’18) Stars: Cindy Busby, Ryan Paevey, Frances Fisher Harbour Cops (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: Caught With Ketamine (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] SAS Australia: Fear (PG) [s] Movie: “Terminator: Dark Fate” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta, Ferran Fernández, Tristán Ulloa The Latest Seven News [s] The Passage: You Are Not That Girl Anymore (M v) [s] Home Shopping

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Lethal Vows” (PG) (’99) Stars: John Ritter, Marg Helgenberger, Madeline Zima, Megan Gallagher, Jessica Bowman, Miko Hughes, Lawrence Dane Harbour Cops (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: Crab Catcher (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] SAS Australia: Confidence (PG) [s] Australia: Now And Then: Toughest (M l) [s] S.W.A.T.: Ekitai Rashku (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Get Up, Stand Up (M v) [s] Home Shopping

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

9:30 10:30 10:45 11:00 12:05 12:35 1:35 2:25 4:25

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Four Corners [s] 12:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Trial Of Christine Keeler (M l,s) [s] Victoria (M) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] 2:00 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 2:30 The Drum [s] 3:00 ABC News [s] 4:00 7.30 [s] .

5:00 Back To Nature [s] 6:00 The School That Tried To 7:00 End Racism (PG) [s] 7:30 How To Live Younger [s] ABC Late News [s] 8:45 The Business [s] Q&A [s] 9:45 China Tonight [s] The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] 10:45 11:15 Victoria (PG) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30 The Drum [s]

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:35 2:00 3:00 4:05 5:05 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:45 10:20 11:00 11:15 11:30 12:20 12:35 1:35 2:20

6:00 News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 The Recording Studio (PG) 11:30 The Repair Shop [s] 12:00 ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address 2:00 Media Watch (PG) [s] 2:30 Victoria (PG) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] 3:00 The Repair Shop [s] 4:00 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 The Drum [s] 6:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 7.30 [s] 7:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 9:30 Question Everything [s] Frayed (MA15+) [s] 10:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Silent Witness (MA15+) 11:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30

Sunrise [s] 6:00 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Love’s Last Resort” (PG) (’17) Stars: Alix Angelis 1:00 Harbour Cops (PG) [s] 2:00 Coastwatch Oz: 3:00 Paul’s Haul (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 SAS Australia (PG) [s] The Rookie: Triple Duty (M d,v) [s] The Rookie: Threshold (M d,v) [s] – Officer Nolan mildly injures himself while chasing down a 8:40 shoplifter and the local district 9:40 attorney wants to charge the 10:40 suspect with assault, despite 11:10 Nolan’s wishes.

Chicago Fire: Escape Route 12:05 1:00 (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:30 The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] 8:00 The Hundred With Andy Lee 12:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 1:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:10 2:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:30 NINE News [s] 4:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And 4:30 Dining Room Week (PG) [s] – Some teams are struggling with 5:00 6:30 budgets, but they are putting 7:30 their all in to finish their huge 9:00 living and dining rooms.

10:00 Paramedics (M) [s] Kings Cross ER (PG) [s] 11:00 NINE News Late [s] Manson - The Lost Tapes 12:00 (Part 2) (MA15+) [s] Pearson: The Alderman (M) [s] 1:00 2:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 Home Shopping

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Australian Story [s] 12:00 Back To Nature [s] 12:30 How To Live Younger [s] ABC News At Noon [s] 1:00 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] 1:55 Question Everything [s] The Bletchley Circle - San 2:30 Francisco (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 4:00 5:00 The Drum [s] 6:00 Sammy J (PG) [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:30 7.30 [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Q&A [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] ABC Late News [s] 9:30 The Business [s] The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] Capital (M s) [s] 10:30 The Bletchley Circle - San 11:00 Francisco (M v) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Kochie’s Business Builders 12:00 1:00 Coastwatch Oz: Dive 2:00 Homicide (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] Cricket: Women’s Test Cricket: 4:00 5:00 Pre Game [s] Cricket: Women’s Test Cricket: 6:00 Test 1: Australia v India: Day 1 7:00 7:30 *Live* [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 8:30 Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Nurses (PG) [s] – The discovery of a lesion shatters the hopes of a young man on life support as he waits for a lung transplant.

10:30 Rose West And Myra Hindley: Their Untold Story 11:00 (M) [s] 11:50 The Latest Seven News [s] 12:40 Program To Be Advised

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Kitchen Week (PG) Travel Guides: Italy (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: Caught Carer/ Werewolf (PG) [s] Movie: “London Has Fallen” (M l,v) (’16) – In London for the Prime Minister’s funeral, Secret Services agent Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders and must bring the President to safety. Stars: Alon Abutbul NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med: With A Brave Heart (M) [s] The Fix: Pilot (M) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s]

6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:05 5:05 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:15 9:35 10:05 11:00 11:15 11:35 12:35 1:25 2:20 3:10 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:05 5:05 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30

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

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)

1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:50 9:50 10:50 11:20

12:10 1:00 1:30

1:20 1:50 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 1:30

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PAGE 21

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

SBS (C30)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Kitchen Reveal (PG) [s] Getaway (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: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] Under Investigation: Girl In The Chute (M) [s] 100% Footy (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] The Arrangement: Paso Robles (M l,s,v) [s] – Days before the wedding, Kyle has a chance run-in with someone from his past.

Tipping Point (PG) [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 (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:10 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 [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (MA15+) [s] 9:45 Just For Laughs Uncut (MA15+) [s] 10:15 Just For Laughs Australia (MA15+) [s] 10:45 Becky Lucas - Live At Enmore Cafe (MA15+) [s]

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Inside Central Station: Lidcombe Self Harm (M) 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: The Assassination Of JFK (M) 8:30 Secret Scotland: Argyll And Bute (PG) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:20 SBS World News 10:50 Outlier (MA15+) (In Norwegian/ Saami) 11:40 An Ordinary Woman (M l) (In Russian) 2:15 Free Solo (M l)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] Garden Gurus Moments [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: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] – The teams must present their videos to see who wins the real estate listing challenge.

The Hundred With Andy Lee Travel Guides: Italy (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] Reverie: The Black Mandala (M v) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [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 (M) [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 [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:40 The Cheap Seats (M l) [s] 9:35 NCIS: Everything Starts Somewhere (M v) [s] 10:35 NCIS: Los Angeles: War Crimes (M) [s] 11:35 The Project (PG) [s] 12:35 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Native America: New World Rising (PG) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys: Ninilchik To Wasilla (M) 8:30 Insight: Celibacy 9:30 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 The Point 11:30 Cacciatore: The Hunter (MA15+)

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

The Talk [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] The Project (PG) [s] Making It Australia (PG) [s] Bull: The Bad Client (PG) [s] Bull: The Boy Who Cried Murder (M) [s] Bull: A Girl Without Feelings (M) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

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] 8:30 Gogglebox (PG) [s] 9:30 Program To Be Advised 10:30 Blue Bloods: Another Look (M v) [s] 11:30 The Project (PG) [s] 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS This Morning [s]

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

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Dateline 2:30 Insight: Celibacy 3:30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar (PG) 8:30 Lost For Words (PG) 9:35 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 Hunters (M) 11:50 The Killing (M l) (In Danish) 2:00 Vice Guide To Film (M l,v) 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 The Vikings Uncovered (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: Derbyshire (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: Kent (PG) 8:30 Stonehenge - The Lost Circle Revealed (PG) 9:40 The Victim (MA15+) 10:45 SBS World News 11:15 Criminal Planet: Pay Up Or Die (MA15+) 12:05 Mr Mercedes (MA15+) 2:25 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 2:50 Football: FIFA Futsal World Cup: Semi Final 2 *Live*

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

PAGE 22

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

PUZZLES

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ACROSS

60. Frosted (biscuits) 62. Ousts 65. Blood-filtering organ 67. Reveals 69. Urgency 70. Long tales 72. Laid up 73. Hard alloy 75. Rewrites (text) 77. Wow! 79. Brute 81. In the manner of (1,2) 82. Too soon 84. Speaks hoarsely 85. Cabin 86. Oil well 87. In need of a drink 88. Slippery fish

1. Plays (with) 4. Leaves stranded 8. Dull thump 11. Eyrie dweller 13. Jewelled headdress 15. Avoid (capture) 17. Tissue layer 18. Recurrent series of events 20. Certainly 21. Get by begging 24. Doomed person 27. Repair set, tool ...

28. Financial interest 30. Actor, Woody ...

31. Sublet 33. Human trunks 34. Kindest DOWN 35. Peace prize city 1. It is, ... are 36. Lion’s neck hair 2. Dough ingredient 39. Nastier 3. Tearful 42. Rest on knees 4. Fix 44. Invoice 5. Drives off 45. Enthuses 6. Life gas 46. Catches (thief) 7. Astonish 48. Promote 8. Strive 49. Large violin 9. Chops wildly 50. Shop light, ... sign 10. Food intake 52. Striped cat 12. House lizard 54. Fair 14. Land units 55. Not once 16. Waistcoats 56. Most secure 19. Sleep late (3,2) 57.

