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EDITION #555 THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

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Flags go up as surf season starts

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He was voted in 8-7 as councillors voted in their normal pattern to give him the gig ahead of Labor candidate Kyle MacGregor. Fellow Liberal councillor Rachel Stanton was elected Deputy Mayor,

defeating Labor’s Margot Castles, again by an 8-7 vote. Cr McNamara said his predecessor, Cr Lawrie McKinna, had done a fantastic job as Mayor and his direction and commitment will continue. “We are Open for Business and creating local jobs,” Cr McNamara told Coast News. He is the Chair of Council’s Economic

Development Committee, which has created and approved several key strategies and plans that Council will be implementing over the next two years during his term. “Creating Job opportunities for the Coast’s youth is what drives the Economic Development actions we will be implementing,” he said.

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PAGE 2 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO CCN Coast Community News (CCN) encourages ‘community journalism’, including story leads, citizen reports, media releases, photos and letters to the Editor (forum). We reserve the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us for publication and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce the information provided at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial guidelines. Material that is considered offensive, defamatory, or overtly political will not be published.

Stories and forum: editorial@centralcoastnews.net Provide at least one high-res portrait and landscape image. Do not crop, edit or add text to the images. Include a caption for the images if necessary.

Photography: whatson@centralcoastnews.net Submit any high-res photos of the Central Coast that could be used alongside a future editorial. A photo credit will be included with your photo.

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 News | ISSN 1839-9045 – Print Post Approved – PP100001843 Printed by Independent Newspaper Solutions

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Speak up at Council’s public forum The nice thing about being kicked out of a Central Coast Council meeting is that a person knows it is coming. In fact, it is Council at its most transparent. The mayor first tells the people watching in the gallery to please be quiet. As Administrator Rik Hart used to explain; residents are invited to attend Council meetings but only as observers, not as participants. It is a distinction many a newcomer to a meeting is astounded to learn. But long-term Council watchers know the drill: you can’t add your voice to the debate below you where the councillors are sitting. (By the way, is there anything symbolic in the fact the public

EDITORIAL has the high seats and we look down on the councillors who have their backs to us? Some would think so.) A disrupter is told by the mayor that next time they yell from the gallery, they will be asked to leave. For many Council watchers, it is a badge of honour to get your marching orders. Kariong ProgressAssociation President Lisa Bellamy joined that illustrious group on September 22, ordered by Mayor Lawrie McKinna to leave after one too many uninvited comments. But she made her point. And by being asked to leave, she got some publicity for an issue of concern to many in the community.

Public chat is what is needed if Council is to be held accountable, so well done Ms Bellamy. Plus, she got to go home early; another bonus. Another way to speak at a Council meeting – and not be asked to leave, although there is always a first – is by addressing the councillors at the public forum. Ms Bellamy often uses this method too. The public forum held before each ordinary Council meeting – as opposed to an extraordinary meeting such as this week’s mayoral election meeting – allows any member of the public to address the Council for three minutes. There was no public forum at the ordinary meeting on September 29, as it was a

continuation of the September 22 meeting which did not finish the agenda. Coast Community News urges anyone who is considering running in 2028 to fill one of the nine Council positions to start to build a profile now by addressing the Council regularly. Yes, nine positions; the councillors will reduce from 15 to nine in 2028. So in 2028, if enough people use the public forum to speak up about issues, it will help residents to identify those members of the public who have told us what they stand for and who have shown their commitment to the cause of local government. Merilyn Vale

Shortie’s visits a highlight

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Teya Davis with Shortie; Shortie’s visits are a learning experience

Once a month, the children at Erina Kindergarten welcome a visitor they know well. Shortie the Shetland pony has been visiting the centre since 2025. When Equine Attunement founder Zoe Brummell invited the kindergarten to make Shortie’s visits a regular experience, the team immediately embraced the idea. They saw an opportunity for children to spend time with a horse, learn how to care for him and enjoy a calm moment together. Shortie’s monthly visits give children a chance to slow down, connect with an animal and practise gentle, respectful care. As they grow more familiar with him, they can build confidence and learn to recognise his needs as well as their own.

“Shortie has such a calming presence with the children,” Erina Kindergarten management team member Teya Davis said. “Spending time with him gives them an opportunity to slow down, connect and practise self-regulation, while also building confidence and learning about empathy, responsibility and caring for another living thing.” During each visit, children can pat Shortie and learn what he eats and how he is cared for. They can also decorate his mane with colourful clips, practising fine motor skills and hand–eye co-ordination as they place each one. Taking turns with their friends, they learn to move calmly, speak softly, watch Shortie’s body language and respect his space. As the visits have continued, they have had the chance to

grow more familiar and confident around him. Erina Kindergarten has been part of the Central Coast community since the 1960s and was one of the area’s first childcare services. As a privately owned and operated centre, it places a strong emphasis on hands-on experiences that connect children with people, animals and their wider community.

Parrots, chickens and a duck are also part of daily life at the kindergarten. “For us, it’s about making learning exciting, hands on and meaningful, and creating experiences that children will remember long after they leave kindy,” Ms Davis said. “Shortie is certainly one of those very special experiences that our children love and look forward to every time he visits.”

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EDITION #555 - PAGE 3

NEWS

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Coast beaches get the tick for water quality, lagoons less so

Building stronger communities All of the Central Coast’s 15

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid is encouraging eligible local community organisations to put forward projects for consideration under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Program.

The program provides grant funding of up to $20,000 for eligible projects that strengthen local organisations and improve community infrastructure. This helps groups continue to deliver for the people they serve. Dr Reid said that across the Central Coast, community organisations, sporting clubs, volunteer groups, and local associations played an important role in keeping people connected and building stronger communities. Round 10 provides an opportunity to support projects from new equipment and facility improvements to infrastructure to help organisations expand their services. “Strong communities are built from the ground up – by the people who volunteer their time, run our local organisations, and look after the people around them,” he said. “These organisations are part of the social infrastructure of the Central Coast. “When we invest in them, we invest directly in the strength and resilience of our community.” Applications close on October 30; seek further information by calling 4322 2400 or emailing Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

patrolled beaches have rated Good or Very Good in the recently-released 2025-26 State of the Beaches Report. The annual report grades designated swimming sites from Very Good to Poor and provides an indication of their suitability for swimming. The report draws on data collected through the statewide Beachwatch water quality monitoring program, which is delivered locally by Council’s Catchments to Coast team in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Council has participated in the program since 2002. Three patrolled beaches improved their rating from Good to Very Good; Shelly Beach; North Avoca Beach; and MacMasters Beach. Maintaining their Very Good status were The Lakes Beach at Budgewoi, Soldiers Beach and North Entrance Beach. Holding stable with a Good rating were beaches at The Entrance Beach, Toowoon Bay, Wamberal, Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana, Killcare, Ocean Beach at Umina and Umina Beach. Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls, said the results demonstrate consistently highwater quality across the Coast’s patrolled beaches. “A highlight is that three Central Coast beaches were included in the eight NSW

Macmasters and Copacabana beaches

beaches which shared the highest water quality rankings,” he said. “These three are Forresters Beach, Birdie Beach and Frazer Beach. “We’re also pleased to see that all 15 patrolled beach sites achieved a Good or Very Good rating again this year along with 97% of all the 30 ocean beach swimming sites monitored,” Mr Nicholls said. The report rated 71% of all the Central Coast’s 48 monitored swimming sites (which included 15 estuary sites in very urbanised areas) as Good or Very Good for the second year in a row. “There was a slight drop in Cabbage Tree Harbour results (Cabbage Tree Harbour is one of the 30 beach sites monitored), dropping from Good to Poor this year,” Mr Nicholls said. “However, this rating was very close to the Good/Poor trigger point, with all poor

bacterial readings having occurred during wet weather sampling, demonstrating the significant impact of stormwater flows from the large drain that discharges between the rockpool and boat ramp.” Mr Nicholls said with a high number of estuary sites monitored, the result is not surprising and highlights the challenges maintaining good water quality in enclosed waterways and estuary swimming sites, reflecting the natural characteristics of these waterways, which flush more slowly and are more susceptible to stormwater runoff, following rainfall events. Mr Nicholls said the estuary site of Pretty Beach Baths improved from Poor to Good, while Shelly Beach, North Avoca, MacMasters Beach and The Entrance Baths all improved from Good to Very Good.

Waterways rated Poor were: Chain Valley Bay; Mannering Park Baths; Gwandalan; Lake Munmorah; Cabbage Tree Bay Rockpool; Canton Beach; Wamberal Lagoon; Terrigal Lagoon; Avoca Lagoon; Cockrone Lagoon; Davistown Baths; Yattalunga Baths; Cabbage Tree Bay; and The Entrance Channel. Statewide, the report showed an overall improvement, with 79 per cent of sites achieving a Very Good or Good rating. Swimming sites that are part of the annual report are graded as Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor or Very Poor in accordance with the national health guidelines. Any locations that fall in the top-tier categories Very Good or Good are considered suitable for swimming almost all the time. The improved statewide results were largely associated with drier weather conditions across many parts of NSW

during the reporting period, which generally reduced stormwater runoff and pollution entering waterways. Ocean beaches continued to record the strongest results statewide, with 97 per cent achieving a Very Good or Good rating. The number of estuarine sites that achieved a Very Good or Good score increased from 63 per cent to 69 per cent. Estuaries, lakes and lagoons typically record lower water quality than open ocean beaches because lower levels of water exchange can increase the time needed for pollution to disperse following rainfall events. Council recommends avoiding swimming at ocean beaches for 24 hours after rain and at estuary sites for up to 72 hours following rainfall.

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PAGE 4 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

www.coastcommunitynews.com.au | ccn@centralcoastnews.net

Flags go up as surf season starts The flags have gone up across the Central Coast, with Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Clubs ready to welcome members and beachgoers for the 2026/27 patrol season. The season was officially launched with a Raising of the Flags Ceremony on Saturday, September 26, at Toowoon Bay, bringing together surf clubs, lifesavers, community representatives and supporters to mark the beginning of the new patrol season. Council lifeguards will be on duty on weekdays with surf club volunteers taking over on weekends and public holidays through to April 25 next year. While patrols had been off the beach during Winter, preparation certainly hadn’t stopped. Across the Central Coast, surf clubs have been busy undertaking off-season training, skills development, education and fitness programs to ensure their members are ready to respond when they are needed most. From new recruits to

The flags went up with a flourish

experienced patrol captains, lifesavers have been refreshing their rescue, first aid, communication and emergency response skills ahead of the summer season. The new season will also see the return of the SLSCC Freemasons Rookie Lifesavers Program, providing young people with the opportunity to take their first steps into surf lifesaving and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to become future lifesavers.

The program plays an important role in introducing young people to the surf lifesaving movement, while helping clubs build the next generation of volunteers who will keep our beaches safe for years to come. Surf Life Saving Central Coast is encouraging families, beachgoers and visitors to support their local surf club and remember that the safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags. “There is something special

about seeing the flags go up and knowing that another patrol season is beginning,” SLSCC CEO Michael Hyslop said. “Behind those flags are thousands of hours of training, preparation and commitment from our volunteers. “Our clubs have been working hard throughout the off-season to make sure they are ready for whatever Summer brings. “We want everyone who visits our beaches this Summer

to enjoy the coast, but most importantly, to do it safely. “Swim between the red and yellow flags, listen to our lifesavers and if you’re unsure about conditions, ask for advice.” Surf Life Saving Central Coast reminds beachgoers that conditions can change quickly and encourages everyone to swim between the red and yellow flags, never swim alone and always follow the advice of our volunteer surf lifesavers. Throughout the season, 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled daily, with Central Coast Council lifeguards on duty from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays. Council lifeguards will also patrol the Grant McBride Baths daily, with The Entrance Channel patrolled on weekends throughout the school holidays. Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said lifeguards and lifesavers did an incredible job keeping the community safe, but the best way to stay safe was to choose a patrolled beach and always swim

between the red and yellow flags. “Whether you’re swimming, surfing, fishing, boating or jet skiing, take the time to understand the conditions, make smart decisions and look out for those around you,” he said. Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said Council’s lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers worked closely together to keep the community safe around the water. Patrolled beaches on the Central Coast are: The Lakes Beach, Budgewoi; Soldiers Beach, Norah Head; North Entrance Beach; The Entrance Beach; Toowoon Bay Beach; Shelly Beach; Wamberal Beach; Terrigal Beach; North Avoca Beach; Avoca Beach; Copacabana Beach; Macmasters Beach; Killcare Beach; Ocean Beach, Umina; and Umina Beach. For more information on beach safety and patrol locations, search ‘beach safety’ at Central Coast Council’s website, CentralCoast.nsw. gov.au

Who put the ‘F’ in Art? A mysterious graffiti bandit has struck the Bouddi Peninsula Art Trail and Art Show for the second year running, once again adding a carefully placed “F” in front of “Art”. Last year, about half a dozen promotional signs received the same schoolyard treatment. This year, however, the culprit appears to have lifted the game, altering a main signage in a semi-professional fashion using lettering remarkably close in colour and style to the original. The resulting “FArt Show” and “FArt Trail” signs have become either a point of

irritation or amusement, depending on the viewer’s tolerance for odorous comedy. Members of the Killcare committee are reportedly awash with theories about the identity and motivation of the graffiti bandit or bandits. Teenagers were the obvious suspects, while others suggested it could be the work of a frustrated artist. One local crime profiler went considerably further, theorising the culprit might be “a disgruntled Facebook keyboard warrior … a sociogastropath with a repressed Oedipus complex whose childlike love of the art mother

The offending sign at Killcare; Mr Breeze was reportedly caught on a local CCTV camera

was never resolved”. But explosive new evidence has now emerged. A small local ‘artistic identity’ was apparently caught on

camera at the scene, spray can in hand. The suspect is known as Mr Breeze, a physical, AI-inspired agent created by Pearl Beach artist Jane Gillings.

Gillings has strongly defended her creation, telling Coast Community News journalists the photographic evidence simply does not stand up to scrutiny.

“Mr Breeze clearly didn’t do it, despite the circumstantial evidence,” she said. “Mr Breeze is left-handed and the photo footage shows something that looks like Mr Breeze holding a spray can in his right hand.” Mr Breeze can be found in plain sight at Studio number 8 on the Art Trail and Art Show, which runs this October long weekend on both Saturday and Sunday. With no arrests made and the evidence rapidly disappearing into thin air, the mystery of the Bouddi “FArtist” remains unsolved.

Eaton’s push to tackle illegal camping Chair of Central Coast Council’s Environment and Planning Committee Councillor Doug Eaton is calling for urgent action to stamp out illegal camping in the region. Cr Eaton said illegal camping was out of control and Council must step up to get rid of what he described as a scourge on our beaches and high-value recreational areas. “We have a hotspot developing at Lakes Beach with around eight illegal campers there now and the

Illegal camping has become problematic at Toowoon Bay

number is growing steadily,” he said. “This includes a bus that has been there for some six years,

according to the President of the Lakes Surf Club. “Council has erected ‘No overnight parking signs’ at Lakes Beach but campers,

Lakes Beach is an illegal camping hotspot

mostly now in camper vans, just defy the signage. “At Toowoon Bay beach the carpark was chock-a-block full on Saturday, September 26,

with a camper and caravan, two cars and a boat (which has been) there for some two years. “This deprives everyone else of using these carparks.

“Here and at the other hotspots there are none of the overnight parking signs. “These signs must be urgently installed at Towoon Bay and also at Jenny Dixon Beach, where there are four or five campers, at Peace Park Gorokan, where there are also four or five camper vans and elsewhere. “If Council does not get on top of this now we will have an influx over Summer and our residents will be restricted in enjoying their own beaches and public facilities.”

