Coast Community Pelican Post 008

25 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 008

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

News

Award for Woy Woy photographer

Woy Woy is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

See page 12

News

A small group of residents gathered outside the Ettalong Centrelink on February 12 as it prepared to close its doors for the last time See page 12

Woy Woy resident, Brendan Abbott, has been awarded second prize in the Australia-wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach.

Business

See page 17 Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

Council concedes Peninsula rates could rise by 42 per cent Peninsula ratepayers could end up paying 42 per cent more in rates on average from next year if IPART approves a 15 per cent rate rise.

The added increase comes from the harmonisation of rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas.

Calculations on how much some residents would pay with the proposed 15 per cent rate rise increased to 42 per cent for some ratepayers, Central Coast Council has conceded, if you include harmonisation.

The Council has adjusted the figures by which average rate bills will increase or decrease in its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

There are still winners: former Wyong residents will pay less than they are now, albeit the average reduction has gone down to $2 a week, from $3 a week.

But residents of the former Gosford Council area have done the sums and worked out the increase for some areas is actually more like 42 per cent.

Council agrees and says it is a difficult message to get across when there are two steps involved.

Step one is the harmonisation of rates between the two former council areas and step two is the 15 per cent rise, if approved.

Step one will mean that on average, Wyong ratepayers will pay an average of 20 per cent less on land valued at 43 per

cent less than Gosford land.

For former Gosford area ratepayers, step one sees them paying an extra 25 per cent on average on land valued 43 per cent higher than Wyong land.

Then the 15 per cent rate rise will be added, if IPART agrees.

So, Gosford area ratepayers, including Peninsula residents, will pay on average about 4042 per cent more.

Wyong residents will pay on average about 10 per cent less than they do now.

Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, explained the system when she was interviewed by Scott Levi on ABC radio last week.

One caller said the figures Council had submitted to IPART showed the percentages.

“I think most (former) Gosford ratepayers, like myself, will be shocked and horrified to learn they are actually being slugged with a massive 42 per cent rate hike rather than the 10 per cent or 15 per cent numbers they heard during the consultation,” the caller said.

He accused Administrator Dick Persson of being economical with the truth in not providing the real percentage increases during the consultation.

He said Persson hid behind sound bites like $7 a week but even that was inaccurate.

“The figures he has lodged with IPART show the average Gosford increase to be significantly more than that at over $420 per year,” he said.

Cowley said the caller was

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy gives his perspective.

completely correct.

She agreed the $7 a week cited was actually more than $8 a week.

She explained that rates had been legally frozen since amalgamation and legally had to be harmonised this year.

Cowley said IPART wanted the Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) calculations, not the blended figures of the rate harmonisation with the rate rise, even though the Council’s numbers had to include both.

“We just have not blended the two processes,” she said.

The caller responded that he didn’t believe the Council was being transparent.

Killcare SLSC is reminding community members of the importance of surf safety, respecting ocean conditions, and swimming in between the flags.

Merilyn Vale

See page 39

See page 26

Sport

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Maths can be stressful enough as it is, especially in the foundational years of a child’s schooling.

Osmo’s new Math Wizard series aims to quell the anxiety around maths to prevent delayed learning and understanding of the subject, by allowing kids aged 6-8 to learn at their own pace, experiencing maths through fun, hands-on, narrative and adventure-driven games, where kids actually learn maths by touching, manipulating, and experimenting how it is used every day.

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Pelican Post covers everything relating to Woy Woy, Woy Woy South, Umina, Pearl Beach, Patonga, Horsfield Bay, Pheagans Bay, Woy Woy Bay, Corea Bay, Ettalong, Booker Bay, Blackwall Publisher: Ross Barry - CEO: Cec Bucello - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Terry Collins, Maisy Rae, Jacinta Counihan, Hayley McMahon, Sue Murray, Haakon Barry, Merilyn Vale - Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

11 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 007

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

12 FEBRUARY 2021

ISSUE 279

See page 17

See page 4 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, says the closure will disadvantage the most vulnerable

Bipartisan calls for cancellation of the PEP11 licence Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, showed solidarity with her Federal Labor colleagues when she joined Federal Opposition, Leader Anthony Albanese, Federal Labor MPs and concerned residents at Terrigal on February 5 to call for the cancellation of the PEP11 licence for exploration and drilling off the Coast.

