Coast Community News #443

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

ISSUE #443

YOUR WEEKLY INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER

+ DAILY IN DIGITAL

CoastCommunityNews.com.au

Could you care for a future Seeing Eye Dog? IN PERSON INFORMATION SESSION

Friday 28 June 2024, 12pm - 1pm

Meeting Space 3, Erina Centre, North South Road, Erina (adjacent to Erina Library)

A new look for the Old Pub

Scan for more info

News

Mixed reaction to State Budget See page 9

Out&About

The Woy Woy Hotel, affectionately known as the Old Pub, is set for a major facelift and will be closed for three-four months while renovations take place.

See page 21

Kooky cabaret experience See page 17

Business The Old Pub has closed for a compete makeover

PM pops in to deliver on infrastructure funding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on the Central Coast on Wednesday, June 12, to deliver on the Federal Government’s $2.5M pledge to fund a new building for the Kincumber Roos Soccer Club.

Braving icy winds at Frost Reserve, the PM also outlined the Government’s critical investments in transport and infrastructure in the region.

“At the 2022 election, we committed $2.5M to fully fund a new building for the Kincumber Roos,” he said.

“This includes a new clubhouse, change and bathrooms, canteen and carpark – a better, safer space to bring the community together.

PM Anthony Albanese with Infrastructure Minister Catherine King and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid at Kincumber

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“(Member for Robertson) Gordon Reid has been a very strong advocate for this community and for this project.

“The club has grown enormously and quite clearly it has outgrown the facilities here.

“These will be moved so they are between the two main ovals, improving accessibility and experience of the club.

“We’re determined to fulfill the commitments we made during the election campaign.

“Community facilities like the Kincumber Roos Soccer Club are the soul of local communities, providing a place to gather and connect.

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SEND US A STORY Email: editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN encourages “community journalism”, including story leads, citizen reports, media releases, photos & letters to the Editor.

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Managing Editor: David Abrahams Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

Time for quality candidates to declare themselves With the recent state budget highlighting significant funding allocations and priorities, the Central Coast faces a critical juncture.

Now, more than ever, we need strong, respected voices to step forward and declare their candidacy for the Council elections on September 14.

Our region has endured a long period under stateappointed administration, and as we move towards reinstating local governance, the quality of our candidates will determine our community’s future.

The state budget revealed this week has underscored the importance of effective local representation.

EDITORIAL The Central Coast must ensure that its interests are robustly advocated for in the corridors of power.

To achieve this, we need candidates who are not only passionate about our community but also possess the skills and integrity to navigate the complexities of local government.

Quality candidates are essential to secure the funding and support our region needs.

Whether it’s addressing infrastructure deficits, improving public services, or fostering economic growth, our council members must be capable of making compelling cases to state

and federal governments.

The recent budgetary announcements remind us that our voices must be heard loudly and clearly to ensure the Central Coast receives its fair share.

Coast Community News is calling on respected community leaders, professionals and everyday citizens with a vision for the future to consider running for Council.

We need individuals who can bridge divides, build consensus and lead with transparency and accountability.

The health of our local democracy depends on the calibre of those willing to serve.

As a publication committed to the well-being of our community, we pledge our support to those who step forward.

Coast Community News will provide a platform for candidates to share their visions and engage with the electorate.

We believe that through informed and active participation, we can elect a Council that truly represents the best interests of the Central Coast.

Let’s ensure that the voices advocating for the Central Coast are strong, respected and unwavering in their commitment to our community’s prosperity.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

Awards for Marine Rescue volunteers

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Award recipients on the night

Marine Rescue Central Coast marked 135 years of service and the significant contributions members have made to the unit and the organisation during its annual awards presentation evening on June 12.

Two life memberships were awarded – the first to Ian Leafe, who joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in June 2005 and qualified as a radio operator and watch officer.

“During his career, Ian has served as the unit’s training officer and administration officer and became a respected radio operator and watch officer assessor for the Sydney and Hunter/Central Coast regions,” Marine Rescue Central Coast Unit Commander Ian Morrow said.

“He has continuously provided general boat licence and PWC licence training for Marine Rescue members and members of the public.”

The second life membership was presented to Brendon Weston who joined the Royal Volunteer Coastal

Patrol in March 1999.

He qualified as a radio operator and crew, and advanced to senior levels.

“On the creation of Marine Rescue NSW, Brendon was awarded recognition as a Marine Rescue watch officer and a Marine Rescue coxswain,” Morrow said.

“He is a long-serving member who has always stood up to fulfil many roles in the unit over his career.

“He always makes positive contributions to the unit, Marine Rescue NSW and the community.”

Other awards were presented during the evening by Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott and Hunter Central Coast Zone Duty Operations Manager Inspector Steve Raymond, Member for Gosford Leisl Tesch and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch.

The National Medal (25 years service), which recognises long and diligent service by members of recognised government and voluntary organisations who risk their

lives or safety to protect or assist the community, was presented to Brent Malcolm and Brendon Weston.

The Marine Rescue NSW Service Pin for 20 years’ service was presented to Greg Taylor, while the 10 Year Service Medal was awarded to John Free, Mal Ralston, Duncan Coles and Mike Watson.

Seven members were presented with the five years’ service award: Bob Gilbody, Neville Shakeshaft, Rob Zwart, Doug Fitzgerald, Matthew Sims, Steve Sai-Louis and Dave Segaert.

The Unit Commander’s Commendation Award was presented to five members: Andrew McKellar, Max Landells, Chris Hartcher, Mark Luland and Peter Alderton.

Morrow thanked supporters of Marine Rescue Central Coast, including Mike Watson of Boat Warehouse who has become the unit’s “maiden” Platinum Supporter, Ettalong Beach Hotel as Bronze Supporter and IAC Safety Services, which has just recently made a substantial

donation to the unit.

Marine Rescue Central Coast recently received grants totalling just under $58,000 to replace and fit two powerful Suzuki outboards on one of the unit’s rescue vessels assigned to Brisbane Water, Broken Bay and offshore when required.

The NSW Government awarded the unit $38,000, while Central Coast branches of Bendigo Bank – East Gosford, Ettalong Beach, Kincumber, Lisarow and Wyong – contributed close to $20,000.

IN MEMORIAM Carol Margaret

(Condon) BRASH Aged 83 Carol passed peacefully on 1 June, 2024. She and husband, Peter moved from Sydney into Karalta Village, Erina in 2011.

Peter died in June 2023. Carol spent her final three weeks in Gosford Hospital. We extend our gratitude to those who cared for her in Ward G3 and to her loving carer, Avril.

Carol is survived by her son, Matthew (USA) and siblings, Adrienne, Philip and Sue.

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

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Quick thinking saves former MP from drowning Former lifesaver Josh Roden was coming in from a surf at the southern end of Spoon Bay on June 8 when he spotted a swimmer in trouble at the northern end.

As a Bateau Bay local who grew up at Wamberal, the surfer knew the northern end could be tricky, so he grabbed a nearby rescue tube and ran.

“I actually didn’t realise the tube was there, a young boy grabbed it first,” Roden said.

“The northern corner is all rock, there is no sand and the swimmer was getting further out.

“Somebody was calling out for help.

“I saw him trying to swim, but he was stuck in a rip and waves were washing over him.”

Unbeknown to Roden, the swimmer was former Liberal Party Deputy Leader Bruce

Baird, father of former Premier Mike Baird and journalist and author Julia Baird.

The 82-year-old was swimming with his daughter and another son – all considered strong ocean swimmers – when all three got into trouble at the notorious swim spot.

While brother and sister had managed to scramble to safety, their father was being dragged further out to sea.

“The others were on the rocks, but he kept getting washed over with the waves,” Roden said.

“He was exhausted, and the rip was taking him further out.”

Roden jumped in with the rescue tube and managed to reach the swimmer.

“There is no sand to stand and we were washed onto the rocks, he was getting tossed about and cut up and he couldn’t stand,” he said.

“His family, who were already on the rocks were freaking out.”

The former surf lifesaver said he had performed a few rescues in his time, but that one was “scary”.

Roden said the family was very thankful and grateful for his help.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast had only just installed 35 rescue tube boxes at high-risk locations across the Central Coast and fortunately for Baird, Spoon Bay was one of those locations.

The Remote Area Rescue Tube rollout was implemented with $20,000 in funding from Central Coast Council.

SLSCC CEO Michael Hyslop said the fact the rescue tube helped save a life was “brilliant”.

“They are worth every dollar spent, a hundred per cent,”

Hyslop said.

“It’s the first reported use of one and it helped to save a life.

“We were hopeful we would hear a positive story about the use of one.”

Following the harrowing event, Julia Baird said she was shocked by the lack of information available for tourists about the risks associated with that beach while Wamberal Surf Life Saving Club praised Roden’s quick thinking on its Instagram page.

“We all know how dangerous our local beaches can be, Wamberal and Spoon Bay,” the post read.

“Josh Roden the legend risked it all to rescue an 82-year-old in a very bad rip at Spoon Bay. “Well done mate.

“You’re a hero.”

Denice Barnes

Hero Josh Roden saved Bruce Baird from drowning at notorious Spoon Bay

SOS addresses government inquiry on Wamberal seawall Wamberal Beach Save our Sand (SOS) community group has pointed out a discrepancy in Central Coast Council’s support of a seawall at Wamberal to a parliamentary inquiry.

SOS representatives Mark and Corinne Lamont addressed a public hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the NSW Planning System and the Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Communities on June 17.

They told the inquiry the decision to support a seawall was taken while Council was under administration in June 2022.

The actual wording was that Council-under-administration was confirming its position, as described in the certified Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), for a coastal protection seawall with sand nourishment as the adopted solution to coastal

erosion at Wamberal Beach.

But in September 2021, the then planning director of Council, Scott Cox, noted that there were no actions in the CZMP regarding Council building a seawall.

Mark Lamont told the inquiry that residents’ trust had been shaken, with planning principles and processes having been “abused and distorted”.

“In 2021, the former Director of Planning at Central Coast Council, Scott Cox, correctly reminded Wamberal Beach Seawall Taskforce that the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) Action for Wamberal Beach was not an action to build a seawall,” he said.

“Unfortunately for Wamberal, Mr Cox left Council a few months later.

“He was replaced by Dr Alice Howe who has since declared the CZMP a mandate to build a

Inquiry members visiting Wamberal Beach in April

seawall at Wamberal.

“You could say the CZMP process was hijacked.

“Since taking up her role at Council, Dr Alice Howe has supported the seawall, overseeing Council’s partnership with the WPA beachfront owners who are

finalising a massive seawall DA submission right now, with Council consented as a DA coapplicant.”

“Seawalls and changes to development standards, such as deep piering beyond a hazard line that turns undevelopable land into so-

called developable land, provides developers a false sense of security and an inflated sense of property value and lures them to buy and develop in high-risk foredune locations.

“Risks of such developments need to be acknowledged and property values reset.”

Inquiry committee chair Sue Higginson summed up the conversation after the Lamonts answered questions for about 40 minutes.

Higginson said it appeared the CZMP by its very definition advocated a strategic approach to management of part of the coastline that centred on balancing beach access and public interest.

That was hijacked at some point with some political interference on the basis of the 2020 storms showing some very “dramatic implications of coastal erosion and coastal surges on some individual

private property”, she said.

Higginson said there was time for a decision on Wamberal Beach to either continue along the path of making it worse or to pivot to go back to a strategic, staged, broader view and it was not too late to do that.

In June 2021, sand nourishment for the beach was high on the agenda of the seawall taskforce but it came to nothing.

SOS is to provide the committee with a copy of the Marsden Jacob Report 2017, which showed that a seawall would be the most expensive of options and indicated that sand nourishment was a better course of action.

Mark Lamont said sand nourishment and dune management would best provide a solution for the beach that would keep the public access and incidentally provide a solution for the private landowners as well.

Garage sale a monster success The second annual Pearl Beach Monster Garage Sale was a resounding success on the long weekend, raising more than $4,000 for maintenance of the memorial hall.

For many years the Pearl Beach Progress Association ran a variety of car boot sales, bric-a-brac stores and preloved clothing sales.

In 2023 the then events and fundraising sub-committee reintroduced these as a garage

sale on the June long weekend in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall.

It was a great success and this year we decided to hold it again.

Large crowds were gathered at the hall door eagerly waiting for the 9am start.

Thirty stalls manned by local residents sold a variety of preloved items ranging from designer clothes to household goods, homewares, children’s games and a variety of interesting memorabilia.

Progress Association president Victoria Crawford thanked each of the team organisers for their efficient management of the individual Pearl Beach fundraising stalls.

These included a raffle, brica-brac and second-hand items donated by locals, a soup station, a non-stop barbecue and a marvellous selection of cakes “There were of course many other helpers – a huge thank you to them all and to the stallholders thank you for

supporting this wonderful event and for your feedback which has been extremely positive about the community involvement,” Crawford said.

Sponsorship by local businesses Pearly’s Cafe and Bakers Delight assisted in a positive financial outcome.

Along with cash donations, the net financial result was $4,200, with plans to make the garage sale an ongoing annual event.

There were more than 30 stalls on the day

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Residents oppose caravan park redevelopment Oasis Caravan Park residents gathered recently to write submissions opposing the proposed redevelopment of the site and the obliteration of their current homes and lifestyle.

There are plans to redevelop the Kanwal caravan park to create 675 units in a series of buildings up to 12 storeys in height.

Residents have taken heart from a similar fight in 2006 when a former redevelopment plan was successfully opposed.

The park was bought by Land Lease SPV Oasis Pty Ltd in 2020 with Vivacity managing the dayto-day operations of the site.

The current redevelopment has been designated as a state significant project by the NSW Government as part of its 15year plan to deliver 170,000 new homes in areas close to transport, services and jobs.

The Rezoning Pathways Program focuses on opportunities to rezone land in areas with high potential for increasing housing stock, and

maximising community benefit.

The site is close to public transport and existing retail and services offered from the Kanwal village.

But current residents love the location and they don’t want to move.

It is a short distance from major local centres including Wyong Hospital, Lake Haven Centre, Warnervale Airport, Budgewoi and Tuggerah Lake.

“If approved, the Oasis redevelopment will deliver 675 apartments to help address the acute housing crisis on the Central Coast, including 102 apartments designated for affordable rental housing and 200 independent living apartments for seniors,” a spokesperson for the owners said.

There are people living in 93 of the 100 long-term and 45 shortstay sites and some residents have permanent residency rights.

“None of the 37 permanent residents who currently live at Oasis will be forcibly evicted or

Residents are concerned about their future

made homeless if the proposed redevelopment is approved by the NSW Minister for Planning,” Vivacity said this week.

“Land Lease SPV Oasis Pty Ltd has met with the residents oneon-one to address their concerns and discuss their individual needs, including discussions

about re-housing within the new development for anyone who is unable to relocate.

