Coast Community News #488

The mop-up continues

As mop-up operations continue all over the Central Coast in the wake of the heavy rains in past weeks, residents at Wamberal and North Entrance impacted by severe erosion are still waiting for a direct course of action.

Beach was under extreme pressure from the storms

Summerland Point and Gwandalan residents say that a lack of transparency and community consultation has fuelled their nervousness about a development application for a group home in their suburb.

The 2.6ha property on the main road leading into Summerland Point was sold to Yerin Aboriginal Health Services for $3.9M in 2023.

Residents say their attempts to learn exactly who will be living at the proposed group home have been fruitless.

They claim essential details referred to in the development application (DA)

are being hidden from the public, that the owners have found a way to circumvent C3 zoning laws that prevent multiple dwellings, and that this is stage one of the development, with future expansion of the home being kept under wraps.

A committee formed to oppose the DA says that they are unable to come to an understanding about the purpose of the group home because the DA’s State of Environmental Effects (SEE) lacks crucial big picture information.

More worrying, they say, is a small detail that leaves the community guessing and fearing the worst.

Wamberal

Photo: Skaie Hull

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A salute to our SES and RFS volunteers

Last week’s severe weather system left much of the Central Coast drenched, disrupted and in some cases, dangerously isolated.

EDITORIAL

and checking in on vulnerable residents.

their contribution stretches well beyond the fire season.

These men and women come from all walks of life.

the Coast, and you don’t need to be out in the rain to make a difference.

Material that is considered offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

Please send contributions to the above email address along with a high-res image (if applicable).

We reserve the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines.

Managing Editor: David Abrahams

Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins

Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale

Graphic Designer: Brad Yee

Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff

Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Skaie Hull

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As floodwaters rose and evacuation orders came down, it was the swift and tireless response of our local State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers that helped hold the region together.

Between Tuesday, May 20, and Monday, May 26, Central Coast SES units responded to more than 600 calls for help, from flood rescues and sandbagging to clearing trees

At the heart of the response were the dedicated volunteers from Gosford, Wyong and surrounding units, putting boots on the ground while most of us sheltered at home.

Though better known for their bushfire efforts, the RFS also stepped up during the storm.

Their volunteers provided essential backup in logistics, debris removal and on-theground support, proof that

They don’t wear capes – just orange and yellow – but they bring with them rigorous training, deep community ties, and a quiet determination to protect and serve.

Their efforts once again highlight the incredible value of a well-supported volunteer emergency network.

But the increasing pace of natural disasters means more hands are needed.

Both the NSW SES and RFS are actively recruiting across

Jaw-snapping return for

Ten full-grown American alligators have been returned to the Australian Reptile Park after more than three decades at Australia Zoo.

Born at the Park more than 30 years ago, the massive reptiles are now back where their story began.

With their return, the Park’s alligator population has surged to 53 – the largest collection of its kind in Australia.

However, the homecoming was anything but peaceful.

Each alligator, weighing more than 200kg, was transported in a custom-built box and driven across the state.

The offloading process pushed the Park’s team to their limits, requiring an excavator to manoeuvre the boxes off the trailer.

It took up to 10 people to carry just one container through a narrow gate into the alligator lagoon.

There are vital roles in admin, logistics, community engagement and communications.

If you’ve ever considered stepping up to help your community, now is the time.

Visit ses.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer or rfs.nsw.gov.au/ volunteer to learn more.

Our thanks go to those who already serve, but let’s make sure they’re not doing it alone next time.

David Abrahams, Managing Editor

alligators

“It was pure muscle, teamwork, and nerves of steel,” Park Manager Billy Collett said.

“These are apex predators — handling them is a serious game.”

Once inside the enclosure, as the team pried open the boxes, the powerful reptiles erupted in a series of violent strikes,

lunging at the keepers with jaws capable of crushing bone.

“They weren’t happy and they let us know it,” Collett said.

Despite the threat, the team performed critical microchip scans to properly log the returning animals.

The final test lies ahead: integration.

Alligators are highly territorial, and the new arrivals will need to face off with the Park’s current top predator, Ivan.

As alpha male, Ivan’s dominance will be challenged, and violent confrontations could erupt.

“Organising this alligator delivery during the cooler months was a deliberate and strategic decision,” Collett said.

“American alligators are notoriously aggressive, and by waiting for the drop in temperature, we knew their energy levels — and their aggression — would also drop.”

The seasonal timing aligns with the brumation period — a form of dormancy specific to reptiles.

While they remain highly dangerous, their slowed reflexes and reduced mobility make handling slightly safer for the new arrivals.

Dredging begins at Ettalong Channel

The Port Frederick trailing suction dredge has arrived at Ettalong, marking the commencement of the 2025 dredging program.

Following the build-up of sand in the Ettalong Channel due to recent swell events, four locations along the channel will be dredged, with additional dredging near Lobster Bay.

The program will remove approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand and take approximately three to four weeks to complete (weather dependent).

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch welcomed the arrival of the dredge.

“The NSW Government is committed to establishing a 10-year dredging plan,

ensuring that our dredging is managed via a strategic plan, rather than ad hoc emergency dredging,” she said.

“I look forward to the finalisation of this plan.

“Thank you to the wonderful team at NSW Maritime and our local community, who have adjusted their schedules while the ferry is on a diversion timetable.”

A diversion timetable for the

Palm Beach to Ettalong and Wagstaffe ferry services remains in place until dredging is complete, with Transport for NSW operating a free alternative transport service, which began on May 9.

Each alligator was transported in a custom made container

Photo: Australian Reptile Park

The Port Frederick has arrived to begin dredging

As mop-up operations continue all over the Central Coast in the wake of the heavy rains in past weeks, residents at Wamberal and North Entrance impacted by severe erosion are still waiting for a direct course of action.

State Emergency Services reported more than 650 requests for assistance from May 18-26 including: 308 jobs for leaking roofs and trees down; 297 flood assistance jobs such as sandbag delivery and non-emergency flooding; and 33 flood rescue jobs consisting of vehicles being driven into flood water and evacuations.

In the Gosford SES area alone, more than 3,000 sandbags were made and distributed to the community.

Residents at Dora Creek, Yarramalong and Dooralong were told to prepare to isolate as water levels in local creeks and waterways continued to rise on May 22.

Those living in the Tuggerah Lake, Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah areas, including Chittaway Point, were also on the alert.

The Peninsula didn’t escape either – with numerous streets underwater and deep puddles concealing huge potholes beneath.

As the SES helps with ongoing recovery efforts, beachside home-owners are in limbo.

The NSW Government declared a Natural Disaster for the region on May 21, allowing residents and businesses affected by the weather to access emergency funds for essential structural repairs,

Mop-up continues all over the Coast

emergency accommodation, emergency loans and assistance in replacement of essential items.

The Minister for Recovery signed a Reconstruction Area Order for areas within the LGA on the same day, but locals say no clear communication has followed and no approvals have been given to begin emergency works.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the NSW Government and Central Coast Council’s work towards trying to activate a solution for the current emergency at Wamberal Beach, with further damages experienced on a different section of the beach at Pacific St,” one Wamberal resident said.

“But emergency works need to commence urgently.”

North Entrance locals sounded the alarm for preventative action early last month, not only for erosionimpacted homes but for the broader Tuggerah Lakes community.

“So far, North Entrance residents have been given no detail on what this means for us in a practical sense,” one resident said.

“We’re still waiting to see if we can start works to protect our homes and community assets.”

There are growing calls for real, ongoing action — including consistent yearly dredging.

“It feels like we’re shouting into a void,” one North Entrance resident said.

“The beach is disappearing, the swell is rising, and we’re still waiting to hear if we can protect our own properties along with community assets.”

Residents are urging swift cooperation between Council, the NSW Government and the Reconstruction Authority before it’s too late.

A Council spokesperson said the declaration of the Reconstruction Areas encompassing The Entrance North and Wamberal was an important step in providing an avenue for private property owners to undertake emergency coastal protection works legally.

“Council has engaged Coastal and Structural Engineers to provide plans for both Wamberal and The Entrance North, addressing the urgent works,” Council said.

“These design plans will need to consider works required to protect properties at risk of imminent structural collapse as well as impacts of works on other properties.

“While Council will oversee the works once approved, private property owners will be responsible for engaging contractors to complete the work and associated costs.

“While we are moving into the next stage of the process, and the avenue under the Reconstruction Act provides a pathway, there are still a

Five sites for mountain bikes “noted”

number of formal processes to be followed, so it is not a quick fix.

“Council is very pleased (at) how quickly the NSW Government is responding since our meeting held a fortnight ago.

“In the interim, daily site inspections are continuing in the affected areas and Council is maintaining regular contact with property owners.”

The State Government waived the waste levy for 17 Local Government Areas impacted by flooding, including the Central Coast, on May 22.

Residents can dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months.

Storm generated waste includes damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, garden debris and other items. It does not cover waste generated by property repair or pre-existing materials.

Assistance has also been made available for farmers experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline on 1800 814 647, which is available 9am-5pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES on 132 500.

and

Five locations have been identified as potentially appropriate sites for mountain bike infrastructure on the Coast.

Four are former landfill sites that may have the capacity to be developed to support either minor or major mountain bike infrastructure.

One of them is the former Green Point site at 165 Koolang Rd.

The 24ha is also on a Central Coast Council list for being a potential sport ground.

The second site, Hylton Moore Oval at East Gosford is already an existing sporting precinct, with multiple anchor tenants including football, cricket, AFL and baseball, a playspace, skate park and dog off-lead area.

“Given the size of the parcel (21ha), appropriate mountain biking infrastructure could be considered for the site at East Gosford,” Council said.

Another site is 70-90 McPherson Road, Mardi, which is about 15ha.

A fourth site is a remediated former quarry of about 6.6ha at Halekulani.

The fifth site is land Council leases from Generator Property Management (GPMCO) at Highview Ave, San Remo (approximately 4ha), adjacent to the San Remo BMX track.

The CEO told councillors at the May 27 meeting that the site, part of land on long-term leases to 2032 from the previous power station in the area, will “transition” to council ownership.

The question of the future of

Kincumber tip was mentioned during the meeting but a director said the site hasn’t been capped yet so is a long way from being able to be used.

Councillor Jane Smith asked for a time frame on when it could be used.

Councillor Trent McWaide, in answer to a question from Councillor Sharon Walsh, said there were between 10,000 and 20,000 mountain bike riders on the Coast.

A Council report said it should be noted that detailed investigations would be needed to confirm what impacts any proposal would have on the closed landfill sites and the timeline for remediation works required.

“These locations were identified as they would be suitable for mountain bike

infrastructure, however would be challenging to be developed for traditional outdoor sport due to topography and existing site conditions,” the report said.

“Additionally, these sites are larger parcels of land and could be developed over time as funding sources become available.

“These sites were discussed with Central Coast Mountain Bike Club as options and were supported.”

Councillors noted the report.

It came after a Council resolution of December 10, 2024, requested a report on the types of mountain bike infrastructure appropriate for open space, and identifying sites/locations that may be suitable to develop such infrastructure.

Former quarry site of about 6.6ha in Macleay St Halekulani is one of the sites where mountain biking infrastructure could be located

Terry Collins

Skaie Hull

Flooding at Chittaway; The boat shed at The Entrance was inundated Photos: Skaie Hull

Local volunteer community group, Grow Urban Shade Trees (GUST), has presented a petition bearing more than 700 signatures to Central Coast Council, calling on Council to fund urban greening to address the urban heat island effect.

As a result of this petition, Council is calling on residents to nominate tree planting locations before June 2 as an extension of the community planning documents currently on exhibition.

A GUST spokesperson said urban heat affected community health and safety.

“The Australian Medical

Following an horrific car accident last week, Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid and State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch are calling for action to address safety issues and driver behaviour on Woy Woy Rd.

At about 7.30am on Tuesday, May 20, a sedan and a light truck collided head-on before an SUV collided with the first two vehicles.

The driver of the sedan, 45-year-old Danielle Walker, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious

Peninsula needs more trees, says GUST

Association’s recent media release states: ‘Heatwaves have a greater impact on population health in Australia than any other natural hazard, and are associated with a significant increase in mortality and morbidity rates’,” the spokesperson said.

“With 19 suburbs across the Coast identified as urban heat islands, with canopy cover well below the State Government’s recommended 40% cover for liveable, resilient suburbs, it is well overdue that Council funds tangible urban greening activities.

“The Peninsula sits below 10% urban canopy cover and experiences temperatures more than 5 degrees C hotter

than surrounding areas; conditions defined as an urban heat crisis.

“At present, Council budgets only $35,000 annually for urban greening activities, which equates to less than a 10 cent spend per resident.

“Whilst Council has produced numerous strategies and plans over the previous decade, outlining the urban heat crisis, it has failed to fund any activities to address the issue.”

The spokesperson said many surrounding councils, including Wollongong, Newcastle and many Greater Sydney councils had excellent urban greening programs with adequate funding and admirable canopy targets.

“Central Coast Council could utilise the expertise of these surrounding councils along with the State Government’s new Cooler Places Hub to implement a suitable urban greening program within our community,” they said.

GUST is encouraging the community to make submissions prior to June 2 by dropping a tree request pin on the interactive map on the Your Voice Our Coast submissions page, as well as making submissions asking for urban greening to be funded within the Delivery Program.

Make a submission at www. yourvoiceourcoast.com/ planning-ourfuture-2025-2035

Call for safety measures on Woy Woy Rd

“Recognising the significant impact of driver behaviour leading to accidents on this windy stretch of road, I have written to NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, Jenny Aitchison, requesting that Transport for NSW investigate the installation of a speed enforcement camera,” she said.

“I have also written to Council requesting a review of any safety upgrades that may be outstanding.

“While NSW Police regularly patrol this stretch, they cannot be in all places at all times.

“Every road user has a role to

Photos: GUST (Grow Urban Shade Trees)

Coast Connect

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Lawrie McKinna

Key to the Coast for Mariners

In a fairy-tale ending to the 2024-25 season, our Central Coast Mariners women’s team became the Ninja A-League champions after an incredible grand final win against Melbourne Victory.