CCN

Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, discusses the PEP 11 licence with residents

Tesch said any oil spill or gas exploration tower on our horizon was a threat to beaches all along the Coast, including on the Peninsula, as well as tourism, sea life, waterway users, and the integrity of the community.

“I am beyond proud to stand with Labor and Anthony

Albanese in saying no to PEP11 and no to gas exploration off the Central Coast,” she said.

“I have always been passionate about activating and connecting people to our waterways and will continue to work with Labor to stand by our environment and our next generation.”

With the licence up for renewal on February 12, Albanese told a crowd comprising MPs from all along the coastline, representatives of the Save Our Coast Group and Surfrider Foundation Australia, and dozens of concerned residents, that Continued page 3

Peninsula students were among those to benefit from a Back to School initiative organised by Central Coast volunteer-run charity We Care Connect.

See page 34

Sport

A Woy Woy athletics program has been ranked amongst the best in the state following its online success in engaging the community.

See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

ISSUE 227

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Molly Picklum wins her first World Surf League pro series

Decision looms for PEP11 extension

The Rhythm Hut’s drumming classes are back, with the year’s first six-week program kicking off on February 23.

Albanese was joined by MPs from all along the coastline, including Member for Dobell Emma McBride, along with representatives of the Save Our Coast Group and Surfrider Foundation Australia and dozens of residents concerned at the possible effects of drilling 5km off Central Coast beaches.

Albanese told the crowd PEP11 had the potential to the entire coastline from Sydney to Port Stephens.

Not only would any drilling impact the way of life on the Central Coast, but it would also have an economic effect on the fishing industry and tourism, which he said was a “vital employer” on the Coast. “(Drilling) would be a disaster even if things went well, but if they didn’t it could be potentially catastrophic,” he said.

Albanese said the Labor Party was not opposed to oil and gas exploration in appropriate areas but drilling along the coastline was “just not on”.

He said the Federal Government needed to ensure an application for renewal of the licence was denied.

McBride said renewing the licence would pose a huge threat to the Coast’s environment, economy and very way of life.

“Critically, this decision won’t be made locally, it won’t be made on the Central Coast, it will be made by two Ministers who don’t live in the area – the Federal Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, and the NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro,” she said in Parliament on February 2.

“Nearly 2,000 local people have already contacted me, calling on the Ministers to stop PEP11 and to save our coast.

“It’s not just locals who will be impacted by PEP11.

“In 2019, 1.94 million people visited the Coast, adding $692M to our local economy, and in the pandemic recovery, tourism should be boosted, not threatened by risky proposals like PEP11.”

Save our Coast representative Tim Heffernan said that the Federal Government must now act to cancel PEP11, which “doesn’t make any sense”, once and for all.

“Save Our Coast has been leading the campaign with the community for a number of years to stop seismic testing and drilling off the most populated coastline in NSW, which is also a major whale migratory route,” he said.

“Tens of thousands of people from the Central Coast and beyond have joined actions, signed petitions and contacted their local MPs. “We are opposed to the project because the risk to our precious marine environment, tourism sector and coastal lifestyle far outweighs any benefits, especially in a time when the entire world is moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning toward renewables.”

Surfrider Foundation Australia National Campaign Director Damien Cole said while gas exploration was the main thrust of PEP11, there was also the potential for oil exploration.

“This could lead to oil slicks which could destroy everything we’ve ever known” he said.

After months of refusing to make a public stand on the issue, Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks announced on February 5 that she would oppose extension of the PEP11 licence.

“Extending the PEP11 permit is a decision for the Joint Authority,” she said.

“The first step in this process is for the NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, to make a recommendation on extending the PEP11 permit.

“The second step is for the Federal Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt, to do the same.

“I am urging the NSW Government to listen to the concerns of the Central Coast community and say no to extending the PEP11 permit.

“I stand with my community in raising these serious concerns about the potential impacts of PEP-11 on our ocean.

“Regardless of the NSW Government’s decision, I will be advocating for the Commonwealth to say no to the decision to extend the PEP11 permit.

A spokesperson for Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed he will recommend refusal of the extension of the licence.

“In 2017, the NSW government’s position was to refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP 11 – that position has not changed,” the spokesperson said.

Minister for Resources Keith

The Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club have reformed their team spirit in 2021 ahead of their inaugural regatta at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre on Saturday, March 6.