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

EDITION #555 - PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

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Giving old appliances a new spark of life SparkCC’s Repair Café, which operates monthly on the Central Coast, is reducing waste by helping residents to make their appliances last longer. Run by the Central Coast Makerspace, the café opened in April 2026. It is open to the community on the second Saturday of every month from 10am-3pm, with the next session set for October 10. Recently the team tackled a decades-old sewing machine with a broken cable connecting it to the foot controller. It was the sort of fault that could easily have meant the end of the machine. The connection was proprietary, so replacing it was not as simple as buying a new cable from a shop. But SparkCC volunteers worked through the problem and repaired the connection, getting the machine running again and allowing its owner to keep sewing with a machine she had owned for many years. This is a small example of what SparkCC hopes to achieve: helping local people keep useful and valued belongings in service, while

Beth Davies was pleased to have her sewing machine repaired

sharing the skills and confidence needed to repair things themselves. Residents are invited to bring along broken or damaged items and work alongside volunteers to diagnose what has gone wrong and, where possible, repair it, with the emphasis on doing the repair together. “We don’t want to just take something away and fix it for someone,” a SparkCC Committee spokesperson said. “The idea is to help people understand what has gone

wrong, show them how we would approach the repair, and guide them through fixing it themselves where possible. “A lot of things get thrown away when the problem is actually quite small. “Sometimes all that is missing is the right tool or someone with the knowledge to know where to start.” The range of items brought through the doors can be surprisingly broad. Volunteers may find themselves helping with

bicycles, laptops, clothing and textiles, children’s toys, prams, household and garden items, stereo and hi-fi equipment, or suitable lawn and garden equipment. SparkCC has a large collection of general repair tools, as well as the more specialised equipment you might expect to find in a makerspace. Its members have particular interests in 3D printing, electronics, laser cutting and CNC milling, which can occasionally provide another option when an old or unusual

item needs a part that is difficult to replace. For SparkCC, however, the Repair Café is about more than fixing objects. The group started the event as a way of giving something back to the local community, reducing unnecessary waste and helping people make their belongings last longer at a time when the cost of replacing everyday items can put additional pressure on household budgets. There is also a belief that practical knowledge is worth sharing. Many repairs that seem intimidating become much more approachable when someone experienced can help identify the problem, explain which tools are needed and show the owner how to tackle it safely. The person may leave with a repaired item, but SparkCC hopes they also leave knowing a little more than they did when they arrived. The Repair Café is run by SparkCC volunteers, although the group would also like to hear from other members of the Central Coast community who have useful repair skills

and would be interested in sharing them. Those skills do not have to involve electronics or engineering. Someone who knows how to repair bicycles, sew and mend clothing, troubleshoot computers,work on mechanical equipment or fix everyday household objects may have exactly the sort of knowledge another person needs. Volunteer via sparkcc.org The organisation also runs DadLAN events, giving local fathers a chance to meet other dads and spend some time forming friendships whilst playing the computer games many of them grew up with. The Repair Café is open to anyone, although children under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult. Attendance is free, with a maximum of two items per person. Bookings are essential. Venue details are provided to registered attendees, and people arriving without a booking may not be able to receive assistance. For bookings go to events. humanitix.com/repair-cafecentral-coast

Legal Aid ceases women’s health centre outreach service Women experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) on the Central Coast are facing new barriers to accessing specialist legal advice. This follows statewide funding changes resulting in the Legal Aid NSW’s Domestic Violence Unit ceasing its longstanding face-to-face outreach service at the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC). For close to four decades, women have been able to access free, specialist DFSV legal advice in a safe and trusted environment at CCCWHC, a service that has operated since 1988. CCCWHC Head of Client Services Sarah-Jane Hill said

the loss of face-to-face legal outreach created a significant gap for women experiencing violence. “Legal Aid exists because not everyone can afford private legal representation,” Ms Hill said. “Without it, many women simply cannot participate effectively in the justice system. “When people cannot get legal help, cases take longer, courts can become even more congested, and children can remain in conflict for longer periods of time. “We know that responses need to be provided face-toface, in safe spaces. “For women who are already navigating fear, coercion and

uncertainty, that safe connection can be critical. “When face-to-face options in safe, specialist organisations are removed, we risk creating further barriers for women who are already facing significant obstacles to accessing support.” Ms Hill said legal advice was not simply a pathway to navigating the justice system but could also be an important protective factor for women experiencing violence. “Legal advice is a protective element for women who are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence,” she said. “For many women, coming into a safe organisation like CCCWHC and sitting down face-to-face with a lawyer

provides an opportunity to connect, tell their story and understand their options in a way that is simply not possible over the phone or online. “We are also seeing increasing concerns around technology-facilitated abuse. “Women may not trust their devices, may have their communications monitored or may not feel safe making an online booking or taking a telephone call from a lawyer.” Legal Aid NSW confirmed the decision to cease its outreach services at CCCWHC earlier this year, forming part of a broader service review affecting all six of its outreach locations, and has acknowledged the value of its longstanding partnership with CCCWHC.

CCCWHC is now calling on local law firms, specialist legal services and other potential partners to work with the Centre to help address this gap. “We are not prepared to simply accept that women experiencing violence should have fewer options for accessing legal help,” Ms Hill said. “We want to work with organisations that share our commitment to women’s safety and access to justice to explore how we can restore or strengthen face-to-face specialist legal support on the Central Coast. “Women experiencing violence deserve access to legal advice in a way that is safe, accessible and responsive to their circumstances.”

CCCWHC is seeking expressions of interest from law firms and specialist legal services interested in partnering with the Centre to provide legal support to women experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence on the Central Coast. To discuss partnership opportunities, contact: SarahJane Hill, Head of Client Services, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre at SarahJane.Hill@ ccwh.org.au A LegalAid NSW spokesperson said people experiencing domestic violence can still access Legal Aid NSW’s services by contacting the Domestic Violence Unit on 1800 979 529.

John McNamara is our new Mayor From page 1 These include the Regional Economy Strategic Action Plan 2026–2027, a one-year action plan that brings together priority actions to strengthen local businesses, attract and grow investment, activate local places and precincts to create vibrant, connected communities, support a thriving

events sector, and grow the visitor economy, while ensuring delivery is aligned, accountable and responsive to local opportunities. But Cr McNamara says his first task will be to audit Council’s pothole maintenance program and have more resources targeted at fixing

more potholes as quickly as possible. “This must be done by increasing the budget for roads for 2027-28,” he said. “This task is the first issue that our residents talk to me about and councillors must continue to find a budgetary way to increase the resources

and efficiency, especially after heavy rains.” Cr McNamara was a councillor and deputy mayor with the former Wyong Council from 2008 to 2012. The first Mayor of the newly amalgamated Central Coast was independent Jane Smith, a current councillor, from 2017 to 2019.

The second mayor was Labor’s Lisa Matthews, before Council was put into administration in 2020. Lawrie McKinna became the third mayor when councillors were elected in 2024 following the period of administration. Merilyn Vale

Councillor Rachel Stanton was elected Deputy Mayor

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

EDITION #555 - PAGE 7

Coast Connect

www.coastcommunitynews.com.au | ccn@centralcoastnews.net

Central Coast Council news and community information

A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been elected to represent the Central Coast community. Learn more about your new representatives, search 'Mayor and Councillors' at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

Help shape a disaster-resilient Central Coast

Lake Munmorah’s new playspace is now open

Complete the survey or find an in-person pop-up, by searching ‘Natural Disaster Resilience’ at YourVoiceOurCoast.com

Search ‘Lake Munmorah playspace’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

Council’s draft Natural Disaster Resilience Strategy sets out a long-term plan for addressing disaster risk and strengthening community resilience. The strategy outlines several priorities for Council including investing in resilient infrastructure, improving planning rules and urban design and protecting natural ecosystems.

Families can now enjoy one of the Central Coast’s most exciting new play destinations at the Lake Munmorah recreation precinct. Designed with community feedback and built for children of all ages, the playspace features a 30-metre dual flying fox, water play area, accessible equipment, climbing challenges and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and connect. Discover what’s on offer!

Positive results for coastal waters

Roll into Kincumber’s new skatepark

For more information, search ‘Environmental Management’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

For more information, search ‘Frost skatepark’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

The latest monitoring found healthy coastal waters, diverse marine life and low environmental risk around Council’s ocean outfalls. Delivered with the University of Newcastle, this ongoing monitoring program is helping build a deeper understanding of local marine ecosystems and supporting future environmental management.

Skaters and scooter riders of all ages can now enjoy a bigger, better place to ride at Frost Reserve, with Central Coast Council completing the new 750sqm Kincumber skatepark. Shaped by community feedback, the upgraded facility offers more accessible features, more space and more opportunities to learn new skills, connect with friends and get active.

The next Council meeting will be held at Wyong, 6.30pm on Tuesday 27 October. Search ‘Council meetings’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

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Learn, connect and thrive at MindFest

The way you can pay is changing

Celebrate Mental Health month at MindFest, a free, inclusive community event at Memorial Park, The Entrance, from 10am to 1pm on Friday 9 October. Enjoy activities, performances, free coffee and food giveaways, connect with local services and discover practical wellbeing support for all ages in our community. To learn more, search ‘MindFest’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

There’s a range of ways to pay your rates and water accounts including credit card, direct debit and BPay.

From 1 October, card payment surcharges will cease. Australia Post BillPay and cheque payments will no longer be available.

To pay by phone - call 1800 226 651 and follow the prompts.

To learn more, search ‘Payment Options’ at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au

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

@CCoastCouncil

@CentralCoastCouncil

Don’t miss out on Council news. Sign up for our weekly enews at CentralCoast.nsw.gov.au/eNews

PAGE 8 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

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Doco highlights housing security Three Central Coast community housing tenants have shared their stories in The 2 Way Street, a series of short documentary films about secure housing, support and giving back. Led by Tiny Homes Foundation, the project was created with one of Australia’s leading filmmakers Christopher Ireland and supported by Pacific Link Housing. It shares the experiences of tenants Crystal, Joel and Jan while showing the wider value of community housing. In the films, Crystal and Joel share their experience of raising a family through difficult circumstances, while Jan speaks about unexpectedly finding herself homeless at almost 80 years of age. They have all since drawn on their own experience to help others through volunteering,

Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch, Coast Shelter CEO Alicia Pigot, filmmaker Christopher Ireland, participant Jan and Tiny Homes Foundation CEO David Wooldridge

advocacy and community support. The films premiered on Wednesday, July 29, at the University of Newcastle’s Gosford Campus, at an event

hosted by ABC Central Coast presenter Scott Levi. The Tiny Homes Foundation develops small-scale housing solutions for people at risk of homelessness and works with

partners to build understanding of the need for safe, secure and affordable housing. Its

work

also

employment

includes training,

community education and advocacy. Tiny Homes Foundation CEO David Wooldridge said the project aimed to broaden the conversation about social and community housing. “Safe, stable, secure community housing not only benefits the recipient it benefits everyone,” he said. “We often talk about the number of homes needed, but these films bring the conversation back to people and the valuable contributions they make to their communities. “We thank everyone involved in the project and Central Coast Council for providing the funding that helped make it possible.” Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch said the films allowed people to hear directly from those with lived experience. “Sharing personal experiences like these takes courage,” he said.

“These films show that people who receive support often go on to support others. “A secure home can give someone the dignity, pride and stability to move forward and make a difference in other people’s lives.” Filmmaker Christopher Ireland said it was a privilege to spend time with Crystal, Joel and Jan and hear their stories in their own words. “I hope these films challenge assumptions,” he said. “(I hope) people come in with one understanding of homelessness – even from a sympathetic point of view about what community housing and housing support can bring to people – and feel really inspired about more ways safe secure (even Tiny) homes help address homelessness.” The short films are available to watch at youtube.com/@ TinyHomesFoundation

Improvements at James Browne Oval Carpark and lighting upgrades have been completed at James Browne Oval in Woy Woy, improving safety and access while delivering a new dual-use sports hardcourt to support increased community and sports group activity. The improvements included: resurfacing and line marking the main carpark with accessible parking spaces; the installation of motion sensors, solar powered lighting in the carpark; and delivering a new sealed overflow carpark that doubles as a multi-sport

hardcourt space for recreational play outside peak periods. The hardcourt features two pickleball courts and a half basketball court with a dual purpose ring for netball practice, supporting local sporting groups, players and casual users. Central Coast Acting Mayor John Mouland said the upgrades would make the facility safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone to use. “James Browne Oval in Woy Woy is a well-used community space,with the fields supporting Central Coast Football and

Central Coast Cricket, as well as providing a recreational area for the wider Peninsula community,” Cr Mouland said. “Feedback from local sporting groups and the community highlighted the need for safer, better defined and more accessible parking to support ongoing use. “These improvements respond to those needs. “The new lighting has made a real difference for evening training and Winter sports, while the dual-use hardcourt is a smart way to support local sport and give the community more ways to get active.

“Whether it’s organised sport or casual exercise, these upgrades improve safety, accessibility and convenience for sporting groups, players and local residents alike.” The carpark upgrade, including lighting installation was funded by the Australian Government’s Investing in our Communities program and Council. The overflow carpark, which doubles as a basketball and pickleball facility, was fully funded by Council. Pickleball gear is available to hire from Council library services.

Acting Mayor John Mouland and Councillor Belinda Neal at James Browne Oval, Woy Woy

Pageant winner bound for India Central Coast resident Bhavika Darji will be heading for India in the near future, to represent the Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Zone in the Haut Monde Mrs India Worldwide grand finale. This follows the zone final on September 16, where Mrs Darji was crowned Air Element winner and Mrs Fashion Icon. The Hamlyn Terrace entrepreneur, professional makeup artist and mother of three competed as part of a field of 150 women, wanting to showcase something far greater than physical beauty alone. Throughout the competition, she took to the stage with grace, poise and confidence,

navigating nine different rounds designed to reveal not simply how a woman presents herself, but the person, story and strength behind her. Mrs Darji is the founder of Look Divine Cosmetics, a professional hair and makeup artist, a qualified medical microbiologist, a master of ceremonies and ramp walk director and choreographer. But she said despite the many accolades and titles attached to her name, the roles she holds closest to her heart are being a devoted wife and mother to her three children. From working in medical microbiology in London to establishing herself in the beauty industry, creating her own cosmetics brand and

Bhavika Darji was triumphant at the zone finals

stepping confidently onto the pageant stage, Mrs Darji has continued to challenge herself while encouraging other

women to recognise that their ambitions do not have an expiry date. Her fashion throughout the

competition was an extension of her personality — confident, creative and unafraid to make a statement. Each outfit was carefully considered, allowing her to demonstrate that fashion can be another form of storytelling and self-expression. As the founder of Look Divine Cosmetics, Mrs Darji has long championed the idea that beauty should be about enhancement rather than transformation. Combining her scientific background with years of professional makeup artistry, she has built her beauty journey around confidence,individuality and conscious choices. She said she wanted women watching her — particularly

mothers and women entering new chapters of their lives — to see that marriage, motherhood, age or changing careers did not mean putting personal dreams aside. “I wanted to step onto that stage representing more than physical beauty,” she said. “I wanted to represent the woman who has lived, worked, raised a family, changed direction, faced challenges and still has the courage to dream bigger.” Mrs Darji will now take her story — and a little piece of the Central Coast — to India for the grand finale (date yet to be determined), where she will represent the region on an international stage.