“This process will continue in good faith.”

But residents have huge concerns around possible forced relocations and the costs involved in finding

similar accommodation.

The planning process means the site first needs to be rezoned to increase the building height from three storeys to up to 12 storeys and increase the floor space ratio.

Member for Wyong David Harris championed the residents’ cause in State parliament in March.

“Under the previous Government there was an expression of interest to find sites across the state where it was appropriate to increase the density to provide much-needed housing, and I supported that process because it is absolutely necessary,” Harris said.

“But there are some really stressful human stories connected with that.

“A group of people living at Oasis Caravan Park bought their van or transportable home, and they pay about $150 per week to rent the land that it is on.

“As part of this development, they will have to move.”

Harris said some residents had

been living there for 23 years.

And while they will be offered money to sell their current residence so the development can occur, the value of the small piece that they call their home will go nowhere close to what they will need to purchase somewhere else.

“Whether it is the government or the company doing the development, we have to work hard to find people either a new place to live or a place to live in the newly developed area,” Harris said.

The number of units proposed for the site has been reduced from 800 units and the building height has been reduced by two storeys from the original development application (DA) submitted last year.

People have until June 24 to comment on the proposal at www.planningportal.nsw.gov. au/ppr/under-exhibition/ wallarah-road-and-pacifichighway-kanwal Merilyn Vale

Rodeo protest held in Gosford The Animal Justice Party led a peaceful protest against the rodeo held in Gosford on Saturday, June 8, branding the event as “nothing more than ritualised cruelty”.

Event organisers say the best-kept secret of the rodeo industry is hidden behind closed doors – or, more accurately, the closed gates of the holding chute.

“What is not usually noticed is the flank strap that encircles the animals’ hindquarters, just above the pelvis, which is pulled tight by one of the attendants standing over the rear of the chute just prior to the opening of the gate,” they said.

“This causes animals to buck, which the Animal Justice Party says is a sign of terror, indicating an animal is in extreme distress.

“Bucking is a fight-flight response embedded into their primal brains against the threat of predators causing imminent death.

“When a flank strap is tightened, animals buck instinctively, driven by terror, believing they are going to die.

“When the rider is thrown or dismounts, the flank strap is loosened by attendants, and one can note the animals beginning to calm down, allowing their safe approach and removal from the arena.

“The level of distress is so extreme that animals have fractured major long bones of their legs,hopelessly continuing to buck with a flailing limb, and rammed headlong into walls, incidents which have been captured on video.

“Rather than taking this as a sign to stop using flank straps,

Protesters lined-up opposite the entry gates

industry organisations have responded by banning video recording during rodeos.”

The protesters say that rodeos are not supported by the animal welfare peak body, RSPCA, nor the peak advocacy body, Animals Australia.

They reject claims that rodeos are traditional entertainment for country people and city

people should “butt out”.

“The rodeo is not of Australian origin – it is an imported story from the US – and does not reflect the mythology around Australian stockmen,” the protesters said.

“Traditional Australian gatherings where riding and mustering skills are displayed are called campdrafts and

don’t lead to animal injuries or deaths.

“Campdrafts purportedly celebrate the relationship that many in the farming community say exists between them and their horses; in contrast, rodeos are depicted as an adversarial competition of will and physical power against horse or bull and their rider.”

Spectators lined-up across the road as patrons waited in a slow-moving queue to gain admission to the Gosford rodeo.

With graphic signs of animals being strangled and abused at rodeos and welfare messages being spoken through a megaphone, all attendees received the message from protesters.

“Many people from the crowd were not welcoming of the protesters, while dozens of others were interested in

hearing what they had to say and appeared shocked and upset to learn about the welfare of these animals,” protest organisers said.

Animal Justice Party Central Coast Leader Sarah Ryan said it was “outrageous” that innocent animals were forced into harm’s way, risking injury and death for the sake of entertainment.

“They’re being pushed to their limits, with catastrophic consequences,” she said.

“This cruelty must end now.

“The Animal Justice Party’s policies advocate for the elimination of all forms of indentured animal participation in human entertainment.

“Rodeos are no exception.

“We are calling on Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty to ban this barbaric sport now.”

Major upgrade for Picnic Point playground Member for The Entrance David Mehan has welcomed Central Coast Council’s move to consult with the community regarding the Picnic Point playground upgrade.

The project will see the existing local level playspace at The Entrance upgraded to a district playspace, achieved with funding under the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

Central Coast Council was allocated $190,000 in funding to deliver the playspace aimed at providing a greater experience for the community.

This funding is part of a total of a $400,000 election promise made by Mehan which has now been received by Central Coast Council for playspace upgrades in The Entrance electorate.

Mehan promised upgrades to three playspaces with work on Maidens Brush Reserve playspace and the iconic

Rocket Park at Long Jetty has already been completed.

Council expects consultation for the Picnic Point Playground to go out next week, then out to tender at the beginning of the financial year, with construction now anticipated to commence late this calendar year.

“Consultation is important,” Mehan said.

“I am glad that our community will have input into the design of this major project which will

see the local playspace upgraded to a district playspace.

“I expect Council to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the playspace reflects what the community has been asking for.

“I am proud to be a part of a Minns Labor Government funding upgrades to playspaces, which will ensure that for generations to come, our children will continue to be able to enjoy the outdoors.”

David Mehan has welcomed news the community will be consulted about Picnic Point playspace upgrade

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New lease on life for pharmacy wall The exterior wall of Gorokan Amcal Pharmacy has a whole new look, with the completion of a mural to brighten-up the once shabby façade.

In 2023, staff came up with an idea to give new life to the alley adjacent the pharmacy by painting the wall.

“The owner was happy for us to do what we feel would help brighten the community,” a spokesperson said.

“We excitedly put out a call to local high schools that have groups and classes of budding little artists to help with a planning, design and final painting of a community masterpiece.

“Northlakes High School teacher Lisa Attkins answered our call and took up the challenge with her students.

Sarah Rowan and students working on the wall; The completed mural

“We also threw out a net to encourage some local artists to come forward and help with a collaboration.

“Speed painting artist and muralist Sarah Rowan jumped at the chance to work with some talented locals and beautify the suburb.”

Rowan enjoys empowering individuals and organisations

to ignite a better future through creativity and art.

And so the team was born, with Attkins and a group of talented young artists with a passion for murals and Indigenous street art from Northlakes High School coming on board to help Rowan and pharmacy staff begin the transformation.

During months of planning and discussions, Rowan assisted the students with their designs, as they put together ideas, patterns and a plan for a mural spotlighting native birds.

“We wanted something for the community that could represent our past, present and future, so our river of blue waves emerged,” the spokesperson said.

“Australian birds are among the hardiest of animals, and we have a very hardy community surviving floods,fire,heatwaves and pandemics.

“The kookaburra is a symbol of new beginnings, looking towards the future as it flies towards the cockatoo, representing awareness and awakening to the present.

“Our spiritual galah represents freedom and empowerment for the future.

“Our wall is a wonderful collaboration of symbols, colours and totems for our past, present and future – the dark blue waves at the bottom even hold the letters spelling out (those words).”

The project was completed on May 18, with Member for Dobell Emma McBride stopping by to paint a few leaves and acknowledge the students’ hard work.

“We are very honoured and grateful for the time that our team spent on this project,” the spokesperson said.

“Our customers comment on it daily, saying how proud they are and that it has changed the whole look and feel of the alley.”

Huge haul at Avoca Beach clean-up A lively group of volunteers removed 11.5kg of rubbish from Avoca Beach on June 8, during a community clean-up organised by Plastic Free Avoca Beach for World Clean Up Day. In one of thousands of events happening worldwide to celebrate World Ocean Day, volunteers cleaned-up Hunter Park, the foreshore and beach, with two kilograms of recyclable bottles and cans also among the haul.

They also collected coffee cups, sauce containers and plastic bottle tops from nearby takeaway venues and cafes and almost 1,500 pieces of soft

plastic – largely food, ice cream and lolly wrappers.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and staffer Jesse Corda participated enthusiastically in the clean-up and helped sort and count the rubbish collected at the end.

“The resulting data will be uploaded to the National Marine Debris Database where it will help researchers understand and solve the problem of marine pollution,” a spokesperson said.

Reid was particularly struck by the number of cigarette butts collected by the volunteers, with more than 100 gathered in less than an hour.

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid with volunteers at the clean-up

“Plastic Free Avoca Beach does amazing work raising awareness of pollution in our environments and facilitating community clean-up

events,” he said.

“I very much appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the clean-up.

“The team was able to

remove several kilograms of rubbish from Avoca Beach.

“As a community we need to ensure we do the right thing by disposing of our rubbish responsibly.

“I look forward to working with Plastic Free Avoca Beach to reduce the rate of cigarette butts in our environment, which is the most littered item in NSW with an estimated 1.32 billion butts littered in NSW every year.”

Plastic Free Avoca Beach has been campaigning to get butt bins installed at Avoca Beach.

“In order to demonstrate the size of the problem, we installed

six handmade butt bins along the foreshore during the Christmas school holidays,” spokesperson Janet Aitchison said.

“Over a six-week period more than 300 butts were deposited in the bins, along with a random collection of other items of rubbish.

“We shared this data with Central Coast Council in an attempt to persuade them to install dedicated butt bins, but they declined to do so.”

Follow Plastic Free Avoca Beach and World Ocean Day on Instagram and Facebook for updates on their events and campaigns.

No interest loans for essential goods and services Low-income families and individuals on the Central Coast may be eligible to apply for no interest loans of up to $2,000 for essential goods and services through the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The loans could cover such essentials as car repairs, household items and medical bills.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the safe, affordable loans could make all the difference to those facing challenging financial circumstances.

“When a large household appliance breaks down and needs replacing, or you’re hit with a sky-high repair bill for your car, it can really rattle your world,” she said.

“It’s fantastic that members of our community experiencing financial stress can get some peace of mind, with access to

credit safely and affordably.

“The last thing you want when you’re under financial pressure is to be caught in the jaws of payday lenders or buynow-pay-later schemes that can come with severe penalties.”

Vinnies’ No Interest Loans have benefited 60 Coasties during the past year, with the number of loan applicants doubling over the past two years.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s Gosford Regional President Annette Johnstone said the loans were worth considering before seeking alternative – and often more expensive – options.

“There are no account fees,” she said.

“There are no interest fees.

“You can generally repay them over two years.

“With Vinnies’ No Interest

Loans can be used for such essentials as car maintenance and repairs

Loans, you repay exactly what you’ve borrowed.

“We’ve found that these loans often get people out of a spiral of debt.

“Because they’re not repaying any more than they’ve borrowed it gives people a financial skill they may not have had before – greater control of their finances.”

Vinnies makes no interest loans available as a form of community service.

“We are not looking to make any profit from it,” Johnstone said.

“As a non-profit organisation serving the community, our primary focus and our motivation is to help people to get the access to safe finance.”

The Vinnies’ No Interest Loans Scheme can be used for goods and services such as whitegoods, household furniture, educational needs (such as laptops, uniforms and school excursions), car repairs and registration costs and medical bills (like co-payments for specialists).

Eligible applicants must have a Health Care Card or Pension Card, or earn less than $57,000 per year after tax ($75,000 for couples or people with dependents).

Other qualifying criteria include living at your current or previous address for more than three months.

Some exceptional circumstances include applicants in transitional housing, people experiencing domestic violence, those in state/community housing transfer and applicants who have not had an address for an

extended period and those struggling to obtain proof of residency.

The loan holder must be able and willing to repay the loan.

Applications can be made by contacting 1800 484 664 (Monday to Friday 9am-3pm) or emailing nils@vinnies.org. au A member of the Vinnies NSW team will talk applicants through the process and request some documents to show they are eligible for a loan.

People who prefer to speak with someone in person and receive practical assistance with their paperwork can visit the Vinnies office at 273-275 Mann St, Gosford.

Further information go to www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/findhelp/no-interest-loanscheme-nils

PAGE 8

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Gosford Community Champion AWARDS

Do you know a community champion who deserves to be recognised?

We all know someone who goes above and beyond supporting our community through their work, volunteering, sport or other actions.

Fill out the form below to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by Coasties across the Gosford electorate.

Please note that nominees must live in the Gosford Electorate

Nominee Details

First Name

Nominator Details First Name

Last Name

Last Name

Address

Address

Phone

Phone

Email

Email

Organisation and role

Organisation and role

What achievements or contributions has the nominee made to their chosen field or the community? *attach additional paper or references if required

Please return completed nomination forms to: 20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256 or Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Or complete online

02 4342 4122

LIESL TESCH MP MEMBER FOR GOSFORD

gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au

liesltesch.com.au

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

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

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Mixed reaction to State Budget The State Budget, handed down on June 18, has met a mixed reception on the Central Coast, with Labor MPs saying it lays the groundwork for a brighter future for the region, and Liberal Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch claiming the Government has abandoned Coasties amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the Budget invested in structural reform across the region, investing in essential services while getting the state back on track.

“The Budget focuses on rebuilding the services that our community relies on most, including investments in our education infrastructure, upgrading our major roads, providing more homes and investing in our healthcare system,” she said.

She highlighted confirmation of $3M (as part of $40M over four years) for continued planning of the Gosford bypass, and $13.6M for improvement works at Blackwall Rd and McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, as major roadwork wins.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan added to the list a $1.8M allocation (as part of a total $65.5M commitment by the State and Federal Governments) towards upgrades at the Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd intersection.

Member for Wyong David

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch says the budget offers little for the Central Coast; Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch looks over the Budget papers

Harris said the Budget also included $216.3M for continued planning and early works for upgrade of the Pacific Hwy through Wyong CBD. And Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley highlighted $3.7M for the delivery of a program of minor works to improve active and public transport infrastructure, safety and urban design along the Scenic Dr corridor at Budgewoi.

The MPs said education was another big winner, with $1.4M allocated for school upgrades on the Central Coast including at Central Mangrove Public School, Umina Beach Public School and Killarney Vale Public School.

There are to be two new public preschools in the region

and 778 Central Coast-based education staff are to be made permanent.

To address the social housing shortage, the Budget delivers $3.38M for upgrades to social housing properties in the Gosford electorate, $4.56M for homes in The Entrance electorate and $2.5M for social housing in the Swansea electorate.

Mehan also highlighted a $6.4M commitment for stage one of the Wyong Hospital redevelopment.

The MPs said the Central Coast would benefit from statewide initiatives including: an increased road safety budget across the state; funding to deliver more than 21,000 affordable and market

homes across NSW; an $8.4M investment in the work of the Rental Commissioner to protect the interests of tenants; a statewide $480.7M Emergency Department Relief Package; a commitment of $83.1M over the next four years to retain expert TAFE NSW teachers; and $189.5M over four years to provide job security for hundreds of firefighters statewide.

