Coast Community News 376

2 FEBRUARY 2023

ISSUE 376

5,000 attend Gosford Australia Day celebration

News

Plant based diet anyone?

See page 2

Out&About

New year of dance underway at NAISDA See page 13

Business

Changes to plan for Bayview Ave units See page 22 More than 5,000 people enjoyed live music, a variety of food options and a stunning firework display over the Brisbane Water at Central Coast Council’s free Australia Day event in Gosford on January 26.

Council Unit Manager Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said the day was a huge success, with the allage inclusive family event held on Gosford waterfront and in the Leagues Club field offering a huge range of activities for everyone.

“There was definitely a real buzz

during the afternoon, as this was the first major Council event in 2023 – so it was great time for the community to come together,” he said.

Cannard said the fine weather was a real bonus and, despite the storm in the evening, the fireworks were able to go ahead without any problem.

Australia Day also saw 120 people, from 36 countries, living on the Central Coast, become Australian citizens at a ceremony held at Central Coast Leagues Club in the morning.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was an absolute pleasure to preside over the ceremony, which is one of the

highlights of his job.

“The Central Coast is a diverse region, and I felt honoured to be able to congratulate and welcome this group as newly appointed Australian Citizens – indeed, citizenship ceremonies are always a special occasion,” he said.

Hart said the other highlight of his day was hosting his first ‘pop-up’ meet and greet session with community members at the community event.

“I truly appreciated the many community members taking the time to have a chat, put forward their

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thoughts and views to me about Council and things happening on the Central Coast in general,” he said.

“Some of the hot topics were the revitalisation of Gosford’s waterfront and the community event itself.

“I’m planning a series of these popup sessions throughout 2023 and look forward to announcing the future dates.”

The Australia Day Community event was assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Terry Collins

Sport

Special paddle boarders discover What’s SUP See page 31

Puzzles page 18

PAGE 2

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Plant based diet anyone?

For the first time in Australian Reptile Park history, keepers risked life and limb to feed the Park’s American alligators a massive cow carcass on the bank of the Alligator Lagoon recently.

With the lagoon being home to more than 40 feisty alligators, the dangerous task had keepers’ hearts pumping and onlookers watching in astonishment.

Visitors watched on as the alligators, which are cousins of crocodiles, perform multiple death rolls many times over – sometimes at the same time on top of each other.

The carcass feed acts as enrichment as it allows the alligators to perform a naturalistic behaviour.

In the wild alligators are known to track down and feast on carrion.

If in habitat heavily populated

Photo: Australian Reptile Park The alligators jostled for a bit of the carcass

with alligators, the massive reptiles will all feed on the same carcass.

Head of Reptiles Jake Meney said feeding the alligators a massive cow carcass was a first at the Park.

“Once we chucked the carcass in, it was crazy how quickly they swarmed onto the bank, and it wasn’t long until they were all trying to have a

crack at the huge piece of meat,” he said.

“Our female alligators are still in breeding season, so entering their environment can be extremely dangerous, especially when food is involved.”

The Australian Reptile Park has the largest population of American alligators living in Australia and visitors can catch

them being fed at 12:30pm during the weekends or book an Alligator Feeding encounter where they can feed the giant alligators themselves.

More information at reptilepark.com.au/experiences/ animal-encounters/.

Source: Media release, Jan 27 Australian Reptile Park

Have your say on proposed new animal care facility Central Coast Council is inviting feedback from the community on the proposed location and concept design for a new centrally located Regional Animal Care Facility at Mardi.

The preferred site, at 253 Old Maitland Rd, has been chosen due to its central location, ease of access and provision of space for animal wellness, enrichment and exercise.

Council Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe said the proposed facility will cater for the current and future animal holding requirements of the Charmhaven and Erina Animal Care Facilities.

“The Central Coast currently has the highest rate of dog ownership in NSW and our Animal Care Facilities play an important role in supporting

The proposed design of the new facility

responsible pet ownership by reuniting lost pets with their owners and supporting the adoption of surrendered pets,” Howe said.

“The concept design for the proposed facility includes multiple enrichment zones for the animals to exercise, play and interact with potential owners.

To improve the adoption process we have also included

a welcoming reception area, meet and greet locations and a connected walking loop for trial dog walks for prospective owners.

“The proposed cat enclosures will have a contemporary design that will maximise natural light and increase welfare, while the dog kennels will each have an indoor and outdoor space.”

Council Administrator Rik

Hart ideas and feedback from the community on the proposed site and concept design would inform further decision-making for the project.

Submissions will be accepted until March 1 at yourvoiceourcoast.com/ ccracf.

Source: Media release, Feb 1 Central Coast Council

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Lack of wrack removal making lakes unusable

Call for immediate action for more wrack harvesting in lakes

Toukley Community Action Group has instigated a community petition calling on Central Coast Council to take immediate and urgent action about the wrack build-up in Tuggerah lakes.

In 2020 the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel recommended in its report that Council implement strategic wrack harvesting but the Action Group says that Council has failed to implement the recommendations.

The Panel’s report said that the rate of wrack removal wasn’t matching the amount of wrack deposited and this should be addressed with upgrades to machinery as well as improved methods to

harvest in shallower waters of the nearshore as well as offshore.

The Panel said a community education and engagement program about wrack processes could help Council be more proactive in response to wrack accumulation and ooze.

Group spokesperson, Bronwyn Evans, said the buildup of wrack was impacting resident and tourist enjoyment of the lakes – Tuggerah, Budgewoi and Munmorah.

“Here we are, two years after the Panel’s report, and the build-up of wrack, as well as algae, is extending 50m and more from the foreshores and it’s making our lakes unusable,” she said.

Allan Anderson and Bronwyn Evans meet with Member for Wyong David Harris about wrack problem

“It’s unpleasant for swimming and other water sports such as kayaking or paddle boarding, dangerous for boats because the wrack entangles propellers, prevents land-based activity such as prawning or fishing and it’s really offensive from a multi-sensory perspective – sight, smell and touch.

“Beyond that, the wrack and algae needs to be removed from the lake to allow the environmental cycle to complete.

“The normal cycle is for the wrack to wash up on shore and break down, but this is not occurring and often is unable to do so due to urbanisation of the lake foreshores.

“Council has had two years to act on the Panel’s

recommendations and there is no evidence of this occurring.

“The excuse of financial issues is not valid any more with the Administrator’s 2022 in Review report to the community proudly highlighting that all financial recovery milestones have been met and that the Council is now financially stable and on-track for a sustainable future.

“That report also says that Central Coast is recognised for its nature-based tourism but the wrack and algae build-up significantly detracts from people’s enjoyment of our natural environment,” Evans said.

“We’ve spoken to tourists who have said that they won’t come back to Canton Beach

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because of the issue.”

The community wants Council to take immediate action to significantly increase the wrack collection, to upgrade machinery to facilitate ongoing wrack harvesting in multiple locations across the Tuggerah lakes system and implement methods to harvest shallower waters nearshore as well as offshore.

Also, they are requesting Council to declare all funding received from other sources to assist with implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Expert Panel recommendations and the actual expenditure of that funding, particularly in relation to wrack harvesting.

Toukley Action Group’s petition can be signed online at

https://www.change.org/p/ urgently-implement-tuggerahlake-expert-panelrecommendation-re-strategicwrack-harvesting Group members have met with Member for Wyong, David Harris, who has acknowledged their concerns and strongly supports Toukley Community Action Group’s objectives in this matter.

He is collecting signatures for the petition at his stall at the Sunday Toukley Markets in Coles carpark.

The petition will be presented to Council to have the matter raised on the agenda for Council’s March 28 meeting.

Sue Murray

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It’s definite: Council election will not be brought forward An e-petition lodge in State Parliament calling for the Central Coast Council election to be brought forward has failed to make an impression on Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman.

Organised by local resident Gregory Knott, the petition says the election date, set for September next year, is too far away.

“The Central Coast Council has been without leadership since it went into administration in October, 2020,” the petition says.

“Recently it was announced that elections would be held in line with the next round of local council elections on 14th September 2024.

“This will leave Central Coast residents without a voice for almost four years and no local democracy.

Gregory Knott (left), who started the petition, and Member for The Entrance David Mehan

“Currently Central Coast residents have no input into local issues.

“The Central Coast is in a state of disrepair with dangerous potholes on major roads, locals parks overgrown,

vandalised and some closed for extended periods.”

Despite agitation for an earlier election by several community and resident groups, the petition managed to attract only 752 signatures.

In a response to the petition, Tuckerman said a proclamation extending the period of administration for Central Coast Council had been signed on June 1, 2022.

“This extended period of

administration will give Council’s CEO andAdministrator sufficient time to put measures and controls in place to address the issues uncovered by the public inquiry and to implement its recommendations before elected councillors are returned,” she said.

“I have instructed the Office of Local Government to utilise this extended period of administration to continue its work with Council and local communities throughout the LGA to develop a robust effective plan for Council’s future governance.”

Tuckerman pointed out that should an election be held before September next year, the new Council’s term would still expire on September 14, 2024.

“Holding an election on September 14, 2024, will ensure that the Council and

ratepayers are not burdened with the substantial cost of holding two elections in a short period,” she said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan, who presented the petition to Parliament, said the relatively small number of signatories suggests there is “no strong community view that a return to democracy, of itself, will fix the dissatisfaction people have with Council’s performance”.

“I expect people feel they will be able to pass judgement on the architect of our Council problem, the State Government, which forced the amalgamation on councils across the state, at the March State election,” he said.

Terry Collins

Platinum anniversary for Judith and Albert Morris Judith and Albert Morris of Daleys Point will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on February 21.

The two met when they were teenagers at Toronto Methodist Church and married in that same church 70 years ago, on February 21, 1953.

They have lived on the Central Coast for the last 38 years.

Mr Morris worked for Burroughs (adding machines and computers) for 33 years, rising to management level before the couple bought a health food shop at Forestville which they ran for five years before retiring to Peridon Retirement Village at Daleys Point.

They were both members of Marine Rescue.

Mr Morris was Commodore of the Central Coast branch for two years as well as being the NSW Statistics Officer for over 44 units in NSW for 11 years,

Judith and Albert Morris on their wedding day The couple will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on February 21

collating the figures until it was all computerised.

In his roles with Marine

BRAZEL MOORE

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Rescue he received several awards, including an OC (Officer Commanding) award

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They have also been active in the Social Committee at the

retirement village where they live and Mr Morris drove the mini bus on outings for the residents until a few years ago.

Having raised three children, family has always been an important part of their lives and still is.

Their travels have been curtailed due to age.

Mrs Morris is an excellent knitter and almost all of the family’s five generations have received one of her creations.

The couple has shared an interest in boating.

Mr Morris built a boat in 1967 which was used for family holidays at Lake Macquarie and Myall Lakes.

After retiring they regularly Brisbane Water and they even rescued a speed boat while under sail.

The couple says listening to and respecting your partner is key to a long marriage.

The couple will celebrate the special anniversary at

Ourimbah RSL on February 18 with some of their family, which includes three children, seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

The couple also celebrated their 90th birthdays at the club, Mr Morris in June 2021 and Mrs Morris in May last year.

Daughter Leonie Paterson said her parents were a wonderful example of what a marriage should be.

“Their eldest daughter has been married for more that 50 years and their youngest daughter is celebrating 40 years of marriage in October,” she said.

“I have requested certificates from the King and Australian politicians – they still have one from the Queen for their 60th anniversary.”

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New agreement will see an end to train disruptions Central Coast commuters can rest easy with the NSW Government and unions finally agreeing to a new enterprise agreement for rail workers following a year of intense negotiations and extensive industrial action.

The Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement (EA) will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said it was a “significant and successful” outcome for rail employees and commuters and represented “an extremely generous and fair deal for employees”.

“There are more than 3,000 services which enable more than 800,000 commuter trips across the NSW rail network each weekday and Opal data has shown that significant numbers of commuters are returning to public transport,” he said.

“The travelling public can now be more confident in the level of service provided on the train network.”

More than 10,100 employees voted in a ballot on the new agreement, with more than

The agreement follows a year of intense negotiations and rail disruptions

9400 (93 per cent) casting a Yes vote.

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said the successful vote would see an end to industrial action on the rail network.

“This outcome formalises the agreement reached with the rail unions last year and will mean no further industrial action over the life of the EA,” he said.

“This is a welcome result for the public of NSW who own the rail network and rely on it every day to go about their lives.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Government could now get on with the job of delivering the New Intercity Fleet.

Combined, there are approximately 12,500 employees who will benefit from a wide range of significantly improved conditions including: the management of physical and mental health in the work place; increases to or greater access to parental leave, bereavement leave, and carers leave entitlements; the

provision of a greater focus on preventing sexual harassment and greater support for employees experiencing family and domestic violence; improvements to the living away from home allowance; and a new electrical safety allowance.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said the changes to the EA were made based on feedback received during the bargaining process from staff members, independent bargaining representatives and union delegates.