B

eauty queen’s the alphabet once only. ribbon 22. Antenna

MISSING LINK

MISSING LINK

Fill in each letter of

23. Prison warder 25. Pungent bulbs 26. Cricket side 29.

Reduce to fine particles 32. Automatic teller (1,1,1) 35. Offers more than 37. Aircraft gangway 38. Nudged 40. Singer, ... John 41. Police speed detector 42. Road edges 43. Shoestrings 44. Extra treat 47. Gambling 51. Freshest 52. Cut molars 53. Barked 54. Smallest amount 58. Leisurely walk 59. That woman’s 61. Painter’s tripod 63. Makes joke 64. Italian sausage 65. T-bones or sirloins 66. Alleviated 68. Sudden fear 71. Consent 72. Tropical wading bird 74. Compass point 76. Offhandedly 78. Needle holes 80. Drain 83. Mature

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

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

Y

C B D O O L B U E A O T A L A R E S T O O G O OM I N L R E N N G O O R U A T D T

A B E S K A L A RE EA O U U I S A A O T M E R A L I I F I DO L U F K N E E L E U E R E L E E O E Y A F A R S U I C Y C B P S E K U D O S O O Z E S K

Y

© Lovatts Puzzles

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 MISSING LINKS U I N S

I T E E S R R U S T T B S S N S E T U U T AERM K E I HO O I W OO O EL A R E A A N T B A S M A LA E O O D D N E S N L O DE B S E E A OW SP S E K T CTL E MS S E S N P AL SU S L EH G RA S Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

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:

Y A B KOA L A R A Z U I J S B R AG O T A I I N F I D E L P U S N L E L E C T UR E D R EW L E Y

F OR A ME X E A M E S

G FU Q K F Q U GI ANRS K S I S U N E A R MI HE O S L A J Y U RS ET A X W T O S S U OT DEDMN PE E S OW L D S M O O O T E C L I P S E B S A SA HB YN S M UA S B E G P O N T O E B J U I C Y Z E B U T S H T K R P L U C K L H

V E S D R T B S A T I E X OE WN LS E E A L EW R A K L D O Z E N R S V T A I N A

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OUT&ABOUT PAGE 23

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Friendship group stays chirpy through lockdown Staying connected and active during lockdown has its challenges, but one friendship group on the Central Coast has managed to remain chirpy despite ongoing restrictions.

Chirpy Plus is a nationwide group for over 50s, with 200 members on the Central Coast alone.

Carmen Vella, who is one of three hosts on the Central Coast, said the group had been a lifeline for many during the pandemic.

“I moved to the Central Coast permanently two years ago and started a little group called Sea Seekers, hoping to meet some people who, like me, love the beach and the coastal lifestyle,” Vella said.

“I thought it would be a good way of making friends and the little walking group got bigger and bigger.

“Then a friend suggested I should combine the walking group with Chirpy Plus so I signed up as a member.

“There are many members who, like me, are retired but

Members of Chirpy Plus on an outing before lockdown

still have a lot of energy and things they love to do.

“Before lockdown, we would have weekly walks and activities – all sorts of things.

“And because I am not one to just sit and have a chat, Sea Seekers is still active as part of

Chirpy Plus on the Coast.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I am planning a fundraising walk along The Entrance foreshore.”

Vella said there was a range of activities to suit everyone – from coffee catch ups and craft

Animal rescue group grateful for support The Claws ‘n’ Paws animal rescue group has received $2,000 as the winner of Greater Central Coast’s Community Funding Program for the month of August.

President, Deb McWhirter, said the group’s only funding sources are adoption fees, donations and grants.

“Our organisation is all volunteers and we are entirely reliant on adoption fees, donations and grants to keep us going, so the $2,000 from the Greater is very welcome and will help to cover some of our ongoing costs,” she said.

“We work to rehabilitate animals and some of them need significant veterinary help which can be very expensive.

“We also microchip, vaccinate

and desex all the animals we care for before we find them a permanent home.

“We help more than 1,000 animals each year, so with the food and vet bills, our costs add up very quickly.”

Adam (Molch) Hillier Memorial Surf Classic and Kariong Neighbourhood Centre each received $500 as the runnersup for the month.

Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said organisations like Claws ’n’ Paws Rescue play a vital role in the community.

“We know the demand for companion animals has risen sharply during the pandemic, but that not all those relationships work out, so we’re delighted to be able to help Claws ’n’ Paws keep doing their work,” Swetnam said.

“We also know that the past 18 months has been really difficult for fundraising, which makes the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding all the more important.”

The nominees for the September round of the #GreateCentralCoast community funding program are the Global Sisters, Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss Community Garden and Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc. Members of the public can cast a vote online at www. greater.com.au/ greatercentralcoast.

Voting closes at 5pm on Wednesday, September 29.

Source: Media release, Sep 16 Greater Bank

Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their children

salvationarmy.org.au

keep the group, which includes men and women, down.

“With COVID we started doing virtual catch-ups to keep us all connected,” Vella said.

“As humans we need that social contact – we need to chat.

Terry Collins

Young leaders chosen to advise NSW Government

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activities to ferry rides.

“We have a book club and have held cocktails at sunset with local authors,” she said.

“It’s amazing the friendships we have formed in this group.”

Lockdown wasn’t going the

“Our book club has gone virtual and we do bingo weekly online.

“Each week we have a theme – it might be wear a hat or bring a joke to bingo.

“This week we’re all wearing our PJs for Slumber Party bingo.

“People have really got involved with the online activities – in many ways it’s been a lifesaver.

“We go through different experiences in life, both good and bad, but we all reach out to each other to offer support.

“Most of us are around 60 so we’re all at the same stage of life, many of us becoming grandparents.

“It’s important to have people going through the same things as you.”

Partners are welcome at Chirpy Plus activities.

To learn more, go to the Chirpy Plus website or check the Sea Seekers Toukley Facebook page.

RED SHIELD APPEAL

Two young leaders from the Central Coast have been selected to be part of the 12-member 2021-22 Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which will play an important role in advising the NSW Government on issues that are relevant to young people across the state.

Jayden Delbridge of Wadalba and Leila Mangos of Point Frederick will represent the voice of children and young people throughout the state to invoke change in policy that better reflects the needs of youth today.

Delbridge said since losing his dad to suicide when he was eight, it has been his driving passion to getting more involved in advocacy.

“I started getting into advocacy when I by chance turned on the Senate from Canberra and watched it all night and I thought yeah that seems fun,” he said.

“The first advocacy project I did was move a motion for suicide prevention at Council and I have kept going since then.

“My main driver from my personal experience is suicide prevention and mental health – it seemed like the next logical

step in my advocacy was YAC. “YAC provides a great platform to get access to people from around the state, to hear each other’s stories and link our voices to make change.”

Mangos said young people felt excluded from politics.

“I first tried for the program when I was 12 years old and have continued to apply over the years because I knew invoking change is what I wanted to do,” she said.

“What excites me about this program is that we are given a direct platform to make change.

“I see so many things wrong within my community and on a broader systemic scale and being in YAC means I have a platform to create change and make justice in our community and the state.

“One of my passions is about the education system and the need to link it to mental health because I fear it is right now hurting young people.

“There are so many people I know struggling with their mental health and it is clear there is a whole generation we’re disadvantaging by not implementing change in our schools.

“At the moment people feel

excluded from politics at our age and I hope that us advocating for them will encourage our peers and provide better outcomes for all of us.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said the two had been selected for a spot on the YAC from 585 applicants.

“The conversations I have shared with both Leila and Jayden have already shown me their strength and resilience as well as their wisdom, which is well and truly above their years,” she said.

“I am thrilled with our representatives and cannot wait to see the impact they make in our community and ij NSW and I am more than ready to watch them grow on this journey.”

The YAC has had its first meeting, with many more to follow.

“The stories of our two representatives are moving and inspirational,” Tesch said.

“Both Leila and Jayden have passion, drive and wisdom beyond their years and I cannot wait to see the changes they make in their time on the YAC.” Source: Media release, Sep 20 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

PAGE 24 OUT&ABOUT

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Preparing for a COVID-safe summer A reminder for residents to maintain COVID safety outdoors has been issued

by Central Coast Council as restrictions ease slightly with outdoor gatherings of up to five doublyvaccinated people from two separate households now allowed within the LGA. Public play spaces, outdoor fitness equipment and skate parks are open in line with the latest direction from the NSW Government but residents are reminded to wash their hands before and after using any equipment.

Public reserves, shared pathways, boat ramps, public wharves and jetties, sports fields and other outdoor public spaces remain open.

The Central Coast beach patrol season kicked off from Saturday, September 18, with

CCN

continue throughout the season to address any changes that may arise as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Council is encouraging beachgoers to exercise at quieter beaches or look to alternative open spaces areas, parks and reserves for exercise during peak periods.

Council will work with local police to monitor behaviour and penalties for not following restrictions are enforceable by police.

If beaches are crowded, Council suggests residents consider alternatives such as: going for a walk or run in a local park; riding a bike along a cycleway; taking your dog for a walk around your neighbourhood; kicking a ball at a sportsground; or hiking on a nature trail or visiting a scenic spot.

Terry Collins

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

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 CENTRAL COAST CARAVANNERS

3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Lectures, demonstrations and Trips Away, Social Outings, discussion. friendship with like minded Weekly paint-outs enquiries folk Tuesday. Phone: 0428 439 180 Geoff 0447 882 150 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 COMMUNITY LEGAL pm, at Gosford Regional CENTRE Gallery & Art Centre.

Not for profit service providing Phone: 0409 666 709 free legal advice Social Meetings 1.30 pm on Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm 4th Wednesday for 4353 4988 demonstration contact@centralcoastclc.org.au 4325 1420

publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

TUGGERAH LAKES ART SOCIETY

Council and Surf Life Saving Clubs commencing beach patrols.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast will patrol 15 Central Coast beaches over the weekends and public holidays, while Council lifeguards will patrol on weekdays.