See page 17

Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese discusses PEP11 with concerned residents at Terrigal Beach

With the PEP11 permit for offshore gas drilling up for renewal on February 12, Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese joined fellow Labor MPs and community activists at Terrigal on February 5 to call for its cancellation.

Pitt said he was yet to receive any formal submission or advice from the NSW Minister.

“The National Offshore Titles Administrator (NOPTA) will provide advice to assist with my decision,” Pitt said.

“Any exploration project or petroleum activity will require approval from the independent expert offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

“I will carefully consider all relevant information before making my decision.”

CEO of BPH Energy, David Breeze, is one of the license holders of the PEP11 title.

When asked why $9M was raised by the company even though the decision to extend the licence is still pending, Breeze said he was “certainly committed to continue with the project”.

Under section 265A (1) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act), the permit continues to be in force until the Joint Authority makes a decision on the current suspension and extension application.

Terry Collins

Business

See page 38

Photo: Michelle Strang

Despite its financial woes, Central Coast Council is forging ahead with plans for the Gosford Regional Library and is set to lodge a development application...

Two years after the project was first announced and following a construction phase of more than 12 months, the revamped Leagues Club Field in Gosford is set to officially open on February 27.

Youngsters can now enjoy Storytime in person with the Toukley and Tuggerah libraries bringing back Storytime sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.

A free community event on the day will feature musical presentations by local artists, Aboriginal cultural performances and workshops, food trucks, a discovery trail, face painting and a reptile show.

See page 26

Sport

Central Coast mogul skier, Matt Graham, has found himself ranked number one on the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) World Cup standings after back-to-back podium placements in events held in Deer Valley, USA. See page 40

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Central Coast Labor MPs took on Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, when NSW Parliament resumed in February, demanding answers to why the region has been ignored in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

The Labor MPs David Harris (Wyong), Yasmin Catley (Swansea), David Mehan (The Entrance) and Liesl Tesch (Gosford) say that despite the Central Coast region suffering $163.3M of economic damage in the wake of last Summer’s destructive bushfires, the region did not receive a cent from the bushfire fund.

Impact assessment data and maps released by the NSW Government show that 40 buildings and 144 rural landholders were impacted by the bushfires.

“Instead of distributing

Wyong MP David Harris during Question Time in State Parliament

money from the $177M Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund on the basis of genuine need, the Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and the Berejiklian Government, allocated the vast bulk of the funding to seats held by the

Government, while Labor seats across the Central Coast received nothing,” said Shadow Minister for Central Coast, Wyong MP David Harris.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, who is responsible for bushfire recovery, faced a

Parliamentary Inquiry on February 8, which was originally to investigate funding allocations to councils under the Stronger Communities Program but then expanded to include the bushfire fund.

It is understood that Barilaro

Two of the Australia Reptile Park’s koalas, Elsa and her sister Anna, were probably the most loved animals in Australia on Valentine’s Day...

See page 17

Business

The first event in the World Surf League’s (WSL) 2021 Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series came to its conclusion on Friday, February 19, with Shelly Beach resident and newly risen young gun, Molly Picklum, taking out first place.

The revamped Leagues Club Field is set to open on February 27

Exclusive

was asked to explain the government maps; which show the worst hit areas in terms of economic impact ($750M) from the fires are Coalitionheld seats on the South Coast; yet other areas such as the Central Coast, which also suffered extensive economic damage, did not receive any financial help.

Three council areas with a total $300M economic impact, according to government data, did not receive any funding and, in contrast, another council with an estimated $16M impact, received $40M in funding.

“Our communities simply got nothing,” Harris said.

“The fires didn’t discriminate on the basis of politics when they roared through our communities and I’m shocked that the recovery effort does.

Continued page 4

Sacked CEO sets the record straight

Swansea MP, Yasmin Catley, is calling for a review of the NSW Government’s “rigid” bus pass policy ...

See page 33

Sport

Northern Power Cricket Club has raised over $20,000 toward the Kelly McGrath Foundation at their annual Pink Stumps Day on Sunday, February 7 See page 40

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

ISSUE 008

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

News

Award for Woy Woy photographer

Woy Woy is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

See page 12

See page 8

See story page 4

Health

Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund overlooks the Central Coast

25 FEBRUARY 2021

News

Out&About

See page 17 Makai Lakes Outrigger Canoe Club team members at the Pittwater Regatta

News

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, while accepting responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice”...

