Coast Community News 379

23 FEBRUARY 2023

ISSUE 379

Oak Rd a death-trap, say residents

News

Gosford campus of the University of Newcastle a step closer See page 5

Out&About

Mardi Gras fun at the Naughty Noodle See page 16

Residents are urging Central Coast Council to address major safety concerns along Oak Rd, Matcham, following the death of a local on February 24, 2022, who drowned when a surge of floodwater overflowed from one of two inadequate creek crossings.

Business

See page 3 These cars had to be rescued after being swept off the road by floodwaters near one of the crossings

State Government vows to legislate against off-shore oil and gas exploration With PEP 11 back in the spotlight, the NSW Government has vowed to legislate its existing policy to prevent offshore coal, gas, mineral and petroleum mining and exploration in NSW waters if re-elected in March.

The Government has also pledged to ramp up its calls for the Federal Government to prevent offshore mining in neighbouring Commonwealth waters.

The PEP-11 permit for off-shore gas exploration covers an 8,200 square metre area stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong, with the Central Coast a likely drilling site.

A refusal to renew the controversial

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch and Member for Manly James Griffin show their opposition to PEP 11. CCN Achive 2020

permit was issued by former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the lead-up

to last year’s Federal election, but Asset Energy appealed the decision in

Get the inside stories.

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Federal Court after it was revealed Morrison has taken on a number of extra portfolios in 2020 and 2021, including Resources.

Earlier this month the new Federal Government agreed to end the Federal Court challenge, meaning the licence renewal application will once more have to be considered by the Joint Authority, which comprises NSW and Federal Government Ministers.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the State Government has been consistently opposed to offshore mining due to grave concerns about the possible impact on the environment.

Continued page 4

Call for event ideas for Lakes Festival See page 21

Sport

Matlidas dominate in Gosford See page 30

Puzzles page 18

PAGE 2

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Editor: Ross Barry, David Abrahams (Digital Editor) Journalists: Terry Collins, Sue Murray Graphic Designer: Brad Yee Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff Phone: (02) 4325 7369 Email to: editorial@centralcoastnews.net ISSN 1839-9045 – Print Post Approved – PP100001843 – Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

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A milestone 100 years in the making A pioneer of Mannering Park, Marjorie Whitbourne, has been very busy over the past week surrounded by family and friends who came from near and far to celebrate her 100th birthday.

“It was lovely to have the whole lot together again and see everyone catching up and telling tales,” she said.

The “whole lot” is her seven children – Roslyn, Bill, Robert, Greg, Catherine, Andrew and Keith – and then 22 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Celebrations started at Mannering Park Sailing Club on Marj’s birthday, February 15, then another at Soldiers Beach Surf Club and on Tuesday there was a party with the Morisset Spinners and Weavers.

Marj Allen was born in Cabramatta in 1923 and grew up in the Canley Vale area of Sydney, before moving to Lithgow in 1938 where her parents opened a mixed business store.

She married Ken Whitbourne in 1940 and after their first child was born in 1941, they moved from Lithgow to Orange and then to Wellington as Ken worked in the Small Arms Factories that were built during the war.

At the end of the war Marj’s parents bought a farm at

Marjorie Whitbourne

Holgate, where Marj and Ken and their four children lived until the Whitbournes bought a property on The Ridgeway, where another three children came along.

In 1959, Marj and Ken came across a waterfront property in Mannering Park which they fell in love with, but Marj’s beloved piano had to be sold so they could afford the deposit on the house.

“I just loved it at Mannering Park straight away,” Marj said.

“It was all bush … before the powerhouse and mines … but it was hard because we had no (town) water, no electricity, no phones – we had a kerosene fridge and kerosene lights.”

Primary School, was part of the school P&C and housed the first school teacher until he found somewhere permanent to live.

Marj joined the Morisset Spinners and Weavers in the 1980s, knitting lots of items for Ronald McDonald House over the years, and went on to compete in the World Spinning Championships held at Merriwa.

When Ken had a stroke in 2005 and moved into care at Cooranbong, Marj moved into a unit in the nearby retirement village and eventually in 2021 she sold the house in Mannering Park.

Sue Murray

Major clean-up of Brisbane Water A major clean-up of the Brisbane Water took place on February 14, with local oyster farmers and clean4shore members descending onto the foreshore for the mass industry led Tide to Tip event.

This is the fourth year of Tide to Tip, which is organised by OceanWatch Australia and sees oyster growers lead marine debris clean-ups in estuaries across the state.

An OceanWatch spokesperson said being out on the water every day, oyster farmers have an intimate knowledge of the local

environment and regularly collect rubbish they find floating in the estuary.

“Tide to Tip not only provides a way for fishers and farmers to give back to the estuaries on which their livelihoods depend but helps to ensure Australian waterways remain pristine and healthy for generations to come,” the spokesperson said.

Local oyster farmer David Bews said local farmers wanted to be involved in the event because they love the environment and protecting the waterway which is their living.

Tide to Tip involves 22 other estuaries across NSW, WA, and Queensland.

Not only do oyster farmers clean-up the area, participants also sort, curate and count the collected rubbish.

A summary of the waste is documented and analysed by the Australian Marine Debris Database – a program run by Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Since it began Tide to Tip has seen 53 events take place, involving 664 volunteers and seeing more than 30 tonnes of waste removed from estuaries.

Partners include the NSW Department of Primary

IN MEMORIAM

THOMSON, Margaret

200,000

13.09.1929 – 16.02.2023

Aged 93 years Margaret’s family respectfully advise that she passed away peacefully last Thursday. In accordance with her wishes a private cremation was held.

OTHER PEOPLE Call - 0493 641 652 Email - sales@centralcoastnews.net or see the website for rates www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

“The people in those days, we were all pioneers and we all worked together to raise money and get things happening in the town.

“The town grew quite quickly – oh gosh, yes, I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years – it makes me humble to be part of that community that started the town but I’m really the only one left of that pioneer lot.”

Marj was involved in the Country Women’s Association, helped establish the Methodist Church in Mannering Park, belonged to the tennis and social clubs, helped start the Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club, made school lunches at home in the early years of Mannering Park

The clean-up team on the day 02 4324 1533

Industries, South East and Hunter Local Land Services, Clean-up Australia, and OceanWatch Australia.

Source: Media release, Feb 17 OceanWatch Australia

IN MEMORIAM

MURDOCH,

Philip George ‘Phil’ 22nd February 2023, peacefully at Bellinger River District Hospital. Formerly of Berkeley Vale, Central Coast. Much loved husband of Heather. Loving father & father-in-law of Greg & Krystal. Caring brother of Di Murdoch. Phil will be sadly missed by all of his extended family & friends.

Aged 71 Years Forever In Our Hearts Phil will be privately cremated at Hogbin Drive Crematorium, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour.

F.D.A. of N.S.W. COFFS HARBOUR (02) 6652 1999

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Oak Rd a death-trap, say residents Residents are urging Central Coast Council to address major safety concerns along Oak Rd, Matcham, following the death of a local on February 24, 2022, who drowned when a surge of floodwater overflowed from one of two inadequate creek crossings.

While the general state of the road is extremely poor, of particular concern are the two crossings which pose a deadly risk during heavy rains.

Resident Richard Boughton said concerned community members met in April last year, following the fatality.

“He died because of Council’s inaction on these flood ways over a period of decades,” Boughton said.

“It was a foreseeable, but preventable death.

“Another car was washed into Maddens Creek a few kilometres further down Oak Rd and the occupants would surely have drowned had not bystanders come across them, broken the rear window and pulled them free.

“It’s not a matter of ‘will there be further tragedies?’ but ‘when and who?’.”

Boughton said residents had

put forward a plan of action with support from Member for Dobell Emma McBride at the meeting.

They were advised in a letter from Council dated January 24 this year that investigations had been undertaken following last year’s meeting, with a qualified road safety auditor inspecting the two low creek crossing points and all approaches.

Council Officers also undertook an investigation and review of the remainder of Oak Rd. The letter outlines proposed safety improvement works including: line marking to delineate the centre and edge of the roadway; sign posting to reinforce the speed limit; curved warning signs with advisory lower speed limit; width hazard markers to highlight edges of the low creek crossing point(s); flood advisory signage; additional flood depth indicators and safety signage such as ‘no overtaking or passing’ (at the crossing points); and lighting to illuminate the low creek crossing points.

Residents have been given until February 24 to respond but are not happy with the

Residents first raised their concerns at a public meeting last April

suggested improvements.

Boughton said Council had outlined proposals “that will cost almost nothing and achieve almost nothing”.

He said a solution suggesting the creek crossings should not be used if there is any water on the spillway was impractical for residents needing to negotiate the road to reach their homes.

“Most of us own AWD or 4WDs because we have to cross when there’s water over the non-bridges; otherwise it would be impossible to live here,” he said.

Long-time resident Mike Murphy said essentially, the response has been that drivers are responsible for any flood related incidents on Oak Rd. “Access for emergency

vehicles during floods has not been addressed,” he said.

“The installation of double white lines partially down Oak Rd … is a worthwhile safety measure (but) … many sections of the verge are hazardous and involve negotiating potholes across the road – some of which have been present since the meeting (last year).

“The maintenance of drainage gutters has just taken place after several years of neglect.

“These poorly maintained drains and gutters add to the difficulty of negotiating Oak Rd especially with large vehicles/ buses on the road.

“I was informed that large vehicles are able to cross over double white lines to avoid

hazards, so extreme caution will need to be taken even after installation of the white lines.

“There has been no explanation (as to) how the lines will improve safety during flood events.

“Several of the most narrow and dangerous corners at the end of Oak Rd are not included in the safety upgrade as the road is too narrow.”

Another resident said there was an urgent need for Council to revisit its existing 2015 Floodplain Risk Management Plan which was designed to cope with the growing risk of flash flooding and associated risk-to-life hazards in the Erina Creek floodplain/ drainage basin.

“The existing Plan identified specific works had to be undertaken by Council given that the already known risk-tolife hazards were likely to deteriorate due to expected worsening deluge events,” he said “An understanding of the flood and risk-to-life hazards associated with the Erina Creek Flood plain has occupied substantial time and effort of the NSW State Government and local council for more than 30 years.

“There are 75 creek crossings in the Erina Creek floodplain affected by flooding of which 12 are in the ‘upper’ Matcham Holgate valley part of the drainage basin.”

He said the letter to residents from Council reframed the much bigger flood mitigation issue into a minor roads signage issue.

“Council representatives at last year’s meeting noted … that the outcome would at most be access to up to $0.15M in grants for minor modifications to safety such as improved signage but wouldn’t extend to funding a capital works program for this particular riskto-life hazard,” he said.

“The signage outcome for Oak Rd is also a loss for the Central Coast community which continues to have a NSW Government-appointed Council that fails to deal with longer term solutions to major risk-to-life hazards associated with flash flooding on our roads.”

He said Council needed to focus on longer term solutions rather than the “less than adequate band-aid of increased lighting and signage”.

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Marine Rescue saves stranded kayaker Marine Rescue NSW saved a female paddler who was left stranded in Budgewoi Lake for half an hour on February 16.

First located by the Westpac Rescue chopper, TL 20 skipper Ian Hodge said the woman was pulled from the water just after 8pm.

“She was conscious and responsive when we got her out of the water,” Hodge said.

“We got her onboard and wrapped her up in a space blanket to try and bring up her body temperature; she’d been in the water for a while.

“Her kayak had taken on a lot of water.

“We retrieved it and took her to the Peel St jetty near our

The rescue operation on February 16

Toukley base.”

Hodge said it took less than

10 minutes from retrieving the woman for the Marine Rescue

crew to hand her over to waiting NSW Ambulance paramedics

who assessed her on scene.

NSW Ambulance said the woman didn’t require treatment in hospital.

Marine Rescue Tuggerah Lakes Unit Commander Bob Sutton said TL 20 was en-route to assist a grounded vessel on Lake Munmorah when the call came to help the kayaker.

“The crew of Ian Hodge, Peter Fischer, Steve Noakes and our Radio Operator Don Hobbs did a great job,” Sutton said.

“They had to triage the whole thing by which job was more important.

“A person in the water is always more important but once they had rescued the kayaker and got her to paramedics, they immediately

went to assist the grounded vessel.”

Sutton said kayakers can get caught out on inland waters.

“When it’s calm it’s beautiful, but the wind changed last night and people can get into trouble,” he said on February 17.

“Because of the shallow nature of the lakes, they blow up.”

The rescue was the second involving a kayaker after a fisherman was collected by Marine Rescue after getting into trouble on Tuggerah Lake on Sunday, February 12.

Source: Media release, Feb 17 Marine Rescue NSW

Cameryn embarks on dream science and maths degree Gorokan High School graduate, Cameryn Smider of Lake Munmorah, is raring to go on her dream double degree, thanks to a new scholarship at University of Sydney.

She’ll be studying a Bachelor of Science and Master of Mathematical Sciences and is the first person in her family to go to university.

The university kicked off its biggest Welcome Program last week as students started arriving for the start of the academic year.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said it was a lively time in the university calendar when students made new friends and reconnected with old ones, worked out their areas of interest in orientation activities to give them a taste of how exciting uni life could be.

“We want our students’ lives to be changed by their positive experiences here at Sydney – not just by what they study, but through the people they meet and the connections they make,” he said.

There was a special welcome for the first cohort of students, like Cameryn, beginning their degrees through the MySydney Entry and Scholarship scheme.