Operational hours are 9am5pm with flags up unless the beach is closed through dangerous surf conditions.

COVID-safe summer plans are in place to manage beach crowds and processes are in place for potential beach closures.

Council has been working closely with NSW Health, Central Coast Health, the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) and other councils to ensure a consistent and compliant approach to this year’s patrol season in line with Public Health Orders.

Collaborative work will

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

Join us for the fun and enjoyment of art!

Attend a weekly art group with mentors, exhibitions, workshops and a monthly anneglazier@y7mail.com members meeting with guests and prizes, held on the 4th CENTRAL COAST MARINE Thurs of the month at The DISCOVERY CENTRE Entrance Community Centre The revamped CCMDC is open.

4333 8387 Schools and Group bookings www.tlas.org.au welcome by appointment. president@tlas.org.au Building has special needs access and toilets CENTRAL COAST POETS Open 7 days 9am – 3pm.

INC Terrigal.

Would you like to read, 4385 5027 write and share your poetry. ccmdc@bigpond.com We hold workshops and create www.ccmdc.org.au anthologies.

We meet the second Saturday TERRIGAL WAMBERAL each month.

RSL SUB-BRANCH Wyoming Memorial Community Pension and welfare officers Hall. Contact us by email available to assist with DVA info@centralcoastpoets.com.au compensation claims and or you may ring Clive benefits 0419120347

Breakers Country Club Wed & Fri 10am – Midday Meet 2nd Sat 10am 4384 2661

Terrigal-WamberalSB@rslnsw. org.au.

U3A CENTRAL COAST

Enjoy a diverse range of courses and activities for seniors. Keep your mind active and make new friends.

0408 704 701

BETTER HEARING AUSTRALIA

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

CENTRAL COAST ASBESTOS DISEASES SUPPORT GROUP

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

See our website for details and upcoming concert.

4307 9355 www.centralcoastchorale.org

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

newcastlesagroup@gmail.com Support for those suffering with asbestos diseases and www.centralcoast.u3anet.org.au others interested in asbestos POLITICAL PARTIES issues. You are not alone, meet HENRY KENDALL VOLUNTEERING with others who can share COTTAGE & their experiences. Bring a CENTRAL COAST CENTRAL COAST GREENS family member or friend.

Refer potential volunteers to HISTORICAL MUSEUM Local, state wide, national and 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on community organisations & Visit our c1838 Cottage & international issues and fourth Wed of each month. provide support to them.

Museum with exhibits of early campaigns Maree 0419 418 190 Training to volunteers and settlers. School and group Council and parliamentary managers of volunteers Info bookings. Members & representation sessions held regularly. volunteers welcome. Open GROW MENTAL HEALTH 3rd Thur 4329 7122 Wed/Sat/Sun 10.30am centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au SUPPORT recruit@volcc.org.au 2:30pm. West Gosford centralcoastgreens@gmail.com Small friendly groups formed 4325 2270 to learn how to overcome www.henrykendallcottage.org.au KINCUMBER MENS SHED anxiety, depression and LABOR PARTY Kincumber mens shed in loneliness and improve mental Brisbane Water Historical Society OURIMBAH / NARARA association with Kincumber health and well being. Weekly BRANCH Uniting Church op shop.

FELLOWSHIP OF meetings at Woy Woy and Discussion/action - community Selling tools, machinery, FIRST FLEETERS Wyong. Grow is anonymous, Issues - 3 levels of clothing, books and household For anyone interested free and open to all.

Government, Ourimbah Room items. on the first Saturday of in early history.

1800 558 268 - Ourimbah RSL, each month 8am - 12pm Don’t need to be a First Fleeter. or www.grow.org.au 7.00pm - 1st. Monday 4369 7222 Point Clare Community Hall 0410 309 494 2nd Sat 10:30am sparkes2251@outlook.com DYING WITH DIGNITY kyle.macgregor@hotmail.com 4311 6254, 4340 4435 Campaigning to give those PROBUS CLUBS COMMUNITY CENTRES suffering unrelievable terminal or incurable illness the choice AVOCA BEACH to receive legal medical GOSFORD-NARARA COASTAL A CAPPELLA assistance to die.

PROBUS CLUB NEIGHBOURHOOD Award winning women’s Quarterly mtgs, Erina Fair. with a great social program, CENTRE a cappella chorus.

0434 426 486 guest speakers and optional School Holiday activities, Music education provided. robyncameron@y7mail.com bistro lunches. Google our playgroup, multicultural Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ name for our fully informative programs, community activities Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah. newsletter. Meet 10am, 3rd PROSTATE CANCER Rooms for Hire Performance opportunities.

Mon each month at Avoca SUPPORT GROUP 4329 4477 Hire us for your next event.

Beach Bowling Club.

Last Fri 9.30am admin@gnnc.com.au 0412 948 450 avocaprobus@gmail.com Terrigal Uniting Church coastalacappella@gmail.com 380 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal EMPIRE BAY 4367 9600

HISTORY GROUPS

MUSIC

HEALTH GROUPS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

- Someone cares.

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

www.pcfa.org.au

MEALS ON WHEELS

Delicious meals delivered free Join us for a midday meal Help with shopping and cooking classes 4363 7111

CENTRAL COAST CHORALE

One of the best (SATB) choirs on the coast.

We seeks new members.

Reading of music and able to sing harmony would be an advantage.

PROBUS CLUB

Friendship, fellowship, and fun in retirement.

Very active club, outings, excursions, dining 3 times a month 1st Thur 1.30pm Club Umina, Melbourne Ave,

Umina Beach Visitors Welcome.

0414 280 375

PROBUS CLUB OF KARIONG

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

SERVICE GROUPS LIONS CLUB OF WOY WOY Make new friends & have fun while serving your community Everglades Country Club 3rd Monday of each month 0478 959 895

WOMEN’S GROUPS WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRES

Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services provided by women for women 4324 2533 www.cccwhc.com.au

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE WATER

Making a difference in the lives of women & girls through awareness, advocacy & action 2nd Thur 7 pm Breakers Country Club, Dover Rd, Wamberal sibrisbanewater@siswp.org www.siswp.org

INNER WHEEL CLUB GOSFORD NTH

Make friends, Make a difference!

Join us and develop lasting friendships with like minded women serving our community 6.30pm 2nd Wed Phillip House, Kariong 0405 385 610 iiw.au.gosfordnorth@gmail.com

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Business & Property

First waterfront tower on former Gosford school site on exhibition A new public exhibition period has opened for the first tower of the threetower Central Coast Quarter development in Gosford.

The first tower is the most northern one, just south of the ATO building on the former site of Gosford Primary School.

The 25-storey tower would front on to Baker St. It will be stage one of a mixeduse development of residential towers with commercial and retail outlets and public access through the site from the main street of Gosford down to the new regional park.

The application sent to the State Planning Department says the tower will deliver high-quality residential dwellings in a convenient, accessible and naturally beautiful location.

“Future residents will be afforded the opportunity to live in a high-amenity location, with all the benefits of modern apartment living,” the application says.

An artist’s impression of Central Coast Quarter

“The proposal provides a variety of apartment types to suit the needs and lifestyles of existing and future residents of Gosford.

“The proposal includes the creation and embellishment of a new public, open-air through site link which will improve pedestrian accessibility to Gosford waterfront and the city centre.”

The first tower’s maximum building height is compliant with the envelope approved under the State Significant Development Concept which allowed stepped heights up to RL 81.4m and RL 71.3m.

The application says that in accordance with the requirements of the State Environment Planning Policies, this building height has been arrived at via a program of consultation with the CoGDAP (City of Gosford Design Advisory Panel) and a detailed assessment of environmental impacts together with other matters under consideration.

A company website promoting the apartments calls it Gosford’s first residential and retail precinct.

“Proudly developed by St Hilliers, The Waterfront presents a rare opportunity to own a contemporary coastal apartment with uninterrupted breathtaking views of the Brisbane Water,” the website, www. centralcoastquarter.com.au/, says.

The development is designated a State Significant Development, so the Minister for Planning or his/her delegate makes the final decision.

The estimated cost of the development is $56.7M. The proposal is open for public comment for 28 days only, closing on October 18.

See details on the State Government planning website: https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/major-projects/ project/42296 Merilyn Vale

Cookies sent to frontline health workers A Umina Beach local and small business owner is helping send a slice of hope to COVID-impacted hospitals as a way of saying thanks to front-line health workers doing it tough in Sydney’s most affected areas.

Founder of the Stay Tooned group of companies and Australian Businesswoman of the Year, Kate Toon, said she had designed and sent batches of ‘You Are Awesome’ cookies to nurses in Sydney.

“I know it’s not an earthshattering contribution, but like all small business owners right now, I’m doing it tough,”

Toon said.

“I wanted to do something that would show the frontline workers they’re appreciated and bring a little smile to their day.

“I thought about a COVID-19 message, but in the end, I decided what we all need right now is a ray of sunshine and positivity – a break from the doom and gloom.”

“We spoke to some nurses, and they said that often the night shift workers missed out, so we’re sending different boxes for different shifts, in the hope that everyone will get to share in this little sweet moment.

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Initially, hundreds of the cookies were sent to four hospitals that have been heavily affected by the COVID crisis: Westmead, Nepean, St George and Liverpool hospitals.

Toon said the cookies had been created with the help of Adriana Parncutt from Lisarowbased business, Adri’s Gingerbread.

“Life is pretty hard for so many at the moment, a little treat might just help a little,” Parncutt said.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help raise funds to send out more cookies to frontline workers, with donations expected to help

cover the cost of the cookies and postage charges.

