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Managing Editor: David Abrahams
Print Editor & Senior Journalist: Terry Collins
Journalists: Sue Murray, Denice Barnes, Merilyn Vale, Ivona Rose
Graphic Designer: Brad Yee
Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff
Contributors: Cheralyn Darcey, Julie Chessman, Stefan Kataric
Publisher - Combined Coast
Sometimes the contrast between what we choose to invest in, and what we don’t, tells us everything about our community.
This week brought both ends of that spectrum into sharp focus.
The announcement that the Holman Barnes Group has stepped in to secure the future of the Central Coast Mariners Women deserves genuine celebration.
At a time when the club’s future was left uncertain following the sale of the men’s team, an experienced Australian sporting organisation recognised something the Central Coast has known for years – that this team is worth backing.
The Mariners Women have
Backing what matters EDITORIAL
become far more than an elite football side.
They have inspired thousands of young girls, packed Polytec Stadium, engaged with supporters after every match and brought national attention to our region through success built on determination rather than big budgets.
Holman Barnes Group deserves enormous credit for its investment.
It has not simply purchased a football club.
It has preserved a pathway for the next generation of female footballers and reaffirmed that community matters as much as commercial opportunity.
NEWS
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Sadly, just days earlier, our region was confronted with a very different story.
The tragic death of a 22-year-old man in Gosford’s Mann St, allegedly at the hands of a 15-year-old boy, has left many asking difficult questions about safety in the heart of our city.
While the courts will determine responsibility, the circumstances highlight issues that cannot be ignored.
For years we have spoken about revitalising our CBDs through new buildings, entertainment and investment.
Those things are important.
But bricks and mortar alone do not create safe communities.
We also need sustained investment in the people who live there.
That means youth engagement, outreach programs, mental health support, family intervention, visible policing and public spaces that encourage positive activity rather than neglect.
Communities flourish when we invest before problems emerge, not simply respond after tragedy strikes.
This week has shown the Central Coast both what thoughtful investment can achieve and the cost of leaving other investments undone.
The challenge now is to show the same commitment to our young people and our community safety as we have to our sporting success.
David Abrahams, Managing Editor
Time to do One Good Thing
The Iris Foundation has launched its One Good Thing campaign, set to run from August 12-September 8, inviting individuals, workplaces, schools, community groups and local organisations across the Central Coast to pledge one simple act of good each week for four weeks.
Whether it is checking in on a neighbour, recognising a colleague, supporting a local business or helping someone feel seen, every act of good helps build a stronger, more connected community, organisers say.
One Good Thing is supported by the Central Coast Branches of Bendigo Bank.
Participants will commit to one intentional act of good each week for four weeks, following the themes Notice, Include, Encourage and Act Together, or creating their own.
The campaign culminates in The Big Good on Tuesday, September 8, with residents invited to pause for 10 minutes to share one simple act of good.
That evening, One Good Thing: The Celebration will be held from 7-9pm at The Savoy Bar & Music, Long Jetty.
Hosted by Iris Foundation Ambassadors Sam and Jordi Woods from Vibrant Concepts and featuring live music from award-winning country artist Courtney Keil, the event will celebrate the people, organisations and stories that have made the campaign possible.
“One Good Thing is a simple but powerful reminder that prevention does not always begin in a crisis service,” Iris
said.
“This campaign is a simple invitation to our community.
“Do one good thing.
“Make it small, make it real and make it often.
“One small act may not feel like much on its own, but repeated across a community, it can help create the kind of Coast we all want to live in.”
Individuals, businesses, schools and community groups can take the pledge, register their organisation, access free
resources and purchase tickets to One Good Thing: The Celebration at onegoodthing. org.au
Individuals will receive weekly email prompts, practical resources and simple ideas to help bring more good into everyday life.
Organisations can register for a free Coordinator Toolkit with ready-to-use resources, workplace prompts and practical ways to involve staff, customers and the wider community.
There is no cost or fundraising commitment to take part. Participants are encouraged to share their stories throughout the campaign using #OneGoodThingAus
Foundation CEO Sue Liptrott
Because We Care Boutique volunteers will be supporting the One Good Thing campaign
NEWS IN BRIEF
Crouch backs knife crime
reforms
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has backed the NSW Liberals’ proposed knife crime reforms, aimed at giving police officers greater powers to conduct knife wanding searches in any public place, at any time.
The NSW Opposition will move amendments to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Knife Scanning) Bill 2026 when Parliament resumes in August.
The proposed changes would allow police to conduct knife wanding operations in any public place where they reasonably believe there is a risk to public safety, without requiring a declaration to be made every 24 hours.
Mr Crouch said police should be able to act quickly when there are reasonable concerns for community safety.
“Our hardworking police should have every practical tool available to keep our community safe, and be able to respond quickly when risks arise,” he said.
“Under the current laws, a senior police officer is required to make a declaration every 24 hours setting out where and when knife wanding would take place, undermining the effectiveness in stamping out knife crime, which can happen anywhere, anytime.
“Police need flexibility.”
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Concerns over seawall design cost blowout
Councillor Corinne Lamont has raised concerns regarding the projected cost of designs for a Section 68 seawall proposed for Wamberal Beach.
Cr Lamont said documents released to her under GIPA revealed a $150,000 Council budget allocation for the designs blew out to $294,000 ex GST (or $324,060 including GST), with provisions that could require up to $784,000 (ex GST) of ratepayer funds.
She said councillors and the community were never told.
“The records show Council staff themselves subsequently referred to a ‘$150,000 budget’ and questioned whether the scope should be reduced when the price came in at $324,000,” she said.
“Records show staff were then advised the CEO had no concerns with the higher amount because the Council resolution did not specify a dollar figure.
“Records also reveal that during those discussions about the increased cost, the CEO asked staff to identify how much of the MHL work for the recent seawall designs to protect private property could be attributed to Council’s Coastal Management Program and how much was specifically for the Wamberal private property protection seawall designs.”
Cr Lamont said the documents raised serious questions about transparency, expenditure of public money and whether councillors were adequately informed when the cost of implementing their decision changed so substantially.
In August 2025, Councillor
START THE CONVERSATION THAT MATTERS
Doug Eaton brought a Notice of Motion proposing a new pathway for Wamberal Beach including commissioning an alternative medium-to-longterm private property protection seawall design and seeking authorisation through the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) using a Section 68 which is used to respond to an immediate erosion emergency.
When councillors considered the proposal, the CEO’s published response advised them: “A design of this magnitude, even if accelerated, is expected to take 12 weeks and estimated to cost in the order of $150,000, assuming existing reference materials can be utilised.”
The proposal was defeated with Councillor Rachel Stanton abstaining from the vote.
After a Rescission Motion at the September 2025 Council meeting, Cr Eaton’s Motion became Resolution 796/25, carried with the support of the Liberal and Team Central Coast councillors, Cr Stanton being absent from the meeting and Mayor Lawrie McKinna using his casting vote.
The Motion directed the CEO
to engage consultants to develop the alternative medium-to-long-term seawall design, in consultation with private landowners, using available Special Project Reserve funds, and then seek Ministerial Authorisation through the Reconstruction Authority.
“This was part of a controversial decision to pursue Reconstruction Authority authorisation for medium and long-term coastal protection works at Wamberal, and therefore bypassing usual planning and assessment processes,” Cr Lamont said.
“I had serious concerns about using this pathway for longterm works, particularly when Council’s own advice had previously stated there was ‘no immediate risk of significant structural collapse’.
“But regardless of how councillors voted, we were entitled to rely on the information provided to us, and the CEO’s published advice was that the design was expected to cost in the order of $150,000.
“Council staff themselves called it the ‘$150,000 budget’.
“When the proposal came back at almost twice that amount, staff recognised the issue and raised reducing the scope.
“Instead, the CEO was consulted and the response was that there were no concerns with the higher amount because the resolution did not specify a dollar figure.
“That may explain how management considered the expenditure could proceed, but it does not answer the fundamental question – why weren’t councillors told the cost had almost doubled?”
MHL commenced work on February 2 this year, with formal Director approval for the $294,600 direct engagement following in March.
The Purchase Agreement also records an approved additional $100,000 contingency.
“What we know is that a $294,600 ex GST contract was approved, together with an additional $100,000 contingency,” Cr Lamont said.
“The records also show MHL
An annual campaign that empowers all adult Australians to be strong self-advocates for their own personal planning when it comes to their future. Throughout the event you will find helpful guides, toolkits and resources to support taking action with ‘Dying to Know Day’. Start conversations with the people most important to you about your unique choices and wishes for your end-of-life.
This is a free event for the community, everybody is welcome to attend. Hosted by Creightons Funeral Service part of The Palmdale Group. Demonstrations and interactive displays with information stalls available.
Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park
57 Palmdale Road, Palmdale NSW
Commencing at 10am – 2pm
Saturday 15th August
BBQ lunch is provided for attendees
requests for the allocation of an additional $250,000 for geotech investigations and $140,000 for 2D modelling, all ex GST.
“What we now need to know is the actual expenditure.”
She said Resolution 796/25 specifically required the alternative design to be developed in consultation with private landowners, yet the final consultation phase was identified internally as potentially more appropriately associated with the Coastal Management Program (CMP).
“If consultation was part of delivering the private property design Council had resolved to commission, why was that cost being considered for attribution to the CMP?” Cr Lamont said.
She said she would ask for a complete financial accounting of the project, including the amount actually paid to MHL, outstanding commitments, funding sources, whether any of the $100,000 contingency had been accessed and whether there had been variations or additional investigations.
She will also ask for the breakdown requested by the CEO showing how much of the MHL engagement was ultimately classified as CMP work and how much as Wamberal design work.
“The community deserves to know exactly what this project has cost and where the money has come from, and where it’s going,” Cr Lamont said.
The records were obtained through a formal application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
Creightons
Voluntary Assisted Dying
Wamberal Beach has faced ongoing erosion problems
Renewed calls for information on missing woman
Police have renewed calls for information in the search for missing Kariong woman Rita-Marie Collin as part of this year’s Answers Still Matter Missing Persons Week 2026 (August 2-8).
Sixty-year-old Ms Collin was last seen walking south on Woy Woy Rd, in the vicinity of Geoffrey Joseph Cl, Kariong, about 10.45am on Tuesday, May 5.
She is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of slim build with blonde hair and green eyes and was last seen wearing denim jeans, a denim-style jacket with a black t-shirt underneath and carrying a white bag.
Despite extensive inquiries, including multi-agency searches of bushland and
Police are urging Central Coast residents to think back and come forward with any information that could help solve two longterm missing person cases during National Missing Persons Week.
More than 55,000 missing person reports are made across Australia each year.
While most people are located quickly, some disappear without explanation, leaving families searching for answers for months, years and sometimes decades.
National Missing Persons Week aims to keep long-term cases in the public eye and remind Australians that even decades-old investigations can be advanced by a single new piece of information.
The annual awareness week is co-ordinated by the Australian Federal Police’s National Missing Persons Coordination Centre in
several public appeals for information, she has not yet been located.
On Wednesday, June 17, officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District, assisted by the Police Dog Unit, conducted a further search in bushland along Woy Woy Rd. Detectives continue to appeal for dashcam footage from the area at about 10.45am on that day.
Her daughter, Amy Collin, said until her mother was found, the family would continue searching and holding out hope.
“To the world she may be a missing person, but to us she is Mum – a wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend,” Ms Collin said.
“She is loved, she is missed, and we think about
her every single day.
“We wake up each day wanting answers, wanting to know where she is, and wanting to bring her home.
“Please don’t let another day pass without coming forward if you know something.
Central Coast volunteer-led not-for-profit organisation
We Care Connect celebrated its 10th year supporting families across the coast on Thursday, July 30, with volunteers and community supporters meeting at Wyong Leagues Club. What started with five volunteers in the back of a church hall in Toukley has grown to an organisation of approximately 120 volunteers at the Wyong Warehouse and a further 50 in the Hunter Warehouse.
Powered by community gifting, the organisation has
“Even the smallest detail could help us find Mum and give our family the clarity we’ve been desperately waiting for.”
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding
missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 2, and Saturday, August 8.
This year’s Answers Still Matter campaign highlights the unwavering commitment of investigators to uncover the truth for families seeking closure and communities wanting clarity.
Detective Inspector Paul Fenwick of the Missing Persons Registry said investigators held serious concerns for Ms Collin’s welfare.
“Rita-Marie has now been missing for three months, and despite extensive searches and public appeals, her whereabouts remain unknown,” Det Insp Fenwick said.
“Multiple co-ordinated searches have been conducted across bushland in Kariong and
Can you help find these men?
partnership with state and territory police.
Two long-term missing person investigations from the Central Coast remain active with NSW Police.
Phillip Burrell, 84, of Tuggerah has been missing since midDecember 2024.
He was last seen setting off on his daily walk along Gavenlock Rd, Tuggerah.
He regularly walked nearby fire trails and bushland and was wearing a light blue T-shirt, a white wide-brimmed hat, grey shorts, and carrying a walking cane and a grey backpack.
Despite extensive inquiries, he has not been seen since.
Shane Curtis Ward, 20, was last seen in Wyong in September 2024.
He was last seen at a Wyong fast-food restaurant on the evening of September 10, 2024.
Police believe he may have
been driving a blue Mitsubishi Lancer and he is known to frequent the Wyong area.
Despite ongoing investigations by Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lakes Police, his whereabouts remain unknown.
The Central Coast has experienced its share of missing person cases over the years, with some remaining
etched in the community’s memory long after they first made headlines.
One of the region’s most wellknown cases is that of Ursula Barwick.
The 17-year-old disappeared in 1987 after being dropped at a Central Coast railway station to travel to Sydney for a new job.
It was almost three decades
before investigators reviewing the case with fresh eyes established what had happened, underscoring the importance of never giving up on unresolved investigations.
Her case is one of many that have shaped broader discussions about how historical missing person cases are investigated.
The NSW Parliament is currently conducting an inquiry into unsolved murders and long-term missing persons, examining whether more can be done to improve investigations and support families still living with unanswered questions.
Organisers of National Missing Persons Week emphasise that people go missing for many different reasons, including mental or physical health issues, family conflict, accidents or a deliberate decision to leave.
Regardless of the
We Care Connect celebrates 10 years
provided support to more than 50,000 vulnerable children across the Central Coast and Hunter regions.
Head of Community Partnerships Helen Barker said when CEO Derryck Klarkowski founded WeCare Connect, he had a simple belief that no child should go without and that we should take a stand to say no to childhood poverty.
“The party marked the occasion and the amazing community generosity that has enabled We Care Connect,” Ms Barker said.
By working with case workers, social workers, and
maternal health workers, and through neighbourhood centres, the organisation aims to fill a gap in support services by providing disadvantaged children with items such as clothing, cots, prams, and car seats.
“Basically, everything a child should have access to, but sadly doesn’t,” Ms Barker said. She said caseworkers will let the team know what material aid is needed.
“In some instances, it might be a packet of nappies and some formula, but in some instances, it might be a mum who’s expecting their first baby
and doesn’t have anything in terms of getting a baby home from the hospital and any clothing for that child or a change table,” she said.
There are eight locations where the community can donate childcare items, and their van goes around once a week to transport them to the warehouse.
Volunteers then sort, pack, and prepare the donations so caseworkers can collect them.
“We try and encourage the community to really look at what we can pass on; otherwise, we often have to incur costs,” Ms Barker said.
along Woy Woy Rd, but without new information, the investigation cannot move forward.
“We are asking anyone who recognises her description or recalls seeing her that morning to contact police.”
For more information on the campaign, visit www. missingpersons.gov.au
For more information on Rita Collin, visit www.missing persons.gov.au/search/ nsw/rita-marie-collin
Anyone with information about Ms Collin is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw. crimestoppers.com.au
Information is managed on a confidential basis.