“This Budget is about building better communities for NSW by prioritising housing supply, and essential infrastructure,” Tesch said.

“There is a lot more to do, however we are focused on building a better NSW for everyone in our community.”

Mehan said the Budget

reflected a “comprehensive approach” to address key community needs in health, education, transport, and local infrastructure.

“Despite economic challenges and record state debt, the Budget reflects a commitment to supporting the people of the Central Coast to navigate and overcome these challenges effectively,” he said.

But Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Budget “is even worse than the 2023/24 Budget” with the Government appearing to willingly abandon the people of the Central Coast during a cost-of-living crisis.

He said it was lacking in detail and full of “blanket statements across the board and

reannouncement after announcement of previously funded projects”.

“As part of the 2024/25 Budget, public schools across the Terrigal electorate will receive no new funding for school upgrades, no new funding for any childcare centres as part of the Minns Government’s promise for 100 new public preschools and no cost-of-living relief measures for struggling households,” he said.

Crouch also criticised a lack of any funding commitment for the development of the new TAFE building on the site of the former Gosford council chambers.

“The only funding for infrastructure (in the Terrigal electorate) is $11.037M to continue planning for the upgrade of Avoca Dr, which is only as a result of my long and hard campaign for our community,” he said.

Crouch said no funding had been included for: the continuation of the upgrade of the Central Coast Hwy from Wamberal to Bateau Bay; a new ambulance station at Kincumber; the upgrade of Shelly Beach Rd at Empire Bay; an upgrade of the Terrigal Police Station; or the redevelopment of the Macmasters Beach Rural Fire Service Station.

Terry Collins

Fundraiser for sleepout team A fundraiser will be held for the team from The Agency ahead of its participation in this year’s Coast Shelter Sleepout.

It will take place from 6pm9pm on Friday, July 19, at Davistown Community Hall, the use of which has been donated by Davistown Progress Association (DPA) in recognition of The Agency’s long-time sponsorship.

The fundraiser will be an art auction of many works donated by local artists.

Other items donated by local 3 Villages small businesses

and donors from all over the region will be auctioned and used as raffle, door and guessing competition prizes.

Taking part in the event will be Top Cat – local 3 Villages musicians Jackie, Andy and Blue – who have donated their time to perform along with The Silver Ferns, an a capella group which will entertain with some modern favourites.

All funds raised will go to the Coast Shelter, to assist people in need here on the Coast.

The Agency at Davistown team will participate for a second time in the Coast

Shelter Sleepout on Friday, August 2.

“Last year was our first time, and we had no idea how many people this truly effects on the Central Coast,” team leader Paula Taylor said.

“It is not just people who are homeless who will benefit from the fundraising, but also men, women and children across the Coast affected by domestic violence.

“This issue is far bigger than you might realise.

“Last year collectively we raised over $235,000 and this year our goal is to smash

the $250,000 mark.

“We can only do that with your help, so please come along to this fun event and be part of this important community action – as every little donation makes a big difference.

“Let’s show the Central Coast how generous our 3 Villages community is.”

Drinks and grazing plates will be provided and donations at the door are welcome.

If you can’t attend you can donate at www. coastsheltersleepout.com.au/ paula-taylor

The Agency team members Glen Gulliver and Paula Taylor with DPA President Julie Hale and former President Jenny McCulla

Welcome to Toukley’s new centre The good people at Toukley Neighbourhood Centre will throw open their doors on Friday, June 28, to welcome the community to their new location.

The community pantry at Toukley Neighbourhood Centre

It will be an ideal opportunity to see the new centre at 7-9

Summerside St, Toukley, and learn about the services and activities on offer, while meeting other people in the community.

Chairperson of the Neighbourhood Centre Bronwyn Evans said the group was committed to creating a welcoming and

supportive environment for everyone in Toukley to gather.

“We can’t wait to share this milestone with you and thank you for being part of our community,” she said.

The ceremonial opening will kick-off at 2pm followed by guided tours of the new

facilities, then light refreshments and entertainment until 3.30pm.

Please let the organisers know if you’re attending the opening of the new centre before close of business on June 21 on 4396 1555 or email reception@tnc.org.au

PAGE 10

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Historic Wagstaff hall kitchen gets a facelift

From left: Mike Allsop, Adam Crouch, Robyn Warburton and Ian Bull

Historic Wagstaff Hall’s kitchen is about to get a much-need facelift thanks to a $25,000 grant via the Government’s Community Building Partnership program.

Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch congratulated the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association on their funding win.

While presenting a cheque for $25,000 to the association Crouch said it was a historic win for the community, as it

was the first time they had applied for funding under the Community Building Partnership program.

“I am absolutely delighted to be able to present the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association with $25,000 to upgrade the Wagstaffe Hall’s dated kitchen, which is no longer suitable for the needs of the association and the community,” he said.

“This is the first time in 10 years the association has applied for funding, and I offer

my congratulations to President Mike Allsop and the team at the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association for this tremendous achievement.

The funding will be used to refurbish kitchen cabinetry and benchtops, repaint the kitchen and replace the kitchen floor, while also providing for new kitchen appliances.

Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association president Mike Allsop said the hall was a great community asset and the upgrade of the

kitchen necessary for greater usage of the hall.

“We have several events that we run locally for the community which often relies on the existing kitchen having the facilities to cater for these events, and while our kitchen has served us well it has reached the end of its usage life,” he said.

“We are looking to renew our kitchen and this upgrade will make it functional and fit for purpose, and this grant will enable us to do just that.”

5 Lands Walk returns this weekend Participants in this year’s 5 Lands Walk, on Saturday, June 22, are likely to spot some whales along the route, with an abundance of the animals heading north to the warmer feeding and birthing grounds off the Queensland coast.

The annual walk, from MacMasters Beach to Terrigal, attracts more than 20,000 walkers each year.

“With such a diverse and vibrant program, this year’s 5 Lands Walk weekend is shaping up as one of the most spectacular in its 19-year history,” 5 Lands

Walk President Pauline Wright said.

“Everyone is welcome to participate and enjoy something very special; I look forward to seeing you on June 22.”

With free Busways transport linking MacMasters Beach with Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal, the 5 Lands Walk is a great way for all ages to enjoy spectacular views, indigenous insights and an amazing arts and entertainment program along the 10km coastal route.

There is no doubt that a good walk offers wonderful benefits,

whether as exercise, to explore or to commune with nature, family and friends.

Inspired by its namesake, Italy’s fabled Cinque Terra, the 5 Lands Walk is now in its 19th year.

“I invite you to come along, hear the stories of our local indigenous and multicultural communities, be inspired, entertained and enlightened by our talented artists and musicians, and captivated by our stunning natural beauty,” Wright said.

“Like so many thousands from previous years, you’ll be thrilled

you took part, and we encourage you to bring your family, friends and community to share the experience.

“This amazing community festival is free, as is the public transport provided by Busways.

“The Central Coast recently received a highly coveted global environmental tourism award.

“This year’s 5 Lands Walk celebrates and showcases that recognition, connecting people to people and people to place.”

You’ll find event details and registration options at www.5landswalk.com.au

Participants at last year’s 5 Lands Walk

Explore our beautiful retirement community We invite you to explore and experience the exciting lifestyle and community at our Long Khanh Lakefront Village.

Pet friendly Community garden Swimming pool

Community centre Social outings Community activities

Two bedroom homes starting from $640,000* *Price as of 20th May 2024

Book your tour today or call 02 4396 4288 Long Khanh Lakefront Village 1 Village Way, rsllifecare.org.au Canton Beach, NSW 2263

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

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50,000 attend Harvest Festival

NEWS IN BRIEF

Seeing eye dogs about Look out for the Seeing Eye Dogs team, special pups and volunteer puppy carers at two events this weekend.

The team will be at the 5 Lands Walk Community Fair from 8am-4pm on Saturday, June 22, at Hunter Park, Avoca Beach, and at Avoca Beachside Markets from 9am-2pm on Sunday, June 23, at Heazlett Park foreshore.

The Markets are entering their 14th consecutive year and feature live music and more than 100 local and curated stalls.

Road changes Motorists are advised of changed overnight traffic conditions on the Pacific Hwy to carry out traffic surveys between Johnson Rd,Tuggerah, and Cutler Dr, Wyong, as part of investigations to help with future planning.

Traffic tube counters were installed on June 13 to monitor passenger vehicles and freight as part of investigations to improve understanding of traffic noise impacts.

They will be removed after two weeks, weather permitting.

The annual Harvest Festival attracted more than 50,000 visitors and injected millions of dollars into the local economy over the recent long weekend.

Over two days, the festival provided more than 30 event hubs offering an authentic glimpse behind the farm gate and delivering a vibrant celebration of local produce, entertainment, and fun.

Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said visitors were able to explore nine picturesque rural communities and their heritage villages, including Dooralong,

Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby, and Spencer.

“Once again the Harvest Festival truly had something for everyone, from farm-to-table dining and pick-your-own adventures, to nursery tours, food and beverage tastings, workshops, farm tours, and live music,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to announce that despite the current costof-living pressures on many in the community, this year’s Harvest Festival drew an estimated 51,000 attendees over the long weekend, resulting in an economic boost

The festival was a vibrant celebration of local produce, entertainment and fun

of $6.1M for our region.

“Importantly,the participating hubs received positive feedback from both local

attendees and visitors from Sydney and other areas.”

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the annual festival

was a significant contributor to the local economy, promoting sustainable farming and showcasing the rural charm of the Central Coast.

“While the Central Coast is often known for its stunning beaches, the Harvest Festival highlights the natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage of our hinterland, celebrating our local growers and producers,” he said.

“This event not only brings the community together and attracts visitors to the Central Coast, but it also provides a substantial boost to our tourism industry and injects millions into our local economy.”

PM pops in to deliver on infrastructure funding From page 1 “This is why my Government is committed to supporting local infrastructure, and why regional Australia is so important to our plan for a resilient and prosperous nation.”

Albanese said along with community infrastructure, the Government was investing in roads to improve safety and reduce congestion.

The region will benefit from the Government’s increase to the

Roads to Recovery Program, with Central Coast Council receiving $24M over the next five years – over $10M more than they were forecast to receive under the previous Government.

“This means more money than ever before to spend on maintenance such as fixing potholes, upgrading pavements and improving drainage,” the PM said.

Critical projects being funded include the Avoca Dr upgrade,

which includes widening the section between Carrak Rd and Killuna Rd to improve traffic flow and safety.

This is due to commence construction in mid-2025 and be completed by late 2028.

Central Coast Highway upgrades, which include improving the intersection between Central Coast Hwy and Tumbi Rd and fixing the notorious bottleneck between Wamberal and Bateau Bay, are underway under a $40M commitment

made at the 2022 election.

This adds to the $86.5M Central Coast Roads Package which continues to progress, with the Government fully funding 29 individual road projects across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,RegionalDevelopment and Local Government Catherine King, who accompanied the PM on his Coast visit, said the Government is investing in a better future for Australia, building economic opportunity

and prosperous communities.

“Our Government is working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that connects communities, stimulates jobs and builds the future of our nation,” she said.

Welcoming the Minister and PM to the region, Reid said the Roads to Recovery funding injection will make it easier for Central Coast Council to progress priority road projects that the community is calling out for.

Talking about death can be daunting, but it’s better to do when we’re well rather than wait until it’s too late!

• Wills • Advance Care Directives • Talk to your loved ones

Commencing at 2pm Hillside Chapel, Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park, 57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale.

Phone 1300 130 955

Reserve your seating please email: creightons@palmdalegroup.com.au

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

FORUM & ON THE BEAT Unhappy train commuter The popular morning services Central Coast to Sydney has been drastically cut by the Minns Labor State Government.

Commuters now have a choice to catch a 5.10am or 5.57am service from Woy Woy – all stops to Hornsby.

Miss the 5:10am service and you’re waiting 47 minutes for the next train.

The express services at 5.31am and 5.47am have been cut.

And it has been done in a sneaky way – the timetabled 5.47am services show as still in service but is almost always cancelled – inconveniencing commuters even further.

The impact is that many commuters are either: late to work; leaving 20 minutes earlier (longer days); travelling on a highly crowded 5.57am service and potentially standing up for more than one hour; facing a longer commute (extra 10 minutes) due to the express service being cancelled.

FOLLOW US

FORUM Read more forum on our website by scanning the QR code or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum What’s Liesl Tesch’s view on this?

Email June 12 Luke Chell, Umina Beach

Housing targets need funding and infrastructure This week we have seen the NSW Government commit to building 377,000 new homes across the state over the next five years, to align with the National Housing Accord.

As part of this, Central Coast Council is now expected to see 9,400 new homes constructed, meaning roughly 2.5 per cent of new homes built in NSW over the next five years will be within our region.

There is no doubt that our community has a shortage of

SCAN ME

housing, and this can be evidenced by the fact that vacancy rates for rental properties here on the Central Coast sit at around one per cent.

Pre-COVID, this figure was almost double.

On face value, this is a positive policy that supports local councils to meet their housing targets, with a view that it remains a critical issue that we build more homes to cater for our growing population, particularly our young people.

However, I am sceptical that the Central Coast will receive its fair share of funding and I am pessimistic about how far the budgeted funds will go in building the essential infrastructure that is needed alongside these new developments.

From a planning perspective,

we also need to properly consider where these new homes will be built.

Previous messaging from the NSW Government suggests that the earmarked transport orientated development (TOD) sites will take the bulk of these new developments and these locations include Woy Woy, Gosford, Tuggerah and Wyong.

Email May 30 Jared Wright, Avoca Beach

Dangerous bin collection conditions Again this week, two rubbish bins went sliding down my street after being emptied, gaining momentum as they hurtled towards the bottom of the hill.

I fear for anyone walking on the road; as there are no footpaths, that is where a pedestrian would be.

While the nimble have a chance of avoiding getting hit, a small child or elderly person (could die if hit).

Spate of stealing from cars Brisbane Water Police have issued a reminder to always lock-up cars following an increase in theft from vehicles over the recent long weekend.

Police say that stealing from vehicles occurred across a number of areas where a large proportion of the vehicles were locked but property was clearly visible to thieves.

The entry point to these vehicles was via smashed windows.

Police say to always lock-up a vehicle regardless of whether it is parked in a public place, personal driveway,

Reminder to prevent theft from cars (indicative image only)

carport or garage.

Always remove valuables and keep them out of sight.

Police say thieves are opportunistic and they target

people who fail to lock a vehicle and/or leave valuables in clear sight.

Brisbane Water Police are continuing to target known

property offenders and target ‘hot-spot’ areas as they arise.

People can assist by always locking cars, not leaving valuable property in vehicles and by reporting suspicious behaviour to police.

The Brisbane Water Crime Prevention Team has been leaving crime prevention information in areas where thieves have been targeting.