See page 8

Out&About

See page 8

Out&About

Umina actor Samson Alston is set to star in an awardwinning Australian comedy in Sydney from February 17.

Health

Central Coast students can now apply for the 2021 Y NSW Youth Parliament program, designed to empower youth interested in politics.

Central Coast Council decided at its February 8 meeting to formally apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a 15 percent rate rise.

See page 4

24 FEBRUARY 2021

News

It’s opening!!

News

Out&About

See page 7

Out&About

ISSUE 280

ISSUE 226

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Outrigger Canoe regatta at Point Wolstoncroft

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) delegates rallied at Gosford racecourse on February 11 calling on Ausgrid to stop cutting Central Coast jobs.

For years flooding on the Peninsula has been a major issue, with heavy rain often seeing homes and businesses threatened as many streets go underwater.

Residents have been blindsided by an announcement that Ettalong Beach’s Centrelink office will close its doors on February 12.

19 FEBRUARY 2021 17 FEBRUARY 2021

News

News

Blindsided by Centrelink closure

In an exclusive interview with Coast News, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has accepted responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

Murphy, who has been blamed by Administrator Dick Persson for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered.

He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact restricted funds were being used for operational purposes.

Murphy has added his voice to those calling for an inquiry

Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

in the Council’s finances.

He says that because the impact has been so farreaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said he has been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30-day report.

He tells his side of the story about claims he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months.

Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

organised a review of the books to check the Council was financially stable.

He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019.

“Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said.

The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”.

The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks; to improve the budget process and develop a robust long-term financial strategy.

Continued page 12

A small group of residents gathered outside the Ettalong Centrelink on February 12 as it prepared to close its doors for the last time

The Aboriginal story of the Wyong area and Tuggerah Lakes is being told in a huge mural by artist Jodie Freeman at the historic Alison Homestead.

See page 12

Woy Woy resident, Brendan Abbott, has been awarded second prize in the Australia-wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach.

See page 17

Health

See page 17

See page 39 Avoca Beach Picture Theatre has managed to navigate its way through COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions, but with JobKeeper set to cease at the end of March...

See page 25

Sport

BMX riders will soon be able to rip around on a new track as upgrades speed towards completion at the Terrigal Recreation Precinct.

See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 - E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Labor MPs strengthen their call for an Inquiry into Council problems The four Labor MPs on the Central Coast have individually given notice in State Parliament that they will each be putting Motions at the next sitting of Parliament in March calling for an independent inquiry into the financial collapse of Central Coast Council.

The MPs David Harris, Yasmin Catley, David Mehan and Liesl Tesch want Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, to establish an inquiry to examine the financial position of the former Wyong and Gosford Councils pre-merger, factors post-merger and the role of councillors and the executive.

Harris said that we now know why the financial difficulties

happened, but now it is about the structural weaknesses of Council and the problems that it has faced since amalgamation.

Catley said the “triple whammy” of service cuts, staff layoffs and rate increases showed that there was a structural problem underpinning the Liberals’ decision to amalgamate the two councils.

Administrator, Dick Persson, has previously said that amalgamation costs were not one of the major contributing factors to Council’s financial difficulties.

Harris said that one of the causes is because Central Coast is one of the largest councils in the state and the only Council in the Illawarra,

Sydney and Hunter that operates water and sewerage in-house.

“A lot of the cost over run and the debt is actually related to water and sewerage,” he said.

“If you separate the figures for water and sewerage instead of combining them with general operations, it actually paints quite a different picture.

“Most of the $317M debt that was carried over was water and sewerage debt.

“The water and sewer should be set up as a separate business.

“It can still be within Council, but the financials and assets would be separate, like it used to be under the Joint Water Authority,” Harris said.

He said that Wyong used to

have its water department and Gosford had its own, and there was a Joint Water Authority, but when they merged the councils, they brought it all under one roof.

“I’ve written to the Administrator asking some questions about how the water and sewerage fits in with the puzzle because if you go through the financials when they had the overrun it was all water related, such as $1.3M added for a generator at Mooney and the Mardi to Warnervale water pipeline, which were included in the general Council figures.

“They are very major projects, but they’re water and sewerage related, and other councils don’t have those costs in their

Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

Council concedes Peninsula rates could rise by 42 per cent books because Sydney Water and Hunter Water do that.