“We are delighted to have made more than 1200 MySydney offers and are expecting our biggest cohort of students from underrepresented areas ever to join us this year,” Professor Scott said.

Cameryn said having the scholarship would definitely help her worry less about the financial side of things.

“I’ll be putting it towards paying off my degree, but also for study resources like textbooks, stationary, a laptop and lab coat, as well as travel expenses to help me commute every day.

“It will also give me a support network with other like-minded people getting a scholarship, so it will really help the transition to uni as well,” Cameryn said.

Source: University of Sydney Cameryn Smider of Lake Munmorah

State Government vows to legislate against off-shore oil and gas exploration Continued from page 1 “We will always stand up for the environment and our communities that care deeply about our pristine coastline, and the Federal Government must give the community certainty in their waters, as we will do in ours,” he said.

“The NSW Government’s

existing Offshore Exploration and Mining Policy sets out a responsible and balanced approach to the development of the State’s geological resources. “(This) announcement cements our opposition to offshore gas exploration and mining, and these new laws will make it crystal clear to

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To help tackle beach erosion, the NSW Government will still consider offshore mineral exploration or mining in NSW waters for beach nourishment where a clear public benefit can be demonstrated.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific has applauded the announcement, saying it would be a win for the oceans and help to protect important animals and ecosystems off the NSW coastline.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said NSW Labor has always opposed PEP 11.

“We are only in this mess because (former Prime Minister) Scott Morrison didn’t follow the correct process,” he said.

“This is essentially a Commonwealth issue and Labor will continue to oppose any attempt to do offshore gas or mining.

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Gosford campus of the University of Newcastle a step closer After years of waiting the opening of a new state-ofthe-art university campus in Gosford is a step closer following the signing of the final agreement between the NSW Government and the University of Newcastle.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes was on the Coast to make the announcement on Monday, February 20 and said the finalised agreement delivers on the State Government’s commitment to bring a tertiary education campus to the city centre.

“Together with our investments in the Central Coast Strategy and in faster rail, investment in education will grow the region’s economy, boost local jobs, and create a beating civic heart in Gosford,” he said.

“This campus will become a cornerstone of the Six Cities plan, creating a catalyst for development and investment to bring jobs closer to home for the people of the region.”

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the new campus will create a pipeline of skilled workers and link students to employment opportunities.

Governments and the University of Newcastle.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said it would provide the opportunity to increase educational participation rates, generate new jobs, support emerging industries, develop the health services workforce and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We are also pursuing our plans to provide safe and affordable student accommodation on the site,” he said.

The university is now investigating options to expand the project by building student accommodation on the remainder of the site, which would further enliven the Gosford CBD.

Photo: CCN

Minister Rob Stokes (centre) making the announcement with (from left) University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, candidate for The Entrance Nathan Bracken, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch and candidate for Gosford Dee Bocking

“The University of Newcastle is a global leader in education, so this new world-class facility will enable local students to study and build skills without needing to travel long distances,” he said.

“The new campus will further enhance NSW’s standing as an international destination of choice for study, research and

work.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the new campus will deliver courses that capitalise on the region’s strengths. “(This) is an investment in our future, creating education pathways to new skills, opportunities and ideas,” he said.

“It will also support the great work we’re seeing in strong local industries, such as health, wellbeing, food and manufacturing.”

“This has been a regional success story delivered by the Federal Government, the State Government and the University working together and we can see the excellent results when

we work on projects like this.”

Liberal Candidate for the seat of Gosford Dee Bocking said “It is fantastic that many local students won’t have to leave the Coast for their tertiary education.”

The new campus will be built on the old Mitre 10 site at 299309 Mann St with funding from the State and Federal

Verified sources: Interviews in situ and media release, Feb 20, 2023, NSW Government Scan here to see the video on our YouTube Channel

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Opposition to Kariong development ramps up Opponents of a controversial development proposed for Kariong are ramping up efforts to secure a promise of NSW Government intervention prior to next month’s State election, with a rally held on Friday 17 outside the office of Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.

The proposal for a 70-house development by the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) has faced strong opposition from Traditional Bloodline Custodians due to its close proximity to Sacred Lands.

Aboriginal spokesperson for Coast Environmental Alliance (CEA), Aunty Colleen Fuller, was at the rally.

“Our community spent close to a decade fighting to protect Kariong Sacred Lands and eventually we were successful in preserving the famous Grandmother Tree and her surrounds,” Fuller said.

“Now DLALC is planning a development only a short walk from this area.

“To say it’s distressing to the local Traditional Custodians and others who worked tirelessly to defend this area would be a vast understatement.

“This is what you call a cut and fill development, where they will remove all of the trees, the rock and the endangered ecological communities reducing the area to a huge pile of dirt.

“To think that removing the endangered wetlands (in particular) won’t impact the surrounding environment would be foolish.

“I really can’t wrap my head around how an Aboriginal organisation can be pushing to destroy cultural heritage and

Protesters rally outside the office of Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

endangered plants and animals, and against the will of the Traditional Custodians.

“I am proud to stand beside members of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community to work together once again to protect our precious bushland.”

Fuller said the purpose of the rally was to secure a commitment to protect the land.

Environmental concerns are also on the table.

CEA Sustainable Development spokesperson Jessie Fancett said the development would require a rezone, with the current E2 zoning not allowing for development.

“We are calling on our State Member to commit to ensuring that this land isn’t rezoned and that it is protected in the national park system,” she said.

“Some of the threatened species in the area include the plant Darwinia Glaucophylla which is only found on the Central Coast, the Glossy-Black Cockatoo, Grey-Headed Flying

Fox and the Giant Burrowing Frog.

“Not only do these plants and animals rely on the endangered wetlands for their very survival, but taking wetlands out of a fire prone area will dry up the landscape and add to the risk of life threatening bushfires.

“This part of Kariong is registered by the Government as an Area of Regional Koala Significance (ARKS) due to the specific variety of eucalypt species that are known food sources for koalas.

“CEA is not anti-development.

“We support initiatives to build more affordable and sustainable housing but not in ecologically and culturally sensitive bushland that the Government itself has zoned to be protected.

“It’s well within Liesl Tesch’s responsibilities to push the Government to uphold the E2 zoning and have this area included in the adjacent national park.”

Fancett said residents and commuters should also

consider the impact of having significantly more morning and afternoon traffic in the area if the development goes ahead.

Fuller said impacts of the development on the environment would be “catastrophic and irreversible”.

Tesch said the issue was a complex one, with the housing crisis on the Central Coast a critical component, and that opponents would be best advised to address their concerns to the Regional Planning Panel.

Greens MLC Sue Higginson said in a statement on February 14 that the party does not support the development and called for the land to be protected for its ecological and cultural significance.

“The Greens call on the NSW Government to purchase the land from the DLALC for addition to the protected area network and compensate the Land Council fully,” she said.

“The Greens do not believe in standing in the way of economic opportunities from land

The development site is close to the Grandmother Tree

development for First Nations people and Land Councils and believe First Nations people have a right to determine how they manage their land.

“In the case of Kariong, the ecological significance and the opposition from traditional custodians means the NSW Government should return alternative appropriate land for development to the DLALC for them to proceed with their development on a more suitable site.”

But the DLALC has called on public representatives to better familiarise themselves with the Aboriginal Land Rights Act following Higginson’s comments.

DLALC chair BJ Duncan said there is a narrative being driven by those opposed to the proposed development at the Kariong site, which is both unfounded and naïve to the facts.

“Ms Higginson has clearly drawn a line in the sand in regards to DLALC’s planning proposal to rezone the land,

which would see more than half the site safeguarded for environmental conservation,” Duncan said.

“Ms Higginson’s statements contradict the rights of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council membership, who are seeking the same rights as other non-Aboriginal land owners - to have selfdetermination for how they use their land.

“The legitimacy of Darkinjung’s right to their land is enshrined in the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, however Ms Higginson’s words serve to fuel the fire of those that question our rights to our land.

“As we move to a Voice in Parliament let the debate on the ability for Aboriginal people to participate in economic independence be brought front and centre, so that true selfdetermination in our community can flourish.”

Terry Collins

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Poisoned baits found at Pearl Beach The Pearl Beach community is worried about the wellbeing of pets and wildlife following the discovery of numerous baits around the area in recent weeks.

Situated between Brisbane Water National Park and Broken Bay, Pearl Beach is home to a small and caring community, with residents and visitors often seen walking along the beachfront, many with dogs.

On February 8, local cavoodle Minnie took a bait near the amenities block and spent several days at a local veterinary hospital on a drip and in a life-threatening situation.

While Minnie is slowly recovering at home with her owner, Catherine Hyland, following a vet bill in excess of $5,000, many residents are upset.

Hyland said she and Minnie had just arrived at the beach for an early morning walk when the small dog started sniffing around something on the ground.

“She picked it up and ran away with it and by the time I caught up with her she had already eaten some of it, although some pieces were

Some of the baits found at Pearl Beach Residents were quick to clean up the public beach and grass areas

still on the ground,” she said.

“It was brown on the outside but bright blue inside and around the size of a 20 cent piece.

“I knew immediately it wasn’t good so rushed her to the vet at Point Clare, where she vomited up quite a bit.

“The vet told me to keep an eye on her for 48 hours and then take her to the West Gosford animal referral hospital for blood tests.

“Apparently blood tests are best taken 48 hours after ingestion.

“And when I got those results on the spot I was told she could be given a plasma transfusion or given an antidote to see what happened over the next 6-12 hours.

“With her blood levels four times what they should have been I opted for the transfusion and she was in hospital for three days.”

Minnie will be on Vitamin K tablets for another week before being given another blood test and the all-clear.

“At the moment she is housebound- she is not allowed any exercise or play,” Hyland said.

“Whoever did this has no regard for wildlife or even human life.

“These baits were in an area where people sit with their children – a toddler could

easily have picked one up.”

Pearl Beach Progress Association president Katrina Stafford gathered a group of concerned locals who inspected the length of the beach as well as other nearby locations following the incident.

“A group of about 25 local residents came together to clean up the beach and other surrounding parkland (with) grave concerns for domestic animals and wildlife,”

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Stafford said.

“Residents were reporting dead wildlife including birds, snakes and rats.”

Stafford said baits had been found over the past week in several areas, with at least an additional dozen baits found at the clean-up.

The matter has been reported to police and Central Coast Council rangers.

Stafford said baits ranged from blue pellets of Ratsak wrapped in food to red ‘brick’ style rat baits (often used on commercial/industrial premises) which had been chopped up and scattered on the grass and beach area.

“For many residents, particularly older ones live by themselves, their dogs are far more than just pets,” she said.

“A large number of baits was found near a grassed area where many people sit and catch up with friends and neighbours with their dogs by their sides.”

The community has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money to help cover Minnie’s vet’s bills.

Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/c4479fb5.

Terry Collins

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2023

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Restoration of Gosford cenotaph underway Major restoration work has begun on the Gosford cenotaph ahead of its centenary in 2024 thanks to a grant from the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

Freemasons of the Central Coast has provided additional financial support to restore the WWI and WWII Fallen Soldier panels.

Gosford RSL Sub-Branch and Merril Jackson, historian and creative coordinator of the Gosford and Terrigal Poppy Projects, have united to ensure the significant First World War monument, which was in dire need of repair, is preserved and ready for next year’s milestone.

“Gosford cenotaph is of outstanding and rare heritage importance to NSW as an intact war monument and cultural landscape,” Jackson said.

“The design is an early example of a cenotaph in NSW

Restoration work on the Gosford cenotaph has begun

with a unique association with prominent battlefield monuments on the Western Front and to the Gallipoli Memorial Scheme.

“The cenotaph has heritage

importance in Gosford Memorial Park due to its elevated landmark alignment to the west.”

The Government gran funded a Heritage Asset Action Plan

which guides the restoration work, with retention of water issues and biological growth on the memorial’s surface excessive long before the torrential rain of early 2022

Jackson said the monument’s poor condition involves several factors, including the raised platform and the permanent damage caused by invasive cleaning methods of the past involving bleaching and Gerni High Pressure Washers.

“Meticulous care by heritage specialists is involved in this restoration process to ensure we retain the heritage integrity and social history of the cenotaph,” she said.

Shortly after the First World War, the former Erina Shire Chamber Council instigated a memorial scheme and established a Memorial Committee to erect a memorial in the Gosford township.

Funds raised by the Gosford and district community enabled its construction.

The local Council instigated the memorial scheme before Gosford RSL Sub-Branch was formed and united with the

Gosford Red Cross Society to fundraise.

Jackson has undertaken extensive research on the monument over the past decade.

“The Central Coast has the only existing freestanding war memorial designed by Keesing in Australia; an architect who was one of the most important leaders of Great War memorial contemporary design in our nation,” she said.

“Gordon Keesing was the Australian Principal Architect behind some of Australia’s most significant Great War monuments created for battlefields abroad.

“These designs represent the contribution of Australia in the Great War and the service and sacrifice of the Australian Imperial Force.”

Source: Media release, Feb 17 Merril Jackson

New memorial for Rogers Park A new memorial recognising Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers and the HMAS Voyager was unveiled in Rogers Park, Woy Woy, on February 11 with a large number of ex Naval, RSL and National Service personnel in attendance.

The site of a previous memorial, situated at the other side of Rogers Park close to Ocean Beach Rd, was considered to be unsuitable to host services to reflect the loss of Navy personnel as a result of the collision between the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne and the HMAS Voyager which saw 82 souls lost.