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EDITION #555 - PAGE 9

NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Rotary seeks young leaders Rotary Brisbane Water is seeking expressions of interest from 18 to 30-yearolds to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a residential program to run from January 10-16, 2027, at The King’s School Naamaroo Conference Centre in Lindfield. RYLA brings together some of Australia’s most promising young people for a week of challenges and teamwork. Participants build practical leadership and communication skills and hear from inspiring speakers. Past participants have gone on to launch their own ventures and excel in the arts, sport and the corporate world. Applicants must have been out of school for at least one year, be working or studying, and be available for the full week. For more information or to express interest, contact Jayne Mote on 0405 714 289. See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Deadline for fish strategy consultations extended The NSW Government is extending consultation on the draft harvest strategies for Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper following feedback from fishers and stakeholders seeking more time and to counter the spread of false information online regarding the science behind the draft strategies. Among those pushing for the extension was Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch, who backed Empire Bay Fishing Club in calling for extra time. Mr Crouch said local recreational fishers deserved sufficient time to understand the proposals, examine the supporting science and provide informed feedback. “These strategies could shape recreational fishing in NSW for years to come, and our local fishos deserve a meaningful opportunity to have their say,” he said. “Empire Bay Fishing Club has raised reasonable concerns about the time available to review complex scientific assessments, consult its members and ask questions before submissions close. “I am calling on the Minns Labor Government to extend

Adam Crouch with Errol Baker from the Empire Bay Fishing Club

consultation, clearly explain the science and give fishing clubs direct access to NSW Fisheries scientists for answers.” An Empire Bay Fishing Club spokesperson said members supported sustainable fisheries management and wanted greater transparency around the data and modelling underpinning the strategies. “Our members want healthy fish stocks for future generations,” they said. “We also need to understand how these assessments account for fish movement, environmental conditions and regional differences. “Genuine consultation means having time to ask questions,

receive meaningful answers and discuss that information with our members.” The government announced on September 23 that it would extend the consultation period until February next year. “The extension reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to robust consultation to ensure fishers and the community can provide informed submissions based on science and independent expert advice,” a spokesperson said. “Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper are highly valued by commercial and recreational fishers in NSW. “However, current assessments show the

biomass for both species is well below desired target levels. “The NSW Government recognises that some fishers are still catching small and medium-size Kingfish in reasonable numbers, but not enough of those smaller fish are making it to breeding size. “Experts advise the stock of NSW Kingfish is now ‘depleted’ at just 5.5% of unfished levels – that’s dangerously low and risks the ability of the stock to breed sustainably.” The proposed approach for the draft yellow tail kingfish and snapper strategies shares responsibility across all fishing sectors, recognising that stock

recovery can only be achieved through collective effort. The draft strategies set out practical measures designed to recover fish stocks, provide certainty for fishers and secure access for future fisheries. Snapper stocks in NSW have been slowly rebuilding since the 1990s after reaching historically low levels. While the stock is considered sustainable, biomass is still below long-term target levels and the draft Snapper strategy is proposing the following for feedback from stakeholders to support the biomass to reach 30% of unfished biomass by 2035. Fishers now have until February 15, 2027, to provide feedback on the draft strategies and management options. All feedback provided through the public consultation will be considered by the Line & Trap Harvest Strategy Working Group and the Government before the harvest strategies are finalised. Have Your Say on the Yellowtail Kingfish strategy at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/yellowtail-kingfish and on the Snapper strategy at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/snapper

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PAGE 10 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

NEWS

www.coastcommunitynews.com.au | ccn@centralcoastnews.net

Outback adventure for local Rotarians A remote Indigenous community, a spectacular desert landscape and a 250m-high illuminated cross were among the highlights when three Rotary Brisbane Water representatives travelled deep into Central Australia recently. Club founder and Vice President Jayne Mote made the journey to Haasts Bluff with President Cherie Simpson and Administrator Lillias Bovell. Located approximately 250km west of Alice Springs, the remote community is home to the Walk a While Foundation’s tourist and cultural centre, established by Rotary Brisbane Water patron and renowned landscape photographer Ken Duncan. Also known as Ikuntji, Haasts Bluff sits among the West MacDonnell Ranges and is home to the Walk a While Creative Arts and Technologies Centre. The six-day visit offered an insight into a unique blend of

Jayne Mote at Haasts Bluff

Indigenous culture, tourism, education and employment. It also provided an opportunity to meet some of the people involved and see how the Foundation has become part of life in the community. Ken Duncan established the Walk a While Foundation in 2010 after developing a deep connection with Central Australia through his photography. The Foundation works alongside Indigenous

communities to create pathways for young people through education, creative arts, technology and employment. Local Indigenous people are employed to help manage tourism activities at the settlement, while young people can develop skills in areas including photography, cinematography, music, website development and design, tourism and hospitality. Ms Mote said seeing the work on the ground added a new

dimension to Rotary Brisbane Water’s longstanding connection with the Foundation. “It’s one thing to support an organisation, but quite another to travel into the outback and see the work for yourself,” she said. “Meeting the people involved and seeing the opportunities being created for young Indigenous people gives us an even greater appreciation of what Walk a While is achieving.” One of the most striking features of the visit was Memorial Mountain, where a 250m-high illuminated Christian cross stands above the surrounding landscape. The project is particularly meaningful to Mr Duncan and his wife Pam, with visitors travelling to the site as part of a spiritual experience. Mr Duncan’s connection with Central Australia began through his photography. Captivated by the region’s stark beauty, vivid colours and dramatic landscapes, he wanted to share its unique

character with others while creating meaningful opportunities for the Indigenous communities who call the area home. That vision has grown to include Outback Photography Safaris and masterclasses departing from Alice Springs. Small groups are taken into the West MacDonnell Ranges and remote desert landscapes to photograph outback sunsets, astrophotography and local wildlife. The Duncans’ commitment to Indigenous communities was recognised in 2023 when they were awarded Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for their work through Walk a While. Their daughter, Jessica Duncan, a former Rotary Youth Leadership candidate, is also becoming increasingly involved with the Foundation. Bringing her own connection to Rotary and a strong commitment to its work, she has become a valued and enthusiastic contributor to the organisation.

Mr Duncan was inspired by advice given to him more than 20 years ago by an Indigenous Elder: “If you really want to know someone, you need to walk a while with them”. Those words have become central to the Foundation’s approach, with relationships, respect and working alongside Indigenous communities at the heart of what it does. For Rotary Brisbane Water, the journey provided a deeper appreciation of the vision behind Walk a While and the people who have helped bring it to life. Cherie Simpson and Ms Mote recently shared their experience with members and guests at a Rotary Brisbane Water meeting at Ettalong Diggers. “We certainly learnt a lot and would recommend the experience to anyone interested in exploring this beautiful part of Australia and learning more about the traditional owners who live there,” Ms Mote said.

Blue Plaque honours Weet-Bix at Berkeley Vale Sanitarium Health Food Company has unveiled a new Blue Plaque at its Berkeley Vale site. The NSW Heritage People’s Choice Blue Plaque for WeetBix recognises the introduction of one of Australia’s most loved breakfast cereals and its enduring place in Australian homes. “Sanitarium is honoured to be named as both the first company and first product recognised with a NSW Heritage People’s Choice Blue Plaque,” Sanitarium Health Food Company ANZ Executive General Manager Todd Saunders said. “Weet-Bix was born from Sanitarium’s commitment to

making healthy, delicious and nutritious food for Australians. “This recognition celebrates almost 100 years of that ambition, and the special place Weet-Bix continues to hold as a breakfast staple for generations of Australian families.” Selected through a public vote, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Blue Plaque has been installed at 1 Sanitarium Dr, Berkeley Vale, where much of Australia’s Weet-Bix is manufactured, alongside other Sanitarium products including So Good and UP&GO. “We are grateful to the loyal Weet-Bix consumers who supported this campaign and helped recognise the introduction of Weet-Bix to Australia,” Mr Saunders said.

Member for The Entrance David Mehan congratulates Todd Saunders

Head of Marketing and Communications ANZ for Sanitarium Health Food Company, Jessica Manihera, said the Weet-Bix team was delighted to celebrate the

recognition with a bowl of the iconic cereal. “Weet-Bix has been a staple breakfast choice in Australian households for decades,” she said.

“Helping fuel growing Aussie kids to get the most out of every day is part of the Weet-Bix legacy, with each new generation adding to the story and shaping the brand’s future. “The Weet-Bix team is proud to be recognised as part of NSW history, and we remain committed to making this nutritious breakfast option available to Australian families into the future.” Member for The Entrance David Mehan said it was remarkable that something as simple as a breakfast cereal has become a national icon and left a stamp on our shared cultural identity. “From its beginnings in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt to its home in Berkeley Vale, Weet-Bix has been proudly

made in NSW for 100 years and remains a source of pride for the Central Coast,” he said. “This blue plaque celebrates not only a product, but the people, places, and local industry, including the 800 employees that helped turn Weet-Bix into a household name.” Heritage NSW spokesperson Lana Zegura said Blue Plaques NSW shone a light on the people, events and stories that had shaped our state. “Few things are as woven into everyday Australian life as Weet-Bix, and this heritage plaque cements its status as a true NSW cultural icon,” she said.

New book on history of Terrigal Bowling Club Local author and Terrigal Bowling Club member Frank Farrugia has completed his latest book, The History of Terrigal Bowling Club. Mr Farrugia has been documenting the history of sporting and community organisations for many years. His previous two books covered the histories of Camden Bowling Club and Erina Archery Club.

The new Terrigal Bowling Club history is an impressive 260-page A4 landscape book, featuring more than 300 colour photographs and over 53,000 words. It brings together the fascinating story of the club, its members and the many challenges and successes experienced throughout its history. The book includes a brief history of Terrigal, the history and development of lawn

bowls, the early beginnings of the club, some of the challenges it has faced over the years, and the many achievements that have helped shape the club into what it is today. he author has spent considerable time researching, collecting photographs and memorabilia, and speaking with members and past members to ensure that as much of the club’s history as possible has been preserved for future generations.

For anyone who has been associated with Terrigal Bowling Club, or who has an interest in the history of Terrigal and its sporting clubs, the book provides a wonderful opportunity to look back at the people, events and stories that have helped make the club what it is today. Copies of The History of Terrigal Bowling Club are available for purchase. To obtain a copy call 4384 1403.

Frank Farrugia with his latest book

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Gosford Art Prize celebrates its biggest year yet

Bogong Artist Alacoque Dash has the $25,000 major moths invade won award in the 2026 Gosford Art Prize, announced at a Coast packed opening night at

Large numbers of Bogong moths have been spotted across the Central Coast recently, with the migrating insects reportedly blown off course on their annual journey south to the Snowy Mountains. Large numbers of the moths have been reported around homes, gardens and bushland, particularly at night when they can be attracted to artificial lighting. Erina Heights Wildflower Nursery owner Natalie Sanderson is asking Coast residents to give the unexpected visitors a helping hand by switching off unnecessary outdoor lights. Bogong moths undertake a remarkable annual migration, travelling long distances to spend the warmer months in cool alpine areas. They are believed to use celestial cues, including the stars, to help navigate their journey, with bright artificial lights potentially distracting or disorienting them. See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

Gosford Regional Gallery on Friday, September 25. Ms Dash took out the acquisitive major prize for The Long Goodbye II, a deeply personal 2025 work exploring loss and her journey with her mother. Judges Dean Cross and Sally Dan-Cuthbert described the work as “small, sophisticated and deeply personal”, highlighting the deliberate nature of its making and the way each element drew on the artist’s experiences with her mother since childhood. As an acquisitive award, The Long Goodbye II will now become part of Central Coast Council’s permanent art collection. The 2026 competition attracted a record 1,518 entries from every Australian state and territory, from which 147 works were selected for the exhibition – making this the largest response in the long history of the prize. A further three major $10,000 awards were presented on Friday night.

Mayor Lawrie McKinna, winner Alacoque Dash and judge Sydney Gallery Director Sally Dan-Cuthburt

Esther Carlin received the Moving Image Art Award for The Ghost of Mr Bawky, a work examining the impact of profound grief across three generations. The First Nations Artist Prize went to Damien Shen for My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club. The judges praised the warmth and humour of the work, which adapted a narrative card trick and featured Shen performing before members of his own family. Belinda Piggott won the Gosford Ceramic Prize for Tides of Renewal, created between 2019 and 2026.

The ceramic work was placed in water after firing, allowing tube worms and bryozoans to build a natural surface on the object rather than using a conventional glaze. Judges said the process effectively made the sea a collaborator in the creation of the work. Two $1,000 Highly Commended awards were also presented. Harley Gleeson was recognised for Still Here, with the judges highlighting the work’s consideration of 65,000 years of continuing connection to Country.

The winning artwork by Alocoque Dash

Tara McIntosh received the second Highly Commended award for Someday (we will), a work the judges said rewarded sustained viewing and embodied solitude through its materials and surface. The awards are among the richest in the history of the Gosford Art Prize, with the 2026 prize pool totalling $57,500. A $500 Viewers’ Choice Award is still to be decided, with visitors invited to vote during the exhibition. The Gosford Art Prize began as a community initiative in 1970, when just 48 paintings were entered.

Sir Russell Drysdale, then a Central Coast resident, was the inaugural judge. After being staged at various venues around Gosford over the following decades, the prize found its permanent home at Gosford Regional Gallery when the gallery opened in 2000. This year marks the 27th presentation at the gallery. The Gosford Art Prize 2026 exhibition is now open at Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford, and runs until November 22. Entry is free, with the gallery open daily from 9.30am-4pm. ADVERTISEMENT

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PAGE 12 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

FORUM & ON THE BEAT We need more time to study Council agenda I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the increasingly compressed timeline between the publication of the Central Coast Council meeting agenda and the meeting itself. Where residents once had 10

FORUM To contribute to forum, see page 2 for details. Read more forum on our website (scan code): coastcommunitynews.com.au/forum days or more to review, analyse, and research proposed decisions, we are now given a mere four days. To make matters worse, additional late items are

SCAN ME

routinely added at the 11th hour. This constant shrinking of the notice period leaves virtually no time for community members or local groups to properly

scrutinise complex reports before decisions are finalised. A glaring example of this problem was on the recent agenda regarding land at Carnegie Rd, Avoca Beach. The agenda item was unclear, conflating this 8ha parcel with several distinct blocks at Wamberal Beach. A multi hectare clifftop property at Avoca Beach carries vastly different local impacts

www.coastcommunitynews.com.au | ccn@centralcoastnews.net

and considerations than beachside lots at Wamberal Beach yet residents were given hardly any time to digest what was actually being proposed. Our elected councillors should take the time to go back and review the promises they made to the community during election time particularly regarding open, accountable governance. When Council decisionmaking processes obscure

details and limit public consultation to a matter of days, democratic engagement and transparency suffer. Our community deserves adequate time to read, research, understand and respond to decisions that shape the future of our local environment and neighbourhoods. Email, Sep 23 Joy Cooper, Green Point

ON THE BEAT Commissioner’s award for Sgt Graham Thomas ON THE BEAT BRIEFS Caught in statewide police blitz

The crowd outside Wyong Police Station to farewell Sergeant Graham Thomas

Sergeant Graham Thomas concluded an incredible policing career on Friday, September 25, receiving a Commissioner’s Commendation for Service after almost five decades in the NSW Police Force. Colleagues, friends, and family gathered at Wyong Police Station to farewell the General Duties Sergeant for Tuggerah Lakes Police District, celebrating a career spanning 48 years to the day since he began his career. More than 30 years of his time with NSW Police was spent on the Central Coast.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Sergeant Thomas commenced his policing career as a cadet with Victoria Police in 1971, before he and his family moved to NSW. Unable to join the NSW Police Cadets due to his age, he then served in the Australian Army Reserve and later as a fireman with Fire and Rescue NSW. Joining the NSW Police Force in 1978, Sergeant Thomas began his career as a probationary constable at Gosford Police Station. Four years later in 1981 he was designated as a detective, working across stations in

Sergeant Graham Thomas receives the Commissioner’s Award

Hornsby, Sydney, Eastwood, Redfern, Wyong, Toukley and The Entrance. In 1989, he joined Crime Stoppers, contributing to the program through weekly TV broadcasts and progressing lines of enquiry through the service’s dedicated anonymous hotline. A year later, he spent 12 months working as a police radio operator at VKG. He was promoted to sergeant in 1995 as a general duties supervisor for The Entrance Police Station before completing a three-month

rotation as a duty operations inspector in 2002, further adding to his considerable breadth of policing experience. Until his retirement in 2026, Sergeant Thomas provided more than three decades of experience, leadership, and supervision to the Central Coast community. He completed his final march out at Wyong Police Station where he was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service for his lifetime commitment to the NSW Police Force.

Cache of guns, ammo and drugs found

A 32-year-old man apprehended by Brisbane Water Police was among more than 150 people charged with more than 360 alleged offences following a two-day blitz across NSW last week. Operation Foil, conducted from September 24-26, was a high-visibility policing strategy targeting violent offenders, knife crime, and the possession of weapons in public places across the state. The operation involved more than 500 officers from Police Area Commands and Districts, with support from specialist units, deployed across the state. Early on the afternoon of Thursday, September 24, police arrested the 32-year-old man allegedly wanted on outstanding warrants. During a search of the man, police allegedly located and seized cannabis, methylamphetamine, and a homemade knife. He was charged with having custody of an offensive implement in a public place and two counts of possession of a prohibited drug.

The outstanding warrants were also executed. During the statewide Operational Foil more than 150 people were charged with 360 alleged offences after 4,436 people were scanned for weapons. Police detected and seized 108 weapons, including 85 knives, four firearms and 19 other weapons. Officers made 160 drug detections and executed 35 outstanding warrants. Police also conducted 3,295 roadside breath tests and completed about 500 bail compliance checks throughout the operation. Operation Foil Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Michael Cantrell, said the high-visibility strategy had been conducted three times this year, and it demonstrated the strong commitment of police to combating weapon-related crimes. “Police will continue to arrest people who choose to carry prohibited weapons in public places and put them before the court to face the consequences,” he said.