As of Tuesday, September 21, over $600 had been raised of the $2000 goal.

“I’m hopeful that with the support of other businesses we can send even more cookies and bring some warm and fuzzies to the frontline workers who need it most,” Toon said.

More information about the fundraiser can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ covid-cookies-for-medicalstaff?

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Chuckle Communications

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PAGE 26

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 27

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Experts say club chefs’ dishes rival fine dining

The votes are in and the Central Coast winners of the 2021 Your Local Club Perfect Plate Awards have been announced, with Munmorah Bowling Club and The Ary at Toukley sharing top honours.

Munmorah Bowl’s Guinness Lamb Shank Pie and The Ary’s hearty pressed Lamb Shoulder tied for first place in the awards, with celebrity chef award ambassadors Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge blown away by the standard of dishes submitted by clubs from the region.

Clubs from all over the region created a special competition dish for their menu, with members and patrons invited to score the meals and cast their votes between April 29 and June 21.

The Chefs at Shelly Beach Golf Club took out second place with their Lemon and Maple Salmon and Central Coast Leagues Club’s Archie’s Surf and Turf tied with Gosford RSL’s Seafood Mafaldine dish for third spot.

Feildel was impressed by the standard of the food on offer.

“I’ll admit, before travelling around the state to sample Perfect Plate dishes, I hadn’t spent very much time in clubs,

but the calibre of food is incredible,” he said.

“It just goes to show that you don’t need to go to a fine dining restaurant to experience fantastic food — it’s right there

at your local club.”

Fassnidge was also surprised at the variety of food on offer at clubs.

“During the competition I tasted everything from seared

scallops to crispy pork belly, and the passion that the clubs’ chefs have for their food was great to see,” he said.

While the Perfect Plate winners were originally set to

be announced at an awards night in July, COVID-19 restrictions saw the event moved online, with the winners recently revealed Manu via Zoom.

ClubsNSW Central Coast Chair, Phil Walker, said the organisation was proud of the calibre and variety of dishes that continue to be plated at clubs across the Central Coast.

As the region’s clubs edge closer to being able to resume trade, ClubsNSW CEO, Josh Landis, said clubs on the Coast plate up some of the best food in the country.

“I can’t wait for people to be able to get back to their local club and share a meal with their family and friends,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the Coast Regional winners — I look forward to seeing what you have in store for the competition next year!”

Source: Media release, Sep 20 Clubs NSW

Additional support means ‘no excuse’ not to isolate The State Government has announced an additional $287.5M in COVID-19 financial support to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW. In addition to the previously announced expansion of the test and isolate support payments across the state, the funding will see COVID-19 emergency hardship payments and community empowerment grants expanded across NSW. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the expansion of the test and isolate payments was especially welcome with

the region’s battle with Delta intensifying.

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

“Once an eligible application is received by Service NSW, the $320 will be deposited in a bank account within three business days.

“This payment 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.

“There are now no reasons for people choosing not to selfisolate.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funds will help workers and vulnerable people under financial strain due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

“The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people across all of NSW who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for

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other support payments and grants,” Barilaro said.

“The test and isolate payment will help people to test early and isolate if they have COVID symptoms.

“This payment will help take the pressure off if an individual does not have access to leave entitlements or other support payments.

“Grants for culturally and linguistically diverse groups have also been expanded to connect multicultural

communities with essential services throughout the pandemic.”

The $287.5M funding commitment is in addition to the NSW Government’s commitment of $7.7B in COVID-19 support measures.

The emergency hardship one-off payment of $400, administered by the Red Cross, has been expanded to temporary visa/no visa holders facing severe financial hardship who are ineligible for other

government income.

The test and isolate payment of $320 is available for eligible workers aged 17 and over who need to isolate until a negative COVID test result is received.

Community supports grants help organisations deliver emergency food relief, promote vaccination and testing services, and provide culturally appropriate support and care to diverse communities.

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24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine How to invest in ETFs for the first time is simple - and can be done in these four steps.

1. Choose your broker As the name suggests, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), and the only way to buy listed investments is through a registered stock broker.

The good news is that there are plenty of low-cost online brokers to choose from. Just Google online brokers.

Don’t just focus on brokerage. Take a tour of the platform to make sure you’re comfortable with the layout, and check features like the availability of quality research.

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always really difficult and personally taxing. Those conversations need to be had with eyes wide open on that,” Barry said.

Elsewhere, LGIAsuper chief executive Kate Farrar said Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) can be a tool for super funds to use to select potential merger partners.

“I do think that YFYS and the business criticality of the longterm relative performance

history, which is not necessarily correlated with either outright return or volatility, does mean that performance relative to YFYS is likely to be a driver of merger partner selection going forwards,” she said.

“In this sense, the policy will no doubt be achieving part of its policy intention and there is an important area of crossover and nexus between mergers and investments.”

Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits There is a misunderstanding that superannuation fund mergers will automatically lead to scale benefits for members, according to Spirit Super’s chief investment officer.

Speaking at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) ASI 2021 conference Ross Barry cautioned that scale benefits

do not deliver themselves.

“The danger is that you go into a merger and sit back and think that all of a sudden scale benefits are going to full out of the sky and you’re going to operate at a lower cost base.

That doesn’t happen unless you make it happen,” Barry said.

“It involves some very hard negotiations and tough conversations with fund managers and asset managers.”

Barry noted that these negotiations have to happen in good faith as a super fund may approach a fund manager that has created value for members over a long time.

“You are going to ask them for some kind of fee discount or scale benefit, and I think that requires a bit of commitment.

The danger in this is if you find yourself back in that room two years later asking for the same thing again,” he said.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Panel to decide surf club extension proposal An application for renovations and extensions to Terrigal Surf Club went to the Local Planning Panel (LPP) for a decision this week.

The Panel met on Thursday, September 23, with a report from Central Coast Council recommending approval for the proposal, which attracted fewer than 10 submissions when exhibited.

The small number of submissions means the Panel meeting did not have to be open to public speakers.

One submission said the extension would push the development onto an adjoining lot and Terrigal foreshore.

Another complained it was a form of privatisation of the beach while others were concerned about the loss of views.

The $1.2M renovations include an enlarged cafe seating area enclosed on the ground floor and extensions upstairs to provide a new training room, gym and storage and a new deck on northeastern side and the northwestern side over the groundlevel café and seating area.

Existing trees beside the surf club which are identified as

significant will be pruned back but an Arboricultural Impact Report identifies the pruning and tree protection measures to be implemented.

The report to the planning panel says the arborist identified that the works will have a low to moderate level of encroachment on the Tree

Protection Zone which will not have any impact on the longterm health or landscape/ heritage value of the trees.

The same report says submissions on behalf of or from owners of developments on the opposite side of Terrigal Esplanade raised the issue of view loss due to the additional

height on the ends of the existing building.

The Council response in part said: “Views around the ends of the surf club will be retained, albeit interrupted by the existing trees which form part of the viewing quality in this location.”

One submission complained

that the proposal would lead to privatisation of Terrigal Beach.

The Council report responded: “Surf life saving clubs should be located on or close to the beach as far as possible in order to fulfil their function in supporting the activities of the club.”

It said the land remained

Crown land and the building was owned by the Council.

“It is a public facility and asset which encourages tourism and the public to the beach and adjoining shops,” Council said.

“It is an essential public safety facility.”

Another submission noted that the proposal did not appear to be wholly located within the Crown lease area.

Council agreed that the proposed additions extended onto the adjoining lot 1 which was Crown land and part of the Terrigal Foreshore area.

It did not give details of how much land was involved.

“Council’s recreational and property section have no objections to the proposal,” Council said.

“The Crown Lands Office has granted consent to the lodgement of the application.

“A condition of consent will require the amendment of the current lease or a new lease prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate.”

The panel decision should be known early next week.

Merilyn Vale

Mutual bank introduces payment service Newcastle Permanent customers on the Central Coast can pay their way a bit more easily with the introduction of Apple Pay. Customers simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment.

Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay is accepted in supermarkets, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and many more places.

Newcastle Permanent CEO, Bernadette Inglis, said

introducing Apple Pay is part of the customer-owned mutual’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and convenience.

“We know that our customers expect great personal service from their bank, and they also want the convenience of new digital tools,” Inglis said.

“Customer take-up of contactless payments in recent years has been extraordinary, which is now the most common way to pay in store.

“Offering Apple Pay is just the latest example of how we’re continuing to adapt to changing customer preferences to deliver the banking services our customers want today and will need tomorrow.”

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad, and

New friends New adventures

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For information call 1800 SCOUTS (1800 726 887) or go to www.scouts.com.au

Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps

or on the web in Safari without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information.

Apple Pay makes it easier to pay for food and grocery deliveries, online shopping, transportation, and parking, among other things.

Apple Pay can also be used to make payments in apps on Apple Watch.

When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers.

A unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-

standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up.

On iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap +, and follow the steps to add eligible Newcastle Permanent credit or debit cards.

Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device.

Customers will continue to receive all the rewards and benefits offered by Newcastle Permanent’s cards.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Newcastle Permanent

PAGE 30

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Father motivation for dementia fund raising A Scrunchies for Dementia campaign to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation through the virtual My Walk & Jog challenge has been championed by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch.

The campaign has been launched by Coast resident Hannah Higgins, creator of Scrunchies by Hann, in recognition of Dementia Action Week (September 20-26).

Higgins said her main motivator is her 63-year-old dad, who has early onset dementia.