The approved Enterprise

Agreement will nominally expire in May 2024.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the new EA is a significant win for workers and commuters.

“All we ever wanted was to secure safe trains for commuters and fair wages and conditions for rail workers,” he said.

“This means we’re another huge step towards achieving that.

“Rail workers have overwhelming voted in favour of the enterprise agreement

that they had to fight so long and hard for, it’s a great outcome for everyone.”

Claassens said the final pay increase still needs to be decided in the Fair Work Commission, with hearings set for February 8-9.

“The NSW Government is continuing to actively argue in the Fair Work Commission against any further pay increase above the government’s wages cap of 2.5 percent, even despite the current high inflation figures,” he said.

“The government’s argument would have rail workers wages going backwards in real terms.

“It’s an outcome essential workers will not accept, and we think the travelling public would agree with us.

“We’re looking forward to the enterprise agreement finally being completed, and we’re looking forward to seeing the crucial safety changes finally being made to the New Intercity Fleet.

“It was a hard slog to get here, but workers have stood together in solidarity and showed that rail safety is too important to ignore.”

Terry Collins

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New amenities block for Spencer

The old toilets were in a bad way

After years of surveys, delays and location disagreements, Spencer finally has new state of the art public toilets.

River Cares President Robyn Downham said the new amenities block was finally operational in time for Australia

Day following multiple delays caused by weather events and discussions between residents and Central Coast Council on the best location for the toilets.

“There is still a new carpark and pathway to be installed in March but at least we now have odour-free environmentally friendly public amenities,”

Spencer’s new amenities block

Downham said.

“At long last Spencer is now on the map and becoming a popular tourist destination, with people flocking to our shores either by boat or by road to enjoy our breathtaking views – and no more breathingtaking smells.

“On behalf of the Spencer and the surrounding Lower Hawkesbury River communities, River Cares would like to thank the Council for delivering these muchneeded public amenities.”

Downham issued a special thank you to Sections Manager, Facilities Management and

Operations, Troy Burnham, who “worked tirelessly to make this project come to fruition”.

“It would be remiss not to mention and thank the Armidale contractors from the company Pureablue who toiled for days in the sweltering heat to make sure the public toilets were fully functional and in time for

Australia Day,” she said.

A spokesperson said Council is pleased that the new facilities at Spencer are now operational and being appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

Source: Media release, Jan 31 River Cares

Accolades for birdwatcher photography

Noisy Pitta by Daniel McKeon

Three winners have been announced from a high standard of 18 entries in the annual Central Coast Bird Group Photographic Competition 2022.

There were three categories – common birds, uncommon birds and vagrants – and all photographs were taken during 2022 in the Central Coast local government area.

Ken Janson of Umina Beach

took out the common bird category with a superb photo of an Eastern Whipbird.

The male bird “whip” call, followed by the “crack” of the answering female, is a constant feature of the Coast’s bushland, however, seeing this bird is more challenging as it skulks in the undergrowth.

“This makes Ken’s photo even more amazing as he has captured it calling,” the competition judge Dick Jenkin

Eastern Whipbird by Ken Janson

said.

Winner of the uncommon bird category was Daniel McKeon of Killarney Vale with a lovely shot of a Noisy Pitta.

The Noisy Pitta were only Autumn visitors in the not-sodistant past but now they are resident in several rainforest areas around the Coast where the “walk to work” call is frequently heard.

“Again, this is not an easy bird

to photograph and Daniel has done a great job to capture it in its environment,” Jenkin said.

The winner of the vagrant bird category was Tricia Sweet of Tascott with a nice action shot of a Beach Stone-curlew which were present for a couple of weeks at Bateau Bay in April 2020.

This was only the fourth record for this bird on the Central Coast.

Beach Stone-curlew by Tricia Sweet

Birdwatchers say that Beach Stone-curlews become more common further north and they seem to be breeding more successfully lately.

This bird was most likely a juvenile bird exploring for a new territory.

The Central Coast Group of Birding NSW meets at 7.30pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Progress Hall in Anzac Rd, Tuggerah.

On February 21 the topic will be Getting to know Rufous Scrubbirds with guest speaker Alan Stuart and at the March 21 meeting guest speaker Kay Pointer will talk about bushfires around Mangrove Mountain.

For more information about the group email Allan Benson at aejsbenson@bigpond.com Source: Central Coast Group of Birding NSW

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Three Coast women to run as Independents Three Central Coast women are set to run as Independents in the March State election, calling themselves the Three Sisters of the Sacred Sites and Environment.

With the common goal of putting a stop to development at Kariong which they say threatens sacred sites and preserving the coastal area for all Australians, Lisa Bellamy will stand for the seat of Gosford, Gab McIntosh for Terrigal and Aunty Colleen Fuller for the Upper House.

The three protested along Central Coast Hwy and outside Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch’s Woy Woy office on Australia Day, sporting Australiana costuming.

Spokesperson for the three, Gab McIntosh said none of our politicians are standing up for the environment.

“Perhaps they have never heard of climate change?” she said.

“In any case their job is to protect the Central Coast.

“We three ladies felt someone on the Coast had to stand up for the environment and the sacred sites that are about to be trashed.

“Will our politicians argue next that destroying koala

habitat (when) koalas are facing extinction?

“Labor, Liberal and the Greens are all (silent) on the issue of saving the 15 hectares of Kariong sacred lands on Woy Woy Rd – people used to be able to vote for the Greens if they wanted to protect the environment, but that does not seem to be the case anymore.”

McIntosh said the Coast needed urgent action on affordable rental accommodation and support for alternative education schools on the Central Coast.

“Traditional schooling does not work for a surprising number of kids who are made to feel like failures if they cannot cope with their local schools.

“There (is also) an urgent need to reform the NSW Education and Standards Authority – this is the group most responsible for the huge increase in unnecessary paperwork for teachers with the result of teachers wanting to leave the profession.

McIntosh also argued for the creation of an artists’ hub for aspiring local artists.

“Offering free spaces for concerts and exhibitions and performances for local artists only (would create) a Mecca for other artists adding jobs and

The three women outside Liesl Tesch’s office

hundreds of thousands of dollars to the local economy.

“Why not let the beautiful Coast rival the inner city of Sydney for artistic expression?”

A long-time local of the Central Coast, Lisa Bellamy will contest the seat of Gosford with protecting the natural environment and building strong communities as core policies.

“When it comes to the natural health of our Coast and the mental health of our communities more needs to be done.”

Bellamy has written to all the major parties, including The

Greens, to ask them what they intend to do to save vital habitat and cultural sites like the Kariong sacred lands, with no reply.

“It is clear to me now, that if voters are interested in protecting the environment, they need to stay away from the major parties,” she said.

Bellamy has lived on the Coast for more than 40 years and is active in acting to protect greenspaces and native bushland, including volunteering as a WIRES wildlife rescuer.

“I don’t want to tell my grandkids I stood by and did

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nothing while the Central Coast was being bulldozed,” she said.

Aunty Colleen Fuller is an Indigenous woman of the Darkinoong and Yuin tribes and will be running as an Independent for the Upper House (Legislative Council).

Sydney born and raised in a working-class family, she has lived on the Central Coast for 15 years.

She has a long history of fighting for social and justice issues for Indigenous Australians including protesting in the Pilliga against coal seam gas, protecting sacred women’s

sites in Calga from sand mining

by Rockla and camping for 89 days on the roadside to save a large section of Kariong Sacred Lands.

She has also fought to protect and save the white belly sea eagle’s habitat at Wadalba.

She is especially concerned about the proposed housing development on Woy Woy Rd at Kariong.

“This land is for all Australians to enjoy, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous,” she said.

“Our local politicians should hang their heads in shame for ignoring this issue.”

Fuller also wants to see implementation of the Bringing Them Home report from 1997 and immediate action to fix the rental crisis, especially on the Central Coast.

“There is over a 20-year wait for government housing and over 100 people applying for each available private rental property,” she said.

Aunty Collen Fuller is standing with the endorsement of the Indigenous-Aboriginal Party of Australia (IAPA), which was unable to obtain registration in time for the State election.

Source: Media release, Jan 25 Gab McIntosh, Lisa Bellamy and Aunty Colleen Fuller

PAGE 8

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Heather Foord stands for The Greens in Swansea electorate The Greens have announced Heather Foord as their candidate for the Swansea electorate in the NSW election on March 25.

A Lake Macquarie local, Foord describes herself as being passionate about people and social justice and said she decided to run for The Greens after seeing so many people in the community being let down.

“Whether it be in the struggle to find work, access mental health services, or receive adequate living allowances and pensions, people need better support from the NSW Government,” she said.

With two children under the age of five, Foord is focussed on campaigning to fight the climate crisis.

“I want to ensure Swansea’s beautiful beaches, bays and

bush can be enjoyed by the next generation.

“Our children deserve to have a safe and secure life, the same as we, their parents, and grandparents have enjoyed.

“We need a rapid reduction in carbon emissions this decade.

“We must support workers with training and incentives to take up jobs in emerging clean energy industries as coal and gas reliant jobs decline.

“Better support for the vulnerable in our communities is needed, as well as increased investment in public education, and respect and value our First Nations peoples – recognising they are the world’s oldest continuous civilisation,” Foord said.

The Greens campaign launch for Foord was held on

The Greens candidate for Swansea, Heather Foord

Saturday, January 21, supported by The Green State Member of the Legislative

Council, Abigail Boyd.

“I’m delighted to have such a high quality candidate

standing for The Greens in Swansea,” Boyd said.

“The people of Swansea would be so well-served by having Heather as their representative in NSW Parliament.

“Intelligent, caring and principled, she would make a real difference to the lives of the residents of Swansea.

“With climate, cost of living and the integrity of our political system being of huge concern to so many across the state, now more than ever we need Greens in parliament to hold the major parties to account and to keep pushing for action on the issues that matter most.

“This election will be vital in determining the future of our state.

“Only The Greens have the courage and vision to ensure that the future of NSW is an equitable and sustainable

one,” Boyd said.

Foord has worked in media for over a decade focussing on health journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Communications, a Diploma of Pilates and is completing a Bachelor of Health Science.

Foord is a member of Wallarah Rural Fire Service and owns two pelvic floor and core rehabilitation studios in Sydney and Lake Macquarie.

She is also an ambassador for the performing arts and will be performing in New York’s Carnegie Hall along with the Waratah Girls Choir in April 2023.

Swansea electorate takes in areas on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie including all north-eastern Central Coast suburbs from San Remo and Budgewoi northwards.

Verified source: The Greens, Lake Macquarie

Labor pledges to cut red tape for community services Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says a Labor commitment to extend funding cycles for community services from one year to five years if elected in March will benefit a host of organisations on the Central Coast.

“Community services are vital the community,” she said.

“For far too long, the sector has been forced to focus on administrative red tape due to the one-year funding cycles.”

Tesch said 25 per cent of

community service workers are employed on short term contracts, according to a NSW Council of Social Services Report.

“Organisations are forced to compete, rather than collaborate,” she said.

“The applications are onerous and often differ among the various government departments.”

Tesch said longer term funding would foster greater job security for many thousands of women workers as well as provide organisations the freedom to plan into the future.

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said longer term funding would equate to more time spent helping people and less time bogged down in paperwork to get funding.

“We’ll make sure that community service organisations can focus on serving the community, rather than reapplying for funding over and over,” Tesch said.

“Changing the funding cycle to five years will impact over 7,800 non-government organisations such as neighbourhood centres, domestic and violence, child, youth and family services,

community mental health services and drug and alcohol services.”

Interim CEO of Coast Community Connections Sharryn Brownlee said the move would save hundreds of hours of repetitive work – year after year.

“To have a five-year cycle will allow the sector to focus on delivering services to clients,” she said.

Source: Media release, Jan 12 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

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THURSDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2023

ON THE BEAT

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Man burnt in gas bottle explosion Just after 7pm on Australia Day, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent to Point Clare, following reports of a gas bottle explosion with a man in his 80s suffering serious burns.

NSW Ambulance paramedics

and emergency services attended the scene and commenced treatment of the man prior to the arrival of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Critical Care Medical Team.

Due to the seriousness of the

burns the man was place into a induced coma by the Critical Care Medical Team prior to being flown direct to the Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition.

Source: Media release, Jan 26 Westpac Rescue Helicopter

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Ten charges laid over road and air police chase The 33-year-old man involved in a road and air police pursuit from Green Point to Forresters Beach earlier this month will face court in March on charges related to 10 driving offences.