Weapon and drug charges

Guns found during the search

A man has been charged after firearms, ammunition and drugs were seized during a search at a house in Niagara Park. Police with the Brisbane Water Proactive Crime Team went to a residence in Pierce St at about 1.45pm on Wednesday,

September 23, to execute a search warrant. During the search, police allegedly located 12 firearm magazines, 20 rounds of ammunition, two small duelling pistols, pepper spray and 46 cannabis plants. All items were seized for forensic examination.

Drugs found at Niagara Park residence

A 29-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Gosford Police Station, where he was charged with eight offences. Charges are: possess unregistered firearm-pistol (two counts); possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority;

acquire firearm part without authority; possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit; supply prohibited drug and cultivate prohibited plant (both amounts being more than small and less than equal to indictable quantity); and possess prohibited drug.

A 44-year-old man will face court on 42 charges after weapons and drugs were found when a search warrant was executed at a property in Loongana Cres, Blue Haven. The warrant was enacted as part of ongoing investigations into the supply of prohibited drugs across the Central Coast. The search was conducted on Thursday morning, September 24, by officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District, with assistance from Northern Region Operational Support Group, officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District and the Dog Unit. During the search of the

premises police allegedly located and seized a rifle, ammunition, two tasers, and approximately 7.62kg of cannabis, 1.28kg of MDMA, 598g of psylocibin, 380g of cocaine, 204g of ketamine and 165g of methamphetamine. A large amount of prescription medication was also allegedly located and seized. The 44-year-old man was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with 42 offences related to the supply and possession of prohibited drugs and possession of unregistered firearms, the use of firearms and possession of ammunition without a permit.

1 OCTOBER 2026

PAGE 13

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Dazzling space adventure at Laycock St

Award-winning contemporary circus company Circa is set to delight Central Coast families with Wolfgang in the Stars at the Laycock Street Community Theatre on October 6. The dazzling space adventure is packed with acrobatics, music and imagination. Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble, the production follows Mozart Amadeus Wolfgang, a young musical genius who blasts off into space with his faithful circus bear in search of the missing notes to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Along the way, the pair encounter roaring space

dinosaurs, mysterious galaxies and a galactic glitch that threatens to leave them stranded among the stars. Through their journey, Wolfgang discovers the power of friendship, courage and creativity. Combining gravity-defying acrobatics, live video projections, puppetry and music, Wolfgang in the Stars is a visually spectacular experience for audiences of all ages. Wolfgang in the Stars plays at Laycock Street Community Theatre at 11am on Tuesday, October 6. Book at laycockstreet theatre.com

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PAGE 14 - EDITION #555

THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

OUT&ABOUT

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Ceberano returns with Encore run of Australian Made Tour Following the sold-out success of her 2025 Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Tour and the chart impact of its live album, Ceberano returns in 2026 with a bold encore run – recharged, reimagined and moving firmly forward. The 2026 Kate Ceberano – Australian Made Encore Tour delivers a refreshed set list featuring new additions, expanded arrangements and deeper storytelling,showcasing an artist in full creative flight. The show will make its way to The Art House at Wyong on October 4. “Last year was an unexpected runaway success,” Ceberano said. “It ended up being the biggest rock move of my career. “Coming back to do it again, and push it further, felt irresistible.” Spanning 30 dates across

Kate Ceberano

the UK and Australia, launching in London on August 8 in her first UK performance in more than two decades and culminating at the Sydney Opera House, the tour celebrates Australian music through a modern lens,

blending iconic anthems with fresh reinterpretations and a fresh energy each night. Ceberano’s delivery of deeply personal stories from behindthe-scenes in the Australian music

industry

offer

concertgoers a deep dive into her 40-plus years on the road. Unceasingly candid and generous with unheard tales featuring some of Australia’s most lauded musical icons, the artist is a true troubadour. Her powers of storytelling are only matched by her indomitable musical talent as Ceberano goes from pianist to drummer to oracle and back again in the sweep of a single song. Joined again by multiinstrumentalist Kathleen Halloran along with blues-rock powerhouse Dusty Lee Stephensen, Ceberano delivers reworked classics from her own catalogue and fellow Australian legends. “It’s the same engine, but a different gear,” Ceberano said. “The set list’s been reworked, stretched and opened up. “More stories. More risk. More Australian classics, old

OUT&ABOUT BRIEF and new, and more room to live inside the songs.” On turning 60 in the final week of the 2026 tour Ceberano said she felt empowered and creatively fired up. “Being on stage, meeting audiences, feeling that connection, that’s what drives this tour forward,” she said. First launched as part of the legendary Australian Made Tour of 1986-87 alongside INXS, Jimmy Barnes and Divinyls, the concept now returns four decades later with a deeply personal edge, celebrating Australia’s musical legacy while continuing to evolve it. Across the Encore run, audiences can expect powerful performances, new musical moments, candid road stories and the unfiltered joy of live connection, proving that Ceberano’s creative momentum is stronger than ever.

Charity Vintage Fair at Point Clare Rare finds, retro gems and a good cause will come together at Point Clare on October 3-4, when the Rotary Club of Gosford hosts its Charity Vintage Fair. The event will run from 9am2pm on both Saturday and Sunday at the Scout Hall in Fagans Park, Point Clare. Visitors can browse a wide range of vintage, antique and rustic pieces, Australiana and hard-to-find collectables. A sausage sizzle will run throughout the weekend. All proceeds will go to charity and donations are welcome. Club President Geoff Vincent

said the fundraiser would be both a community get-together and a chance to support the club’s charitable work. “This is about bringing people together for a great weekend while raising money that can make a real difference in our community,” he said. “We’ve put together an event with something for everyone, from serious collectors and vintage enthusiasts to anyone who enjoys discovering something a little different. “Every purchase and every donation supports Rotary’s charitable work, so we encourage people to come along, have a browse, grab a

sausage and support a worthwhile cause.” Among the traders will be Mitchell Gordon, manager of Central Coast Antiques & Collectables, who said the fair would appeal to seasoned collectors and casual browsers alike. “There’ll be a great range of vintage pieces, Australiana and collectables, including items that are becoming increasingly difficult to find,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for collectors and the wider community to find something unusual and perhaps take home a piece of history.” Entry will be free and everyone is welcome.

Pick up a bargain at the Charity Vintage Fair

Celebrate Kenny Rogers at Avoca Graham G Toole will bring his Kenny Rogers and Friends show to Avoca Beach Theatre on October 3.

Graham G Toole sings Kenny Rogers (Photo: Shaquira Hobbs)

With more than 38 years of professional performance experience, the award-winning entertainer brings the songs, stories and memories of some of music’s greatest legends to the stage in a captivating celebration of this timeless music. Toole brings the warmth and unmistakable style of storytelling that made Kenny

Rogers one of the world’s most loved entertainers. Audiences will be treated to a wonderful collection of classics including The Gambler, Lady, Lucille, She Believes in Me, Coward of the County, Reuben James, Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town, Daytime Friends, You Can’t Make Old Friends and the unforgettable Islands in the Stream. A recipient of the prestigious Frank Ifield International Spur Award, Toole gained international recognition when he was selected to portray Kenny Rogers with the Las Vegas Legends in Concert.

Backed by an exceptional band of highly accomplished musicians, this show delivers a polished, authentic and thoroughly entertaining live performance. His remarkable interpretations of the great singers and songs of a golden era have delighted audiences across generations. “It’s a joy to perform music people know and love,” he said. The show will play at Avoca Beach Theatre at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 3. Book at www.avoca beachtheatre.com.au

Weekend fun at Pearl Beach Pearl Beach has plenty on the agenda over the coming long weekend, with a packed weekend of community events across Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4. These will include markets, art, food, music, gardens and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends and neighbours. Saturday is the big day, with the Pearl Beach Spring Fair bringing the village to life with stalls, activities, food and entertainment. As part of the Spring Fair, a free talk, The Gardens of Pearl Beach, will be held at 11.30am. There will also be a cake competition and cake stall, with local bakers encouraged to enter their favourite creation — or simply donate a cake. Cakes will be judged on Saturday morning before being sold to raise funds for the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall. Running alongside the Spring Fair will be the Pearl Beach Art Trail, from 10am to 4pm, giving visitors the chance to explore the work of local artists and discover some of the creative talent in the area. As the sun goes down, the Memorial Hall will be transformed into the Hofbräuhaus for Oktoberfest from 5pm-8pm, with German beer, sausages, pretzels, live music, traditional dancing and some good-natured competition. Sunday will start with a breakfast barbecue and fresh produce market from 8am11am, offering breakfast and the chance to stock up on fresh local produce, eggs, jams, chutneys, local honey and breads and pastries from Burnt Honey Bakery. The weekend will wind down on Sunday afternoon with Pink Pearlie Drinks from 5pm-7pm at the Memorial Hall and back deck. The event provides an opportunity for members, friends and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community to get together in a relaxed and welcoming setting, meet new people and catch up with friends. For more information go to www.pearlbeachprogress. org.au/key-events See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

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EDITION #555 - PAGE 15

Amazing acrobatics at The Art House

Internationally acclaimed circus acrobats Circa will return to The Art House on October 16 and 17 with a powerful new production, Wolf. From towering human pyramids to gravity defying flips, this is acrobatics at its most exhilarating. Audiences can expect to be on the edge of their seats while 10 extraordinary acrobats push their bodies to wild limits in a performance that is impossible to look away from. Clad in Libby McDonnell’s striking costumes and driven by DJ Ori Lichtik’s pulsing primal music, they climb, collide and balance and soar in a breathtaking display of precision and fearless physicality. Director Yaron Lifschitz draws upon the wolf as a symbol of our untameable selves. In two acts, the acrobatic wolves evolve from chaotic animals into a choreographed pack of raw energy. After 20 years of redefining the possibilities of circus, Circa continues to prove why it is considered the pinnacle of Australian contemporary acrobatics. The boundary-pushing company of acrobats has

OUT&ABOUT

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Amazing acrobatics will be on display

captivated audiences across six continents and earned international acclaim for their unmatched skill. Wolf broke box office records

during its seven-month debut at Berlin’s Chamäleon Theatre, making it the highest grossing season in the venue’s history. It will play at The Art House at

8pm on Friday, October 16, and 2pm on Saturday, October 17. Book tickets on the theatre’s website at www.theart housewyong.com.au

MATCHMAKER You have to put yourself out there We often talk about wanting to meet someone, but there’s a question I think we need to ask ourselves first: are we actually giving ourselves the opportunity to meet anyone? Loneliness is becoming an increasingly serious issue in our community, and while there are many reasons for it, I believe one of them is that our lives have become very comfortable behind closed doors. Home feels safe. Our routines feel safe. After work, children, responsibilities and everything else life throws at us, it can be easier to stay home than to make the effort to go somewhere. But the reality is, the person you’re hoping to meet is probably not going to knock on your front door. Putting yourself out there doesn’t mean downloading every dating app or spending every weekend at a bar. Sometimes it starts with simply saying yes. Say yes to drinks with the neighbours. Go to the work function you were thinking of skipping. Accept the invitation to your friend’s barbecue. Try a new activity. Join the group. Take the dog for a walk. And when you’re out in the world, look up, smile and say hello. These things may seem

Amy B

insignificant, but connection often begins in the most ordinary ways. And remember, the person you meet doesn’t necessarily have to be the person. They might have a brother, sister, colleague, neighbour or friend who is. Our networks grow when we participate in life. If you continually stay within the same routine, seeing the same people and going to the same places, you’re limiting the opportunities for something new to enter your life. You don’t need to completely change who you are. You just need to become a little more open to what might be outside your comfort zone. Sometimes finding connection begins with one very small word: yes. Amy B

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OUT&ABOUT

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Bold new take on storybook princesses Attic Productions will bring a bold, glittering and empowering new musical to the Central Coast this October. What happens when the princesses in the storybook start questioning their happily ever after? Attic Productions is turning the traditional fairytale on its head with Once Upon a One More Time, a high-energy musical comedy powered by the music of pop icon Britney Spears. Featuring more than 20 of Spears’ biggest hits, including Toxic, Circus, Oops!… I Did It Again, Stronger and Baby One More Time, the musical brings together familiar fairytale characters in a story that is anything but traditional. In a kingdom where Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Princess Pea, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and their fellow fairytale heroines gather

The cast of Once Upon a One More Time (Photo: James Beggs Imaging)

for their regular book club, life has always followed the same familiar script. Until one day, a rebellious Fairy Godmother introduces them to a book filled with new ideas — and suddenly, the stories they have always accepted begin to look very different. Cinderella starts asking questions. The other princesses begin finding their voices. Princes discover there may be more to life than rescuing damsels, and the entire storybook world starts to unravel as its characters wonder whether “happily ever after” should look the same for everyone. The show will play at The Art House Wyong from October 9-17. For session times and bookings go to www. thearthousewyong.com.au

Coast’s most colourful day makes fun return The Central Coast’s most colourful day out returns this October long weekend as Coastie Carnie Fair Day, the vibrant heart of Coastal Twist Festival, transforms Umina Beach into a spectacular celebration of community, creativity, arts, culture and Pride. Set against the stunning backdrop of Umina Beach, the free event attracts about 9,000 visitors each year and has become one of the Central Coast’s most loved community gatherings. Part community festival, part carnival and part celebration of diversity, Coastie Carnie Fair Day is packed with live entertainment, markets, food vendors, community stalls, family activities and enough glitter to be seen from space. “This is the beating heart of Coastal Twist,” Festival Creative Director Glitta Supernova said. “It’s a beautiful and joyful event that brings communities together, breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for

connection, learning and celebration. “Year after year people return because the event reflects the Central Coast itself, not only across sexuality and gender, but across cultures, ages, abilities, bodies and backgrounds. It is a true reflection of who we are as a region.” Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it – bring a picnic rug, chairs and sun protection, friends, family and even the dog, settle in under the Spring sunshine and enjoy a packed program of entertainment. With international street food, local market stalls, community organisations, a licensed bar and the beach just metres away, there’s something for everyone. The main stage will feature festival headliners including RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under winner Lazy Susan, Mx First Nations Australia Kitty Obsidian, Aboriginal contemporary dancer Gusta Mara, trans rock performer Samara Marzola, circus cabaret

Frock Huson will make return appearance at this year’s Coastie Carnie Fair Day Photo: Lisa Haymes Photography

performer Empress Stah, drag violin sensation King Fine China and cabaret favourite Frock Hudson. The festival will also shine a spotlight on some of the Central Coast’s finest creative talent, including internationally touring band Stellar Addiction, theatrical vocalist Axel StarViking, powerhouse singer Bek Jensen, community favourites Joy Choir, and a showcase of local drag artists.

The day begins with a Welcome to Country by Girri Girra, celebrating the rich Aboriginal heritage of the region. Families can then explore the dedicated Rainbow Family Area featuring circus play with Roundabout Circus, Aboriginal Storytime with Girri Girra, Wonder Mama Drag Storytime, Aboriginal dance workshops with Neville Boney, and a family disco hosted by Frock Hudson.

A returning crowd favourite is the Puparazzi Pooch Parade, where stylish pups and proud owners compete in a celebration of costumes, tricks, wagging tails and community spirit. Registrations are available online or on the day, with prizes up for grabs including first prize, a two-night stay at Gosford’s voco Hotel. “Let’s be honest, everyone

thinks their dog is a superstar,” Supernova said. “The Puparazzi Pooch Parade is one of the most joyful parts of Fair Day. “It’s guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs, outrageous fashion and unforgettable moments.” Now in its sixth year, Coastie Carnie Fair Day remains the most accessible and widely attended event of Coastal Twist Festival, creating a welcoming space where creativity, diversity and community take centre stage. With the beach on one side, live entertainment on the other and thousands of people coming together to celebrate connection and inclusion, organisers are promising a day filled with colour, fun and unforgettable moments. Coastie Carnie Fair Day takes place on Sunday, October 4, 10am to 5pm, at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Umina Beach. For more information visit coastaltwist.org.au

Magician Mario comes to The Art House The one and only Mario The Maker Magician will make his Central Coast debut at The Art House Wyong on October 6 and 7.