I watched the live stream of the game from AAMI Park at Industree Stadium surrounded by excited fans, and the atmosphere was electric! This team has achieved so much after rejoining the competition just two years ago. Their win sparked an enormous sense of pride across the Coast, and it was fitting to mark the moment with a significant community celebration.

On Friday 23 May, we held a civic reception at Mingara to formally honour the team and give fans the opportunity to congratulate the players in person.

It gave me enormous pleasure to present the team with the Key to the Coast to recognise their remarkable achievement. The Key to the Coast is a symbol of honour and gratitude. It’s reserved for those who’ve gained the highest level of achievement and respect in the community.

And the Mariners women’s team are worthy recipients.

Thank you to everyone who made this victory possible. Central Coast Mariners –we were so proud when you made the finals last year, you’ve made us even prouder this year, and we can’t wait to join you on your journey next season.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/mayor

Interested in what was resolved at this week’s ordinary Council meeting? Replay the webcast on our YouTube channel.

The next ordinary Council meeting will be held 6.30pm, 23 June at Wyong Council.

To view agenda, reports, live webcast and minutes, go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/ meetings

What’s on

Have you been impacted by the recent severe weather and flooding events?

Council has set up a web page with local information and resources to help you stay safe, informed and supported throughout the cleanup and recovery process.

You’ll find essential local information, links and practical advice on topics such as:

• waste

• clean-up

• health, safety and wellbeing

• disaster assistance and financial support

• water and sewer services

• environmental or pollution alerts

• current weather warnings.

Thank you to all members of local emergency response teams who have worked continuously to respond to the emergency event and impacts.

The Central Coast’s Rapid Damage Assessment Taskforce which is made up of emergency service personnel has been mobilised and has carried out over 1,000 property damage

Creative Spaces welcomes local artist David Hough

Incredible local sculptor David Hough will be in residence at the Gallery Container, Toukley Village Green until 27 June 2025.

David will host interactive activities, including Clay Play (10am-3pm, $5) for adults and children over 6, and free outdoor chalk drawing and water painting (9.30am-3.30pm). No bookings required!

Join us for a creative and engaging experience! Visit lovecentralcoast.com/creative-spaces

Explore the hinterland at Harvest Festival 7-8 June

Grab your family and friends and head to Harvest Festival over the June long weekend. Explore the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland and rural communities whilst hopping from one Festival hub to another. There are over 35 event hubs and experiences on offer for every taste and interest - from paddock to plate dining experiences and wine tastings to fruit picking, farm experiences, produce markets, hands-on workshops, live

music and entertainment, a range of family friendly activities and much more.

Don’t miss our Taste of Wyong event on from 10am-1pm on 7 June to try local cuisines, free family activities and music, and swing by the Dam Day Out event at Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre from 10am-3pm on 8 June.

View full program at lovecentralcoast.com/ harvestfestival

assessments. Where required, flood sediment ‘wash-outs’ are also undertaken. This collaborative response plays a vital role in helping our community move through recovery safely and efficiently.

Search ‘flood and storm recovery’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Creative Engineers Program launches

Registrations are now open for the 2025 Creative Engineers Program’s Discovered and Battle of the Bands competitions. Open to aspiring vocalists, songwriters and musicians aged 7-24, these competitions offer prizes, performance opportunities and real-world experience, helping young artists grow and connect within the local creative industry.

To discover more and register, search ‘creative engineers program’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Satisfaction with water services continues to fall

Satisfaction with Central Coast Council’s water supply system continues to decline, according to the latest quarterly results from IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal).

IPART has been conducting customer satisfaction surveys four times each year since August 2020.

Results are given over four categories:general satisfaction, value for money, trust and reputation.

This quarter’s results have been compared with three Victorian utilities which are similar in function and customer base: Barwon Water, Goulburn Valley Water and Central Highlands Water.

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has blamed the inefficiency of Sydney Trains for the rail disruptions on May 22 which inconvenienced hundreds of Central Coast commuters.

While trains direct to the city from the Central Coast were not impacted, commuters needing to transfer to western lines and those travelling north to Newcastle were faced with lengthy queues for replacement buses.

The ETU says Sydney Trains’ refusal, or inability, to employ enough electrical workers to conduct essential maintenance on the network led to the holdups.

It says an analysis of Sydney Trains workforce data shows there are currently 762 frontline

Central Coast Council will call for expressions of interest for “aviation purposes” to come to Warnervale Airport, after failing to sign up Nighthawks, a business that approached Council for a helipad lease at the airport.

Nighthawks approached Council asking for a quick decision late last year.

But in April this year, while Council was still in its due diligence stage, the company said it would take the business to Melbourne.

It is believed the business is going to Essendon airport, which is run by private enterprise with a long term lease from the Federal Government.

The Nighthawk request saw

The Central Coast had by far the worst results of the four comparators in the survey, with customer satisfaction dropping from 5.6 last quarter to 5.5 this quarter.

It was 5.8 in February 2024.

Despite a 51% increase in

water rates in three years since 2022, which Council promised would bring about improved services, satisfaction levels continue to fall.

Value for Money has fallen five quarters in a row and is lower than in June 2022 – the

month before the phased water rate hike began.

Trust has fallen from 5.5 last quarter to 5.3 this quarter, and has not improved from June 2022.

Reputation remains 5.1 on rounding.

The quarterly survey examines customer perceptions of the level of service Central Coast Council provides.

Council does not otherwise have to consult customers

ETU blames inefficiency for train hold-ups

maintenance positions vacant – or 14% of its overall frontline workforce.

ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks said the huge vacancy figure was a key factor behind Sydney’s Trains’ poor proactive maintenance track record and directly contributed to ongoing delays for passengers on the network.

“You can’t operate a rail network the size of Sydney’s with fewer electrical workers than you need,” Hicks said.

“That figure is in electrical workers alone.

“There are in excess of 2,100 vacancies across Sydney Trains as a whole.

“Commuters are being forced to wait for delayed trains because the NSW Government simply can’t or won’t employ

the number of workers it needs to manage the network properly.”

Hicks said the vacancies were a result of a combination of Sydney Trains’ refusal to prioritise proactive maintenance as well as an

inability to attract and retain workers given the current working conditions.

“When you consider how the NSW Government has treated its Sydney Trains workers lately, it’s no surprise there are

serious attraction and retention issues,” he said.

“An electrical worker at Sydney Trains could move up to Queensland and earn significantly more – in excess of 56% more in some cases –doing exactly the same job.

“This is why we’re still trying to negotiate a fair enterprise agreement.

“Sydney Trains management and the NSW Government don’t seem willing or able to see that their poor treatment of their workforce is having a detrimental impact on the whole network.

“The NSW Government spent many months attempting to blame any delay on the rail network on protected industrial action, without any regard for the truth.

Airport expressions of interest to be called

an urgent motion debated in Council in November last year.

The Liberal/Team Central Coast (eight votes) were all for a quick decision and voted to allow the CEO to go ahead and organise a lease.

They defeated the Labor/ independents (seven votes), who argued for a public open tender rather than dealing with only one company and against any decision at all before a masterplan for the airport was adopted.

The defeated seven put up not one but two rescission motions to try to reverse the decision.

Both rescission motions failed 7-8.

Since November 2024, the airport masterplan has been adopted.

The report to the councillors at the May meeting recommended that Council conduct a public Expression of Interest (EOI), over part of the

site and negotiate, finalise and enter into a suitable leasing arrangement after consultation with councillors.

about their satisfaction with their services.

“For each of these areas, customer satisfaction was highest when we first began surveying Central Coast Council’s customers in 202021, and then it slightly decreased,” the report says.

“Over 2023-24, customer satisfaction began to increase to just below April 2021 levels.

“However, customer satisfaction has continued to decrease since February 2024.”

Despite falling satisfaction levels, Council has announced it intends to apply to IPART for another increase in water rates of 17-22% plus inflation in 2026/27.

“Even as recently as March, when there was no protected industrial action at all, we’ve seen massive network failures resulting in significant delays for commuters.

“The reality is that many of the day-to-day delays passengers are experiencing are a direct result of Sydney Trains’ refusal to prioritise proactive maintenance and to fill the huge numbers of frontline vacancies in the workforce.

“The current NSW Government seems intent on following in the footsteps of the previous government by allowing our rail network to slowly crumble.

“Sydney should have a worldclass rail network, but that’ll never be the case until the NSW Government prioritises it.”

A helicopter business is not reliant on any widening or strengthening of the runway.

Councillor Corinne Lamont asked about community consultation.

CEO David Farmer said no community consultation was needed for the lease but then the lessee would need to get a development application approved and that would go on community exhibition during that process.

Councillor Margot Castles put up an amendment wanting a bit more detail about how long a long-term lease would be but it didn’t get the numbers.

The airport runs at a loss –last year it was $158,000.

The Master Plan has been “strategically structured”, with foundational work to be completed over two years.

These foundational works include sorting out the zonings and the subdivisions that apply to different parts of the land, separating the surrounding wetlands from the airport and a biodiversity stewardship agreement.

After that a further report will be presented to Council for consideration on how to proceed.

Options include improving and upgrading the runway, preparing areas for leasing potentially to aviation-related businesses and sewer and road works – with all options requiring various amounts of millions of dollars to implement.

An operational budget of about $655,000 will be spent on the airport over the next two years.

Rail disruptions inconvenienced hundreds of Coast commuters

Central Coast Airport at Warnervale

Calls to list Caltrop weed as noxious on the Coast

An ambitious proposal to turn Buttonderry Waste Facility at Jilliby into an income-producing asset has at least one Central Coast resident concerned.

The shortage of landfill sites in Greater Sydney and the State Government’s legislation for food organics and garden organics (FOGO) could result in a bonanza with Central Coast Council working on a business case for introducing a new system for FOGO at Buttonderry.

But Ian Harvey of Ettalong Beach is urging caution and calling on Central Coast Council to list the weed known as Caltrop as noxious after it has appeared in several Council assets where mulch and top dressing had been used with products processed at the Jilliby facility.

“What alerted me was when I found a large infestation of Caltrop (cat heads) around the newly finished Umina Skate and Sports Precinct in February,” Harvey said.

“Having a farming background, I recognised the weed immediately and set about doing a bit of urgent

weeding so children, parents and dogs didn’t come to harm before Council staff could attend.

“I subsequently found Caltrop where top dressing had been added onto some local verges then most likely transported on the tyres of our posties’ bikes and by walkers.”

Harvey said he contacted the noxious weeds officer at Council and was told Caltrop was not listed as noxious in the Central Coast local government

area and was allowed to be put in green bins which ended up at Jilliby.

He said he also checked with NSW Department of Primary Industries who pointed him to the standard Section 2.2 of AS 4454 which required products to be free of viable plant propagules – vegetative structures that could become detached from a plant and grow a new plant – when tested in accordance with Appendix M of the standard.

Appendix M sets out a

methodology that will show the presence or absence of propagules of many of the worst environmental weeds.

He said while Caltrop needed to be dried then incinerated to kill the fine seeds inside the spiky burr, most NSW councils were affected by Protection of the Environment Operation (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 and had no practical way of drying Caltrop seeds and then burning them.

“I urge NSW DPI and Council to uphold and audit the

Standard, list Caltrop as noxious for Central Coast LGA, educate residents to identify this and other noxious weeds, wrap them and place them into the red bins for landfill,” Harvey said.

A Council spokesperson said while Caltrop was a nuisance weed which was widespread across Australia, there was no legislative requirement, under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, for landowners to control this weed, as it is not listed as a ‘priority’ weed under the legislation.

The spokesperson said the term‘noxious’ was discontinued when the former Noxious Weeds Act 1993 was repealed and the Biosecurity Act came into force.

She said landowners wanting to manage Caltrop could dispose of the waste materials in their green bin to be accepted at Buttonderry and the facility’s mulching operation of green waste was undertaken in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4554 – 2003: Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.

Summerland Point group home raises concerns

From page 1

DA/440/2025 is for a group home for both permanent and transitional residents.

Yerin/Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services intends to repurpose an existing sevenbedroom structure on the property, and add capacity for a further eight rooms, by way of six moveable dwellings, four of which will contain one bedroom and two that will include two bedrooms.

An existing four-bedroom structure will be used for ancillary purposes, such as offices and consulting rooms for allied health services.

The NSW Standard Instrument—Principal Local Environmental Plan, updated 2023, outlines that C3 zoning permits home occupation in the shape of a single, permanent dwelling without consent.

However, what is not permitted, for example, is multi-dwelling housing, such as group homes and seniors housing.

Resident committee member Max Collins says the planning documents in the DA show there’s “a workaround for C3 zoning laws”.

“The developers met with Council before the sale of the property on January 19, 2023, to discuss using the site as a transitional group home, using

the existing structures,” he said.

“A second pre-DA meeting was held in February this year, so this has been a long time in the making with zero engagement with the people who live here.

“They are getting around zoning laws by wheeling movable buildings onto the site.

“Although the DA is up front about the six moveable buildings that are going in, we have no idea how many could be added to the property in the future.

“If the report into how many trees they plan to chop down in the north-eastern corner is correct, there will be space for many, many more.”

Other than zoning issues, residents say that the DA offers few specifics about who the intended occupants will be and there is a lot of public anger because of the uncertainty.

The DA states that a group home is defined as a “dwelling that can house people with a disability, those who are socially disadvantaged, those in need of drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation, as well as providing temporary half-way accommodation for men, women or young people who have formerly lived in institutions”.

For clarity, the Australian

Bureau of Statistics lists institutions as: psychiatric hospitals, hostels, night shelters, refuges, childcare institutions, corrective institutions for children, and corrective or detention institutions for adults.

All appendices in the SEE which are designed to offer greater detail on the intended occupants, and the purpose of the home, as well as a social impact plan, have been redacted, as too has the masterplan and architectural plan.

Antonia Stuart, who works in development advisory services at Central Coast Council explained that the DA had been identified as ‘sensitive use’ and in view of that Council had “withheld and or redacted sensitive information”.