Police charged the man after he was released from Gosford Hospital where he was under

police guard while being treated for minor injuries believed to be sustained when he hit a Police vehicle at Forresters Beach and the car he was driving flipped.

The man, from the Sydney suburb of Cherrybrook, was refused bail when he appeared

in court last week and is due to face Gosford Local Court again on March 24.

He has been charged on two counts of contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic); common assault; take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage; drive conveyance taken without consent of owner; drive while

licence cancelled; Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously; not give particulars to other driver; use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention; and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

On Saturday, January 21 a woman reported to Brisbane Water Police that she’d been

held against her will by a man who then stole her SUV. Acting on information provided, police saw the vehicle on James Sea Dr at Green Point, and a pursuit was initiated when the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed.

Police followed the vehicle and it is alleged the man

reached speeds of up to 120km/h in a 60km/h zone and a short time later struck a ute on Terrigal Dr, Erina PolAir tracked the vehicle to Forresters Beach where the pursuit ended when the SUV hit a police vehicle and rolled on to its side.

Source: NSW Police Media

Man’s body found after kidnapped woman escaped A man and woman have been refused bail following charges after the body of a man was located and a woman was allegedly kidnapped at Wyong.

At about 4.30pm on Saturday, January 28, emergency services were called to Levitt

St, Wyong, following reports a woman had escaped a nearby unit after allegedly being kidnapped.

The 44-year-old woman told police she had been there since Thursday, January 26.

She was treated at the scene

and her condition stabilised before being taken to Gosford Hospital for further treatment of multiple injuries including burns.

While speaking with detectives, the woman raised concerns for the welfare of a man who she believed was also at the unit.

Soon after, police located the body of 52-year-old Sean Froggatt inside the unit.

A crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic police while detectives commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Following inquiries, 30-year-

old Daniel Hasapis was arrested at the unit at about 5.30pm and 33-year-old Bonnie Cullen was arrested at a home on Charmain St, Watanobbi, at about 10pm.

They were taken to Wyong Police Station, where Hasapis was charged with murder and kidnapping while Cullen was charged with conceal a serious

indictable offence.

As inquiries continue, anyone who may have information that can assist investigators is urged to contact Wyong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: NSW Police Media

Concern for screaming MISSING LINK woman at Woy Woy Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

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Police Water K from E BBrisbane A R District are appealing for R R S community assistance to K I witnesses L to helpSidentify M at A Woy N AWoy G an E incident when aEwoman was heard A N screaming. E N L

N E AnA investigation began after Police E received E reports D from Mmembers R of the public concerned for the welfare of R S a screaming woman at about 8.45pm on Tuesday,

B A

OR R Anyone with information about T Athese incidents E should call E Crime Stoppers on 1800 A 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers E R online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.com.au E A T Information provided will be treated S in theRstrictest of confidence.

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at Woy Woy Rd, the woman could not be located.

Inquiries have revealed a male on a bicycle stopped and talked to two men shortly after the incident on Woy Woy Rd, between Phegan St and Rawson Rd. Officers from Brisbane Water Police District would like to hear from the bicycle rider who might be able to provide information to assist investigators.

He is described as male, aged in his late teens to early 20s, with an olive complexion and was last seen riding a mountain bike along Woy Woy Rd. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact Gosford Police Station on 02 4323 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Brisbane Water Police

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MP MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

CARING FOR THE COAST

MY OFFICE CAN ASSIST WITH: • Services Australia and Medicare

• Defence and Veterans Affairs

• Education and Training

• Environment and Energy

• Telecommunications and the NBN

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Connect with Gordon on Facebook

Contact Dr Gordon Reid: Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 on 02 4322 2400 or email Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au reid4robertson Authorisation by Dr Gordon Reid MP, Australian Labor Party, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250

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FORUM

FOLLOW US

What about Budgewoi Rd? My wife and I are very much over the Moon (being very sarcastic here) about the $70M upgrade of Avoca Dr (CCN375).

While

residents

of

the

FORUM southern part of the Central Coast will be very happy about, those of us on the northern part, not so much!

Budgewoi Rd is in a bad way

I live on Budgewoi Rd (Central Coast Hwy – name’s a bit of a joke really) and every day I need to negotiate potholes into my driveway.

Council and the Shadow Minister know about it, but nothing has been done.

As far as I can tell, Council hasn’t even been to have a look.

That and the fact that people use this stretch of road as a Speedway – you really take your life in your hands walking over to the beach.

So you lucky people on the south of the Coast are blessed indeed.

Us northerners, not so much.

Come on Council, for heaven’s sake, spread the love a bit more.

Email, Jan 27 Tom Meikle, Noraville

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Let’s not repeat Western Sydney’s mistakes The article headed Economic and transport plans to build a thriving region (CCN 374) is all about growth.

It proposes extensive development across the region for both employment and housing.

If the proposed housing estates continue the current damaging land clearing practices then the Central Coast runs the risk of repeating the problems that beset the western suburbs in Sydney.

Sweltering temperatures from heat intensifying infrastructure and wall to wall housing have created an unnatural and hostile environment.

In January 2020 Penrith was

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper the hottest place on Earth at 48.9 C. The mass land clearing of vegetation and flattening of all natural undulations across an estate on Hue Hue Rd at Buttonderry and Dora St in Doyalson is devastating, resulting in total destruction of the natural environment.

This practice is aptly called zombie clearing and reflects the poor planning and controls offered by the State Government.

This is a disaster waiting to unfold on the Central Coast if it’s not already here.

With our fast growing population it’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes of land clearing and urban design that have been made in western Sydney.

It is time for better planning controls to be put in place before we lose more essential bushland and the very environment we have all come here to enjoy by replacing it with our own urban heat bowl.

Email, Jan 31 Carey Buls, Saratoga

Call for stricter jet ski law enforcement Last Australia Day it was only by chance several JetSki riders didn’t kill an unfortunate swimmer.

The law states no jet ski is to come within 500 metres of

FORUM patrolled and flagged areas.

This is for good reason, popular ocean swimming buoys are 250 metres from the

shore.

On Australia Day, this rule was breached countless times.

One swimmer I spoke to was very shaken up as she was nearly collected by a jet ski

while competing her morning swim.

I have written to Gosford and Terrigal state members to instruct Maritime to install exclusion buoys 500 metres from the patrolled section of

beaches at Ocean Beach and Umina Beach.

I call on Maritime and Police to increase the amount of patrols around the zones to catch more offenders and issue fines.

These safety laws need to be more rigorously enforced before a tragedy occurs.

Email, Jan 27 Luke Chell

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Photo: Lisa Haymes Returning student Peta-Louise Rixom

New year of dance underway at NAISDA Thirty-five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people came together on Darkinjung Land this week to begin their 2023 training journey at NAISDA Dance College, Australia’s national performing arts training organisation.

They were welcomed with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Gavi Duncan.

The new and returning students, known as Developing and Practising Artists, have travelled from cities, towns and remote regions across Australia, from Adelaide, Perth, Nyinyikay in North East Arnhem Land, Lightning Ridge in NSW to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait.

Raised on Darkinjung Land on the Central Coast, Peta-Louise Rixom has returned to NAISDA this year to complete her Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance Performance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“I think the most important experiences from my NAISDA journey so far have been learning from professional artists during our industry

placements and secondments,” she said.

“They are just such valuable learning experiences that introduce you to new ways of learning and thinking about your work as an artist.”

The NAISDA curriculum provides specialised nationally accredited qualifications with disciplines including cultural dance, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, choreography, physical theatre, music production and dancefilm.

This, combined with live performance and production experience in professional theatres along with industry placements with national arts companies, provides students with a solid platform to embark on a career in the arts.

In addition to the focus on developing technical skills and knowledge, NAISDA’s learning model includes a unique cultural residency program with students visiting remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

In 2023 Developing and Practising artists will visit Nyinyikay in the Northern Territory.

“Another highlight is definitely

the annual cultural residenciesm” Rixom said.

“To be able to spend time on Country connecting with and learning from community like that is such a unique experience.

“Returning to Nyinyikay this year for cultural residency is really exciting; I can’t wait to reconnect with the families we met and the community that welcomed us there in 2021.”

NAISDA CEO Kim Walker said the dance college has a proud 47-year tradition of producing Australia’s leading First Nations artists, choreographers and cultural leaders.

“The embedding of cultural and creative learning at NAISDA helps our students grow as people, artists, and the storytellers of tomorrow,” Walker said.

“NAISDA delivers a unique education which gives graduates the skills, qualifications and ability to follow their passion, realise dreams and I can’t wait to see where our current cohort take their Source: Media release, Jan 30 NAISDA Dance College

For further information visit: https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/lovelanes

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Love Lanes Festival returns to Wyong The Love Lanes Festival will return to Wyong for its sixth year on Saturday, February 11, encompassing four lanes, four stages and one park.

Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the event would be an opportunity for the Central Coast community and visitors to visit the town centre of Wyong and explore all it has to offer.

“Festivities will kick off at 4pm and run until 9pm filling Wyong with live music, entertainment, food and market stalls, kids and teenage zones, circus performances, art

installations and more,” Smith said.

“It’s an incredible chance to discover Wyong’s hidden gems and immerse the whole family in the buzz of this unique outdoor festival.

“The Love Lanes mural will be making a comeback, with Coasties being encouraged to take a snap and share the love”.

Last year’s event attracted approximately 8,000 festival goers and injected over $1M into the local economy.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the festival transforms Wyong’s heritage laneways and town park into an exciting hub of art, culture and culinary

Last year’s event attracted approximately 8,000 festival goers

experiences.

“Love Lanes has become a

highlight on the Coast’s event schedule where community

organisations and local businesses share their talents, expertise and celebrate the wonderful area we live in,” Hart said.

To help make this festival a success and safe for motorists and visitors alike, road closures will be in place between 6am and 11pm on the event day at: Alison Rd (between Pacific Hwy and Margaret St); Bakers Lane (between Pacific Hwy and Rankens Court); Rankens; Peters Lane; Hely St(between Plaza Lane and Alison Rd); and Robleys Lane (between Pacific Hwy and Hely St).

Portable accessible toilets will be installed, and the event site is support animal and

pram friendly.

Registrations are essential for guided heritage walking tours hosted by the Wyong Family History Group.

To see the full event program including the line-up for each of the stages, visit lovecentralcoast.com/ lovelanes.

Love Lanes Festival is presented by Central Coast Council, and major sponsor The Mounties Group, funded by the NSW Government.

Source: Media release, Jan 30 Central Coast Council

Satirical comedy at its best at The Art House After two sold-out shows last year, the masters of satirical comedy, The Wharf Revue, are now returning to The Art House with their new show, Looking for Albanese.

A scene from Looking for Albanese

The Wharf Revue is at the top of the game when it comes to Aussie satire as they take aim at current affairs and politics with quick-fire wit and creative musical parody.

The latest show is just finishing up six weeks at The Seymour Centre and has many audiences claiming it to be the best yet, a big accolade for the group that has amassed over 22 seasons of the annual review.

The original crew of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott are joined by Mandy Bishop to play a vast array of public figures at

lightning speed and hilarious accuracy.

This time they tackle inflation, rising interest rates, conflict in Ukraine, climate disaster, culture wars, COVID 19-20-2122-23, and a looming World War Three.

What sets this troupe apart is their array of talents which never cease to amaze.

They can write, compose, act, dance and sing to provide a

clever, top quality and impressive theatre experience beyond simply comedic oneliners.

The Wharf Revue will perform two shows of Looking for Albanese at The Art House in Wyong, an evening and a matinee – Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm and Wednesday, March 8 at 2pm.

Source: The Art House, Wyong

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Emerging artists highlighted at gallery Central Coast Council’s biennial EMERGING art prize for early career artists will be announced at Gosford Regional Gallery on February 3, as part of this year’s EMERGING exhibition.

The popular exhibition, to run from February 3-March 26 at the gallery, will reveal the work of successful applicants in the biennial art prize.

Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said the exhibition and event have been brought together in a program that promotes the gallery state-wide while supporting emerging artists to deliver works of a professional standard, and opportunities for the local community to participate in the process.

This art prize is an important action of the Central Coast Cultural Plan and supports the development of innovative and contemporary work across all art-forms,” Cannard said.

Submissions were invited from early career artists, aged between 18- and 30 years, in NSW working in a diverse array of visual arts.

Selected artists gained the experience of exhibiting a new or existing body of work at

The artists (from left): Remy Faint, Alexandra Jonscher, Lihnida Krstanoska-Blazeska, NC Qin, Monica Rani Rudhar and James Rhodes

Gosford Regional Gallery, supporting a wide range of installation-based practices and non-traditional mediums for presentation to a regional gallery audience.