“We found out at the start of last year that he had early onset dementia and within the space of a year he declined rapidly,” she said.

“My dad used to play footy for the Roosters and worked as a disability support worker where on one occasion he

suffered a head injury.

“That incident, along with his football career, is where experts believe his dementia may have originated from.

“What people do not realise is that dementia has the second leading mortality rate in Australia and is something we should always think about.

“My goal is to try and stop what happened to us ever happening to another family.”

Tesch said Higgins’ story was one of resilience, strength and heartbreak.

“Dementia is a very cruel disease that hurts not only the individual but also their family and loved ones,” she said.

“I have heard the journey Hannah has been on and the journey of her business to, in her own words, ‘keep her sane’.

“Scrunchies by Hann is something beautiful that originated through some very

tough times and her new Scrunchies for Dementia range is an incredible and personal initiative (to) spread awareness about dementia.”

Hannah’s Scrunchies for Dementia cost $20 for a pack of four and say “I will remember for you”.

“The scrunchies say ‘I will remember for you’ because that is always what I say to my dad,” Higgins said.

“The empire I have built was never made for the awards or the success.

“I feel like now I have a platform and I am trying to do something with this to change the future of dementia.

“We have kind of created a little community who have been impacted by dementia and it is something that I am very proud of.”

Higgins said the COVID-19 lockdowns had been extremely difficult for her family.

“It’s been very hard; it has been four months and to be honest Facetime just is not the same,” she said.

“Nothing feels as good or feels the same as your parent’s hug.

“I really miss my dad and I cannot wait to see him.

“I hope at least from afar we can do our bit to spread awareness about dementia”.”

Tesch encouraged locals who know someone who has a loved one with dementia to reach out and check on them, especially during lockdown.

For more information on Dementia Action Week head to: https://www.dementia.org.au/ dementia-action-week and to purchase a scrunchie head to: https://scrunchiesbyhann.net.

Source: Media release, Sep 22 Member Gosford, Liesl Tesch Hannah Higgins with some of the scrunchies

Gosford Hospital intensive care capacity questioned NSW Labor has called on the State Government to outline how it will safely staff an expected increase in ICU cases, with hospitalisations due to COVID-19 expected to peak in October and more patients likely to be redirected from Sydney hospitals to Gosford.

Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said that given the concerns raised by nurses and health care workers on the frontline it was critical for the Government to outline how it

will be able to safely staff additional ICU beds should they be needed.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) says it is prepared.

A CCLHD spokesperson said Gosford Hospital is currently caring for a number of COVID patients, some of whom have been transferred from out of area as part of NSW Health’s networked hospital system.

“This system ensures patients can be transferred or redirected to other hospitals where necessary, including

private hospitals,” the spokesperson said.

“Strict plans and protocols are in place for staff who care for patients with COVID-19, including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the ICU. “COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW

are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system.”

Park said modelling released by the Burnet Institute clearly outlined that mid-October is the time when we are likely to see the biggest strain on our hospitals.

“The community has a right to know how they will be safely staffed during this period,” he said.

“It’s time the Government

outline the plans (it has) to access additional staff to adequately care for the expected increase in patients. “(The Premier has said) that case numbers (will) ‘go through the roof’ as we began to open up and whilst we understand additional beds will be available what is critical now is the plan to adequately and safely staff them going forward.”

The CCLHD spokesperson said there is currently sufficient ICU capacity in NSW public hospitals but to reduce hospital and ICU admissions and deaths

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among adults, vaccination on a national scale is essential.

“Central Coast Local Health District has well developed workforce surge and demand management plans in place to ensure we have capacity to care for COVID-19 patients who need to be hospitalised,” the spokesperson said.

“We also have teams in the community who can support people with COVID-19 who do not require hospital care.”

Terry Collins

PAGE 32 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Fine dining at home: Chef Nicola Coccia and Osteria

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

This is the next 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 Alexandra Coccia from Osteria Il Coccia in Ettalong.

Nicola’s passion for cooking stems from his fond memories of his grandmother in her kitchen. This is where he learnt to handle every ingredient with passion, respect and love.

I pay homage to my two favourite regions, Beaujolais in The Rhone Valley where I grew up and the South West of France where my mother lives.

I invest my time looking at new

restaurant and my ethos is to showcase regions I love, share my knowledge and encourage guests to drink something totally different. The wine list boasts drops from Nico’s home of Naples & Puglia, wines from my parent’s region where I grew up & Beaujolais where I spent many years harvesting with friends. generation winemakers, focusing on smaller production, organic, biodynamic & respecting the earth.

Nicola grew up in Naples and found a love for cooking with his hands as he watched his grandmother roll sheets of pasta in her kitchen.

Nico’s respect for each ingredient and the way it’s prepared shines at Osteria il

Coccia where every ingredient is fresh, sustainable, and organic (where possible).

Nico’s philosophy is that food needs little intervention, just a little love and a little heat (fire).

Nico is one of the only chefs in Australia to have a kitchen built around the fire. Nico trained in Italy before working in El Bulli, New Zealand, and Sydney – and now luckily for the Central Coast –has chosen to reside on

Ettalong Beach. He has previously worked at Otto, Quay, Fratelli & Ormeggio before moving to Bowral where he worked at Biota. We received 1 hat at our previous restaurant Bistro Officina in Bowral.

I am French Italian and am responsible for the eclectic wine list at Osteria il Coccia.

I am strict when selecting the wines available at the

away menu. We offer pick up or delivery for our customers. We also offer promotional boxes for the weekend like the picnic box or the special spring box.

They are ready made boxes with a bottle of wine

Lockdown offerings

Until restrictions lift, we are open Wednesday night to Saturday night (5-7:30pm) and Sunday lunch (10am-1:30pm) for pick up.

At the moment we have paused our fine dining for a take-away version. Guests can choose from our weekly boxes also available for vegetarians.

A ready-made box with 4 courses $90 for Osteria Boxes and $80 for Vegetarian Boxes for 2 people.

Alternatively, you can also order from our weekly take

People can reach us by phone or through our website osteriailcoccia.com.au where they can order online.

Alternatively they can call us 02 4327 8952, customers can find the latest news, menus, boxes and events through social media with Facebook and Instagram and our newsletters

Beetroot risotto and Pecora blue cheese sauce For this dish we use sheep milk blue cheese from Pecora Dairy in Robertson. If you cannot find sheep milk blue, you can use gorgonzola.

To cook perfect risotto you may not have to use all the stock in the recipe, or you may need to add extra. Perfect risotto should have an al dente bite and a loose and creamy consistency we call ‘all’onda’ which translates to ‘flowing in waves’.

Ingredients 400g arborio rice 3 medium beetroots 100g parmesan cheese, grated

70g butter 1 medium onion, finely chopped 100ml white wine 1.5L vegetable stock 100ml extra virgin olive oil Sea salt Blue cheese sauce: 150g Pecora Dairy Jamberoo Mountain Blue Cheese 100ml milk To prepare the beetroot – cut the stems off about 3cm from the base, rinse and place into a pot of cold water. Simmer over a medium-high heat until the beetroot flesh can be easily

penetrated with a fork. Drain, reserving some liquid, and cool, then peel off the outer skins and discard. Roughly chop the beetroots, then place them into a blender. Adding a little reserved cooking liquid, blitz to a puree and set aside.

For the blue cheese sauce – place the milk into a small pot over medium heat, cut the cheese into chunks and add to the milk. Cook over a low heat, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted into the milk and you have a thick, creamy sauce. Set aside.

For the risotto – place the vegetable stock into a small pot over a low heat to warm up. On a separate burner, place the olive oil into a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Increase the heat to

high and stir in the rice, coating it with the oil.

Add the wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add 3 ladles of hot vegetable stock to the rice and stir. As the liquid evaporates, add another ladle of stock while stirring continuously. Keep adding stock to the rice, allowing it to absorb and then adding more until the rice is cooked al dente. Add 260g of beetroot puree to the rice and cook, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until you have a loose risotto.

Leave the risotto to rest for 2 minutes, then add the cold butter and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, then season to taste with sea salt.

To serve – reheat the blue cheese sauce.

Divide the risotto into serving bowls, finish with a generous drizzle of sauce and a pinch of salt.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Zen dens help patients relax New calming spaces have been opened in mental health units at Gosford and Wyong public hospitals to support relaxation and recovery for patients.

The Zen Dens have been developed in high dependency areas with features such as softer lighting, calming sense music, art materials and sensory items to support selfregulation.

They also include a large image of a local site of significance captured by a local artist.

Central Coast Local Health District’s Facebook page says the spaces were designed in collaboration with consumer feedback from both patients and staff, with many finding the spaces is beneficial for destressing.

Gosford mental health unit staff in the new Zen Den

Terry Collins

Youth gain instant access to mental health support Young people on the Central Coast and across NSW will have access to expanded digital mental health support thanks to a $1.5M investment from the NSW Government.

The Moderated Online Social Therapy (MOST) platform, designed by youth mental health organisation Orygen, will be embedded in eight eligible youth mental health services across NSW between now and June 30, 2022.

Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said the evidence-based digital intervention was designed to provide instant access to

specialist support for people during a challenging time.

“This is all about connecting young people with online resources that they can use to improve their mental health and wellbeing as well as connecting them with a network of peers and mental health clinicians,” she said.

“For those who need more intensive support, the platform will also help young people engage with clinical services face-to-face for immediate and ongoing mental health support.”

Taylor said the application would also lighten the load for clinical services which have been inundated by

increased demand.