Report any suspicious behaviour to police via Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or any information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www1.police. nsw.gov.au

Learner driver charged following police pursuit A male learner driver will face children’s court after a police pursuit across the Central Coast on Friday, June 14.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District were patrolling around Erina Ave, Woy Woy, at about 10.30pm when they stopped a silver sedan.

The driver allegedly refused to provide his licence and drove off, and a pursuit was initiated.

The vehicle was followed through Fitzroy St to Brisbane Ave where the vehicle stopped.

During the pursuit two police vehicles were allegedly rammed.

Officers attempted to arrest the driver, but a struggle ensued during which a Taser and OC spray were deployed to effect his arrest.

The 17-year-old boy allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test before being taken to Gosford Police Station where a breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.020.

Learner drivers are subject to

zero blood alcohol limits.

Police will allege a white powder was found when the vehicle was searched as well as drug paraphernalia including scales.

The teen has been charged with police pursuit, not stop, drive dangerously; two counts of use etc offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention; special category driver drive with special range PCA; learner not accompanied by driver/ police officer/tester; supply prohibited drug; possess prohibited drug; knowingly deal with proceeds of crime;

and learner driver not display L plates as prescribed.

He appeared before court and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday, June 21.

A police officer was treated for cuts and bruising by NSW Ambulance paramedics after being thrown to the ground when his vehicle was allegedly rammed.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at nsw. crimestoppers.com.au

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

On the Central Coast there are many steep streets.

It is high time that the Council require – indeed install – flat areas for bins to be placed for emptying, perhaps as part of or extensions to driveways, with suitable edge-grading to avoid any hazardous changes in level.

Email, June 12 Sonnie Hopkins, Tascott

Outstanding local show by Curtain Bounce Recently I had the absolute privilege of experiencing two of the most continuous spinetingling hours of my life.

My husband and I were totally enveloped by the amazing performance of Phantom of the Opera at the Laycock Street Theatre presented by Curtain Bounce.

The performance was brilliant from start to finish and was definitely the best I have ever seen.

The stage setting was intriguing, and when the 40-piece orchestra first entered and took up the majority of the stage I thought that I would be enjoying a live orchestral version of one of my favourite shows with vocals and minimal action.

But no!

What followed was some of the most creative and outstanding theatre that I have ever seen.

There were absolutely no weak moments in the performance, and it is unbelievable that the vast majority of the cast are Coasties.

I cannot single out anyone as being better or weaker than anyone else.

This show was better than any professional performance that I have seen anywhere.

World class and outstanding – congratulations to everyone involved.

Email, Jun 17 Julie Lawrance, Ourimbah

ON THE BEAT BRIEFS Pedestrian hit by car Police are investigating an incident at Kanwal on Wednesday, June 12, when a pedestrian was hit by a car.

Emergency services and Tuggerah Lakes Police were called to the Pacific Hwy at about 6.30pm and found an injured 45-year-old woman.

She was airlifted to John

Hunter Hospital in a critical condition while the driver of the vehicle was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.

Anyone with any information or dashcam footage from the area within an hour of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Charged over tavern assault Raptor Squad officers have charged a man after he allegedly assaulted and intimidated a man at a tavern in Chittaway Bay earlier this month.

On Saturday, June 8, officers attached to State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad received a report that a 40-year-old man had been spat on and intimidated by two men at the tavern.

Following investigations Raptor Squad officers executed a search warrant at a home in Berkeley Vale last Thursday, June 13.

During a search of the home police located and seized small amounts of prohibited drugs and an electronic device.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Wyong Police Station, where he was charged with stalk/ intimidate intend fear physical harm, common assault and enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.

The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Wyong Local Court on Wednesday, July 3.

Budgewoi school visit Budgewoi Public School had a fantastic day recently with a visit by specially trained therapy dogs from Doggie Dates NSW, footy drills by PCYC NSW and NRLW player Shanice Parker and engagement

with Tuggerah Lakes Police district.

Tuggerah Lakes Police Youth Liaison officers were out and about engaging with students, playing sports and participating in student activities.

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Thousands flock to Words on the Waves hoto: Lisa Haymes Bestselling author Judy Nunn in conversation with Suzanne Leal

Despite the weather, this year’s Words on the Waves Writers Festival saw a dramatic increase in attendance, with the audience increasing by more than 20 per cent on previous years.

The festival, which took place from May 29-June 3, recorded more than 5,000 attendances, with an additional 1,088 local primary and high school attendances recorded for the festival schools program.

An increase in attendance was largely due to the addition of The Dip, a new venue and program stream aimed at engaging a broader and more diverse audience base.

The Dip’s free family fun day alone was attended by more

than 1,200 people.

Likewise, ticket sales for the popular main program, held at Umina and Ocean Beach surf life saving clubs, were up on 2,023.

“As

the

festival

has

developed and grown we’ve become known for the calibre of our authors and for great conversations in our sessions,” festival director Angela Bennetts said.

“Our audiences also tell us how much they appreciate

having a writers festival on the Central Coast, combining stunning scenery and culture, and I think that’s helping our audience numbers go from strength to strength.

SEASON2024 Family

Physical Theatre

Children are Stinky

December

Music

Fringe Theatre

Tuesday 16 July

Continued page 17

Physical Theatre

Saturday 20 July

December JAKE SILVESTRO

DOUBLE BILL

Saturday 20 July An exceptional solo performance exploring themes of loss and memory. Using a variety of physical

genres combined with striking visual arts, acrobatic

movement informs the creation of a series of large-

Women of Song Friday 30 August

Plenty of Fish in the Sea & Oyster Boy

scale drawings and paintings to shine focus on the Australian bushfires of 2019 and 2020.

Friday 6 September

Box Office Monday to Friday, 10am - 2pm, 5 Laycock Street, North Gosford, NSW 2250 Phone (02) 4323 3233 Web centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres Follow us @laycockstreetcommunitytheatre

Box Office - Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm, 5 Laycock Street, North Gosford NSW 2250

Phone (02) 4323 3233 Email laycockstreettheatre@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Web centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres

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is delivering for the Central Coast Tax cuts for every taxpayer $300 energy rebate for every household 20,000 new Fee-Free TAFE places in construction Freezing the price of common medicines Improved access to mental health services

Get in touch /EmmaMcBrideMP @emmamcbridemp emmamcbride.com.au Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 4353 0127 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259

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

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Wil Anderson heads for Coast Appearing right now on our TV screens in the Channel 10 show Taskmaster, comedian Wil Anderson is set to bring his biggest Australian tour in five years to The Art House this month.

Winner of the Director’s Choice at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2022, Best of The Fest at the Sydney Comedy Festival the same year and six-time winner of

the People’s Choice Award at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Anderson is one of the hottest items on the comedy circuit.

He is gearing up to head across Australia with his new hour of stand-up comedy, Wilegitimate.

“I’m excited to be able to get on the road with my largest tour in five years and perform to audiences I have missed or not yet been lucky enough to

meet,” he said.

“My new show is definitely about something.

“And you are definitely going to love it because of reasons.

“But who am I to tell you what that something is, and what the reasons are?

“Come along and decide for yourself.”

Wilegitimate promises to be a comedic masterpiece from an artist who has earned a devoted fan base alongside

critical acclaim.

Anderson is the host of ABC TV’s Gruen, and Question Everything, and smash hit podcasts Wilosophy and TOFOP. He won the Helpmann Award in 2010 for his stand-up show Wilful Misconduct.

Wilegitimate will play at 8pm on Saturday, June 22, at The Art House, Wyong.

Book at comedy.com.au

Wil Anderson

One night in Memphis a show not to be missed One Night in Memphis is a show that finally brings together three of the world’s greatest and most popular performers – Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.

Playing at Laycock Street Theatre on June 28, the show delivers the greatest rock ‘n’ roll songs of the early years of the 1950s and 1960s, featuring three of Australia’s renowned tribute artists together with a full seven-piece live band delivering over two hours of hit after hit from the early Memphis and Sun Records years through to some of their biggest songs.

Aaron W Mansfield as Roy Orbison has been described as the closest tribute to Roy Orbison anywhere on the planet.

Internationally acclaimed as one of the best vocal replicas of the Big O, Mansfield has enjoyed many standing ovations from sell-out crowds both nationally and internationally.

Successfully touring Australia twice, he has also been a featured artist at the Parkes Elvis Festival for many years, made an appearance on Studio 10, and has been a featured artist on several Royal Caribbean cruises.

Anthony Fenech as Elvis Presley performs an exciting tribute to The King, capturing the essence of the early Sun Records and Memphis era.

Originally from Sydney, Fenech is one of the top 50’s era Elvis Tribute acts in the

One Night in Memphis is a tribute to Orbison, Presley and Cash

country, earning multiple accolades and awards and is a much-sought-after act to appear on various cruise ships and theatre stages.

His tribute is packed with youthful raw energy and charisma and his dynamic show will take you back to an era of the 1950s when Elvis

first exploded on the scene and changed the face of popular music forever.

Mark Vassallo has been

performing as Johnny Cash with his band Cash Only for 15 years.

Over this time Vasallo and the Cash Only band have been one of the most popular shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival playing to sold-out crowds in Tamworth’s leading venues for 12 consecutive years.

Vassallo has also appeared in The Four Highwaymen line-up at the Gympie Muster and performed in charity gigs for Father Chris Riley, Wesley Mission and the Gut Foundation.

He performs the full range of Cash’s career from the early Sun Records hits to the American recordings and is regarded as one of Australia’s leading Cash tribute artists.

Powerhouse cumbia orchestra headed for Drifters Wharf Cumbiamuffin, a 15-piece cumbia orchestra and Australia’s premier cumbia ensemble, is bringing its infectious, hypnotic groove to the Drifters Wharf on June 29.

Join in what will be a vibrant night of music and dance at the Latin Social 2 with Cumbiamuffin’s unstoppable wall of cumbia sound, a kind of dance music of Colombian origin, similar to salsa.

Since its inception, Cumbiamuffin has established itself as Sydney’s most representative large Cumbia

Orchestra, performing at some of the most prestigious stages and festivals including numerous sold out shows for Sydney Festival and Tropfest 2017.

Driven the collective energy of authentic Colombian vocalists and a powerhouse orchestral presence, their dynamic percussion section and Australia’s finest horn players blend seamlessly with elements of reggae, ragga, and roots from the Colombian Caribbean, creating an infectious and joyful rhythm that captivates audiences.

Forged from the collaboration of Colombian and Australian musicians, Cumbiamuffin embodies a shared vision to bring the purest sounds of the golden era of Orchestrated Cumbia toAustralian audiences.

This event promises to be a celebration of cultural fusion and musical excellence, showcasing the rich traditions of Latin American music.

Don’t miss out on this unique experience – come ready to dance and be swept away by the captivating rhythms and vibrant energy of The Latin Social 2.

Cumbiamuffin is headed for Drifters Wharf

Take a step back in time with Kariong billycart derby Kariong Church along with Kariong Somersby Rotary Club are set to host a fun community event – the Kariong Billy Cart Derby – on June 30.

The Kariong community has come together to build billycarts for the derby

All the action takes place at Phillip House, 21 Old Mt Penang Rd, Kariong, at noon where about 30 carts will be vying for top honours at the finish line.

About 70 primary and high school students and their

families are involved in the event which has seen the community come together over a number of days to help build the carts.

“At this stage we are estimating around 200 people will attend the derby,” Kariong Church Reverend Chris Clarke said.

Rev Clarke said the church had the idea to hold a billycart derby and invited the Rotary Club to join in.

“We joined with Rotary for last year’s Kariong Christmas carols along with a bunch of other community groups, which we are planning to on doing again this year.

While this derby is the first of its kind, Rev Clarke said he hoped it would become an annual event, but would wait to see how the event went on the day.

“We will have around 30 carts and 90 drivers on the day,” he

said.

“Some of them had a sneaky practice last Sunday.

“You should have seen them go.”

Registrations are now closed, but Rev Clarke is encouraging everyone to get along for the day.

“We have some plans for fun activities for kids who aren’t driving as well,” he said.

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Songwriter sessions return to Lake House The Central Coast Acoustic Songwriter Sessions will return for another unforgettable night of music at The Entrance Lake House on Friday, June 28.

The event will feature a lineup of talented Central Coast songwriters in a night of soulstirring performances and intimate storytelling.

Featured artists will be Frecko, Kate Keighran and Woodie McClean.

The Central Coast Acoustic Songwriter Sessions are dedicated to providing a platform for local musicians to showcase their original compositions and share the

Kate Keighran is a singer/ songwriter based at Budgewoi.

Since discovering a burgeoning love for music at the age 14, Woodie McClean has immersed himself in a rich paddock of soul, jazz, blues and country, rock, Americana and pop which underpins his debut EP, Words in Mind.

Woodie McClean; Frecko; Kate Keighran

personal stories that inspired them.

Founded by passionate musicians Michelle Murrell and Meagan Jane, the sessions celebrate the diverse musical

talent found throughout the Central Coast and its surrounding areas.

Frecko is a father and son duo who perform alt-country, folk and blues music.

With a musical bond based on a shared love of the Australian character in all its forms, the two have a broad range of muses.

Jason and Jack Freckelton

create music that celebrates life’s little moments – songs about love, loss and the road.

Their new album is set to drop in October, with the first single, Bury Me Deep now released.

The songwriter session will be held at The Entrance Lakehouse on Friday, June 28, with doors opening at 6.30pm.

For bookings search The Entrance Lake House at Eventbrite.com.au

Coastal a Capella brings home a medal

Coastal a Capella brings home a medal

Coastal a Cappella has brought home a medal after competing in the recent Australian Sweet Adeline championships in Fremantle WA. “We are very excited to report that we achieved fifth place overall, “ marketing coordinator Jennie Harrison said.

“We are thrilled with this result as there are 27 chorus in Australia and to be ranked

fifth is very pleasing.

“We had 35 members on stage, and we were competing against some choruses with up to and over 60 members.

“We achieved our highest score in any competition we have been in and this is testament to the level of commitment our director Lyn Smith, our music team and our members have been striving for.”

The chorus invites women of all ages to “Join us in July” on July 3 when participants can learn about singing women’s a cappella harmony.

It’s on between 7pm and 9.30pm at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair, next to the Erina Library.

For details visit the website www.coastalacappella.com for or contact Jennie on 0412284652.

New rules for political donors Some registered clubs are now banned from making political donations.

Visit elections.nsw.gov.au for more information.

ited b i h Pro ors don

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Kooky cabaret experience

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Ride the Cyclone The iconic musical and viral social media phenomenon Ride The Cyclone comes direct to the Central Coast on June 28 and 29 from a sold out season at Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney.

Ride The Cyclone is a perfect mix of morbid and hilarious.

It is a dark comedy based on the exhilarating story of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir who lose their lives on a rollercoaster.