“Expect to be impressed by a variety of high-quality works that were selected to exhibit from Sydney and the Hunter region, including (works by)

Remy Faint, Alexandra Jonscher, Lihnida KrstanskaBlazeska, NC Qin, Monica Rani Rudhar and James Rhodes,” Cannard said.

A $5,000 prize will be awarded on February 3 at 6.30pm by Artspace Sydney Curator, Tahlia Linz.”

Local artists are also invited

to attend a professional networking and development event at the Gallery on February 23 at 6pm, starting with 107 Projects leading a toolbox talk, followed by DJ Ballast in the Edogawa Japanese Gardens, and the opportunity to get a free head shot by a portrait photographer.

Central Coast Council

Administrator Rik Hart said the continued support for the prize and quality of submissions since 2003 highlights the program’s importance in NSW. “The quality of submissions demonstrates our region is a lively and welcoming place to participate in arts and culture, and an established centre for the emerging and professional

creative sector,” he said.

“The Gosford Regional Gallery has flow on effects for the local economy and a focus on public programs offers new opportunities to engage with art and culture on the Coast.”

Source: Media release, Jan 30 Central Coast Council

Willy Russell double bill at Red Tree Theatre The Red Tree Theatre at Tuggerah will presents a double bill of Willy Russell’s beloved plays Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita for a limited season from February 3.

Shirley Valentine, coproduced by Bare Theatrical Productions and directed by Annette Rowlison, tells the story of a middle-aged housewife who re-discovers herself on a Greek island holiday.

The play explores themes of self-discovery and the search for happiness.

Isabella O’Brien and John Czerniecki in Educating Rita

The lead role will be played by Cath Patterson, who was nominated for a City of Newcastle Drama Award for her performance.

Educating Rita, directed by AWGIE nominated Joshua Maxwell, is a heart-warming comedy about a working-class hairdresser who enrols in an Open University course in literature, and the friendship she forms with her tutor.

The lead roles of Rita and her tutor, Frank, will be played by Isabella O’Brien and John Czerniecki.

“We are thrilled to bring these two iconic plays to life on the

Red Tree Theatre stage,” Maxwell said.

“Both plays offer a fresh perspective on the human experience and will leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.”

Performances will begin on February 3 with tickets now on sale.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www. eldersleefoundation.org.au or Red Tree Theatre’s social media pages.

Starting the seniors festival with a bang Residents at Uniting Nareen Gardens at Bateau Bay will start the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival with a bang at a special drumming event on February 2.

Embracing the Celebrate Together theme, residents and guests will be making some noise led by InRhythm.

This will be the first of several

Uniting events to celebrate the festival including a classic motorcycle show, a farm animal display, a mocktail afternoon and a visit from the SES to talk about flooding and bushfire safety at Nareen Gardens Lodge.

“InRhythm (have) been following the beat of their own drums and getting others to thrive through the power of rhythm for many years,” a

spokesperson said.

“Drumming has been proven to reduce stress and alleviate pain, while keeping both the brain and body engaged.

“Residents and guests will have their own drum to bang on, and everyone will be encouraged to have a go, have a laugh, and get loud together.”

Source: Media release, Jan 31 Uniting Nareen Gardens

The drumming event will be held on February 2

Source: Media release, Jan 23 Jopuka Productions

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Silver soiree fun for seniors

Multi-award-winning jazz musician Dorian Mode

It is well documented that staying social offers a real boost for the ageing body and brain and the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus is doing its bit to cater to that with a special show in honour of Seniors Week.

“The needs of our elders can be incredibly diverse and from the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

perspective, we created this year’s Seniors Festival event with the overarching themes of creating opportunity to socialise, smile and stimulate your soul,” Creative Director Glitta Supernova said.

“This 2023 Seniors Festival Naughty Noodle returns with a new Silver Soiree, live music event featuring three cabaret stars in a glamourous,

Rupert Noffs

contemporary evening of live music and satire.

All are welcome to attend the all-ages event, with free entry for those aged 60 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over (registration essential).

Supported by NSW Government for the second year running, this year’s show features a new line up of local

and visiting performers to take you on a musical journey through story and song.

Multi-award-winning jazz musician Dorian Mode, who has performed in the Spiegeltent at Adelaide Fringe and Sydney Fringe, will present cheeky original music.

After seven years of living in New York City, Rupert Noffs returned home to the Coast in

Jude Bowler

2017 and joins the fun.

He has co-written and performed numerous shows with New York cabaret artist Amber Martin and has played the son of Jacki Weaver for MTV and the nephew of Bob Downe in both Sydney and San Francisco.

Completing the bill will be Jude Bowler, best known for her incisive character-comedy.

Pop on something glitzy to join the Silver Glamour dress theme and join the fun at the Naughty Noodle Fun Haus from 4.30-7.30pm on Saturday, February 11.

Bookings are available at naughtynoodle.com.au/whatson or call 4314 6004.

Source: Media release, Jan 25 Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

New entertainment experience at Forresters Beach The Quarters refurbished Olive Grove event space at Forresters Beach is about to launch a new entertainment experience.

Bull’s Hit Artists features accurate and hilarious impersonations of modern legends of music, movies and more.

The ingenious live music mockumentary combines art, comedy, satire and new technology to create an original and innovative production.

Bull’s Hit Artists stars two exceptional entertainers, Chris Aisteoir and Sandra McRae. Aisteoir is the writer, renowned for mimicking the vocal nuances of legendary musicians from Rod Stewart to Elvis Presley, David Bowie to Ozzy Osbourne, and many more.

Even stars he’s worked with have gone on record saying he sounds more like them than

The show will be performed on March 25

they do!

Co-star McRae, who has sung for royalty and world leaders, brings stunning deliveries of Kate Bush, Cher and Dolly

Parton – even Freddy Mercury, to name a few.

Bull’s HitArtists is entertaining, funny and clever.

Inspired by Monty Python’s Life of Brian, Barry Humphries, and his own experiences entertaining worldwide, Aisteoir produces the story of a

stranded alien mistaken as a global “musical messiah”.

As with the best comedy, many a true word is said in jest.

Bull’s Hill Artists will be presented on Saturday, March 25, at The Olive Grove @ The Quarters, 960 Central Coast Hwy, Forresters Beach with free parking onsite.

Tickets are available through trybooking or on 4384 1222.

Patrons can choose to stay overnight at The Quarters at attractive prices.

Olive Grove is aiming to become known as an entertainment venue offering regular quality performances and supports the Margooroo Foundation, a voluntary organisation working to empower those disadvantaged through living in remote Australian communities, by delivering IT to bridge the digital divide.

For more details on the show go to BullsHitArtists.com.au.

Source: Media release, Jan 27 Bull’s Hill Artists

Roving Rubies raise some eyebrows The ladies of the Roving Rubies raised an eyebrow or two got in early with a surprise visit to The Haven at Terrigal on January 24.

The Roving Rubies at The Haven

Their special bikini tee shirts put smiles on faces as residents and tourists from overseas came up to chat and took

photos.

The Roving Rubies is part of the national Red Hat Society and is for ladies over 50 to have fun and friendship on the many monthly outings organised by Queen Lilimarlene (Marlene Klintworth).

“The group is ideal for ladies that have relocated to be near

family but find it hard to make new friends later in life and gets the seniors out and about and have a good time,” Klintworth said.

“There are mothers and daughters in the group too; the age runs from 52-99 – and functions are spread all over the Central Coast.

For more details on joining the group email rovingrubies@ optusnet.com.au or call 0412 760 725.

Source: Media release, Jan 25 Marlene Klintworth

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To Kill a Mockingbird comes to Tuggerah It was a Pulitzer Prizewinning novel, an Academy Award winning film in 1962, and now Harper Lee’s classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird is a riveting stage play – to be presented

by Wyong Drama Group at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre in February.

The timeless play is set in Alabama in the midst of the Great Depression and follows the adventures of Scout and her brother Jem, who live with their widowed father, Atticus Finch.

As the children muse about their mysterious neighbour, Boo Radley, the façade of the peaceful town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime.

Driven by an unshakeable moral conviction, local lawyer Atticus defends the man in a trial that sends violent waves through the community.

Director Vivienne McLaren said putting on the show was a “passion project” for her.

“I wanted to do a play which could connect with schools, which is something the group hasn’t tapped into enough lately and I also wanted a text that would challenge the audience,” she said.

Marc Calwell (Atticus), Andy Kabanoff (Judge Taylor) and Gavin Fryer (Heck Tate) in rehearsal

“To Kill a Mockingbird absolutely does all that.

“Like so many, I read the book at school and as an avid bookworm have read it since.

McLaren is passionate about justice, fairness and the struggle for social equity, themes she says, that are still relevant today.

“The story, set in 1935, speaks to some racial prejudices I believe shouldn’t

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be as applicable today not only in American but also in Australian culture.

“I also wanted to give people a bit of a snapshot into global history they might not have experienced.

“I want audiences to really feel and see the people who continue to live through this.”

The play differs from the film in that it is narrated by an adult Scout.

Sally Bartley plays the adult Scout

“Scout, as an adult, comes back to the memory of this time in her life when she was just eight,” McLaren said.

“She returns to the memory because she feels there was something else she needed to learn from it.

“Sally Bartley does an extraordinary job of bringing out the sensitivity of the child she still is at heart and the wordly educated woman she

has now become.”

The rest of the cast is led by Marc Calwell as Atticus, Sophie Goodwin as Scout, Zara Taylor as Jem and Cameron Eltham as Dill.

“These young actors are hugely talented,” McLaren said.

“The mix of maturity and innocence required of these kids has been a huge challenge.”

Veteran performer Steve Cummings takes on the challenging role of Boo Radley, as well as playing his brother.

To Kill a Mockingbird plays at Tuggerah’s Red Tree Theatre from February 15-25.

Session details and bookings are available on the Wyong Drama Group website.

Terry Collins

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Business & Property Selling biodiversity value to protect wetlands

Vast wetland areas comprising six reserves in Blue Haven and Tumbi Umbi will be forever protected in a conservation management plan set in motion by Central Coast Council.

Blue Haven wetlands are adjacent Wallarah Creek and just west of the Pacific Hwy while Tumbi Umbi wetland is between Wyong Rd and The Entrance Rd along Tumbi Umbi Creek.

The six reserves in those wetland areas cover 161.8ha and include Blue Haven Reserve, Tumbi Umbi Wetland South and North, Sir Joseph Banks Bushland, Eric Malouf Close Reserve and Tumbi Umbi Wetland Beaverdale.

Biodiversity assessments have been done and two detailed management plans have been prepared for the wetland reserves, including the 20-year costs for implementation.

Council has made application to the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to enter into Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements which will generate biodiversity credits that can be sold to produce an income stream for Council to ensure ongoing maintenance of the biodiversity

Blue Haven wetlands

values of the wetland areas.

Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said the process was to reach agreement with the Trust about the dollar value of the credits to reflect the biodiversity values of the sites, and then the landowner (in this case Council) is paid the value of the credits.

“We have an indicative idea of the valuation of the credits but it’s really about the Trust making us an offer that we decide to be reasonable and the key issue is whether it will provide enough funding for us to be able to manage those sites in perpetuity,” she said.

“We should know in a couple of months if those credit values are satisfactory to us and if they’re not we will continue to seek buyers for the credits, but that might take some time.”

Council will seek the highest negotiable price, depending on what the market is prepared to pay, and credits can be sold through a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to anyone, such as the Trust, to a developer needing to offset a project’s impacts on biodiversity, to government agencies for conservation outcomes or philanthropic organisations, but typically

Tumbi Umbi wetlands

credits are made available through a “bank” held by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

“The whole point of this exercise is to be able to raise funds to conserve the land at Blue Haven and Tumbi Umbi wetlands,” Howe said.

“They’ve been only lightly maintained up to this point as Council has a very limited budget and we’ve been relying on environmental grants which has just covered some projectbased things like bush regeneration, some fencing or access controls.”

The income generated from

biodiversity credits will go into a new Central Coast Conservation Fund which will be restricted funds, only to be used for implementation of Council’s adopted Biodiversity Strategy and specific onground conservation works at the wetland sites.

Council staff are currently working on a draft policy for the Central Coast Conservation Fund and when it’s ready it will go on public exhibition for community consultation.

Establishing conservation agreements to improve the long-term protection of Council’s natural areas was

one of the actions in the Central Coast Biodiversity Strategy adopted by Council in October 2020.

In 2021 Council entered into its first Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement to finance the conservation of two reserves in Glenning Valley – Bomaderry Crescent Bushland and Bundeena Road Bushland.

The biodiversity credits generated by this agreement were sold to Transport for NSW to meet their offset requirements for road developments on the Central Coast.