“We know that services are under pressure – young

people will currently wait between six to eight weeks for a psychologist appointment at

5@5

headspace – so it’s vital we continue to connect young people to a range of help,” she said.

The MOST platform can be accessed 24/7 from a range of devices including mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers.

Orygen Executive Director, Professor Patrick McGorry, said MOST is changing the way mental health services are provided by connecting digital mental health technology with clinical services to address gaps in existing care models, provide on-demand support and sustain real life recovery for young people.

“It is exciting that with this support of the NSW Government we can now offer this world leading digital mental health service to young people across the state,” he said.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Source: Media release, Sep 12 Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor

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PAGE 34

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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College acquires property in remote NSW A range of new possibilities has opened up for students of Green Point Christian College (GPCC), with the school taking ownership of a multi-use property in north-west NSW. The GPCC Board has taken ownership of Currawah Aboriginal Education Centre at Gongolgon, established by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and operated as a boarding school before closing in 2018.

“This project has evolved out of a long-term connection in the area through annual Year 9 mission trips in partnership with Australian Indigenous Ministries,” a GPCC spokesperson said.

“The property will provide a range of exciting opportunities

for our students.

“This year GPCC launched an Aboriginal Studies course for Year 11 and 12 students and continues to plan on sending increased numbers of Year 9 students for an experience in Brewarrina and surrounds.

“Year 9 will have a focus on Aboriginal issues in the social science program, with activities around understanding Aboriginal culture, language, history and social issues.

“Our librarian, Nicole van Wyk, has also established an ATSI (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Committee to promote and develop a greater focus on ATSI issues and events including connecting with local Aboriginal people and groups on the Central Coast.

The Currawah Aboriginal Education Centre

“There is significant scope on the site to host students for outdoor education activities, spiritual retreats,

other subject fieldtrips including Geography, Business Studies, and History, and for student exchanges

between the future school and GPCC.” GPCC Principal, Phillip Nash, outlined the benefits of the initiative.

“Enabling our students to experience something of life and the issues of remote western NSW is a great way to help them broaden their horizons and develop a greater understanding of the diversity and complexity of this great country,” he said.

“For teenagers who are working out their life’s vocation, having experiences outside of their current comfort zone is important in giving them a bigger vista of opportunities for their future.

“Although Brewarrina is a day’s travel from Green Point,

this very distance makes doing student activities there quite attractive.

“It takes students from the very comfortable upper middle class Central Coast and engages them with remote, rural Australia, giving them first-hand experience and understanding of the diversity of our nation and their responsibility to be cognisant of the people and issues in parts of the country very different to their own.”

The GPCC Board will also consider plans including the potential to lease a portion of the site to establish a small school for the local area.

Source: Media release, Sep 16 Green Point Christian College

School facilities to receive upgrades Fourteen Central Coast schools have been included in the NSW Government’s $48M Minor Capital Works program to improve and upgrade facilities.

Chertsey Public School will be one of those to benefit

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said funding would go towards new classrooms, accessibility upgrades and car park modifications.

“This is welcome news for these 14 local schools after what has been a very tough

Term 3 of online learning,” Crouch said.

“Each of these projects being funded through the NSW Government’s annual Minor Capital Works program will help to ensure students have the best possible facilities to create the best possible learning environment.

“The funding in this program is being distributed across NSW’s 2,200 public schools and I am delighted that schools from one end of the Central Coast to the other are receiving a fair share.”

Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said the projects at Central Coast schools complement works that have commenced as part of the COVID-19 response.

“Across NSW, thousands of students are benefitting from new and upgraded schools and improved learning environments,” Mitchell said.

“These projects also provide hundreds of jobs for local businesses across NSW.” Central Coast schools to benefit are: Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy

Campus; Brooke Avenue Public School; Chertsey Public School; Gorokan High School; Kincumber High School; Kincumber Public School; Terrigal High School; Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College The Entrance Campus and Tumbi Umbi Campus; Tuggerah Public School; Wamberal Public School; Wyoming Public School; Wyong High School; and Wyong Public School.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

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EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Parents welcome plan to streamline teachers’ time A new plan aimed at changing the way teachers work at school, giving them more quality time to spend preparing and teaching students, has been welcomed by the Central Coast Council of P&Cs (CCC P&C).

Teachers and school staff are being called on to provide feedback on the State Government’s Quality Time Action Plan, which sets an ambitious agenda for reducing duplicative, repetitive, and lowvalue administrative tasks in schools.

Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said leveraging technology and digital tools to streamline teaching tasks is at the centre of the plan.

“We know that quality

teachers have the biggest impact on student outcomes – by streamlining and simplifying the work done outside of the classroom we can enhance the experience and outcomes within the classroom,” Mitchell said.

“This plan is about asking teachers to help shape the solutions they need from the system.

“While lesson planning, marking and reporting are core parts of the job, we can make these processes smarter, more intuitive and high value rather than cumbersome, repetitive and wasteful.

“Not only will this give teachers back valuable time to focus on learning, it will enable us to scale best practice resources and teaching approaches in classrooms

CCC P&C spokesperson, Sharryn Brownlee

across NSW.” Opportunities for reform identified in the Action Plan include: an overhauled assessment system allowing teachers to generate individual

student focused assessments in minutes; an online tool to allow teachers to easily store, find, share and tailor lesson plans and learning programs; and streamlined administration

requirements for maintaining accreditation.

“The Action Plan represents the next phase of work to create more time for teachers, which is a core component of the School Success Model,” Mitchell said.

“This work has saved an estimated 105 hours per principal, 10 hours per teacher and 25 hours per school administration staff member each year.”

Spokesperson Sharryn Brownlee said the CCC P&C was pleased with the plan to reduce repetitive administrative tasks and streamline teacher and school staff workload.

“This will ensure better support for students and it comes just at the right time after so much disruption due to COVID restrictions,” she said.

“This will help ensure students are able to catch up.

“Parents are pleased to see such strong focus on students and their needs by making such positive changes to teachers’ workload and school administration.

“We await the next stage of reforms from Minister Mitchell and the new Department of Education leadership team.

“Government investment and much needed changes to schooling are greatly needed and we look forward to seeing further improvements.”

The Action Plan has been released for consultation and feedback from school staff and stakeholders, enabling schools to have direct input into the reform agenda.

Terry Collins

Teacher shortage in 18 schools The NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF) has launched a campaign to address growing teacher shortages across NSW, with 18 Central Coast schools showing vacancies in the latest available figures.

State Government figures show that at May 14, there were teacher vacancies at: Ettalong (1), Tuggerah (1), Wyee (1), Wyong (1), Bateau Bay (1), Blue Haven (2) and Chertsey (1) Public Schols; at Northlakes (2), Wyong (1), Gosford (1), Erina (2), Terrigal (2), Lisarow (1), Kincumber (1) and Narara Valley (4) High Schools; at Wadalba Community School (1); and at both Tumbi Umbi (3) and Berkeley Vale (4) campuses of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College.

NSWTF says figures across NSW reveal the extent of the workforce crisis in the state’s schools.

President Angelo

Gavrielatos said the campaign, More Than Thanks, was an opportunity for teachers, parents and community members to advocate for change.

“We are in a crisis situation with worsening teacher shortages at a time when schools are preparing to reopen and we need every child to be fully supported in the classroom,” he said.

“Teachers and principals need More Than Thanks from the Berejiklian Government if we are to stop children missing out.”

He said a new poll of 4,190 NSWTF members in public schools conducted between August 25 and September 4 showed: 95 per cent of teachers and principals say shortages of teachers are a significant issue; 93 per cent say their school has difficulty recruiting casual teachers (95 per cent in country NSW); 51 per cent say there are vacant permanent or

temporary positions at their school (53 per cent in country NSW); 60 per cent of those in secondary and combined primary/secondary schools say they have been required at some point to teach outside their area of subject expertise.

A further 22 per cent (25 per cent in country NSW) are currently teaching outside their area of expertise and 58 per cent say they are reconsidering their position as a teacher due to the workload (59 per cent in country NSW).

Gavrielatos said an independent inquiry into the work of teachers, headed by former WA Premier, Geoff Gallop, had warned in February that uncompetitive salaries and unsustainable workloads were leading to the teacher shortages.

“We cannot fix the shortages problem until we fix the wages and workload problem,” he said.

“As we have seen so clearly

demonstrated in the past 18 months, teachers in public schools are committed professionals determined to do whatever they can to ensure every child gets a high-quality education but there aren’t enough of them right now.”

The industrial award that determines the salaries and conditions of teachers expires in December.

In line with the recommendations of the Gallop inquiry, teachers and principals are seeking a salary increase of between 5 to 7.5 per cent a year to recognise the increase in their skills and expertise and to reverse the decline in teachers’ wages compared to other professions, Gavrielatos said.

“An increase in preparation time of two hours a week is also sought to allow teachers more time for lesson planning and collaboration with their colleagues,” he said.

“The Gallop Inquiry found the preparation time afforded teachers has not changed since the 1950s for secondary teachers and the 1980s for primary teachers.”

The campaign will include extensive state-wide television, digital and print advertising.

Gavrielatos said teacher shortages were seeing classes combined and students only given minimal supervision on hundreds of occasions in city and country schools.

“Teachers need a competitive salary and they need a reduction in the crippling workloads that they struggle with every week,” he said.

“Without a salary reset and a reduction in their workload more teachers will leave the profession and we won’t be able to attract the new ones we need.

“At the same time as university enrolments in

teaching courses are plummeting, public school enrolments are starting to soar and research shows between 12,000 and 14,000 (20-25 per cent) more teachers are going to be needed in the next decade.