The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
circumstances, every report is treated seriously, and even the smallest piece of information can prove significant.
Anyone with information about Phillip Burrell, Shane Curtis Ward or any other missing person is urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppers. com.au
Information can also be provided directly to NSW Police. There is no waiting period before reporting someone missing if there are genuine concerns for their welfare. Even information that seems insignificant could help investigators piece together what happened and bring longawaited answers to families who continue to live with uncertainty.
If this story raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14.
With families being supported that may have experienced trauma or crisis, Ms Barker said the organisation doesn’t want to reinforce stereotypes to families.
“We’re just passing on things that we think would delight a family,” she said.
For this reason, the organisation does not pass on items that are stained, torn, or ripped.
“Basically, if you wouldn’t pass it on to a family member or a friend, then We Care Connect doesn’t pass it on either,” Ms Barker said.
Now in her seventh year of volunteering alongside Mr Klarkowski, Ms Barker has an extensive background in the not-for-profit sector, including fundraising, marketing, and governance and is on a number of charity boards.
“We wouldn’t be in a position to do any of that if it wasn’t the community generosity that’s taken place,” she said.
To donate or to rehome quality items, visitwecareconnect. org.au
Phillip Burrell; Shane Curtis Ward Photos: NSW Police Force
Missing woman Rita-Marie Collin
Ivona Rose
www.coastcommunitynews.com.au
Coast Connect
Central Coast Council news and community information
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Lawrie McKinna
Acknowledging local services
Local Government Week runs from 3 to 9 August and it’s a great opportunity to highlight how Council supports your everyday life.
When Councillors were first elected, we listened to our community and pledged to focus on the priorities you told us were most important.
Our residents’ number one priority is improving the state of our roads. This includes renewing road surfaces, fixing potholes and maintaining roadside verges, and we’ve allocated even more funds in our 2026/27 budget to deliver even better outcomes.
We’re committed to engaging on key plans and projects and in the past year community feedback has helped guide how we manage our coastline, waterways, libraries, leisure centres, playgrounds, cycleways and more. We’re now turning our attention to building a strong future for Gosford. We’re bringing together key projects that will enable the growth of our CBD and attract investment, including city centre road upgrades, public domain improvements and programs to activate the night-time economy.
And we’re proud to be one of the largest local employers, with approximately 90 per cent of our workforce calling the Central Coast home. This Local Government Week, take a moment to think about a friend who works for Council, the park your children love to play in, your favourite festival, or the community centre where you meet like-minded people, and you’ll be acknowledging the work Council does to help enhance your quality of life.
Mayor Lawrie McKinna
The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 25 August at 6.30pm in Wyong. Search ‘Council meetings’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au
What’s on?
Artist workshops throughout August
Join one of three Tales of Whales Watercolour Workshops hosted by local artist Margot Hislop, as part of our Creative Spaces program. Learn how to sketch and use watercolour while creating whale-inspired artwork.
Located at the Gallery Container Toukley, limited spots are available throughout August.
To book a workshop, visit LoveCentralCoast.com
Join Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee
We are inviting First Nations people to apply for two available positions on Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee, to provide strategic advice and ensure First Nations voices are heard in Council decisions. Applications close 16 August 2026.
For information search ‘Aboriginal Advisory Committee’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au
More ways to get active now available in Kincumber
Whether it’s basketball, pickleball or netball that you are into, the two newly reconstructed hardcourts at Mackillop Oval, South Kincumber are a great way for people of all ages to get active. Whether you’re playing a social game or want to sharpen your skills, these courts are ready for action.
To learn more about the new hardcourts, search ‘Mackillop hardcourts’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au
Delivering road improvements across the region
We’ve recently completed road renewal works on Hills Street, Gosford and Parraweena Road, Gwandalan. Works included resurfacing Hills Street to improve and extend the life of the road and applying a new road surface on Parraweena Road.
To discover more major works, search ‘CAPEX Program’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au
Council adopts new plan for accessibility and inclusion
Council has adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 (DIAP), outlining actions to improve accessibility and inclusion across the region. Shaped by community feedback, the plan focuses on access, employment, safer communities and positive attitudes to help people with disability feel more included and connected.
To view the adopted DIAP, search ‘Accessibility and inclusion’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au
Our Regulatory Priorities Statement 2026-29 is open for feedback
The statement outlines five priorities that Council will focus on each financial year for the next three years. This includes: unhealthy land and abandoned dwellings, dogs in prohibited areas, Gosford CBD parking, unauthorised works on private property and outdoor dining compliance.
Share your opinion by 21 August at YourVoiceOurCoast.com
Expanded train service a win for commuters
Train passengers on the Central Coast-Newcastle line will be the winners, with an extra 692 seats being added to Mariyung services during peak weekday periods.
Four of the eight-car Mariyungs will get an extra two cars to become 10-car trains during the morning and afternoon peaks, providing an uplift for tens of thousands of passengers who travel on the state’s busiest intercity line every day.
A further two eight-car Mariyung sets will be extended to 10-car sets later this year, officially completing the staged introduction of the new trains. Since the Mariyung trains were introduced in December 2024, more than 19 million trips have been taken on the Central Coast and Newcastle line.
The morning and afternoon peaks see about 30,000 passengers board each weekday.
Overall patronage on the line has consistently grown since
the launch of the Mariyungs, from 780,000 ticketed trips in December 2024 to more than 1.12 million in June 2026.
A total of 19 Mariyungs are now in operation on the line,
servicing every station along the alignment.
They now represent majority of services on the line as more Mariyungs become available and the Oscars are gradually
transitioned to suburban running.
The Mariyung fleet provides modern heating and air conditioning, spacious two-bytwo seating with extra legroom, arm rests and tray tables, charging ports for mobile devices and dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles.
The trains also provide the highest level of accessibility across the Sydney Trains fleet, with dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, priority seating, CCTV and enhanced customer information systems.
Member for Swansea and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said Central Coast and Newcastle communities deserved modern, world-class public transport that was safe, comfortable and reliable.
“These modern trains have vastly improved the travelling experience for hundreds of thousands of commuters,” she said.
“It’s great to see more Mariyungs on the tracks serving the public.
“Each extra carriage we can add creates more comfort, capacity and peace of mind for commuters as they head to the station each morning.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said it was a great outcome for all passengers.
“The Mariyungs are spacious and comfortable, with improved accessibility and safety features including dedicated wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to have more of the state’s most accessible train cars in service.”
Host a Gone Fishing event and celebrate the Coast
Fishing clubs and organisations across the Central Coast are encouraged to apply for a free Gone Fishing Weekend package to help host local fishing events on October 17 and 18.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the initiative was a great opportunity for clubs to welcome new participants, encourage families to get outdoors and celebrate the
region’s strong recreational fishing culture.
“Gone Fishing Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together and showcase the incredible fishing opportunities we have here on the Central Coast,” Mr Crouch said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting a line for the first time, the weekend is all about getting outdoors, enjoying our local waterways
and sharing the experience with family and friends.”
Fishing packages are available to help clubs run local activities such as learn-to-fish sessions, casting workshops and community information events.
The packages include rod and reel kits, giveaways and event resources to help clubs welcome new fishers and promote safe, family-friendly fishing.
“I encourage our local fishing clubs and organisations to take advantage of this opportunity to host an event and introduce more people fishing,” Mr Crouch said.
Applications for fishing packages close on August 11.
For more information, contact Mr Crouch’s office on 4365 1906 or email terrigal@ parliament.nsw.gov.au
Blaschke steps down from ash dam consulting committee
Gary Blaschke has quit the Eraring Ash Dam Expansion – Community Consultative Committee, claiming the government is ignoring community concerns.
Mr Blaschke, who has sat on the committee for the past six years, pulled the plug at its last meeting on July 28.
He also sits on the NSW Coal Ash and Health Community Advisory Committee and stood before the Public Works Committee Inquiry into coal
From page 1
“These new owners are excellent sports administrators with a good understanding of women’s football through APIA Leichhardt,” Cr McKinna told CCN.
“Now’s the time to get behind the team in the upcoming A-League season.”
While the ownership question has now been resolved, the announcement leaves several practical issues
ash dams in 2021.
Mr Blaschke said he was seen by both groups as being somewhat controversial, as he questions the authorities and the transparency of government departments and regularly contributes with submissions of concern, yet rarely gets any response.
“After six years of reading reports, writing submissions and standing before government inquiries all to no avail, the government’s latest
move is to simply ignore the community’s concerns,” he said.
He said even NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey had been critical of responses by the EPA and NSW Health to community concerns about the potential link between the circulation of additional metals in the air and waterways, and impacts on health outcomes for the community.
Mr Blaschke said the community group Future
Sooner, of which he is president, is the only community-based group looking into the health impacts of coal-fired power stations in the region.
“The Ghost Wipe project exposed at least 12 toxins falling onto our homes and in our air,” he said.
Future Sooner’s Ghost Wipe Project saw community-led environmental testing, using specialised Ghost Wipes to sample toxic heavy metal dust in homes near coal-fired power stations.
Future of Mariners women secured
to be worked through.
The Mariners brand will now operate under two separate ownership groups, with supporters likely to seek clarity on how club memberships, access to training facilities, community programs and the wider Mariners identity will be shared.
Those details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks as the new ownership structure takes shape.
The news was also warmly welcomed by young Terrigal footballer Gabrielle MacLellan, who had been deeply disappointed when the Mariners women were excluded from the sale of the men’s club.
Gabrielle’s father, David MacLellan, told CCN his daughter had even written a strongly worded letter to Australian Professional Leagues management
expressing her concern about the decision.
“Gabrielle plays for Terrigal FC and was so excited when the Mariners women’s team came back three years ago,” he said.
“We’ve been to the home games and the players have been incredible, not just because of their results but because they’re so friendly and generous with the fans.
“Today’s announcement
means a lot to young girls like Gabriel who dream of one day playing at that level.”
Veteran A-League radio broadcaster Trent Dickeson also welcomed the announcement.
“Backing like this doesn’t just keep a team on the park, it keeps a community together,” he said.
“Full credit to the Barnes Holman Group for backing the CCM women’s side, and to
“The wipes found lead to be 28 times greater than samples from Sydney’s Northern beaches, chromium 15 times greater, nickel 12 times, arsenic four times and Mercury 1.6 times greater,” Mr Blaschke said.
He said he would continue to fight for the community and make sure power stations close by their due date and that proper remediation was undertaken.
everyone who’s kept this team going.
“We can’t wait for the season ahead.”
Local football lovers will breathe easy knowing that the women will continue to represent the region at the highest level of Australian football, preserving an important pathway for female players and providing certainty ahead of the new A-League Women season.
Gary Blaschke
The Mariyung fleet is expanding on the Central Coast line
Adam Crouch is encouraging fishermen to host a
Gone Fishing weekend event
For life minded people
Pictured: Ingenia Lifestyle Natura. *Prices
NEWS IN BRIEF
Life memberships for Barry and John
At the recent annual general meeting of The Entrance Surf Life Saving Club held on Sunday, July 19, President Warren Evrard announced Barry Miller and John Sleeman had been awarded Life Membership.
Mr Evrard said both had given great service to surf lifesaving for years, patrolling The Entrance beach, and are still current members.
He said they went above and beyond in helping to keep the clubhouse clean and ready for members to use and were always the first to volunteer when things needed doing including fundraising raffles and manning the barbecue.
He said they have given great service to the community outside of The Entrance Surf Life Saving Club and are currently involved with the Tuggerah Tuffs swimming club.
Both men said they were overwhelmed to receive Life Memberships.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Copacabana vet features in Darling Harbour exhibition
The service of Copacabana resident Roque Hammal will be included in a digital exhibition of Chinese Australians’ service in the Australian Defence Force to run from Remembrance Sunday (November 8) to May next year at the Chinese friendship garden in Darling Harbour.
Remembrance Sunday commemorates the contribution and loss of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in the World Wars and all worldwide conflicts since.
Mr Hammal was born to a Chinese Hong Kong mother and a British father of mixed European ethnicity in Hong Kong in 1952.
Schooled in Hong Kong until age 12, he spent 18 months being schooled in Hertfordshire “Watford” England before returning to Hong Kong’s King George V School for a further 18 months.
In 1969, he moved to Australia, joining the Royal Australian Navy at 17 years of age for training as a clearance diver.
His decision to serve was grounded in his family’s history going back to his grandfather, who served with the Royal Navy including in the Boer War, World War I and World War II.
His father also served in the Royal Navy for 22 years including war service in World War II.
Mr Hammal served for more than 12 years in The Royal Australian Navy as a ship’s diver and marine engineering
mechanic, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
He was affectionately called China by all ranks, including ships captains.
He did Vietnam war tours of duty in 1970-1972 on various ships, participating in Far Eastern Strategic Reserve deployments throughout Southeast Asian seas.
He spent 18 months in Long Beach Naval dockyard California, America for a major refit of HMAS Perth.
In all Mr Hammal spent 10-and-a-half years straight doing sea duties including dockyard maintenance on ships away from his family, excluding annual leave periods away from Australia which gave him only the last two years of service with his family during a shore posting to HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia.
After his Navy service, he trained to be a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Advocate in Perth, Western Australia as a volunteer advocate helping veterans, their families and
serving members of the Australian Defence Force to assist them with claims for various entitlements.
Mr Hammal undertook the first pilot course by Department of Veterans’ Affairs to train advocates.
He has been an advocate from 1989 until the present and has processed more than 7,000 successful cases to date.
In 1997, he founded the Australian Navy in Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Association of Western Australia and remained as Welfare Officer and President until 2003 when he moved to Orange.
There he established and founded the Australian Navy in Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Association of NSW.
In 2004, Mr Hammal relocated to Copacabana.
The Australian Navy in Vietnam Veterans’ Welfare Association WA closed its doors in 2020 and he concentrated his efforts on the NSW association.
The association was not eligible for any funding and all costs associated with assisting veterans and their families was borne by Mr Hammal.
By 2021, it was known as the Navy Veteran’s Welfare Association of NSW, to encourage younger postVietnam veterans to train as advocates.
In 2002, he designed and built a memorial for Royal Australian Navy veterans at Monument Hill in Fremantle.
In 2019 he repeated a similar undertaking and a memorial was unveiled at Copacabana, dedicated to Navy, Army, Air Force and Merchant Seamen whose final resting place was the ocean bed.
Two of his three children, a son and daughter, have served in the Royal Australian Navy as a marine engineer officer and a logistics specialist respectively.
His grandson is currently a Royal Australian Navy electronics weapons officer and his granddaughter is a signals communicator in the Navy.
Needless to say, despite the trauma to family life and the stresses of active service, “China” Hammal remains proud of his and his family’s commitment to the Royal Australian Navy.
He said there was a history of systemic barriers to becoming an accepted integral part of Australia for citizens of Southeast Asian origin and elsewhere.
“As recently as the first half of the 20th century, The Defence Act 1909 restricted non-European Australians from serving in our armed forces,” he said.
“It took until the end of the Vietnam War before the official White Australian policy was ended by the Labor Whitlam Government in 1973.
“Thereafter refugees from places like Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, arrived in Australia in significant numbers.
“Their children grew up as Australian citizens, with some enlisting in the Australian Defence Force.
“These Australian Defence Force service men and women with their Asian ethnicity and language skills have provided vital services in enhancing the quality of Australian Defence Force participation in overseas duties,” he said.
“They are able to provide much needed cultural language and native skills the AngloSaxon Australian Defence Force members cannot provide and they now serve in all three services and at all ranked levels up to and including high ranking officers.”