A service to unveil the new memorial was conducted by Central Coast Naval Sub Section President Colin Ward.

Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Jonathan Rogers (after whom Rogers Park is named) received the George Cross as a result of his actions in helping many of the crew escape through a porthole as the HMAS Voyager sank.

Unfortunately, CPO Rogers and a number of the crew were unable to use this method of escape and perished with the ship.

When last seen, CPO Rogers had linked arms with those remaining to sing the Naval Hymn as the ship sank below the surface.

The new memorial was placed thanks to the efforts of Central Coast Council, with staff working tirelessly to have it completed in time for the service.

It is a larger version of the previous memorial and comprises sandstone blocks bordering a garden which is filled with flora.

Many wreaths were laid by various ex-service organisations before attendees adjourned to the Everglades Country Club to reflect on those lost and those still suffering as a result of the catastrophe.

Source: Media release, Feb 15 Greg Mawson, President Gosford RSL Sub Branch

The service on February 11

Call for roundabout at Empire Bay A grassroots campaign is underway to have a roundabout installed at the intersection of Wards Hill Rd and Empire Bay Dr at Empire Bay.

Residents say the intersection poses a serious danger

Resident Bill Young said a post on the Killcare-Wagstaffe Community Facebook page attracted more than 90 likes and 58 comments in just three days, all overwhelmingly in support of a roundabout.

In the lead-up to next month’s State election, the community is calling on Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Labor candidate for the seat Sam Boughton to commit to pushing for a roundabout similar to the one recently constructed at Picnic Pde and Maitland Bay Dr,

Ettalong Beach.

Young said the intersection was “an accident waiting to happen”.

“Unless one wishes to exit the long way around via MacMaster Beach, the intersection is the only exit from the heavily populated Killcare, Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe area,” he said.

“It is a highly dangerous intersection, particularly for anyone turning right towards Bensville and Kincumber.”

Young said it all started when someone put a sign up at the intersection saying ‘Adam Crouch, we need a roundabout’.

“It was in the perfect position for all the morning and afternoon traffic on Wards Hill

Rd to see,” he said.

“I took a photo of that and posted it on the local FB page.

“And that’s what started the many likes and comments on this issue.

“It is obviously of major concern to a lot of people in the Killcare, Pretty Beach, Hardys Bay and Wagstaffe area.

“At the moment, many cars do a ‘rat-run’ through the petrol station to avoid the intersection and turn left towards Ettalong.

“But it is the right hand turn on to Empire Bay Drive that is the most dangerous.

“Often your vision to the left is obscured by a vehicle turning left.”

Young said countless people could attest to the serious

danger of the intersection.

“Often on school days around 8.30-9am, the traffic bank up from the Empire Bay Primary School extends as far as this intersection, which only compounds the problem,” he said.

“The other interesting thing is that there is not a single comment objecting to the call for a roundabout or a solution.

“There are a couple of other suggested options, but support for the roundabout idea is overwhelming.

“The good thing is that there is plenty ty of vacant land available at the site to accommodate a roundabout.”

Terry Collins

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Pop-up policing at Lake Munmorah The Coffee With a Cop at Lake Munmorah shopping centre drew a large community participation on Tuesday, February 21.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes District were at the pop-up policing event where residents could meet local police about crime prevention.

Superintendent Chad Gillies

and members from the Senior Leadership Team, Crime Prevention Unit, General Duties and the Criminal Investigation Unit attended to speak to members of the community about over a free cup of coffee.

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley also attended to support

Ambulance medical kit stolen at The Entrance

the event.

“There were some important takeaways for Police and some follow-up to support some of the feedback offered by the community,” Supt Gillies said.

The next Coffee with a Cop will be coming soon to the Wyong area.

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Police

Community participation in Coffee With a Cop

Arrest warrant for driving and drugs offences Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for driving and drugs offences.

Zac Ashcroft, aged 22, is wanted for police pursuit- drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, two counts of possess prohibited drug, not give particulars to owner of damaged property, and two incidents of not giving particulars to other driver.

Ashcroft is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 170cm to 175cm tall, medium build and with brown hair.

He is known to frequent the Central Coast area and anyone anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au Police warn not to approach Ashcroft if he is sighted and call

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Tuggerah Lakes Proactive Crime Team are investigating the theft of an Ambulance Medical kit bag.

At about 3.45pm on Monday, February 6, Ambulance Paramedics responded to a medical emergency of a patient at a unit complex in Ocean Pde, The Entrance.

While paramedics were treating the patient, an unknown person has removed the Ambulance Medical Kit bag from the unattendedAmbulance containing vital medical medication.

The Medical Kit bag is valued at $10,000.

A man was observed at the scene at the time of the incident and last seen riding a mediumsized mountain bike towards Ozone St, The Entrance.

Zac Ashcroft

with

Source: Tuggerah Lakes Police

Theft investigation of ambulance medical kit like this

Police investigation into Narara graffiti Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in relation to a graffiti offence at Narara in January this year.

Crime Stoppers information.

He is described as aboriginal appearance, aged 25-30 years old, 170cm tall, light brown complexion, medium build, and with long curly brown mullettype hair.

Police are appealing for community assistance to locate the man who might be

able to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au and quote Police report No. E 95041884.

the

Source: Brisbane Water Police

About 9:40pm on Saturday, January 21 a man applied graffiti to several structures at Narara Railway Station.

Following investigations, police from the Police Transport Command, Brisbane Water, have obtained images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone with information about the incident or has information about the identity and whereabouts of the man depicted in the image, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au and quote reference number E92560152.

Source: Brisbane Water Police

Man wanted to assist with Police inquiries

Man charged over assault at Terrigal A man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged assault at Terrigal last year.

At about 7.15pm on Sunday,

September 18, officers from Brisbane Water Police District were called to a licensed premises at the Terrigal

Esplanade, Terrigal, following reports of an assault.

Police were told that a man had allegedly assaulted another man inside the premises.

Local police commenced initial inquiries, before the incident was referred to the Raptor Squad for further investigation.

Following inquiries, a

29-year-old man attended Fairfield Police Station, where he was arrested about 3pm on Friday, February 10.

He was charged with affray and was granted conditional

bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on Thursday, March 9.

Source: Brisbane Water Police

THURSDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2023

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Central Coast Council news and community information

ADMINISTRATOR MESSAGE

Rik Hart

Myth-busting about community land plan

Central Coast Council is currently exhibiting its draft Plan of Management for Council Community Land until 1 March and is seeking comments and feedback from the Central Coast community about what the 2,000 community land parcels across 400 sites should be used for.

Chemical CleanOut Events

Make your home safer and dispose of chemicals the right way! Responsibly dispose of any unwanted, out-of-date or unused household chemicals for free at Council’s Chemical Cleanout event on 4-5 March in Kincumber, and 11-12 March at Council’s Long Jetty Depot.

For more information, search ‘chemical cleanout’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

In the last year more than 6,000 contributions from our community submitted both online and across 60 engagement sessions, have shaped over 50 projects, plans and strategies.

Community engagement is the key mechanism that helps to identify local values and needs to assist Council in its decision-making.

We are currently seeking input on the following projects and plans:

• Draft Plan of Management for Council Community Land (until 1 March) - have your say on how Council manages community land.

The five categories which can apply to community land are: 1. General community use 2. Sportsgrounds 3. Parks 4. Culturally significant sites 5. Natural area: • wetlands • bushlands • escarpment • foreshore • watercourse

Have your say via the 24/7 consultation hub

• Tuggerah Lakes foreshore restoration works (until 1 March) - tell us how you use specific foreshore areas.

• Central Coast Regional Animal Care Facility (until 1 March) - let us know what you would like to see in the final designs.

• Wyong District Place Plan (until 10 March) – we want to hear you thoughts, ideas and feedback on the future of Wyong.

Improving your water and sewer services

I was pleased to attend (as a participant) one of the public hearings at Erina this month, however, I noticed there was some misunderstanding about what Council is trying to achieve with this draft Plan of Management process.

I would like to clarify – and stress – that this draft Plan of Management process is not about the reclassification of Council owned or managed land, nor is it about the sale of land. This process is about the categorisation of land, which will dictate how Council can manage the land.

We are working with our local community to collect feedback to help improve Council’s water and sewer services.

From March, we’re asking residents and businesses to share with Council what you value most about your water and sewer services, and how you would like to receive updates on Council’s progress in delivering on those values.

For more information, go to yourvoiceourcoast. com/waterservices

• Draft Greater Warnervale Structure Plan (until 31 March) - tell us what you would like to see for the future of Warnervale.

• Our Coast, Our Waterways (ongoing in 2023) - join us in providing feedback for our Coastal Management Programs.

There are also several planning proposals and draft policies on exhibition.

Have your say, via our 24/7 online consultation hub ‘Your Voice Our Coast’, yourvoiceourcoast.com

Read more at yourvoiceourcoast.com/ POMcommunityland by 1 March.

The next ordinary Council meeting will be held at Wyong on 28 February 2023.

Search ‘council meetings’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Expressions of interest centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eoi Establishing an Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Be a part of The Lakes Festival 2023 program

We are calling on our local Aboriginal community to send in an Expression of Interest to be part of an Aboriginal Advisory Committee. The committee is being established as part of the Central Coast First Nations Accord and will help provide advice and feedback to Council on issues that affect the community. EOI closes 9 March.

We want to hear from businesses, community groups and event organisers with a creative vision to propose and deliver an activity or an event as part of the 10-day Lakes Festival program. There is also an opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 of funding as part of the EOI, to support your activity or event.

For more information, search ‘aboriginal advisory committee’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Image: Maliga program, "Eagle" Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College - Berkeley Vale Campus

Submit an EOI by 13 March 2023. Go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eoi

Council Office 2 Hely St Wyong | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 02 4306 7900 | W centralcoast.nsw.gov.au CentralCoastCouncil

@CCoastCouncil

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NEWS & FORUM

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Council slated for “misleading” statements over boarding house I refer to the article, Council criticised over Toukley boarding house approval, published on February 16 and, specifically, I refer to the Council responses to our allegations.

Instead of addressing the concerns of the residents, the administration at Central Coast Council attempted to justify their decision process with a misleading representation of what occurred.

Council stated “It should be noted that community members who objected to the final DA submitted, had the opportunity to address the Court prior to the mediation”.

FORUM This is a misleading and incorrect statement which lacks integrity.

The residents were notified of the Land & Environment Court (LEC) Section 34 Conciliation Conference by Solicitors for Council in writing on June 15, 2022.

The solicitor advised the residents they may be able to address the Commissioner at a proposed site meeting on July 27 and that there was usually no other opportunity for the residents to engage the Court further as the S34 conference was confidential between the

parties.

There was no final amended DA at that time, so residents could not have possibly had the opportunity to lodge objections prior to mediation as claimed

by Council.

On July 27 five of the residents, representing more than 460 local residents, made verbal representations via a video link to the LEC Commissioner, when the onsite LEC Section 34 conference meeting was cancelled due to COVID. The residents’ presentations were limited to five minutes each, stating we were supportive of integrated quality

Disgusted by bank closures The CBA has closed the Umina branch and the only ATM is in Deepwater Plaza.

Last report is a profit of $5.15B. This is obviously aided by axing so many services to its clients.

Now if I want to do any

FORUM transaction, I have to join the queues in the mall.

No CBA automatic teller machines in Ettalong or Umina or in Woy Woy except for the one lousy ATM in Deepwater Plaza.

Are they trying to force us into a cashless society or just eliminating wages and services for more profit gain?

Thoroughly disgusted with them and I began as a kid with a little passbook and ink deposits.

Email, Feb 20 John Strang, Woy Woy

affordable housing in Toukley, not just any housing, and addressed the main concerns of scale of the development, lack of support services in Toukley, the adverse police report and the inevitable adverse social impact on the character of the area.

Three months later on October 18, 2022, the final amended DA was issued for public comment by Council, with a closing date for objections set at November 18.

To be precise there were more than 300 submissions stating that even though the developer had addressed internal issues and the

institutional feel raised by Council and the independent planning panel, none of the social impact issues raised by the residents with the Commissioner at the July conference had been met.

No acknowledgement of our objection letters was received from Council and no further conference was held with residents.

In less than a month from the close of the public objection period of November 18, residents received a letter from Council’s solicitor advising that Council had reached an agreement with the developer and the DA had been approved.

The Judgment from the LEC clearly states that Council advised the Court that all the residents’ objections had been met in the final DA. This statement alone is an indictment on Council administration, it clearly misrepresented the residents’ concerns. (in our view) Council does not represent the interest of the residents and we allege it appears as if Council is simply a servant of the State government and their manic rush to provide housing.

Email, Feb 21 David Isaac, Toukley

A reminder to dog owners I would like to remind dog owners to please, please, please clean up after them.

My husband and I park in The Haven and walk along to boardwalk to Terrigal.

We do this regularly and with our grandkids.

But, I am afraid that it is a

FORUM See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper disgrace with everywhere.

dog

poo

Dogs everywhere, and obviously not a lot of responsible owners.

It is so disappointing.

We need to educate the owners.

Emal, Feb 16 Anne Aldcroft, Kincumber

Walkers set to tackle Maitland Bay The Weekday Walkers will hold their first walk of the year on March 7.

The group meets for a scheduled walk each Tuesday from March through to November and comprises residents from all over the Central Coast, varying in age and background.

A spokesperson for the group said it is a great way to extend your social group, increase fitness and get to know the Coastal national parks and some little known bushland gems in congenial company.