Sue Murray

Attracting tour groups to the Coast Twenty owners and operators of coach companies from around Australia will gather at Forresters Beach on Sunday, February 4, as the Central Coast is showcased with a view to attracting tours to visit, eat and play in the area.

The visit has been arranged

by Expanding Horizons in partnership with individual suppliers (attractions/ accommodation).

“The concept started with a

conversation between The Quarters Forrester Beach Management group (Regional Accommodation Group) and Expanding Horizons,” a spokesperson said.

The Tour operators are coming from Cairns, Mackay, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Benalla, Adelaide, Bathurst, Grafton, Port Macquarie, Sydney, Albury and Katoomba.

They will stay for two nights at The Quarters, Forresters

Beach, and visit leading tourist itineraries for our coach owner attractions including The clients,” the spokesperson Chocolate and Nougat FactoryTown said.Centre Drive Robina Qld 4226 138 Robina at West PO Gosford, Alison “On the Town Friday night we will Box 3275 Robina Centre Qld 4230 Homestead, Norah Head have a welcome dinner at The 1300 36 0867 Fax: 1300 81 8962 Lighthouse, Tel: the Ken Duncan Quarters (attended by) local email: Gallery, Central Coastartwork@localdirectories.com.au Ferries, tourism representatives and Bar Botanica, the Botanica tour operators, and on Saturday www.localdirectories.com.au Distillery, Firescreek Winery, night we will have a Beer, Bateau Bay Bowling Club and Banter and Barefoot Bowls Broken Bay Pearls. night at the Bateau Bowls “In total we will have 32 Club.” participants representing 21 Source: coach tour companies plus Media release, Jan 30 eight group tour designers Expanding Horizons from Expanding Horizons Alison Homestead is on the list of attractions to be visited whose full time role is to write

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Changes to plan for Bayview Ave units The developer of residential units in The Entrance has put forward yet another set of modifications to the long-standing approval for 48 units in Bayview Ave. Former Wyong Shire Council initially consented to the development in August 2003 – it has since been amended four times including a pool, barbecue area and outdoor amenities – and structures on the 2613sqm site at 2-6 Bayview Ave have been demolished.

As significant time has elapsed modifications are required to meet current living

standards and trends under the Building Code of Australia and Apartment Design Guide.

The primary purpose is for significant design improvement including reconfiguration of unit layout, car parking layout, façade alterations and changes to landscaping.

Now there are 53 units across seven levels in a mix of one, two, three and four-bedrooms as well as improved private open spaces.

There will be separated terraces for four rooftop units, each with a swimming pool to be accessed individually by stairs.

Improvements have been made to ground-level communal open space and the swimming pool and cabana area has been deleted and replaced with landscaping.

An extra level of basement car parking has been added with 92 spaces, car wash bay, storage areas and other utilities, bicycle racks, a lobby for two lifts and garbage bin area over the two levels.

Public exhibition of the updated application (133/2003/F) on Central Coast Council’s website concludes on Monday, February 6.

Alterations to Bayview Ave units

Sue Murray

Labor pledges to boost women’s health centre funding Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre will receive a sizeable funding boost if Labor is successful at the March election.

Central Coast Labor MPs joined Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, on February 1 to announce that a Minns Labor Government would double the current funding for Women’s Health Centres NSW, with a $100M investment over five years.

For almost half a century, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) has provided a range of health, counselling and crisis support services for women across the region, with sites in Woy Woy, Wyong and Wyoming.

The MPs said the Central Coast ranked second in the highest number of incidents of domestic violence across NSW in the last reporting period (Oct 21-Sept 22) according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR).

In the same period, BOSCAR

Central Coast Labor MPs with Shadow Minister Harrison and CCCWHC CEO Theresa Mason

revealed that the Central Coast LGA ranked second for breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders, and first for incidents of sexual assault across the State, they said in a joint statement.

“Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre supports thousands of local women every year and is vital in providing a safe place for women who may fall through the cracks of the health system

and otherwise end up straight into acute care,” they said.

“Up to 80 per cent of women who attend NSW Women’s Health Centres have experienced domestic or family violence.

“Labor’s commitment will ensure CCCWHC can keep its doors open and continue to provide specialised health care services for thousands of women across the Central Coast each year.

“It will also reduce pressure on our hospitals as women can access healthcare where they need it, when they need it, without having to go to an Emergency Department.

“Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre provides a safe and private setting for women to access vital physical and mental health services, as well as domestic, family and sexual violence support.”

The new investment would see CCCWHC able to: increase staff retention; reduce waitlists for counselling appointments; reduce numbers of women turned away from services; reduce gaps in availability of local services; adapt services to emerging demographic trends and population growth; and adapt services to address the complexity of presenting health issues.

Harrison said Women’s Health Centres are a welcoming, holistic and trusted regular health provider for tens of thousands of women every year.

“These centres not only provide clinicians to support women with their physical and mental health; (they also) provide preventative classes, events and support groups which are so important for women who would otherwise put off looking after their own health needs,” she said.

CCCWHC CEO Theresa Mason said the centre treats 1,500 women each year providing over 7,500 occasions of services.

“We provide services, referral information and advocacy support to over 4,000 women per year,” she said.

“Our sector has now reached a crisis point.

“Centres are running unsustainable operating deficits, and are being forced to make skilled mental health, clinical and health education staff redundant and reduce our services.

“Unfortunately for a number of years we have been operating at a deficit.

“This funding will help us sustain our current activities and support us to provide our level of service.”

Accompanying Harrison to make the announcement were Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris, Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley, Member for The Entrance David Mehan, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch and Labor candidate for Terrigal Sam Boughton.

Source: Media release, Feb 1 Central Coast Labor MPs

Damaged beach access stairs set for a fix Central Coast Council has received $2,443,750 from the Federal and State Governments as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.

The works will replace or repair vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during the severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including: extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club; replacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers Beach; replacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp

at Soldiers Beach; and repair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs.

Council Director of Environment and Planning Alice Howe said Council is aiming to complete the projects in 2023, 2024 and early 2025 in a staged delivery.

“The construction work is dependent on the complexity of the engineering design, the outcome of the environmental and heritage assessments… and weather and ocean conditions,” Howe said.

“I am pleased to advise that the project is progressing well, with Council already awarding the design tender for the replacement of the SLSC

Stairs at Soldiers Beach were damaged in the 2021-22 storms

Vehicle Access Ramp and the replacement of the Northern Stair to Royal Haskoning DHV. “Geotechnical ground testing has also commenced at Soldiers Beach to confirm

ground conditions to inform the engineering designs.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said beaches are valuable assets which benefit the lifestyle and health of Central

Coast residents and visitors, and he looks forward to project completion.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was pleased to be providing funding towards the much-needed access upgrades.

“We have some of the best beaches in NSW right here on the Central Coast, so it is important that beachgoers have access to these valuable assets,” he said.

“I look forward to working with Central Coast Council in seeing the delivery of these projects.”

While Council has recently

undertaken temporary works to ensure Soldiers Beach is accessible, Jenny Dixon Beach access remains closed until further notice.

Council barricades and warning signs remain erected at Jenny Dixon Beach for community safety.

Council advises residents and visitors to stay away from the impacted area, remain behind any barriers that Council crews have put in place and stay upto-date by checking Council’s website or Facebook page for updates.

Source: Media release, Feb 1 Central Coast Council

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Draft plan for future of Warnervale on exhibition Central Coast Council’s draft Greater Warnervale Structure Plan, outlining land use strategy in the area through to 2041, is finally on public exhibition until March 31.

With the population of Warnervale and surrounding suburbs expected to nearly double over the next two decades, Council says it is actively taking steps to ensure that future development is both responsible and sustainable for residents and the environment.

It is anticipated that nearly 57,000 people will call Warnervale home by 2041 and the draft plan helps identify the long-term vision and principles that will guide land use planning in the Greater Warnervale area encompassing Jilliby, Halloran, Warnervale, Wallarah, Woongarrah, Hamlyn Terrace, Wadalba and parts of Charmhaven, Kanwal, Wyongah, Tuggerawong, Tacoma and Wyong.

Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said the Draft Plan is important to help futureproof the community’s needs.

“We want Greater Warnervale to grow in a sustainable way by allowing for future growth to

A map showing the areas included in the draft plan

occur in a manner that does not compromise the attributes that make our community a desirable place to live,” she said.

“Although this is a long-term project, it’s important we take the steps now to understand what facilities will be required

to ensure development in Warnervale meets future community needs.”

There are several ways the community can have their say on the Draft Plan, including attending a public information session at Lake Haven Library or making a submission online.

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Council Administrator Rik Hart is hoping residents participate in the process.

“We want the community to share local knowledge that can be used to better shape the region to meet future needs,” he said.

“Council is seeking feedback

on community, education and recreation facilities as well as environmental open space and connecting pathways that people would like to see in their area.”

The Plan also considers providing enough employment land for an additional 8,500 jobs to improve the local economy and jobs close to home.

The aim is to ensure orderly development of land with short, medium and long-term progress with recreational improvements such as playgrounds, sportsgrounds and shared pathways as well as promoting natural features including waterfront areas, public reserves and wildlife corridors.

Among the long list of actions set out by Council in the Plan is a range of proposals to Transport for NSW for improvements along Sparks Rd/Pacific Highway; to advocate for a Food Innovation Centre within the Greater Warnervale area; to improve walking and cycling networks and ensure they are incorporated in subdivision designs.

Sporting and community facilities will be bolstered with

plans for a regional playspace, a new sports ground in the southern area; an aquatic/ leisure centre with multipurpose community facility; upgrade and expansion of sports complexes at Woongarrah, Wadalba and Warnervale Oval; a new community facility at Wadalba; and a park in Peony Pl, Hamlyn Terrace.

The Plan also considers boundaries for biodiversity corridors throughout the area with a suggestion they should be a minimum of 50m to 100m wide and Council will liaise with private landowners to encourage conservation opportunities.

The draft Greater Warnervale Structure Plan is currently on public exhibition, with Council accepting public submissions until 5pm on Friday, March 31.

Public information sessions will be held at Lake Haven Library from 10am-noon on Thursday, February 23 and from 1-3pm on Wednesday, March 1.

You can view the Draft Plan and contribute a submission on yourvoiceourcoast.com.

Terry Collins and Sue Murray

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East Gosford land goes back on asset sales list A Council-owned block of land at East Gosford is to be returned to the asset sales list after a brief hiatus while it was used for staff training.

The lot, at 9 Russell Drysdale St, was originally included as part of Tranche 3 of Central Coast Council’s Assets Sales Program on April 27, 2021, following community consultation completed on May 28.

The responses included 1,333 submissions via an online survey and 611 emails and letters.

On July 27, Council resolved not to continue with the sale process due to the site’s continued use at the time as a Council training facility.

However, Council did resolve at that time to sell the adjoining Council-owned land at 3 Albert St, East Gosford to St Joseph’s

A map showing the location of the East Gosford block

Catholic College.

Training at the site is now being phased out and alternative training facilities are being used.

The block is informally known as the East Gosford Training Room.

A report to Council’s January 24 meeting said the sale was

not identified as being contentious during the community consultation in 2021 and Council did not receive any specific adverse

feedback regarding the proposed sale.

“The land can now be returned to the sale process,” the report said.

“In keeping with the current use of the site and taking into account the education and training facilities on the adjacent site, it is considered that preference should be given as part of the sale process to a party that will undertake to use the land for education and training related purposes.”

Council resolved to dispose of the land for not less than the market value as determined by an independent valuer with the sale process to be conducted through an EOI process managed via a suitably qualified real estate agency.

A plea from resident Zina Harije in the public forum prior to the meeting for Council to retain the land fell on deaf ears.

Harije, who was herself

trained at the site in 2010 as a Council employee, suggested the site should be kept in community hands with options for third party leasing arrangements for education and training purposes to be sought.

“With the amount of parcels within the asset sales tranche listings it is absurd for staff to consider this site not be contentious within the community,” she said.

“Within the past 12 years Council has invested funds to improve and maintain this site.

“I believe that this site should be maintained and considered for community purpose and if Council still needs funds in the future then it should be put up for consideration once we have elected representatives.”

Source: Central Coast Council meeting and public forum, Jan 24

New real estate agency for Saratoga Chris Roumanous is set to take the real estate offering in the Saratoga region to the next level, since partnering with Australasia’s largest real estate brand to create Ray White RPG. Roumanous has bought the business from principal Gabe Vass to set it on a path of growth and expansion, building upon an already stellar legacy.

Having worked in real estate since he was a teenager with his uncle, Ray White veteran

principal Tony Roumanous of Ray White Bankstown, Roumanous has had a lengthy career across multiple functions of real estate.

“I studied property valuation at university and worked for Colliers in sales, before deciding to do something different to the family business of real estate,” he said.