Roque Hammal; Roque Hammal served as a Navy diver as a young man
Barry Miller and John Sleeman
Farmer praised as Loader steps in as acting CEO
Central Coast councillors have acknowledged the contribution made to the organisation by retiring CEO David Farmer and endorsed arrangements to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Council will begin recruiting a new chief executive officer, with Director of Water and Sewer Jamie Loader set to step into the role in the interim.
At the July 28 meeting, Mayor Lawrie McKinna thanked Mr Farmer for his hard work and leadership over the past fiveand-a-half years.
Cr McKinna said appointing Mr Loader as Acting Chief Executive Officer while a permanent recruitment process was undertaken was essential to maintaining organisational stability for staff and residents.
“Council’s priority is to ensure
stable leadership as we move through this process,” he said.
“The appointment of Jamie Loader as Acting Chief Executive Officer will … allow Council to remain focused on delivering services and outcomes for our community while the recruitment process is underway.
Council
Central Coast Council has voted to double its annual allocation for canal maintenance on St Huberts Island this financial year, using funding previously collected and internally restricted by fees paid by residents for their pontoons and jetties.
Council first put together a plan of works in 2017, but works were never undertaken.
Councillor Jared Wright has been working with the local community to create a pathway for works to occur as part of Council’s four-year delivery program.
The framework put forward by Cr Wright was passed by Council at the December 2025 meeting.
Since that meeting Council has worked with the St Huberts
“Jamie Loader is an experienced local government executive, with a strong background in water and sewer operations, environmental health, development assessment, compliance,asset management
and emergency management.
“He is recognised for his strong focus on strategic planning, risk management, operational excellence and delivering high-quality services that support thriving communities.”
Council also endorsed the
commencement of a recruitment process for a permanent CEO in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and the Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for the Appointment and Oversight of General Managers.
During an extraordinary meeting prior to the main meeting, Council appointed a CEO Recruitment Panel comprising the mayor, councillors John Mouland, Helen Crowley, Kyle MacGregor, John McNamara, Rachel Stanton, and an independent member Kath Roach who is Managing Director of SINC Solutions.
The Panel has been delegated authority to oversee the recruitment and selection process.
“We are committed to a rigorous, merit-based recruitment process designed
to address St Huberts Island canals
Island Residents Association to develop a four-year plan of works for the island including foreshore works, maintenance of the stormwater drainage outlets and dredging within the canal system.
Cr Wright said the annual funding allocation proposed as part of the four-year plan was only $35,000 per year and that he had now worked with staff and the community to double the allocation for the current financial year to $70,000.
“About a third of all submissions on the Budget were from residents of St Huberts Island concerned about the need for further money to be used from the restricted fund to improve the canals, noting $35,000 would not make a meaningful difference,” he said.
“The internally restricted
fund dates back to the 1990s and holds more than $700,000, which has been collected from the revenue gained by those who own a pontoon or jetty on the island.
“It’s a very unique
circumstance where this occurs and given the money is there, we should be using it for the purpose in which it was collected.”
President of the St Huberts Island Residents Association
Kevin Hill said the Association was pleased to see the process progressing and residents were eager to see works carried out in the current financial year and beyond.
“There is a clear need for
Support group for divorced people
A DivorceCare support group for people walking through separation or divorce is set to start soon at Erina.
No matter how amiable, separation or divorce is one of the most painful experiences.
A DivorceCare group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions and challenges of separation and divorce.
During this 13-week support group program, facilitated by Ben and Natasha Kelley, you will discover what to expect in the days ahead and navigate your personal healing journey.
The sessions will be held on
Monday nights starting on August 10.
Since separation and divorce can be messy and confusing, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with the challenges and navigating relationships – and gain solid support each step of the way.
At each weekly meeting, you will view a video featuring respected counsellors, pastors, and healthcare professionals on divorce and recovery topics; plus, you’ll hear relatable personal stories of separation and divorce.
After that there will be a small group discussion to allow people time to talk, share
to attract a strong field of candidates and identifies the best possible leader to guide the Central Coast into the future,” Cr McKinna said.
“As part of this process, all available councillors will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop or facilitated discussion with the independent Panel member and Council’s appointed recruitment consultant to help determine the capabilities sought in our next chief executive officer.
“Councillors will also be kept informed throughout the process and will have the opportunity to consider the outcome before making a final appointment.”
The appointment of a permanent chief executive officer will be subject to a resolution of Council following completion of the recruitment and selection process.
works to be undertaken on the canals and while we have been working alongside Council staff for almost a decade on the overarching plan, we are pleased to see works are now being undertaken,” Mr Hill said.
“Last financial year, we worked with Council to undertake a trial of these works to reduce sediment buildup, to clean up the foreshores and bolster the canal system.
“It was highly effective and demonstrates the importance of these works being done on a regular basis.”
As noted in a progress report provided to the June meeting of the Coastal Estuary and Floodplain Risk Management Sub-Committee, the high-level scope of works for this financial year prioritises sediment clearing up to five metres in front of stormwater outlets.
support, and personally apply what they learned on the video.
Everyone will receive a book to take home filled with valuable exercises for navigating their personal road to recovery.
Topics include: how to manage divorce-related emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, bitterness, anger, and grief; how to cope with the changes in your life and relationships; the importance of forgiveness; and how to navigate legal and financial issues.
DivorceCare group participants have repeatedly shared that they feel comforted and encouraged by being in a
place where people truly understand what they’re going through.
They feel a sense of relief when they’re given guidance and tips on how to deal with the daily challenges.
You may be in the early stages of separation or divorce, or struggling with the painful aftermath.
Whatever your circumstance, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling.
For more details, and to find and register for a group, visit divorcecare.org and search ‘Divorce Care Erina’, or contact 0412 423331.
From left: Central Coast Council Acting CEO Jamie Loader, Mayor Lawrie McKinna and retiring CEO David Farmer
Ben and Natasha Kelley
Councillor Jared Wright (left) chats to Kevin Hill and Ron Stapleton from the St Huberts Island Residents Association
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Poor behaviour at Council meeting
Being one of the four people in the public gallery at the Council meeting on July 28, I was disgusted at the behaviour of one of the councillors while members of the public were addressing Council.
The councillor showed utter contempt for the speaker by talking to his fellow junior councillor and generally ignoring what was said.
Compounding the issue, the mayor spent much of the time talking to the CEO.
Council meetings have reduced themselves into a farce where the Liberal and Team Central Coast councillors may as well not be in attendance as they take no part in the debates and simply vote en bloc against any motion which the other councillors propose.
At least when we had an administrator we did get to speak to the directors, administrator and CEO after the meetings.
The people of the Central Coast pay for these people to act in this way and while it would appear a large percentage of the residents have no interest in local government they do deserve better.
If the Local Government Minister is not prepared to act then it is up to those of us who do care to do something about it.
Email, Jul 29 Geoff Mitchell, Kariong
Community support has restored my faith
On Saturday, July 18, I was walking near Ettalong Markets with my 91-yearold Mum, when she had a fall.
I tried to lift her up with no success.
Suddenly two very lovely ladies, who I later learned were Sally and Belinda, were on either side of us, calming both my Mum and I.
It was decided that Mum needed an ambulance, so Belinda called 000, while Sally kept Mum comfortable.
The ambulance arrived after 45 minutes, but both Sally and Belinda stayed with us the entire time.
We also had numerous local people stop and ask if they could help, as well as several retailers from the Ettalong Markets, who gave us water, paper towels, tissues and blankets.
It was a stressful time, but the community spirit and the caring nature of probably at least 20 different people, was outstanding and heartwarming.
I would like to think the same
would happen in Sydney, but sometimes people are just too busy.
Mum spent the night in hospital, and besides some bruising, is doing well now, but the kindness and care from so many strangers has warmed my heart and I will be forever grateful to all concerned.
Thank you so very much; you have restored my faith in humanity.
Email, July 19 Cathy Fraser, Ettalong
Fast train a waste of money
Against all commonsense, the Government seems determined to squander large sums of taxpayer dollars on futile pursuit of a fast train between Sydney and Newcastle (CCN 545).
When the UK has abandoned plans for a train from London (15 million people) to Manchester (2.85 million) as economically unsustainable, we are pursuing the feasibility of a train from Sydney (five
Strong results in knife-wanding operation
Officers from Police Transport Command achieved positive results in Operation Ares and Operation Soteria when they conducted knifewanding throughout Gosford transport hub and the CBD.
The proactive operation last weekend also included patrols and enforcement activities across the whole Newcastle to Gosford rail line.
In total across the operation, police arrested and charged 24 people with a total of 27 offences.
Officers also conducted 263 knife scans during four knife scanning operations, seized eight knives and one offensive implement, detected 12 drug offences and identified six alleged breaches of bail.
In Gosford, four knives were found and removed from people carrying them in public places.
At about 2.25pm on Friday, July 31 officers were patrolling Mann St, Gosford, when they responded to reports of a nearby brawl.
A short time later, police stopped and searched a 45-year-old man and found a prohibited flick knife and a large torch.
He was issued with a Court
million) to Newcastle (475,000) which cannot possibly be justified on the basis of passenger patronage.
When one adds the extra cost of dealing with the challenging terrain between Sydney and Newcastle, it doesn’t require in-depth analysis to see how unrealistic the proposition is.
The estimated cost of $90B is laughable and, while a vanity train project might make marginally more sense than a vanity submarine project, there are many higher-priority needs that the money could be applied to.
It is worth mentioning that this fictitious train will not provide a service of “just 30 minutes from the Central Coast to … Sydney”, as claimed in your report.
It would, if all worked out to perfection, provide a 30-minute service from Gosford to Sydney, but anyone living elsewhere on the Central Coast would have to travel first to Gosford (wherever the station could be placed in Gosford – not obvious at first glance), largely
eliminating any overall time saving but involving a greatly increased fare, so the net benefit is highly doubtful. Even this would be dependent on frequency of service and timetabling – matters that nobody has addressed to date. If one looks at a typical journey – say, from Woy Woy to Chatswood – the fast train would actually be slower than the regular service, so assuming the service would generate a workable passenger load from the 350,000 residents of Central Coast requires a degree of optimism bordering on the fantastical.
What we need is proper planning for Sydney to reach the size of London, thus accommodating all the future population we’re likely to see in the simplest and most efficient way
Then, if we must have a vanity rail project, we can build one from Sydney to Canberra where squandering public money is the norm.
ON THE BEAT BRIEFS ON THE BEAT
Attendance Notice for possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and have custody of an offensive implement in a public place.
The man is due to appear before Gosford Local Court on Thursday, August 27.
In another incident a 54-yearold man entered a designated knife-wanding area at Gosford railway station and declared he was carrying a knife for selfdefence.
A juvenile male ran from police during the knifewanding operation at Gosford railway station.
Following a foot pursuit, police located a knife in his possession.
Another 45-year-old male was found carrying a large kitchen knife whilst sitting at a bus stop on Mann St.
The weekend’s policing effort was further strengthened by the deployment of an additional 20 officers under Operation Soteria, supported by Northern Region, Youth Command, the Police Dog Unit, PolAir and Brisbane Water Police District.
The operation delivered a range of positive outcomes, including arrests, bail
compliance checks, weapon detections, proactive patrols and youth engagement activities throughout the district.
Superintendent Todd Cunningham of Police Transport Command said those results demonstrated the importance of highly visible, proactive policing within our transport network.
“Knife-wanding operations are designed to prevent harm before it occurs, and the removal of four knives from public places is a strong example of how these operations contribute to community safety,” he said.
Superintendent Darryl Jobson of Brisbane Water Police District said there was no place for knives or weapons on our streets and violence of any form would not be tolerated.
“Proactive operations will continue and if you get caught with knives or weapons, you will be prosecuted,” he said.
“Recent operations highlight the strong partnerships between local and specialist police resources in preventing crime, removing weapons from our streets and improving community safety.
“I would like to thank all staff involved for their outstanding efforts and commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Woman dies after Tuggerah crash
A driver has died after a two-vehicle crash on the M1 Motorway in Tuggerah.
Just after 3.15pm on Monday, July 27, emergency services were called to the location following reports of the crash.
On arrival, officers attached to Tuggerah Police District found that a Toyota Hilux and an Audi Q5 were involved in the collision.
The driver of the Audi Q5, a 37-year-old woman, was treated at the scene by first responders and NSW
Ambulance paramedics, then taken to John Hunter Hospital. The driver of the Toyota Hilux, a 32-year-old man, was also treated at the scene by first responders and NSW Ambulance paramedics, then airlifted to Westmead Hospital. At about 9pm the following day, Tuesday, July 28, the 37-year-old Audi driver died in hospital.
Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.
Teenager charged over fatal stabbing in Gosford
A teenage boy will face court charged with murder after a man was stabbed in Gosford.
At about 7.30pm on Tuesday, July 28, emergency services were called to Mann St, Gosford, to discover a 22-yearold man had been stabbed. He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gosford Hospital.
A short time later, police were notified the 22-year-old man had died in hospital.
An investigation was mounted under Strike Force Volaru and at 1.30am on Saturday, August 1 police arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 45-year-old woman at a home in Lake Haven.
The boy was charged with murder and refused bail until his court appearance.
The woman was charged with hindering apprehension of a person who committed serious offence. She was also refused bail until her court appearance.
Email, Jul 27
Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy
Some of the knives confiscated by police
Ensemble Offspring returns to The Art House
Each time Ensemble Offspring performs at The Art House, the audience leaves eager for their next return.
And their next return will be on August 21 at 7.30pm.
This striking quartet of flute, clarinet, cello and percussion are masters of contemporary classical music with a bright, fun, and somewhat eccentric flair that makes the genre delightfully accessible.
The new repertoire To Listen
To Sing weaves together western music traditions with the stories and musical languages of First Nations composers.
The program traverses a variety of styles, some incorporating jazz, percussion, repetitive and vocal elements, which keeps audiences enthralled.
Ensemble Offspring has a knack for bringing technically intricate works and powerful stories to life in an immensely uplifting way.
Audiences connect with the joy visible on stage between the quartet members.
To Listen To Sing features Claire Edwardes (percussion), Lamorna Nightingale (flutes), Jason Noble (clarinets), and Rowena Macneish (cello).
Ensemble Offspring is one of Australia’s leading music groups, standing at the forefront of musical innovation.
Led by internationally acclaimed percussionist Claire Edwardes, the ensemble unites
the country’s most fearless and virtuosic instrumentalists.
“Ensemble Offspring just oozes personality,” composer David Dramm said.
“A lot of groups can play at a high level.
“What makes Offspring really special is that after a concert, you feel like you know each and every one of them personally.
“They are a real band.” Book on The Art House website.
Concert to raise money for dementia research
A special concert at Central Coast Grammar School on August 12 will raise funds for dementia research.
Organiser Dr John Irvine said the Music and the Mind concert would highlight the importance of music to the mind development of the young and to the mental health of the old. Performers will include world renowned cellist Sally Maer,
David Kirkpatrick (son of Slim Dusty), harpist and author of How Music Heals Us Kim Cannan, and the Central Coast Hummingsong choir.
Sally Maer is a world-class cellist who has performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Opera as well on TV with international artists.
She is also a sought-after recording artist and has
released CDs commissioned by the ABC.
Her career includes tutoring and running string programs in educational settings.
Kim Cannan has had a lengthy musical career of performance, teaching, therapy programs and composing and has released five CDs to date.
She has recently made her debut as an author with her
thought-provoking book How Music Heals Us - Music, the Mind & the Metaphysical.
As the son of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, David Kirkpatrick grew up surrounded by music.
After a career in emergency medicine, he now writes and records his own songs with his band Two Tone Pony as lead singer and guitarist.
There will also be updates on progress and green shoots in
the research from local leading neurologist Dr Denis Crimmins.