Mario The Maker Magician

With his wildly inventive blend of magic, robots, slapstick and science, Mario Marchese, AKA Mario The Maker Magician, is no ordinary kids’ entertainer. Mario has performed a sold-

out Off-Broadway season in New York, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, delighted Big Bird and Elmo on Sesame Street, dazzled thousands of children on Universal Kids, and toured live with legendary magician David Blaine. His acclaimed show has also sold-out seasons across the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, including the Sydney

Opera House and now it’s Wyong’s turn. More than just a magic show, Mario’s hour-long theatrical adventure encourages children to be curious, creative and inventive, with a positive message about doing what you love, using what you have and having fun along the way. With Mario’s daytime show almost sold out, parents and guardians are encouraged to

book the evening show to avoid missing out one of the Coast’s standout school holiday experiences. Mario the Maker Magician will be at The Art House at 6pm on Tuesday, Ovtober 6, and 11am on Wednesday, October 7. Tickets are on-sale now at www.thearthousewyong. com.au

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EDITION #555 - PAGE 17

OUT&ABOUT

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GOSFORD

20 26

STARSHIP CRUISES

SHP: Bracelet Beading: Lake Haven Library 10am

What’s What ’’ss On On What’s What On On

SHP = School Holiday Program

SUN 4 OCT JAZZ & DANCING: THE JIVE BOMBERS: PARKVIEW ROOM, CENTRAL COAST LEAGUES CLUB, GOSFORD 2-5PM Coastie Carnie Fair Day: Peninsula Recreation Precinct 10-5pm Free Link & Pin Record Fair: Link And Pin, Woy Woy 9am At The Hop: Gosford RSL Club 1pm Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks - 50 Years Of Hits: Avoca Beach Theatre 1.30pm CCR Old Kids Revival: Avoca Beach Hotel 1pm Phyte Club: Hardys Bay Club 2pm Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour 2026: The Art House Theatre 7pm

MON 5 OCT SNOOKER & BILLIARDS CLUB, CENTRAL COAST LEAGUES CLUB, GOSFORD 9:30AM [+ TUES & THURS] susanharvey51@hotmail.com State Library Drug And Alcohol Information Pop: Umina Beach Library 9am

SHP: Youth Day Out: Terrigal Beach Foreshore Reserve 10am

SHP: Tales at the Tea House: Gosford Regional Gallery 10:30am

SHP: Whale Talks: Tedd Rafferty Cycleway, Norah Head 9.30am SHP: Saltmarsh Bush Tucker and Ancient Medicines: 1 Wolseley Ave, Tacoma 10am

PHIL X PHIL THE BEST OF PHIL COLLINS: WYONG LEAGUES CLUB 7.30PM

SHP: Rainbow Serpent Stories with Barang: Erina Library 10.30am

Central Coast Skatepark Series - Skate and Paint: Bato Yard, Bateau Bay Skatepark 9am

SHP: Halloween Ghost Painting: Bateau Bay Library 10.30am

Link & Pin Beer Garden Oktoberfest 2026!: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 11am

TUE 6 OCT

SHP: Indi Robots: Summerland Point Community Hall 10:30am

Family Welcome Day: Multicultural Connect - English and Spanish Storytime: Erina Library 11:30am

WOLFGANG IN THE STARS: LAYCOCK STREET COMMUNITY THEATRE, WYOMING 11AM / 2PM

SHP: Composting And Worm Farming: Batuea Bay Community Hall 12pm

SHP: MakerSpace Colour Art for Teens: Gosford Regional Library 1:30pm

Meditation For Beginners: Gosford Regional Library 6.30pm

SHP: Springtime Cowboy Hats: Gosford Regional Library 1:30pm

SHP: Lino Carving for Teens: Tuggerah Library 10:30am

Author Event: Moments with Mike: Lake Haven Library 2pm

SHP: Dungeons and Dragons: Kariong Library 10:30pm/1:30pm

Weaving Workshop with Kathryn Moore: Toukley Art Container 2:30pm

HSC Study Session: Umina Beach Library 12pm

Mario The Maker Magician: The Art House Theatre 6pm [+ 7 Oct 11am]

THU 8 OCT

SHP: Bug B&B: Erina Library 10am

Creative Engineers: Emergent Sounds Songwriting Workshop At 351 Camp: 342 Mann Street, Gosford 9am

Junior Ranger: Bouddi Coastal Adventure Tour: Putty Beach 10am

SHP: Starr’s Planetarium Space Experience: Gosford Regional Library 9.30am

SHP: Nature Wellness Walk: 1897 South Tacoma Road, Tuggerah 10am

Wildwatch – Frog Spots: CEN Wildplant Native Nursery – Ourimbah 9.30am

SHP: Blingy Birds: Kincumber Library 10am SHP: Polymer Clay Sensory Stones: Tuggerah Library 10.30am

Family Welcome Day: Multicultural Connect: Erina Library 10am

SHP: Patty Pan Creations: Umina Beach Library 10:30am or 2:30pm

SHP: Halloween Meets Christmas Baubles: Bateau Bay Library 10:30am

SHP: Animal Facts and Drawing with Sami Bayly: Gosford Regional Library 10:30am Create Together Family Workshop: Toukley Art Container 11am

WED 7 OCT SHP: Wyong River Boat Litter Clean-Up: 1 Wolseley Ave, Tacoma 8.30am

Family Welcome Day: Multicultural Connect - English and Mandarin Storytime at Erina Library 10:30am Dear Adults: Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah * to 11 Oct Central Coast Skatepark Series - Skate And Paint: Bato Yard - Bateau Bay Skatepark 10am

SHP: Lego challenge: Erina Library 2:30pm

Once Upon A One More Time: The Art House Studio [* to 17 Oct]

Speed Dating with a Book: Gosford Regional Library 5pm

His Name Is The Nightrider: Link & Pin, Woy Woy 3pm

Sam Buckingham Beautiful Machine Tour: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6.30pm

Cabaret: Australian Burlesque Festival: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

Dingo - The Nightwire Album Launch Tour: Avoca Beach Theatre 7.30pm

Elaine Holden: Hardys Bay Club 6pm

FRI 9 OCT Erth’s Shark Dive: The Experience: Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming [+ 10 Oct * multiple sessions]

Bob Allen: Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi 6:30pm

Salsa Essentials!: Holiday Workshop: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

CLUB CENTRAL COAST

LEAGUES CLUB

Gosford

ALL LEVELS WELCOME

9:30AM

Email susanharvey51@hotmail.com for more info

HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT LISTED? Find out how, by visiting coastcommunitynews.com.au/whats-on While we strive for accuracy, please check with organisers for details. * Various times and/or dates. See the venue’s website for more details.

Orchard Street Blues Band: Hardys Bay Club 6pm Planet Groove: Mingara Club, Tumbi Umbi 6:30pm Darren Rolling Kings Duo: Ourimbah-Lisarow RSL Club 7pm Robertson Brothers – Everly Brothers & Roy Orbison: The Art House Theatre 7:30pm Elton John Experience: Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

Tim Johnson: Gosford RSL Club 8pm

Alma Zygier - Acoustic Trio: Avoca Beach Theatre 1pm

MUSIC • ECO-MARKET • WILDLIFE SHOWS • TALKS • KIDS' FUN

SUNDAY 11 OCT. 9 AM- 4 PM • WOY WOY SOUTH SCHOOL WOYTOPIA.ORG

2026 MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAYS

Live Music: Ruby Archer Worship The Flora: FunHaus Factory, Gosford 6pm

Gemma Glendenning / The Covers Syndicate: Gosford RSL Club 2pm / 8.30pm

SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL

JOIN US!

Film Club: Gosford Regional Library 12.30pm

Rick Price - Call On Me Tour: Avoca Beach Theatre 8pm

Create Together Family Workshop: Toukley Art Container 11am Sensory Workshop: Toukley Art Container2pm

SAT 10 OCT

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Meet like-minded people and support a sustainable Peninsula.

Music In The Arboretum - ‘50 Years Of 1976’: Pearl Beach Arboretum 2pm

SUN 11 OCT WOYTOPIA SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL: WOY WOY SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL 9-4PM FREE PIANO BAR: GROUND FLOOR PIANO BAR: CENTRAL COAST LEAGUES CLUB, GOSFORD 2-4PM

GIVE YOUR EVENT EVEN MORE EXPOSURE!

Advertise with us and your event will be bolded and capitalised. See our advertising opportunities by either calling 0493 641 652, scanning the QR code or visiting:

coastcommunitynews.com.au/whats-on

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THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2026

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

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ACROSS

49. Bumps into (acquaintance) 1. Skull 50. Unspoilt paradise 4. False courage 52. Come next 8. The ... of Capri 54. Shadow-box 11. Mutineer 55. Respond 13. Innocent 56. Nook 15. Perverse fate 57. Grain tips 17. Geological age 60. Computer symbol 18. Longing (to know) 62. Army chaplains 20. Border 65. Gangland executioner 21. Duped (3,2) (3,3) 24. Oral sense 67. Altogether (2,3) 27. Negative vote 69. Noisy confused fight 28. Lethal 70. Heart or lung 30. Levied 72. Before now 31. Athletic sprints 73. Licit 33. Expects 75. Large wading bird 34. Scandinavian 77. Football arbiter language 35. Word indicating action 79. Lead-in 81. Deer 36. Gifted 82. Put up with 39. Defeated people 84. Quotes 42. Alternate 85. Relieves 44. Single 86. Resound 45. Rubs with abrasive 46. Lay off (worker) 87. Most heated 48. Shy 88. Castrate

1. Inheritor 2. Smell 3. Wolf’s home 4. Haemorrhaged 5. Sports grounds 6. Waned 7. Individuals 8. Creeping plant 9. Paris river 10. Jittery 12. Local regulation 14. Thoughts 16. Firearm 19. Flu symptom, ... congestion 22. Pass (of time) 23. Water mammals 25. Bends to circumstances 26. Clans 29. Sensationalist (press) 32. Cantonese lunch, yum ... 35. Small trace 37. Bread maker 38. Natural abrasion

MISSING LINK MISSING LINK

40. More senior 41. Holy person 42. Stench 43. Sloped walkways 44. Tarnish (reputation) 47. Stopping 51. Pine tree leaf 52. Skin disease 53. Weirder 54. Religious lecture 58. Straighten 59. Health spring 61. Possessed 63. Apportion 64. Pick 65. Harass with questions 66. Districts 68. V-shaped cut 71. Emerge 72. Attendant 74. Deep wound 76. Help (criminal) 78. Family war 80. City, ... de Janeiro 83. Scrounge

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

See page 29 for previous edition’s solutions. The puzzle solutions for the last 4 editions can always be found online. Scan the QR code or visit coastcommunitynews.com.au/puzzle-solutions

SCAN ME!

Join Glenn to experience Southern Vietnam, Cambodia and the Temples of Angkor on our 2027 luxury small group journey (Maximum12 passengers)

U U I N S

S I T E E S R U S T T B S U T EM E S T I OO O OW B A SMA L E ON O E B E T S K P L U N L H R S © Lovatts Puzzles

SOUTHERN VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 27 September 2027 - 16 Nights Saigon - Can Tho - Mekong River - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap

In September 2027 we begin in Saigon to discover the back lanes and alleyways of this frenetic city. Travel South to Can Tho to explore the Mekong Delta. We then board our private Sampans and explore the Mekong River for two nights before visiting Chau Doc, staying in our resort that overlooks the Vietnam and Cambodia border from its high vantage point. We travel by speed boat further along the Mekong into Cambodia staying at Phnom Penh where we will explore the city and surrounding countryside. We then take a flight to Siem Reap spending four nights at Sala Lodges resort, giving us ample time to experience the temples of Angkor. Our journey then has us flying back to Saigon for a few more experiences before we head home. Throughout our journey we will be tasting delicious cuisine and experiencing both countries, where possible, away from mainstream tourism. . Join our small group journey in 2027 or ask Glenn to create your very own unforgettable jouney to Vietnam.

Telephone - 4363 1699

Missing Link Solution:

G U F V QU I N S S I T E S R I E S R J U S T X T A B S U T EMP E S T I MOO O OWN B A B Y SMA L E ON T O E B L EW U T S H K P L UC K DO Z E N L H R S

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New generation joins Bouddi Peninsula Arts tradition

From left: Sherry Mahoney, Lisa Sanasi, Leah Bennetts, Steve Anders, Debra Johnston

Some of the Central Coast’s most talented artists will open their studios over the October long weekend with the Bouddi Peninsula Arts Trail. The annual celebration of local creative talent winds its way through Killcare Heights, Killcare, Hardys Bay and Pretty Beach. Event co-ordinator and artist Susan Brooks said the much-

loved community event began in the 1980s, when local artists first opened their studios with visitors hiking, bicycling or driving between the various studios. “It’s the first time that we’ve sought out young aspiring artists to showcase their 21stcentury contemporary skills,” she said. This year 24 artists will be exhibiting across 19 open

studios, with doors opening from 9am on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4. Entry is free, and a trail map is available online with participating studios marked with red flags out front. The trail winds through suburbs surrounded by Bouddi National Park and offers a unique opportunity to see how artists draw inspiration from

There are no commercial galleries on the trail, but visitors are welcome to purchase works straight from the artists

the local environment and design their studios. “Visitors can ask questions of the artists to gain an understanding of what they are trying to achieve and how,” Brooks said. The beautiful Wagstaffe Hall is also a great stop on the trail, hosting the complementary Bouddi Art Show, a group exhibition featuring the works of several local artists.

Emma Parker is one of the artists this year.

Final Saturday night show by Rare Treats

Double demerits

are in force this October long weekend.

Fri 2 Oct – Mon 5 Oct Rare Treats

Rare Treats will make its final Saturday night appearance at Saratoga Hall on October 3. From November 1, the popular Saradise Social event will switch to the first Sunday of each month, with a new 2pm5pm time making the event more accessible. On October 3, Rare Treats will be joined by the talented Barb Northwood on keyboard. She has many years of performance experience behind her, playing with

drummer and former partner, Dave Rowe. The music will include songs by Leonard Cohen, Old Crow Medicine Show, Tom Waits, an Ash Grunwald version of a Hank Williams Snr song, Randy Newman, Truckstop Honeymoon, The Band, Supertramp, Muddy Waters, Rolling Stones, Leadbelly, Bob Marley, Travelling Wilburys, REM, Cab Calloway, Ritchie Blackmore and many more lesser known but still brilliant artists.

Many of the songs will be those performed by Blues Angels, but without Tom Flood who is still in Western Australia. The doors will open at 6pm and the live music will run from 7pm until 10pm at Saratoga Community Hall, 15 Kyeema Ave.

STOP IT…OR COP IT.

BYO everything, including alcohol. Tickets are available at the door or book ahead by calling 0418 649 477.

CAM089 Double demerits-190(h)x128mm(w)-CCN.indd 1

26/8/2026 10:50 am

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Top lineup at FunHaus After selling out her last Gosford performance, acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Sam Buckingham returns to Gosford’s FunHaus Factory on Thursday, October 8, with her powerful new album tour, Beautiful Machine. Known for her soaring vocals, deeply personal songwriting and magnetic stage presence, Buckingham has built a loyal following across Australia through six national headline tours and performances alongside artists including Paul Kelly, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Whitlams and Ben Lee. She has also appeared at major festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and Festival of Small Halls. Her latest album, Beautiful Machine, debuted at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart and marks a new chapter in her songwriting journey.

Sam Buckingham

“In a time when we’re obsessed with building bigger and better technology, all I can think about is how the natural world is so brilliantly designed. It’s the most beautiful machine we’ll ever have,” she said. The Beautiful Machine tour transforms these songs into an immersive live experience,

combining intimate acoustic performance with live vocal looping and sampled sounds from the album. The result is a show that is both deeply personal and sonically rich. The following night, Friday, October 9, will see the return of the Australian Burlesque Festival to the FunHaus.