“I started a marketing and graphic design company which allowed me to still work in the sector.

“I moved up to Avoca Beach

nine years ago and fell in love with the area; the stars aligned when I met Gabe and started discussing aspirations to grow the business.”

Roumanous said the existing team has created a great legacy and built an excellent reputation in the area and he was excited to branch out into new areas.

“Ray White has been part of my life since I was a kid, and even if I didn’t have the family connections, I would not choose another brand to open

IN MEMORIAM

CLEMOW,

Ronald James “RON” Aged 66 years

Notice of 1080 program The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting a ground baiting program in Bouddi National Park and Rileys Island Nature Reserve from Wednesday 1 February until Friday 31 March 2023.

my business with,” he said.

“The brand recognition and trust from locals in the area is very important to me, as well as the superior technology offered by Ray White.”

Roumanous said not many people knew about Saratoga, which he described as a slice of paradise, but when they discover it, they often don’t leave.

“There are only 2,500 dwellings in the three core suburbs that we are operating in, so it is incredibly tightly held and sought after,” he said.

“It is a stunning coastal town; a lot of properties have their own jetties and beautiful water views.

“The streets are wide, clean and family friendly.

“It is like one big village.”

Roumanous said he plans to offer technology, speed and efficiency, while maintaining real and raw communication with clients, and a genuine love

Chris Roumanous

for the area.

“We will be looking to recruit more agents in the future; however we want to keep a family business feel and service the community in a personal way,” he said.

Ray White New South Wales CEO Andrew McCulloch congratulated Roumanous on the opening of Ray White RPG. “We are thrilled that Chris has

decided to come back home and join us,” he said.

“He is set to amplify the real estate offering in the Saratoga region, and I am looking forward to seeing what he achieves for his local community.”

Source: Media release, Jan 25 Ray White RPG

The operation will use 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison for the control of foxes.

The program is designed to minimise predator impact on wildlife, especially threatened species.

Attending guests have been requested to wear green.

Please contact the Local Girrakool NPWS area office for further information on (02) 4320 4200.

02 4324 1533

1. Optus and Vodafone plan to upgrade the existing telecommunications facility below through the addition of new equipment: S1210 – Bateau Bay-O: On the existing advertising sign at the above address. The proposal involves: • The installation of three (3) new Optus 5G antennas and three (3) new Vodafone 5G antennas (six in total) on the new mount • The reuse of three (3) existing Optus 5G antennas • The replacement of four (4) existing panel antennas with four (4) new panel antennas for Optus and Vodafone (four in total) on the new mount; All new antennas will measure no more than 2.8m in length • The installation and reconfiguration of ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), GPS antennas, antenna mounts, cabling and other associated equipment necessary for the proper function of the proposed facility

Signs will be located at the entry to the baiting location. Domestic pets are not permitted into NSW National Parks managed land. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

2. Optus and Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. The proposed infrastructures will be in compliance with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.

NK0113

Family and friends are warmly invited to a celebration of Ron’s life, to be held in the Hillside Chapel at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park, Palmdale Road, Palmdale on Monday 6th February, 2023 commencing at 1.30pm

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT BAY VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE, 12 BAY VILLAGE RD, BATEAU BAY NSW 2261 WITH 5G

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal.

Further information requests and/or comments should be directed to Ventia: M. Community.Consultation@ventia.com N. Ventia, 80 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 Ph: (02) 9834 7229 W. www.rfnsa.com.au/2261007 We will accept comments on the proposed upgrade until 5pm Tuesday, 21st February 2023.

THURSDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2023 FOLLOW US

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Rent concession for Lake Haven cinema Central Coast Council has agreed to extend special rental conditions for Metro Cinemas Lake Haven to help keep the business afloat as the broader cinema sector continues to struggle.

turnover were initially introduced at the height of the COVID-19 restrictions to meet Council’s obligations as a commercial landlord under COVID regulations.

This was in order to provide the operator with more time to The cinema’s rent for the return the cinema complex to commercial period February 1, self-sustaining viability.

2023-January 31, 2024 will be But as the movie industry set at 15 per cent of the worldwide continues to face business’s monthly turnover challenges, with the consumer (as opposed to the 18 per cent attraction of movies only originally recommended by gradually recovering, many Council staff). cinemas are closing up shop or The operations of the cinema, are being radically remodelled which was built on behalf of Council with the needs of the to accommodate changing youth of the northern Central viewer preferences, the report Coast area in mind, remain said.

“In the case of the cinema financially challenged, a report complex at Lake Haven, the to Council said. community implications of a “This is consistent with potential closure need to be challenges in the broader taken into account, as a cinema sector arising both significant part of the purpose from the lingering effects of COVID-19 (which has had a for establishing the cinema in significant effect on indoor the first place was to improve public gatherings of all kinds) the spread of positive and long-term trends in the opportunities for both daytime night-time social entertainment industry (the and gatherings in the local area,” it rise of digital entertainment said. services and the move from “For the next 12 months, cinema-based movie maintaining the viability of the distribution),” the report said.

M O U N T Icinema’s ES GRO UP operations is Temporary rental considered highly desirable, arrangements based purely on

BREAKERS

|

WYONG

Metro Cinemas at Lake Haven

provided that some level of commerciality can be maintained.

“Metro Cinemas is in an unusual situation.

“Other Council tenants have generally been able to return some level of normality whilst the cinema industry remains heavily burdened by COVID-19 and remain one of the worst affected businesses.

“From January 2019 to

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December 2021, 81 cinema complexes closed in Australia representing 15 per cent of total cinema complexes.

“The major Australian cinema groups are considering their options by selling assets and closing non-performing sites.”

The report said challenges facing the cinemas included: a drought of blockbuster movies which were not made due to COVID lockdown restrictions;

film studios screening movies on their streaming services rather than cinema; and the non-return to cinema of Generation Z, the largest cinema audience pre-COVID. Council previously resolved to offer a purely turnover based rental to Metro Cinemas Lake Haven in place of the fixed base rent on a temporary basis in November 2021, April 2021 and June 2022.

The percentage of turnover that applies to the rent has varied over time between 15 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Council staff have had a series of meetings and correspondence with the operator of Metro Cinemas Lake Haven about both the immediate and medium-term prospects of the cinema complex,” the report said.

“It is evident from those meeting that, for the cinema to remain financially viable in the short term d rental is essential and that (in the absence of incentives such as NSW government entertainment vouchers) the maximum level of turnover rent that can be sustained is 18 per cent.”

Council will monitor gross turnover over the next 12 months to see if viability improves and further discussions will be held with the operator in relation to its proposed strategy to improve financial viability.

Council will also look at longer-term options to improve the commerciality of the arrangements under which the cinema complex is operated.

WHAT’S ON THIS AUSTRALIA DAY

Source: Central Coast Council meeting, Jan 24

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S E E MO UN T I E SG R O U P.C OM .A U F O R M ORE I N F O Conditions apply. See staff for full terms and conditions. Authorised under NSW permit NTP/04882. Promotion Not a Mounties Group Member? valid 1 November – 26 January 2023. Players Activity Statement available on request. Help is close at hand.

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2 FEBRUARY 2023

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

You’re the boss: take charge of your banking WITH

Michelle BALTAZAR Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine Here are seven ways you can take control of your finances – and reap the benefits – in 2023.

1. Change your password Security experts recommend changing your password on your online banking account at least four times a year.

Is it a chore? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Yes. Banking scams reached new heights last year and all it took was a bunch of cybercriminals getting hold of your sensitive data through social media or through online sites you may have visited.

This could be the year when you use a password manager or a system that allows you to update your passwords more frequently than you’ve done in previous years.

2. Check out the AFCA website The Australian Financial Complaints Authority is the go-to organisation to get compensa-

tion from a bank that has made a serious financial error or acted inappropriately towards its customers.

It can resolve your complaint before you escalate the matter to court.

Since 2018, it has helped more than 300,000 Aussies get $900 million in compensation and refunds.

Some of the complaints it has resolved include unauthorised transactions, delays in insurance claim handling and denial of insurance claims.

3. Automate payment on your credit card debt Plastic is fantastic if you can clear your debt on time each month, but with the average credit card debt sitting at around $14,000, it looks like many of us have trouble managing it.

Time to keep the card on ice for 11 months and set up an automated payment until you clear your debt.

Many banks also offer balance transfers with zero interest rates for a set period, which is another way to reduce your banking costs.

4. Re-negotiate your home loan If you haven’t switched home loans or banks for two years, you are definitely leaving money on the table.

The difference between the interest rates offered by the big

four banks can be anywhere between 0.5% and 2%, depending on your creditworthiness.

According to the home loan platform Lendi, a reduction of 0.5% (dropping from 4.3% to 3.8%) in your interest rate on $800,000 could mean a saving of more than $82,000 over a 30-year term.

5. Seek assistance if you’re struggling More Australians are under

mortgage stress due to a string of interest rate hikes.

Those who have been hit by the triple whammy of higher mortgage repayments, job loss and natural disaster (if they were affected by floods or fires) are in for a terrible year, but banks have financial assistance programs for those who are in tough circumstances.

Information on counselling services or relief packages

offered by various institutions can be found in the financial assistance hub on the ausbanking.org.au website.

6. Sign up to a rewards program Some banks are offering as many as 100,000 frequent flyer points on new credit card applications.

While this was fairly rare in previous years, the deals have become more common.

The trick is to make sure you are not spending more just to rack up the points.

Dedicated websites like pointhacks.com.au can help you become more points savvy while avoiding the usual traps.

7. Open a savings account or term deposit With interest rates languishing around zero for many years, many banking customers have snubbed classic savings accounts or term deposits.

But the cash rate has bounced back in 2023 and at last there are some decent offerings.

If you have more than $10,000 in cash that you don’t need for six months to a year, you might want to get a better deal and put it in a term deposit.

MICHELLE BALTAZAR

Boosting your super is all about knowing the balance Do you know your super balance?

If the answer is “yes”, then you’re among the one in four Aussies with super who do.

You’re also the most likely to say that you are in an aboveaverage-performing fund and you have a higher balance.

More than half of those who claim to know their exact balance say their fund’s performance is at least above

average, according to a survey of 1042 Australians by the researcher UMR. It seems age does not determine engagement with super.

While 30% of over-55s claim to know their exact balance, so do 26% of those aged 35-54 and 23% of those aged 18-34.

Industry Super Australia is urging Australians to get up to speed with their super.

“People who check their

super are generally happier with how their fund is performing – the more engaged you are, the more likely you are to make good financial decisions,” says Industry Super Australia CEO Bernie Dean.

With the new year underway, here’s a good checklist: make sure you are being paid your legal entitlements; check you are with a top performer; consolidate your funds into one

account; and consider making extra contributions.

Industry Super Australia calculates a 30-year-old on average wages who salary sacrifices $20 a week will have $67,000 more at retirement and will get a tax saving now.

A separate survey of more than 2000 people by Equipsuper found “gaping holes” in general knowledge about super.

It found that people fit into

three categories: almost one in three say they have “no idea” how much super they have; another third know the “ballpark” amount; the remainder know “to the nearest thousand”.

Since the pandemic, one in five survey respondents have invested for the first time in shares, exchange traded funds, non-fungible tokens, cryptocurrency, super or other products.

But Equip CEO Scott Cameron

says an increased interest in non-traditional investing places many people at risk of retiring with less financial security.

“While more investment options are emerging, super remains one of the most important financial assets,” he says.

“It’s concerning that so many Australians have no idea how much they’ve actually saved after years of hard work.”

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

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New program to help youth in detention Not-for-profit employment, training and apprenticeships organisation, VERTO, has thrown its support behind a unique initiative helping youth in detention at the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre at Kariong.

A brainchild of the Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club, the program helps Aboriginal youth in detention to access new sporting pathways through good behaviour.

The program also provides a sense of culture and belonging and a pathway to improved mental health, while assisting with reintegration into society and reducing the probability of reoffending.

“These youth have nothing, and as a new club, we had nothing to provide them in terms of safety and clothing that was fit for purpose for water-based paddling

activities,” Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club President Louise Vangestel said.

“VERTO kindly donated hats, drink bottles, back packs and 12 ocean rated Personal Floatation Vests (PFDs) to help this program and the youth we are mentoring.

“To be able to give these youth a welcome gift and help them feel connected to us as part of their mob, while removing any barrier to enter the sport of outrigging, was important for them and the Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre.

“The centre is delighted to give the youth a sporting option that is outside of the usual rugby or ball sports.

“They feel that being on the water and learning about the ocean, the canoes and the outrigger family they are now a part of, will positively impact their mental health and

Members of the Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club

motivate them to make better choices for the future.”

VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said his organisation was proud to continue its long history of helping clubs and organisations

that give back to their local communities.