“This isn’t saying that it should be privatised or anything like that, but the general Council accounts and the water and sewerage accounts should be split so that the residents can actually see the two separate operations.

“The Administrator in his report said that Council’s bank account took a hit because of the IPART decision on water and sewerage, a loss to Council of $39M. “Water should pay for itself, so that it’s not a $39M hit to general revenue, and the charges for water should cover that,” Harris said.

Sue Murray

Bateau Bay resident Ben Brown is one of two peer support workers involved with a new...

See page 33

Sport

Charlie Hunter, is setting new heights for Australian middle distance running in the US, he has set three new Australian records.

See page 40

Puzzles page 23

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Office: Level 2.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250 E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

Business

Peninsula ratepayers could end up paying 42 per cent more in rates on average from next year if IPART approves a 15 per cent rate rise.

The added increase comes from the harmonisation of rates between the former Gosford and Wyong council areas.

Calculations on how much some residents would pay with the proposed 15 per cent rate rise increased to 42 per cent for some ratepayers, Central Coast Council has conceded, if you include harmonisation.

The Council has adjusted the figures by which average rate bills will increase or decrease in its submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

There are still winners: former Wyong residents will pay less than they are now, albeit the average reduction has gone down to $2 a week, from $3 a week.

But residents of the former Gosford Council area have done the sums and worked out the increase for some areas is actually more like 42 per cent.

Council agrees and says it is a difficult message to get across when there are two steps involved.

Step one is the harmonisation of rates between the two former council areas and step two is the 15 per cent rise, if approved.

Step one will mean that on average, Wyong ratepayers will pay an average of 20 per cent less on land valued at 43 per

cent less than Gosford land.

For former Gosford area ratepayers, step one sees them paying an extra 25 per cent on average on land valued 43 per cent higher than Wyong land.

Then the 15 per cent rate rise will be added, if IPART agrees.

So, Gosford area ratepayers, including Peninsula residents, will pay on average about 4042 per cent more.

Wyong residents will pay on average about 10 per cent less than they do now.

Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, Natalia Cowley, explained the system when she was interviewed by Scott Levi on ABC radio last week.

One caller said the figures Council had submitted to IPART showed the percentages.

“I think most (former) Gosford ratepayers, like myself, will be shocked and horrified to learn they are actually being slugged with a massive 42 per cent rate hike rather than the 10 per cent or 15 per cent numbers they heard during the consultation,” the caller said.

He accused Administrator Dick Persson of being economical with the truth in not providing the real percentage increases during the consultation.

He said Persson hid behind sound bites like $7 a week but even that was inaccurate.

“The figures he has lodged with IPART show the average Gosford increase to be significantly more than that at over $420 per year,” he said.

Cowley said the caller was

completely correct.

She agreed the $7 a week cited was actually more than $8 a week.

She explained that rates had been legally frozen since amalgamation and legally had to be harmonised this year.

Cowley said IPART wanted the Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) calculations, not the blended figures of the rate harmonisation with the rate rise, even though the Council’s numbers had to include both.

“We just have not blended the two processes,” she said.

The caller responded that he didn’t believe the Council was being transparent.

Merilyn Vale

In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy gives his perspective.

See page 26

Sport

Killcare SLSC is reminding community members of the importance of surf safety, respecting ocean conditions, and swimming in between the flags.

See page 39

Puzzles page 22

Office: Level 2, 86-88 Mann St, Gosford & 3 Amy Close, Wyong - Phone: 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net - www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

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2021 OFFICIAL

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Meditation session at Ocean Beach

A meditation session at Ocean Beach is set to kick off International Women’s Day on March 8.

Making Meditation Mainstream (MMM) Central Coast and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, will host the morning session and breakfast at 6.30am at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Tesch says women should be

celebrated every day.

“Women’s potential is often underestimated yet our power to persevere through adversity is something that cannot be overlooked by anyone,” she said.

“Women are the very backbone of our community and it is crucial we take a moment to stop and celebrate together the changes we have

The March 8 session will be followed by a breakfast

made and continue to make in our community and the world.”

This year’s International Women’s Day 2021 theme will focus on the incredible contributions made by women supporting communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tesch says MMM and the Women’s Day event aims to go deeper, supporting women

who always support others.