Some residents are in favour

of the development, if it serves as a shelter for women seeking accommodation.

Kylie Dawson, who moved to the area nearly four years ago with her teenage children, said she was “all for this project”.

But the local Facebook group is awash with residents who say that if the ‘pro’ camp had read the DA properly, and knew that Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services had failed to engage the community, despite requests for it to do so, they would be concerned, too.

Julie Klus has been a resident of Summerland Point for 35 years. Like several others, he pointed to the suburb’s distance from emergency services and how its remoteness means that police and ambulances are “extremely slow” to respond to calls.

NEWS IN BRIEF 5 Lands Walk called off

This year’s 5 Lands Walk has been officially cancelled, with organisers citing extensive weather damage to key parts of the route and broader safety concerns as the deciding factors.

The community event, originally set for Sunday, June 22, has been called off following recent severe weather which impacted sections of the iconic coastal trail.

“The safety of our community has always come first,” 5 Lands Walk President Phil Bligh said.

“While this decision is heartbreaking, it reflects our deep responsibility to do things the right way.

“We’ll use this time to strengthen our foundations and plan a safe, sustainable return in 2026.”

Organisers said the decision was not taken lightly but was ultimately necessary given the logistical challenges and risks posed by the conditions.

“I am concerned that the residents of this (proposed group) home will require more frequent police assistance, and because of potential events at the home, existing residents may also need more police assistance,” he said.

Safety concerns have been amplified by a line in the DA that says the property requires secure fencing and will be fitted with duress alarms.

The DA was accompanied by a summary of a CPTED plan –an architectural design to reduce crime and the perception of crime (the full version was also redacted).

It aims to deter offenders and create safer environments.

Chris Edmonds, who lives at Summerland Point with her children and grandchildren, said if this group home was meant for people recovering from gambling and alcohol addictions, then surely it wouldn’t be the best location.

Residents asked for the deadline for submissions to be extended, having been given 21 days to reply, and the request was refused.

The deadline to make a submission is June 6.

To find out more information, and get assistance with making a submission, visit www. stopthisdevelopment.com.au

Nicola Riches

The team has thanked the event’s many partners, including sponsors, Aboriginal and multicultural collaborators, Land Leaders, volunteers, artists, schools, and the thousands who take part each year, for their ongoing support.

Planning is already underway for the return of the 5 Lands Walk in 2026, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to the event’s core purpose: connecting people to people and people to place.

Activists meet

Central Coast Activists will hold their next meeting from 11.30am-1pm on Wednesday, June 4, at the Ourimbah RSL Club.

It will be a meet the Central Coast Councillors forum. Three councillors have indicated their availability to attend.

Each will be given an opportunity to speak individually for a set period of time followed by questions from the floor.

The forums are held only twice a year and, with a lot happening at Council, members are encouraged to attend.

Anyone interested in addressing the group as a guest speaker should email coastcentral84@aol.com

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

The Caltrop weed

The 2.6ha property at Summerland Point

New playspace up and running

The Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point, The Entrance, is already proving popular with locals and visitors.

The new play area features swing sets, slides, a multi-level climbing structure, an obstacle course, a flying fox, a junior climbing unit, shade and is fully fenced.

It also incorporates the existing rope climbing unit.

The new playspace was funded by the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation

Program ($190,000) in association with Central Coast Council ($196,000).

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the design of the playspace project reflected a community driven and inclusive approach.

“Last year, we conducted extensive community engagement to gather feedback on what residents wanted to see in playspaces,” he said.

“This feedback, along with guidance from our endorsed Playspace Strategy and

Disability Inclusion Action Plan, directly shaped the equipment selection and overall design, ensuring the Picnic Point playspace is inclusive and meets the needs of local families.

“We’re proud to be delivering these community assets, shaped by input from the very people who will use them.”

Member for the Entrance

David Mehan said the community made it very clear they wanted the playground upgraded and he was pleased their views were reflected in the Council design.

The Picnic Point playspace also features the inclusion of a public art piece which is in remembrance of the late Leigh Black, funded through community fundraising led by her family, including her husband Jeff, and close friends.

“A big thank you to all involved and to all who donated, with a special mention to Vanessa Kooger for her fundraising efforts,” Jeff Black said.

“Please come and see the wonderful public art piece and take a moment in this great location, to reflect on just how precious life is.”

Reptile park team rushes to help Aussie Ark

Five team members from the Australian Reptile Park were dispatched to Aussie Ark’s wildlife sanctuary in the Barrington Tops on May 22 to help repair flood damage.

The wildlife sanctuary, which plays a critical role in protecting some of Australia’s most endangered and threatened species, has suffered major infrastructure damage. Enclosures have been

inundated, fencing that safeguards wildlife has been destroyed, power is down, and key access roads have been cut off.

Tim Faulkner, Director of both Aussie Ark and the reptile park, said teams had worked hard to get the sanctuary back up and running.

“Our teams are working day in and day out, mending fences and repairing damage,” he said.

“It’s a constant battle, but we are determined to keep going and protect every single animal in our care.”

The scale of the damage is still unfolding, but it’s already clear that recovery will be extensive and long-term.

While the immediate priority is animal welfare and stabilising the site, attention is also turning to the enormous task of rebuilding.

The sanctuary remains

inaccessible to the public, and some staff remain isolated due to road closures and flooding. A formal flood recovery appeal has been established to support the major repair work ahead and to future-proof the sanctuary against worsening extreme weather events.

Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/FloodRebuild

Aussie Ark has sustained serious damage

From left: Member for the Entrance David Mehan, Jeff Black and Mayor Lawrie McKinna at the playspace

Return and earn to help train guide dogs

Return and Earn has announced its latest statewide charity partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to turn empty bottles and cans into life-changing support for people living with low vision and blindness.

The new recycling appeal aims to raise $175,000 for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT over its six-month duration.

It costs about $50,000 and takes more than two years to breed, raise, and train a single guide dog so the initiative will seek to fund and match three fully-trained guide dogs for people living with low vision and blindness across NSW.

Until October 2025, consumers can return any eligible drink container to one of the 32 return points across the Central Coast and choose to donate their refund to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Every eligible bottle, can, or carton is worth 10c and all supporters need to do to get involved is to select donate on the screen at a Return and Earn machine or download the Return and Earn app.

Guide Dogs client Tony said his guide dog Solo has changed his life.

“When my vision deteriorated, my world was turned upside down,” he said.

“Dogs completely changed my life and helped increase my confidence, freedom, and independence, ultimately giving me my life back.

“I cannot thank the people who donate and support us enough, it’s an amazing gift and without fundraising

initiatives like this, Solo wouldn’t be possible.

“It’s incredible to think something as simple as recycling a bottle can add up to something truly life changing.”

Community Engagement Manager for Guide Dogs NSW/ ACT Jaynie Moloney said the organisation was excited to kick off the partnership with Return and Earn.

“It’s such a fantastic way to

and the real impact that their contributions make.”

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, Network Operator for Return and Earn, said the money raised in the campaign would have a large impact on the lives of people living with low vision and blindness by giving them the tools and support needed to safely and confidently navigate their communities.

“I encourage everyone to get behind this cause and help us reach our target of $175,000 by October 19,” he said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hundreds check out new base

A constant stream of interested members of the public took advantage of Open Day at the new $3.35M Marine Rescue Brisbane Water base at Point Clare on Sunday, May 25.

The base, built and paid for by the NSW Government, took about six months to build and was officially opened by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch two weeks ago.

enable people to support the causes they care about in an easy and affordable way,” she said.

“We know it is getting increasingly hard for people to give, which is why this partnership with Return and Earn couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the generosity of the community

Shirani Glover, Acting CEO of Exchange for Change who is the scheme co-ordinator for Return and Earn, said Return and Earn had become an important fundraising channel for many community groups and charities across NSW with more than $72M raised through donations and return point hosting fees since the scheme began in 2017.

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

An estimated 200 people were given guided tours of the new base by the volunteers who were rostered on for the weekend.

Most were impressed with the state-of-the-art communication centre, including the spacious training and function rooms, with several saying they were “gobsmacked”, according to Unit Commander Ian Morrow. Morrow said annual operating cost of the Point Clare base would “hit the $200,000 mark this new financial year”. See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Return and Earn to help train a guide dog

The Entrance parkrun organiser Megan (Meg) Pye was one of three people presented with a NSW Government Community Service Award at the Premier’s Volunteer Reception on Thursday, May 22.

Nominated for the award by Member for The Entrance David Mehan, Pye is a dedicated volunteer in The Entrance community and is Event Director for the local parkrun, solely responsible for all aspects of the weekly management of the event.

She also volunteers at her local church, providing support to children and families by putting together essential hampers when she knows there is a family who needs it.

Pye said she was passionate about seeing growth within the parkrun and church communities and was honoured and humbled to receive the award.

“I joined The Entrance parkrun eight years ago, about a year after it was first established,” she said.

“I just happened to walk by the group one day and they all seemed so friendly.

“Although I am not a runner I

Recognition for community volunteer

thought I’d give it a try and found a warm, welcoming community where I seemed to fit in.

“I fell in love with parkrun and started volunteering to help pretty quickly.

“Then, about a year after I joined, some of the organisers were looking to take a less active role and I stepped up.”

As Event Director, Pye coordinates 13-14 volunteer helpers each week, keeps registrations active, takes care

of insurances and permissions for use of the run path and liaises with parkrun head office.

“I keep my first aid certificate up to date, even though it is not mandatory, because I think it’s important to have at least one person fully trained in first aid on each run,” she said.

“I also keep the community engaged by handling our social media and check in regularly on runners who miss a run.

“I look in on them if they are

sick – even visit them in hospital.”

The role sees Pye, who also has a full-time job with a medical device company in Sydney, spend a couple of hours each night on parkrun business.

In the past year, her husband has started to join the runs.

“Our numbers vary,” she said.

“In Summer, we could have 400 runners – in Winter it is more like 200.

“But we are there at 6am every Saturday to do our 5km run.”

Not everyone has to run the course.

“I myself walk- and I do it in under an hour,” Pye said.

“There is no time limit –people can take as long as they like to complete the course.”

Pye has been a member of the C3 Church at Tuggerah for about 14 years and has spent

the past five running the children’s ministry.

“This has stepped my involvement up to a whole new level,” she said.

Pye said her community activities didn’t leave her with much spare time, but she would never give them up.

“It’s a way to stay connected and to meet people you wouldn’t normally meet,” she said.

“Making those social connections is huge.

“During COVID lockdowns we were arranging things to do from home that made us still feel connected.”

Mehan said Pye was “a shining example of what community spirit looks like”.

“She gives so much of herself to others, without ever asking for recognition,” he said.

“This award is a welldeserved acknowledgment of her incredible service.”

The reception was held at the Art Gallery of NSW, in recognition of National Volunteer Week, hosted by Minister for Volunteering Jodie Harrison on behalf of Premier Chris Minns, who was visiting flood-affected areas.

Terry Collins

Meg Pye (centre) with Minister Jodie Harrison and Member for The Entrance David Mehan

How about some kerb and guttering?

A friend said in a recent post that the Peninsula area was sandy and rainwater quickly drained away.

This may occur at his newly surfaced street, but not in our street.

The water table is actually sand on top of clay, so water quickly rises to lay on the surface.

As I am paying for non-existent stormwater pipes (the billing was removed from the quarterly paper bill and hidden in the end of year bill), I am wondering if installation will ever occur.

Perhaps some interim kerb and guttering may be beneficial as the Game of Chicken – driving on the 0.6m-0.9m of road not

submerged during lengthy rainfall – becomes all too real.

Most drivers are terrified of shoulder water as it may contain a pothole and damage their large 4WD off-road vehicles.

As I drive a small fuel-efficient Toyota Yaris, I am fair game to play chicken with.

This all could have been solved years ago if the Council had

injected funds into standard road systems.

The entire area around the Everglades is well below par.

You could put a crocodile or alligator in the water here and it would look appropriate – the names Everglades, Miami and Florida are very suitable.

Email, May 23

John Strang, Woy Woy

Don’t travel to America

Australians should be wary of holidaying in America.

The USA seems to have gone from barbarism to degeneration of its citizens; now we have a threat of terrorist attacks in public places.

Americanisation of Australian politics is a worry and concerning also here in the “United States of Australia”.

(It is) Strange (there are) no travel warnings from our government.

The United States is the terror of mankind, just ask the Palestinians.

For the record, Australians have been stopped from entering the USA, no reason given.

Email, Apr 25

Richard Ryan, Summerland

Patrols to prevent looting

Police are stepping up patrols across flood-affected areas to prevent looting and protect vulnerable residents and businesses.

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell has warned that anyone caught stealing from flood zones will face serious consequences.

“We have extra officers on the ground, and we will throw the book at anyone taking advantage of this tragedy,” he said.

“Just because property is displaced by floodwaters doesn’t make it free to take –no finders keepers – if it’s not yours, leave it alone.”

Police say that any suspicious

Disappointed by councillors’ actions

As a Wamberal resident I was disappointed to hear that Liberal and Liberal-aligned Team Central Coast councillors recently approved the majority of the Council CEO’s $95,000 slush fund for 2025 to be spent on the Wamberal Protection Association (WPA) residents’ group and other beachfront property owners by approving a Section 124 action for Wamberal beach works.

This was agreed to by this conservative voting block on the Council, despite legal advice provided to the councillors and paid for by Central Coast ratepayers.

As a result of this action these councillors have now exposed

all ratepayers to any legal risk and damages into the future that will be caused by WPA beachfront landowner actions. I strongly object to our rates being diverted to benefit some of the wealthiest people on the Central Coast with these funds now not being available for more deserving causes such as the homeless or community emergencies.

Although, l was glad to see the back of the LNP appointed Council Administrator, with the hope of seeing councillors elected who would be working to benefit all ratepayers, it is evident by the actions of the eight Liberal and Team Central Coast councillors that they act instead to serve the interests of a wealthy few.

activity should be reported immediately.