“NSW Government figures show that 30 per cent of schools have vacant permanent teaching positions which total over 1100.

“The number of vacant positions has doubled since 2012.

“In its recent submission to a national inquiry into initial teacher education, the NSW Government warned the shortages were most acute in rural and regional areas and in secondary schools and enrolments in teacher education courses had slumped by almost 30 per cent from 2014 to 2019.”

Source: Media release, Sep 16 NSW Teachers Federation

Up to $10,000 available for school arts programs A fund has been created to help rebuild schools’ arts programs ahead of a return to face-to-face learning next term.

NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood, Sarah Mitchell, launched the Arts Recovery Program by diverting funds from the 2021 NSW Schools Spectacular which has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Mitchell said current COVID restrictions made it impossible to stage the Spectacular, the world’s largest variety show.

“I know for the thousands of student performers, teaching and support staff involved in this extraordinary event this news will come as a blow in an already challenging year for the creative and performing arts,” she said.

“We are determined to ensure the students and staff who have already given up so much time have the opportunity to showcase their work, while also providing a state-wide injection of funds into arts education.”

Funding earmarked for the show would now be redirected to create digital resources to help students

across NSW develop skills and fund a grants program to help rebuild and reinvigorate schools’ arts initiatives, Mitchell said.

She said the Arts Recovery Grants program acknowledged the key role creative and performing arts played in student learning, engagement and wellbeing.

“School arts programs have been heavily impacted by the

COVID restrictions on singing and playing instruments, and rules around physical distancing, excursions and non-essential staff on school sites,” Mitchell said.

NSW public schools will be eligible for grants of up to $10,000 per school to cover equipment, teacher release, expert tuition for students or professional learning for teachers to assist in

establishing or rebuilding arts programs.

The grant program will be complemented by the Spectacular Schools Initiative, which will create a high-quality digital showcase of NSW public school achievements in the creative and performing arts.

Source: Media release, Sep 19 NSW Department of Education

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SCIENCE & EDUCATION

PAGE 37

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

New website helps with holiday activities A new Family Project website has been designed to help parents come up with new ideas to entertain children now on school holidays until October 5 following weeks of learning from home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The State Government has established a safe online portal to provide fun COVID safe ideas to help families connect.

A new project will be released daily to help support the mental and physical wellbeing of NSW families.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the region’s families had shown great patience and perseverance during learning from home throughout Term 3.

“We want to ensure the school holidays are not an overwhelming experience for

families,” Crouch said.

“It is often hard for parents and carers to think of school holidays activities, but Family Project provides plenty of quick and easy ideas, including a herb garden how-to, rock art, Spoonville creations, cooking, creating a street library, dancing videos and more.”

Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said COVID-19 is extremely challenging for parents and children who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of remote learning, working from home and juggling competing expectations.

“Families are under pressure in lockdown and Family Project will be the place they can go to find simple COVID-safe ideas to do within their local area, practical tips to support emotional and physical wellbeing and advice on home

schooling,” Taylor said.

“Family Project is designed to provide inspirational daily activities – everything from parents and kids meditation to creating a street library.

“For parents struggling to find things to do with their children away from screens, this

website is a collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and parenting organisation Tresillian.

Gidget Foundation Australia CEO, Arabella Gibson, said when considering how a family connects, it’s important to remember that adult interpretations of COVID-19 are very different to that of young people.

“For a person aged 50, this pandemic has taken up 3 per cent of their life,” Gibson said.

“However, for an eight-yearold, this pandemic has taken up nearly 20 per cent of their life.

“We’re launching Family Project to support parents in being thoughtful and engaged role-models as we know that can be a lot harder in practice than it sounds.

“If as a community we can demonstrate how it’s possible

website will have lots of answers.

“We want to give families something positive and hopeful to connect with, to enhance togetherness, when we are not together, and to foster resilience through adversity.”

The government sponsored

to be part of the solution, everyone will benefit.”

Examples of future Family Projects include: wellbeing tips for the family; how to create your own worm farm; Brickman’s school holiday Lego challenge; parents and kids meditation and breath work; building a simple herb garden; being a new dad (in a pandemic); Tik Tok family dance demo; creating kindness rock art; how to make Lebanese cuisine to gift to your neighbours; creating chalk art with kids to connect community; making a Street Library for your neighbourhood; dancing with The Beanies; building a fun volcano from your kitchen cupboards; and making Spoonville for your street.

For more information go to familyproject.org.au.

Terry Collins

Friends bubble brings play date relief The NSW Government has announced a new measure to allow school children to get together with friends during the holidays, following a full term of learning from home.

Children and teenagers aged 18 and under may create a “friends bubble” to allow home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated.

Children who live in stay-athome areas and areas of

concern across NSW, including the Coast, can create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity.

Each child is allowed to have two designated friends come to their house; these two friends must always be the same, creating a three-person “friends bubble”.

All people older than 18 in all the households must be fully vaccinated.

The friends must live within 5km of each other or in the same LGA. Parents or carers who are dropping children off must not stay to interact with other parents or carers.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s strong vaccination rate had allowed the measure to support the wellbeing of young people.

“Parents and children have had a difficult few months,

trying to balance both work, often from home, as well as home schooling,” Berejiklian said.

“This change will hopefully make a big difference for families during the school holidays and allow young children and teenagers to catch up and reconnect with their friends.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government was trying to strike a balance between the

best possible health outcomes and easing the pressures on families and individuals living in lockdown.

“These latest changes are aimed at giving children more opportunities to be together and balance COVID safety with their mental health and wellbeing,” Hazzard said.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood, Sarah Mitchell, said the move would also benefit older students, allowing

them to create a study bubble ahead of the HSC. “Year 12 students have had a stressful few months, and with the HSC approaching, a study bubble is a great idea to help students maintain motivation, receive support from a classmate and continue their preparation for the upcoming exams,” Mitchell said.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 NSW Government

Resilient Year 12 sits exams in November Almost 3,000 students on the Central Coast will sit at least one of the 110 HSC exams set to begin on November 9.

The 2021 HSC enrolment snapshot released by the NSW Education Standards Authority on September 13 shows that 68,710 students are enrolled statewide, 2,947 of them in the Central Coast region.

Minister for Education, Sarah Mitchell, said that most of this year’s cohort started Kindergarten in 2009 and will finish their 13-year schooling career in the next few weeks.

“The HSC enrolment snapshot gives us some insight into the students who are studying an HSC course, which areas of study students are interested in and how enrolment has changed over

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

24 FRI

1

FRI

0352 0.41 1010 1.57 1620 0.46 2223 1.41 0419 1.12 0942 0.74 1614 1.47 2309 0.52

time,” Mitchell said.

“Enrolment this year is consistent with previous years, with Mathematics, Biology and Business Studies attracting the largest number of students for nine years running.

“We’ve also seen a promising increase of 19 per cent in Science Extension enrolment, which was first examined in 2019.

“It’s great to see students,

particularly young women who make up 54 per cent of this year’s enrolment, taking on the new research-based course.

“This year, we have 898 sets of twins and 15 sets of triplets and quadruplets spread across NSW cities and regions.”

Twenty-six per cent of students (20,234) are enrolled in at least one HSC Vocational Educational and Training course, with Hospitality (7,274),

TIDE CHART

Construction (3,663) and Business Services (2,564) continuing to see the highest number of enrolments.

“My message to students is to be proud of the resilience you have shown so far, look after yourself and each other,” Mitchell said.

“You now have eight weeks to prepare for your exams.

“The entire NSW community is behind you as you prepare

for your final exams.

“It is not too late to ask for help, either for your study preparations or for your personal wellbeing.”

The examination timetable will begin with English on November 9 and end on December 3.

Source: Media release, Sep 13 NSW Education Department

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000

25

26

27

28

29

30

2

3

4

5

6

7

Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

0527 0.62 0421 0.48 0451 0.55 0034 1.14 0140 1.08 0301 1.08 1045 1.56 1121 1.53 1202 1.49 0611 0.69 0711 0.75 0826 0.77 SAT 1702 0.51 SUN 1748 0.56 MON 1843 0.61 TUE 1253 1.45 WED 1354 1.41 THU 1506 1.42 2301 1.31 2344 1.22 1948 0.65 2104 0.64 2214 0.60 0514 1.20 0657 1.30 0130 0.34 0206 0.27 0243 0.22 0320 0.20 0735 1.40 1044 0.66 1235 0.57 0813 1.52 0852 1.63 0933 1.72 SAT 1709 1.55 SUN 1856 1.64 MON 1322 0.46 TUE 1407 0.37 WED 1453 0.29 THU 1542 0.23 2352 0.43 1938 1.72 2021 1.77 2105 1.77 2150 1.73

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 SPORT

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Good sports clubs awards closing soon Over 100 Accredited Good Sports Club on the Central Coast have been reminded they have three weeks left to nominate for the Good Sports Awards 2021.

“Fill out your online form by 11:59pm October 6 and be in to win the ultimate trophy and up to $1,000 cash for your club,” said Riley Sohier, senior community development officer for Hunter New England Health.

“If your club is currently

closed because of COVID-19 restrictions, it might be a good chance to take some time to fill out an application.

“Celebrating past achievements can be a great way to boost club morale and keep members feeling proud and connected. In these tough times, we need to celebrate our wins together,” he said.

The Good Sports Program is a State/Federally Funded Program, which is Australia’s Leading Health Initiative for Sporting clubs.

Good Sports Clubs are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and familyfriendly environments.