The concert will take place at 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 12, at Central Coast Grammar School Performing Arts Centre, Arundel Rd, Erina Heights.
All profits will go to UNSW’s NeuRA brain research centre, which is working on breakthrough diagnoses and treatment for brain disorders including dementia
To book call the box office on 4365 8497.
Last year’s concert raised more than $10,000.
“We still don’t have a cure despite the fact that dementia is the number one killer of Australians,” Dr Irvine said. The cause is especially important to Dr Irvine, who lost his brother Warwick to dementia last year.
Ensemble Offspring returns to The Art House (Photo: Andy Catlin)
Photo: Jared Underwood
Harpist Kim Cannan will be one of the featured performers David Kirkpatrick
Cellist Sally Maer
WHAT’S ON AT THE FUN HAUS
Goosybumps Cabaret to celebrate first birthday
Gosford’s most glamourous night out is back as the Fun Haus Factory throws a party to celebrate its first birthday on Saturday, August 8, with the Goosybumps Cabaret.
The one-night-only celebration will see Fun Haus transformed into a kaleidoscope of glitter, glamour and glorious mayhem as audiences gather to celebrate the venue’s first birthday with a stellar lineup of award-winning performers from across Australia.
Hosted by Glitta Supernova, the night promises the signature blend of fringe and variety entertainment that the Fun Haus Factory has become known for.
“I’m so excited to be back on stage hosting our birthday cabaret,” Supernova said.
“These cabaret and variety shows are where it all began for us.
“Years ago on the Peninsula, these wild nights introduced local audiences to fringe theatre, burlesque and variety
performance, and they helped shape everything Fun Haus has become today.
“There’s something really special about celebrating our first birthday by returning to our roots and doing what we love most.”
An extraordinary lineup of performers will include Pomara Fifth, the glamorous Māori and
Aboriginal drag superstar who appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under and has captivated audiences across Australasia.
Also joining the fun will be Cyrus, the reigning MX Burlesque NSW, whose powerful vocals, magnetic stage presence and awardwinning burlesque
performances have earned a devoted following.
Comedy fans can expect musical mischief and razorsharp wit from acclaimed Sydney performer Brendan Hancock, while Gracie Bang Bang will bring vintage Hollywood-inspired burlesque elegance to the stage.
Rounding out the lineup will
be the sensational Onyx, whose jaw-dropping blend of circus, pole artistry, flexibility and cabaret performance has wowed audiences across the country.
Audiences can expect outrageous performances, laughter, thrills and plenty of goosebumps, along with a few surprises.
Latin piano bar special edition
Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the night and arrive dressed in their most decadent, glamorous and opulent cabaret attire.
The celebrations begin from 6pm with happy hour drinks and dinner available from the venue’s in-house restaurant, Beau’s Burgers, before the show kicks off at 7.30pm.
Gosford’s Fun Haus Factory will bring its first Birthday Week celebrations to a soulful close with a special edition of its popular Sunday Piano Sessions: Latin Piano Bar on Sunday, August 9.
The lively afternoon event will transform the venue into a vibrant piano lounge filled with Latin music, singalongs, food, drinks and community spirit, inviting audiences to relax, connect and celebrate alongside one of the Central Coast’s most passionate cultural communities.
Resident Mexican pianist is
Victor Lopez, whose interactive Latin Piano Bar experience has become a favourite with local audiences.
Inspired by the great traditions of piano bars where strangers become a choir, Lopez blends beloved classics, audience singalongs and stories from across Latin America, creating an atmosphere that’s part concert, part celebration and part family gathering.
Joining him is acclaimed Colombian vocalist Daniela Romero, whose powerful voice and captivating stage presence bring warmth, passion and energy to every performance.
the pair will perform songs made famous by
artists including José José,
Luis Miguel, Juan Gabriel, Maná, Selena, Karol G and many more.
Screening of cult classic
As part of the Fun Haus Factory’s first birthday celebrations, the muchloved Gosford Cinema Series will roll out the red carpet for one of cinema’s most iconic cult classics, Death Becomes Her (1992), screening on Thursday, August 6.
The Gosford Cinema Series has become a regular gathering point for film lovers, cult movie enthusiasts and curious audiences looking for something a little different.
Directed by Academy Awardwinning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, Death Becomes Her stars Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini in a wickedly funny tale of vanity, obsession, revenge and eternal youth.
The film follows longtime rivals Madeline Ashton and Helen Sharp as they discover a mysterious potion promising immortality, only to unleash a series of hilariously disastrous consequences.
Packed with unforgettable performances, razor-sharp
one-liners, outrageous visual effects and deliciously dark humour, the film remains one of the most enduring cult classics of the 1990s.
“There’s something magical about gathering together to watch a great film,” Creative Director Glitta Supernova said.
“You laugh louder, react bigger and share the experience with complete strangers who leave feeling like friends.
“That’s what we love about the Gosford Cinema Series.”
“Death Becomes Her is the
perfect Birthday Week screening because it’s outrageous, hilarious, glamorous and completely unforgettable.
“It’s one of those cult films that audiences can quote by heart, but it still surprises you every time you watch it.”
The evening begins with Happy Hour from 6pm-7pm, featuring $15 cocktails, with Beau’s Burgers serving burgers, street eats and cinema snacks before the film begins at 7pm.
Over the past year, the Fun Haus Factory has become more than a performance venue, creating a welcoming place where people from different cultures and backgrounds come together through music, food, friendship and shared experiences.
The Latin Piano Bar has grown into one of the venue’s most loved community events, creating a space where people can celebrate their culture, connect with others and feel at home.
“It’s incredibly special to finish our birthday week with the Latin Piano Bar,” Creative Director Glitta Supernova said.
“From the very beginning, our vision for the Fun Haus wasn’t just about presenting performances, it was about creating a space where communities could gather and belong.
“The Latin community has brought so much joy and energy into our venue over the past year, and this feels like the perfect way to celebrate everything we’ve built together.”
Guests are encouraged to make an afternoon of it, with happy hour kicking off from midday, lunch available from Beau’s Burgers, and live music from – 3pm.
Host Glitta Supernova Photo: Lisa Haymes
Drag superstar Pomara Fifth
Death Becomes Her is an iconic cult classic
Together,
iconic
Victor Lopez and Daniela Romero
OUT&ABOUT BRIEF
Plant society to meet
The Australian Plant Society Central Coast will hold its next meeting at 2pm on Saturday, August 8.
Guest presenter Heather Miles has supported the Australian Plants Society NSW as Director, President, Secretary and Webmaster delivering a range of improvements.
Her presentation will focus on the Warrumbungles.
Rising from the plains of central-western NSW, the ancient volcanic ranges sit on one of the most extraordinary ecological crossroads on the continent, where the moist green east meets the patient, dry interior.
This results in flora unlike anywhere else in Australia with eastern and western species growing side by side.
The society has new premises at the Araluen Community Centre in the grounds of Henry Kendall Retirement Village, 150 Maidens Brush Rd, Wyoming.
For details go to Austplants. con.au
Dinkum Assorted comes to Red Tree
The Red Tree Theatre at Tuggerah will present Dinkum Assorted from August 7-16.
Set in an Australian country town during World War II, the play is a heartwarming comedy about the women keeping the home fires burning.
Full of laughter, music and friendship, it celebrates courage, community and the unsung heroines of wartime Australia.
Directed by Fiona Kelly, the play transports audiences to a biscuit factory, where the women keeping the production lines moving suddenly find themselves living alongside thousands of American
servicemen stationed just outside town.
As friendships form, romances blossom and cultures collide, the factory floor becomes the setting for a hilarious and heartwarming celebration of community, resilience and the uniquely Australian ability to find humour in even the toughest of times.
Featuring an almost entirely female cast (goats excluded), the production shines a spotlight on the oftenoverlooked women whose determination and camaraderie helped shape Australia’s wartime home front.
“At its heart, Dinkum Assorted celebrates ordinary Australian women doing extraordinary things,” director Kelly said.
“They’re funny, resourceful, fiercely loyal and wonderfully imperfect.
“Audiences will laugh with them, recognise them, and by the end of the evening, they’ll feel like part of the family.
“It’s an Australian story that reminds us how communities come together in uncertain times.
“The comedy is broad and beautifully written, but it’s the relationships that stay with you.
“Beneath every joke is a great deal of heart.”
The production features Vivienne McLaren, Sally Bartley, Buggy Andrews, Ruth Jordon, Yasmin Ling, Imogen Kelly, Lennore Elliott, Charlotte
Hannan, Stephanie Burton, Renee Heaney, Courtney-Jade Buckley, Tina Findlay, Kate Findlay and Ben Findlay.
The theatre is also showcasing local creativity beyond the stage, with an exhibition by P&P Quilters Wyong on show in the theatre gallery until Sunday, August 16.
It highlights the incredible craftsmanship of a group brought together by a passion for patchwork, friendship and giving back to the community.
Since 2019, these dedicated volunteers have lovingly created and donated more than 1,000 handmade quilts to local children through Central Coast Kids in Need and We Care Connect, proving that every
stitch can make a lasting difference.
This will be followed with a season of Hadestown: Teen Edition from August 21-30 –one of the most celebrated modern musicals coming to life through the next generation of performers.
Hadestown: Teen Edition reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with unforgettable music, stunning storytelling and a talented young cast ready to take audiences on an unforgettable journey to the underworld.
For more information and bookings go to Redtreetheatre. org.au
The cast of Dinkum Assorted; Stunning quilts are on display in the gallery
OUT&ABOUT
Talk on trailblazing female writers
A free author talk with Jacqueline Kent will be held at Kincumber on Friday, August 7. Discover the remarkable women writers who shaped Australia between the suffragists and the feminists of the 1970s.
In Inconvenient Women, Jacqueline Kent celebrates trailblazers including Miles Franklin, Mary Gilmore, Katharine Susannah Prichard, Eleanor Dark, Ruth Park and Oodgeroo Noonuccal, whose writing challenged injustice and helped drive social change.
Throughout the 20th century,
Stunning exhibition at Bay Gallery
Bay Gallery will present
Where the land meets the sky – an exhibition by Ingeborg Stiefel –throughout the month of August.
The exhibition is an exploration of the Australian landscape, a reflection of the vastness of the land, the
intensity of colour and the endless sky.
Stiefel is a member of the Bay Gallery.
Her style is contemporary impressionist, with strong colours, texture, bold brush strokes.
You will also find the artworks of the other five gallery
What’s On What’s On What’s On What’s On
Andrew Farriss: Mangrove Mountain Hall 7pm SAT 8 AUG
Dinkum Assorted: Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah [* to 16 Aug]
Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical: The Art House Theatre, Wyong 2pm / 7:30pm [* to 9 Aug]
Pearly Spurtle – Festival of Porridge: Pearl Beach Memorial Hall 9.30am
The Eight Balls, Saturday Arvo, Chill-Out Sesh: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 1pm
Script Club: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 12pm
Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmon ... Live + The Cannanes: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm
Goosybumps: Funhaus Factory, Gosford 7:30pm
No Static At All - Steely Dan Tribute, performed by The Kites: Avoca Beach Theatre 7:30pm Tom Hutchin / Baxter’s Revenge: Gosford RSL Club 2pm / 8.30pm
SUN 9 AUG
FREE PIANO BAR: GROUND FLOOR PIANO BAR: CENTRAL COAST LEAGUES CLUB, GOSFORD 2-4PM At The Hop: Gosford RSL Club 1pm
Latin Piano Bar ft. Victor Lopez & Daniela Romero: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 12pm
members, large and smaller pieces and a wide range of greeting cards all at reasonable prices.
Bay Gallery is at 29 Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong Beach. It is open from 10am-4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Where the land meets the sky will be on show until August 24.
The Great Elvis Spectacular - International Elvis Tribute: Avoca Beach Theatre 3:00pm
a group of trailblazing women writers challenged the nation’s status quo.
Miles Franklin’s forceful voice invigorated the emerging women’s movement, Mary Gilmore was a groundbreaking feminist journalist, and novelists Katharine Susannah Prichard and Eleanor Dark explored the colonial displacement of Australia’s Indigenous people.
Ruth Park’s The Harp in the South jolted the NSW government into developing slum clearance programs.
And the work of First Nations poet and activist Kath Walker
(later Oodgeroo Noonuccal) was crucial in achieving constitutional reform for Indigenous peoples.
Jacqueline Kent is a Sydneybased writer of non-fiction and biography, as well as young adult fiction, general articles and literary journalism.
Her working background includes radio interviewing, print journalism, radio and TV scriptwriting, editing books, ghost- writing, teaching editing and creative writing, and arts administration.
She is the author of A Certain Style, the National Biography Award-winning biography of
acclaimed book editor Beatrice Davis, as well as An Exacting Heart, the story of pianist and social activist Hephzibah Menuhin, and The Making of Julia Gillard, the only full biography of Australia’s first woman prime minister.
Presented by the Words on the Waves festival as part of its Central Coast Reads community reading program, the talk will take place from 10am-11am on Friday, August 7, at Brentwood Village, 1 Scaysbrook Dr, Kincumber. Entry is free, but RSVP is essential at wordsonthewaves.com.au/ central-coast-reads
Games in Libraries: Dungeon Saga!: Tuggerah Library 4pm
THU 13 AUG
Open Doors - MakerSpace Skills: Cricut: Gosford Regional Library 1pm
Be Connected Webinar: Tips for Using Your Android phone: - Toukley Library 3pm - Erina Library 3pm
MakerSpace: Weaving for Kids: Gosford Regional Library4pm
Crime Fic Fest: Speed dating with a Thriller: Gosford Regional Library 5pm
MakerSpace: Crochet Scrunchie for Beginners Part 2: Gosford Regional Library 5:30pm
Tierney Brothers (from Human Nature): Avoca Beach Theatre 7:30pm
Cosentino Tricked An Evening Of Wonder: The Art House Theatre 7:30pm [+ 14 Aug]
Toshy’s Jam Nite: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm
FRI 14 AUG
Census - Fill in the form Session: Tuggerah Library 9:30am
Sam Buckingham Live: Funhaus Factory, Gosford 6pm
Jimmy Nilsson: Gosford RSL Club 8pm
The Best Tina Turner Show: The Entrance Leagues Club 8pm
Worm Farming: The Art House Studio 7:30pm [+ 15 Aug 7pm]
We Honestly Love You - Olivia Newton John Tribute: Avoca Beach Theatre 7:30pm
Ace-A-Palooza | Kung Fu Grip + Special Guests: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 6pm SAT 15 AUG
DYING TO KNOW DAY: PALMDALE LAWN CEMETERY & MEMORIAL PARK - 57 PALMDALE ROAD, PALMDALE 10AM-2PM
Fundraiser For Ozzi Hearts 4 Paws: Funhaus Factory, Gosford 7:30pm
Dirty Deeds I ACDC Tribute Show: Gosford RSL Club 8:30pm
Niamh Watson / Open Fire: Gosford RSL Club 2pm / 8:30pm
Vince Jones Live & Intimate: Avoca Beach Theatre 7:30pm
Ingeborg Stiefel with some of her work
Jacqueline Kent
OUT&ABOUT BRIEF
New Probus club for Wyong
A new Probus Club is set to be established at Wyong.
Probus is a not-for-profit organisation which brings retired and semi-retired individuals together to keep them mentally, physically, and meaningfully engaged in their communities.
For the past 50 years, through a network of clubs across Australia and New Zealand, Probus has been bringing members together through participation in meetings, interest groups, activities and outings.
Social clubs like Probus promote mental and emotional wellbeing by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
The shared experiences and mutual support within clubs help retirees navigate a significant life transition with confidence and enthusiasm.