Extra resources, including local police and PolAir, are conducting around-the-clock patrols to stop theft and keep communities safe.

Arrest warrants for DV offences

Brisbane Water Police are seeking information to locate people wanted on arrest warrants in relation to Operation Amarok X, a statewide operation focused on domestic and family violence offences.

Callum Bowling, 30, is wanted on arrest warrants issued by Wyong Local Court. He is described as 170cm tall,

of thin build, bald with a brown beard and of Caucasian appearance.

He is known to frequent the Woy Woy and San Remo area.

Dylan Woods, 27, is wanted on arrest warrants issued by Gosford Local Court.

He is Caucasian in appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build with short brown hair and

known known to frequent the Umina Beach area.

An arrest warrant for Fiona Hooker was issued by Gosford Local Court and she is known in the Woy Woy area.

Hooker is 46, of Aboriginal appearance, 165cm tall, of medium build and with dark brown hair.

Jarrod Reynolds is also sought by police for an arrest

warrant issued by Gosford Local Court.

The 33-year-old is known to frequent the Narara and Lisarow areas and described as Caucasian in appearance, 175cm tall, of medium build with medium brown hair.

Brisbane Water Police District are urging anyone with information about any of these people to Crime Stoppers.

Award for Sgt Zajac

Sergeant Anna Zajac has been acknowledged by her peers for her ongoing commitment to the Tuggerah Lakes Police Command.

Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies presented an award in front of her peers and the Senior

Leadership Team at the Police Leadership Centre in Sydney.

He said Sgt Zajac had been an effective leader within the workplace and was always ensuring the wellbeing and performance of her teams.

“More broadly, Anna has chaired the Culture Action Group (CAG), which has been

designed to be a voice for all staff, across all sections.

“Anna is driven to improve the culture within the command and her efforts are appreciated by all.

“In addition, Anna is one of the most resilient police officers you could find within the NSW Police Force.”

In court over alleged online grooming

A Central Coast man is facing charges of accessing child abuse material and grooming a minor online.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allegedly linked the Charmhaven man, 36, to an illegal activity.

He was charged with various offences; the maximum penalty for each offence is 15 years’ imprisonment. He was refused bail in Wyong Local Court on May 15 and is scheduled to appear in the same court again on July 8.

Driver charged over unsecured load

A man has been charged over the alleged unsecured load of metal fragments that dropped onto the M1 Pacific Motorway on May 2, causing hundreds of punctured tyres and forcing the road to close for about 10 hours.

It will be alleged that the secondary locking handles on the trailer were not properly engaged resulting in an

estimated 840kg of metal spilling onto the roadway over a distance of about 30km.

On Saturday, May 17, the 46-year-old male driver was served with a Future Court Attendance Notice on the charge of drive heavy vehicle not comply loading requirements-severe. He is due to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Thursday, July 10.

Filming woman without consent

A Hamlyn Terrace man will face court charged with allegedly filming a woman without consent on the Central Coast.

On Wednesday, May 14 police began an investigation following reports a man allegedly filmed a woman without consent in the bathroom of a fast-food outlet in Lake Haven.

Police attended a home at Hamlyn Terrace on Thursday, May 22., where they allegedly located and seized clothing, cannabis and electronics, which will undergo further examination.

Officers arrested a 26-yearold man and took him to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with various offences and refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court.

Callum Bowling Fiona Hooker

Dylan Woods Jarrod Reynolds

Sergeant Anna Zajac and Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies

Point

Email, May 14

Tahir Turk, Wamberal

Popular writers’ festival celebrates five years

Authors and journalists are set to descend on the Central Coast this week when Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival celebrates its fifth year of author talks, industry panels, literary readings, writing workshops and more.

From May 28 to June 1 the Central Coast will be spoilt for choice, with a wide variety of quality and engaging literary events on offer.

This celebration of the wonderful words, ideas and culture from the Central Coast

will be illuminated by the theme: burning bright.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said she was thrilled to see Words on the Waves return for a fifth year.

“It is so wonderful to see Words on the Waves return for another year of literary discoveries and enlightening experiences,” she said.

“Events such as these not only enrich the cultural landscape of the Central Coast and bring new visitors, they also inspire and empower people to foster their creative

side and reach their full potential.”

In addition to the popular main weekend program, Words on the Waves will again be running The Dip – a program of free and low-cost events aimed at increasing the accessibility of writer’s festivals.

Located at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina Beach, Saturday will see the The Dip host a full day of events for adults including affordable, short-form author talks, while Sunday will see the return of the festival’s free family fun day.

Full of fun and excitement for those big and small, activities on offer include craft workshops, live illustration demonstrations, face painting, story time, bubble blowers and more.

Festival director Angela Bennetts said the Central Coast was chosen to host the festival because the volunteerpowered committee recognised the Central Coast was a region of readers.

“The libraries were bustling and bookshops thriving, plus there are so many local creatives here that we love

bringing into the festival program and shining a light on,” she said.

Of particular pride to festival organisers is the book launch program which showcases Central Coast authors at free events bringing the community together.

The program has grown from three book launches in its first year to seven in 2025, meaning there’s a book for every reader and plenty of opportunities to support local talent.

“It is fantastic to see such a fabulous program of treats and

Who’s ready to laugh at Laycock?

Sunday 3 August 3pm

International

and

treasures on offer for Coasties and visitors alike to enjoy,” Tesch said.

“As Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, I am thrilled that local author Casey Gray will be presenting her Easy Read book, Lennie’s Gift, as part of the festival’s book launch program on June 4.

“I look forward seeing the festival continue to flourish and expand in the years to come.” A full program can be found at wordsonthewaves.com.au

Gladys A Musical Affair

Saturday 16 August 2pm

“The Woman Who Saved Australia” but couldn’t save herself; a musical journey.

A panel discussion at last year’s festival

Comedy Cabaret

Wake up in the wild on safari in Dubbo

Plan your next unforgettable family getaway at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo — the only place in NSW where you can wake up just metres from giraffes, rhinos and zebras grazing on the African Savannah.

Just a five-hour drive from the Central Coast, this extraordinary destination offers an authentic safari experience close to home, along with the chance to explore the gems of the Central West.

Your ticket includes two full

days to explore the Zoo, so why not make your visit a wild overnight adventure?

Choose the ultimate safari stay in glamping-style tents at Zoofari Lodge, with breathtaking views over the Savannah.

Or opt for the Savannah Cabins, a comfortable and convenient family base for exploring both the Zoo and the region.

For something truly unique, camp under the stars at Billabong Camp, where you’ll sleep in cosy tents nestled around the Billabong, just a roar away from the Lion Pride Lands.

Each overnight experience is packed with unforgettable inclusions, from exclusive

behind-the-scenes tours and close-up animal encounters to delicious meals and a two-day

pass to explore the Zoo.

Even better, Taronga is a notfor-profit organisation, so every dollar you spend helps save wildlife — including supporting the Zoo’s worldrenowned Black Rhino conservation breeding program.

When you’re not relaxing at your accommodation, spend your time exploring the Zoo’s 5km open-range circuit by foot, bike, cart, car, or even pedal boat.

Safari your way through Wild Asia, come face-to-face with native Australian wildlife, relax at the family-friendly Waterhole precinct, and take

in the vast African Savannah. Make the most of your visit by catching some of the 10 free daily zookeeper talks and animal feeds or book a guided tour that takes you into the lion’s den on board a purposebuilt safari truck.

You can even step inside the Wildlife Hospital to see firsthand how Taronga’s expert vets are helping to heal the wild.

Start planning your unforgettable safari stay today.

Find out more at taronga.org. au/dubbo

discover the Wild

Experience an unforgettable safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Explore the Zoo by cart, bike or pedal boat

Stay overnight and wake up in the wild

Get up close to giraffes, rhinos and zebras on a guided tour of the African Savannah

Go for the singing, stay for laughs and burgers

Get ready to sing shoulder to shoulder with your besties or family when The Welcome Choir returns to the Fun Haus Factory at Gosford this Thursday, May 29.

Held on the last Thursday of every month, The Welcome Choir is a vibrant drop-in bar choir open to all ages, genders and singing abilities.

With no auditions, no need to read music, and everything taught by ear, the only requirement is the courage to show up and let loose.

Whether you’re a karaoke king, a shower soloist, or someone who’s never sung in front of another soul, this is a safe, inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to sing

their hearts out and have a ball doing it.

May’s session brings the high-energy anthem Footloose by Kenny Loggins into the spotlight — an upbeat, instantly recognisable banger guaranteed to get everyone moving and smiling.

Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or a total beginner, you’ll be swept up in the infectious fun, rich harmonies and joyful atmosphere.

Led by the incredible Bek Jensen, a professional singer and choir leader, each session begins with vocal warm-ups and playful exercises before diving into the song of the month.

What follows is a room full of laughter, goosebumps and the

unmatched joy of shared voices in harmony.

More than just singing, The Welcome Choir offers connection, community and a fun way to combat loneliness.

Come for a casual dinner at Beau’s Burgers before the choir begins.

It’s not just about hitting the right notes – it’s about making friends, boosting confidence and lifting spirits.

Come for the singing, stay for the laughs and the burgers.

Happy hour kicks off at 6pm before the singing starts to help warm up those vocal cords and loosen up those nerves.

Tickets available now at funhausfactory.org.au/whatson/ or on the door, if not already full.

Belly laughs galore at Gosford Comedy Club

The Gosford Comedy Club is returning to the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford this Friday, May 30, for the monthly night of big belly laughs and fun vibes.

With its commitment to smart, inclusive and wildly entertaining stand-up, Gosford Comedy Club has carved out a strong reputation on the national comedy circuit, attracting a wide range of diverse comedic voices and audiences alike.

Shunning the tired all-male lineups, the club proudly showcases comedians from all genders, cultures, sexualities and abilities, creating a vibrant,

feel-good space where everyone feels welcome and no-one leaves without laughing until they cry.

This month’s headliner is Jackie Loeb, the internationally acclaimed comedian, actor, musician and all-round powerhouse.

With her sharp tongue and fearless stage presence, Loeb brings a mix of musical parody, observational wit and unforgettable character comedy.

A star of iconic Aussie TV shows such as Full Frontal and Good News Week, she’s also made waves in Hollywood, earning accolades at the

Hollywood Fringe Festival and appearing on Last Comic Standing and at the Aspen Comedy Festival.

Whether she’s mimicking Björk or skewering social

norms, Loeb is guaranteed to have the room in stitches.

Hosting the night is the sharp and hilarious Lauren Bonner, a Sydney-based comedian, writer and actor who’s toured

Book Review by Julie Chessman

Award winning Casey Gray is a Central Coast resident, disability advocate, artist and author of multiple books, with overwhelming support from the disability community.

She has worked in the industry for over five years.

Her experience rooted in firsthand work, this local author can accurately pinpoint what tools, tips and reflective exercises will make her books a resource educators can return to repeatedly.

With a passion to make her books holistic, she encourages

others to write in this area for people who do not have the opportunities to write for themselves.

Gray delivers a powerful and compassionate exploration of the challenges adults face in education, offering both insight and inspiration for learners, educators, and policymakers alike.

Bro and Sis Adventure is a memoir, an autobiography showing there can be a social life in disability and how to overcome things.

Hear Us Roar, set in Broken Hill, looks at the fight for human rights in a protest, with activities focused on what is valued and what is believed in.

Hug A Crab – if you have ever wanted to say what you really think then you need a bird like Fred.

Lennie’s Gift is a ghost story and there are writing activities

designed to foster empathy through collaboration.

These books offer a cleareyed look at the systemic and personal barriers that hinder adult learner.

The writing is accessible and engaging and what sets it apart is it is grounded in community.

Julie Chessman

major comedy festivals with her solo shows and recently appeared in Disney/Freeform’s upcoming series While You Were Breeding.

A regular on the comedy circuit and co-host of the cult podcast Big Natural Talents, Bonner brings wit, warmth and whip-smart energy to the stage.

She’ll be joined by Dane Hiser, a comic known for his refreshingly original humour and appearances in Stan’s The Other Guy, and Drew Bowie, a trans activist and creator of the popular Lego webcomic The Studwall Riot, bringing her own insightful comedic voice to the night.

A surprise mystery guest will round out the evening, keeping things fresh and unpredictable.

With doors opening at 6pm and happy hour cocktails ready to get the party started, it’s the perfect way to clock off the week.

Feast on delicious burgers, grab your pals (groups of five or more get 20% off and a reserved table), and soak up the best comedy the Central Coast has to offer.

Tickets are available now at funhausfactory.org.au, or $5 more on the door if any remain. Book now on the funhaus factory.org.au/whats-on/

Jackie Loeb

Join in the fun at The Welcome Choir at the Fun Haus Factory in Gosford

NEW LOOK SHOW WITH EVEN MORE MAGICAL MOTOWN HITS By

The Temptations, The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder ....and many more MOTOWN legends.

The Casey Gray Collection

Harvest Festival celebrates Coast’s hinterland

The Central Coast’s annual Harvest Festival returns over the June 7 and 8 weekend offering an opportunity to explore the region’s picturesque hinterland, discover local produce and experience the charm of rural life.

Held across 10 farming communities including Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Calga, Peats Ridge, Somersby, and Spencer, the festival allows visitors to step behind the farm gate and immerse themselves in the region’s agricultural heritage.

Featuring more than 35 event hubs across the two-day program, visitors can enjoy paddock-to-plate dining, whisky

tastings, fruit picking, farm experiences, workshops, live music and family entertainment.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the festival was an opportunity to connect with the land and support local producers.

“While the Central Coast is often recognised for its beautiful beaches, the Harvest Festival showcases another side of our region – the stunning hinterland and its rich agricultural heritage,” she said.

“It’s not just a fantastic weekend out, it’s a major boost for our economy, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and injecting millions into local businesses.”

Last year’s festival attracted

Lennie’s Gift an Easy Read book launch

An Easy Read book launch of Lennie’s Gift promises to be a unique and interactive event where the power of storytelling and creative writing is explored as part of the 2025 Words on the Waves Festival on June 4.