When they awake in limbo, they have the chance to win a prize like no other – the chance to return to life.

What follows is a musical bursting with witty, memorable songs and featuring some of the most compelling characters in modern musical theatre.

Ride The Cyclone will play at The Art House at 8pm on Friday, June 28, and Saturday, June 29.

Book at www.thearthouse wyong.com.au or call 4335 1485.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Get ready for a kooky cabaret experience with Legs 11.11’s ConspiRACY at the Fun Haus in Gosford on Saturday, June 22.

The one-woman show by dynamic performance artist Legs 11.11 is ideal for lovers of cabaret, comedy, burlesque and the delightfully bizarre.

It promises an evening filled with laughter, satire and a touch of the risqué.

ConspiRACY showcases Legs 11.11’s talent for embodying larger-than-life characters who fearlessly tackle taboo topics with wit and charm.

Winner of the prestigious Best Individual Artist Award at both

the 2022 and 2024 Newcastle Fringe Festivals, Legs 11.11 merges comedy and cabaret in a truly original manner.

She delves deep into the world of conspiracy theories, presenting a racy, irreverent take that is sure to leave audiences both entertained and questioning reality.

The show features burlesque performances, comedy, racy short films and guest appearances including the acrobatic prowess of Bendy Gigi as R2-D2 and the fabulous drag stylings of Philipe LeScripte.

For bookings go to funhausfactory.org.au

Legs 11.11 presents ConspiRACY

From page 13

Photo: Lisa Haymes Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty in conversation with Sue Smethurst

Discover a better quality of life with Montessori Care. Contact us now for personalised support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“This year with the support of the NSW Government through CreateNSW, we were able to offer a range of free and financially accessible sessions including cooking, mental health, history, parenting and fiction, in addition to a dramatically larger family fun day featuring children’s book authors and illustrators, craft and Indigenous storytelling.

“We also included our new Central Coast Reads program, which aims to connect socially

isolated seniors with the support of the Department of Communities and Justice, all of which proved to be very popular.”

Bennetts said with success in the 2024/25 round of CreateNSW funding, next year’s festival is set to be even bigger and better.

Festival bookseller BookFace Erina also reaped the benefits of a popular program with strong sales over the weekend.

The more than 100 authors who took part in over 80

sessions also praised the experience.

“Words on the Waves was amazing … it was a really great session and a beautifully run event,” Julie Goodwin said.

Cheryl Akle said despite the rain the festival felt busy and full of life.

“I spoke to so many people who were enjoying it so much,” she said.

“It seems to me that the growth has been exponential and I know how much work goes into that.”

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CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Ancient Andes Indian 4. Restrain 8. Grain store 11. Walker 13. Adjust 15. Watery-eyed 17. Artificial fertilisation (1,1,1) 18. Alliances 20. Klutz 21. Tibetan monks 24. Swamped 27. Easter treat, ... cross bun 28. Lukewarm 30. Give false impression 31. North African nation 33. Negligent 34. Filmed new version of 35. Prince Philip’s daughter 36. Deep wound 39. Evolutionist, Charles ...

42. Handed (out) 44. Small cubes 45. Rested 46. Interior wall moulding, ... rail 48. Pass (legislation) 49. Sloped (ceiling) 50. Single object 52. Genuine thing, the real ...

54. Used to be 55. Trapper’s lure 56. Kindest 57. Long-coated canine, ...

Terrier

60. Mischievous kids 62. Glowing bullet 65. Incite (4,2) 67. Physicist, ... Newton 69. Screen epic 70. Number 72. Frequently (poetic) 73. Sumptuous repast 75. Devil 77. Negative adverb 79. Reply 81. Sicken 82. Footloose singer, ...

Loggins 84. Lariat 85. Church passage 86. Matured 87. Reckoned 88. Unattached DOWN 1. Involved in 2. Wear by rubbing 3. Voice publicly 4. Crush 5. Squeaks and rattles 6. Romantic fling 7. Space agency 8. Jet-bath 9. Needing a scratch 10. Overthrow 12. Pop star, ... Minogue 14. Rosebush pest 16. Lunched 19. Amphibians 22. Like

23. Descend rock face by rope 25. Removed useless plants from 26. Satisfied (thirst) 29. Forecast 32. Entreat 35. Withdraws (oneself) 37. Roused 38. Obstructs 40. Performed 41. Ronald Reagan’s widow 42. Large sweet fruit 43. Challenges 44. Routinely 47. Rushing 51. Terrorise 52. Computer/phone links 53. Joyful exclamation 54. Eccentric person 58. Switchblade 59. Estimated landing time (1,1,1) 61. Host (party) (3,2) 63. Log vessels 64. Turn round 65. Edges (towards) 66. Hog’s grunts 68. Musty 71. Inside 72. Ocean predator 74. Excited 76. Honey drink 78. Vehicle wheel 80. Rotter 83. Sprite

See page 31 for last edition’s solutions or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

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Complete Funeral Services in our Woy Woy Chapel

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20×20 art exhibition returns to Gosford

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Exhibition opening

Now in its sixth year, the 20×20 Art Exhibition has returned to the Gosford Regional Gallery until July 7.

A new exhibition by Lismorebased Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens will open at Gosford Regional Gallery at 11am on Saturday, June 22.

The benefits gained through this annual community art project cannot be denied.

Described as a win-win for participants and visitors, it is gaining popularity with an opportunity for Central Coast residents to be involved and give art a go for a good cause.

Visitors will be overwhelmed by almost 350 artworks based on the theme Outside & Inside, produced by more than 115 Central Coast artists.

All the works measure 20cm x 20cm with single works priced at $100 each or a series of three for $300 with 25 per

Karla Dickens: Embracing Shadows spans 30 years of practice.

Female identity and racial injustice are at the core of the exhibition, themes which are enduringly explored in Dickens’ reflections on Australian culture.

The exhibition brings together key bodies of work for the first time, including Hot Thing (1995), Sheila’s Downunder (2002), Black Madonna (2009), Workhorse (2015) and Bound (2016), as well as select works from the Dickensian Sideshow (2020-2021) and Return to Sende’ (2021) series.

Dickens’ work has featured in major group exhibitions in Australia and internationally.

Embracing Shadows is delivered at Gosford Regional Gallery in partnership with Campbelltown Arts Centre.

There will be a commissioned performance by Advanced Diploma students from NAISDA at the opening of the exhibition at 11am on June 22.

The exhibition runs until August 11.

See more on the exhibition in next week’s paper.

Unique 20 x 20 art exhibition is on again

cent of every sale going towards supporting Arts in Health initiatives at Gosford Regional Gallery.

“It’s always a fun display, it’s difficult to tell the seasoned artists from the Sunday painters, especially as names

remain anonymous until a work is sold,” co-ordinator Cathryn McEwen said “The exhibition is a worthwhile opportunity for Central Coast residents of all ages and abilities and provides an additional incentive with a

$250 People’s Choice award.”

At this time of year, with tax deduction incentives and at very affordable prices it’s very tempting to make a purchase of one or more original artworks and help a good cause into the bargain.

Open daily from 9.30am to 4pm, the 20×20 Art Exhibition is held in the Community Gallery, located at the Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden, 36 Webb St, East Gosford.

Whitlams Black Stump at Mangrove hall The Whitlams Black Stump Duo will perform at the historic Mangrove Mountain Hall on Friday, June 21, to celebrate the release of their new Kookaburra ARIA #1 Australian Country Album.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

The Whitlams Black Stump Duo

Book Review with Julie Chessman Umina Beach BOOK NOOK uminabeachbooknook.com.au 9/327 West Street, Umina Beach

The Way We Are Author: Hugh Mackay This book is written by experienced author Hugh Mackay, an Australian social researcher and psychologist.

It explores various aspects of contemporary Australian society, including its culture, values, relationships and the challenges faced by individuals and communities in the modern world.

What is the legacy of the Baby Boomer?

How many Gods do we worship now?

Mackay delves into topics such as consumerism, materialism, social isolation

and the impact of technology on human connections.

Through his insightful observations and analysis, he offers reflections on the state of Australian society and encourages readers to contemplate their own lives and relationships.

This really is thoughtprovoking reading with varied topics; loneliness, connection (and the lack of) and the huge changes the internet and social media have brought among many other topics discussed.

The book includes some thoughts on what changes Baby Boomers might bring to

aged care as they may be starting to use it - we can only hope that the Boomers can change things for the better.

Amidst our epidemics of loneliness, anxiety and depression, highlighted by the Covid epidemic along with the impacts of entrenched poverty and ubiquitous technology, The Way We Are examines the major trends that are shaking the foundations of the Australian way of life.

This is not a subjective body of work but draws on thousands of interviews over a lifetime of research.

Hugh Mackay is a muchloved and highly-respected social psychologist and presents a compelling portrait of Australia today.

He celebrates the march

Tim Freedman and Ollie Thorpe’s acclaimed piano and pedal steel duo is the perfect vehicle to strip back Whitlams’ repertoire and deliver classics like No Aphrodisiac and Blow Up the Pokies.

The Whitlams Black Stump towards gender equality and explains the stubborn persistence of misogyny, the anti-social consequences of social media, the complex legacy of the those who came before, and the ‘fake wisdom’ that guides too much of our thinking.

Exploring the steady decline in religious faith and practice, the author identifies the many gods we continue to worship, and points to the positive role that dreaming can play in our lives.

It is true that some of his observations may not be simple reading, but his analysis is filled with affection for our country.

Inspiring, provocative and powerfully argued, The Way We Are is the most importantand uplifting-book you will read all year.

It will encourage you to reflect deeply on the question: What kind of society do we want to become?

This is a great read for the inquisitive mind and for those who wrangle with puzzling questions.

formed in 2021 and reconstructs the best of The Whitlams’ repertoire with an assortment of new songs and classic Americana.

The intimate show will present new material, as the pair play songs from the debut album of Freedman’s new Americana group – The Whitlams Black Stump.

The duo’s recent singles, The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw and No Aphrodisiac (Black Stump), have been staples on Australian country

radio over the past year.

The album, two years in the making, was produced by multiple Golden Guitar winner Matt Fell.

The show is all ages family friendly and fully seated with food and light refreshments available for purchase on the night, BYO welcome.

Doors open at 6pm for dinner with the show starting at 7.30pm.

Limited tickets are available and pre booking is essential via www.thewhitlams.com

MINGARA ORCHID CLUB

FAIR AND SHOW FREE ENTRY

Saturday 29th June 9:00am to 4:00 pm Sunday 30th June 9:00am to 3:00pm Up to 21 vendors selling orchids and orchid products.

Where: Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi

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Labor’s Tax Cuts Scan the QR code to find out how much you will save.

Call (02) 4322 2400 or email Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au for more information

Dr Gordon Reid MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

Riverside Building, Level 3/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250 Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au DoctorGordonReid reid4robertson drgordonreidmp.com.au Authorised by Dr Gordon Reid MP, Australian Labor Party, Level 3, 69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250.

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Business & Property

A new look for the Old Pub

There will be a new beer garden and garden bar with a designated kids’ play area

The Woy Woy Hotel, affectionately known as the Old Pub, is set for a major facelift and will be closed for three-four months while renovations take place.

A full transformation on the circa 1897 pub will see a new beer garden and garden bar with a designated kids’ play area, big screen TVs, undercover dining space and more.

The Old Pub’s famous front bar will be extended and undergo a heritage style refurbishment, increasing its capacity to host locals and visitors alike for best in class viewing of live sport and racing.

The kitchen and bistro will also be expanded and revived with a timeless new fit out and an abundance of extra seating to accommodate more diners and large events; and a restored

front facade with added signage will give the Old Pub a new lease of life.

Harvest Hotels bought the hotel in 2021 and has since been working on plans for the redevelopment, hoping to expand its appeal to families, nearby businesses, local community groups and tourists.

“What’s old will be new again at The Woy Woy Hotel,” Harvest Hotels Director

Fraser Haughton said.

“These renovations have been in the pipeline for a long time now, and after a few delays we’re looking forward to getting it all underway and creating a pub that people of the Peninsula will be proud of, and those visiting the Central Coast will want to visit and enjoy.

“It’s a beautiful old pub with fantastic bones and a loyal clientele, so while the renovation

will see new elements to attract new customers, the heritage charm and down to earth atmosphere that locals know and love will be maintained at the same time.

“We’re renovating the Old Pub with the Woy Woy and wider Central Coast community front of mind.

“We want this to become everyone’s proud local for any occasion, big or small.

“We’ve tried our best to limit the disruption to our staff and customers, so we’re closing the doors to get this done and dusted as quickly as we can so everyone can get back to having a good time at The Old (New) Pub.” The hotel is expected to reopen in October.

The drive thru bottle shop, accessed via Oval Avenue, will remain open during the renovations.

Top national award for Toukley barber Laura Banford of Hearts & Minds Barber Shop at Toukley has taken out top honours at the recent Expo4Barbers held on the Gold Coast.

The former Australian Female Barber of the Year in 2019 won the Old School category in the national competition which attracted more than 70 competitors

from across the country in three categories.

Laura and her award-winning husband Danny, an exAustralian Army veteran and ex-Royal Marine Commando, established Hearts & Minds Barber Shop in 2016 with a vision to create a safe and welcoming space.

It’s a space where they want people to let their guard down

1800 891 691 or 4324 7699 Suites 5 & 6, Fountain Plaza 148-158 Central Coast Hwy, Erina brazelmoorelawyers.com.au

without fear of judgement and a cornerstone in the community for all to call their own.

Together Danny and Laura, who had worked in the hair industry for many years before creating their business to become a busy barber shop with a wine and whisky bar.

The couple also continues to support veterans mental health and hold mental health events

and charity events.

Laura was described as showcasing unparalleled skill and determination at the Expo4Barbers, standing tall amongst Australia’s finest barbers.

“We put a lot of effort into our work,” Danny said.

“We also have an amazing team.

FREE SEMINAR: WILLS & ESTATES AVOIDING ESTATE PLANNING TRAPS

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Laura Banford in action at the Expo4Barbers

As part of this year’s Brazel Moore Seminar Series, this free public seminar is being given by Brazel Moore Lawyers to help people understand what to expect so they know where they stand in – • Making a Will • Making a Power of Attorney • Challenging a Will or defending a Will from challenge • Making an Appointment of Guardian The theme is to educate people about the options and choices available to them… alerting you to the pitfalls and procedures in dealing with Estate Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian and how you should best deal with them.

Geoff Brazel, Solicitor, will present the seminar on Wills, Powers of Attorney & Appointments of Guardian to help you through the maze of legal regulation.

The seminar will be presented in a friendly relaxed atmosphere and there will be plenty of time for your questions.

You’ll be helped a lot in understanding the system and will then be able to confidently consider what Estate Planning steps you need to take to properly plan for your own Will, Power of Attorney or Appointment of Guardian.