Wyong Probus Club will have its first meeting on Wednesday, August 26, at the Tuggerah Community Hall.
To register and for more information call 1300 630 488.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Coastie shines in circus spectacular
Owen Jones of Wyong is dancing his heart out in the role of a lifetime for COME ALIVE! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular.
Now playing in Sydney, the production will tour the country, including Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, for a year-long run until May 2027.
The Australian season marks the continuing expansion across global markets of the high-energy live experience, inspired by The Greatest Showman, and follows its successful run in London.
As an alumnus of Lee Academy Central Coast Dance & Acrobatics School, Jones began training at the age of nine and completed high school at Hunter School for the Performing Arts in Newcastle.
He then continued his fulltime dance education, achieving a Diploma of Dance.
“I trained at the same time (as school), then I continued training at Lee Academy, and that’s where I started my career,” he said.
Jones successfully secured the role among world-class dancers, acrobats, and singers across all disciplines.
“We’re called roustabouts,
but I’m a dancer on the show,” he said.
Jones came on board in December, once the production hit Australian shores.
“They did a whole audition process for a new Australian cast for the Australian leg of the tour, with auditions in Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.
From humble adaptations of Grease at Wyong Primary School to productions at Laycock Street Community Theatre, Jones has since performed in Beijing, China as a commercial dancer for Honda, and as a character performer in Kunming, China.
“It’s a bit of a full circle; I’m playing a bit of a clown right now, and I played a clown in Kunming, China for a little
Christmas gala show that I was invited to perform at,” he said.
Jones has also performed as a dancer at many corporate events in Sydney, including the Lord Mayor’s NYE Ball and functions for companies such as Commbank and Westpac.
The show is set inside the Hippodrome, seating about 700 people at an approximate 270-degree angle in the custom big top tent structure.
Jones said the experience “is like no other”.
“You can view it (the show) from more (places), and it’s still quite intimate,” he said.
Packed with jaw-dropping acrobatics, aerial feats, and hit Asongs such as This Is Me, Rewrite the Stars, A Million Dreams, and more, the production has adapted the story into a reimagined live, upclose performance.
“It’s got the best of dancing and acrobatics; we’ve got amazing acts like hair hang and aerial trapeze, and the
songs are fantastic,” Jones said.
While maintaining his status as a Coastie and keeping his residence in Gosford, Jones is preparing for the next leg of the tour with the final Sydney show at The Entertainment Quarter on August 8.
For tickets go to comealiveshow.com.au/ tickets/sydney
Ivona Rose
The Sydney show closes on August 8
Wyong dancer Owen Jones
There is something undeniably charming about a window box.
Whether it’s overflowing with colourful flowers, trailing foliage or a mix of herbs and greenery, it has a way of making a home feel welcoming. It softens brick walls, frames windows beautifully and adds life to even the smallest spaces.
But what if your window never sees much sunshine?
Many gardeners assume a shady position means giving up on a colourful window box altogether. In reality, some of the most beautiful container displays are created in shade.
Instead of battling the conditions, the secret is to choose plants that naturally enjoy life out of the direct sun.
The first step is understanding what sort of shade you’re dealing with.
A north-facing window in the Southern Hemisphere receives the most sunlight, while southfacing windows often remain shaded for much of the day.
East-facing windows enjoy gentle morning sun, while west-facing positions can receive hot afternoon light.
Even a nearby tree, fence or neighbouring building can
Down in the Garden
Planting a Window Box For Shady Spots
change the amount of light dramatically.
Spend a day observing the area before you begin planting. You may discover that what appears to be deep shade actually receives a few hours of filtered morning light, opening up many more planting possibilities.
Just as important as light is choosing the right container.
Window boxes dry out more quickly than garden beds because their soil volume is limited, yet in winter they can also become waterlogged if drainage is poor. Always select a window box with generous drainage holes and use a premium-quality potting mix designed for containers rather than ordinary garden soil.
Good potting mix provides both drainage and moisture retention, creating the balance that healthy roots need.
One of the greatest mistakes gardeners make is trying to fill a shaded window box with sun-loving annuals that are destined to disappoint. Instead, embrace the lush textures that shade-loving plants offer.
Colour doesn’t always have to come from flowers.
Plants such as heucheras provide foliage in rich shades of burgundy, caramel, lime and silver. Hostas contribute elegant leaves in countless patterns and colours, while ferns introduce softness and movement. Together they create a display that remains attractive throughout the year, even when very little is flowering.
If you do want flowers, there are plenty of excellent choices. Impatiens remain one of the classic performers for shaded positions, producing cheerful blooms over many months. Begonias offer colourful flowers along with attractive foliage, while violas and cyclamen brighten winter window boxes with reliable
by CHERALYN DARCEY
www.cheralyndarcey.com
colour during the cooler months.
Trailing plants help soften the edges of the container and create that classic overflowing look. Native violets spill gracefully over the sides, while creeping Jenny, ivy and cascading ferns all add movement and depth.
One of my favourite approaches is to think of a window box the same way a florist arranges a bouquet. Include a taller feature plant near the back, surround it with colourful fillers, then soften the front edge with trailing plants that gently tumble over the sides. The result looks balanced and natural rather than crowded.
A World Appears
By Michael Pollan
Because window boxes sit close to the home, they’re viewed from only a short distance. This means subtle details become much more important. The texture of a fern, the delicate flowers of a violet or the contrasting colours of foliage can all be appreciated every time you walk past.
Watering is slightly different in shade than it is in full sun. While the potting mix won’t dry out as quickly, it shouldn’t be forgotten altogether. Check moisture regularly by feeling the soil rather than watering to a fixed schedule. During winter, plants may need surprisingly little water, while sheltered positions under eaves may receive no rainfall at all.
Feeding is equally important. Even the best potting mix gradually loses nutrients as plants grow. Applying a slowrelease fertiliser every few months and supplementing with liquid fertiliser during the growing season will help keep foliage lush and flowering plants performing at their best.
Don’t be afraid to refresh your display as the seasons change. A window box is one
of the easiest parts of the garden to reinvent. Replace tired plants, tuck in a few seasonal flowers or swap colours to suit the time of year. These small changes keep the display looking fresh and interesting without requiring a complete replant.
Perhaps that’s the real magic of a window box. It brings gardening closer to everyday life. Whether you’re arriving home after work, making a morning coffee or simply glancing out the kitchen window, those carefully chosen plants become part of the rhythm of the day. So if you’ve been looking at a shaded window and thinking nothing much will grow there, think again. With the right plant choices, a little imagination and some thoughtful care, even the shadiest corner can become one of the most beautiful features of your home. Sometimes the brightest gardens aren’t the ones that receive the most sunshine. They’re the ones that have simply found the right plants for the place.
Cheralyn Darcey
Michael Pollan’s literary journey is rather intriguing, starting with gardening, moving quite logically into food, and then an about turn, concluding with psychedelics.
Little known when pitted against other more commercial authors in this genre, his book How to Change Your Mind must be one of the best books I have read considering consciousnessmorewidely.
His latest book, A World Appears, is one step forward from anything else he has written, as Pollan delves into the cutting edge of neuroscience, philosophy
and understanding sentience, looking at what it means to be a thinking being, and where the seat of consciousness might be found. Pollan opens with a wager
made in a bar in 1998 between the neuroscientist Christof Koch and the philosopher David Chalmers, with a case of fine alcohol to the winner.
Koch bet that in 25 years’ time, they would have an answer to the processes underlying subjective thought, Chalmers bet they would not.
Ultimately, Koch bought a case of Madeira for Chalmers 25 years later, having come no closer to solving the problem of conscious thought.
Much work has been done since on sentience and the seat of consciousness, but consensus is hard to come by there are lot of theories that consciousness arises
from a sufficiently complex experience that is integrated, intrinsic, definitive, bounded and composed of many parts. So much to confuse.
We also have the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, that most bodily functions are done autonomously and what we call consciousness a quasi-Darwinian process in which information competes to surface in consciousness to aid the behavioural processes. Beyond this there is panpsychism, where everything is conscious and illusionism where nothing is conscious, consciousness is an illusion.
Wow, this is exhausting. What might be missing from
these clinical, scientific explanations is phenomenology – which is our lived experience – because after all consciousness is inherently subjective, and trying to quantify it objectively, neutrally, from within a conscious mind may well be an impossibility.
The goalposts of sentience have moved throughout history.
Descartes performed brutal vivisections on live dogs, dismissing their screams of agony as mechanical reactions, a sentiment that would have been widespread back then.
Nowadays, we tend to think of living animals, mammals in particular, as being conscious
creatures, and most would likely extend that to all vertebrates and invertebrates.
Neuroscientists have argued species down to lobsters are probably sentient, and some will even vouch for unicellular organisms, arguing that simply being alive is the only prerequisite for consciousness, so does that also include plants?
Pollan ends his journey at a meditation retreat doing ritualised work, which is hardly surprising.
This book is genius but exhausting – infinitely curious, admirably sceptical, and eloquent.
Julie Chessman
Charlie’s tasty good vibes video hits home
Budding local video influencer Charlie Margin has released a new feelgood video about the Central Coast’s food scene.
Many will know Margin and his family for their Margin’s Mushrooms business in Woy Woy and, before that, the family’s famous Margins soft drink brand.
Apart from working at local markets selling mushrooms, Margin’s other passion is making feel-good videos through his YouTube channel @ itsgreattobealive and other social media.
The newest production features local businesses Centred Ceramics at Umina as well as The Bloom Barn and
The Food Farm in the Central Coast hinterland.
The video is a 100% Central Coast project.
If you’re looking for a lift to your day, this video about our region will do the trick.
Margin’s upbeat and deliciously optimistic tone will most likely put a smile on the dial of the most jaded locals.
Be prepared for an evening of wonder
Get ready to suspend your disbelief when Australia’s greatest magician/ illusionist/escape artist Cosentino returns with a new production, TRICKED –An Evening of Wonder.
The International Magician of the Year will be taking the multi-million-dollar production across the country, including two shows at the The Art House, Wyong, on August 13 and 14.
TRICKED – An Evening of Wonder is not just a show.
It’s a full scale, multi-milliondollar theatrical phenomenon where magic, illusion, and breathtaking spectacle collide in one unforgettable experience.
The 90-minute extravaganza invites audiences of all ages to enter a world where the laws of physics bend, minds are read, and time seems to stand still.
We begin in Saigon to discover this frenetic city Travel south to Can Tho to explore the Mekong Delta and board our private Sampans and cruise the Mekong River for 2 nights before visiting Chau Doc, staying in our resor t that overlooks the Vietnam and Cambodia border We travel by speed boat along the Mekong into Cambodia staying at Phnom Penh where we will explore the city and surrounding countryside We take a flight to Siem Reap spending 4 nights at Sala Lodges, giving us ample time to experience the temples of Angkor Our journey takes us back to Saigon for a few more experiences before we head home
Throughout our journey we will be tasting delicious cuisine & experiencing both countries, where possible, away from mainstream tourism
Join our small group journey or ask Glenn to create your very own jouney to Vietnam.
what’s possible in the world of magic and stage performance, with TRICKED – An Evening of Wonder, Cosentino proves once again why he’s in a league of his own.
“TRICKED is the most ambitious live show I’ve ever created,” Cosentino said.
“It blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
“We’re not just performing old-school tricks, we’re bending minds, defying logic, and transporting audiences into another dimension. It’s immersive, visually spellbinding, and full of surprises.”
From death-defying escapes that rival a Hollywood blockbuster, mind-bending illusions crafted with cutting edge technology, to intimate close-up magic that will make your jaw hit the floor, TRICKED – An Evening of Wonder is a theatrical feast.
Audiences will witness new material never seen before, in a show that transforms what magic can be in the 21st century.
Cosentino has spent the past decade wowing audiences across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and beyond.
He’s a bestselling author, a multi-award-winning performer, and the first Australian magician to have nine prime-time TV specials broadcast globally, with a reach of more than 750 million viewers across 40 countries.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Cosentino’s magic, TRICKED – An Evening of Wonder is the must-see live event of the year.
It’s thrilling, it’s emotional, it’s magical and above all, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
For tickets go to thearthousewyong.com.au
Why modern dating feels harder than ever
Modern dating has changed dramatically over the past decade, and not always for the better.
Dating apps create more options, but fewer genuine connections.
People are talking more than ever, matching more than ever and meeting more people than previous generations could have imagined.
Yet many singles say they feel more disconnected than ever before.
As a matchmaker on the Central Coast, I see the emotional exhaustion that modern dating creates.
The biggest issue is not lack of opportunity; it is lack of intention.
Dating apps have created a culture where people are constantly searching for the next option instead of investing properly in the person in front of them.
There is always another profile to swipe on, another conversation waiting, another possibility just out of reach.
This creates what psychologists often call the “illusion of abundance”.
People become less patient, less emotionally available and quicker to dismiss genuine connection because they believe something better might appear tomorrow.
At the same time, dating has become faster but emotionally shallower.
People move from matching to meeting quickly, but without building genuine emotional understanding first.
The result is many interactions that feel exciting
Amy B
initially but lack depth longterm.
On the Central Coast, many singles are craving something more genuine. They want slower connection, meaningful conversation and relationships that feel grounded rather than transactional.
Ironically, the people having the most success in dating are often the ones stepping away from the fast-paced mindset altogether. They are slowing down. Asking better questions. Observing behaviour carefully and becoming more intentional about who they invest their energy into. Real connection cannot be rushed.
And despite what modern dating culture suggests, meaningful relationships are still built the same way they always have been – through trust, communication, consistency and emotional safety.
See the video in our online story version.
Charlie Margin is on a feel-good mission
Charlie’s day job is mushroom farming with the family business
Cosentino will be bring his new show to The Art House in Wyong
ACROSS
1. Spicy honey liquor
4. Bleaker
8. Wading bird
11. America, ... Sam 13. Clay-based rock 15. Marine growth 17. Morning vapour
18. Betrays secret 20. Age
21. Unnecessary
24. Urge to action
27. Fah, ..., lah, te, doh
28. Sugar-coated
30. Pre-decimal coin
31. Bumps into 33. Skimmed
34. Rule (country)
35. Measure of length
36. Copenhagen native
39. Voguish fads
42. Pivot
44. Poke
45. Fast jet effect, ... boom
46. Apiece
48. Shoplift
49. Steers off course 50. Looked up & down 52. Coupled 54. Legumes 55. Long tales 56. Forcible restraint 57. Comfort
Year 11 Terrigal High School student Abby Peterson-Hampshire has been crowned state champion at the 2026 NSW Plain English Speaking Award.
She will now compete at the national final on September 9 to see who represents Australia at the 2027 international public
speaking competition in London.
Abby’s prepared speech was called Buy now, suffer later. It was about after-pay systems and how they can be manipulated to coercively control women and keep them financially dependent on abusive partners.
The competition is open to
students across the state aged 15 and older with Abby competing against fellow finalists from Pymble Ladies College, Presbyterian Ladies College, St. Aloysius College, St John Paul College Coffs Harbour and Birrong Girls High School.
There were 321 students from 175 schools, including
124 government schools, in the competition.
Abby was runner-up in Junior Secondary Speaking Award in 2024 and was in state debating finals for several years.
She gave the keynote speech at the RSL and Schools Remember Anzac Day Commemoration in Hyde Park in front of the Premier in 2024.
The 2026 NSW Plain English Speaking Award is a public speaking competition for secondary students aged 1518, managed by The Arts Unit to promote clear and effective spoken English.
Students deliver a prepared eight-minute speech on any topic of their choice.
They also give a three-minute
Recovering after a stroke
impromptu speech on a topic chosen by the adjudicator, with three minutes of preparation time.