Disability advocate and author Casey Gray will be aiming to help build stronger connections between adults

with disability and their support workers.

Lennie’s Gift, a ghost story in Easy Read for adults with intellectual disability, will be read before participants undertake a writing activity designed to foster empathy through collaboration. It will be held at Erina Library Workshop Space at Erina Fair

between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, June 4.

Participants must register for a free ticket to attend at wordsonthewaves.com.au/ book-launch-program-2025/ The venue has physical access and accessible bathrooms and will be casual and flexible.

Plain English is used

more than 51,000 attendees, contributing $6.1M to the Central Coast economy.

Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna highlighted the festival’s broad appeal and positive impact on the local community.

“Harvest Festival directly supports our farmers, producers and small businesses by bringing thousands of visitors into the hinterland,” he said.

“Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, Harvest Festival has something for everyone.

“It’s a chance to slow down, soak in the stunning countryside and experience the best of what our region has to offer.”

throughout and organisers are happy to work with interpreters or support communication in other ways.

Activities are inclusive and accessible for all needs and abilities.

Anyone needing help to join can email Casey at projectsforpurpose@gmail. com or talk to Casey at the event.

THU 29 MAY

THE GLEN ART EXHIBITION: ERINA FAIR (MYER) 9:30AM

WORDS ON THE WAVES

WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

* TO 1 JUNE

MOBILITY JOY CLEARANCE

POP UP SALE: 10/57

GAVENLOCK RD, TUGGERAH FROM 28 MAY *

Reconciliation Week - March and Cultural Celebration: Coast Shelter head office to Industree Group Stadium, Gosford 9.30am

Wink & Spin: Jack Shit House

Social: Autumn Edition!: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm

Games in Libraries: Dungeons & Dragons: Tuggerah Library 4pm

FRI 30 MAY

Fade Into You II Gosford: Anglican Parish of Gosford 6pm

CC Prostate Cancer Support Group: Uniting Church, Terrigal 10am

Mens Lunch / Music MatesNight Owls: Hardys Bay Club 12pm/6pm

Brent Murphy: Gosford RSL Club 8.30pm

Nieko: Davistown RSL Club 6.30pm

Monsieur Camembert ft Abby Dobson - French Film Festival: Avoca Beach Theatre 7.30pm

Metallica... A Tribute For All: Drifters Wharf, Gosford 8pm

Choirboys: Run to Paradise: Art House Theatre, Wyong 8pm

Elestial + The Florin Arc + Hot Water Service: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 7pm

Gosford Comedy Club: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 7.30pm

SAT 31 MAY

WORDS ON THE WAVES FESTIVAL - AUTHOR TALKS (QUENTIN MCDERMOTT, HUGH MACKAY, BLANCHE D’ALPUGET): THE DIPPENINSULA RECREATION PRECINCT, UMINA BEACH 8:30AM

Words on the Waves Festival - Ebb & Flow Slam Poetry: The Dip - Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina 7:30pm

Strings Individual Performers Concert: Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, Gosford 2pm

Meet your Councillors: Let’s talk this May - Gosford West Ward: Deep Water Plaza 10am

Meet your Councillors: Gosford West Ward: Deep Water Plaza, Woy Woy 10am

Kimberlee Sings Vintage: Davistown RSL Club 6.30pm

Fade Into You II Mooney Mooney: Mooney Mooney Chapel 6pm

Gosford Silent Book Club: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 1pm

Seabreeze: Hardys Bay Club 6pm James Valentine’s

Coast Community News brings you a selection of events across the region this week.

While we strive for accuracy, however please check with organisers for full details. Have an event you want listed?

Email whatson@centralcoastnews.net with your event name, date, location & start time.

* Various times and/or dates. See the venue’s website for more details.

Upbeat Revue: The Art House Theatre, Wyong 3pm

Snow White: Laycock St Community Theatre, Wyoming 2pm & 7.30pm

Basketball: Central Coast Crusaders: NBL1 Womens + Mens: Vs Penrith Panthers: Breakers Stadium, Terrigal 5pm (W) + 7pm (M)

Remembering The Carpenters with Lisa Budin-Price: Avoca Beach Theatre 1.30pm

The Return Of 2 Foul Mouthed Bands From The 90’S: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm

SUN 1 JUN

DANCING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN: THE ART HOUSE, WYONG 2PM

Velvet Soul: Gosford RSL Club 1pm

Brackets & Jam: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 2pm

Intro to Power Tools Workshop: Womens Shed Central Coast, Berkeley Vale 9am

Past Echoes: Hardys Bay Club 1pm

Every event hub offers a distinct experience, making Harvest Festival the perfect opportunity to create your own adventure with friends and family over the June long weekend.

While many events are free, some require bookings, so plan ahead to make the most of this unforgettable weekend.

Council is also reminding residents and visitors to drive carefully when travelling to Harvest Festival.

With increased traffic and speed reductions in place, delays are expected, so allow extra time for your journey.

For the full program and to book your must-do experiences, visit: lovecentralcoast.com/ harvestfestival

Casey Gray

Jo Meares’ Silver Bullets + Love Me: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 2pm WORDS ON THE WAVES WRITERS’ FESTIVAL FREE FAMILY FUN DAY: THE DIP - PENINSULA RECREATION, UMINA BEACH 9AM

Words on the Waves Festival - Author Talk with Judy Nunn: The Dip - Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina Beach 8:30am

Basketball: Central Coast Crusaders: NBL1 Womens + Mens: Vs Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders: Breakers Stadium, Terrigal 12pm (W) = 2pm (M)

Palestinians Don’t Need Sidewalks- Film and Fundraiser: Gosford Uniting Church, 2:30pm

Alex Lloyd: Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

Central Coast Craft Club: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 12.30pm

MON 2 JUN

Central Coast Football Free Coaching Workshop: Puim Park, Lisarow 6pm

TUE 3 JUN

The Living Spirit - Art Exhibition: The Art House Foyer to 27 Jun *

CPR first aid refresher: Erina Library 9.30am

Plot play: Erina Library 11am

WED 4 JUN

Book Club for Tweens: Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend: Umina Beach Library 3.30pm

Words on the Waves book launch: Casey Gray: Erina Library 1.30pm

Oh Bee Three Jazz & Blues feat. Gerard Masters: The Old Pub, Woy Woy Hotel 6.30pm

Loose Threads Art Exhibition: Redtree Theatre * to June 29

THU 5 JUN

Sewing Clinic: Projects, Machines & Practical Help: Womens Shed Central Coast, Berkeley Vale 9am

Want even more exposure for your event?

Advertisers get their listing bolded and capitalised. See our advertising opportunities by either scanning the QR code or visiting: coastcommunitynews.com.au/whats-on

Uncover the hidden gems of the Central Coast’s hinterland at Harvest Festival

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF

Classical concert

The Classical Piano Concert originally planned for May 25 at Pearl Beach Memorial Hall has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 1, at 2.30pm due to last week’s torrential rain.

The concert will feature pianist Dr Terrance Hays playing a grand piano on loan from Kawai.

Hays studied piano performance at the University of Newcastle and organ studies at the University of Canberra and has done master classes with pianists such as Serge Dorensky from the Moscow Conservatory, Dennis Matthews from the Royal College of Music in London, and Ronald Smith from the Kings School in Canterbury.

The recital program will include works by JS Bach, WA Mozart and F Chopin as well as a duet by Central Coast Conservatorium students Kaytlin and Sienna Copaceanu on violin and cello.

Book at events.humanitix. com/classical-piano-recitalconcert

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Aussie pub rock icons The Choirboys formed in 1978 on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a group of youngsters in their 20s.

The wild, hedonistic lifestyle the band witnessed of the youth in the 1970s gave birth to their seminal rock anthem, Run To Paradise – which is the name of the band’s new show, coming to The Art House on May 30.

The show is part story, part song and chronicles some of the wildest,most risqué,outrageous, and downright hilarious stories of Australian rock.

“They didn’t call it pub rock in those days, but we were there in the beginning and we’re still

Choirboys head for Wyong

here now,” frontman Mark Gable said.

“Put it down to hearsay – it’s our opinion, it’s what we saw, it’s what people told us and most of it is extremely funny and incredibly interesting.

“Some of the stories are so funny and just plain stupid because back then, we could do things that nobody else could do because it wasn’t a normal job.

“There were no rules.”

The show answers such questions as: Which movie star did the Divinyls bass player meet under a table at a nightclub?; What were Chuck Berry’s weird work tactics?; Was Deep Purple really

responsible for Gable walking with a limp?; and What happened to a pair of Iggy Pop’s pants?

Behind the narrative are the classic songs that define the musical landscape of rock music in the 70s and 80s, including Deep Purple’s Smoke On The Water, Chuck Berry’s Never Can Tell, TMG’s Jump In My Car, Dragon’s Are You Old Enough, AC/DC’s Long Way To The Top, and the Choirboys’ own hits – Boys will Be Boys, Never Gonna Die, Struggletown and Run to Paradise, to name a few.

Run to Paradise plays The Art House Wyong at 8pm on Friday May 30.

Bathtub Gin Orchestra will get things swinging

Put on your dancing shoes get set to enjoy the sounds of the Bathtub Gin Orchestra on Sunday, June 1, at the Central Coast Leagues Club.

The Bathtub Gin Orchestra delivers a captivating blend of 1920s stomp, early 1930s swing, and a hint of gypsy jazz.

Pour this musical concoction into an iron bathtub and stir with a broom handle until intoxicated by the irresistible vibes of early 20th-century party music.

The swinging sextet comprises Phoebe Haselden on violin/vocals, Dorian Mode on piano/vocals, Morgan Haselden on guitar/vocals,

They will be playing classic swing arrangements with a sprinkling of Blues and Jazz for an afternoon of entertainment from 2pm-5pm in the Parkview Room with a $10 entry price including a strip of raffle tickets with great prices to win.

Brendan Berlach on clarinet, Fiona Lugg on double bass, and Toby Hall on drums.

The Bathtub Gin Orchestra

The Choirboys

58. Arrest (9)

60. Fabric (6)

62. Requests (4)

63. Hex (5)

68. Item of

69. Inactivity (7) 71. Minor actor (5)

(5)

73. Prominent (5)

75. Resided (7)

76. Acted out (7)

77. Sport (9)

78. Lubricated (5)

79. Planet (5)

80. Custodian (7)

81. Laconic (5)

1. Eyeteeth (5)

2. Grove (7)

3. Hung (9)

4. Brag (5)

5. Unfathomable (7)

6. Feckless (5)

7. Useful device (7)

8. Sign of the zodiac (5)

9. Broadside (6)

10. Large drum (7)

11. Command (5)

14. Oblique (7)

16. Herbaceous plant (7)

21. Sore (7)

23. Boredom (5)

25. Paragon (5)

26. Warned (7)

28. Bottomless pit (5)

29. Cutting tool (6)

31. Elixirs (7)

32. Enclose (7)

34. Respiration (9)

36. Insignificant (7)

38. Springing (7)

41. Memory loss (7)

43. Gourmet (7)

45. Mock (6)

46. Tapers (7)

48. Anteater (7)

49. Full of flavour (5)

52. Beverage made from apple juice (5)

53. Currency of Pakistan (5)

56. All together (2,5)

57. Stark (7)

59. Exuberant (9)

61. Resolved (7)

63. Disorderly (7)

64. Excerpt (7)

66. Previously (7)

67. Conundrum (6)

68. Sound (5)

70. Rubbish (5)

71. Church officer (5)

72. Abominate (5)

74. Result (5)

Upbeat blend of comedy and music

James Valentine will bring his Upbeat Revue to The Art House, Wyong, on Saturday, May 31.

Upbeat Revue is a new live music and comedy special.

What happens when a jazzloving, joke-cracking ABC radio host takes to the stage with his saxophone and a killer organ quartet?

You get James Valentine’s Upbeat Revue – an unmissable evening of live music and comedy, because why choose just one?

After a return to Afternoons on ABC Radio in August 2024 –following months off air and five weeks of chemotherapy and radiation earlier that year

– Valentine is back doing what he does best: playing sax, cracking jokes and connecting with audiences.

He cut his teeth as a saxophonist in the 1980s, performing with Models, Absent Friends, Wendy Matthews, Jo Camilleri, Kate Ceberano and more.

While he still plays regularly

Wyong Writers Group provides a creative outlet for people of all abilities.

Member Jonn Christie loves to write.

“‘Writing takes me out of my own head, so I can stop overthinking everything,” he said.

“I was born extremely prematurely at 530 grams, almost 35 years ago now.

“I decided to start writing poetry about eight years ago.

“I was going through bad depression from loneliness, since I am not really too confident at speaking to people

with his jazz quartet in Sydney, Upbeat Revue marks his return to national touring.

The revue is a two-hour theatre performance featuring live music and comedy interludes.

Expect modern hits from James Taylor, George Michael, and Burt Bacharach reimagined with sizzling organ riffs plus sharp comic detours and hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Valentine’s life on air.

He will be joined by his

powerhouse jazz quartet: Darren Heinrich (organ), Sam Rollings (guitar), and Nic Cecire (drums).

Special guest Liz Player, vocalist from The Voice 2024, will also perform with bassist Sabine Tapia accompanying.

The Revue plays at The Art House at 3pm on Saturday, May 31.

Book at thearthousewyong. com.au

Fundraiser for families in the Gaza Strip

Umina Beach resident

Catherine Sharpe will host a community event on Sunday, June 1, at Gosford Uniting Church in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Sharpe said she felt compelled to take action because of the unfolding crisis.

“No food, water or aid of any kind has entered the completely besieged Gaza Strip for almost three months,” she said.

“Over half of the population are children and extremely vulnerable.

“I got involved with this fundraiser because I felt a moral imperative to do something.”

Sharpe and a number of other Central Coast residents are organising the community film fundraiser to support direct aid to Gaza.

The event will feature a cake sale, a raffle and the screening of the documentary Palestinians Don’t Need Sidewalks.