The Weekday Walkers in Rumbalara Reserve

“For variety, we also venture to Sydney and Newcastle on occasions, where there are

numerous walking opportunities of varying degrees of challenge, but

always a great day out,” the spokesperson said.

“A reasonable level of fitness

is essential for many of the walks, with some less challenging that serve the interests of some members, who are no longer able to undertake the more challenging adventures.”

The walk on March 7 will be to the Mount Bouddi lookout at Maitland Bay. “This is a medium to hard walk of around eight kilometres,” the spokesperson said.

The group will meet at 9.30am at the Maitland Bay Beach car park on Scenic Rd,

near Maitland Bay Dr, Killcare Heights.

It is suggested that anyone interested in joining the group check the walk out prior to the scheduled group walk to ensure they have a level of fitness to meet the challenge.

Anyone interested in joining should contact walks coordinator David Foster at centralcoastweekdaywalkers @gmail.com.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Weekday Walkers

Trees on Woy Woy Rd need urgent attention, says Chamber Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Mainstreet Coordinator Debra Wales is urging Central Coast Council to conduct an urgent second inspection of trees on the low side of Woy Woy Rd (Bull’s Hill), which she says are gradually being suffocated by strangler vines.

Wales said she received a reply on February 17 from Council to an earlier request for an inspection saying the trees do not fall into the category of dead, dying or defective and would not be re-inspected for at least a year.

But Wales said the trees are key to the scenic protection of the Bulls Hill escarpment and in

some cases, they are already dead under constricting vines.

“Others are in the process of dying unless the strangler vines are severed at the base or removed,” she said.

“These are not my trees.

“These are the community’s trees and are essential to the visual backdrop of Bull’s Hill.

“If Council does nothing many of these significant trees will be lost.”

Wales urged the Council to conduct a further inspection as a matter of urgency before more trees die.

Council’s letter of February 17 said its Tree Risk Management Team assesses over 5,000 individual trees per year across the region ensuring that “our

Debra Wales says more trees will die if urgent action isn’t taken

natural environment is safe for the public’s enjoyment”.

“The trees have been inspected by a qualified Consulting Arborist,” the letter

said.

“On this occasion, no works have been programmed as the trees (did) not fall within the categories of dead, dying or

defective at the time of inspection and therefore do not meet our intervention criteria.

“This assessment is valid for one year.

“If you have further concerns about the trees after that time, or the structural integrity of the trees changes, please report the matter to Council.

“Although no works will be undertaken at this time, we thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to our attention.

“Requests such as this keep the Central Coast a safe and enjoyable location for our residents and guests.”

Wales said the loss of any more trees along Woy Woy Rd would also have repercussions

from a business and tourism point of view.

“This is what welcomes visitors and potential business investors to the Woy Woy Peninsula,” she said.

Wales said the general state of weed maintenance throughout the Peninsula was poor, with median strips overgrown with weeds.

“The main roundabout at Umina Beach town centre is neglected and covered in weeds, as are many laneway entries,” she said.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Mainstreet Coordinator Debra Wales

23 FEBRUARY 2023

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Echoes of Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd tribute at Laycock St In 1988, Australia witnessed a rock concert event unprecedented in its scale, scope and impact.

English powerhouse rockers Pink Floyd came to our shores in support of their smash hit A Momentary Lapse of Reason album, which resulted in the Delicate Sound of Thunder concert film.

The tour set a benchmark still considered the gold standard for touring acts the world over.

Now, 35 years later, as Australia begins to re-embrace live music, Echoes of Pink Floyd will present Signs of Life – an homage to the 1988 concert experience – at Laycock St Community Theatre, North Gosford, on March 25.

Signs of Life will take the listener on a voyage bringing back those heady years of 1988, with the best songs from Delicate Sound of Thunder reproduced for Pink Floyd fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Audiences will be able to enjoy tracks which have not been performed live in this country for decades, as well as

all the smash hits and stadium anthems they know and love.

Echoes of Pink Floyd is Australia’s premier Pink Floyd tribute band, having thrilled tens of thousands of fans throughout the country since its inception in 2009.

The group features seasoned musicians Daniel Hunter and Mark MacNab on guitars, Jason Miller on drums, Paul Bindig on keyboards, Matt Goodluck on vocals and Tony Coppola on bass.

For the Signs of Life tour, Echoes of Pink Floyd will draw on its extended “family” of amazing female vocalists and stunningly accurate saxophonists Australia-wide to authentically re-create the Delicate Sound of Thunder sonic landscape.

The music will be complemented by an impactful visual presentation, drawing out the themes, feelings and messages behind Pink Floyd’s thought-provoking lyrics.

Echoes of Pink Floyd’s Founder Daniel Hunter said he had always loved David Gilmour’s guitar work.

“It’s pure class,” he said.

“This tour will showcase his work at its absolute peak and I can’t wait to share it with our audiences.”

Co-founder Jason Miller said the group had spent countless hours making sure every sound is exactly as it should be.

“This is what our audiences have come to expect over the years and we love the challenge of getting these songs just right,” he said.

Front man Matt Goodluck said the impact of Pink Floyd’s visit to Australia in 1988 was impossible to overstate.

“We’re so excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this iconic tour and bring back some great memories for Pink Floyd fans all over the country,” he said.

Echoes of Pink Floyd will play Laycock St Community Theatre on Saturday, March 25.

Bookings are available at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov. au/theatres or on 4323 3233.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Marc Mancini Entertainment

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THURSDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2023

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Mardi Gras fun at the Naughty Noodle

Khandi K Loudly will be one of the entertainers at the viewing party

As the Sydney Mardi Gras parade makes its way down Oxford St on February 25, the Central Coast will be represented by the Coastal Twist Festival float.

Coastal Twist was a finalist for best float design in 2021 and

this year’s float will mark the fourth year of its participation and include 80 people.

The float theme this year is Galactic Love, reflecting a mission to spread love and inclusion throughout the galaxy.

Beverly Bubbles will appear at the event

For those not in Sydney for the big night but still wanting to have some celebratory fun locally, The Naughty Noodle Fun Haus at Ettalong will be cheering on the Coastal Twist Festival float at a free community, all ages viewing party.

The parade will be live streamed on a massive screen and there will be entertainment by local performers and DJs along with the Mardi Gras action.

Performing at the Mardi Gras viewing party will be DJ

Delinquent Disposition, hostess Glitta Supernova, Khandi K Loudly, Anita Drink and Beverly Bubbles.

The event will be ages, but those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are free but you must

register online at naughtynoodle.com.au/whatson or by calling 4314 6004.

The night will get underway at 6pm.

Source: Media release, Feb 16 Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

Community yoga class raises $200 for Coast Shelter Umina Beach Yoga’s first Community Yoga class celebrating World Pride 2023 was a great success, raising $201 for Coast Shelter.

The business is offering monthly yoga classes to build community and connection and to raise money for Coast Shelter, with the next to be held on Saturday, March 18, in celebration of International Women’s Day. ‘We want our beautiful yoga studio to be a space where community can come

The next class will be held on March 18

together and feel welcome, to support physical and mental health with a free yoga practise and to share tea and chat with friends,” manager Helen Macnair said.

“Students can donate whatever they can afford – that might be nothing or $20 – and all proceeds will be donated to Coast Shelter.

“We are hoping to easily reach our fund-raising goal of $1,000 by the end of the year.

“Each month the class will be led by one of a team of experienced, professional teachers and will highlight a

national or international event to increase awareness, educate and help make the world a better place.

“These informal classes will be fun, relaxing and designed to make you feel nurtured and nourished.”

The March 18 session will be held from 4.30-5.45pm and followed by tea and a chat.

Book through the website uminabeachyoga.com.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Umina Beach Yoga

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WILLS WEEK Secure your appointment for April by booking online today at rescuehelicopter.com.au/willsweek or call 1800 155 155 Bookings close 28 February.

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Opera in the Arboretum returns to Pearl Beach The Pearl Beach Arboretum is once again set to ring out with glorious music and song on March 11.

Opera in the Arboretum will present acclaimed UK bass baritone Rodney Earl Clarke who comes to Australia from London’s West End where he is currently performing in Les Misérables.

He will be singing with his mezzo-soprano wife Louise Callinan who has sung in opera houses around the world including Paris Opera.

Australian based opera stars who will perform include award winning soprano Lorina Gore who has recently performed the lead in La Traviata with

Opera Queensland and tenor John Longmuir who is a principal with Opera Australia.

Joining the singers will be violin prodigy Alicia Poon and international pianist Donna Balson.

The event will also feature the Central Coast Chamber Orchestra with players from the Central Coast Conservatorium under the baton of conductor Patrick Brennan.

The music program will include opera’s most celebrated characters from Don Giovanni to Carmen, with famous ensembles including the Barcarolle from Tales of Hoffmann and the beautiful trio from Cosi fan tutte.

The event will also celebrate the Golden Age of Music Theatre with the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

It will be held in the open air at Crommelin Native Arboretum at Pearl Beach on March 11 from 3-5.30pm with audience members asked to bring their own picnic and chair.

Opera in the Arboretum is a charity event hosted by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy and this year’s recipients will be the Umina Surf Lifesaving Club, Beyond Blue, Central Coast Conservatorium and other Rotary charities.

Source: Media release, Feb 30 Opera in the Arboretum

Opera in the Arboretum 2022 with Jose Carbo (baritone) and Clarrissa Spata (soprano)

Family history seminar at East Gosford Central Coast Family History Society (FHS) will host a Royal Australian Historical Society Family History (RAHS) Seminar on Saturday, March 4, from 10am-4pm in the Lions Community Hall at East Gosford.

Alan and Sue Edwards checking Central Coast FHS convict records preparing for the seminar

The theme for the seminar will be researching Australian land records and discovering

where to find information about convicts transported from England and Ireland.

A RAHS spokesperson said approximately 12 per cent of all convicts transported to Australia were Irish and Senior Vice-President Christine Yeats would highlight resources available to learn more about convicts transported from Ireland to Australia at the seminar.

Also speaking will be Adjunct Associate Professor Carol Liston, a historian who specialises in the history of early NSW. As more Australians try to trace their convict ancestors, much data exists in British record offices to provide a more fulsome story.

The seminar will also feature a talk that will show how to

research the crimes of convict women using English courts records.

For more information and bookings, go to the RAHS website: https://www.rahs. org.au/event/central-coastregional-seminar-2023/.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Central Coast Family History Society

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Expressible artwork on show A new exhibition highlighting the work of six emerging artists will be on show at The Erina Centre Gallery in the foyer of Erina Library until March 11.

Inspired by Gosford Regional Gallery’s Developing Expression studio group 2022, under the mentorship of Gosford Art Prize finalist Jon Ellis, Expressible brings the artists together to express their stories and experiences within their own styles and media choices.

The featured artists are Carol Porter, JJ Arnold, Carolyn Purtle, Karen Macdonald, Jo Stanes and Tracey L Baglin.

Carolyn Purtle she loves nature and bush-walking, which go “hand in hand”.

“Painting allows me to bring some of that wonder and beauty back in my living room,” she said.

“This is an expression of me; the ability to express myself and be inspired by the beauty of nature.

One of the works on show - Artic Dreaming Series No. 3 by Karen Macdonald

Brisbane Waters National Park – the hidden lookout by Carolyn Purtle

“Jon has guided and somewhat pushed me to

became more loose and to feel the subject.”

Amongst the Mangroves by Carol Porter

Carol Porter said her work was a “journey through space

“(It is) the abstraction of ideas, concepts and places, where I draw upon familiar spaces around me,” she said.

She said she had pursued different methods in abstract painting under Ellis’s direction.

Karen Macdonald said her series of painting was inspired while cruising the Arctic Circle, observing glaciers, icebergs, polar bears and other wildlife. “(It was) such an extraordinary experience that I wanted to preserve the feeling forever on canvas,” she said.

Tracey L. Baglin said her work was “an examination of the mangroves behind Gosford Gallery (capturing) jewel-like reflections and unexpected colours in the rich shimmering mudpools after weeks of rain”.

The Erina Centre Gallery is open from 9am-5pm MondayFriday and from 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

and time; the exploration of colours, shapes and forms”.

Terry Collins

Delve into deep ecology and meditation World-renowned deep ecology teacher, John Seed, will offer a weekend workshop at the Narara Ecovillage on March 11-12.

The Deep Ecology and Nature Meditation Weekend will give people a chance to connect to nature in a more powerful way.

Deep ecology is a way of seeing ourselves as part of the earth, rather than as separate individuals.

It leads to a deeper connection with life and the planet and highlights our role in protecting it.

Seed is a long-time rainforest activist and now a resident of the Ecovillage.

He wrote the foundational Deep Ecology book Thinking Like a Mountain along with US teacher Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming and the inventor of the term “deep ecology”, Professor Arne Naess.

Seed has developed workshop processes over four decades to help people to connect to nature in such a way that they feel truly part of the natural world, and no longer separate.

“I’ve never wavered from my conviction that the world needs to understand that the illusion of separation between humans and the rest of the natural world is the root of the environmental crisis,” he said.

Deep ecology expert John Seed

“And that the ceremonies and rituals that Joanna Macy and I created (synchronous with

what all indigenous peoples, including of course our ancestors, have practiced for

hundreds of thousands of years), are a simple and reliable way out of the trap.”

Also teaching at the workshop will be Mindfulness Meditation teacher, Suzie Brown, also a resident of the ecovillage and a facilitator of nature-based meditation.