The program helps create positive role models at a club level that could be a coach, volunteer, down to the young senior player acting as a role model, helping assist with the operation & delivery of sport at their club.

It enables clubs to model strong behaviours.

Good Sports provides clubs with the opportunity to

implement a range of practices and policies around alcohol management, smoking management, safe transport and understanding how to deal with illegal drugs issues, a situation should ever arise at a club.

The Good Sports Healthy Minds (Mental Health Program) is also embedded the program, to assist clubs identify at risk members.

A sporting club community is essentially a microcosm of a community in general.

There are two new categories open to all Good Sports clubs this year – the Mental Health Excellence Award and the Staying Connected Award.

The Good Sports Club of the Year award goes to a Good Sports club who is a shining example of the Good Sports values - inclusive, vibrant, passionate and connected.

The national winner will receive $1,000 for their club and state and territory clubs receive $500 for their club and become the eight finalists

for the national category.

Other categories include volunteer of the year, junior sports club of the year, new club of the year, safe transport award, staying connected award and mental health excellence.

For more information visit https://goodsports.com.au/ awards/ Source: Media release, Sep 22 Hunter New England Health

Help to get community sports clubs back on their feet Community sports clubs are facing serious concerns around financial instability, declining participation and declining volunteering according to research from the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).

The ASF conducted a second national research study to help determine the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on community sport.

The ASF has launched the Back to Sport Fund to provide an avenue for tax deductible donations for all sport fans to

CCN

support community sports recovery from COVID-19.

Following the first study in May 2020, the ASF sought to understand how clubs were faring 12 months on from the start of the pandemic.

It found community sports clubs have little in the way of financial reserves to weather unexpected financial pressure due to COVID-19.

Thirteen per cent of clubs reported concerns around financial solvency indicating that around 9,000 clubs all over Australia were at risk of going under.

Nearly 83 per cent of

respondents reported lost revenue, with an average decline of $18,500 and almost every revenue stream affected particularly sponsorships, fundraising and membership income.

The most common increased costs included new hygiene measures and extra equipment due to COVID-19 protocols, member refunds (due to shortened or abandoned seasons) and overheads, such as insurance which increased despite a reduction in playing and participation.

Clubs frequently mentioned

offering free or subsidised memberships to their communities as a way of keeping families engaged and offering mental health support to their members.

The ASF highlighted ways everyone could support community support: get a local sports club to create a fundraising project on the ASF website to enable ongoing fundraising throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; make a tax-deductible donation to your local club via their fundraising project page; and donate to the Australian

Sports Foundation Back to Sport Fund to support community sport’s recovery from COVID-19.

Money donated will be allocated to community sports clubs via the Back to Sport fund grants to support them through this crisis and to help grow participation in their communities.

Donations to the Back to Sport Fund can be made here https://recovery. sportsfoundation.org.au/ donate-to-covid/ “While different levels of government have stepped in to provide some support to

the sector, responses showed that this had only covered less than a third of the revenue shortfall, indicating much more support will be needed in the months ahead.

To solve a problem of this scale requires a collaborative approach, so we are calling on all who care about the role of sport in creating healthy, inclusive communities to help us fund grassroots sport’s recovery,” said Australian Sports Foundation CEO Patrick Walker.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Australian Sports Foundation

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all sports organisations LET US HELP YOU PROMOTE YOUR SPORT

Send us your sports news on anything related to the Central Coast at any level.

This is not for registration days or fundraising activities, but for your core sport activity and we’ll do our best it get it in for you.

We have five newspapers a fortnight, a daily radio news bulletin, a weekly video news, and a comprehensive website, all there to help you get your news out to the community.

Send to sportreports@centralcoastnews.net and include a contact telephone number and some photos

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SPORT PAGE 39

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Football’s back, but where?

FOOTBALL With this week’s announcement of the A-League 2021-22 fixtures, Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that they are yet to finalise a venue hire agreement with Central Coast Stadium.

In the season draw, which was published on Thursday, the venue of each Mariners home fixture is marked ‘to be confirmed’.

Usually hosted at Central Coast Stadium, the club said the uncertainty surrounding the scheduled home matches meant they were ‘working through options available’ to them.

The venue hire agreement for Central Coast Stadium is still pending by Central Coast Council for all the Club’s A-League and W-League matches next season.

“In respect to the ongoing management rights tender of

the stadium, there is currently a process in place that the club is very supportive of and it is important that the process is not delayed or impacted by these short-term venue hire discussions,” the Club said.

“We will be working closely with APL on finalising this in

preparation for the season ahead and while confident a solution will be found soon we will not be making any further comments at this stage.”

The Mariners’ season kicks off on November 21 against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium, before they

return home on November 27 to face Wellington Phoenix.

The side will then travel to face Macarthur on December 5 at Campbelltown Stadium, before playing back-to-back home games against Sydney on December 12, and Western Sydney Wanderers

on December 18.

The location of these home fixtures is yet to be confirmed.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) confirmed that the first six rounds of the A-League, and the first four of the W-League, will be based on

a conference system.

The five NSW-based clubs plus both of Wellington Phoenix’s teams will play each other in one half of the split, while the majority of the other games will be played in Victoria.

More details about subsequent fixtures are expected to be released later in the year, with border restrictions predicted to be eased by the turn of the year under the Federal Government’s national COVID-19 transition plan.

This season will also feature the inaugural Club Championship - a trophy awarded to the clubs with the most success across both the men’s and women’s leagues.

With the season start dates having been adjusted due to COVID-19 restrictions, the club football season will finish with the men’s Grand Final scheduled for May 28.

Maisy Rae

Regional sport funds used to upgrade indoor stadium BASKETBALL Players, coaches and spectators at Terrigal’s Breakers Indoor Sport Stadium will soon benefit from new facilities, with the NSW Government announcing a $271,544 grant on September 9.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the grant was part of Round One of the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund.

“Thanks to this funding, the decades-old bathrooms and change rooms will be upgraded to provide modern and fit-forpurpose facilities,” Crouch said.

“Once completed, the new bathrooms and change rooms will cater to both male and

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch (centre), with Central Coast Basketball President Kieren Moore and Vice President Kellie Hassab at Breakers

female athletes, including those with a disability.

“Sport is part of the fabric of our community and basketball

is certainly one of the most popular sports on the Central Coast.

“I congratulate the Central

Coast Crusaders basketball teams as well as all of the staff and volunteers at Breakers Indoor Sport Stadium on this

funding win.”

Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward, said the Regional Sport Facility Fund would help to

promote healthy lifestyles across regional NSW while stimulating local economies and boosting employment.

“The Regional Sport Facility Fund will promote improved health and wellbeing and create a construction boom across regional NSW as part of the NSW Government’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure pipeline,” Ward said.

The Regional Sport Facility Fund is a new funding opportunity from the NSW Government and will provide $50M over two years for new and upgraded sports facilities across Regional NSW, including the Central Coast.

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

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.

A few whales have been spotted over the last week, but the majority have been out wide.

Dolphins have been regularly sighted at Ettalong, Umina, Pretty Beach, Box Head and Killcare Beach.

Some even ventured to the Rip Bridge the other day.

We’ve had two seals cruising in Brisbane Water, and others turning up at Box Head.

The Barrenjoey seal colony has 16 members still at the moment.

The main species of marine mammals around at the moment are Inshore Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Humpback Whales and Longnosed Fur Seals.

However, keep your eyes out for some exceptions to that.

Orcas, Leopard Seals, Southern Right Whales, False Killer Whales, Australian Fur Seals, Sub-Antarctic Fur Seals, Rissos Dolphins and even Blue Whales have been sighted off the Central Coast at this time in previous years.

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

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Callaghan second highest scorer after seven heats at Huntington

Macy Callaghan at the Central Coast Pro NSW, March 2021 Photo: WSL / Ethan Smith

SURFING Avoca Beach surfer Macy Callaghan looked strong following the Round of 64 in the 2021 Challenger Series at Huntington Beach, Los Angeles.

The sun shines on the Californian shore but surf conditions have been far from ideal.

One- to four-foot waves have been crashing onshore with a slowly picking up cross wind

CCN

deforming their shape.

Surfers have needed to approach the waves tactfully and exert a lot of energy through their boards to generate the power lacking in the water and wind.

The strength Callaghan’s backhand steer to the left made the difference and ensured her opening heat win despite strong competition coming from Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot.

Macy took the lead early with the heat’s best score of 6.50, secured with multiple reentries as she followed the wave back and forth in search of critical points.

With five minutes left, she topped this off with a 6.10 score, again found along the left line, making her the second-highest scoring competitor after seven heats.

Fellow Central Coast contenders, Molly Picklum and Wade Carmichael, were unable

to advance passed the first round.

Although going into the heat a favourite after a stellar past season at Australian Qualifying Series events, Picklum found little beyond frustration in the tepid waves.

Her best score of 5.30 came on her second-last attempt but could not make up for earlier missed opportunities in the desperate search for the right wave.

For Carmichael, early attempts to find the rhythm of the water were outmatched by Brazilian, Edgard Groggia, and Kade Matson from the US, who took over late with a couple of 5-7 point waves each.

The women’s competition has now moved into the Round of 32 and will include three more rounds before a one-onone final.

This is the first of four Challenger Series events this year where there are 10,000

points on offer towards the qualification for the next Championship Tour.

This will see the band of surfers travel next Portugal, then France, and finally Hawaii, all scheduled before Christmas.

There will be more opportunities soon for Macey, Molly and Wade to take out points and enter themselves into the world’s top tier tour.

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