“The Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club’s mission aligns closely with VERTO’s goal to positively transform the lives of

individuals and communities, so it’s fantastic to be able to support such an important new program with these donations,” he said.

“We’re really proud to team

with the Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club and play a small role in helping these youth, while continuing to play an active role within our communities towards improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.”

The Tarragal Outrigger Canoe Club Inc (TOCC) is on Darkinjung Country, based at The Haven, Terrigal.

TOCC is Australia’s first Aboriginal culture-based club with a vision to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and water on which their canoes rest, and to culturally educate all members on the importance of bridging the gap.

The club is inclusive of anyone who wants to paddle, but members are encouraged to undertake cultural awareness training.

Source: Media release, Jan 31 VERTO

Cracking down on elder abuse Legal Aid NSW is encouraging more seniors to contact the Elder Abuse Service (EAS), which solely services the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle regions, following a 20 per cent jump in self-referrals in 2021-22.

This followed an Elder Abuse Prevalence Study in 2021 which found one in six older Australians reported experiencing abuse in the 12 months prior to being surveyed.

Senior solicitor at the Elder Abuse Service (EAS) Mary Lovelock said perpetrators are most often family members like children or grandchildren who take advantage.

She said the most common abuse is a “granny flat” arrangement where the older person has given a significant sum of money to a child in return for the promise of care.

“We have had several clients come to us with this issue who are on the verge of homelessness,” she said.

“It can cause significant financial and mental stress for already vulnerable people.”

Lovelock said she has also seen financial abuse involving money misappropriated under Powers of Attorney, unpaid loans, property fraudulently transferred and debts fraudulently created in the name of the older person – even money refunded by banks.

Because elder abuse can sometimes be hard to identify – particularly when it’s in the form of psychological abuse –

she said it is essential seniors talk to a lawyer to understand their rights.

“We have helped hundreds of seniors recoup money and defend their rights,” she said.

“We are here to support you and everything you say to a solicitor is confidential under client-professional privilege.”

Solicitors from the service will be available to offer free advice and information on the issue and other common legal issues at the upcoming 2023 Seniors

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Festival Expo, to be held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney on February 2 and 3.

The 2023 Legal Aid Topics for Seniors Diary, which includes key tips around common legal issues like scams and will planning, will be distributed free at the expo.

The EAS will also be running a webinar on February 9 with a panel discussion about financial elder abuse as well as wills, Powers of Attorney and Guardianship via https:// legalaid-nsw-gov[1]au.zoom.

us/webinar/register/WN_x6WcvmCRe2aZD47hNaLdA. The EAS supports older residents (aged over 65 or over 50 for First Nations clients) who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse and reside on the Central Coast or Lower Hunter.

Contact the service on 4324 5611.

Source: Media release, Jan 23 Legal Aid NSW

AUTHORISED PERSON FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOME SCHOOLING REGISTRATION Upper Hunter Region, NSW and Central Coast Region, NSW NESA is seeking expressions of interest for the role of Authorised Person for home schooling registration from persons based in the Upper Hunter and Central Coast region of NSW. Authorised Persons assess and make recommendations regarding applications for registration for home schooling in NSW. Successful teaching experience and curriculum leadership is required. A Working with Children Check number is also required for this position.

Information regarding the application process can be accessed by following the below stated relevant link: Upper Hunter Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingupper-hunter-region-379162 Central Coast Region: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/ authorised-person-for-the-purpose-of-home-schoolingcentral-coast-region-379174

9am to 7 pm 7 days

0481 711 574

NSW Education Standards Authority educationstandards.nsw.edu.au

Applications close 6 February 2023. Further details can be obtained by contacting (02) 9367 8403

PAGE 28

THURSDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2023

HEALTH & EDUCATION

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70 new doctors for Central Coast hospitals The Central Coast is to gain 70 new doctors at Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the medical graduate interns would commence duties across the two hospitals.

“I want to extend a warm welcome to the class of 2023 and thank them for choosing a rewarding career in health,” he said.

“Each of these new interns will play an important role in keeping the people across our region safe and healthy for years to come.

“These new medical graduate interns will also provide a major boost to their new colleagues

– our dedicated health staff at both Gosford and Wyong Hospitals, who have performed remarkably during a very challenging few years.”

Regional Health Minister Bonnie Taylor said the new graduates from the class of 2023 would be welcomed with open arms to rural and regional communities.

“The Government is committed to strengthening our regional health workforce and ensuring the people of rural and regional NSW continue to have access to the high quality healthcare they need and deserve,” Taylor said.

“Interns seeking to complete their internship in our regions were able to apply through the Rural Preferential Recruitment

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch with Minister Bronnie Taylor

pathway and, this year, 176 Rural Preferential intern positions were available – an

increase of 13 positions from 2022.”

Interns are medical graduates

who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a

supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on the job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

Source: Media release, Jan 30 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch

Walk for Motor Neurone Disease The first ever Central Coast Walk to d’Feet MND will be held at Long Jetty on March 5.

The Walk is fun family day out to support people living with motor neurone disease (MND).

It will be a leisurely 5km walk starting and ending on the Long Jetty foreshore reserve.

It will be wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it ideal for all ages and abilities.

The Walk will start at 10am and registration includes a free Walk t-shirt.

Individuals and teams of family and friends can register online now at walktodfeet.

The walk will raise funds for MND research and support

org.au.

Registration costs $30 for adults, $15 for children, and is free for people with MND. On-lead dogs are also welcome and receive a free dog bandana with registration.

The name of the event reflects the hope and inspiration Walk to d’Feet MND events provide for the MND Community.

They show community support for people experiencing the devastating effects of motor neurone disease, for which there is currently no cure.

Donations raised from the Walks assist MND NSW in raising vital funds to provide

equipment and support to people living with MND and their families, and funding for research into MND. More details are available at https://walktodfeet.org.au Or by emailing fundraising@ mndnsw.asn.au.

MND NSW provides information, support and education for people living with MND, their families, friends and carers in NSW, the ACT and NT. It also provides information and education about MND for health, community and residential care professionals.

Source: Media release, Jan 16, 2023 MND NSW

Active Kids vouchers on offer again Central Coast families are being reminded to download their new Active Kids vouchers and save $100 per child on sport and recreation activities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said a new Active Kids voucher became available

on January 1 and would help ease pressure on family budgets.

“It might be the middle of summer, but winter sport registration is heating up and now is the perfect time for families to turn their attention to their new Active Kids voucher,” he said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program has turbocharged sporting participation across NSW, with more than 4.85 million vouchers redeemed, saving families $481M. “It’s the largest grassroots sport funding initiative in the nation and is driving enormous

increases in participation across all sports.”

The Government recently extended the program to include school holiday sports and recreation activities.

The expansion has contributed to a 40 per cent increase in voucher creation compared to the same period last year.

“It’s clear that NSW families have embraced the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program and its expansion to include school holiday programs has been a hit,” Henskens said.

Families can access the Active Kids voucher via the Service NSW app or website,

attending a Service NSW Centre or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

For further information on the Active Kids Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids.

The Active Kids vouchers became available on January 1

Lic: 173676C

Source: Media release, Jan 30 NSW Government

THURSDAY, 2 FEBRUARY 2023 FOLLOW US

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SPORT

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Her Wave Teams Classic comes to North Shelly SURFING The Her Wave Teams Classic is set to return in 2023, with North Shelly Beach named as one of the two sites to host the series.

Following the successful launch last year of the Australian-first female surfing series, Surfing NSW will bring it back this year, with the support of the NSW Government.

Jones Beach at Kiama will also host the series.

The Her Wave Teams Classic aims to increase female participation and support across the state through events that focus on fun, skills development and community.

It aims to encourage girls and women of any age and ability to sign up and enjoy the ocean.

Each event will provide more than 200 females with the opportunity to showcase their skills thanks to a $156,000 grant from the Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.

“Sport, and surfing in particular, is a huge part of our coastal communities and by attracting these major events to our state, we are driving tourism and creating enormous economic benefit,” Henskens said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Government was throwing its support behind Surfing NSW’s Her Wave Teams Classic.

“Surfing is a huge part of our coastal communities.” Crouch said.

“Investing in the Her Wave Teams Classic is not only great for local surfers but will attract more visitors to town, putting more heads on beds and injecting money into the local economy.”

The series will take place at North Shelly March 10-11 and Kiama from March 31-April 2.

Surfing NSW General Manager Kate Cass said it was great to see the event return to Kiama for the second year in a row and visit North Shelly for the first time.

“This series and the sport of surfing have the amazing ability to connect women from all walks of life, so it is a great privilege that Her Wave has the

Minister Alister Henskens, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden, Surfing NSW General Manager Kate Cass, Liberal candidate for The Entrance Nathan Bracken and Surfing NSW Her Wave competitors

opportunity to further inspire interest in the sport in a fun and inclusive way,” she said.

“This is going to be a very special event for both the Central Coast and Kiama which will see the local restaurants, cafes and accommodation benefit from the increased visitation of the Her Wave community to our beautiful regional areas.”

Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden said regional coastal towns across the state continue to see increased participation in female surfing.

“The 2022 Her Wave Teams Classic events received such an incredible response,” he said.

“The events were oversubscribed, with teams from boardrider clubs, surfing groups, sporting teams and even universities.

“This support from the NSW Government allows us to build on a great foundation, expanding the event by an extra day and delivering more opportunities for female participation in surfing as the interest continues to grow.

“We are excited to lock North Shelly in as a location for 2023 – the region currently hosts Australia’s number one boardrider club and has a very strong existing women’s surfing community.

The Her Wave Teams Classic events do not run like a typical surf event.

Instead, the structure has been carefully curated to increase participation and boost confidence.

The event will host teams of eight surfers and will follow a surf teams format of

competition with a twist.

The teams of eight surfers will comprise four longboard surfers and four shortboard surfers.

A number of Her Wave festivities, workshops and clinics will be run in tandem with the surf competition, open to the community as well as both recreational and aspiring surfers.

North Shelly surfer and Female Boardrider Competition Director Halle Hunt said she can’t wait to be amongst the action.

“I am so stoked to know that Her Wave is coming to North Shelly,” she said.

“I was a part of the Her Wave events last year and saw firsthand the incredible atmosphere and infectious fun that everyone on the beach had the entire time.

“We have a great community of female surfers on the Central Coast, but it is events like Her Wave that bring everyone from far and near closer together.”

Head to the Surfing NSW Her Wave website to find out more about the events and register a team.

Source: Media release, Jan 25 Surfing NSW

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR HARVEST flavoured.

Lids are secured and the bottles are submerged in a water bath and heated for a length and time determined by the contents.

A popular commercial system is Fowlers Vacola which includes a very supportive community to find out more: fowlersvacola.com.au

WITH CHERALYN DARCEY

As your garden or the local market fills with the harvests of the season the time is right for you to start looking at ways to take advantage of the oversupply.

You will save money, create ready to use items and extend the availability of crops.

The best thing about planning to preserve your own garden harvest is that you will be able to pick when produce is at its peak which is ideal for preservation.

When purchasing produce, select undamaged items and always go for organic.

There are a few different was to preserve your harvest and these are the following: heat, via pickling or fermentation, sugar and heat, freezing, alcohol or desiccation.

All of these methods inhibit pathogens and prolong the shelf life of produce but not all are suitable for every delicious vegetable, fruit or herb from your harvest.

Let’s explore ways to make the most of this season’s bounty.

Freezing As a general rule, use freshly picked young and tender vegetables.

They all need to be blanched and this is to retain colour, taste, appearance and most importantly, nutrients.

With the exception of rhubarb and quinches you won’t need to blanch fruits before freezing.

Heat This method is suitable for bottling naturally acidic fruits but is not to be used for nonacidic produce because the risk of botulism, a deadly bacterium, is far too high.

Tomatoes, most berries, apricots, plums, apples and pineapples are all good candidates for this system.

Heat preservation involves packing washed raw fruits into sterilised jars and then filling with water that is sometimes

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Sugar Jams, jellies and conserves all use sugar and heat to preserve and with the addition of pectin these mixtures are set to a desired consistency.

Pectin either occurs naturally in produce or needs to be added.

Berries and citrus are the heroes for this method but with

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Acid This is the pickling or fermentation of non-acidic vegetables and perhaps one of the best-known methods.

Often referred to as ‘cold pickling’ because the bottles do not go through the heat process described above, although they can if desired.

Produce is cleaned, often salted overnight first to remove excess water and then packed into jars into which a pickling solution is added.

See the delicious recipe by Jen Jones of the Pickle Patch below.

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Alcohol Apart from making liquors, covering fruits with alcohol is an easy way to preserve them while creating a delightfully delicious treat to add to your desserts or drinks.

The addition of sugar will also increase the shelf life of the contents while adding sweetness.