“The Central Coast has many precious natural wonders such as the creeks and waterways, rainforest, bush and beaches – it’s great for our physical and emotional health to deeply connect with these places,” Brown said.

“Our busy, urbanised lifestyle tends to take us away from feeling our natural connection to and interdependency with

nature.

“This workshop will reawaken this ancient wisdom we all have within us that we are part of this living natural system.”

Included in the weekend will be deep ecology activities, meditations in nature, connection to the plants, animals and landscape, bird language and behaviour, bush tucker and edible weeds, and campfire stories and songs.

Bookings and information are available at https://deepecology-march-2023.lilregie. com/.

Source: Media release, Feb 14 Suzie Brown

Troubadour presents Enda Kenny at Everglades The Troubadour Folk Club will open its 2023 concert program with the return of singer/songwriter Enda Kenny to Everglades Country Club at Woy Woy on February 25.

Enda Kenny

The Irish Australian folk singer is known by folk music audiences across the country as the master of ballads and warm humour.

His performances for Troubadour audiences in the past have always been enormously popular, but his shows planned for 2020 and 2021 had to be cancelled due to COVID lockdowns.

Kenny will highlight his newly

released CD, after recently being named Artist of the Year 2023 at the Newstead Live Music Festival in Victoria.

This will be one of his last appearances in Australia before he leaves for a busy year touring New Zealand, Europe and the UK. Kenny made his home in Australia in the late 1980s.

His thoughtful, descriptive stories of his adoptive homeland have struck a chord with festival audiences all over the country and are always spiced with plenty of humour.

Troubadour is planning a big year of live folk and acoustic music.

Each month there will be a Grand Concert at the Everglades, open to members, friends and residents.

This year’s program includes concerts in March from Keith Potger, founding member of the Seekers and New Seekers and in October from Judy Small, considered by many to be Australia’s most inspiring female singer-songwriter.

Among other artists set to appear are Traditional Graffitti in May, Kejaffi in September, new Americana fiddle duo Corn Nut Creek in June and Maurie Mulheron and Pat Craigie in July.

“In 2022 we started a new monthly concert program we

call the Club Performers Night,” a spokesperson said.

“Held in the Empire Bay Community Centre on the second Saturday of the month, the events have a relaxed coffee-bar atmosphere and feature local musicians, each with a short set of their most recent songs, tunes, bush poetry or yarns.

The Troubadour always welcomes newcomers and keeps entry charges low.

For details on coming events go to www.troubadour.org.au or call 4342 6716.

Source: Media release, Feb 17 Troubadour Folk Club

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Central Coast Festival of Women 2023

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all #EmbraceEquity.

Friday 3 March

International Women’s Day Luncheon and Launch of Central Coast Festival of Women

12pm-2pm

$60

Ettalong Diggers, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257

info@cbwn.org.au

stickytickets.com.au

Women in Art - Exhibition Launch

6pm

Friday 3 March

The Entrance Gallery, The Entrance Community Centre, Norberta St, The Entrance NSW 2261 Saturday 4 March

Women in Art Exhibition (4-17 March)

rasheeda.flight@gmail.com

The Entrance Gallery, The Entrance Community Centre, Norberta St, The Entrance NSW 2261

10am- 4pm

secretary@tlas.org.au

Free

International Women’s Day Expo and Artisan’s Market

The Entrance Community Centre, Battley Ave, The Entrance NSW 2261

10am- 3pm

rasheeda.flight@gmail.com

Free

Soroptimist International Women's Day Breakfast

8:45am

$45

Saturday 4 March

Sunday 5 March

Breaker’s Country Club, 64 Dover Road Wamberal NSW 2260

sibrisbanewater@siswp.org

humanitix.com

International Women’s Day Celebration Breakfast

Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi NSW 2261

7am-9am

info@cbwn.org.au

$60

International Women’s Day Lunch

10am-2pm

Free/Booking required

PWHC@cccwhc.com.au

stickytickets.com.au

Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon

12pm-2pm

$60

Pullman Magenta Shores, 1 Magenta Drive, Magenta NSW 2261

info@cbwn.org.au

stickytickets.com.au

Suzy Miller’s International Women’s Day Luncheon Lift, Shine, Thrive

12pm-2pm

$90

Drifters Wharf, 12A Dane Drive, Gosford NSW 2250

hey@suzymiller.com.au

suzymiller.com.au

IWD Movie Night - First night showing of ‘Till’

7pm

$25 cash at the door

Avoca Beach Theatre, 69 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach NSW 2251

centralcoastzonta@gmail.com

Wednesday 8 March

Wednesday 8 March

Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, The Ary Toukley, 35-47 Holmes Ave Toukley NSW 2263

stickytickets.com.au

Wednesday 8 March

Wednesday 8 March

Thursday 9 March

Saturday 11 March Rayon Riot - International Women’s Day Cabaret Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, 5 Broken Bay Road, Ettalong NSW 2257

6:30pm-10:30pm Show starts at 8pm

$30/$35

boxoffice@naughtynoodle.com.au

naughtynoodle.com.au

11:30am

Booking fee

admin@eldersleefoundation.org.au

eldersleefoundation.org.au

10am-4pm

Free

Sunday 12 March

All About Women: Satellite Program Streamed from Sydney Opera House

The Red Tree Theatre, 2/160-162 Pacific Hwy,Tuggerah NSW 2259 Thursday 16 March

Women in Art - Exhibition Close

The Entrance Gallery, The Entrance Community Centre, Norberta St, The Entrance NSW 2261

rasheeda.flight@gmail.com

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Coast’s nightlife will thrive under Labor, say MPs The State Labor Party has promised a more vibrant night life for the Central Coast if elected to government in March.

A Labor Government would extend the 24-hour Economy Strategy to cover the six cities, bringing the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong into the plan.

The 24-hour Economy Commissioner would lead a coordinated and collaborative effort with local councils, communities, industry and creatives in the regions to build a strong and vibrant night time economy prioritising live music and entertainment.

The Government would also give the 24-hour Economy Commission more powers to drive the agenda, and convert the role into a permanent statutory appointment, protecting the role in the law.

Central Coast Labor MPs announced the move at Gosford’s Drifters Wharf on February 17, committing to work with local government and venues to create a special entertainment precinct in the region.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast and Member for

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Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the policy would help grow the Coast’s local music scene and provide opportunities for Coasties to showcase their talent and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the region needs additional support to see its night time economy thrive.

Shadow Minister for Music and the Night Time Economy and Shadow Minister for the Arts John Graham said the state’s after dark economy was slowly recovering after COVID lockdowns.

“There are some promising signs for hospitality, but music, arts and performance are still struggling,” he said.”

“The first priority will be to tackle the grassroots venue crisis across the state – the loss of music, performance and theatre venues.”

Source: Media release, Feb 17, 2023, NSW Labor Scan here to see the video on our YouTube Channel

Labor MPs joined with members of the live music scene to make the announcement

Wyong David Harris said the state had lost hundreds of venues over the past 12 years.

“This is just as true on the Central Coast as it is in Sydney,” he said.

“The Central Coast already has a vibrant live music and entertainment culture; we

need to do everything we can to support and grow our creative community.”

PAGE 20

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Traditional homemade Italian Pizza

A PINCH OF SALT This is the fourth instalment of a Pinch of Salt CCN’s collaboration with celebrity Chef Daniel from Gosford.

Chef Daniel’s next guest is Mr Entertainment himself Mr Chris King who has been performing since he was ten years old across, film, TV, theatre and radio for over 5 decades. Chris is a well known presence in the arts on the Central Coast and anyone who is anyone knows him and his wonderful work.

Chris has appeared in many films and TV series including his role as Dennis Jamieson in the long running hit TV series, ‘The young doctors.’ Chris started up the Johnny Young Talent school in the 80’s and coached many gifted singers who went on to make their mark in the music industry

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Recipe Ingredients: • 350mls water • 6g yeast • 15g salt • 600g pizza flour • 300ml can tomato puree (Chef Daniel prefers Mutti brand) • 1 Mozarella knot

such as Natalie Imbruglia and Gemma Ricks.

Chef Daniel wanted to show Chris how to make simple pizza dough from scratch so he can impress his family and friends.

This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and you can add your favourite topics.

Find the full video on CCN’s YouTube channel: @CentralCoastNewsAU Find Chef Daniel on Instagram @chefdanielaus

Pizza dough Instructions: 1. Add yeast and salt to water and stir until dissolved 2. Add 600g flour and stir until a smooth batter 3. Sprinkle flour and kneed it on a bread board 4. Cut into 300g balls 5. Place in covered container and let proof (rest) for minimum of 12 hours. Overnight or even up to 48 hours would be even better.

Pizza instructions:

Scan the QR code or see our website for full video Chris King

In Italy your pizza is your pizza and it doesn’t come sliced. You don’t share it with anyone! They like to keep it simple and always go back to the colours of the flag, red, green and white for inspiration in their cooking.

SCAN ME

1. Stretch dough 2. Use spoon to spread tomato puree onto pizza base 3. Add sliced mozzarella or any other ingredients 4. Use pizza paddle or similar to place pizza in oven 5. Cook at 240°C for 5 minutes 6. Fresh basil to garnish 7. Slice and serve hot Tips: When stretching the pizza lift it out of the container, not pull.

Special honour for dedicated volunteers

Volunteers building a community garden space at Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy

Some of the Central Coast’s most dedicated volunteers have been honoured with service recognition awards from the NSW Government for their efforts to maintain and improve two key Crown land reserves in the region.

The certificates, signed by Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson recognise long-serving volunteers at Norah Head Lighthouse

Reserve and the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy.

“The Norah Head Lighthouse Land Manager Board manages the 15ha lighthouse reserve which attracts thousands of people each year and is one of the region’s most spectacular locations, taking in sweeping Pacific Ocean views,” Anderson said.

“The Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Land Manager Board manages the 175ha Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy,

which provides enormous community value as a wetlands education centre, for nature walks, bird watching, picnics and relaxing in the natural environment.

“Both these Central Coast icons are great examples of how hard-working volunteers help ensure Crown land reserves can serve and benefit their entire community.”

North Head Lighthouse Land Manager volunteers to receive service recognition were

Greg Sullivan of Crown Lands with Norah Head board members Ken Greenwald, Colin Paulson, Neil Rose, Ian McNaught and Doug Darlington

include Neil Rose (10 years) and Colin Paulson (10 years) and retiring members Ian McNaught (five years), Doug Darlington (five years) and Ken Greenwald (two years).

Tuggerah Lakes Reserve Land Manager volunteers at Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy to receive awards were recently retired members Dellas Johnston (20 years), Marlene Pennings (18 years) and Gerardus Pennings (four years), as well as continuing

board member Jed Field (10 years).

Norah Head Lighthouse, built between 1901 and 1903, is of heritage and environmental significance and a popular spot for whale watching, lighthouse tours and weddings, with volunteers donating thousands of hours to manage the reserve together with NSW Government funding assistance.

Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy is home to over 200 bird species and an

enormous biodiversity of plants and animals, as well as historic buildings, licenced cattle grazing, a golf driving range, plant nursery, wetlands rehabilitation, community gardens and education activities.

Source: Media release, Feb 14 NSW Government

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Business & Property

Call for event ideas for Lakes Festival

The festival will run from November 3-12

Central Coast Council is inviting businesses, community groups and event organisers to propose an event or activity to be a part of the annual 10-day Lakes Festival program scheduled for November to celebrate the Coast’s diverse waterways.

The festival, to run from November 3-12, is an annual reminder of the variety of lakes and waterways available on the Central Coast.

The program brings together an array of local organisations and businesses to host a range of family-friendly activities or

events each November.

Council Unit Manager Community and Culture Glenn Cannard said the festival is one of the region’s biggest events which debuts every spring and is made special by locals who host a variety of entertaining and innovative activities.

“The calendar of events linked to The Lakes Festival Program last year attracted over 20,000 festival goers,” Cannard said.

“This year we are continuing to seek expressions of interests from new and returning businesses, companies, organisations, and community

groups who have a unique activity or event concept.

“No idea is too big or too small.

“Ideas can be anything centred around the theme or location of our waterways, from festivals, and sporting events to art events, outdoor installations, water education, workshops, and community events.

“A few examples we have previously had in our program include The Colour Run, Norah Head Lighthouse Festival, Clambake, Toukley Arts & Craft, Long Jetty Street Festival and Park Feast.”

The successful applicants for 2023 will benefit by being included in Council’s festival program and marketing campaign.

There is also the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in funding as part of the expression of interest application under the Event Innovation Funding program.

The funding is aimed at assisting events that meet the criteria upon application.

Suggested events should: facilitate a vibrant and innovative events culture within the Central Coast; encourage the development of

tourism; and encourage the involvement of local residents (via) positive interaction, cultural activity and a strong community identity.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the festival is a fun occasion which plays a significant role in teaching locals and tourists about our waterways.

“I’m excited to see what this year’s program has in store as The Lakes Festival is celebrated across the Coast and is made possible by the ideas and contributions of so many amazing local businesses, groups, and organisations,”

Hart said.

“Our waterways are part of the Central Coast’s identity and it’s important to continue to celebrate and educate the local community and visitors alike.”

Submissions will close at 2pm on Monday, March 13.

To find out more, view the full guidelines and to get involved visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ eoi.

The Lakes Festival 2023 is sponsored by Mounties Group.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Central Coast Council

We’re Local

We don’t just listen. We care.