Red Bone from the USA

The Big Tease Soirée is a dazzling showcase featuring celebrated performers from across Australia, New Zealand and the United States as part of the Australian Burlesque Festival’s national tour. Now celebrating 17 years as Australia’s premier touring burlesque festival, the

Australian Burlesque Festival has established itself as one of the world’s leading burlesque events, presenting thousands of artists and audiences with spectacular productions that champion artistry, empowerment and creative expression. Audiences can expect an

evening overflowing with glittering costumes, breathtaking stagecraft, cheeky humour, vintage glamour and contemporary burlesque artistry from some of the industry’s most acclaimed performers. Leading the lineup will be international headliners Red Bone (USA) and Bonita Danger Doll (New Zealand) alongside Australian burlesque stars Tash York (Melbourne), Dolores Daiquiri (Melbourne), Carter C’Artier (Perth), Lexxxy Loosa (Sydney) and a host of festival favourites from across the country. The show blends classic striptease traditions with contemporary cabaret, storytelling, comedy and theatrical spectacle, creating an experience designed to delight dedicated burlesque fans and newcomers alike. Tickets for both shows are available at funhausfactory. org.au

Stunning exhibition at Marine Centre A new exhibition celebrating the extraordinary marine environment on our doorstep is on show at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal. The marine environment of the Central Coast is celebrated through the eyes of six local artists in the Marine Photography and Art Exhibition Coastal Encounters. Running until October 11, the free exhibition brings together the work of six local photographers and artists with a shared passion for the Central Coast and its marine environment. From rugged coastlines, seascapes and rocky reefs to sponge gardens, marine creatures and fleeting moments of behaviour, Coastal Encounters reveals the diversity and beauty of the marine world that surrounds us. The exhibition features the work of Izabela Sajdok, Matt Dowse, Dr William Gladstone,

Julie Jones with some of her artwork

Margot Hislop, Lee Emery and Julie Jones, each offering a unique perspective on the places,species and experiences

that connect the Central Coast community with the ocean. “From sponge gardens and rocky reefs to iconic species and fleeting moments of

behaviour, these images reveal the extraordinary world that exists within our coastal and marine environment,” a spokesperson said.

“Created by local photographers and artists with a deep connection to the ocean, this exhibition celebrates the creatures, seascapes and ecosystems that make the Central Coast one of Australia’s hidden marine treasures, while inspiring appreciation and stewardship of our blue backyard.” Coastal Encounters aims to encourage visitors to look at the Central Coast’s marine environment in a different way — not simply as the beaches and ocean we see from the shore, but as a complex and interconnected ecosystem extending from the coastline and intertidal zone through to rocky reefs, deeper waters and the diverse species that inhabit them. The exhibition also highlights the important connection between art, science, community and conservation, using photography and art to encourage curiosity,

appreciation and a greater understanding of the marine environment we all share. Exhibiting artist Julie Jones, a local aspiring nature photographer and ocean advocate, said we were incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse marine environment right on our doorstep. “From our beaches, rocky shores and seascapes to the extraordinary creatures and habitats beneath the surface, there is so much to discover,” she said. “Through our images, we hope people will see the Central Coast from a different perspective, develop a deeper appreciation for what we have here, and be inspired to help protect it.” Coastal Encounters — Marine Photography and Art Exhibition is open from noon-3.30pm daily at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal.

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Business & Property

Region’s best businesses on show at awards night From left: Executive Dean of Central Coast Campus, University of Newcastle, Professor Michael Bowyer; TrendPac CEO Wayne Dicks and Scott Goold

Berkeley Vale-based manufacturer TrendPac was the big winner at the 2026 Central Coast Business Awards, announced on Friday, September 25. The company was crowned 2026 Business of the Year after also taking out the Employer of Choice (21 Employees and Over) and Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing categories. From pearl farming and modular homes to innovative technology and local manufacturing, the diversity of the Central Coast business community was on show. The Doylo Lifestyle Group took out the Excellence in Large Business category, while Strive Modular was named Outstanding New Business. Scape Properties was another multi-award winner, taking out Excellence in Small Business and Excellence in Sustainability.

The Central Coast’s visitor economy was also well represented, with Broken Bay Pearl Farm named the winner of Outstanding Visitor Experience and Gosford Strip Precinct Inc recognised with the Outstanding Visitor and 24Hour Economy Collaboration award. CoastFM 963 won the Diversity and Inclusion category with special mention of their ROAR disability radio show. Somersby-based manufacturer Chamberlain Australia took out Excellence in International Business, while innovative aged care app, Rel8. app, was recognised for Excellence in Innovation. Business NSW Central Coast Regional Director Scott Goold said every successful business created something bigger than its own balance sheet. “It creates jobs, opens doors for people and helps other businesses succeed,” he said. “The businesses recognised

The night’s big winners

come from very different industries, but they all make the Central Coast a better place to live, work and do business. “These awards showcase the breadth and strength of the Central Coast business community.

“From emerging businesses finding new ways to grow, to established organisations creating jobs, investing in their people and contributing to a stronger regional economy, this year’s recipients demonstrate the important role

local businesses play in shaping the future of our region.” Mr Goold said ranging from manufacturers and tourism operators to emerging businesses and innovative technology, this year’s winners

showcase the depth, ambition and diversity of the local business community. The winners will now represent the Central Coast at the 2026 State Business Awards on October 30 in Sydney.

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DA assessment times continue to improve As he steps down from the role on September 22, Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna has announced that Council’s focus on improving development assessment services is already delivering significant results, with average Development Application (DA) assessment times falling by more than 40 days in just two months and further improvements expected. “Earlier this year I committed to supporting growth, jobs and investment across the Central Coast,” Cr McKinna said. “I’m pleased to see that the changes we’ve made in improving Council services and processes is delivering real results for our community.” Despite receiving an increase of 7% in Development Applications over the past 12 months, Council has

Outgoing Mayor Lawrie McKinna

significantly reduced its backlog and is continuing to improve assessment times. The improvements have been achieved through streamlined assessment processes, the recruitment of additional skilled officers and the introduction of Council’s new Accelerated Development Application (ADA) program for eligible proposals.

The proposed seniors living development at Mingara Recreation Club

“Eligible low risk DAs for dwellings, dual occupancy and small-scale residential development, commercial and industrial are now being processed through the new ADA program and are being determined in as little as 15 days,” Cr McKinna said. “The average time taken to assess DAs has reduced from

136 days in June 2026 to 94 days in August 2026. “This is a significant improvement and demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing better services for residents, businesses and industry.” Cr McKinna said the improvements were informed by feedback from industry professionals and stakeholders.

“We’ve listened carefully to industry professionals to identify ways to improve the process and their feedback has helped shaped the changes we are making,” he said. Cr McKinna said improving DA assessment times was also important for supporting housing supply, local jobs, and economic growth.

“Construction and home building is a key driver of the Central Coast economy, supporting more than 12,000 local jobs and helping meet the needs of our growing community,” he said. “Faster DA assessment times give residents, businesses and developers greater confidence to invest and build on the Central Coast. “While maintaining the planning standards our community expects, we are focused on assessing applications as efficiently as possible so new houses, businesses and community infrastructure can be delivered sooner, at a time when the Central Coast needs it most.” Council will continue to monitor the performance of the ADA program and other improvement initiatives as it works to deliver a faster and more responsive development assessment service.

More national recognition for Oldfield Cellars Independent bottle shop Oldfield Cellars at West Gosford has been announced as a national finalist for the highly coveted Best Beer Retailer title at the 2026 Beer & Brewer Awards. The nomination cements the single-site shop’s position as one of Australia’s premier craft beverage destinations, proving that regional independent operators can successfully challenge high-budget metropolitan retailers on a national stage. Coming off an historic win as the Best Retail Store (Bottle Shop) in Australia at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), this consecutive

nod from Beer & Brewer highlights Oldfield Cellars’ unwavering commitment to craft community advocacy, expert staff curation, and sourcing ultra-rare local and international independent labels. “Being recognised at this elite national tier again is a massive testament to our local Central Coast community,” owner Garth Oldfield said. “We don’t have corporate supply lines or massive marketing budgets. “What we do have is a deep passion for indie brewers, a hyper-curated shelf you won’t find anywhere else, and an amazing base of loyal Coast regulars who treat beer as an

Oldfield Cellars at West Gosford

artisanal experience rather than a commercial commodity.” As mainstream liquor retail shifts increasingly toward homogenised corporate

storefronts, Oldfield Cellars continues to innovate by acting as a cultural incubator for boutique beverage trends – fostering direct partnerships

with tiny-batch independent breweries and running educational flavour profile workshops. The winners of the 2026 Beer

& Brewer Awards will be announced later this year. To celebrate the finalist nod with the community, Oldfield Cellars will launch a dedicated Finalist Showcase series at the West Gosford storefront, featuring ultra-limited edition vault releases and local independent brewery takeovers. Established in 2015, Oldfield Cellars is a fiercely independent single-site bottle shop. Renowned for its industryleading selection of craft beers, artisanal spirits, and minimalintervention wines, the storefront acts as a premier regional destination for beverage enthusiasts across NSW.

Club’s new pathway improves accessibility Wyong Golf Club has celebrated the opening of a new concrete pathway allowing safer, easier access for parachair users to golf practice facilities. The pathwork provides improved level surfaces to support inclusive play, reduces turf damage and enhances safety, while promoting yearround use for parachair players. The project was boosted with a $5,700 grant through the NSW Government Local Sport Grant program for sporting groups in the Wyong electorate to apply for new equipment, upgrade facilities and deliver programs. “Sport plays a vital role in bringing the Wyong community

Parachair users can now access training facilities more easily

together and this project is doing just that by pinpointing another location in the area, now for parachair users to play the sport they love,” Minister

for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said. Wyong Golf Club General Manager Craig Jackes said the club was committed to making golf accessible to everyone.

The new pathway

“These new pathways are another important step in that journey,” he said. “They provide safer, easier access to our practice facilities for parachair users, allowing

more people to enjoy the game in a welcoming and inclusive environment. “The support from the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program has helped us

improve our facilities in a practical way that will benefit members and visitors for years to come. “We’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to life.” Wyong Golf Club previously introduced its all-terrain, motorised wheelchair called the paragolfer, which enables a person with stability issues including a spinal/lower limb disability to be upright, secure and supported and swing a golf club in a conventional way. Come and try sessions take place on the first Thursday of every month from 2pm-3pm. Call the Pro Shop on 4352 1361 or email proshop@ wyonggolfclub.com.au

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Housing hindered by lack of tradies The ability for regional NSW to build more homes will increasingly depend on winning the battle for skilled tradies, with housing competing against infrastructure, energy and emerging industries for an already stretched workforce, according to a new report from the Housing Industry Association (HIA). The report, Australia’s Future is Built by Tradies, warns that Australia’s residential building industry is already about 83,000 skilled workers short. HIA Executive Director Hunter Craig Jennion said the national shortage was being felt particularly strongly in Australia’s largest regional economy as the Hunter/Central Coast underwent structural transitions. “Regional NSW needs more homes, but ultimately we need

the people to build them,” Mr Jennion said. “Residential builders are increasingly competing for skilled workers with major infrastructure projects, renewable energy projects and data centres. “Everyone wants the electrician, the carpenter and other skilled tradespeople, but we are all drawing from the same limited workforce. “For housing, that matters. “When builders can’t find the workers they need, homes take longer to build, costs rise and getting more keys into the hands of homebuyers becomes harder.” Recent building approval data saw housing approvals across the Hunter and Central Coast strengthening, with 6,714 dwelling approvals recorded across the two regions, an increase of 5% in the past financial year.

Housing approvals across the Central Coast are strengthening but it places pressure on the availability of trades

“This is fantastic news,” Mr Jennion said. “However, we know that an increase in the number of dwellings under construction places additional pressure on the availability of trades. “To overcome this, we need to expand the support programs available to trade businesses because these businesses are critical to training Australia’s future workforce.

“We also need to change the way we talk to young Australians about careers. “University will remain the right choice for many, but an apprenticeship should not be treated as the second choice. “Tradies can earn while they learn, develop skills that will remain in demand and have a genuine pathway to running their own business.

“And in an economy being reshaped by AI, those practical skills are only becoming more valuable. “Technology can help design a home, prepare an estimate or manage a project. It still cannot turn up on site and build the house. “The Hunter and Central Coast have ambitious plans for housing, infrastructure and economic growth. Those plans

all depend on people with the skills to deliver them. “If we want to build more, we need to train more. “The future of the Hunter and Central Coast is built by tradies.” The HIA report calls for governments to elevate trade careers, improve apprenticeship attraction and completion, better support the small businesses that employ apprentices, strengthen school-to-trade pathways and expand workforce capacity. It also calls for greater regional training opportunities, strategic skilled migration where shortages cannot be filled locally and improved recognition of overseas trade qualifications. Mr Jennion said NSW had an opportunity to make skilled trades a much bigger part of its workforce strategy.

Council fights $20M annual funding shortfall Central Coast Council will work on options to cope with a possible annual $20M funding shortfall but it will also fight to keep the money. The NSW Grants Commission is proposing a changed methodology to distribute the Federal Government’s Assistance Grants (FAG) in NSW. Council says the proposed change, which would reduce the Coast’s share by 60% or $20M, over-simplifies the assessment of expenditure need and revenue capacity of councils. “A reduction of this magnitude would require consideration of service level reductions, increased fees and charges, potential rating increases and changes to asset and workforce planning,” Council staff said in a report to councillors. It said such responses could not reasonably be implemented within a single financial year. “A financial impact of this magnitude would require

careful consideration through Council’s long-term financial planning, resourcing strategy and service planning processes to ensure any response is sustainable and appropriately informed by community consultation,” the report said. Council has recommended that implementation be deferred until detailed modelling, assumptions, indicators and council-level calculations are released and until councils have had an opportunity to validate data inputs. A key concern raised was the limited recognition of structural cost drivers that influence Council expenditure requirements. “Factors such as infrastructure complexity, multiple town centres, coastal and environmental management responsibilities, visitor demand, natural hazard exposure and housing growth pressures should be incorporated into the methodology to better reflect

actual service delivery costs,” Council said. “The proposed assessment of revenue-raising capacity may overstate the practical ability of councils to generate additional income.” Constraints such as ratepegging and any associated Special Variation requirements, community affordability and existing financial sustainability pressures were highlighted. Council says any assessment of revenue capacity should better reflect these practical limitations. Councillors adopted the staff submission at the September 22 meeting and added some additional points from Cr John Mouland. These were that the mayor meet with local State Members of Parliament and senior Council staff to develop options to address the potential $20M annual reduction and to report back to Council outlining their feasibility, timing, risk and service impacts. The options could include

identifying any services proposed for reduction and the associated community impacts; or a combination of $10M per annum in savings against current and projected operational expenditure and $10M per annum in additional revenue from sources other than rates, fees and charges. Cr Mouland congratulated staff on preparing a strong constructive report, saying it clearly explained the dire implications for the Central Coast. He said a fair methodology must recognise the actual costs and responsibilities councils face. “Here on the Central Coast, those include complex infrastructure, coastal management, natural hazard exposure, visitor demand and the pressures of a growing population,” he said. Cr Corinne Lamont brought up the topic of demerging. “Even our own submission points out that the Central Coast isn’t one uniform service

area, we have 16 different social planning districts across eight broader planning areas, with very different needs and infrastructure pressures,” she said. “That’s another reason the question of demerger should remain a legitimate discussion for the Central Coast. “Hopefully there are people in the community that will mobilise on this.” She also highlighted the shortfall in the current budget was brought about because 80% of this year’s grant was unexpectedly paid last financial year and has nothing to do with the new methodology. “But tonight we need to figure out three things,” Cr Lamont said. “What is the contingency plan for the potential $9.4M to $23.4M deficit this year “If asset maintenance is going to be reduced, how much are we talking about and what will that do to our existing maintenance backlog?

“What happens if this proposed $20M annual reduction does happen, what is Council’s plan to deal with that structural shortfall from 2027– 28 without maybe relying on another rate increase? “Because whatever the Grants Commission decides, we still have to make sure this Council is financially sustainable,” she said. Cr Kyle MacGregor said Council had for many years relied on early payment of these grants to prop up and make its financial position appear better than what it actually was. “Council needs to prepare to live within its means and should be even more careful with how it spends ratepayers and the public’s money given the state of the global economy, funding constraints and a longterm financial plan that leaves the organisation in structural deficit in the long-term forecasts,” he said. Merilyn Vale

Seawall proposal for Pearl Beach property Owners of a private property at 4 Coral Cres, Pearl Beach, are seeking approval from Central Coast Council to construct a seawall for protection from coastal inundation, erosion and flooding. Council approved plans in September 2025 to demolish the existing two-storey residence and build a new home with a rear deck and

steps on the beach side. Along with the new home, the owners now want permission to build a low-rise terraced seawall fully within the private property boundaries. The development application (DA/1516/2026) says that the seawall design would minimise impacts, including visual, to Pearl Beach and would only be partially visible from the beach. Its low-rise, terraced

appearance would be disguised with landscaping and coloured to match the beach sand. The 15.44m seawall would impact existing vegetated dune areas and curve around the southern boundary to blend with the wall built by Council along the drain from the lagoon. The upper seawall, one metre higher than, and three metres behind the lower wall, means the view from the beach would

be largely screened by lower wall landscaping with potential for ground covers to grow over the walls, like what occurs naturally. The DA is accompanied by several technical assessments and plans, including a coastal engineering assessment, geotechnical investigation, landscape plans, structural plans, and stormwater and sediment and erosion control plans.