Most of the content was filmed by Australians in 2023 before the current crisis and shows, through Palestinian

eyes, life within the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“We encourage people to come along and gain a better understanding of the crisis in Gaza and the way in which our government is responding to it,” Sharpe said.

“The event will (support) families living in Gaza and the Hebron Human Rights Defenders, who assisted in making the film.

“There will be a panel of speakers for a Question-andAnswer forum after the film.

“The panel will include one of

A creative outlet for all

unfortunately, so I just let my poems do the talking for me.”

Mavis Gunter is a life member of the group.

Now 94, she was a foundation member more than 50 years ago.

She keeps busy these days with knitting and writing and although unable to physically attend meetings, she still enthusiastically participates in club writing competitions.

She has published four books of her writings mainly for family and friends and says she gets a lot of joy out of writing.

In 2015 Mavis Gunter published One and One Makes

Five, a book of stories and anecdotes based on the experiences of a family living in a wattle and daub house on a small farm in the bush between the years of 1932 to 1942.

It illustrates the challenges of living without water or electricity and the hardships encountered due to a 10-year drought and the Depression.

“The pursuit of excellence by Jonn and Mavis are an example of being differently able and loving life,” a group spokesperson said.

For membership information visit www.wyongwriters.org or call 0409 600 963.

the filmmakers,

and representatives of the families we aim to support.”

The event will take place from 2.30pm-5.30pm on June 1 at Gosford Uniting Church, 129 Donnison St, Gosford.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Humanitix.com/ au (search for Palestine) or at the door on the day.

For more information email Centralcoastfriendsofpalestine @gmail.com

former Australian Senator Lee Rhiannon,

Catherine Sharpe (left) with Courtney Abood and Ahmed Alabadla at a recent rally

James Valentine

Mavis Gunter; Jonn Christie

Business & Property

The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance officially launched the Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide 2025–2030 at the Business NSW Central Coast Economic Breakfast on Friday, May 23, at Mingara Recreation Club.

The significant advocacy document outlines key infrastructure projects needed to unlock the Central Coast’s full potential in housing, employment and transport.

From road upgrades and transport corridors to servicing for employment and residential lands and investment in highdensity housing precincts, the guide sets a clear list of infrastructure priorities for

government and private sector investment.

The Central Coast Peak BodiesAlliance is a collaborative initiative between Business NSW (BNSW), Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), and the Property Council of Australia.

The group came together in 2024 with a shared commitment to advocate for enabling infrastructure to support sustainable growth across the region.

The Alliance’s first joint initiative — Central Coast Housing Now Actions 2024 — was launched at the Premier’s Breakfast last year.

A guide to much-needed infrastructure

A discussion panel at the breakfast

Developed in partnership with local business chambers and Pacific Link Housing, that plan identified seven key reforms to accelerate housing delivery.

The new Infrastructure Guide builds on that foundation, with a broader focus on job creation, precinct activation and futureproofing the region’s economic development.

Regional Director of Business NSW Scott Goold said the Central Coast had reached a pivotal moment.

“This guide is a clear call to action for government and the private sector to commit to the critical infrastructure that will drive housing supply, jobs, and regional prosperity,” he said.

“We stand ready to work alongside government and industry to deliver a more connected and resilient future.”

The guide identifies several infrastructure priorities, including the delivery of water and sewer upgrades, Pacific Hwy intersection improvements, the Warnervale to Wyong Link Road, Sparks Rd intersection upgrades, and a masterplan for Gosford Station.

It also highlights longer-term strategic projects such as the Central Coast Airport redevelopment, Central Coast Film Studios, and connectivity

UDIA NSW Regional Manager Elizabeth York said the Central Coast was experiencing a housing crisis.

“Prices have risen 36% since 2018 and vacancy rates are as low as 0.6% in key areas like Gosford,” she said.

“We need more homes and new homes need infrastructure; without it they simply won’t be built.

“Infrastructure investment is essential to accelerate housing delivery and improve affordability across the region.”

Regional Development

Australia Central Coast CEO John Mouland said population increase would play a major role.

“With a forecast population increase of 15% and a regional economy expected to nearly double by 2040, the Central Coast needs investment in the infrastructure that supports both residents and industry,” he said.

“This guide offers a collaborative and evidencebacked approach to achieving that.”

The guide notes that while the Central Coast has more than 900ha of employment-zoned land, only 82 hectares is

currently serviceable and unconstrained.

Upgrades to roads, sewer and water infrastructure are essential to unlock the economic potential of areas such as Warnervale, Somersby and Bushells Ridge.

Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect Frank Sammut said businesses couldn’t expand, and new industries couldn’t move in, if there was no serviceable land.

“Infrastructure is the enabler, and this guide makes it crystal clear where investment is needed to unleash job creation and future-proof our economy,” he said.

Property Council of Australia Hunter Central Coast Director

Nuatali Nelmes said the guide included transformative precincts such as the Gosford waterfront and the Central Coast Film Studios.

“With the right investment, these projects will drive local employment, attract private capital, and create long-term economic and social value for the region,” Nelmes said.

The Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide will now be made available to government and stakeholders.

The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance has urged all levels of government to engage with the guide and private sector investors to support delivery of the priority projects.

between Gosford CBD and the Gosford waterfront.

A masterplan for Gosford railway station is included in the guide

Central Coast Airport comes into the planning

Remediation of Munmorah power station begins

The first phase of a complex remediation process is underway at the former Munmorah Power Station at Colongra near Budgewoi, on the shore of Lake Munmorah.

Voluntary Management Proposal (VMP) for the power station, kicking off the first phase of a complex remediation process.

Part of the site was declared significantly contaminated in April 2024 due to PFAS and

of Operations Jason Gordon said the recently approved VMP was a critical first step in ensuring the former coal-fired power station site was remediated effectively.

“This is a complicated remediation project, and we

including how they move through soil and water.

“Taking the time to thoroughly assess the onsite contamination will ensure the remediation approach selected is suitable and fit-for-purpose to achieve the best long-term outcomes the process, as per the requirements of the VMP.”

Following completion of the first Voluntary Management Proposal, site owner Generator Property Management Pty Ltd (GPM) will submit a second

Parts of the site impacted by the contamination have been fenced off for several years and are not considered to pose a risk to the surrounding

Remediation of Munmorah power station begins; The former Munmorah Power Station before it was demolished

BUSINESS BRIEF

Hardys Bay Club up for an award

Hardys Bay Community Club has been named a finalist in the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category of the 2025 Clubs & Community Awards.

It is the only club on the Central Coast to be recognised in the category — a big achievement for a small community club.

This award celebrates clubs that support arts, culture and entertainment.

Hardys Bay Club hosts live music several times a week and runs two popular art shows: Hardys Archies and Hardys Scapes.

The exhibitions feature local artists painting local people and landscapes, with all artworks available for sale.

The winners will be announced on June 19 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Call for more climate risk funding

Central Coast Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is calling on Central Coast Council to consider including funding for climate risk in its latest planning documents and to improve its environmental mapping.

Group convenor Mark Ellis said the group was concerned about the lack of action on environmental protections, climate change, and protecting coastal lands in the group of strategic planning documents Council has put on public exhibition.

“Within the community strategic plan, the previous theme of ‘green’ … is replaced by a generalised environment focus that only relates to the provision of open space and aesthetics,” Ellis said.

“In the delivery and operation plan, only two mentions of climate change are made.

“The council blurb states the priorities and aspirations of the community, yet they are ignored.

“Where is the funding for street tree plantings to reduce the heat island effect?

“Where is the funding for COSS lands?

“The new headings for the

CSP just list motherhood statements with no genuine backing in any document.”

Ellis said the long-term financial plan neglected to address the emerging challenges of climate risk and resilience.

“Given the recent flooding and the rise in extreme weather events that frequently affect the communities of the Central Coast, where is the funding and planning for climate resilience?” he said.

“The community can’t be expected to continually cover rate rises as the cost of infrastructure required to keep up with climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise

and inundation, and people placed at flood and erosion risk, while they spend millions on the airport.

“Where are the upgrades to the drainage plan, the funding for dune stabilisation, and the planning requirements needed to reduce the risk of flooding for the properties surrounding Tuggerah lakes, Brisbane Water, and the Avoca lagoons?

“It’s lost in spending $250,000 on lighting the Warnervale airstrip as part of the $19M spent on the Warnervale Airport masterplan.”

Ellis said building resilience was critical for the Coast, as extreme events would most

likely overwhelm any response councils could make.

“With the destabilisation of our climate leading to increased costs for councils — costs that are not budgeted for — coastal regions face heightened vulnerability due to multiple interacting climate-related factors, including warming ocean temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events, which are increasing risks to the community,” he said.

“Risk is dynamic; it shifts as vulnerability changes and as climate change progresses.

“Areas previously categorised as ‘low-risk’ may transition to ‘high-risk’ due to rising sea

levels and increasingly intense storms.

“In contrast, robust adaptation policies can decrease vulnerability and mitigate risk, even in locations prone to hazards.

“Given that vulnerability directly affects risk levels, adaptation strategies should prioritise minimising vulnerability to enhance resilience.”

Ellis said decreasing vulnerability led to lower disaster losses, better recovery capabilities, and greater longterm sustainability for coastal communities.

“A clear example of the lack of foresight in the documents related to increasing climate risk is the Gosford waterfront development, which is listed as a key project but ignores the science of the IPCC that sea level rise will increase with the RCP 8.5 throughout the coming decades,” he said.

“Why build housing and infrastructure on a location that currently gets smashed by king tides when government data shows the area around Dane Dr will be inundated within the next 10 years?”

Feedback invited on shared pathway

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the final stage of the Tuggerawong Shared Pathway – a key project supporting active transport and connectivity in the region.

The concept design for Stage 5 of the pathway is now open for public comment and Council is encouraging residents, community groups and stakeholders to share their views.

Director Infrastructure Services Boris Bolgoff said community feedback had played a vital role in shaping the project so far.

“During previous consultation, 87% of stakeholders supported this foreshore route for Stage 5,” he said.

“With full funding secured through Council developer

contributions and an Australian Government funding commitment of $1.5M, Council is pleased to be able to progress this $6.2M project.”

Stage 5 proposes a 1.45km shared path along the Tuggerah Lake foreshore, stretching from Palmer St to Don Small Oval.

Once completed, it will add to the scenic route around the lake, enhancing access to local schools, parks, shops and recreational areas.

This marks the final phase of a well-supported project, with Stages 1-4 already embraced by locals.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna said

the project was a key part of Council’s vision for a more liveable and connected region.

“It’s a councillor priority to improve connectivity on our shared pathways and this project will make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and stay active, while completing another important

link in the Tuggerah Lake loop,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to view the proposed design and have their say on the Your Voice Our Coast website.”

Community members are also invited to attend a drop-in session on Tuesday, June 3, to ask questions and speak oneon-one with Council staff.

View the concept design and provide feedback: yourvoice ourcoast.com/tuggerawongshared-pathway-stage-5

Attend the drop-in session from 3pm-7.30pm on Tuesday, June 3, at Wyongah Progress Hall, 159A Tuggerawong Rd, Wyongah.

Feedback closes on June 18.

For more information and to book a drop-in session, search ‘Tuggerawong shared pathway’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com

Draft CSP needs a revamp says Bellamy

President of the Kariong Progress Association Lisa Bellamy has expressed concern over several aspects of Central Coast Council’s Draft Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035, now on public exhibition.

In a submission to Council, Bellamy said she was worried about the draft’s treatment of the natural environment, public green space, Aboriginal heritage, coastal management, and community consultation.

“The Central Coast has long been valued for its

environmental assets, from bushland ridgelines to coastal foreshores and rich biodiversity,” she said.

“These features are essential not only to our region’s identity but to its liveability and sustainability.”

Bellamy said the current CSP included specific commitments to protect and expand the Coastal Open Space System (COSS), but the new draft doesn’t mention COSS at all.

“This omission contradicts the NSW Government’s Central Coast Regional Plan 2041,

which explicitly supports strengthening and expanding the COSS,” she said. She called for commitments to COSS to be reinstated and strengthened.

Bellamy said the draft document contained inaccurate mapping, including misidentification of Porters Creek Wetland as Jilliby State Conservation Area, and omitted or misrepresented other significant protected areas and she has called for this to be addressed.

Another concern was a lack

preservation, or respectful collaboration,” she said.

“I recommend Council commit to mapping, protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural sites in partnership with Traditional Custodians.

“There is also no clear commitment to evidencebased, equitable coastal management practices or to address recurrent flooding of Tuggerah Lakes, threatening ecosystems, infrastructure, and nearby communities.”

Bellamy said another problem was poorly defined community consultation commitments.

“Council claims this plan reflects community input, yet key environmental protections have been removed without

“The shift in themes from Belonging, Smart, Green, Responsible, Liveable – to Our People, Our Environment, Our Place, Our Economy, Our Leadership – has coincided with a loss of clear, measurable

“The language is vague, promotional, and lacks

Bellamy said while the draft

included commitments to housing and employment land supply, it lacked detail on how these developments would integrate with environmental values.

She called on Council to ensure that new housing developments and industrial zones were planned with street tree planting, green infrastructure, and connected wildlife corridors.

“Industrial areas must not be biodiversity deserts but contribute to a regional green network,” she said.

“The draft CSP must be more than a branding document.

“It must guide the real work of protecting, restoring and investing in the Central Coast’s natural environment and community assets.

“Without strong environmental commitments, the plan risks failing both current and future generations.”

She has urged Council to revise the draft to reflect the community’s long-standing values around “environmental stewardship, public land protection, and honest, meaningful engagement”.

BUSINESS BRIEF Upgrade for Woy Woy tip

Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on proposed upgrades at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility, designed to improve long-term waste storage capacity and deliver more than $5M in future annual cost savings.

The planned works involve creating a flat earthen platform near the facility’s entrance. This area – known as the Eastern Storage Platform – will be used to store extra excavated natural materials from the upgrade project and the soonto-be-constructed south cell.

Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said the proposed upgrade works will support essential waste management, recycling programs and optimise the facility.