You can trust Meares Law to listen to you, provide you with caring and compassionate legal advice and strongly prosecute your matter.

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Major concerns over development at Penang Parklands Kariong Progress Association has written to Planning Minister John Roberts and the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) expressing concerns over work being undertaken in Penang Parklands at Kariong.

One of the major areas of concern if traffic issues.

“With the new connection to Kangoo Rd at the northern end of the precinct, the Parklands have now been permanently linked to the Somersby Industrial area,” the letter says.

“This will inevitably increase traffic volumes both commercially and privately throughout the Parklands area.

“We are concerned for safety of children in the area – preschool and junior primary students from two schools.

“We are also concerned for residents and visitors who use the existing roadways for walking, cycling and running.

“Furthermore, we have been given to understand that one of the heritage-listed roads (McCabe Rd) has been sold (and) designated ‘Special Purpose’.

“Such a mystery zoning is

Parklands Rd in Penang Parklands

extremely worrying, and we fear for the impact that this ‘Special Purpose’ development will eventually have on the area, both from a traffic and an environmental perspective.

“We believe the Parklands roadways, which already experience congestion on a daily basis in relation to school start and finish times, will now be inundated by many new users in an area that has only ever been designated for low

level, calm, low speed light transport.”

The letter says the heritage and environmental significance of the parklands is gradually being diminished.

“The destruction of the original trees making way for roads and development has been extremely upsetting for many Kariong residents,” it says.

“Directly related to this destruction, we are now

confronted with industrial creep into the Mt Penang area from the Somersby Industrial Estate.

“The natural buffer that Penang Parkland has always offered to the Kariong village community will in time disappear because of bad political/bureaucratic decisionmaking with no environmental consideration for the future of the area.

“Unless the developers and

stakeholders are prepared to listen to the community, walking and cycling in a beautiful environment filled with tree and birds will very soon be a thing of the past.”

The letter says a designated festival area where the Central Coast community assembled for markets, entertainment, special group gatherings, annual fairs, park runs and a variety of public uses over many years is now gone, sold to a private company.

“This is an example of irresponsible planning and obviously drastic consequence for the community,” it says.

“The natural waterways and green areas are now fully exposed to industrial and commercial development, and unless something is done ASAP to stop this thoughtless development, they will be eventually destroyed.”

The letter says the dog offleash area must be maintained with proper fencing and roadside parking and that special provision must be made for citizens requiring mobility access and disabled parking, including pathways and ramps for mobility appliances.

It says it is imperative that pathways for walking and cycling be maintained throughout the entire Mt Penang precinct.

“The Kariong Progress Association participated in the Have Your Say campaign in July 2021,” the letter says.

“We offered a lot of community input with ideas gathered at many meetings that did not see the light of day.

“We fear that the Government and bureaucratic departments are fixated on destroying the character of Penang Parklands with over commercialisation and have, therefore, chosen to disregard our input.

“It may be worth considering that Mt Penang is of considerable historical significance, that it was in existence more than 40 years before Kariong became a suburb, and that once it has been destroyed by development and profit directed commercial interest it will be impossible to bring it back to life.”

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Kariong Progress Association

Government funding for new cabins at two holiday parks

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Spectacular views from Shelly Beach Holiday Park

Two Shores Holiday Village at The Entrance North and Shelly Beach Holiday Park will be upgraded as part of the Federal Government’s grant funding to support tourism.

The Caravan Park Grants program – which is providing $10M for 111 park upgrade projects across Australia – is part of the Government’s $48M package of new funding to support Australia’s tourism and travel businesses and workers in their continued recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

A grant of $100,000 to Shelly Beach Holiday Park will support the construction of two new

three-bedroom units at Shelly Beach Holiday Park to replace older cabins.

At Two Shores Holiday Village, $100,000 will go towards the refurbishment of 10 cabins to make them more accessible while enabling new bathrooms, kitchens, planter boxes, selling fans and gas stoves.

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said the grant funding would provide a boost to local tourism, attracting more visitors and encouraging them to stay longer by providing improved visitor experiences.

“We know that in recent years many Australians have rediscovered the fun and adventure of exploring our own country and the abundance of

amazing destinations and experiences our nation has to offer, just like the beaches of the Central Coast,” she said.

“Caravan parks are a popular accommodation option for families, budget-conscious travellers and people keen to explore Australia, particularly in our regions.

“This funding will not only support local businesses, it will deliver economic benefits for our community by encouraging more Australians and international visitors to come and stay on the Coast,” McBride said.

Source: Media release, Feb 21 Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride

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Revised plan for 10 townhouses in Wyong Two dilapidated old homes in Wyong will be demolished to make way for 10 new townhouses over two to three levels.

Both houses at 34 and 36 Margaret St have been deemed dangerous and non-habitable because of their degradation.

The property at 34 had been locally heritage listed in 2013, but independent heritage assessments in 2018 and 2020 concluded there was little or no heritage significance because of its advanced state of disrepair, and Central Coast Council approved demolition in

2021.

This is a revised development application (DA) submitted by Kingdom Investments Corporation Pty Ltd, as the first was not supported by Council because of problems with the building façade, private open space, solar access, parking, fencing, stormwater and drainage.

The proposal is to build 10 townhouses over two to three levels and in two sections, north and south, separated by a central driveway.

The site will be partly excavated for the double

garages underneath the northern townhouses which have living areas and outdoor courtyard at ground level and three bedrooms on the upper level.

Southern townhouses have a single garage at ground level as well as living areas opening to an outdoor courtyard, and three bedrooms on the first level.

The development application (3918/2022) can be viewed on Council’s website and public feedback will be accepted until Friday, March 10.

How the townhouses will look from Margaret St

Sue Murray

Ability Options expands employment services Leading disability and employment services provider Ability Options is moving into a larger and newly refurbished office in Toukley to support the growth of its employment services.

The not-for-profit organisation will have the capacity to grow its Workforce Australia and ParentsNext programs on the Central Coast, furthering its mission to support people in the community to reach their goals.

Ability Options Senior Property and Assets Manager, Kerry said that while the new site was only a 10 minute drive from the old one, the demand for Ability Options’ services in the region had increased, requiring a bigger space to better provide locals with the

A traditional smoking ceremony at the opening of the new office in Toukley

support they needed.

“We were previously operating these services from Charmhaven and, due to growth and increased demand for our services, needed a bigger space to support the community,” she said.

“It is exciting to be located in Toukley; we are thankful to have received a lot of support from the community as we make this transition.

“The owners of the building have been incredibly supportive throughout the renovation

process and have assisted our people during the fit out of the site to ensure it is fit for purpose.”

Workforce Australia Manager, Jessica says people come first when offering support through its services.

“At Ability Options, our people provide an individualised, person-centred approach to the services we offer to participants,” she said.

“Our services put choice and control back in the hands of our participants so they can choose their goals and work towards them in a supported way.”

The opening day held on Tuesday, February 7 was hosted Ability Options staff and participants.

The office was officially welcomed to the community under a traditional smoking ceremony performed by Senior Education and Tourism Officer Kevin Duncan.

While Ability Options is relatively new to Toukley, the organisation has a long history of providing employment services and support on the

Central Coast and across NSW. Workforce Australia, the Australian Government’s employment service, is delivered by Ability Options in partnership with CoAct, a national network of for-purpose organisations committed to changing people’s lives through employment.

The Workforce Australia program has a range of services available to help all Australians, to find, keep, change jobs or create their own job.

ParentsNext is a program tailored for assisting new or existing parents, who have been out of the workforce to care for their children, to reenter with confidence and support.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Ability Options

Detached houses decline in favour of multi-unit abodes The Housing Industry Association reports a decline of 28 percent in detached home activity across the Central Coast in 2022 as a result of increased multi-unit approvals.

HIA Hunter Executive Director, Craig Jennion, said the latest figures on new home approvals from the Australia Bureau of Statistics indicate that in 2022 detached dwelling approvals had decreased in both the Central Coast and the Hunter

regions.

“In 2022 detached dwelling approvals decreased 18 percent in the Hunter and 28 percent on the Central Coast compared to the 2021 calendar year,” he said.

“Accounting for 66.8 percent of all approvals in the Hunter detached homes remained the preference for home buyers, despite the decline.

“However, on the Central Coast they fell to 48.8 percent as a result of increased multiunit approvals,” Jennion said.

In 2022 a total of 3,966 new dwellings were approved in the Hunter, a fall of 23 percent compared to the previous year.

Dissimilarly, 1,603 total approvals on the Central Coast ensured the region duplicated the number of residential homes approved for construction compared to 2021.

“This was a result of elevated activity in the south of the municipality,” Jennion said.

“Much of the heavy lifting for the residential sector continues

coastcommunitynews.com.au

to occur in the local government areas of Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.

“These top three locations for approvals accounting for 65.4 percent of total approvals.

“The value of approved major renovations and alterations diverged, with Hunter approvals decreasing by 13 percent to $276.2M and the Central Coast increasing by six percent to $157.5M. “Like detached and multiunit dwelling approvals, all growth on the Central Coast

occurred in the south of the municipality, where the total value increased 12 percent”.

“The declines, particularly those in the latter half of 2022, were expected following the end of the HomeBuilder grant and a cooling market that was influenced by increases in the cost of construction, triggered by material and labour shortages.

“Looking ahead, residential building activity will remain strong on the back of the large pipeline of work approved over the past two years, however,

the impact of increasing interest rates will keep demand for new homes at a level below that observed in recent years.

“Pleasingly, the relative affordability advantages the region has over other locations will support continued demand for new homes, ensuring the important contribution residential construction provides the local economy continues in the near future,” Jennion said.

Source: Housing Industry Association

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Plan of management for community land needs a rethink, CEN The Community Environment Network (CEN) says Central Coast Council’s draft plan of management for over 2,100 individual parcels of community land grouped into 400 sites could fail to meet its legal obligations under the NSW Local Government Act and Regulations.

“We understand that Council needs to fix problems with its management of community land,” CEN Chair Gary Chestnut said.

“Some land has never been given a category and other land has, according to the Council, been given the wrong category.

“The exhibited draft plan of management and the schedule of land are just not good enough.

“The Local Government Act is crystal clear about what plans of management for community land are supposed to do and the generic plan exhibited by Central Coast Council fails to explain how the Council will manage its most important

The draft plan outlines plans for the future management of community land such as Rumbalara Reserve

public land to preserve its qualities.”

Chestnut said CEN’s submission on the draft plan outlines multiple problems with the way Council has conducted the public consultation on the classification or reclassification of around 400 community land sites across the Coast.

“There were not enough public hearings and the

hearings did not go for long enough,” the submission says.

CEN has opposed Council’s intention to replace site and category-specific plans of management with a generic plan of management for the 400 sites.

“We believe this approach will result in poor outcomes for the community and the local environment and we’ve asked Council to slow down and have

a rethink,” Chestnut said.

“Any site that includes more than one class of community land needs to have its own plan of management and so do sites that are clearly of long-term value to the community.

CEN is especially alarmed by the approach Council has taken to land classified as Natural Areas which includes bushland, wetlands, escarpment, watercourse, foreshore or any

other area prescribed under the Act. “For Natural Areas Council must ‘conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function’ while permitting access to the land in a manner that will ‘minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion.

“The exhibited Plan of Management appears to give

Council authority to open up Natural Areas for more use and development and, in our view, that could be unlawful.”

The submission is available to view on CEN’s website under Latest News.

“We will now turn our attention to looking at the Schedule of Community land and, before March 1, when submissions close, we will be sending Council a list of how we believe sites should be categorised,” Chestnut said.

“We are deeply concerned that over 100 existing pieces of bushland and wetland have suddenly been reclassified, as part of this exhibition, as parks and for general use.”

“CEN does not believe Council has conducted its community consultation in the right spirit and we encourage the community to join our webinar if they need an understanding of this process and help to write their own submissions,” Chestnut said.

Source: Media release, Feb 17 Community Environment Network

Cash boost for local sport projects Community sport across the northern Central Coast is the big winner with many projects being financed through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grants Program.

Member for Wyong and Shadow Minister for Central Coast, David Harris the cash boost would turbocharge participation in sport across all age groups and bring the community closer together.

“It is so important we continue supporting our local sporting clubs – they are the life-blood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle,” he said.

The money will go towards improved sport facilities and accessibility and to hold new events and development

programs.

The Entrance Cricket Club has received $2,743 for a portable pitch to cater for more junior girls and boys programs which have doubled in popularity over the past three seasons.

Mannering Park Sailing Club has received $4,640 for its volunteer training and certification program.

AFL football clubs are getting a boost with $3,000 to The Entrance Bateau Bay for shelter improvements at Bateau Bay Oval and $8,000 to Killarney Vale for safety protection fencing at Adelaide St Oval.

Wyong Warriors Sports Club will receive $5,000 for equipment, development programs and player uniforms as well as $5,000 for a multisport festival, including clubs

Club will get increased lighting at Halekulani Oval and an improved scoreboard.

Mingara Killarney District Netball Club will receive $5,000 to subsidise the cost of training gear and court hire while Bateau Bay Dolphins Netball Club gets a boost of $3,264 for new equipment and $2,160 for skills development programs.