Desiccation Sounds scary but it simply means drying.

By removing the moisture from produce, you can also halt spoilage.

This drying can be done in a few different ways.

Airdrying produce, often sliced, on racks under fly mesh in the full sun is an ancient method.

Fan-forced ovens with their doors slightly opened and on the lowest heat will also provide a suitable drying environment.

For those who wish to take the plunge, a dehydrator appliance is an excellent investment.

All drying times will depend on the actual produce.

PICKLE’S PATCH Jen Jones from Pickle’s Patch is a local home gardener from Chain Valley Bay who has mastered the art of preserving.

w

She wastes nothing from her garden creating conserves, salsa, pickles, jams, sauces as well as herb mixes and even dried mushrooms.

Taking it a step further Jen and her husband also create the most delicious fruit liquors.

Although she admits there’s a lot of information available these days on the internet, Jen prefers hitting the local charity shops for classic old cookbooks and preserving guides.

It’s also where she has found the tools, jars and equipment needed including a Fowlers Vacola system and a dehydrator! This is a great way to keep costs down while also recycling.

You can find Jen online: Facebook: Pickle’s Patch and Instagram: The Dreaded Kitchen Witch.

Jen’s favourite thing to do with excess cucumbers, which are in season right now, is a traditional English pickle which keeps the best of the season for all year round.

You can use this recipe for other vegetables.

Pickle’s Patch Bread and Butter Pickles • 6 large cucumbers (or the equivalent) • 2tbsp of cooking salt • 1 1/2 cups of white vinegar • 1 cup of water • 1 cup of sugar • 2 tsp white mustard seeds • 1 tbsp Black peppercorns Slice and salt the cucumbers in a bowl, ensuring the slices are well covered in salt, cover and leave for an hour or so.

Meanwhile combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Rinse the cucumbers well and strain in a colander.

Pack the cucumber slices into sterilized preserving jars and pour hot spiced vinegar over to cover completely.

Seal and place upside down for 1 min to complete the seal.

Allow to cool and label

GAR DEN NEWS CEN Wildplant Sale & Talk with Jacquelene Pearson 9am Saturday 4th February - Wildplant Nursery, Loop Road, UoN Central Coast Campus, Ourimbah This is the first Community Environment Network plant sale of 2023 and Jacquelene Pearson will also be talking about the issues surrounding the environment in the local area.

Free Wicking Bed Workshop (online) 6:30pm Wednesday 22 February Asa part of the National Sustainability Join Adam Grubb from Very Edible Gardens for an informative hour while learning how wicking beds work, if they are right for you, how to make them, and how to look after them for super veggie abundance.

Book now: veryediblegardens.com.au/events/

Volunteers Wanted to join Doyalson Community Garden.

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the addition of vinegars and herbs this is how chutneys and savoury sauces can also be made.

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Golden cane palms (2.5m)

Summer fruit trees will need to be pruned once harvest is complete and keep deadheading those summer flowers.

If looking at laying new turf, now is good time to do it.

This week you could plant: culinary herbs, beans (dwarf), beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, endive, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard, onions (spring), parsnips, peas, potatoes (tubers), radishes, rhubarb (crowns), salsify, shallots, silverbeet, spinach, sweeds, turnips, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, cineraria, coneflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, honesty, larkspur, linaria, lobelia, lupin, nasturtium, nigella, pansy, poppy (Iceland), primula, statice, stock, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower Cheralyn Darcey is a horticulture author and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am live every Saturday on CoastFM96.3, on air locally or streaming by asking ‘play coastfm963’ Archived articles: florasphere.com

Phone: 4362 2236

24 Burns Road, Ourimbah (at the M1 intersection)

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

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Special paddle boarders discover What’s SUP PADDLE BOARDING The annual What’s SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) event for young people who are blind or have low vision returned to Ettalong Beach on January 17.

Hosted by Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT, the event involves young people from Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast and includes SUP lessons, SUP yoga, beach games and the option to learn how to play SUP Ball.

Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP has been hosting the event for the past five years.

Spokesperson Karl Herman said the day was a huge success.

“We started off at around 10am with a safety talk for our volunteers from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the community,” he said.

“It’s important to make sure everyone understands the importance of describing things to people with low

vision.

“There was a lot of information on basic things like telling them how to hold the paddle and feel their way around the board; it was all about how to communicate properly.

“Once the participants arrived, we had a tutorial on how to paddle on beach, the same as we do with customers with vision.

“But we had to go through a lot more detail on feeling the board and leg ropes, moving hands along board to find the right place to put your feet and so on.

“Then we broke the participants up into groups of about five and took them out on the water to get them paddling.

“We had volunteers walking alongside them, getting them paddling on their knees first and then standing up.

Herman said the club became involved when a friend of his, who worked for Guide Dogs, told him about the program,

Blind people are often more in tune with the board

“I was quite nervous at first about how they would go; I hadn’t had any experience working with blind or low vision people and I was a bit sceptical about how they would take to it,” he said.

“But the big thing I have learned is how capable these people are as long as things are described properly, and they

have appropriate guidance.

“In fact, they are often more in tune with the feel of the board than fully sighted people.

“A lot of sighted people tense up when they see a wave coming but people who are blind or have low vision tend to move with the wave.”

The day also included an onboard yoga session.

Mariners put on a top class football match FOOTBALL

A-league ladder.

Central Coast Mariners held Western Sydney Wanderers to a 2 all draw in a high class and high intensity match at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Saturday, January 28 with both teams were fighting for second spot on the

Mariners coach Nick Montgomery was pleased with his playing squad.

“A massive effort from the players, we were unlucky not to get the three points at the end of the night,” he said.

“I was very proud of the team tonight with five or six academy

boys I can’t be any more proud of the boys.”

Goals to Sammy Silvera and Jason Cummings in the 30th and 73rd minutes respectively proved, once again, the Mariners’ scoring capacity and an assertive style of football that is increasingly popular with local fans.

The draw gave both the

“We run these on Sunday mornings for our regular members,” Herman said.

“The boards are anchored in the water and our instructor takes participants through a yoga routine.”

Herman said volunteers from Ocean Beach Surf Club were invaluable on the day, lending a hand to keep everyone safe

both in the water and on the beach and giving instruction on water safety.

Ettalong Diggers have also helped us out a lot,” he said.

“We have participants coming from Newcastle and Sydney and some of them arrive by train.

“Diggers has been very helpful in providing its minibus to pick up and drop off people at Woy Woy station.

“The people who participate don’t get a lot of opportunity to do things like that and they love it; they get right into it.

For the volunteers, Herman said, the event was just as satisfying.

“It’s great to work with these people; it teaches all of us what they can achieve,” he said.

The Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP runs all year, with regular paddles and fitness classes and a membership of 25-30.

Terry Collins

Photo: CCM Media

Mariners and the Wanderers one point a piece, enough to keep the local team five points away from A-League leaders, Melbourne City.

The Mariners now look to next Saturday afternoon’s game against old rivals Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

David Abrahams

Calling for volunteers at Raw Challenge Doyalson The Iris Foundation is calling for volunteers to help out at this year’s Raw Challenge event at Doyalson.

Volunteers with the Iris Foundation will help on the registration desk, bag check-in and some obstacle supervision between 7am and 2.30pm.

The Foundation is a supporting

charity for the event on Saturday, March 25 and as a thank you, Iris volunteers will be able to try out the course for free at a special Volunteer Run in the afternoon.

Raw Challenge epitomises the Iris Foundation core values of resilience, hope and connections and supports Iris Foundation’s work to reduce suicide on the Central Coast.

The community’s generous contribution will help them to raise much-needed funds and have a positive impact in the community.

You don’t have to be physically buff to volunteer – just over 18 years of age and with a passion for helping others and having fun.

If you’re interested in being

part of this fun day, email Sue at enquiries@irisfoundation. org.au.

Raw Challenge is an adventure course for individuals or groups to experience a day of personal and team challenge around the core values of communication, motivation, fitness and fun.

There’s mud pits, rope climbs,

DRIVERS NEEDED CENTRAL COAST AREA For School Students AM & PM Suitable for pensioners & retirees Must have 4 door vehicle

To apply please send: Full name, suburb & phone number to: The adventure course at Raw Challenge Doyalson

schoolstudenttransport@gmail.com

water slides and more in the course set over 20ha on the Pacific Highway at Doyalson, near the Doyalson-Wyee RSL Club, with 55-plus fun obstacles over the 7km course.

Also there is a Youth course which is 2.5km where young challengers can jump, climb, balance and crawl their way through about 20 obstacles.

There will be a post-race party with food, refreshing beverages by Sydney Brewery and the latest tunes by DJ Magoo.

For more information about the event – Raw Challenge Doyalson – Saturday 25 March 2023 Tickets, Sat 25/03/2023 at 7:00 am | Eventbrite Sue Murray

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Wyong cricketer named in Australian Country side

Australian Country Female Merit side Rochelle Davis accepts her Wicket Keeper of the Carnival award from Olivia Thornton, CEO at Cricket ACT

CRICKET

Merit side.

Wyong’s Rochelle Davis is the latest Central Coast Cricket International, having been named in the Australian Country Female

The side was announced following the completion of the Australian Country Championships, which were held in Canberra recently.

Despite having limited opportunities with the bat, Davis excelled behind the stumps taking five catches and effecting two stumpings over the course of the Championships to claim the Wicket Keeper of

the Carnival award.

Davis was a member of the NSW Country side, which also included other Central Coast players Amy Cunningham, Grace Dignam and Sophie

Shelley.

The team was defeated in the final by South Australia, with the a match decided by a Super Over after it ended in a tie.

Callum Rainger and Shaun

Eaton were a part of the Men’s team which finished sixth at the Championships.

Source: Media release, Jan 31 Central Coast Cricket

Big weekend of cricket CRICKET It was a big weekend of cricket on January 28-29, with all junior cricketers back out on the pitch, eight grades of seniors on Saturday and the Glenn Rowlands Shield and Over 40s Masters on Sunday.

Day two of Round 7 of the Diggers The Entrance first grade competition saw some excellent individual performances, including three centuries, a seven wicket haul and two five wicket hauls; Simon Keen 107 off 146 for The Entrance; Shaun Eaton 105 not out for Brisbane Water; Brady Pennington 100 off 62 for Lisarow Ourimbah; Scott Burkinshaw 7 for 30 off 21 overs for Lisarow Ourimbah; Daniel Hill 5 for 37 off 14 for Warnervale; and Chris Archer 5 for 65 off 16.2 for Northern

Power.

The Entrance 4 for 302d defeated Narara Wyoming 132 and 1 for 80.

Terrigal Matcham 227 defeated Wyong 184.

Lisarow Ourimbah 124 and 3 for 165d defeated Southern Spirit 56 and 2 for 48.

Northern Power 124 and 7 for 150 defeated Warnervale 80 and 221.

Kincumber Avoca 183 defeated Brisbane Water 79 and 7/178.

The men’s first grade ladder sees The Entrance on 75.5, Northern Power 66, Kincumber Avoca 59.5, Terrigal Matcham 54.5, Southern Spirit 48.5, Lisarow Ourimbah 41, Brisbane Water 38.5, Wyong 34, Narara Wyoming 28.5 and Warnervale 21.

Round 14 of the ibis Styles The Entrance women’s first grade comp saw: Kincumber

Brisbane Water players in their winning Glenn Rowlands match against Southern Spirit

Avoca 4/104 defeated by Wyong 2/107; Lisarow Ourimbah 1/54 defeat Narara Wyoming 9/53; Northern Power 9/94 go down to Terrigal Matcham 2/126.

The women’s first grade ladder stands at: Lisarow

Ourimbah 23, Terrigal Matcham 22, Northern Power 19, Wyong 9, Narara Wyoming 7 and Kincumber Avoca 3.

Round 4 of the Glenn Rowlands Shield started under hot sunny skies and ended with a bang. of thunder.

Brisbane Water had a cracking day finishing 8/207 against Southern Spirit 6/84 (DLS).

Warnervale 9/150 defeated Narara Wyoming all out for 117.

Kincumber Avoca 145 took

the win over Terrigal Matcham 7/116.

Wyong was all out for 146, defeated comfortably by Northern Power 5/147 in just 20 overs.

The Entrance had a quick 15 over win finishing 2/150 over Lisarow Ourimbah 9/149.

Round 4 of the Over 40s Masters comp also kicked off at 11am Sunday, with The Entrance 6/240 beating Lisarow Ourimbah all out for 49.

Terrigal Matcham was all out for 74 against Wyong 7/133.

Narara Wyoming 2/134 was defeated by Kincumber Avoca 7/152.

No score is available at this stage for the Brisbane Water v Southern Spirit match.

Source: Media release, Jan 30 Central Coast Cricket