No props, visual aids, lecterns, or microphones are allowed. For more information search ‘plain speaking’ at artsunit. nsw.edu.au
During National Stroke Week, Australians are encouraged to learn the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty, and call triple zero (000) immediately.
For stroke survivors, returning home may begin another important stage: rebuilding strength, confidence and independence.
Eligible older people recovering from a stroke may be able to access short-term, goal-focused support through the Support at Home Restorative Care Pathway.
Eligibility is determined through an aged care assessment based on the person’s needs, circumstances and potential to benefit from restorative care.
If approved, a person can receive funding for up to 16 weeks.
Depending on assessed needs and goals, services can include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, personal care, transport, assistance with everyday tasks, and approved equipment or minor home modifications.
Adssi In-home Support (part of ADSSI Limited) can provide these home and community care services locally.
“Recovery happens where people live their everyday lives,” he said.
ADSSI Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Sams said local services made an important difference.
“Local services mean local people can receive practical, co-ordinated support close to home from a team that understands the community.
“Adssi is proud to help Central Coast residents work towards their individual goals and stay connected to the people and places that matter to them.”
To discuss local service options, call Adssi on 1300 578 478 or visit adssi.com.au
To request an assessment, visit myagedcare.gov.au
A person, family member or health professional can contact My Aged Care to begin the assessment and referral process.
Abby Peterson-Hampshire receives her award from officials
Older people can access stroke recovery support
ADSSI Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Sams
Kelly calls on fellow hairdressers to support Relay for Life
Kelly Ross lost her beloved mum Jan to cancer six years ago and is the first hairdresser to sign up to a new initiative to take place at the Mingara Relay for Life on October 17.
“Mum passed away within seven weeks (of diagnosis),” Ms Ross said.
“She was an exceptional independent woman with a beautiful kind heart and soul.
“Watching mum deteriorate was so upsetting and traumatic as she was a well, independent busy woman who never drank or smoked in her life and was highly motivated.
“She raised us three kids on her own.”
Ms Ross said her mother went to see her GP after suffering an upset tummy and minor bleeding which the doctors thought was a virus she hadn’t fully recovered from.
A scan at Gosford Hospital on New Year’s Eve 2019 revealed she had uterine cancer which
had spread throughout her body.
“From that day my life has changed forever,” Ms Ross said.
Central Coast adults living with asthma are being invited to take part in a national digital trial designed to make day-today asthma management easier.
The trial, to be conducted by Asthma Australia and the University of Newcastle, will test a new digital support system made up of tools, telehealth services and personalised resources to help people better self-manage their asthma, no matter where they live.
“Watching my mum, my best friend, deteriorate so quickly.” She said her very organised mum even arranged her own funeral, from flowers to music.
“As tough as this was to watch in the loungeroom I grew up in, it was very typical of mum to be organised,” she said.
“I stayed by her bedside in hospital for the remaining weeks until she passed away.”
At this year’s Mingara Relay For Life, Ms Ross will take steps to change the cancer journey for others by raising money for cancer research and support programs.
The owner of Coast Hair by Kelly at Berkeley Vale, she is the first hairdresser to sign up to the head shave challenge to be held on the day.
The new challenge will see hairdressers from various studios shave heads for an hour in a special shave tent for $10, with all proceeds going to their relay team.
There will be a trophy for the hairdressing studio which raises the most money.
Ms Ross is urging other studios to sign up for an hour.
“It would be wonderful to see lots of businesses sign up to support this fundraiser as everyone knows someone who has been battling this disease
Participants for asthma trial sought
One in nine Australians — nearly 2.8 million — have asthma and about half live with poorly controlled symptoms at any given time.
In 2022/23, more than 31,000 people were hospitalised for asthma and approximately 97,000 presented to emergency departments.
More than 90% of these
hospitalisations could have be prevented with better asthma management.
In 2024, 478 people tragically lost their lives due to asthma.
Dr Dennis Thomas, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle and with HMRI’s Breathing and Lung Research Program, said the burden of asthma was unacceptably high.
“Although medications and devices are effective, most patients do not use them appropriately or adequately, leading to poor asthma control and flare-ups,” he said.
“This study will test whether a comprehensive digital model of care can make it easier for
people to manage asthma dayto-day, no matter where they live.”
Asthma Australia is supporting the study and contributing expertise through its Asthma Connect app, which will form part of the digital tools being tested to help people manage asthma more effectively.
The study is now recruiting adults aged 18 years and over diagnosed with asthma who own a smartphone.
Recruitment will continue to June next year.
Participants can enrol for free from anywhere in Australia and complete the trial via telehealth at times that suit them.
Participants will be asked to
use the digital toolkit regularly over the study period, complete brief check-ins or surveys and engage in telehealth appointments with asthma educators and an asthma doctor.
The expected time commitment is approximately 2.5 hours over the 12-month study period to participate in phone interviews, with an additional 2.5 hours required for asthma education during the first three months of the study.
Participants will be reimbursed for their time spent attending study interviews.
Participants randomised to the intervention arm will
Meet MayaAI – you could be speaking soon
Hamlyn Terrace couple Kotresh and Sushmitha Aradyamath have developed an AI voice receptionist built and based on the Central Coast aimed at helping local medical, dental and allied health practices offer a level of accessibility usually only provided by bigger, citybased practices.
A registered nurse, Mr Aradyamath said the aim of MayaAI was to manage afterhours bookings and phone calls at local medical clinics and a pilot has been launched at a Central Coast medical practice.
“Neither of us came from a tech background,” he said.
“I taught myself to build and integrate the platform with the systems clinics already use, like Halaxy and Cliniko, while working full-time on the ward.
“It’s been entirely selffunded, built nights and weekends, and the hardest part wasn’t the technology — it was convincing practices to trust an unfamiliar AI with something as sensitive as patient calls.”
Earlier this year the couple exhibited MayaAI at the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, standing alongside much bigger, better-funded healthtech companies, a real milestone for a two-person team.
The couple said MayaAI helped everyday people when they needed it most.
“Imagine it’s 9pm and your
child has a fever,” Mr Aradyamath.
“Right now, you can’t call your GP clinic, you either wait
or has lost someone dear to them,” she said.
She said she would love to see many people getting involved, either hairdressers taking an hour spot to do the shaves or people getting their head shaved in the special tent.
“Let’s all come together to make this an amazing day of support for cancer research (and) raise as much money as we can to one day hopefully find a treatment to cure cancer that many Australians continue to die from every day,” she said.
“The numbers are multiplying more and more and it is just so terrifying watching us lose so many people from this deadly disease.”
Any hairdressers wanting to get involved and book a specific hour between 10am and 10pm in the special head shave tent should email lizafreyer9@ gmail.com or call 0414 827 472 to find out more.
receive: free access to a comprehensive, purpose-built digital asthma management package; free telehealth support from asthma educators and an asthma doctor; free tools to make asthma management easier, including symptom tracking, monitoring, medicine reminders, behaviour-based goal setting and personalised action planning; and free evidencebased information and resources curated by asthma educators.
Adults interested in taking part can register by emailing AsthmaConnect@newcastle. edu.au or calling 4042 0111 (routed to the research team).
anxiously until morning or head to an already stretched emergency department.
“With MayaAI, the clinic is reachable 24/7.
“You can call and book an appointment any time of day or night.”
He said it also meant patients could book appointments over the weekend when the phone would normally go unanswered, which also meant the practice captured bookings it could otherwise lose and the front desk isn’t hit with a wall of calls and voicemails first thing Monday morning.
“Importantly, MayaAI isn’t there to replace the receptionist,” he said.
“The goal is the opposite by taking on the repetitive afterhours and overflow calls.
“It frees up on-site staff to spend more time actually looking after the people in front of them, rather than being stuck on the phone.
“While MayaAI is purposebuilt for healthcare, the same underlying technology could just as easily help other local businesses that struggle to answer the phone while working, a plumber mid-job, a hairdresser with a client in the chair, a real estate agent doing an open home or anyone who loses a job simply because they couldn’t pick up in time.”
Dr Dennis Thomas
Kotresh Aradyamath
Kelly Ross is calling on other hairdressers to join her in the fundraising initiative
HEALTH BRIEF
Look after your teeth
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) is urging Coasties aged 18-25 to look after their dental health.
With Dental Health Week running from August 3-9, the ADA says new national research reveals younger Australians are delaying dental care due to cost pressures and reduced access to support.
The ADA’s 2025 Consumer Survey of more than 25,000 Australians highlights the unique oral health challenges facing young adults as they transition from familymanaged healthcare to independent adulthood.
ADA Vice President Dr Angie Nilsson said the 18–25 age group represents a critical but often overlooked stage for oral health.
“This is the age when many young people leave school, move out of home, come off their parents’ private health insurance and begin managing their own healthcare for the first time,” she said.
“Many are delaying dental visits until something goes wrong, and by then the problem is often more painful, more complex, and more expensive to treat.
“Good oral health habits established in early adulthood can have lifelong benefits.”
The survey also found that 60% of Australians aged 18–25 have experienced wisdom tooth-related issues, including pain, swelling, crowding, infection, or discomfort.
The influence of social media is also reshaping attitudes towards cosmetic dental procedures.
The ADA is encouraging young Australians to seek professional dental advice before undergoing cosmetic treatments or purchasing products promoted online.
For oral health information, visit Teeth.org.au
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
After hospital care through virtual connection
What happens when someone is released from hospital after a suicide attempt?
It’s a moment thousands of Australians know well – the acute danger passes, but everyday realities of bills and appointments, and the weight of starting again, comes rushing in.
Hunter Valley man John said after two months as an inpatient, his first time in hospital, he stepped back into the world feeling raw and uncertain.
And though the crisis that had brought him there had eased, the worries hadn’t.
“I was pretty apprehensive coming out of hospital,” he said.
“It was more challenging than I could have imagined, being the first time I’d been hospitalised.”
“It’s amazing how quickly you become institutionalised, I was so surprised.
“You know, two months in there after going through such a traumatic time, you become reliant on that routine and everything that’s in there.
“So, coming out took a few goes.”
For John, help crossing that gap came in the form of a Care Connect program worker named Rachael.
“My program worker became
sort of my intermediary, that next step after the hospital,” John said.
“She was a fantastic support.”
Care Connect is a free aftercare service delivered by Social Futures and funded by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
It supports people who are at risk of, or have previously attempted, suicide across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Upper Hunter and Taree regions.
Care Connect team leader Aanaminda Makeig said one of the biggest support gaps people faced was the moment they left hospital.
“You don’t just fix all that stuff from going to a hospital for a couple of days,” she said.
“Those problems are still there when they get out, unless they have somebody navigating that with them.”
Over 12 weeks, Care Connect helps people to find their feet again.
That might mean safety planning, connecting with a GP, or just having someone in your corner.
For John, his program worker was all of those things.
“Just having that support, having someone to talk to, someone extra that I knew I could call if I needed to,” he said.
“The staff are super supportive.
“Really professional but also relaxed at the same time, I felt very comfortable talking to them.”
The practical help mattered as much as the emotional support.
John’s program worker pointed him towards financial counselling, encouraged him to explore JobSeeker payments, helped him with paperwork and gave him a referral to a psychologist that sat alongside one from his GP.
When John mentioned he was thinking about a future in peer support work, he was supported in taking that next step.
“Anything that I brought up was on the table, my program worker was open to discuss it and research for me, and she always got back to me.”
John accessed support through Virtual Care Connect, a phone and video option that
delivers the same care through secure, confidential systems. It means people can connect from wherever they feel safe, without the pressure of leaving the house on a hard day.
“It meant that I didn’t have to go out if I didn’t want to,” John said.
“It was just reassuring to know that I could still access it without having to leave the house. I was able to do it basically from anywhere, which was fantastic.”
For many people, the program arrived at their lowest point, and that’s exactly where progress can begin.
For John, his program workers’ regular check-ins became a source of momentum.
“It was almost like an accountability thing,” he said.
“I’d think, ‘I know I need to get this done before they call.’ It was really motivational in that sense.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from Care Connect either in person or through virtual support, call Social Futures on 1800 719 625 or visit socialfutures.org. au/care-connect to learn more.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please call 000, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24hour crisis support.
Prac Payment expanded to 10 healthcare professions
The Federal Government has expanded the Commonwealth Prac Payment to people training in an additional 10 key frontline health professions.
The move will provide costof-living relief for students and support healthcare workforce.
Unpaid practical placements are a big part of healthcare degrees and for some courses such as radiography, it is more than a year of the degree.
For that commitment, many students have to give up paid
work and many have to move away from home.
Paid prac provides financial support to help students while they undertake practical training and already covers eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students.
The Government is now expanding it to eligible students studying the following 10 courses: clinical psychology; physiotherapy; occupational therapy; speech pathology; paramedicine; radiography; pharmacy; rehabilitation
therapies; audiology and podiatry.
The expansion of the paid prac is in addition to policies such as the 20% cut to student debt.
Eligible students currently receive $338.60 per week during their clinical and professional placement periods.
It is a means-tested payment benchmarked to the single Austudy rate and indexed annually.
Paid prac is reducing financial pressure on students and
allowing them to spend less time worrying about paying the bills and more time focused on their training.
It helps students doing placements when they have to relocate, including in the bush.
Travel, accommodation and relocation costs can discourage students from undertaking placements in regional and remote Australia, where health workforce shortages are often most acute.
“Commonwealth Prac Payments have already made a huge difference for students managing cost of living
pressures while they are studying,” Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said.
“This announcement, by the Federal Labor Government, to include more key frontline health professions, in this scheme, will ensure even more students are supported.
“When it comes to helping students manage cost of living pressures and strengthening Medicare, only Labor can be trusted.”
For more information search ‘prac payment’ at www. education.gov.au
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Business & Property
A preliminary assessment of the anticipated financial position of Central Coast Council for the 2025/26 Financial Year (FY, was tabled at the July 28 Ordinary Meeting.
The indicative consolidated operating surplus was $29M against an anticipated surplus of $6.8M and an original budget surplus of $9.8M, but Council says the final operating result will change as end of financial year processes continue.
Council is anticipating a $21M indicative surplus which it says relates to two unbudgeted revenue items.
“Excluding these items, the underlying surplus would be $8M,” it says.
Two main matters impacted Council’s operating result.
One was a significantly higher than budgeted amount received in the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grant prepayment of the 2026/27 FY entitlement ($13.4M).
The second was the difference between the value held on Council’s balance sheet for the Gosford Administration Building and land and the sale price when Council recently
Gosford council building sale adds to surplus
sold it to the University of Newcastle for student accommodation.
For the 2025/26 FY, Council held the Gosford Administration Building and land as Held for Sale Assets valued at $13.3M ($6.5M and $6.8M respectively).
The valuation was based on the audited fair value Council says but in March 2026 it received $21M from the sale resulting in a one-off gain on disposal of $7.7M.
“The sale value must be accounted for as a gain on asset disposal, thereby increasing the operating revenue by $7.7M,” the report says.
It adds that at the time of writing the report, various end of financial year adjustments were yet to be calculated and processed.
“At this stage of the end of financial year process, it is not possible to ascertain with accuracy the estimated operating surplus,” Council said.
“However, based on amounts already processed, as at July 21, 2026, it is anticipated that the 2025/26 FY operating result will be within an
acceptable variance of the 2025/26 FY Adopted Budget, considering the one-off impacts of matters outlined above.”
Following the end of financial year on June 30, 2026, various processes are being undertaken to ensure that all revenue and expenditure attributable to the 2025/26 FY are accurately captured and processed.
For the 2025/26 FY, Council budgeted to receive $31.5M from the Financial Assistance Grant.
Council expected it would receive 50% of the 2026/27 FY estimated grant entitlement, in line with the previous financial year prepaid amount but on June 23, Council received $28M, which equates to approximately 80% of the entitlement.