WHEN: 25 June 2024 TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm WHERE: Brazel Moore Lawyers (Address top left)

WHEN: 2 July 2024 TIME: 6:45pm - 8:00pm WHERE: Gosford RSL Club Call 4324 7699 to reserve your spot now!

Experienced down-to-earth help and advice throughout the Central Coast

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Acclaim for fostering grassroots sport

Alicia Duke from the Waves and Keith Cameron from Wyong Leagues Group accepting the award

Wyong Leagues Group has won the Fostering Grassroots Sport category of the 2024 ClubsNSW Clubs and Community Awards.

The annual awards, held this year on June 6, recognise outstanding contributions made by clubs within their communities.

Wyong Leagues Group took out the major award from a field of 17 other finalists with its program submission entitled Keeping the Waves

Rolling which detailed the rescue of Central Coast Waves Basketball Association from extinction in 2023.

In April 2023 Waves shut the doors to their courts at Niagara Park Stadium and suspended all trading, leaving hundreds of domestic and representative players blindsided.

The Association had contacted Basketball NSW the previous month expressing concerns about its financial stability, which had not recovered from the

setbacks of COVID-19.

In May Wyong Leagues Group entered into an agreement to buy Central Coast Waves Basketball Association, ensuring its stable future with financial and management backing as a sub-club of the Group.

An official season launch for Waves in July heralded a new chapter for the basketball club.

Wyong Leagues Group CEO Ben Coghlan said the award submission Keeping the

Waves Rolling highlighted the positive impact of maintaining a sports outlet for hundreds of children and families across the Central Coast.

“Obviously being acknowledged by our clubs industry with such a prestigious award is very gratifying and something we are very proud of, however, our greater pride is in having been able to successfully mount such a program with undeniably clear community benefit,” he said.

Input sought for Local Planning Panel Community members are being sought to give local input into decisions made by the Local Planning Panel.

It’s a paying job, offering $500 per meeting and $71 an hour for business outside of meetings.

Community members would be working with a chair and two independent experts, all of whom are appointed by the State Minister for Planning, not Central Coast Council.

The chair gets $2,000 per meeting and the experts get $1,500 per meeting.

Community representatives are appointed by Council to bring local knowledge and experience to the Panel which makes decisions on development on the Coast such as potential conflict of interest developments, contentious developments and applications that depart from development standards.

The Panel also gives advice

on planning proposals which are about rezoning land to allow particular developments and other strategic planning matters.

Community members are not expected to be experts in planning matters but Council is asking for a basic understanding of the planning system.

That means having some knowledge of Council’s Local Environment Plan, Development Control Plan,

Stand for your community This September, the NSW Government is calling on people from all backgrounds to stand for election to their local council.

Your council does more than just look after roads, rates and rubbish.

It plays a vital role in your community and councillors’ decisions affect your daily life. Councils need to be diverse to better represent your local community.

You, or someone you know, could help make life better in your community. No formal qualifications are required and training is available for elected councillors.

Local Strategic Planning statement and Community Strategic Plan.

A community representative is needed to address matters for each of the Coast’s five wards.

Community representatives can represent one or more wards.

Applications close on June 18 at centralcoast.applynow.net. au/jobs/CEN3670-expressionsof-interest-local-planningpanel-member

The panel recently approved alterations to this Terrigal development

Public Exhibition Notification of Herbicide Use Central Coast Council will be applying Glyphosate 360 and Metasulfuron-methyl between 1st of July 2024 to 31st of December 2024 to specific waterways and drainage lines within the local government area for the purpose of waterway, ecosystem and asset protection.

Glyphosate is registered for use in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Non-chemical methods of weed control are also utilised wherever practicable.

During application, signage will be clearly displayed to notify application of herbicides to waterways and will include information on the herbicide being applied, the location details, the dates and the weed Council is managing. During signposted periods, the public is advised not to use, drink or swim in the water until signage is removed.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product, please contact Council’s Environmental Infrastructure Section on 02 4306 7900.

Nominations open on 5 August and close 14 August 2024.

Local government elections are on 14 September 2024.

Visit the Office of Local Government’s website for more information.

olg.nsw.gov.au

This notification is provided in accordance with Council’s Pesticide Use Notification Plan and the Environmental Protection Licence 7643 which are available for viewing at the Wyong Administration Buildings or may be viewed on Council’s website www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

David Farmer Chief Executive Officer June 2024

Council Office 2 Hely St / PO Box 20 Wyong NSW 2259 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 02 4306 7900 Chief Executive Officer David Farmer

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New laws to affect Council staff contracts Central Coast Council has refused to say how many of its senior staff are affected by the new State Government laws on executive contracts.

The State Government has amended the Local Government Act 1993, removing the ability for councils to employ senior council executives under statutory contracts.

This amendment means councils, including Central Coast Council, can no longer enter into new fixed term contracts for senior staff.

When existing contracts expire, those staff involved will transfer to award-based employment under the Local Government (State) Award.

Coast Community News asked Council how many staff were affected, when the current contracts expired and when would all staff be on the new contracts.

“The number of staff employed on senior staff contracts will be disclosed in Council’s Annual Report,” Council replied.

It said any further questions about the amendment should be directed to the NSW Government.

Under the new legislation

Central Coast Council will no longer be able to enter into fixed term contracts for senior staff; Kevin Brooks

ultimately the only employee at any NSW Council on a senior staff contract will be the GM/ CEO. Central Coast resident Kevin Brooks, who has commented on the need to improve senior management performance in submissions to the ongoing Parliamentary Inquiries into Local Government, described the change as “a retrograde step” that will undermine flexibility and make executives “even less accountable” for performance.

“The executives we are talking about here can be earning around $300,000 to $400,000 per year,” he said.

“At that level, there needs to be accountability for performance.

“It’s not in the interests of councils or ratepayers to entrench a cohort of fat cats counting down their days to retirement with little incentive to perform and almost impossible to get rid of.”

He said that quality of management was already a problem across the local government sector.

“There is a limited supply of high-calibre candidates within the sector, and mediocrity can rise to the top,” he said.

“It will now be harder to address this by encouraging more applications from outside the sector to access a wider range of skills and financial disciplines and drive much needed change and innovation.”

Brooks also feared “conflicts of interest” in giving award employment rights to executives.

“When IPART sets the annual rate peg, it calculates how much Council costs have increased over the previous year, including increases in salary costs, and feeds these into the rate peg,” he said.

“Salary increases negotiated between councils and unions are therefore passed straight through to ratepayers.

“This raises questions about conflicts of interest if executive salary increases are determined through the same award negotiations.

“This may create yet more upward pressure on rates.”

BUSINESS BRIEF

As a result of the amendments, as of September 1 councils will no longer have the option to determine positions within their organisation structure as “senior staff positions” and to employ the holders of those positions under the statutory contract approved by the “departmental chief executive” of the Office of Local Government (OLG).

In determining the organisation structure of a council, the governing body is required to approve the resources to be allocated to the employment of staff after consulting the general manager, and the general manager is in turn responsible for determining the organisation structure of the council after consulting with the governing body.

Subject to the transitional arrangements, the amendments will ultimately see the terms and conditions of employment of all council staff other than the general manager, regulated under an award or enterprise agreement approved by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

Merilyn Vale

Processing metal waste Worldwide Metal Scrap wants to set up a waste metal transfer station at 17 Lucca Rd, Wyong, to receive up to 25,000 tonnes of scrap metal per year.

The site is located within an industrial precinct which has progressively been developed throughout the years since the 1970s.

The project will involve construction of a hardstand area, driveway and carpark, loading zone and portable weighbridge.

Scrap metal will generally be brought into the yard by truck, light passenger vehicles or in bins with expected daily traffic to be 13 rigid trucks over 4.5 tonnes, three semi-trailers, up to 22 light vehicles and six staff vehicles.

The transfer station will operate weekdays from 7.30am -5pm and Saturdays 7.30am2pm with a staff of five to ten.

Public feedback on the project (DA/683/2024) is open until July 1 on Central Coast Council’s website.

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Upgrade for Ettalong Bowling Club Ettalong Bowling Club in Springwood St will undergo alterations to improve club facilities and bowling greens.

Plans have been submitted to Central Coast Council seeking approval to demolish large internal sections of the club building across both the ground and upper levels, bowling green no.1, and the greenkeeper’s shed.

That will make way for an extensive new internal layout including a sports lounge, bistro lounge, two function rooms, kitchen and bar areas, storage areas,an administration area, locker rooms and amenities for patrons.

Also, there will be a new terrace for bowlers, along with a new synthetic surface on bowling green no.1 including a curved canopy structure to

allow all-weather use, and an outdoor barbecue area adjacent the bowling green.

The greenkeepers will get a new shed.

There won’t be any changes to existing operating hours of the club and there will not any loss of spaces in the new carpark layout.

Parking spaces remain at 207 and although that number does

not comply with parking requirements under Council’s Development Control Plan, the development application says that an analysis of current peak parking demands at the club demonstrates that even after the upgrade and anticipated increase in patronage parking can be suitably managed.

The development application can be viewed on Council website – DA/637/2024.

Ettalong Bowling Club

Strongest markets for home building Warnervale/Wadalba is the only Central Coast area that qualified as a home building and population growth “hot spot” in the latest report by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Craig Jennion, who is Executive Director of HIA Hunter Region (which takes in the Central Coast), released the 2024 edition of the HIA Population and Residential Building Hotspots Report on May 23.

The report identifies Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs and regional hot spots based on population growth and also indicates areas with high levels of building activity

and, therefore, employment for the building industry.

The national hot spots list is determined if an area (Statistical Area Level 2) recorded at least $200M in new residential building approvals in 2022/23, and its population grew faster than the national growth rate of 2.4 per cent.

The Hunter/Central Coast region hot spots list uses the same minimum population growth rate of 2.4 per cent and a threshold in approvals of $50M. There are eight districts in the Hunter/Central Coast region on the hot spots list.

Branxton/Greta/Pokolbin

Hot spot report indicates areas with high levels of building activity

makes it to the NSW Top 10 List, after recording $216.3M in residential building approvals in 2022/23 and a population growth rate of 6.2 per cent.

This area saw an approvals

dollar value increase of 48.43 per cent.

Jennion said that while the other areas that made it to the Hunter/Central Coast list did not meet the national threshold

of $200M, they represented areas in the region that were seeing a population and home building boom.

Second on the Hunter/Central Coast list was Thornton/Millers Forest, with $112.6M in residential building approvals in 2022/23, as well as a population growth rate of 5.8 per cent.

Third place went to Morisset/ Corranbong, with a population growth rate of 3.8 per cent in 2022/23 and residential building approvals totalling $139.4M. Warnervale/Wadalba, the only Central Coast district and coming in fourth, recorded $53.9M in residential building

approvals in 2022/23 and a population growth of 3.5 per cent.

Others in the eight Hunter/ Central Coast areas are: Williamtown/Medowie/Karuah, Kurri Kurri/Abermain, Edgeworth/Cameron Park, Rutherford (North)/ Aberglassyn.

“The report found that the prohibitively high cost of housing in some of Australia’s capital cities is forcing residents out to areas with better economic and home ownership opportunities such as the Hunter and Central Coast,” Jennion said.

Sue Murray

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Pacific Lakes completed at Canton Beach

The completed homes at Canton Beach; Pictured (from left): Joel Green (TCB Project Management), Mark Glew (Pacific Link Housing Executive Manager, Development), David Harris (Minister for the Central Coast), Adam Crouch (Member for Terrigal), Wal Edgell (Pacific Link Housing Chairman) and Ian Lynch (Pacific Link Housing CEO)

Pacific Link Housing has finished its latest development, Pacific Lakes at Canton Beach.

Completed in June, the twostorey complex comprises 14 units, offering a mix of social, affordable and market-rate rental units.

The development received $1.92M in grant funding under the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) program known as the

Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) which will ensure six units will be used for social housing allocations, addressing the critical need for more affordable housing on the Central Coast.

Pacific Link Housing Chairman Wal Edgell said government support is key to helping deliver quality new affordable housing in perpetuity for Central Coast residents.

“It not only supports our mission as a community

housing provider but directly helps individuals and families establish a stable and dignified place to call home and feel supported by members of our community,” he said.

All apartments in Pacific Lakes are architecturally designed, featuring private terraces and courtyards on the ground floor and balconies on the upper floor.

The complex was constructed

by Skope Constructions and offers a high standard of

living for its residents.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said he looks forward to seeing tenants move into the high-quality apartments.

“The Minns Government continues to fund the development of new housing by community housing providers like Pacific Link Housing who support their tenants and communities to thrive,” he said.

Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch said with the number of people in rental stress on the Central Coast rising, it is more important than ever to continue to provide safe, secure and affordable housing options.

“Pacific Lakes is a significant addition to Pacific Link Housing’s portfolio of mixed tenancy developments which are designed to meet the diverse housing needs of our community,” he said.

Member for Terrigal Adam

Crouch said funding for the project

had

been

made

available by the previous Liberal National Government.

“Pacific Link Housing should be commended for another ontime, on-budget delivery in partnership with the NSW Government,” he said.

Pacific Link Housing has a further 80 units currently at various stages of progress.

Affordable housing delivered quicker under changes Central Coast residents could see more affordable and social housing delivered quicker under changes being introduced by the NSW Government.

The change will see faster approvals and more homes for those who need it most.

Under a new state-led rezoning pathway, the Government will accelerate rezoning proposals from the state’s housing agencies including Homes NSW (NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Aboriginal Housing Office), and Landcom.

A newly dedicated team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will manage the applications from

concept review to lodgement, exhibition and final assessment.

As wait-times for social and affordable housing grow, greater responsibility is placed on councils and planners to move projects through the planning system.

In the meantime, people are doing it tough.

Under this new pathway these timeframes are set to halved.

Establishing an accelerated pathway for rezoning for the Government’s housing delivery agencies allows councils to focus on the assessment of local development applications.

These are the latest changes the Government is making to streamline the planning

Affordable and social housing will be delivered quicker under State Government initiative

system, all aimed at expediting the delivery of more homes to the people of NSW. This Government has already taken significant steps to

improve and expand social and affordable housing.

“This newly created team will prioritise social and affordable housing by streamlining the

application process to help deliver critical housing for people in need for years to come,” Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said.

“The former government left us with a planning system that made the delivery of social and affordable housing, prolonged and complicated, these changes are just the latest step in rectifying this.

“All applications using this pathway will still need to meet eligibility criteria including their alignment to the State and Commonwealth housing commitments.”

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said all options were on the table to address the housing crisis.

“A key area for reform is our planning rules.

“This government is dedicated to exploring new ways to increase housing supply and enhance existing systems.

“One of those improvements is the new social and affordable housing planning pathway which will help our agencies get the job done faster.