Existing house and vegetated interface with Pearl Beach

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Down in the Garden Spring Tool Maintenance Spring sends us racing into the garden. The lawn suddenly needs mowing, hedges begin shooting, weeds appear overnight and there are beds to dig, seedlings to plant and shrubs to prune. Before charging outside, it’s worth spending an hour checking the tools needed for the work. Garden tools are easy to neglect because they’re often put away dirty. Soil dries onto spades, sap builds up on secateurs and moisture encourages rust. Wooden handles loosen, blades become blunt and power tool batteries may have sat unused for months. A spring maintenance session can make jobs easier, protect plants from ragged cuts and help tools last much longer. Start by laying everything out where you can see it. Gather secateurs, loppers, shears, pruning saws, trowels, forks, spades, hoes and rakes, then look for missing nuts, loose screws, cracked handles, bent tines and damaged blades. If a tool feels unsafe, set it aside

for professional repair or replacement. Sentiment is lovely in the garden, but it shouldn’t keep a dangerous tool in service. Clean hand tools with warm, soapy water and a stiff brush, removing soil, sap and plant material. Dry them thoroughly because putting damp metal away invites rust. Fine surface rust can be rubbed away with steel wool or an abrasive pad. Once clean and dry, apply a light coating of vegetable oil or an appropriate tool oil to exposed metal and moving parts. Cutting tools deserve special attention. Blunt secateurs and loppers crush stems instead of making clean cuts, leaving damaged plant tissue that heals slowly. Use a sharpening stone or file suited to the tool, following the original angle of the cutting edge and sharpening only the bevelled side unless the manufacturer advises otherwise. If you’re unsure, take the tool to a garden centre, hardware store or professional sharpening

service. Sharpening can revive your favourite secateurs. Plant residue can also move disease from one plant to another. Clean pruning blades between plants when disease is suspected, using a suitable disinfectant according to its directions. Don’t mix cleaning chemicals, and allow blades to dry before applying oil. Spades, hoes, forks and trowels need attention too. Remove caked soil, check that heads are firmly attached and lightly sharpen working edges where appropriate. A sharper spade enters the ground more easily, while a maintained hoe cuts weeds instead of dragging across them. Smooth rough

by CHERALYN DARCEY

wooden handles with fine sandpaper and treat them with an appropriate timber oil. Replace handles that are split, badly cracked or loose. Spring is also the time to inspect hoses, watering wands and fittings. Look for leaks, brittle sections and damaged connectors, then clean blocked nozzles and drippers. A small leak may not seem serious, but during a long watering session it can waste water and leave plants at the end of the line thirsty. Check that hose reels turn freely and place hoses where they won’t become trip hazards. Lawn mowers, line trimmers,

Book Review by Julie Chessman

Books adapted into movies 2026 I am the Grinch when it comes to being appreciative about most book to movie adaptations. As my mother used to say: “be Bambi, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”. Yet here I find myself wanting to share with you some book to movie adaptations that have been good and more than worthy. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir This bestseller was successfully released at the movies. Andy Weir is a phenomenon and in the minority of authors who can genuinely write good comedy. Do not be confused though – the genre is sci-fi. Ryland Grace wakes up as the sole survivor on a ship in deep space, with no memory of how he got there. He struggles to adapt to his

circumstances, and his memories slowly return. He is a disgraced molecular biologist whose downfall came after a controversial paper challenging the fundamentals of the modern concept of life. The character development is incredible. His and Hers by Alice Feeney This propulsive, twisty thriller has been released on Netflix with a great cast, and it sustains the momentum as a series.

After a woman is murdered in a small British village, reporter Anna and detective Jack are hesitant to cover the case, as they are not only suspicious of each other, but they also then become suspects in the investigation. It is hard to know who is telling the truth. The breathtaking finale is sure to blindside readers as this is a masterpiece of misdirection. I would give it a 7.5/10. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Emily Henry is a modern beach read author and New York Times bestseller, and I do not actually mind her writing. People We Meet on Vacation is a heartfelt romantic comedy about two best friends, Alex and Poppy, whose annual Summer trips together come to a halt after an awkward falling-out until one last vacation offers a chance to mend their relationship and explore lingering feelings.

Cheralyn hosts The Nightline, weeknights, on 2HD Newcastle across Australia on the Super Radio Network (SRN). Listen on your local SRN station or stream at 2SM.com.au

Yes, you have heard and probably watched this storyline before, but it is quite wholesome for a rainy-day laze. I would give it a 7/10. Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert This is not my favourite genre, not my favourite author and not my favourite actors but we all know art is subjective, and the Dune series has a massive following. Originally written in 1969, the story of Paul Atreides

www.cheralyndarcey.com

hedge trimmers, blowers and other powered equipment require a cautious approach. Before cleaning, inspecting or clearing a blockage, disconnect the equipment from its power source. Unplug electric tools, remove batteries where the design allows, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for petrol equipment. Never work near a blade or moving part while a machine could accidentally start. Check electrical leads, plugs, guards, switches and battery casings for damage. Don’t use equipment with frayed cords, cracked housings, missing guards or unreliable controls. Clean air vents and external surfaces without allowing water into electrical components. Petrol mowers may need fresh fuel, an oil check, a clean air filter, a new spark plug or professional servicing, depending on the model and its maintenance schedule. Mower blades should be inspected and sharpened or replaced when worn, but use a qualified

technician if you’re not confident. While you’re in the shed, review storage. Hang longhandled tools off the floor. Keep sharp edges covered or positioned away from hands, store powered equipment securely and place chemicals in their original containers beyond the reach of children and pets. Sweep the floor and clear clutter from walkways. Finally, assemble a small maintenance kit containing a brush, cloths, sharpening stone, suitable oil, sandpaper and the spanners needed for your tools. Keeping these items together makes quick care more likely after each gardening session. Your spring garden will ask plenty of you over the coming months. Clean, sharp and dependable tools will make the work safer, quicker and more enjoyable, leaving more time for the best part of gardening: watching everything grow and flourish beautifully. Cheralyn Darcey

See the full book review online and lots more book reviews on our website. Scan the QR code or visit: coastcommunitynews.com.au/book-reviews

weaves all previous novels together and over five years later it continues to be an iconic and engrossing work of science fiction. This releases in December. I saw a preview and would give it 6/10. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt This adaptation is artistically and thoughtfully done. Prior to its release, it was hard to imagine how Marcella would be portrayed; I hoped it would not be too Pixar. Tova is still processing the grief of her son’s baffling disappearance on a boat 30 years ago; this is compounded by the recent death of her husband. She occupies her time by working on the night shift as a cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. A grumpy octopus named Marcellus has his own stories to tell about his years at the

aquarium, but Tova is the first human he has felt a connection with. He decides to help investigate Tova’s son’s disappearance and both woman and octopus might find what they’ve been missing. This is charming, warmhearted and unique; it really is chicken soup for the soul. The adaptation stars the wonderful Sally Field. I would give this 9/10. Julie Chessman

1 OCTOBER 2026

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Health & Education More nurses for Central Coast hospitals

Gosford Hospital and Wyong Hospital is also set to get more nurses as part of the government’s recruitment drive

Central Coast hospitals are set to get more nurses with the State Government beginning a recruitment drive in coming weeks. Gosford Hospital is set to get an additional 27 full-time nurses while Wyong Hospital will get 18 more full-time nurses. The move comes as the State Government expands its Safe Staffing Levels reform to more than 360 general and specialty wards across the state. The rollout is in addition to the more than 6,700 nurses and midwives recruited over the last three years to rebuild the health system. The expansion means more nurses on hospital wards, better support for the existing workforce and safer, higherquality care for patients.

A minimum of one nurse to four patients will apply during morning and afternoon shifts across the participating wards. Safe Staffing Levels are already being rolled out at 81 emergency departments across NSW, with 990 nurses already recruited. Emergency Department Safe Staffing Levels have already been implemented at Gosford Hospital with 20 full-timeequivalent (FTE) additional nurses recruited and being implemented at Wyong Hospital with 28 FTE additional nurses being recruited. The State Government has made significant investments in the nursing workforce including rolling out Safe Staffing Levels in identified key areas across NSW public hospitals with a commitment of

2,480 FTE staff; abolishing the wages cap; delivering the largest pay increase for nurses in more than two decades and the largest pay rise ever for the lowest paid nurses in NSW; recruitment of more health workers including more than 6,700 nurse and midwives, 930 ambulance staff, 1,500 doctors and 1,800 allied health workers over the past three years; supporting future health workforce with study subsidies and helping attract and retain the essential workers NSW needs. “Safe staffing ratios is one of the biggest staffing reforms in generations and reinforces our commitment to backing our health workforce on the Central Coast and right across NSW,” Health Minister Ryan Park said. “Guaranteeing the number of

nurses on every shift is crucial to giving our nurses and midwives the support they need to provide world-class care to patients and relieve pressure on our hospitals. “This work reflects the ongoing partnership with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association to deliver the safe staffing ratios nurses and midwives have campaigned to achieve for over a decade. “By backing our staff and ensuring they have the support they need, we’re in turn building a stronger health system for everyone.” Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said the influx of new nurses for Central Coast’s hospitals was good news for the growing region and another testament to the Government’s

commitment to providing world-class healthcare. “This new cohort of nurses will go a long way to ensuring Central Coast patients continue to receive the care they need and our frontline staff are supported as our population expands,” Mr Harris said. “This critical boost builds on the successful recruitment of key healthcare staff across the Coast in the past couple of years and the recent $200M redevelopment of Wyong Hospital.” Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said nurses worked tirelessly to provide world class care to patients in their greatest time of need. “Safe staffing ratios is about backing in our nurses, ensuring that they have the resources they need to do what they do

best, caring for our community,” Ms Tesch said. “Since we had the honour to form government, the Minns Labor Government has done the hard work of rebuilding a healthcare system that had been neglected for over a decade by the former Liberal National Government.” Member for The Entrance David Mehan said public hospitals would not be able to deliver the service people expected and deserved without nurses. “I am pleased to see extra nurses being delivered as part of Labor’s commitment to safe staffing levels in our public hospitals,” he said. “Extra nurses and beds are a priority of this Labor government.”

Translating cancer research into action A University of Newcastle professor has shared in an $11M investment from the NSW Government to translate innovative cancer research into improved cancer prevention, detection and treatment in regional and rural communities across NSW. The Government announced the investment as it marked World Cancer Research Day, with Professor Nikola Bowden receiving $5M to support the Regional Cancer Research Network NSW to expand partnerships across regional NSW and deliver regional research fellowships, PhD

scholarships and training and education opportunities. The Translational Cancer Research Capacity Building Grants supercharged investment across four programs. “The grant will foster the next generation of cancer researchers in regional NSW through a large collaborative network – led by the University of Newcastle; Cancer Voices NSW; University of Wollongong; Local Health Districts of Central Coast, Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Western NSW, Northern NSW – and support the delivery of cancer research fellowships and PhD

scholarships, co-funding grant schemes, travel awards and education opportunities,” Prof Bowden said. “The Regional Cancer Research Network will scale up regional cancer research over the next five years to address regional specific research questions and ultimately achieve the goal of equitable outcomes for people with cancer in regional NSW.” Minister for Medical Research and Minister for the Central Coast, Member for Wyong, David Harris said building research capacity was one of the most important investments

made in the future of cancer care. “I am pleased to announce the particular focus of this significant investment in our regions and rural communities,” he said. “These grants will bring together researchers with diverse expertise accelerating the translation of research into better prevention, diagnosis and treatment and ensure people get access to the best cancer trials, treatment and care and give cancer researchers opportunities no matter where in our state they live.”

Professor Nikola Bowden

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

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Improvements for schools in Dobell Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said she has delivered on her election commitment to support public school upgrades across the electorate, with nine local schools having benefitted from more than $620,000 in improvements. These include new shade sails, new laptops, sandpits, outdoor learning spaces, technology enhancements, and a new pickleball court. The targeted investments are helping create safer, healthier and more engaging learning environments for students across the Coast, Ms McBride said. She said the NSW and Federal Labor governments had delivered the largest investment in NSW public schools in Australia’s history through the

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride

Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. The agreement will provide an estimated $4.8B in additional Commonwealth funding for NSW public schools over the next decade, including schools on the Central Coast. This funding will support evidence-based reforms to help make sure every child has access to a high-quality

The new pickleball courts at Hopetown School

education, regardless of where they live. “Making sure our children have safe, modern and

engaging learning environments is a priority of mine,” Ms McBride said. “These upgrades may be

small in scale, but they make a real difference to students, teachers and school communities every day.

“I am proud to have delivered these projects and to be investing in local schools across Dobell. “Every child deserves access to a quality education, and our Government is delivering the funding and support needed to help students reach their full potential.” Schools which received upgrades: Gorokan Public School (outdoor areas); Porters Creek Public School (outdoor learning and sandpit); Hopetown School (repairs, new doors, pickleball courts); The Entrance Public School (shade structure); TLK Youth College (technology upgrades); Toukley Public School (outdoor learning area); Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College (outdoor learning spaces); Wamberal Public School (outdoor learning spaces); and Wyong Christian Community School (outdoor learning spaces).

Fundraising milestone for hospital auxiliary Gosford Hospital Auxiliary has reached a record fundraising milestone, with more than $54,000 worth of equipment purchased to support patient care at Gosford Hospital during the 2025/2026 financial year. Auxiliary members recently visited Gosford Hospital’s operating theatres for a demonstration of a ConMed drill purchased with funds raised by the group, which is helping increase capacity for facial injury surgeries and reduce patient wait times. Central Coast Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Jude Constable said the Auxiliary’s record contribution highlighted the important role volunteers played in supporting local healthcare.

Gosford Hospital Auxiliary members visited the hospital recently to check out equipment purchased thanks to their fundraising efforts

“The Gosford Hospital Auxiliary has been making a difference to our patients, staff and community for 82 years through their remarkable fundraising efforts,” Ms Constable said.

“Every dollar raised helps us invest in equipment that supports our staff to deliver safe, high-quality care across multiple specialties so our patients can access care closer to home.

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of the Auxiliary’s members, volunteers and supporters whose generosity continues to have a lasting impact on our patients and staff.”

Auxiliary President Cathie Sutton thanked members, volunteers and the local community for their ongoing support, which had helped the group reach this significant milestone. “I am proud to be part of a volunteer organisation that supports the needs of our local health system,” Ms Sutton said. “Donations like this are made possible thanks to the members of the Auxiliary and contributors who produce beautiful handmade goods to sell at our monthly stalls. “I would like to thank everyone who volunteers their time, along with the community who so generously support our stalls each month.” During the 2025/26 financial

year the Gosford Auxiliary contributed more than $54,000 towards a range of equipment and resources, including the ConMed drill, respiratory and vascular access equipment, surgical equipment, patient observation machines, fetal dopplers, clinical education resources and specialised surgical headlights. Community members can support the Auxiliary by visiting its monthly stall, held on the first Thursday of each month on Level 4 of Gosford Hospital, near the café and reception. The Auxiliary is always welcoming new members and volunteers; to find out more contact gosfordauxiliary@ gmail.com

Jackson set to star in Schools Spectacular After three years performing in the NSW Schools Spectacular choir, Gorokan Public School student Jackson Mayas will step forward as the Central Coast’s only featured artist in the 2026 production. The Year 6 singer has been selected as a featured vocalist for the first time and is one of 35 featured vocalists, six featured instrumentalists and 12 backing vocalists chosen through a competitive statewide audition process for Original. Jackson first performed in the Schools Spectacular choir in 2023 and returned in 2024

and 2025, building three years of arena experience before earning his first featured artist role this year. As a featured vocalist, Jackson will help lead a cast of more than 5,500 NSW public school students at Sydney Olympic Park’s Afterpay Arena on November 27 and 28. His selection marks an exciting progression from the choir to one of the production’s most prominent student roles and reflects the go-getter attitude that sees him embrace new opportunities and try his hand at almost anything. Schools Spectacular Creative Director Sonja Solander said Original would celebrate the

Jackson Mayas

individuality and creative voices of students from public schools across NSW. “We searched for truly original talent; not just the

usual song-and-dance routine, but extraordinary students with a distinct spark, capable of electrifying both the audience and the 5,500 performers

they’ll inspire and lead,” Ms Solander said. “Original honours the legacy of Schools Spectacular while celebrating the imagination, ideas and individual voices of our students. “Every performer brings something of themselves to the show, and that is what keeps Schools Spectacular fresh, relevant and unlike anything else.” Songs set to feature in this year’s show include favourites Joker and the Thief, Dance Monkey, Great Southern Land and the KPop Demon Hunters hit Golden. Schools Spectacular is the

NSW public education system’s premier celebration of artistic excellence, forward-thinking creativity and collaboration and one of the statewide opportunities offered through Inspire – high potential and gifted education, helping NSW public school students develop and showcase their talents in the creative domain. Schools Spectacular 2026 will come to life at Afterpay Arena (formerly Qudos Bank Arena) on November 27 and 28 for the 43rd Schools Spectacular, Original. Tickets are on sale through Ticketek.