138 Robina Town Centre Drive Robina Qld 4226 The annual winter swimming PO Box 3275 Robina Town Centre Qldcarnival 4230 run by Titans Tel: 1300 36 0867 Fax: 1300 81 8962 Swimming Club, at either email: artwork@localdirectories.com.auToukley Pool or Peninsula Barefoot bowls at Gwandalan Bowling Club Leisure Centre, has received a www.localdirectories.com.au $3,616 grant. The event is open from other NSW regional areas, areas. to competitors from any to compete at Central Coast Mud and puddles at Ted Doyle Regional Sporting and Oval will be a thing of the past registered NSW swim club.

Cricket clubs will get a boost Recreation Complex, Tuggerah. with an $8,800 grant to with $4,710 to Lisarow Gwandalan Bowling Club will Berkeley Vale Rugby League & Ourimbah for development and receive $3,500 for anti-slip Sports Club for a disability equipment and $9,000 to pathway resurfacing around access path and Budgewoi/ Wyong for synthetic grass and the greens and spectator Buff Point Junior Rugby League nets upgrade at Baker Park.

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The Entrance Hockey Club has received $6,500 to subsidise training costs and equipment upgrade and the Croquet Club at Bateau Bay will buy new mallets with its $6,875 and to encourage new players through Come and Try events, coaching clinics and monthly disability access events.

Slade Park, the home ground of Northlakes Junior Rugby Union Club, will get a canteen upgrade with new appliances from a $2,400 grant and another $9,293.00 for a custom-made trailer.

The Ourimbah Razorbacks Rugby Club will receive $1,944 for training equipment and $2,428 for technology development for improved training drills.

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CONVEYANCING • Purchase & Sale of Property • Refinancing Mortgages • Purchase & Sale of Business • Leasing • Retirement Villages COURT APPEARANCES • Criminal Law • AVO Matters • Traffic Matters • Drink Driving

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY

Adam CROUCH STATE MEMBER FOR

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These are fantastic initiatives which I strongly encourage our community to get involved with!

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

This is the year to ignore the experts’ forecasts WITH

Michelle BALTAZAR Editor-in-Chief • Money magazine The start of the year is when economists and financial market commentators chance their arm to forecast how the coming year might play out, giving not-sosubtle hints to investors for where they should put their hard-earned and now inflation-ravaged money.

But given how badly most forecasters have been faring these past few years, this writer has no intention of being so foolish as to try to predict what 2023 has in store.

Showing how bad they’ve been, the defining economic and financial events of our time have been the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the ensuing chaos in world energy and agriculture markets, the upending in global supply chains, rampant inflation, looming global slowdowns and possible recessions.

As a result, most economic forecasts turned out to be about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike.

It is hardly a surprise, then, that, this time round, many of the world’s leading financial newspapers have been telling their readers to forget forecasts and to instead embrace uncertainty.

Dismal year for super To see why this is good advice, you only need to see how last year played out in Australia.

While 2021 was the best calendar year yet for superannuation, delivering an average return of 18%, 2022 has just delivered an estimated -4.3%, making it the worst since the 2008 GFC. Adding in the effects of inflation, the real returns from default superannuation are now sitting at a dismal -10% or so.

Causing the damage were the Australian sharemarket, which delivered -4%, and US equities, which delivered -20%.

But what has spooked many investors is how, at the same time, surging supply-side-driven inflation triggered interest rates around the world to accelerate at their fastest-ever pace.

This led to a collapse in global bond market returns that look set to end 2022 at -20% as well.

Look on the bright side Just because things are bad now doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way – this is something we call “recency risk”, which is the uncanny silliness of thinking that what’s happening now will keep going forever.

To counter this kind of thinking, consider this: in the past 30 calendar years, while the average increase in the S&P/ASX 300 total returns index

was 11%, it went backwards only six times – it went up 80% of the time.

Even better, it has never gone backwards two calendar years in a row, meaning if it was to do so in 2023 it would be doing something it has never done in three decades.

On top of this, 2022’s fall of 4% is about a third the average fall of 12%, which happened only one in every six years.

And when the S&P/ASX 300 bounced back, it did so with a vengeance.

Analysis of the US stockmarket by the New York University Stern School of Business reveals a similar pattern.

None of this means 2023 will be rosy, but just as 2022 turned out to be nothing like what most of the world’s best economic forecasters expected, this year may not be as bad as most of them are forecasting either.

After all, if interest rates stop increasing as fast as they did last year, bond markets may return to positive territory, in the process calming the nerves of property buyers.

The icing on the cake may be China’s reopening and global slowdown fears enticing oil prices to return to pre-Ukraine war levels.

ALEX DUNNIN, director of research at Rainmaker Information

Downsizers can hit a $300k (or $600k) home run While everyone was partying on January 1, eligibility for the superannuation downsizer contribution was further reduced to age 55, giving more people the ability to top up their savings from selling the family home.

You can contribute up to $300,000, or $600,000 per couple, if you’ve owned the home for at least 10 years.

The contribution cannot ex-

ceed the sale price and must be made within 90 days of change of ownership.

Downsizer contributions don’t count towards your concessional or non-concessional contribution caps and there’s no age limit and no requirement to meet the work test.

“People 55 and over may not have had the super guarantee their entire working life,” says planner Marisa Broome.

“They’re the forgotten generation the government is trying to help – they can’t access the age pension until 67 and they don’t have enough super to live on.

“It’s trying to help those people be more self-sufficient in retirement.”

“If a couple own a $3 million house and decided to downsize, they could contribute $300,000 each, plus $330,000 each under the bring-forward rule.

“If you have access to a large sum – you’ve sold your home or business, or inherited money – you can bring forward three years’ worth of nonconcessional contributions provided that you are under 75.

“The downsizer is a very powerful way for anyone with a low super balance to boost it. You don’t even have to buy a cheaper home,” says Broome.

Xavier O’Halloran, director of

Super Consumers Australia, says anyone considering making a downsizer contribution should seek independent financial advice first, as there may be far-reaching implications.

For more information, see ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/ In-detail/Growing-your-super/ Downsizer-contributions-forindividuals.

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Helping veterans access medical cannabis Veteran owned medicinal cannabis company The Provocatus is looking to recruit GPs in the Gosford area to support an Australian first scheme in veteran healthcare, with more than 3,800 veterans living in the area.

Dr Michael Mumford

The GP recruiting drive coincides with the inaugural Medicinal Cannabis Awareness Week from February 20-24, which is supported by The Provocatus.

The Provocatus is the brainchild of veterans Dr Michael Mumford, Kasey

Mumford and James Gatley, and was launched in 2021 with the goal of deprescribing veterans from “cocktails of medications” and transitioning them to medicinal cannabis if appropriate.

“We were treating many people with chronic pain on huge amounts of opiates,” Mumford said.

“I was seeing more veterans coming though; I saw people I used to work with; happy, young, fit people who looked like zombies.

“That is when we started looking for the alternative.”

The Provocatus launched the

Veteran Access Scheme (VAS) in February 2022 to simplify veteran access to medicinal cannabis.

“There are thousands of DVA patients across Australia eligible for DVA support,” Mumford said.

“Veterans face delays in treatment access given the processing times through the Department of Veteran Affairs.

“Because these barriers don’t exist for other patients, access to medicinal cannabis represents a health equity issue in Australia.”

Mumford said the success of the VAS means more general

practitioners are needed to support the numbers of veterans seeking medicinal cannabis treatment.

“The Provocatus can provide GPs with a pathway to prescribe cannabis for patients without fragmenting their healthcare,” he said.

“We would love to chat with GPs who are caring for veterans or are considering medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for their patients.”

Source: Media release, Feb 14 The Provocatus

ACE funding extended at community college Central Coast Community College at Ourimbah has been granted a waiver by the NSW Government to expand its eligibility criteria for ACE funded training until June 30.

The Government’s ACE (Adult and Community Education) funding program is designed to support disadvantaged students to up-skill or re-skill for employment or further education, as well as provide opportunities to learn and develop life skills.

Under the new waiver, more people are now eligible to undertake a range of ACE funded short courses and workshops with the Central Coast Community College.

College General Manager Debbie Laarkamp said the waiver was critical in supporting the local community and addressing skills shortages.

“Many industries have been impacted by the current skills shortage across the country, meaning it is essential that opportunities for further education and training are

An art workshop at a recent ACE Open Day

made accessible,” she said.

“With the waiver granted by the NSW Government, the Central Coast Community College can support additional students to upskill to start their careers, re-enter the workforce,

pursue further study, or obtain valuable life skills for their futures.

“We have a number of courses that cover industries including hospitality and construction, which are priority

occupations in the current landscape.”

Training Coordinator David O’Brien said the range of ACE funded courses on offer with the college are a perfect stepping stone to future

employment or further study.

“The Industry Essentials package delivered by the college, which includes Barista, RSA, RCG, White Card, and First Aid courses, allows people to gain accredited industry tickets

needed to secure employment, particularly in hospitality or trade fields,” he said.

“Then we have our Confidence Builders, which are nonaccredited life skills workshops designed to get disengaged learners back into education, providing a fun and supportive environment in course topics such as cooking, budgeting, art, music, and make up.

“Our expert trainers have experience delivering training to disadvantaged students and offer additional support to help people achieve their learning goals.”

Visit the Central Coast Community College website to check your eligibility for ACE funded training.

For more information on ACE funding, student eligibility, or upcoming courses, contact the college’s Student Services team on 4348 4300.

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Central Coast Community College

Funding boost for Gosford East PS Gosford East Public School has received more than $11,000 to replace outdated equipment as part of the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said students, staff and parents would enjoy a significant upgrade in facilities which will further strengthen the strong ties that the school has with the local community.

“An upgraded sound system

for the school hall, a barbecue for fundraisers and a marquee with the school logo for sporting events will go a long way in allowing the school to show off its fantastic school spirit and increase engagement with the broader community,” she said.

Tesch congratulated the school’s P&C Association for its “tireless efforts” to ensure the children’s education and school life is as good as it gets.

“I thank them alongside the school’s staff (for) providing our children an engaging learning environment,” Tesch said.

Gosford East Public School P&C Association Vice President Amanda Malone said the funding would help advance the school.

“The marquee will be used at many school events, the sound system will be brilliant for the school, and the barbecue will not only be used at fundraising events but also for rewards for the students,” she said.

“The funding provided helps us keep moving forward.”

Source: Media release, Feb 20 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch presents the cheque to Principal Angela Boyd

23 FEBRUARY 2023

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: CREATING A PEACEFUL GARDEN

Although gardens are naturally calm places, you can create even more relaxation ambiance with a few carefully added design features.

Open Areas Even if you find sitting in a jungle of green soothing, a small clear space within gives you a place to rest your gaze and is a design element that will enhance the garden by providing contrast between the full and the void.

You may also enjoy sitting, lying, or collapsing on the grass after a particularly stressful day.

w

Art Works This can be the form of a created sculpture of any size or a nature feature that serves as a sculptural piece.

An interesting log, an old piece of machinery or equipment.

Sculpture in the garden rests our minds with something of beauty or makes us curious and in turn this takes our thoughts away from what may be disrupting our peace.

Small whimsical garden ornaments and decorative panels are also artistic pieces that you could consider.

Choose something that delights you and matches the style of your garden.

Water Features Fountains, fishponds and water plant features are all such soothing and alluring NAME POSITION places inPLANT gardens and if you 12 the desire have the Goldfussia space 1P and Grevillea 3P 3-4 then you really should Groundcovers N4 investigate.

Gymea Lilly 3P 11 Hebe 1P 11 Should Hibiscus you Nalready have a 11 N14 pool orHydrangiaspa, consider Ixora 1P 17-18 surrounding with some of the Jacaranda 4P 3 Jasmine 3P 9-10 plants listed below to add to the

Zen. Why water makes us feel calm is not really known but it has been shown to slow our brainwaves and there is some evidence that the sounds we could hear in the womb, a time we would have felt safe, are reminiscent of other water sounds.

Wind Chimes While are talking about the sounds of water, let’s not forget wind chimes.

These come in a vast array of sounds and from gentle tinkling to bass clanging loudness and your selection will depend on placement, size of garden space and personal taste.

They can all be silenced when needed but a wind chime adds a beautiful interaction with the breezes moving through your space and the sound, if chosen well, will help promote calm.

Indoor Oasis The houseplant craze is well and truly upon us and to be PLANT NAME POSITION honest, I’m a fan.

NZ Flax 2P a4-6 lot of new It’s created Orange Trumpet Vine 3P 9-10 garden-curious people and Parlour Palm 3P 12 8 that’s notPaulownia a bad4Pthing at all.

Peace Lilly GH Outside While you may GHnot need an Philodendron Outside Photinia N 18-20 Instagram-worthy indoor Pittosporum 3P 20-21 curation Plumbago of plants, 1P 14 having an Polygala area with anN 17inviting chair

Ponytail GH Outside Kangaroo Paw 3P 3 Potato Vine 3P 9+10 Kentia Palm 3P 12 Protea 3P 06 Lavender 2P 7 Rhaphiolepsis 3P 02 Leptospermum 3P 20-21 Rhoeo GH Outside Lilly Pilly 3P 17-19 Rosemary 2P 02 Liriope GH Spirea 1P 9-10 Lomandra GH + 4P 27-30 Syzygium 3P 17-19 Loropetalum N05 Woy Woy Produce Swap - 10 – 11am 26th February at Woy Woy Peninsula Community Tibouchina 4P 21-24 Magnolia 4P 17, N 17 Garden. 85 -87 Moana Street, Woy WoyMelaleuca 3P 21 Tiger Grass 4P 15 Tricolour N 3 Michelia M 15-17 It is a very casual affair and nobody keeps score.