The total Financial Assistance Grant payments received in 2025/26 FY were $44.9M, resulting in a $13.4M surplus from the budgeted amount.
Council says the total amount budgeted to be received in 2026/27 FY will consequently need to be reviewed as part of future Quarterly Operational and Budget Reviews.
Capital expenditure is yet to be finalised, with actual expenditure being $265.5M as at July 21, 2026.
Detailed project delivery information is currently being co-ordinated across the various Units of Council and will be reported to Council as part of the 2025/26 Annual Report.
Works totalling in the order of up to $6M are committed and where appropriate the associated budget will be carried over to 2026/27 FY.
The 2026/27 adopted budget and the indicative four-year capital works program will be reviewed by Council’s Project Management teams to accommodate the impact of these continuing works.
Works in 2026/27 may be deferred to a future financial year or cancelled to ensure that Council’s overall capital budget is not increased for the financial year, and to ensure that there is capacity to deliver, Council said.
It is expected that the 2025/26 Draft Financial Statements will be presented to Council for referral to audit at the September 2026 Council meeting.
July 24, 2026: With fencing around the front of the building, trucks were backed up to the front door of the former Council building and material was being loaded into the trucks; Last week, material was being removed from the building in Mann St, Gosford, beside the Conservatorium of Music
Coast woman a finalist in AusMumpreneur awards
Central Coast entrepreneur
Karen D, founder of Karen’s Job Services, has been recognised as a finalist in the prestigious 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards, celebrating the achievements of Australian mums building successful and purpose driven businesses.
Karen has been named a finalist in the Disability Business Excellence category, recognising her commitment to supporting job seekers across Australia through personalised resume writing, career guidance and employment support.
The AusMumpreneur Awards, founded by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, celebrate the achievements of Australian mums in business across a range of categories, including business excellence, customer service, innovation, sustainability and technology.
“There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success,” co-founder Katy Garner said.
For Karen, building Karen’s Job Services has been about
much more than creating a business – it was also about helping people recognise their own value, overcome barriers and feel confident taking the next step in their careers.
After seeing how difficult and stressful the job search process can be for many people, Karen created her business to provide accessible, personalised career support that helps individuals present their skills and experience with confidence.
Through Karen’s Job Services, Karen works with clients from a wide range of industries and backgrounds, creating tailored resumes, cover letters and
professional documents that showcase their strengths and help them stand out in today’s competitive employment market.
“As someone who understands the challenges of balancing family, personal responsibilities and business ownership, I wanted to create a service that genuinely helps people,” she said.
“A resume is not just a piece of paper, it is someone’s story, experience and potential.
“Helping people believe in themselves and achieve their career goals is what motivates me every day.”
Over the past 12 months,
Karen has continued to grow her business, support more clients across Australia and strengthen her reputation as a trusted provider of resume writing and career services.
She said being named an AusMumpreneur finalist was a significant milestone that recognised the dedication, passion and impact behind the business she had built.
“Running a business while raising a family has its challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding,” Karen said.
“I love that my business allows me to make a difference in people’s lives while creating
something meaningful for my family and community.”
Karen’s advice for other women considering starting their own business is simple –believe in your idea and take the first step.
“You do not need to have everything perfect before you begin,” she said.
“Every challenge teaches you something new, and every small achievement helps you move forward.”
The AusMumpreneur Awards provide a platform for women in business to connect, celebrate their achievements and share their stories with others who understand the unique journey of combining entrepreneurship and motherhood.
The 2026 AusMumpreneur Conference will include keynote speakers, networking opportunities, workshops and panel discussions focused on leadership, visibility and business growth.
The awards gala will celebrate Australia’s top 100 mums in business, with the 2026 winners announced at the conference in Sydney from September 14-16.
To learn more about the AusMumpreneur Awards, visit www.ausmumpreneur.com
Have a say on rate peg
IPART is inviting residents to have a say on the 202728 rate peg at an online workshop in September.
With rates notices just having landed at most Central Coast residences, the timing is good.
IPART’s online Ratepayer and Community Workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 1, from 2-4pm.
The workshop will provide an overview of IPART’s role in setting the rate peg and how the methodology works.
IPART is the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. It tells councils the maximum by which they can increase rates each year.
The event will be an opportunity for ratepayers to ask questions and give feedback to the Tribunal before it makes its decision on the 2027-28 rate peg.
Register to take part at events.humanitix.com/ ipart-ratepayer-andcommunity-workshop
Karen D, founder of Karen’s Job Services
Plans to convert a dwelling to a new healthcare clinic is being touted as a beneficial advancement for the East Gosford area.
A development application says that overall, new health consulting rooms would be a positive addition as not many psychologist clinics are available in the local area.
“A new clinic will provide more booking opportunities for the local community, expanding counselling services in the East Gosford area,” the DA says.
“This will result in more flexible time and shared workload with the other clinics in the local area.”
The Warnervale – Wadalba area has again demonstrated a strong pipeline of residential land and housing approvals to meet the Housing Industry Association’s population and residential building hotspots criteria in 2024/2025.
With 2.8% growth and $91.4M in approvals
Warnervale-Wadalba was the only area on the Central Coast to make this year’s hotspot list.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) recently revealed Australia’s strongest markets for home building in the 2026 edition of the HIA Population and Residential Building Hotspots Report.
The Report identifies Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs and regional hotspots
A proposed Resource Recovery Facility in the Warnervale industrial precinct is part of a project that has funding support from the NSW Environment Protection Authority Trust under the Remanufacture NSW program.
The advanced plastic recycling facility, producing plastic resin for reuse in Australian manufacturing, will be housed in the general industrial area at 3 Tinnula Dr, Jilliby.
The process uses shredding and granulating technology to process plastic waste into high-quality recyclate. Recycled material will be supplied as feedstock for the manufacture of new plastic products increasing NSW’s plastics reprocessing capacity and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
New healthcare clinic at East Gosford
The property to be converted is at 34 Victoria St, on the corner of Adelaide St, with the latter to be the primary frontage and access.
The locality, on the edge of a predominant commercial area including services and retail shops, could in context be considered transitional between the existing residential area and the commercial area.
The clinic would generate four new employments – one receptionist and three professionals.
Council approval is being sought to change the use of the dwelling, along with internal alterations and additions to the floor plan to create three
consulting rooms, a staff lunchroom, laundry/bathroom amenities, staff kitchen, combined reception and waiting room.
Vehicle access will be from Adelaide St with parking for staff and clients onsite with eight spaces, but that is a shortfall of the required 13.
Fences will surround the property with an access gate on Victoria St to provide separate pedestrian access limiting conflict between cars and pedestrians.
The development application can be viewed on Central Coast Council’s website –DA/1107/2026.
Home building hotspots revealed
based on population growth and indicates areas with high levels of building activity and, therefore, employment for the building industry.
The National Hotspots list is determined if an area recorded at least $200M in new residential building approvals in 2024/2025, and its
population grew faster than the national growth rate of 1.5%.
In the Central Coast/Hunter region the HIA uses the same minimum population growth of 1.5% and a threshold in approvals of $50M for this region’s hotspots list.
Apart from WarnervaleWadalba, other leading areas were Gosford-Springfield with 2.8% population growth and $60.3M in new residential building approvals, and Morisset-Cooranbong with 3.5% population growth and $97.8M in approvals.
Notables were JillibyYarramalong with 1.7% population growth and $2.9M new residential building approvals; and Summerland Point-Gwandalan with 2.5% growth and $45.5M in new approvals.
Other hotspots in the Central Coast/Hunter HIA region were Branxton-Greta-Pokolbin which topped the list for the third year in a row (6.8% growth, $140.9M in approvals); Newcastle-Cooks Hill; Redhead; Thornton-Millers Forest; Rutherford; Maitland; Cessnock; EdgeworthCameron Park; and Kurri KurriAbermain.
HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion said the HIA Hotspots Report showed that families were continuing to seek out areas where new housing supply could be delivered, including greenfield communities across the Central Coast and the Hunter.
“At the same time, infill markets are becoming more prominent … with multi-unit approvals and renewal in
established suburbs also contributing to the region’s housing pipeline,” he said.
“This reflects a national trend.
“The HIA Population and Residential Hotspots Report 2024/2025 showed the importance of greenfield sites, with 19 of the National Top 20 Hotspots located in the greenfield growth areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Southeast Queensland, Adelaide and Perth.
“These remain areas of strong population growth and point to the housing preference of many families for a standalone detached home.
“Infill has also been appearing more prominently, with multiunit approvals in existing suburbs continuing to pick up.
Planning changes aimed at
Processing plastics for reuse
The operation of the facility involves the following activities to be undertaken onsite: unloading and loading of materials; pre-shredding of plastic; contaminant removal and secondary separation to remove any dirt and other substances on the surface; centrifuge for separation in dewatering machine; distillation; pelletising; and material storage.
Ongoing operation of the facility will require management, administration, plant operators, drivers and maintenance personnel, contributing to local employment and supporting economic growth of the industrial precinct and wider region.
The facility will utilise a fully enclosed, closed-loop wastewater treatment system to support the plastics washing and cleaning operations.
multiple stages of the plant, including pre-washing, friction washing, and density separation via float/sink tanks. The system is designed to minimise water consumption and prevent any direct discharge to the environment or sewer network.
hours are 24/7 and would process up to 5,000 tonnes per annum.
Waste plastic will be received and stored before processing with the maximum quantity stored at any one time being up to 100 tonnes.
The primary waste will be
process.
This will fill approximately one 15kL tank which will be collected by a licenced waste contractor when nearing capacity.
Operations require approximately 15 cubic metres of water per hour.
encouraging multi-unit developments appear to be supporting this shift.”
Mr Jennion said the message for the Central Coast and Hunter was clear.
“Governments need to maintain a steady supply of shovel-ready land, support infrastructure delivery and ensure planning systems can respond to demand for both detached homes and medium and higher-density housing,” he said.
The HIA is Australia’s peak national industry association representing the residential building sector, supporting about 60,000 members including builders, contractors, suppliers and provides widely used standard residential building contracts.
Sue Murray
Water waste is not generated as the facility is equipped with a closed-loop water recycling system which treats and reuses water internally.
The proposed development has been supported by the NSW Office of Regional Economic Development as it is consistent with the objectives of the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 by increasing the state’s plastics reprocessing capacity, promoting resource recovery and remanufacturing, reducing the amount of plastic waste disposed of to landfill, and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
The development application (DA/1109/2026) can be viewed on Central Coast Council’s website and submissions will be accepted until August 28.
Craig Jennion
Location of the proposed healthcare clinic (outlined)
Terrigal to host women councillor conference
The Crowne Plaza at Terrigal will host the Australian Local Government Women’s Associations (ALGWA) annual conference next year from April 1 to 4.
The conference, with a theme of The Next Wave: A New Era of Leadership, is a national event that brings together elected representatives, council officers, and sector leaders to promote the advancement of women in local government.
It was announced at the 2025 ALGWA Conference that Central Coast Council was successful in the bid to host the 2027 conference.
”This presents a significant opportunity to showcase the region, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to leadership development across the sector,” a Council spokesperson said.
A cross-functional planning committee has been
established to oversee planning and delivery.
The group includes representation from events, marketing, destination, the Mayor’s office, people and culture.
In March, the ALGWA 2026 Conference was held at Blacktown, where Central Coast Council promoted the 2027 event. Council presented a short video showcasing the Central Coast as the future host destination and providing
delegates the opportunity to register their interest in attending.
In addition, Council hosted an information stall throughout the conference to engage directly with delegates, respond to enquiries and promote the Coast as the 2027 location.
Council’s community and culture committee was told recently that planning to date had focused on shaping a conference experience that
balanced professional development with place-based delegate experiences.
”An off-site dining and networking event is being explored, with Glenworth Valley identified as the preferred option, and discussions are underway regarding a potential cultural performance,” the committee was told in May and was updated again in July.
There is $50,000 in the 2026/27 financial year budget
allocated to the ALGWA conference.
In this financial year a total of $12,200 has been paid to Crowne Plaza as a deposit for the conference.
Council says that financial planning for the event is being developed to ensure it is delivered on a cost-neutral basis for Council.
Delegate registration fees will be based on the total cost of delivering the conference, including venue, program, and operational expenses.
The pricing structure will be informed by a detailed budget and may be supplemented through sponsorship opportunities where appropriate.
The overarching principle is that Council will not be out of pocket for hosting the event, with all costs to be recovered through delegate fees and associated revenue streams.
Merilyn Vale
Applicants sought for advisory committee
Central Coast Council is inviting members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to help shape the future of the region by applying to join its Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
Council is seeking suitably qualified and experienced First Nations people, representatives of Aboriginal-controlled organisations and community stakeholders to fill one vacant member position and one alternative position on the committee.
The Aboriginal Advisory Committee provides advice on matters important to Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander communities across the region, advising Council on emerging issues, community priorities and opportunities to strengthen outcomes for First Nations people.
Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the committee brings First Nations perspectives and knowledge into decisions that affect the wider community.
“The Central Coast is home to one of the fastest-growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in NSW, and it’s crucial that local First Nations voices are represented and heard,” Cr McKinna said.
“The Aboriginal Advisory
Committee provides a meaningful way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their knowledge, perspectives and lived experience to help further inform Council’s decisionmaking.
“I encourage those eligible and passionate about making a positive difference in their community to consider applying.”
Acting Director Community and Recreation Services Phil Cantillon said Council would undertake a thorough and considered application process to ensure the successful applicants were eligible and
ADAM CROUCH MP
firmly committed to supporting positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“The voluntary positions involve attendance at quarterly meetings, either in person or online, and participation in discussions on matters relevant to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee responsibilities,”
Mr Cantillon said.
“Applicants will be assessed based on their experience, knowledge and expertise and successful members will be required to participate in onboarding activities, including Code of Conduct training.”
Applicants must be available
to attend four meetings per calendar year and provide confirmation of Aboriginality as part of the application process.
Current members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee are not required to reapply.
Expressions of interest close at midnight on Sunday, August 16.
Those interested in applying for the vacant positions can submit their applications via Council’s expression of interest form.
To learn more search ‘Aboriginal Advisory Committee’ at centralcoast. nsw.gov.au
Digital boost for Lake Haven
Lake Haven, Charmhaven and Gorokan areas are set to get significantly improved mobile phone and network coverage if the installation of a new telecommunications facility is approved.
Indara is seeking development consent for the mobile phone tower in the north-western corner of the Lake Haven Shopping Centre carpark, within an existing bus bay along the Lake Haven Dr side of the carpark.
The bus bay, and five trees, will be removed to accommodate the telecommunications compound.
The facility will be owned by the Indara Group and host Optus telecommunications equipment to provide new and enhanced Optus 4G and 5G services to the Lake Haven area, as well as parts of southern Charmhaven and northern Gorokan.
It will comprise a 30m monopole and associated passive infrastructure (owned and managed by Indara), together with active infrastructure (antennas and telecommunications equipment) owned and managed by Optus.
Indara is Australia’s leading independent owner and operator of digital infrastructure. It will be a neutral host facility, capable of supporting colocation by other carriers, government entities and wireless service providers.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific will host the conference Photo: Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
Nicola wins silver at Commonwealth Games
HIGH JUMP
Central Coast born-andbred high jumper Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermot) has won a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The competition was held in typical Scottish cold and wet weather, forcing the dozen
Central Coast Heart is celebrating several achievements.
Five Heart netballers have been selected in the 2026 NSW First Nations State Team.
They are Jaylah Boney, Jayda Grant, Alirah Watton and Alyssa Slee.