“Over the past year, the importance of mental health has been highlighted more than ever before, and meditation and mindfulness are crucial tools for improving our wellbeing,” she said.

“The isolation caused by social distancing has been incredibly challenging and this event is an opportunity to

reconnect and welcome new residents to the Coast.

“Supporting women in my community through meditation and offering connection with other locals is a privilege.

“I am looking forward celebrating International Women’s Day. “I would like to thank the passionate team at Making Meditation Mainstream for

NEWS

teaming together with me to help support and celebrate local women and Ettalong Bendigo Bank for sponsoring us.”

The meditation service also meets every Saturday morning at 6.30am at Ocean Beach.

M

Memorial Sites Available at Greenway Chapel & Memorial Gardens

Located in a picturesque, woodland location, Greenway Chapel and Memorial Gardens are a conveniently located and stunning venue. The chapel is fitted with audio-visual facilities and spacious seating, with livestreaming available for services.

Enquire with the friendly team about prepaid memorial sites in the stunning gardens today.

02 4369 2013

PAGE 3

25 FEBRUARY 2021

palmdalegroup.com.au

Source: Media release, Feb 19 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

PAGE 4

25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Woy Woy Newcastle Permanent to close Woy Woy’s Newcastle Permanent branch will close on March 26 following a decline of inperson services at the Railway St branch.

The bank said an expiring lease and a near 30 per cent decline in branch use in the last five years had contributed to the closure decision.

All branch team members are said to be being redeployed to nearby branches when it closes next month.

CEO of Newcastle Permanent, Bernadette Inglis, said the decision would help reshape the branch network.

“While our branches will remain a critical part of our future, in the past year we’ve seen our customer preferences

change at an accelerated pace,” Inglis said.

“Across our network, less than 5 per cent of customer transactions are completed in a branch; this is a drop of 15 per cent year on year as customers move towards digital banking.

“In contrast, more than 90 per cent of all transactions are now completed digitally or

electronically.

“Today we’re seeing more reliance on digital banking services, increased digital confidence, and less use of cash and branch interactions from our customers.

“Through closing these branches, and realigning operating hours at other branches, we will be able to redirect investment in the

coming years.”

Inglis said the service is working to advise customers of the change and will provide information on how to access digital and phone banking operations, with the customer contact centre also remaining operational outside of branch hours.

Branches in Medowie and Fletcher will also be closed.

Newcastle Permanent is set to reinvest the money saved into upgrading the eight other branches in the state, and its digital presence.

Source: Media statement, Feb 16 CEO of Newcastle Permanent, Bernadette Inglis

ADVERTISEMENT

Community Environment Network WILDPLANT COMMUNITY NURSERY ON SATURDAY 6 MARCH Our popular plant sales are back for 2021 and will continue to be held on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 12pm.

Our next sale day is: Saturday 6 MARCH 9am to 12pm CEN Office, Brush Rd, Ourimbah Native plants are inexpensive (starting at $3), help conquer climate change, create habitat for local birds and animals and encourage outdoor activity.

Come along to our plant sale at the CEN Office, Ourimbah, buy a few local native plants and chat about local environment issues.

We have a range of local native plants available including ground covers and herbs, shrubs and trees, bush food, bird attracting, native bee attracting, frog friendly and screen plants.

Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT NETWORK ANNUAL FORUM 'THE FUTURE IS LOCAL' OURIMBAH CAMPUS UON SUNDAY, 21 March 2021 How can we face the challenges of a changing world together?

The 2021 CEN Forum is a chance to collaborate and build community resilience.

Come along on Sunday, March 21, to reconnect, protect and regenerate relationships with each other and the environment.

Everyone is welcome – CEN members,

supporters and the broader community.

This is a COVID-friendly event so it is essential to register via the following link

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY Join Central Coast Waterwatch at Mackenzie Reserve, Budgewoi, for a Clean Up Australia Day event. Participate in an AUSMAP microplastics sampling along Budgewoi Creek or join in the clean up on Dunkey Island, Lake Munmorah.

When: Sunday 7th March 9am-11am Where: Mackenzie Reserve. Meet at the sand area at Mackenzie Reserve, near the footbridge. Look out for the Waterwatch

flags!!

Morning tea at conclusion.

Please visit www.cen.org.au/events to register.

This event is supported

by Central Coast Council through a community development grant.