“This is another important step in rebuilding the housing system in NSW. “We need to expedite the delivery of more social and affordable homes and not have applications held up in unwieldly and complicated planning rules that don’t deliver homes for people in need.”

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DOWN IN THE GARDEN: DIY Dried Flowers

contact@cheralyndarcey.com

BY CHERALYN DARCEY

Drying Botanicals There are lots of ways to dry botanicals, (flowers, foliage, seedheads),including the use of presses, silica and commercial freeze drying but I want to share with you the gentle and the more natural way of letting your specimens slowly release the moisture of life on their own and become something that is still indicative of their living form.

You will need a place that is very well ventilated, shaded to dark and cool to dry your botanicals.

Hanging them upside-down in bunches is the method that suits most but make sure that flower and seed heads are not touching each other.

Bind bunches no more than the thickness of two or three fingers with elastic bands that can be tightened, if need be, as the bunches dry.

I use part of a patio that is rather dim and the darker areas of my garage.

Some flowers need support as they dry, and a clever idea is to thread them through a soil sieve suspended from the ceiling.

Another way that is popular uses wire racks.

This method works best if the racks are resting on a supports or legs so that air can circulate completely around the botanical materials.

Finally, the evaporation

cheralyn method works well for plants that need a slower process.

Strip leaves from stems and place in fresh full vase of water.

Place in a cool dim area and leave until water evaporates.

Grow Your Own Although you can dry and use just about anything in your arrangements, some plants are better for the job than others.

So, let’s firstly explore what you could grow in your garden.

When selecting plant material, you will always find that stems that are woody rather than fleshy always dry best and will be far easier to handle and less likely to break.

This list is just a tiny fraction of suitable plants and the best drying method.

Everlasting Daisies (Xerochrysum bracteatum) Hang. Cut before flowers fully open.

Banksia Evaporation or hang dry.

Kangaroo Paw Hang. Cut stems low on plant.

Mulla Mulla Hang. Wait until flowerhead is fully open.

Billy Buttons Hang. Cut stems low.

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Hang. Leave leaves on.

Roses (Rosa spp.) Hang singularly or in bunches.

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila spp.) Evaporation method.

Immortelle (Helichrysum italicum) Hang. Buds and

GARDEN PLANNER You can plant the following now: Culinary herbs, artichokes, broad beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, cress, garlic, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, ageratum, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, carnation, cineraria, columbine, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, everlasting daisy, forget-me-not, foxglove, godetia, gypsophila, hollyhock, honesty, larkspur, linaria, lobelia, nigella, pansy, poppy, primula, snapdragon, statice, stock, sweet pea, viola, wallflower flowers can be used.

Statice (Limonium spp.)

Evaporation or hanging.

Harvest stems from base of plant.

Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella damascene) Hang. Cut when flowers are in full bloom and keep leaves on.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) Hang or flat on wire rack. Harvest when fully open.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Use the seed heads by cutting when they are still green and hanging to dry.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) When flowerheads are being to die, cut stems from bottom of plant.

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Strip leaves and place in vase of water and let evaporate.

Foraging Only permissible on private land where you have permission.

Be mindful because picking native flora is public spaces is against the law and that goes for fallen and dried materials.

Stay away from roadside areas that could be sprayed with herbicides and other chemicals.

Gum Leaves (Eucalyptus spp.)

This foliage makes the most beautiful draping design element which suits circles, wreaths and

hanging arrangements.

It can also be wired or wrapped around vines to form shapes.

Harvest small branches when they have begun to naturally droop and dry themselves or have fallen.

Best used when in this semidry state and letting dry in your display.

Ferns Cut from plant when they are beginning to lose their structure and droop.

To retain their form these are best dried by pressing although some ferns do look pretty when hung to dry.

They will usually curl.

Palm Leaves Collect when fresh or dried.

They usually dry very well standing or hanging but if you want a bit more control, dry flat on wire racks.

I personally love the stringy way the edges dry but if you prefer, you can trim the leaves to make them neater.

Palm leaves make dramatic displays on their own or as background elements to other arrangements.

Interesting Botanicals When foraging or even in your own garden, watch out for empty curled seed heads, interesting sticks and branches, withered dried stems, twisting vines and interesting seed pods.

These can all add amazing texture, colour and interest to

cheralyn.darcey your displays.

Dry out by hanging or placing on wire racks.

I have also found that the flowers and seed heads of the Allium family, (garlic and chives for example), make brilliant, dried elements for your crafting.

Palm inflorescence are another interesting element that you can usually spy when out and about.

This is the flowering stem of palm trees and dries to look like a twisted little tree.

Dried Display and Care The easiest way to display your dried bounty is in a vase, just as you would fresh flowers but don’t miss the opportunity to make wreaths, small posies for gift giving and even hanging dried flower ‘chandeliers’ .

Your arrangements will last a very long time but exactly how long will depend on the botanicals you used.

Everything breaks down eventually and deteriorates so they won’t look perfect forever.

You may find a time comes when you will need to send them off to the compost pile.

To keep them looking good longer, position out of direct sunlight and away from wet or damp areas.

Clean regularly with a hair dryer on the cool setting to blow off the dust and you might find a microfiber type feather duster helps with this as well.

PAGE 28

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Promoting STEM careers for girls Professional services company GHD of Tuggerah recently welcomed Wadalba Community School Year 9 and 10 students to their office to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among high school female students.

Valuable insights into pursuing STEM careers were shared by GHD’s Regional Leader Central Coast David Coelli, Technical Director – Water Renee Johnson, and Central Coast Council representatives Danielle Hargreaves (Unit Manager

Students gained some valuable insights

Headworks and Treatment), Michelle Murrell (Water Education Officer), Dylan Magrin (Water Education Officer) and Tracey Lloyd (Process Engineer).

The students engaged in a young professionals panel session organised by GHD and learned about the younger generation’s personal experiences in getting to where they are today.

“It was wonderful to be able to expose these female students to possibilities they might not have thought of before and broaden their

horizons to actually consider a STEM career,” GHD’s Northern NSW Water Market Leader Lee-Anne Sylva said.

“You cannot be what you cannot see.”

Students later got the chance to separate into smaller groups and have some hands-on experience in ecology and ‘aquanomics’, design, drones and virtual reality, and road and bridge modelling.

To conclude the day, they visited Somersby Water Treatment Plant, touring it from start to end.

The visit included using some specialised scientific equipment to measure temperature, pH, turbidity and salinity on different water parameters as part of the filtering exercise.

“Diverse teams enable the best solutions,” Coelli said.

“It was so nice to support female STEM students in our local community alongside Central Coast Council.

“We are looking forward to continuing collaboration with the Council on promoting gender equality into the future.”

Helping children express themselves through art With Australia’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workforce set to grow by a staggering 22 per cent by 2026, TAFE NSW is providing a pipeline of skilled ECEC workers, many of whom are bringing innovation to the sector.

TAFE NSW Ourimbah graduate Debora Busa is a trainee and atelierista (art teacher) at Belong Early Learning Centre, where she helps children express themselves through the universal language of art.

“When I moved to the Central Coast 12 years ago and had my daughter, working in hospitality no longer suited my lifestyle,” she said.

“I am an artist and studied art in Sicily, where I was born, and I love children so I started at TAFE NSW to gain the skills that would

support a career that blended both passions.

“At TAFE NSW I had great support and mentorship from my teachers, and I loved learning about how to support children’s learning and development.

“The course helped me to better understand the importance of an educator’s role in those first precious years of a child’s development.”

Belong Early Learning Centre Director Nikki Shaw said she began recruitment for an atelierista after she identified the value this role could add for the centre’s families during a visit to Italy.

“After experiencing the centres of Reggio Emilia and their use of atelieristas first-hand, we knew that we wanted an experienced artist who also shared the same values and image of children as

Trainee and atelierista (art teacher) Debora Busa

we do, she said.

“With the skills and knowledge she gained from her TAFE NSW course, Debora was the right person to bring these skills to our centre.

“Debora views children as unique, capable and whole beings from birth and has

supported each child or group of children in different ways depending on their needs and interests.

“This way of working also supports other educators as they collaboratively plan alongside Debora to enhance and enrich learning opportunities.”

Shaw said TAFE NSW is important in providing training for the Early Childhood Education and Care workforce.

“It is essential for us to take training of our educators seriously and to value developing their knowledge, passion and expertise,” she said.

“It is not only essential for our education and care sector but for our children, our communities, and our future.”

HeadTeacher of Early Childhood Education and Care, Sharon Field, said TAFE NSW was committed to delivering a pipeline of skilled early childhood educators, to meet increased demand across the state.

“Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the development and care of children, and their work has never been more vital in our

communities,” she said.

“The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care provides students with the hands-on skills they need to make a real difference in children’s lives.

“Through a mix of theory and practical work, students learn how to create educationally stimulating and safe learning environments and nurture creativity in an early education and care setting.

“No two days are the same in early childhood education, and the work is incredibly rewarding.

“Students studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care need to demonstrate quality interaction and relationship building with children and facilitate learning through play.”

Future Choices Expo set for August The Central Coast Future Choices Expo is set to take place in August and organisers are keen to attract exhibitors and sponsors.

Transitioning from school to the next stage of life when you are living with disability often comes with unique challenges and sometimes unexpected opportunities.

The Central Coast Future Choices Expo is the only event

of its kind in the region.

It attracts more than 120 exhibitors with a focus on connecting young people living with disability to employment services, employers, education providers, disability providers and government services to help them make informed decisions about their future and the support available in the move to adult life.

Presented by Career Links, a not-for-profit organisation that

creates pathways and opportunities for all young people as they transition from school to work and further education, the event is also run in conjunction with the National Disability Coordination Officer Program and the NSW Department of Education Support Teachers.

Operating since the year 2000, it is a critical information resource.

“Each year the event attracts approximately 1,500

students,” Career Links CEO John Purcell said.

“Some attend with a school group, others come with their parents or their carers.

“It’s open to tertiary graduates as well and is free to attend.”

The event attracts exhibitors from a range of organisations including: disability service providers, universities, TAFE Colleges, registered training providers, group training companies, youth support

services, career services, employers, employment services,supported employment, apprenticeship centres, government agencies/services, advocacy/peer support groups and assistive technology suppliers.

“Career Links connects our young people, no matter who they are, to the next stage of their lives through education, jobs and information,” Purcell said.

“Those who come to our

• Seen and treated by specialist emergency physicians * • Minimal wait time • No Appointments • Walk-in • X-ray on site

Future Choices Expos are looking for that extra support.”

The Future Choices Central Coast Expo will be held on Wednesday, August 28, from 9am-1pm at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi.

For information on all the services and events that Career Links deliver, visit www. careerlinks.nsw.edu.au and go to Future Choices on the dropdown menu or visit www. ivvy.com.au/event/393MSK

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SPORTS BRIEF Boost for Kariong Storm Gosford Kariong Storm Rugby League Football Club has received $5,056 through the NSW Government’s $4.4M Local Sport Grant Program.

Club secretary Dayle Martin said the funding would provide valuable support that would benefit all members.

“This money means so much to our small family friendly club,” Martin said.

“It allows us to purchase items to provide all our players with better equipment for training sessions, and a VEO camera to film games (for game reflection and growth) things that would take our little club years to purchase if we didn’t get this wonderful support.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity and to be able to improve our club equipment for the benefit of all our members.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said sport was a way of life in the Central Coast community.

“This vital funding for grassroots sport will help our local clubs and their army of volunteers to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” she said.

“With the critical role sport plays in keeping people healthy, active and socially connected, this funding is vital to community health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

The Local Sport Grant Program provides up to $20,000 to individual clubs and associations with $50,000 available in each electorate to increase participation in community sport, host events, improve access and enhance sport and recreation facilities.

In this year’s program five projects were awarded funding in the Gosford electorate for new equipment, programs and facilities to a total value of $37,531.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Chloe fights the odds to represent Australia Chloe Karsten, a determined and inspiring 16-year-old from the Central Coast, has overcome incredible challenges to achieve her dream of representing Australia in equestrian sports.

Born with a heart defect, cerebral palsy, and legal blindness Chloe underwent four open-heart surgeries before her fifth birthday and lost her hearing at age three.

Despite these obstacles, Chloe’s resilience and hard work have led her to an extraordinary milestone: she has been selected to compete in the Virtus Equestrian Championships in the UK this July.

Chloe’s journey with equestrian sports began at age six when she started riding with Riding for the Disabled (RDA).

She quickly fell in love with dressage and set her sights on representing Australia and her passion and talent have driven her to remarkable success.

Chloe is a four-time champion in the RDA NSW State Championships and was recently selected as the youngest member of the Australian team for the Virtus Equestrian Championships.

The road to the championships has been paved with significant sacrifices by Chloe and her family.

Total cost of flights, accommodation, and other

Chloe Karsten competing in the RDA NSW Championships

expenses for the trip is estimated to be about $18,000; a considerable sum for any emerging athlete and their family.

Despite the financial challenge, Chloe’s determination to compete on the international stage remains unwavering.

Chloe’s story is testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams.

As she prepares to take this final step toward her goal, Chloe and her family are reaching out to the community for support.

Locals who help Chloe represent Australia, will undoubtedly inspire others with significant disabilities to pursue their aspirations.

To support Chloe and contribute to her journey to the Virtus Equestrian Championships go to the Australian Sports Foundation fundraising page.

Terrigal defeats Warnervale to maintain competition lead A win against Warnervale in Round 8 of the Central Coast Rugby Union competition saw Terrigal maintain its spot at the top of the points table on June 15.

Terrigal was able to outlast Warnervale by 15-6 in very damp conditions but certainly did not have it all their own way.

The match was an arm wrestle from start to finish.

Warnervale opened the scoring with a penalty goal early on and maintained a 3-0 lead for most of the first half.

They increased the lead just before half-time with a second penalty goal to Sione Braxton, to go to the half-time break with a narrow 6-0 lead.

Terrigal took the lead very early in the second half, crossing for a converted try to take a 7-6 lead.

Terrigal went on to score a second try and kick a penalty goal to secure the victory.

Best players for Terrigal were prop Harry Gray, lock Isaac Riviere, five-eight Adam Danckert and centre Jake Farnworth.

Warnervale were best served by flanker Kye Haslam, hooker Setulu Paea and centre Sione Piukala.

Photo: Gary Sinclair

Terrigal defeated Warnervale to maintain its points table lead

Both teams showed they will be close to the action at the end of the year.

The win sees Terrigal take the Challenge Shield which had been briefly held by the Warnervale club.

Gosford hosted the Razorbacks at Carrington Street Oval, with Gosford Showground Oval being closed.

The Razorbacks ran out winners by 36-10 after going on the attack early and dominating both possession and territory for the first 15 minutes.

They led 12-0 early and despite Gosford crossing for their opening try, maintained a 17-5 lead going in to the halftime break.