Kellyann Huggins has been selected as 23U Head Coach
“This outstanding achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication and commitment that Jaylah, Jayda, Alirah, Alyssa and Kellyann consistently demonstrate both on and off the court,” a spokesperson said.
“Their selection reflects not only their exceptional ability but also the hard work, resilience and passion they bring to the game and their communities.”
The Waradas are the product
At the age of 79, Central Coast resident Tony Lord is set to run in his 50th consecutive City 2 Surf on Sunday, August 9.
“Participating for so long in what has become one of Sydney’s premier community events has resulted in many wonderful benefits and memories,” he said.
“There has been a continuing sense of achievement for completing what is a challenging 14km course from the CBD out to Bondi Beach.
“Most runners will agree that the City 2 Surf is one of the hardest fun runs.
“It is longer than most, has lots of inclines, declines and flat bits.
“There is the 1.6kms of torture called ‘heartbreak hill’ and a long winding downhill run to the beach.
“There is that killer stretch along Campbell Pde and back to the finish.
“Yes, a difficult event but softened by the superb scenery
finalists to rug up in jackets and blankets between jumps.
In the end, Olyslagers jumped 194cm on her third attempt. She failed to clear the next height increase of 196cm, ultimately placing her second to fellow Australian high jumper Elanor Patterson, who cleared the 196cm mark in her third attempt to notch up a Games record.
Nigeria’s Timitope Adeshina came in third place with a jump of 190cm.
Olyslagers, a former Central Coast Academy of Sport alumnus, has racked up a swag of wins around the world, including two Olympic Silver medals, a World Athletics Gold and World Indoor Gold. She currently holds the Australian and Oceania record of 204cm.
Coast players show plenty of Heart
of Netball NSW’s First Nations Emerging Talent Program, a high-performance development initiative that supports First Nations athletes through technical netball development while fostering health, wellbeing, cultural connection and the behaviours required to succeed at the elite level.
The program continues to
provide an important pathway for athletes, with a number of Waradas representatives progressing to the national Black Swans team.
As the reigning champions of the National First Nations Netball Tournament, the Waradas continue to showcase the incredible strength, skill and pride of First Nations netball across Australia.
Meanwhile, 10 athletes and one coach will represent the Central Coast and Hunter regions as part of the 2026 NSW Emerging Talent Program. The program recognises some of the state’s most promising young netballers and provides an important pathway for athletes aspiring to progress through the Netball NSW performance pathway.
Representing Central Coast Heart in the 2026 NSW Emerging Talent Teams are Isla Walsh, Raya Prestwidge, Ellysia Powell, Chloe Eyles, Charlotte Long, Bowey Manning, Charli Cummings, Chloe Wilson, Jada Capriotti and Emma Thompson.
These talented athletes will represent the regions at the 2026 Emerging Talent Tri Tournament in September,
Tony set to run his 50th City 2 Surf
and the non-stop music and cheer squads.”
Lord said he still got excited by the incredible atmosphere at the start of the run.
“You see huge numbers of people of all shapes and sizes in their colourful singlets, t-shirts or fancy dress,” he said.
“Some do their warm-up routine, others queue for that final relief at one of the many port-o-loos but nearly everyone stands around waiting for their turn to begin.
“After the gun is fired – what better sight is there to behold than the sea of humanity moving up William St, destined for Bondi.”
Lord, who lives at Green Point and runs most Saturday mornings with the Terrigal Trotters, said he had derived pleasure from introducing many family, friends and workmates to the City 2 Surf experience over the years.
“Being involved in organising corporate teams at some of my workplaces (Qantas, Fairfax
Publications and Star City Casino) has resulted in some fantastic barbecues and celebrations at the finish,” he said.
“Collectively, we have raised thousands of dollars for worthwhile charities such as Camp Quality, Shepherd Centre for Preschool Deaf Children, the Guide Dogs Association and Central Coast Kids in Need.”
Lord’s City 2 Surf journey started in 1977, which was also the year he started jogging.
“I was 30 years old, married to Gillian with baby daughter Penny and for me jogging late at night fitted in with family time and was an effective way of gaining some fitness,” he said.
“I quickly discovered that when you run in the dark at night the hills don’t seem to be so steep.
“At the time I was working for Qantas and when invited to join its Joggeroos Running Club, I jumped at the chance.
“The first City 2 Surf was truly memorable.
“Back then all participants started together at 10am and just over 11,000 completed the 14km journey to Bondi.
“Rob (Deek) de Castella blitzed the field winning in 41mins 12 secs.
“I ran with Tom, a senior captain from Delta Airlines, and we talked our way to Bondi, finishing in just over 77 mins.
“Qantas was victorious in winning the Inter Airlines Trophy, beating many other domestic and international airlines.”
ord said there had been quite a few changes in the City 2 Surf, with the most obvious being the huge growth in participants and the massive increase in female numbers.
“When the event started in 1971, there were 2,000 starters whilst last year it was about 75,000,” he said.
“In the beginning, I understand that only about 2%, or 77, were females but in recent years
where they will compete against the state’s best emerging netball talent.
Premier League & TAiP
Specialist Coach Gima Crowdy has been appointed Head Coach of the Regional Emerging Talent Team.
An Elite Accredited Coach, Crowdy is widely respected for her passion for athlete development and her ability to educate, mentor and inspire athletes to reach their full potential.
Her appointment is a testament to the quality of coaching within the Central Coast Heart pathway and the significant contribution she continues to make to the development of our athletes. The selections are a wonderful reflection of the strength of Central Coast Heart’s athlete and coach development pathway.
they have outnumbered the males.
“There have also been improvements introduced by the various organisers such as staggered starts for different groups, electronic timing, medals for those who finished and alteration of the course near the finish in Bondi.
“These changes have streamlined the event, given the participants more accurate finishing times and rewarded them for their efforts.”
Lord said he had achieved a personal best run of 63 mins 22 secs in 1982.
“In recent times, I am back to running the best I can but with the realisation that as the body ages one has to temper their expectations,” he said.
“I have to confess, however, that while my health holds up and I get that incredible satisfaction when crossing the finishing line, there is every chance that my participation will continue.”
Tony Lord will run his 50th City 2 Surf on August 9
Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners. From left Temitope Adeshina, Elanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers
The Central Coast Rhinos were unable to claim competition points during their weekend road trip, falling 6-3 to the Canberra Brave in back-to-back Australian Ice Hockey League clashes on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2.
The Rhinos opened the weekend at the Australian Institute of Sport determined to challenge one of the AIHL’s powerhouse clubs.
Central Coast showed plenty of attacking intent throughout Saturday’s contest, creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net three times, but the Brave proved too
Rhinos look for a strong season finish
clinical in front of goal to secure a 6-3 victory.
Despite trailing for periods of the game, the Rhinos continued
AUSSIE RULES
Terrigal Avoca Panthers
stalwart Chris Bishop accomplished a rare Aussie Rules milestone on Saturday, August 1, running out for his 300th senior game for the club.
The achievement represents more than two decades of commitment, loyalty and passion to the Panthers.
The 43-year-old made his senior debut for the Panthers back in 2004 and said he does think about his wellbeing as he laces up the boots each weekend.
“It is something you think about – I’ve got two young kids and I want to make sure I can walk or help them out, so it won’t be too long before I’m just coaching again,” he said.
Club President Scott Murray said Bishop had helped bring through the next generation of players, making the Panthers a force to be reckoned with in the Black Diamond Cup Hunter Central Coast competition.
“Bishy, as he is known, is an
to compete and remained within striking distance heading into the later stages.
But Canberra capitalised on
key opportunities and maintained its composure to close out the contest.
Looking to bounce back less
than 24 hours later, Central Coast again faced the Brave in the second game of the weekend series.
The Rhinos produced another spirited performance and once more matched Canberra for long stretches, but the home side completed the sweep with another 6-3 victory.
Central Coast continued to generate quality scoring chances and showed plenty of resilience against one of the league’s strongest teams.
The Rhinos refused to let the game slip away, battling until the final siren despite Canberra’s relentless pressure.
While the results were disappointing, the weekend
Huge milestone for two Panthers players
exceptional leader and one of the most amazing football minds there is,” Murray said.
“Chris focuses on the future always and looks towards the promotion from within junior ranks to make our club a premiership force.”
The midfielder has enjoyed outstanding success not just as a player, but as a coach, guiding the Panthers to multiple premierships, grand final appearances and finals’ campaigns.
Bishop said it’s the camaraderie and young teammates that keep him out in the middle.
“I’m very competitive, I just love that feeling of achieving something – I just love being around it; it gives me great joy,” he said.
Saturday was also a celebration for Jack GrimmondLee who celebrated his 200th senior game.
Murray described ‘Grimmo’ as one of the most courageous
players to wear the Panthers’ guernsey.
“He’s the heart and soul of our first-grade club – our captain who sets the benchmark of how to play football each and every week,” Murray said.
The two-time league Best and Fairest captained the Panthers to last year’s premiership and will be hoping to repeat the feat in 2026.
The Panthers ensured it was a memorable milestone for the pair, as they accounted for
Strong showing at country championships
BASEBALL
Central Coast Marlins Baseball Association sent three representative teams to the NSW Country championships over the August 1-2 weekend.
Marlins A grade finished third overall and the Marlins Men Teal team was crowned 2026 B Division Champion with 6-3
grand final victory over Newcastle.
Also competing was the Marlins Black team.
With the rep teams away and no regular rounds scheduled for Saturday, August 1, some clubs took advantage of the
In A grade Luke Podnar drove in five runs on five hits to lead the Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the Roos.
The Dodgers amassed 26 hits in the game and had patience at the plate, piling up eight walks for the game.
C grade saw the Roos Green storm back to defeat the Magpies White 12-8, despite trailing by as many as five runs.
Sean Bermingham drove in four runs on two hits to lead the Lions to a 17-4 win over the Roos Gold.
The Dodgers secured an 11-7 win over the Magpies Black.
once again highlighted the Rhinos’ willingness to compete against the competition’s best.
The side demonstrated its offensive capability by scoring six goals across the two games, but Canberra’s experience and efficiency ultimately proved the difference.
With the regular season drawing to a close, the Rhinos will now turn their attention to finishing their campaign on a positive note.
Although the playoffs are no longer within reach, Central Coast will be eager to build momentum and reward its supporters with a strong finish to the 2026 season.
fourth-placed Nelson Bay 14.9.93 to 8.18.66.
In other games, Killarney Vale was defeated by Cardiff 8.10 (58) to 7.10 (52), Newcastle City 21.17 (143) defeated Maitland 3.9 (27) and The Entrance-Bateau Bay defeated Wyong Lakes 12.10 (82) to 9.9 (63).
In the senior men’s plate: Killarney Vale 11.16 (82) defeated Cardiff 2.4 (16); Newcastle City 28.15 (183) defeated Maitland 0.4 (4);
Warners Bay 8.10 (58) defeated Lake Macquarie 8.7 (55); and Singleton 20.16 (136) defeated The Entrance Bateau Bay 3.2 (20).
In the men’s shield: Muswellbrook 22.16 (148) defeated Killarney Vale 4.6 (30); and University of Newcastle 6.12 (48) defeated Newcastle City 4.4 (28).
In the senior women’s cup: Terrigal Avoca 11.9 (75) defeated Nelson Bay 2.0 (12); Newcastle City 19.17 (131) defeated Maitland 1.1 (7); Killarney Vale 8.6 (54) defeated Cardiff 3.5 (23); and Warners Bay 16.25 (121) defeated The Entrance Bateau Bay nil.
In the senior women’s plate: Wyong Lakes 5.2 (32) defeated Cardiff 3.3 (21); Killarney Vale 6.3 (39) defeated Warners Bay 1.6 (12); Newcastle City 3rds 4.1 defeated Lake Macquarie 3.3 (21); Singleton defeated Port Stephens on forfeit; and Newcastle City 2nds defeated Muswellbrook on forfeit.
See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au
Chris Bishop in his 300th game
Mitchell Ryan hits strong for the Dodgers against the Magpies Black
Stefan Kataric
Tanner Hamilton shoots for goal
Photo: Andrew Dewar
Jack Grimmond-Lee celebrated his 200th game
Photo: J Pearson Photography
Sport
BASKETBALL
The Central Coast Crusaders are just one win away from an NBL1 East grand final after edging out the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 73-71 in a thrilling semi-final on Sunday, August 2.
In a contest that wasn’t decided until the dying seconds, Garric Young delivered
Crusaders make preliminary final
at both ends of the floor to propel the Crusaders into next weekend’s preliminary final.
With the scores locked late in the fourth quarter, Young drove to the basket and converted the go-ahead layup with just eight seconds remaining to give Central Coast a 73-71 advantage.
The Sea Eagles immediately called a timeout and had one final opportunity to force
overtime or steal victory.
However, Young again came up with the defining play of the match, producing a spectacular game-saving block with seven seconds left to deny Manly’s final scoring attempt and preserve the Crusaders’ twopoint lead until the final buzzer.
The semi-final was tightly contested throughout, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage.
Roosters push their way into top four
RUGBY LEAGUE
The Woy Woy Roosters have pushed their way into the top four of the rugby league competition following a gutsy, comefrom-behind 20-14 victory over The Entrance at Bateau Bay on August 1.
The Tigers were purring early. They led 10-0 after a quarterof-an-hour and 14-6 10 minutes later.
The Roosters however, weren’t to be deterred.
A brilliant cross field kick by former Canberra Raiders NRL star Blake Austin landed flush on the chest of a charging Zane Wilesmith who scored a spectacular try in the skateboard park corner.
Austin converted from out wide and The Entrance’s lead was cut to 14-12 at the break.
A tense second half ebbed and flowed with Blake Austin’s kicking game proving pivotal.
The classy five eighth’s hefty right boot continually drove the Roosters up field and out of danger.
Stoic defence was the order of the final 40 minutes with both sides refusing to give an inch.
The game’s defining moment arrived in the 68th minute when a slick shift right saw back rower Ravai Tulevu scamper over.
Austin’s conversion, combined with a late penalty goal helped the visitors to a memorable 20-14 victory.
With three rounds left to play, Erina is guaranteed top spot following a dominant season. Wyong, Toukley, Woy Woy, The Entrance and Kincumber are left jockeying for the remaining three semi-final positions.
In other round 15 results: Erina crossed for 10 tries to overpower Terrigal 58-8; Kincumber kept their slim finals hopes alive with a 32-16
win over Ourimbah; and Toukley had the bye.
In the wake of their Wednesday night, 26-24 loss to Ourimbah, Berkeley Vale baulked at playing their third game in a week, the Panthers deciding to forfeit to Wyong.
Sunday August 9 will see northern rivals Wyong and Toukley clash in the match of the round at Kanwal.
The Entrance will look to end their three game losing streak when they travel to Ourimbah.
Berkeley Vale will be at home to competition leaders Erina, and Kincumber will head to Woy Woy Oval to take on the Roosters.
Central Coast held a slender lead during much of the opening half before Manly fought back to set up a tense final quarter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
When the pressure was at its highest, the Crusaders showed remarkable composure, executing on both offence and defence to secure one of the most significant
victories in the club’s history.
The win continues Central Coast’s remarkable finals campaign after recording the club’s first-ever post-season victory just a week earlier.
Having battled into the playoffs with a strong finish to the regular season, the Crusaders have now earned a place in the NBL1 East preliminary final.
Their next challenge comes on Saturday, August 8, when they travel to face the North Sydney Bears with a coveted place in the NBL1 East grand final on the line.
After another gritty finals performance, the Crusaders will head into the clash full of belief that their historic run can continue.
Stefan Kataric
Dylan Tea was the top scorer for the game; Garric Young made the last bucket of the game and the game winning block
Andrew Stark: Magpie Memoir Magazine
Blake Austin weaving his magic during the tense second half