By bringing your produce you4Pare Viburnum 1+2 saying Monstera GH Outside 2P 1 Top N 21 that you are happy for other swappers Mop to take what they need because itYucca is excess to your Murraya N 5-7 needs. It is simply a way of sharing the food youN 4have grown with the fellow growers in your Myoporum neighbourhood and a great way to meetNandina localN 10 gardeners.

Native Frangipani 4P 10 NSW Xmas Bush 1P 12 Saturday 4 March (9am-5pm) and Bonsai Open hosted by Central Coast Bonsai

GAR DEN NEWS

-

Sunday 5 March (9am-4pm) 2023 in Mingara Events Centre Along with sales and competition, there will be demonstrations across the weekend from some of the country’s finest bonsai artists including Andrew Edge, Evan Marsh, Hugh Grant, Joe Morgan- Payler, Tony Bebb and Marcela Ferreira.

CoastFM Gardening Gang will be broadcasting live Saturday 8am – 10am Tickets at door: $7 adult, kids free. mingara.com.au

surrounded by botanical goodness would qualify as a Zen indoor garden in my books.

Adding plants to areas of high traffic and family activity can also help calm the vibe.

Calm Inducing Plants So which plants suit a peaceful garden? All plants will but consider greening up areas with soft textured plants that suit your environment, and this could include ferns, shrubs, and grasses.

The gentle movements in caught breezes of softer textured plants will calm the mind and the greenness soothe the soul.

The following plants can all be grown inside or out and have additional therapeutic qualities for calm living.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is known for its skin healing benefits but it also

BI G

UP

S

Seating While it is lovely to wander and to stand around a garden, being able to sit is important.

To rest yourself physically as well as mentally and to just ‘be’ within the space for as long as you need is far better achieved with a seat.

While outdoor furniture is one answer, so are benches and stools created from old tree stumps and upcycled weather resistant materials.

My favourite bench in my

garden is just an old sleeper bolted to a couple of tree stumps or go all the way with a lounge or day bed.

purifies the air of carcinogens and emits oxygen at night.

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) when grown near pathways and seating areas will enable you to brush past and release the aromatics that help bring clarity to your mind and feel less frustrated.

Been found to lower frustration and boost alertness.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is almost famous for its sleep inducing and relaxation characteristics when used in teas.

Cutting the flowers and drying to use in potpourris will bring the same benefits into your home.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) contains within it a compound known as ‘linalool’ which has been found to reduce the activity of certain genes that are triggered during stressful situations.

The Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is one of the best plants for purification of the air, according to NASA and while they purify the air during the day, they emit oxygen at night.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a must in any garden as the flowers and the leaves contain the powerful aromatics.

By inhaling the scent of lavender, it has been shown to especially decreased feelings of depression and confusion.

Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) fragrance is a super soother and anxiety reliever for many.

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reported that the smell of Jasmine can be a soothing as Valium.

Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is not just for cats! It not only sooths the nerves of our feline friends but of humans as well.

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To escape the pressures, stresses and pace of the outside world, all garden spaces, indoors or out can easily provide you and your family with a spa-like experience to enjoy yearround.

Try any of these elements at your place to help you find your Zen.

PAGE 29

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

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Matlidas dominate in Gosford

A beautiful evening of football in Gosford with the Matildas win

FOOTBALL Australia’s women’s football team the CommBank Matildas played a dominating game of football against The Czech Republic aka Czechia at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Thursday night, February 16, winning the game 4-0.

Star players from around the world have flown in for a four nations tournament the FFA have called The Cup of Nations.

The national women’s teams from Jamacia, Spain, Czechia

and Australia are playing in the cup tournament in the lead up to this year’s FIFA Womens Football World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July.

The Matildas spent much of the first half probing for an opening against a side that they knew would present a disciplined defensive front.

Kyra Cooney-Cross looked threatening in midfield, and Raso and Steph Catley provided a relentless combination on the left.

The first major opportunity of the game came in the 6th

minute. Cortnee Vine found herself free on the right-hand side and cut it back to CooneyCross on the edge of the area.

The midfielder shot just over in a warning of what was to come.

While Australia had the better of the first half, Czechia created a dangerous spell around the 30th minute. After a free kick, the ball fell for Australian based forward Jitka Chlastáková, who was unable to convert on a one-on-one with Mackenzie Arnold. Michaela Khyrová’s shot was saved soon after by Arnold.

Australia came out of the

Mariners maintain second spot on ladder after draw in Perth FOOTBALL Despite the 2-2 draw against Perth Glory in Perth and despite only winning one game in the last five the Central Coast Mariners remain in the second spot on the ISUZU UTE A-League ladder.

The Mariners sit on 27 points after playing 17 games, Melbourne City sits aloft on 34

points with one game in hand.

Adelaide United are also on 27 points, the Western Sydney Wanderers are on 25 and Wellington is close with 24 points on the tally.

The battle for the second spot between the four teams has undoubtedly increased the pressure in this season’s completion, as all four teams are only a win or loss away

blocks quickly in the second half with the rewards almost instant. Raso, a threat all game, latched onto a Kerr through ball to open the scoring. She was helped by a deflection from Anna Dlaskova, but it couldn’t take the shine off the well taken finish.

The Queenslander doubled the Matildas’ lead soon after with a well-placed Catley corner, finding debutant Hunt at the back post. She headed it back across the face of the goal to the unmarked Raso, who gratefully accepted the invitation to head her second

goal.

The 68th minute saw a triple substitution – Larissa Crummer, Emily van Egmond and Alex Chidiac entered the field in place of Vine, Mary Fowler and Katrina Gorry.

The substitutions almost immediately paid dividends.

Chidiac was able to get a shot away after great work from Charlie Grant to find a cross into the box.

The resulting deflection found the path of Kerr who slammed home her 62nd goal for Australia.

The final goal came off the

foot of the night’s captain. A Chidiac corner found Raso, who was able to steer the ball into Polkinghorne’s path and she prodded home for a milestone goal.

Next up for the CommBank Matildas is a game against world number seven Spain at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, February 19, with kick-off at 6pm.

Then the Matildas play Jamaica on Wednesday, February 22, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle with kick-off at 7.10pm.

David Abrahams

Photo: CCM Media

from climbing or sliding in the rankings.

The Mariners are back home at Gosford’s Industree Group Stadium on Friday night, so local fans are in for a do-or-die game against Wellington Pheonix.

See the full story online in our sport section.

David Abrahams

A successful penalty shot from Cummings, his 13th goal of the season

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Bombers get new training gear thanks to Greater funding AFL Investing in the right mix of training equipment for female players is the priority for Killarney Vale Australian Football Club on the back of its success in the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding Program.

Killarney Vale’s Black Diamond Cup women’s team from season 2022

Killarney Vale Australian Football Clubreceives $2,000 for winning the public vote in the January round, with $500 going to monthly runners-up, Central Coast Waterwatch and Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club.

Killarney Vale Australian Football Club,nicknamed the Bombers, formed in 1978 and its club rooms and home ground is at Adelaide Street Oval, Tumbi Umbi.

Club President, Paul Forster, said the club is now affiliated

with the recently formed Hunter Central Coast AFL and cater for junior boys and girls and seniors, both men and women.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of female players of all ages over the past few years, which has been outstanding but with that comes an increased investment in gear and facilities,” he said.

“While we’ve upgraded our women’s changerooms, this funding from Greater Bank will help to ensure we have the right mix of training equipment to cater for the influx of female players.”

Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said sporting clubs played a vital role in the community.

“It’s great to see sporting activities really getting back to normal after the disruptions of

the past couple of years,” he said.

“We love our sport at Greater Bank so we are delighted to be able to help local clubs like the Bombers through the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding Program, especially to make sure their women and girls have the gear they need to succeed.

“We have another $3,000 on offer for February, with Doggie Dates NSW Ltd, The Nappy Collective and Central Coast Twist Mardi Gras Float in the running, so I’d like to wish all our nominees the best of luck,” Swetnam said.

The public online vote is now open at www.greater.com.au/ greatercentralcoast until 5pm Wednesday March 1.

Source: Media release, Feb 13 Greater Bank

Picklum leads the world at Sunset Beach Hawaii SURFING Central Coast surfing star Molly Picklum, 20, of Terrigal has taken out her first-ever Championship Tour win at Sunset Beach Hawaii, beating arch-rival Caroline Marks to go to the top of the world rankings heading into the third CT round in Europe.

Picklum qualified for the World Surf Leages’s Championship Tour last November after just falling short the season before.

Picklum’s performance at the Hurley CT Pro event has surprised surfing commentators and fans around the world, most of whom expected the more experienced female world surfers to dominate the Championship

this year.

“I was pretty baffled; it was pretty slow and then big firie waves at the end,” she said after the event.

“I’ve got so much water up my nose I can’t even like see straight.

“I’m super stoked to have taken this event out; it is so challenging. Yeah, I’m just stoked.”

Picklum previously took out a 5th position at the Billabong Pro Pipeline event in Hawaii in January.

She now heads off to the third round of the Championship Tour at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, held in Peniche, Leiria, on Portugal’s central Atlantic coast.

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Warnervale took out the Glenn Rowlands Shield

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Narara Wyoming won the Over 40s Masters grand final

Plenty of action in cricket grand finals CRICKET A hot day saw plenty of action in the Glenn Rowlands Shield and the Over 40s Masters cricket grand finals on February 19.

Warnervale took out the Glenn Rowlands Shield, with a 156 win over The Entrance, all done for 87.

For Warnervale most batters got a start with Martin Graham 33 not out and Kaleb Daley 20 leading the way.

The Entrances’ Mitchell Starkey’s opening spell with a wicket in each of his first two

overs set the tone for the match.

The Entrance took regular wickets to keep the pressure on with Kodie Goldie 3 for 24 off 6.4 and Broc Hardy 3 for 26 off 8 overs.

Chasing 156 for victory The Entrance openers Wade Burrowes and Broc Hardy were dismissed early.

Daniel O’Brien was the pick of the batters for The Entrance, top scoring with 22 off 51.

Not to be outdone by Starkey, Warnervale’s Mitchell McNeilly also took two wickets in his first two overs.

The Warnervale bowlers

continued to apply pressure with Daniel Hill at one stage sitting on a hat trick.

Mitchell Mcneilly 3 for 37 off 8 overs and Daniel Hill 3 for 15 off 8 overs led Warnervale to grand final glory.

Daniel Hill from Warnervale was Player of the Match, receiving the Greg Smith Medal.

In the Over 40s Masters grand final, Narara Wyoming 8 for 64 defeated The Entrance 60.

In a low scoring match The Entrance fought hard to reach 60 off 30.1 overs.

Losing early wickets in tough conditions The Entrance was at

one stage 6 for 26.

Jason Blackwood fought hard to lead the run scoring with 22 runs.

Narara Wyoming’s bowlers kept constant pressure on the batters led by Captain Gareth Walsh with 3 for 16 off 6 overs, supported by Ben Surwald and Simon Hardie with two wickets each.

Defending 60 was always going to be tough but The Entrance bowlers worked hard to restrict Narara Wyoming to 8 for 60 before Simon Hardie hit a 4 to win the game.

Andrew Bull 19 and Peter Cross 14 led the scoring for

Narara Wyoming supported by Simon Hardie 8 not out.

Kris Toohey 3 for 11 off 4.5 was the pick of The Entrance bowlers supported by Dharma Philips and Captain Rob Gray with two wickets each.

Narara Wyoming captain Gareth Walsh was Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, in the Diggers The Entrance male First Grade at stumps in Round 9, The Entrance is sitting on 437 with Lisarow Ourimbah yet to bat.

Brisbane Water was all done for 175, with Wyong on 1/68.

Narara Wyoming is sitting on142, with Warnervale 4/69.

Terrigal Matcham is on116, with Northern Power 4/17.

The score for the Kincumber Avoca v Southern Spirit game is yet to be finalised.

In Round 17 of the ibis Styles The Entrance women’s comp, Northern Power 3/164 defeated Narara Wyoming 9/68.

Lisarow Ourimbah 0/99 took the win over Wyong 5/98.

Kincumber Avoca 7/93 lost to Terrigal Matcham 7/111.

Source: Media release, Feb 20, 2023 Central Coast Cricket

Three Coasties represent NSW in national cricket championships CRICKET

Central Coast Cricket Chairman Garry Burkinshaw said he was thrilled with the players’ selection.

“To get selected in a state team is great recognition for the three players,” he said.

“Ryan has been selected previously, while Brett and Piper have previously represented Sydney Sixers Indigenous sides.

“Cricket Australia has made a strong commitment to provide more opportunities for Indigenous Australians and the NICC is an important part of this commitment.”

You can follow all the action live via the MyCricket App.

Three Central Coast players are set to represent NSW at the Cricket Australia National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) in Alice Springs from February 22-28.

Brett Russell of Warnervale, Ryan Fenning of Lisarow Ourimbah and Piper Hooke, also of Lisarow Ourimbah, will fly the Coastie flag during the week-long championships.

Sides from the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia, as well as NSW, will play in the men’s competition, while the women’s comp will see teams from NSW, Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria and

Brett Russell, Ryan Fenning and Piper Hook

Queensland.

NSW is the defending champion in both the men’s

and women’s comps, having won the title the last time the championships were held in

2020.

The NICC will see some of the most talented Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander cricketers from across Australia participate.

Source: Media release, Feb 21 Central Coast Cricket