The second half saw the Razorbacks take further control and they posted a further 19 points in the final 40 minutes.

Gosford tried for a try later in the half but it was not enough.

The win sees the Razorbacks leap into second spot on the competition ladder.

Best players for the Razorbacks were hooker Jade Strongman, who crossed for two tries, No.8 Rob Peden, flanker Matt Martin and halfback Connor Peden.

Best for Gosford were lock Taylor Mildren, halfback Ben Shelley and centre Sam Underwood.

The win also sees the Razorbacks take the ThomsonBrown trophy for another year.

The match between the Avoca Beach and Woy Woy was transferred from Heazlett Park to Ettalong Oval, once again due to the very wet ground conditions.

Avoca Beach proved too strong for Woy Woy, winning by 53-0.

They opened the scoring very early on with a try and they then scored consistently for the remainder of the match, after going to the half-time break leading by 31-0.

Woy Woy gave it their all in the second stanza and although they scored no points, they made Avoca Beach work for theirs.

Best players for Avoca Beach were forwards Lachlan and Emile Thomas, five-eight Sam Evans, and centre Alex Halls.

A feature of the match was the four tries scored by winger Kaya Ardita.

Woy Woy was best served by five-eight Sione Matakaiongo, lock Levi Naiqaci and fullback James Leary.

The Premier 1 points table sees Terrigal with a convincing lead on 30, followed by the Razorbacks on 23, Avoca Beach and Warnervale both on 22, Lake Macquarie on 17 and

Gosford on 5.

The CCRU Women’s 12s competition saw Terrigal and Avoca Beach secure victories.

In the President’s Cup competition, only two matches were played, both on Friday night, June 14.

The Saturday contests were postponed due to the damp condition of the grounds.

Round 9 on June 22 will see Terrigal host the Razorbacks at The Haven Oval, Terrigal, in the match of the day.

Lake Macquarie will travel to Heazlett Park to take on Avoca Beach and Woy Woy will welcome Gosford to Woy Woy Oval.

Warnervale will have the bye.

In the Central Coast Women’s 12s competition Lake Macquarie will travel to Heazlett Park for the match of the day against Avoca Beach, The Lakes and Warnervale will meet at Woongarrah Oval, and Terrigal will host the Razorbacks at The Haven Oval.

In the President’s Cup, The Bay will host Kariong on Friday night, June 21, and on Saturday, Avoca Beach plays Lake Macquarie, Terrigal and the Razorbacks clash, and Warnervale hosts The Lakes.

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Blind bowlers championships set for Gosford Gosford City Bowling Club is gearing up to host the NSW/ACT Blind Bowlers Championships in September with a social day for blind bowlers held this month.

Players came from Muswellbrook, Singleton, Fingal Bay, East Maitland, Avalon and the Central Coast in a practice run for the championships which will be held on September 20-22.

NSW Blind Bowlers President Rob Hudson and his wife Jacky, an award-winning bowler, attended from Fingal Bay.

Gosford bowlers are practising for the Blind Bowlers Championships to be held in Gosford in September

Hudson welcomed the players and their support crews and invited them to participate in the NSW Championships, as well as the Para Games which will be held in November.

It will be the first time Gosford has hosted the championships and the first time local players will participate.

Vision-impaired bowlers are graded according to their level of vision and that ranges from people with no vision (B1), to people who are legally blind but can see with some restrictions (B4).

Players from all grades played on the day.

“If you know someone who is vision-impaired and you think they may enjoy this challenging non-contact sport please call Vision Australia Gosford and they will point you in the right direction,” a spokesperson for the club said.

Vision-impaired bowlers gathered en masse recently at a public meeting to speak up against Central Coast Council’s plan to use the bowling club land for more intensive uses such as selling it for a hotel.

Council has the land earmarked for redevelopment as part of its plans to revitalise the waterfront at Gosford.

Comets prove too good for Crusaders The Sydney Comets made their way up the M1 to take on the Crusaders at Breakers Indoor Sports Stadium on Sunday, June 16.

The women got things started with an early 12pm tip off, with the Crusaders hoping to secure a much-needed win to get back on track after losing their big three to injuries and personal commitments.

The Crusaders are missing their captain Jasmine Forcadilla, who has been sidelined for the past three matches due to injury along with WNBA veterans Leilani Mitchell and Mikaela Dombkins.

New signings Kristina Moore and Kate Cranney have taken on quite the load in their absence but it has unfortunately not been enough to muster up a winning

effort in the few opportunities they’ve had.

The 7th placed Comets were nipping at the heels of the 6th placed Crusaders with two wins between them, the Crusaders looking to use the home court advantage to grab the win.

The Crusaders started off slow, only putting in 12 points in the first quarter, but with a spark from Taryn Mahoney from behind the 3 PT line, they took the second quarter 20-18.

Young star Sara Matthews helped out with quite a performance, grabbing a 17-point 12 rebound doubledouble but in the end, it wasn’t enough for the Crusaders to get over the line going down at home in a low scoring 56-61 finish.

The women remain in 6th spot

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON A LATTICE TOWER AT LOT 1 PLAN 408452, TOOMEYS ROAD, MOUNT ELLIOT NSW - 2250 INCLUDING 5G 1. The proposed facility consist of the addition of new Vodafone 5G equipment and associated works as follows: • Replacement and reconfiguration of existing Three (3) Vodafone passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto proposed new mounts; • Installation of Three (3) 5G antennas not more than 1.2m in length onto proposed new mounts; • Installation of Twelve (12) Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) installed on new steel mounts; • Installation of ancillary equipment, cabling, GPS antennas and other items associated with the safety and operation of the facility; and • Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as low impact under The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0413 809 856 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com until 5pm Thursday 04 July 2024. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2250029

with eight wins and seven losses.

The men were up next at 2 pm against a competent Comets side.

The Crusaders were off to an absolute blitzer of a first quarter off the back of Robbie Heath’s shooting stroke and Ben Stevens’ strong work down low in the post as they scored an impressive 35 points to cap off the first period.

In the second period they began to show signs of slowing down, going into the half with a narrow 62-56 lead over the Comets.

As has been a theme throughout the season, the Crusaders fell apart in the third quarter, managing just 13 points as opposed to the Comets’ 37.

The fourth quarter was much

of the same as the Comets ran away with a comfortable 121-90 win over the Crusaders on the road.

The men’s hopes for a postseason run are all but over barring a miracle but with a promising new signing in big man Ben Stevens, they look to cap off the season strong and build some chemistry going into the next.

The women are still looking like one of the better teams in the league with a top eight finish still very much up for grabs.

The Crusaders travel down to the Inner West to take on the Bulls at Auburn Basketball Centre on June 23 with the women tipping off at 3pm followed by the men at 5pm.

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PROPOSED 5G UPGRADE TO EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT ROOFTOP - 101 VICTORIA ST, EAST GOSFORD 2250 (1//DP522279) Reference:

Photo: Kristen Russell

Sara Matthews sizing up the defence

Clarke joins the Waves team

227960 East Gosford -V

1. The proposed works include the addition of new 4G & 5G equipment and associated works including the replacement of 3 existing 4G antennas (less than 2.8m long) on mounts on the rooftop behind the shroud; the installation of 6 new 5G active antenna units (AAU) (less than 1m long) on mounts on the rooftop behind the shroud; the replacement of the existing 5-bay outdoor equipment unit (ODU) on the rooftop; the replacement of the existing shroud with a new 1150mm diameter shroud to accomodate the antennas; and ancillary equipment including but not limited to GPS antenna, mast head amplifiers, remote radio units (RRUs), deplixers, combiners, antenna mounts, cable trays, fibre and electrical cabling necessary for the operation or proper functioning of the low-impact facility.

2. Vodafone & Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.

3. The proposed infrastructure will comply with the ACMA EME regulatory arrangements. An EME Report and further information can be obtained at www.rfnsa.com.au/2250033.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Reinier Hanekom (Plan Consult Town Planning), 0754306632, Suit 6-10, 28 Eenie Crk Road, Noosaville, 4566 or consultation@planco.com.au by 5 pm on 05/07/24.

Karen Clarke with Waves Manager of Operations Matt Smith

Waves Basketball has appointed Karen Clarke in a new role to plan, organise and oversee all aspects of domestic basketball competitions.

In her position as Competitions Administrator Waves Basketball Domestic Competitions, Clarke will manage schedules, coordinate referees,

communicate with teams and ensure all games run smoothly.

Waves Manager Matt Smith said Clarke had many years of experience in and around basketball.

“Karen is a most welcome addition to our ever-growing basketball club and will help enormously in terms of the effective management of our basketball program,” he said.

THURSDAY, 20 JUNE 2024

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Gripping North vs South all-stars games Central Coast Football’s annual North vs South Premier League All Stars exhibition match was held recently, with the northern team taking women’s honours and the southern team victorious in the men’s game.

All-star teams are selected from all the clubs in the region to battle it out for top honours.

The 2024 edition of the women’s contest welcomed back head coaches Gab Blanch of Terrigal who took charge of the North side and Jorge Chavez of East Gosford who took the reins of South, both for the second consecutive year.

After seeing defeat last year 3-1, North started the game with determination.

It took them only 40 seconds to have their first chance at a goal with Killarney’s Mellisa Young finding herself free inside the box with the ball at her feet.

But she scuffed her shot wide.

After five minutes South looked to have grabbed the opening goal of the game when a free kick from Annika Hansen looked goal-bound only for the ball to fly inches over the crossbar.

North continued to pressure the South backline with shots from Tas Gribbin and Lily Brooks but goalkeeper Ash Meyer was able to protect her goal.

Mellisa Young continued to find herself in behind the South defence but was unable to get

The South men’s team was victorious; In the women’s game, North emerged as victors

past the brilliant goalkeeping of Ash Meyer who kept her side in the contest time and time again.

It wasn’t until 36 minutes into the contest that the game saw its opening goal.

A cross from out wide on the right found Mellisa Young open on the edge as she took one touch and then perfectly placed the ball into the bottom corner for the North, leaving the opposition goalie with no chance.

North captain Lily Brooks thought she had doubled the advantage for her side as the ball fell to her outside the box after a corner but she was denied by the crossbar.

The second stanza saw South make some personnel changes as they searched for an equaliser.

But North grabbed the game’s second goal just five minutes into the second half as Lily Brooks played a perfect through ball to Mellisa Young who clinically finished one-on-one

to secure her brace and double North’s lead to 2-0.

A determined South team, led by captain Jess Dominello, looked to find their way back into the contest.

Dominello looked extremely dangerous whenever going forward with the ball at her feet but was lacking the final product when shooting at goal.

South eventually got their opening goal when Helaina Wellington got herself into space on the right flank and was able to find Dominello open in the box; she emphatically finished her shot past Mackenzie Walker to take the deficit back to one goal.

The final 20 minutes saw momentum well on South’s side.

Grace Bryant was doing her best, making surging runs from the midfield and linking with her South attackers as she almost unlocked the North defence.

But a resilient North side held

on to their slender lead to claim a 2-1 victory.

In the men’s game, a Jack Ellwood goal saw South, under the guidance of Matt Page, maintain a clean sheet to avenge their loss last season.

It was a cagey start to the contest as both teams looked to find their feet while getting used to playing a new system with new teammates.

2023 MPL Player of the Year Jacob Lepre had the first real chance of the fixture as he was able to beat multiple North defenders before placing a shot just wide of the target.

South striker Aidan Bastick found himself on the end of a Jackson Carr cross in the early stages of the game but was unable to steer the ball towards the goal as South once again troubled the backline of the North side.

Midfield general Matthew Johnson found himself in space and was able to play a pinpoint cross to Conor Fitzpatrick who headed just Builders Licence #204179C

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wide of the target for North’s best chance of the opening period.

South Midfield duo Noah Ajala and Jacob Lepre linked-up as Lepre was able to perfectly place the ball into the path of winger Matt Jacobson, who found himself one-on-one with North’s goalkeeper Steven Grimmitt.

Jacobsen was able to beat Grimmitt, but his effort ricocheted off the post to deny the inaugural goal of the game.

South looked the more dangerous when going forward and were constantly troubling the North goal, but Grimmitt stood his ground and was able to save multiple goal-scoring opportunities as the game remained in the balance after the opening 45 minutes.

South were awarded multiple set pieces in the early stages of the second half.

The first corner fell to the feet of Jack Jenkins who forced substitute Declan Drake to make a tremendous save just

minutes into his appearance.

From the following corner, another dangerous delivered ball was not dealt with by the North defence with Jack Ellwood finally giving South a crucial 1-0 lead.

The addition of East Gosford’s Charlie Entwistle and Lucas Dominello to the South side saw an influx of energy and pace as they searched for a second goal.

A beautiful cross from Charlie Polson found Lucas Dominello alone at the back stick but his header on goal was magnificently stopped by Declan Drake who kept North in the contest.

North started to work their way back into the game.

Jose Atayde from Budgewoi had multiple shots on goal but was unable to get past the resilient Jack Arigho who was in goal for South.

North looked like they finally found their equaliser with just 10 minutes to go as Tristan Bellemore did well down the left flank and found the run of Logan Moore who only had Arigho in his path 2023 MPL Golden Boot winner Moore looked to place the ball past the oncoming keeper, but Arigho positioned himself well and was able to produce the save of the game with his foot.

The final few minutes saw the game open up at each end as both sides had good chances on goal, but wayward finishing saw the contest finish 1-0 to South.

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Get set for the Tour de Central Coast One of last year’s rides

Shake off those Winter blues and get on your bike for the 2024 Central Coast Bicycle User Group (CCBUG) Tour de Central Coast.

The event celebrates the beauty of the region and runs in sync with the “other tour”

– the Tour de France.

From the Prelude on June 29, through the Grand Depart on June 30 and to the end of the Tour de France on July 21, there will be a host of CCBUG rides around the Coast, with some short excursions to neighbouring regions.

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Join in just for the fun, for the exercise, for the coffee and cake, for the social atmosphere and for safety in numbers.

And be in with a chance to win a coveted CCBUG yellow jersey, one of the CCBUG blue jerseys or polos or bicycle shop vouchers.

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There are easier rides such as the Woy Woy to Gosford and Tuggerah to The Entrance runs, medium rides like the Brisbane Water loop, Tuggerah Lake loop, Terrigal to Norah Head, and Tuggerah to Yarramalong rides, or more challenging rides such as the

Bigish loop, Somersby to Greengrove, Woy Woy to Pits and more.

Rides will be published on CCBUG Facebook page and and on the Bicycle NSW Rides calendar.

For more information on the

CCBUG Tour de Central Coast including rides go to Central Coast Bicycle User Group facebook page or call Alan on 0414 538 977 or Janice on 0438 688 722.

To win a prize you must be a financial member of CCBUG.