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Lisarow teacher among the best in NSW

Premier Chris Minns Trial solution NSW recently congratulated 14 of the State’s best teachers to skin whose commitment to condition quality education has been The Icon Cancer Centre in Gosford is one of three centres in greater Sydney looking to recruit people with rosacea for a clinical trial called Rosend RCT. The trial aims to compare dermatological treatment with a specialised type of radiotherapy in patients who suffer from the chronic skin condition recurrent rosacea. The study hypothesis is that specialised radiotherapy will lead to a significantly lower rate of return of rosacea in the treatment area. The Gosford centre is looking for people aged 50 or over who have had recalcitrant symptomatic rosacea for at least 10 years with a score of 3-4 on the Investigator Global Assessment Scale for Rosacea. There are other criteria that you can get in writing from the centre. Phone 02 43498000 or email Professor Gerald Fogarty on gerald.fogarty@icon.team The project is a world-first study investigating the use of radiotherapy to treat rosacea, a common but often misunderstood inflammatory skin condition characterised by flushing in the face. It is estimated that rosacea affects about 5% of adults globally. Rosacea is more common in women and typically presents between the ages of 30 to 50. The condition commonly affects individuals with fair skin and blue eyes who are of Celtic or English ancestry, according to the Australasian College of Dermatologists. The trial is also open at Icon Cancer Centres at Revesby and Wahroonga. Read more here: www. iconcancerfoundation.org. au/beyond-the-surfaceradiotherapys-promisingresults-for-rosacea-relief See full story online: coastcommunitynews.com.au

rewarded with a 2027 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship, including Ellen Marsh of Lisarow High School.

Ms Marsh received the NSW Premier’s History Teachers’ Association History Scholarship and will study Unlocking the Ancient Mediterranean: Integrating archaeology and science in Greece and Rome – Latest research for NSW classrooms in Italy, Greece, and Australia. The scholarship program was open to NSW teachers from government and nongovernment schools and preschools, and to teachers at TAFE NSW Institutes, with nine recipients coming from a public school this year. It provides each recipient with $15,000 in funds for a five-week study tour during 2026. Since they started in 1999, more than 570 Premier’s Teacher Scholarship recipients have been able to develop their

Ellen Marsh with Education Minister Prue Car

Teacher Scholarships, and to help celebrate of one of this state’s most valuable resources – our teachers,” Mr Minns said. “These scholarships give outstanding teachers the time and opportunity to explore the areas they are most passionate about and to learn from leading educators and researchers. “They challenge thinking, broaden perspectives and spark ideas that will benefit students for many years to come.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early

skills and knowledge in a chosen field of expertise. Organisations who helped make the award possible include: The Anika Foundation, Early Childhood Australia NSW, Economics and Business Educators NSW, NSW History Teachers Association, NSW Education Standards Authority, Teachers Mutual Bank, Western Sydney University, University of New England, University of Sydney, Hicksons Lawyers and the NSW Department of Education. “It is a huge honour to announce the 2027 Premier’s

Learning Prue Car said the scholarship program was designed to make the best teachers in the state even better, and I congratulate our newest recipients. “The benefits of these study trips ripple through schools and their communities, and ultimately, the lives of thousands of students,” she said. “From their study tour experiences, they will bring fresh ideas back into their classrooms and share that knowledge with colleagues across NSW.

“Each scholarship winner will return with new ideas that continue to shape teaching and learning in all sorts of ways.” Ms Marsh said her itinerary included a hub of scientific activity investigating ancient DNA analyses and its findings across Europe. “In Italy, I will investigate how science and technology are reshaping our understanding of Roman society through the study of human remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum, and in Greece I will learn about kinship and cultural practices on the mainland and Crete according to archaeology and DNA research,” she said. “It is an interdisciplinary research topic that seemed to pique the interest of the panel responsible in awarding the scholarship. “The study tour benefits are in line with current research at the University of Sydney and was recognised as valuable by the History Teachers Association for its contribution towards resourcing and teaching History 7-10, Stage 5 Elective History and Stage 6 Ancient History and Extension History in the new syllabuses.”

New organisation helps reduce stress A newly registered Central Coast not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to helping reduce stress levels. Oneness Central Coast Australia (OCCA) will run free wellbeing workshops during October and early November, fully funded by a Central Coast Council grant. The workshops, under the broad title of Dissolving Stress at its Source, teach a globally recognised approach to releasing stress rather than just managing it. They are led by a sevenperson founding committee whose members bring more than 30 years of combined counselling, training and

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M E N U E D A E I O P S P I E H E O I S M O V P A N S A T C H E E V E E A E S OFour of the VfoundingSmembers: Sharon D Della-Vecchia, Carol Hood, Fiona Pennington and Filiz Niyazi A wellbeing A I experience. EPeace, N willStake place from October 23, at Gosford Regional coaching S L R Y The first session, Stress to 10am-12.30pm on Friday, Library. © Lovatts Puzzles

LAST EDITION’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Missing Link Solution:

J A K Q N UMB S V E N U E D A C E I OO P S H P I P E Z H E RO I S M X O V A I P E A N S A T C H E L M E V E N E A Y E S O V S G D AWA I T F E N D S S L R Y

It will be followed by a Stress to Serenity session from 1.30pm-3pm. On Friday, October 30, the sessions will be repeated, once again at Gosford Regional Library. On Friday, November 6, an online session on Stress to Serenity will be conducted via Zoom from 10am-11.30am. All sessions are fully funded, free to attend and open to everyone. Spaces are limited so registration is essential via the events page at occawellbeing. org For more information email info@occawellebing.org

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SPORT

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Three World Cup teams to train on Coast RUGBY LEAGUE The Central Coast Regional Sport and Recreation Complex will take centre stage on the international sporting map, with three Rugby League World Cup teams selecting the Tuggerah venue as their official training base ahead of the October tournament. The Australian women’s Jillaroos team and the Cook Islands men’s team announced early in September make the complex their training base. And now the Wales Women’s team has joined them. Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said securing the training camps for the teams was a great result for the region, delivering economic benefits for residents and businesses.

The Australian women’s Jillaroos team (Photo: National Rugby League)

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Central Coast, showing a strong vote of confidence in our world-class sport facility at Tuggerah and our ability to host elite sport teams,” he said. “Hosting Rugby League World Cup teams, along with their

entourage and visitors, will bring international attention to the Central Coast and deliver real benefits for local businesses. “Our Regional Sport and Recreation Complex has built a strong reputation as a premier

multi-use sport facility, attracting major national and international sports teams, and this strengthens its position as a training camp destination of choice for elite teams. “We’ve already shown we can successfully host

international sporting teams, including the German Women’s National Football Team during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “The team and officials praised the quality of our playing fields and the support provided by Council. “This is another opportunity to showcase our facilities, our relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty and welcoming community. “It’s something our community can be proud of and an exciting moment for local rugby league fans ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup competition.” The Wales team’s head coach Tom Brindle said it would be a history making trip for Wales Rugby League. “We’re excited that we’ll have a couple of weeks on the

Central Coast as part of that,” he said. “The facilities are excellent and will give us great preparation for competing against the best the world of rugby league has to offer. “We’re also looking forward to exploring the region during our downtime and know it will be a wonderful place to balance both training and having the best possible experience for our players and staff.” The competition will take place across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 15-November 15 and feature standalone men’s, women’s, and wheelchair events. For more information, go to the official website: www. rlwc2026.com

Iron Tigers expands its programs BASKETBALL Iron Tigers Basketball Club will launch a new inclusive basketball program at Lake Haven in Term 4, creating another pathway for players of all abilities to get involved in the game. Iron Tigers Connect will commence on Wednesday, October 14, at Lake Haven Recreation Centre and is designed to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop basketball skills, stay active and connect with others. Iron Tigers Director Matt Shorrock, who was recently appointed Head Coach of the NSW Ivor Burge Men’s state team, said the program was about creating a genuine place in basketball for people who may not be suited to traditional team or competition environments.

The Ivor Burge Championships are Basketball Australia’s national championships for athletes with an intellectual disability, with state and territory teams competing against each other at national level. Shorrock previously served as an assistant coach with the NSW Men’s team, which won bronze at the 2025 championships, before being appointed Head Coach for the next national campaign. “Basketball should have a place for everyone,” Shorrock said. “Working within the Ivor Burge program has given me an even greater appreciation of what basketball can provide when we create the right environment for the individual. “We want Connect to be somewhere participants can come in, feel comfortable and enjoy being on a basketball court. Success might look

Iron Tigers basketball program launches at Lake Haven (Photo: Three Point Shots Photography)

different for every person who attends, and that’s completely fine.” Connect sessions will include adapted basketball fundamentals, movement and co-ordination activities, simple games and opportunities for participants to develop at their own pace. Iron Tigers Connect will run on Wednesdays from 4.30pm

to 5.15pm at Lake Haven Recreation Centre, beginning Wednesday, October 14. Term registration is $150, with a $20 casual attendance option also available. Active and Creative Kids vouchers are accepted, with NDIS self-managed and planmanaged invoicing available where applicable. Iron Tigers will also expand its

Tiger Cubs program for children aged 2–5 with a new Woy Woy program commencing in Term 4. The new Friday morning sessions at PLC Woy Woy will give families on the southern Central Coast another opportunity to introduce young children to basketball in a fun, structured environment. Tiger Cubs is Iron Tigers’ introductory basketball program for its youngest participants, using ageappropriate activities to develop fundamental movement, co-ordination and basic basketball skills while building confidence and enjoyment of the game. The new Woy Woy program will be led by Coach Maddie and run each Friday from 9.3010am. It joins the club’s established Tiger Cubs program at PCYC Bateau Bay, which will continue

on Monday mornings from 9am-9.30am with Coach Nat. Shorrock said creating opportunities for children to experience basketball from an early age was an important part of the club’s development pathway. “Tiger Cubs isn’t about teaching two-year-olds how to play a basketball game,” he said. “It’s about getting them moving, putting a ball in their hands and making their first experience of basketball something they enjoy. “As they get older, there are opportunities to progress into programs like Stripes Academy and eventually into team basketball, but at this age we just want them having fun and becoming comfortable on a basketball court.” Term 4 registrations are now open at irontigersbasketball. com.au

Futures Academy powers ahead Futures Academy High Performance Athlete Program has been achieving great things. Established in 2025 through the Brisbane Water Learning Community, it brings together five local primary schools and the two Brisbane Water Secondary College campuses to create a high-performance pathway for talented young athletes within public education. Following a successful pilot year in 2025, the program has grown significantly in 2026, expanding to provide even more young athletes with opportunities to develop their

sporting potential within their local school and community. “What makes Futures Academy unique is the wholecommunity approach,” a spokesperson said. “Five primary schools and two high school campuses are working together to identify, support and develop talented young athletes, creating a connected pathway across the Brisbane Water Learning Community. “The program goes beyond sporting performance, with a focus on developing the whole athlete — physically and mentally — through leadership, confidence, wellbeing,

teamwork, personal growth and exposure to highperformance environments and sporting professionals. “Our athletes have already had opportunities to train in specialist facilities, connect with high-performance coaches and athletes, and experience pathways that may otherwise be difficult to access at a young age.” Among recent activities was a University of Newcastle excursion, where the young athletes had the opportunity to experience world-class highperformance facilities and learn more about highperformance sport.

Members of Futures Academy with Umina United Soccer Club representatives

They also heard from NRLW players Lacey Cross and Sienna Thomas, who shared their

experiences and insights from competing at an elite level. The Academy’s Athlete

Ambassador sessions saw NRL Superstar Nicho Hynes and former Boxing World Champion Satali Tevi-Fuimaono join the students for training sessions. Both are former BWSC students, so it was particularly special for the young athletes to learn from and train alongside athletes who had come through their own school community. The Academy continued developing community connections through a session with Umina United Soccer Club, giving the athletes the opportunity to get active, learn from experienced coaches and engage with another part of the local sporting community.

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EDITION #555 - PAGE 31

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Junior motorcycle club hosts Australian championships The Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club will host the 2026 MSCMOTO Australian Junior Track Championships

The Central Coast Junior Motorcycle Club will host the 2026 MSCMOTO Australian Junior Track Championships on October 3 and 4 at its home ground Allen Park, 139 Debenham Rd North, Somersby.

This is a major event in the national motorcycle calendar and the club plans to use the opportunity to promote the Central Coast by hosting the event. There will be a strong showing from interstate and country

area riders with organisers expecting about 115 competitors aged up to 16 with 120 races staged over the weekend. Saturday, October 3, will be practice and three rounds of racing and Sunday, October 4,

Junior tennis thriving Junior tennis is thriving at Woy Woy Tennis Club, with record enrolments in Coastline Tennis Academy’s Pathways Cup prompting the popular competition to expand. At the same time, a hugely popular school holiday tennis camp is set to continue next week. Developed by Coastline Tennis Academy coach Jono, the Pathways Cup is a termbased junior competition held every Friday afternoon, giving Division 1 and Division 2 players the opportunity to take the next step from coaching into competition-level tennis. The program is the only competition of its kind on the Central Coast, providing young players with a fun and supportive introduction to match play while helping them develop confidence, skills and a love of competitive tennis. The recently completed Term 2 competition recorded record enrolment numbers, and with demand continuing to grow, the Pathways Cup is expanding in Term 4 to accommodate more aspiring young players. Term 4 Pathways Cup kicks off Friday of Week 2, with weekly sessions running across two divisions: Green Ball: Fridays,

Junior tennis is thriving at Woy Woy Tennis Club Photo: @The Studio Killcare

4pm–5.30pm; Yellow Ball: Fridays, 5.30pm–7pm. Coach Jono said the aim of the Pathways Cup was to give young players a genuine competition experience in an environment where they can develop both their tennis and confidence. “The Pathways Cup was created to bridge the gap between tennis lessons and competition,” Jono said. “We want young players to experience what it’s like to compete, but in an environment where they can build confidence, learn the fundamentals of match play and, most importantly, enjoy themselves. “The response has been fantastic. “Seeing the kids improve throughout the term and become more confident on court has been incredibly rewarding.”

And it isn’t just the kids who have embraced Friday afternoons. The Pathways Cup has quickly become a weekly social gathering for families, with parents forming friendships and creating their own community around the competition. Coastline Tennis Academy will continue its School Holidays Tennis Camp over three days from October 6-8. The camp focuses on real tennis development, fun and mateship, giving young players the opportunity to build their skills while making new friends and enjoying plenty of time on court. Cost is $40 per day or $105 for all three days. Book at www.woywoy tennisclub.com

will be a parade lap in the morning with finals in the afternoon followed by a presentation. Spectators’ entry fee is $10 for both days with lucky door prizes up for grabs.

The canteen will also be open all weekend.

weekend of racing, family and fun.

Organiser David Smith said spectators could expect to see some great riders in action including Australia’s best junior riders as well as a massive

The clubs last hosted an Australian Championship in 2024. For more information call David Smith on 0412 506 503.