“The Woy Woy Waste Management Facility uses around 30,000 cubic metres of natural materials like rock, sandstone and clay each year,” he said.

“By excavating and storing these materials on-site, we can reduce transport costs, limit truck movements, cover waste material and build temporary roads to transport waste around the site – which will all deliver long-term savings to the community.

“This project will ensure the facility can continue to meet the community’s growing household waste needs now and into the future.”

The proposed works include: site establishment and vegetation clearance; development of supporting infrastructure, including access roads and surface water management systems; progressive earthworks and excavations to generate cover material for ongoing landfill operations and to establish a stockpile and storage pad; and ongoing use of the area as a stockpile and storage site.

The proposed location has been strategically selected to support future infrastructure connections, enhance on-site stormwater and drainage management, maximise storage capacity and reduce transport costs.

Residents are invited to view details of the proposed upgrades at yourvoiceourcoast. com/ESP and submit feedback until June 25.

Bellamy said inaccurate mapping included misidentification of Porters Creek Wetland

Tuggerawong shared pathway

Powerful business connections

Despite wild winds and sweeping rain, 38 local entrepreneurs gathered at Umina recently for a powerful business gathering.

REACH founder and marketing and mindset mentor Mandy Millan said The REACH Movement’s in person session at Margarita Daze proved that even storms can’t dampen the power of human connection.

Formed two and a half years ago, REACH is growing fast.

The session ran from 9.3011am, with Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna guest of honour.

He shared his belief that business isn’t built on cold calls and transactions, but on relationships.

“When we focus on community first, trust, collaboration, and real business momentum follow,” he said.

Millan led the group through an interactive workshop based on her signature REACH

Formula™, a values-driven approach to growing a business through visibility, authenticity and sustainable scaling.

Participants explored: how to grow an audience into an engaged community; the power of vulnerability and storytelling in marketing; why community-led growth is the antidote to burnout; and how to scale using aligned strategies and ethical automation.

Conversations ran seep as attendees opened up about the

loneliness of entrepreneurship, the traps of comparison culture, and how essential it is to have others walking alongside you.

“This is exactly why REACH exists,” Millan said.

“When I started my business, I felt isolated – like I had to do it all alone, even though I had so many ideas I wanted to share with the world.

“Growing up in a household of entrepreneurs and watching my family collaborate with other local businesses, I was

inspired to build something here on the Central Coast; a community that’s heart-led, fun, relaxed, deeply connected – and super inspiring for anyone chasing their entrepreneurial dream.

“Over the years, I’ve seen the power of partnerships – not just in my own businesses or the hundreds of business owners I’ve supported, but also during my decade-long corporate career.

“When people come together

with shared vision and real trust, it can completely reshape what’s possible in business.”

The REACH Movement is now active in multiple Central Coast locations – with Avoca Beach and Toukley events coming up next.

For more information go to www.mandymillan.com/ reach-membership or follow Reach on Facebook (facebook. com/Mandyjmillan) or Instagram (instagram.com/ mandy_j_millan/).

Mayor Lawrie McKinna addresses the meeting; Mandy Millan with Mayor Lawrie McKinna

Health & Education

Gosford Hospital is celebrating a major milestone this week, marking 80 years of continuous care for the Central Coast community.

The region’s main public hospital first opened its doors on May 26, 1945, following decades of lobbying and planning.

Although the Holden Street site was gazetted as early as 1903, it wasn’t until the end of World War II that Gosford finally got a dedicated hospital.

The opening drew a crowd of 1,500 residents and was officiated by the NSW Health

Gosford Hospital marks 80 years of service

Minister at the time, Christopher Augustus Kelly.

Back then, Gosford’s population was around 32,000.

The hospital launched with 34 beds and 12 nursing staff.

In its first year, 175 babies were born there, beginning a long tradition of local families receiving care close to home.

The hospital grew steadily over the years, reaching 63 beds by 1958.

In 1947, Foundation Matron Nona Knight established a nursing school that would go on to train generations of Central Coast healthcare professionals.

FAMILY LAW

• Divorces

• De facto

• Children's Issues

• Property

Today, Gosford Hospital stands as the largest public hospital on the Coast, with 484 beds and strong links to the University of Newcastle. Its emergency department is now among the busiest in the state.

A recent $368M redevelopment brought in state-of-the-art facilities to meet growing demand.

Gosford Hospital’s 80th anniversary is a chance for locals to acknowledge the many hands that have contributed to its growth and its care over the decades.

• Binding Financial Agreements

much more

just law…

WILLS & ESTATES

• Probate, Wills & Disputes

• Power of Attorney

• Enduring Guardianship

CONVEYANCING

• Purchase & Sale of Property

• Refinancing Mortgages

• Purchase & Sale of Business

• Leasing

• Retirement Villages

COURT APPEARANCES

• Criminal Law

• AVO Matters

• Traffic Matters

• Drink Driving

Email: lemery@lindaemery.com.au

Web: www.lindaemery.com.au

Ground Floor, Suite 6, 22 Watt St Gosford

Some of Gosford hospital’s original nurses from 1945 Photo: Central Coast Local Health District

The official opening of the hospital Photo: Central Coast Local Health District

Your gardening writer is not an avid orchid collector and grower, but I am slowly coming around to them as I begin to understand the passion and seducing attraction of these otherworldly looking plants.

For those of you who many have been swept up in the wonderfully exciting houseplant wave that is still rolling along nicely, you may nd orchids your next level challenge.

For everyone, I hear that once you have stepped into the world of orchids and found success in your horticultural efforts, there is no turning back.

SHORT STORY OF ORCHIDS

At present we believe that orchids date back over 200 million years from around the Equator and have since spread throughout the world and

DOWN IN THE GARDEN

How Not to Kill an Orchid

don’t we love them!

There are over 30,000 species identi ed now, and we have created over 200,000 varieties.

The rst written record of orchids was Ancient Greek Theophrastus 371–287 BC, considered the ‘father of botany’, in around 300BC in his title ‘Inquiry into Plants’.

Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist Dioscorides (40–90 AD) was the rst that we know of to have de ned and named these plants ‘orchids’ in his work along with their possible uses in his ‘De Materia Medica’ which was the standard herbal medicinal text until the Middle Ages.

Both the Ancient Greeks and Romans revered them as plants that helped the reproductive systems in humans.

BY CHERALYN DARCEY

Once glass, and more importantly glasshouses, became possible in the 19th Century, growing orchids was possible almost anywhere as they could be transplanted, propagated and cared for in a similar environment to their origin.

WHICH

ORCHID FOR YOU?

The vast majority of orchids that people grow are ‘Epiphyte Orchids’.

These grow upon trees and rocks and in a little stricter botanical term, a plant growing upon rock void of soil is further classi ed as a ‘Lithophyte’.

The second group, the ‘Terrestrial Orchids’ makes up the rest of the population and they are not always as well represented in collections as they can be a lot more dif cult to cultivate.

As their name suggests, they

grow upon the ground.

Most cultivated orchids that you will nd on the market are epiphytes that originate from the tropics and to then grow them successfully you will need to emulate their natural environment.

They usually live by attaching themselves to the bark of trees with good air circulation, plenty of light and high humidity.

GROWING YOUR FIRST INDOOR ORCHID

We have all been there or seen it happen.

Someone gifts a beautiful orchid with its divine arch of perfect owers that look too beautiful to be real and then, the owers die, and the plant follows.

It doesn’t have to be that way and by remembering the conditions that orchids naturally grow, you should be able to easily keep yours alive as well.

The problem is that most people treat them like other houseplants, although I will point out here that all plants need varying types of care.

The majority of plants we use as houseplants are those which can live in a level of shade, require earth-based potting mix and usually a very moist soil and so we go wrong by providing these things for our orchids.

We also like things neat and so quickly lop off the gnarled looking aerial roots that seem to escape the pots and the bulbs that appear, and we think

are excellent opportunities for propagation.

Both are food storage systems of your orchid plant and must be left alone and once your owers fall, leave those canes to themselves to because they store energy for your plant as well.

ORCHID DON’TS

To grow most orchids you need good air circulation, sunlight, dedicated orchid mix or bark, careful watering and special orchid food.

 don’t use regular potting mix

 don’t place in direct sunlight

 don’t let water pool on leaves

 don’t trim aerial roots

 don’t let their pot stand in water

 don’t cut spent canes or pseudobulbs

HOW TO GROW ORCHIDS IN YOUR GARDEN

First, nd a tree!

No tree or desire to grow your orchid in a tree?

That’s ok, you can simply use old branches, sticks and even rocks artfully placed in pots.

Under this structure, you will need a medium and that is not going to be soil.

Your epiphytes will recoil in horror if you plant them in dirt so ll your pot with a chunky medium like bark chips, gravel or charcoal.

There are specialty orchid growing mediums which are made up of these things and having a look at them will give

you the idea or a solution. This is rather general advice so make sure you seek out individual care tips for your species.

Feed your orchid with a specialised orchid fertiliser but at half strength, (because this is a native plant), from mid spring until mid-autumn. You will nd that most of this type of orchid need daily watering through the hottest summer months then a couple of times a week in mild weather, to once a fortnight through the winter months.

Got a tree? Maybe a big rock in the garden?

Just tie your orchid to it. Follow the rest of the instructions I have given but also make sure the position suits the species you have chosen.

One tip I will share with you, don’t tie that orchid to a Paperbark Tree or other bark shedder.

There are different types of orchids, and each has slightly different needs and a good chat with your supplier or hopping along to a local Orchid Growing Club or Society will open the world of growing, collecting and maybe even a whole new hobby for you.

I also highly recommend ‘Understanding Orchids’ by William Cullina (in print or digital) for those wanting to learn more at home and grow their rst orchids.

This will help with selection of type as well as care.

Coastal Goddess raises over $19,000 for cancer research

Coastal Goddess has raised more than $19,000 in support of WomenCan, a fundraising initiative of ANZGOG (Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group).

The women’s intimate health and facial aesthetics clinic hosted its fourth Annual Charity Fundraising Lunch, at Kefi at Koolewong on Saturday, May 24, raising an incredible $19,141.

The event brought together a powerful community of women, families, and local businesses from across the Central Coast to raise awareness and funds for gynaecological cancer research — one of the most underfunded areas of cancer care in Australia.

A deeply moving highlight of the day came from Central Coast resident and guest speaker Amanda Ne’Roi, who shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter Jaime, who died from cervical cancer just before her 40th birthday, leaving behind two small children.

Her powerful tribute highlighted the devastating human impact of these diseases and the urgent need for more research, better treatments and earlier detection.

“Amanda’s story reminds us why this work is so important,” founder of Coastal Goddess and The M Clinic Dr Kelly Needham said.

“No mother should have to bury her daughter.

“No children should lose their mum to a disease that could have been caught earlier or treated more effectively.

Imagine exhibition celebrates youth culture

Imagine – Youth Art Exhibition, a celebration of youth culture of local high school students from Erina and Terrigal High Schools, is on at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair, from 9am to 5pm until May 30.

Presented by The Arcade Gallery in partnership with eMerge and supported by Central Coast Council, the exhibition has been coordinated by Erina Rotary Club in recognition of Rotarian Youth Service Month.

The exhibition aims to showcase the cutting-edge creativity and culture of local young people and focuses on the use of mixed media and technology to support their self-expression and creative endeavours.

The competition is sponsored by Eckersley’s, the national art supplies retailers, and the artist with the most votes will win a $100 voucher and second place a $50 voucher.

“The Magic of Rotary is the theme of Rotary this year and has been an inspiration for the wonderful works we see at the exhibition,” Erina Rotary Club’s Youth Director Fefe Morrison said.

“These young artists have shared their perspective of the world around them in both an abstract and more traditional style.”

Teachers Gail Wright, Laura Friend and Kara Middleby of Terrigal High School, with Natalie Hallam and Debra Green of Erina High School, have been keen supporters of the exhibition and submitted their students’ artworks for the occasion, with Council’s Youth Services Jenn Dias

assisting in the set up and curation of the exhibition.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to be able to present their artworks to the broader community as well as their families and friends,” Terrigal art teacher Gail Wright said.

Morrison said that with the gallery space being free and open to the general public visiting the library, many people would see the artworks.

The works include Terrigal High School’s Year 7 and 8 designs inspired by the theme of the exhibition to create something magical.

Their works were all collaborative with up to five students working together exploring new materials and mixed media to create the large, abstract pieces.

Erina High School’s Years 7 and 8 submitted works of landscapes, still life and portrait drawings, photographs and paintings.

The students, their families, teachers, and department

head teachers joined Erina Rotary Club members in the launch of the exhibition and were able to see their artworks in a professional setting, curated with the gallery hanging system and lighting available in this purpose-built community gallery space, provided by Central Coast Council to showcase community artists.

“The students’ work is so impressive, and I love how they have used a mix of techniques to create the works, including analogue drawing and painting with digital editing and printing,” Morrison said.

“The purpose of the exhibition is to encourage the young artists.

“I hope that this will inspire some of the young people to continue and pursue a career in the creative arts sector in the future.”

For more information go to www.rotaryerina.org.au/ culture-of-youth-artongoing-exhibitions

conducts world-leading clinical trials across Australia and New Zealand.

Despite gynaecological cancer rates doubling in the past 20 years, these cancers continue to receive disproportionately low funding, and survival rates remain close to what they were 50 years ago.

totalling close to $85,000 over the past four years, can play even a small part in creating change.”

Guests enjoyed a long lunch overlooking the water, with raffle prizes and an auction which brought the community together in a meaningful and inspiring way.

“That’s why we’re so committed to this cause.”

WomenCan raises vital funds for ANZGOG, the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation, which

In April, ANZGOG called on the federal government to commit $100M to better understand gynaecological cancers, improve treatment options, and address the alarming rise in diagnoses.

“This isn’t just a women’s issue, it’s a national health crisis,” Needham said.

“We’re proud that our fundraising efforts, now

“Every ticket purchased, every prize donated, and every person who showed up on Saturday helped shine a light on the importance of women’s health,” Needham said.

“We’re so grateful — and we’re already planning for next year.”

To learn more about WomenCan, ANZGOG, or to donate to ongoing research, visit www.womencan.org.au.

Sunday 8 June 2025, 10am – 4pm

Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre, Mangrove Dam Road, Kulnura NSW

Dam Day Out

Join us at Mangrove Creek Dam’s Visitor Centre for Dam Day Out, part of Harvest Festival 2025.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Central Coast’s largest dam, explore its stunning flora and fauna, and learn how water reaches your tap with Council’s water education team. The event features water-wise workshops, sausage sizzle, and fun family activities.

Shuttle Bus: There is no on-site parkingpark at Neill Park (Kulnura Memorial Hall) and take the free shuttle bus to the event.

For more information search ‘Dam Day Out’ at lovecentralcoast.com

Some of the artworks and students, family and friends

The event put the spotlight on gynaecological cancer

Terrigal High School department Head Karen Pennings, art teacher Gail Wright and Erina Rotary Club’s Fefe Morrison

Boost for Shirley Shuttle

Shirley Shuttle drivers will keep warm during Winter thanks to a recent donation from the Lions Club of Gwandalan.

Over the past 17 years Shirley Shuttle Cancer Outpatient Transport Service has completed more than 9,200 individual transports of Central Coast patients to local oncology treatment centres, thanks to its volunteer drivers.

On May 21 the Lions Club of Gwandalan hosted a Donations Dinner where it gave donations to numerous local organisations – among them Shirley Shuttle, which received $2,000 to provide a Winter jacket to each of its current 24 volunteer drivers.

Founder and Shirley Shuttle President Barb Galvin said the organisation was totally funded by the generosity of the Central

Coast Community with no government support.

“We totally appreciate the ongoing generosity of the Lions Club of Gwandalan and all other donors and sponsors,” she said.

“A further five volunteer drivers are needed to add to our team.”

If interested,email volunteer@ shirleyshuttleinc.org.au

Support for Crestani Scholarships

The residents of Tarragal Glen Retirement Village and the young pupils at Erina Kindergarten joined forces recently to support Crestani Scholarships, a Central Coast charity dedicated to improving cancer treatment through education.

Tarragal Glen hosted a lively fundraising event, featuring raffles, auctions, and creative market stalls offering cakes, handcrafted items and leather goods.

May 20 was International Clinical Trials Day and Central Coast resident Brian Cotterill is living proof of the importance of trials in saving lives and lifestyles.

Three years ago, the 76-yearold grandfather of six was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow.

Soon after commencing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, he accepted an offer from the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) to take part in a pilot study that enabled him to self-administer injections from the comfort of his own home.

The successful event culminated in a generous donation of $7,500 to Crestani Scholarships, reinforcing the community’s commitment to advancing cancer research and medical education.

Erina Kindergarten also contributed to the cause, donating $1,000, with two young students proudly presenting their donation to charity founder Yvonne Crestani. Crestani Scholarships, managed entirely by volunteers, focuses on funding further

education for medical personnel to enhance cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

“Cancer education is an ongoing science and with more funding we can continue to strive for the best possible treatment available,” Yvonne Crestani said.

The donations were presented at the University of Newcastle’s Central Coast campus by Marilyn Courts, Chairperson of the Tarragal Glen residents social committee, and Robyn Hawes.

Clinical trial a boon for Brian

saved Cotterill precious time and energy, which he spends with his wife Lesley and family, enjoying things such as playing golf and travelling in his caravan.

Following the success of the trial, which ran from 2022 to 2024, the treatment is now available to eligible patients as a standard of care option.

“Self-administering chemotherapy gave me confidence and a degree of self-control over my own health care.”

HEALTH BRIEF

Quilts made with love gifted to Gosford Hospital

Woy Woy CWA president Margy Ure presented Barbara Galvin from Elsie’s Project with a bunch of beautiful and lovingly made quilts at a recent craft and chat meeting.

Four branch members have made the patchwork quilts since the 2021 opening of Gosford Hospital’s A5 Ward, the Central Coast’s first dedicated palliative care unit, and consider it an honour and privilege to keep making them for patients and their families.

“We have made many, many quilts for Elsie’s from the very beginning,” Woy Woy CWA publicity officer Jane Bowtell said.

Woy Woy CWA meets every Wednesday for craft and chat and a business meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Each meeting starts around 9am and goes until noon.

“NSW has a well-deserved reputation as a globally competitive destination for clinical trials that progresses research in areas including cancer, heart disease and respiratory illness.”

Patients with multiple myeloma typically attend cancer day units for weekly or twice weekly chemotherapy injections; appointments can take up to two hours and therapy continues for many months to years.

Cotterill is one of more than 8,000 NSW patients participating in more than 2,000 clinical trials across NSW to investigate life-saving medical treatments and improve healthcare by using innovative and evidence-based approaches.

Self-administering at home

Proposed Road Disposal Section 152D Roads Act 1993

In accordance with section 152D of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given of the proposed sale of the Crown public roads listed in Schedule 1. If a sale proceeds, the road(s) will cease to be a public road upon transfer of the road to freehold land in accordance with section 152H of the Act.

Schedule 1: • Crown road at Yarramalong, within and/or adjoining 1594 Yarramalong Road. (File Ref: 25/04643, Cluster: 677528)

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands, PO Box 2215, DANGAR NSW 2309 within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of this advertisement.

Any person is entitled to make submissions with respect to the sale or disposal of the road. Please note that submissions may be referred to third parties (such as council or the applicant) for consideration in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 For the Manager, Divestments

For further enquiries please visit the website roads.crownland.nsw.gov.au or contact Mandy Ade by email at mandy.ade@crownland.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 6640 3923 quoting file references above.

“The trial freed up time that was usually spent in waiting rooms and the cancer unit,” he said.

“Time saved was spent on activities that improved my quality of life.

Minister for Medical Research and Member for Wyong David Harris said International Clinical Trials Day was an opportunity to recognise the many people involved in health research in NSW, from participant patients, to the hundreds of healthcare staff who administered the trials.

“(On this day) we acknowledge the significant impact clinical trials have on improving patient outcomes and celebrate the more than 760 staff who support this vital work across NSW,” he said.

“I want to thank each and every one of them – and our trial participants, such as Brian – for their dedication to improving the lives of people in NSW.

PUBLIC NOTICE: ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENTS (ACHA)

43 Beane Street Pty Ltd has engaged Access Archaeology to prepare an ACHA and a Connecting With Country Report for a proposed development at 43-45 Beane Street Gosford. Aboriginal people or organisations with traditional knowledge of the locality are invited to submit Expressions Of Interest (EOI) in being consulted for either or both of these studies. The following details are relevant: Proponent: 43 Beane Street Pty Ltd, Proponent Contact: Adam Dai, Phone: 0499 557 607, Email: adam.dai@mingtian.com

EOI should be submitted via email to Doug Williams, Access Archaeology at dwilliams@accessarc.com.au by COB Thursday 12 June 2025. Submission of EOI does not guarantee employment during fieldwork.

CCLHD Nurse Practitioner and Principal Investigator of the study, Jacqueline Jagger, said the self-administration model took less than 30 minutes of the patient’s day compared to one to three hours to attend the hospital.

“The benefits of the trial have been far-reaching, improving patient confidence and selfmanagement capacity, reducing infection risk, and giving patients time back to do the things that are important to them,” she said.

“Following the success of this trial, multiple regional districts are now working with us to set up this standard of care in their locations.”

There are 60 members and the branch is very active in the community supporting programs such as the breakfast club at Woy Woy Public School, Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival Children’s Ripples program and hosting the BreastScreen bus over the past six years.

They also support a local food drive once a month with donations and the annual TWIST festival.

The branch’s popular Facebook Recipe of the Week, which offers simple, economical and nostalgic recipes, is still incredibly popular.

The CWA is Australia’s largest women’s organisation with the aim of improving conditions for country women and children, lobby for change, and a network dedicated to supporting local communities.

See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICE: ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENTS (ACHA)

JEP Environment & Planning has engaged Access Archaeology to prepare an ACHA for a proposed development at 134 Somersby Falls Road, Somersby NSW. Aboriginal people or organisations with traditional knowledge of the locality are invited to submit Expressions Of Interest (EOI) in being consulted for this study. The following details are relevant: Proponent: Lawsan Property Holdings Pty Ltd, Proponent Contact: Chloe Rich, Phone: 0434 720 145, Email: chloe@jacksonenvironment.com.au

EOI should be submitted via email to Doug Williams, Access Archaeology at dwilliams@accessarc.com.au, by COB Thursday 12 June 2025. Submission of EOI does not guarantee employment during fieldwork.

Brian Cotterill

From left: Robyn Hawes, Yvonne Crestani and Marilyn Courts

Barb Galvin and Jay Rapira from Gwandalan Lions

The Iron Tigers Basketball Club has announced expansion plans with new teams launching at PCYC Bateau Bay in Term 3 and Niagara Park in Term 4.

The expansion continues the club’s mission to provide highquality, inclusive and development-focused basketball opportunities for young athletes on the Central Coast.

Starting in Term 3, Iron Tigers will field the following teams at PCYC Bateau Bay: under-10 boys, confirmed; under-12

Wyong-based trainer Sara Ryan, who recently guided Matche Latte in the $1M Provincial Championships final, will transition to a public trainer role.

Ryan has enjoyed remarkable success as the private trainer for Domeland, highlighted by her handling of Attractable in the 2023 edition of the $3M Big Dance.

This season alone, she has celebrated 17 wins and 39 placegetters across NSW, with total earnings exceeding $1.7M.

Ryan said she was grateful for the opportunity to train for Domeland for the past twoand-a-half years.

Iron Tigers announce expansion plans

boys, confirmed; under-12 girls, expressions of interest still open

In Term 4, the club will expand further to Niagara Park, offering teams in the under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 age groups.

“We’re building more than just basketball teams,” club director Matt Shorrock said.

“We’re creating a community where kids can grow their skills, confidence and love for the game no matter where they start.

“This expansion means we can now serve even more families, particularly those looking for a supportive club environment and structured, high-quality coaching.”

He said the Iron Tigers were known for small team sizes to maximise playing time, paid and trained coaches for both training and games, a focus on skill development over winning at all costs, and a positive club culture and clear communication with families.

The club is also seeking expressions of interest from

aspiring coaches to support its growing program.

“If you’re passionate about basketball and enjoy working with kids, we’d love to have you on board,” Shorrock said.

“We provide mentoring, resources, and a supportive coaching community.”

To learn more about becoming a player visit irontigersbasketball.com.au/ how-to-join/

To learn more about coaching visit irontigersbasketball.com. au/join-the-coaching-team/

Trainer Sara Ryan moves on

recently riding her 57th winner for the season — including a milestone metropolitan treble at Kensington on Anzac Day and a winning double at Kembla Grange in early May.

Roper, who is apprenticed to Wyong trainer Damien Lane, has ridden winners from Gunnedah to Warwick Farm to Taree, showcasing her determination and work ethic. With just over two months left in the racing season, she will be striving to surpass her 74 winners from the 2023/2024 season.

“It is just time for a new challenge as a public trainer.”

Managing Director King Cheng said Ryan had been instrumental to Domeland’s

“The support and trust they’ve shown me gave me the confidence to train the way I do, and I’ll always be grateful for that,” she said.

success on the racetrack over the past few seasons.

“I am grateful for the dedication she has brought to the role,” he said.

“We remain fully committed to our private training model and will continue to have the same number of horses in training, operating from our dual locations at Kulnura and Wyong.”

conclusion of the current racing season.

Ryan will continue her role with Domeland until the

Meanwhile, despite missing three months of riding this season due to injury, Anna Roper continues to make her mark in the NSW riding ranks,

Enjoy a day at Wyong Race Club this June long weekend. Gather your friends and family for an exciting day at the races on Sunday, June 8. For more details, visit: wyongraceclub.com.au

Iron Tigers Basketball Club is known for its focus on skill development

Sara Ryan Photo: Bradley Photographers

Anna Roper Photo: Bradley Photographers

Photo: LookPro Photography

Members of the Toukley District Bowling Club, now part of the Canton Beach Sports Club, celebrated 70 years of the club’s history this year by holding a special bowls day with a barbecue and bowls day.

Club President David Spiers said a meeting to establish a bowling club in Toukley was held on March 28, 1955, at the home of Vince Holmes, after whom the club’s number one green is named and who was elected the club’s first president.

Ten people attended the first meeting and unanimously decided to form a club.

Over the following three years land was leased at the current site in Hibbard St, Toukley, and with the exception of machinery to remove large trees and stumps the members cleared the land, constructed ditches, formed banks and planted thousands of couch grass runners and roots.

All this work was done by volunteers during Saturday afternoon working parties.

By April 1958 one green had been formed, a fibro shed measuring 24m by 14m had been built as a clubroom and

Bowls club celebrates 70 years

machinery shed and on April 16, 1958, the green was officially opened.

The club grew to such an extent that it now has three well-maintained greens and a

clubhouse of considerable size, having been extended several times.

Now, as part of the Wyong Leagues Club Group (since 2008), it has been modernised

and is currently being renovated to meet the needs of the bowlers and its social members.

Bowling club members adopted the name Canton Beach Bowls in August 2021.

In 2025 Canton Beach fielded two teams in the Central Coast Bowls competition.

The Grade 2 team had a slow start but finished winning all its last four games to come fifth in its section.

Grade 6 won its section and went on to play in the area finals at Ettalong against Mingara and Ettalong over two days, winning the district flag. Canton Beach Sports Club has undergone major renovations.

The exterior has received a total makeover and looks great from every angle.

The interior has received a fresh coat of paint, new carpet and all new furniture in the main lounge and dining area.

The function room is about to be completely restructured with its own bar and facilities.

Both the men’s and women’s locker rooms are also to be changed and upgraded.

Canton Beach Sports Club serves $8 schnitzels every Monday starting at 5.30pm.

From 28 May

The victorious Grade 6 team