HAWKESBURY RIVER HISTORY AND HERITAGE CRUISE Do you live in the Hawkesbury River Catchment Area? Join us on a Hawkesbury River History and Heritage Cruise to celebrate the launch of our ‘Local Streams, Local Communities’ project on Monday 22nd March 2021.

While cruising and pausing at various historic sites along wondrous waterways, listen to the live commentary and view the fascinating AV presentation of graphics, site & historic photos, animations, videos

of operating models and other works by awarded historian, Peter A Rea. Most of the sites we will visit are very difficult if not impossible to access other than by water.

To register your interest to attend the event, please email waterwatch@cen.org.au The ‘Local Streams, Local Communities’ project is a joint project between Central Coast Waterwatch, The Community Environment Network, Streamwatch and Greater Sydney Landcare.

https://cen.org.au/events/cen-calendar in advance.

Cost is a flat $10 and lunch is provided.

Discussions will include: • What is health in a changing world?

• Youth – what about them?

• Renewable energy.

• Ecotourism.

• Save the soil; save the earth.

• Wetlands and their ecosystems.

Session hosts and discussion panel members will include CEN Chair Hale

Adasal, and Deputy Chair John Asquith, Richard Weller from Climate Future, De Brierly Newton from Nature Conservation Council, Tim Selwyn from Girra Girra Aboriginal Experiences, Collette Barron from Whale Dreamers Festival and CEN life-member Mike Campbell.

A lunch-time soapbox will give local orators the opportunity to get burning issues out in the open or story telling may be more your pace.

The forum will commence from 9:00am for a 9:30am start and conclude at 4:10pm.

FROG SPOTTING NIGHT When: Friday 5th March 2021 Time: 7pm- 8:30pm Where: Wadalba, Exact address will be given on registration Cost: FREE includes refreshments Please visit www.cen.org.au/events to register.

• What frog is it? Learn about different types of frogs found on the Central Coast.

• How to establish or modify a garden pond for local frog species • Visit a frog habitat after dark to find frogs and learn how to identify different frogs from their calls!

• It’ll be toad-ally ribbiting!

This event is supported by Central Coast Council through a community development grant

GREENTEAM INFORMATION PICNIC Do you live in or near Somersby or Mangrove mountain on a semi-rural property and have 0.5ha or more of native bushland?

Are you interested in forming a ‘Greenteam’ Landcare group in your area with other like-minded locals to tackle weeds together on each other’s properties?

Come along and find out what support we can offer When: Thurdsay,18th March, 10-11.30am Where: Mangrove Mountain Hall, Wisemans Ferry Rd, Mangrove Mountain Cost: FREE * Scrumptious morning tea provided This is a great opportunity to connect with

your

neighbours

and

build

land

management knowledge and skills.

For more information contact: Nicole Heta Project Officer Community Environment Network P: 4349 4756 E: nicole.heta@cen.org.au This Project, Landcare-Central Coast, is

From our Chair Air-Water-Earth-Community is the theme of our CEN Forum planned for 21 March 2021 at University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus.

In 2021 we face the extraordinary challenge of a world transforming, reflected in both the climate and community around us. Our annual CEN Forum, open to CEN members, supporters and our community, aims to bring us together in panel discussions to collaborate and create opportunities to build our community’s resilience in protecting, reconnecting and regenerating relationships with one another and our natural environment.

We are inviting all members of CEN, member groups and wider members of our community to join us in panel discussions over the course of the day. The topics covered will include: Youth - What about them?; Renewable Energy - to breathe or not to breathe, that is the question; Ecotourism and the local Economy; Save the Soil save the earth (the role our soils and earth play in building our resilience to climate change); and Wetlands and their ecosystems.

There will also be an opportunity to attend a warm data lab which I will be facilitating. This is a group process enabling new responses to our complex problems. An opportunity to have your say and storytelling, one of the most important skills we can have in this important time of change, will be included.

Our panel members are all esteemed members of our community within their fields. CEN has the wonderful opportunity to host a platform for discussion and ways members of our community can have informed conversations and get involved.

Our annual CEN forums are always informative and inspirational. Join us, won’t you?

supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services

Hale Adasal CEN Chairwoman

The Community Environment Network (CEN) is an alliance of individuals and groups that work for ecologically sustainable development.

Support CEN - Become a member - Volunteer - Make a donation

www.cen.org.au Ph: 4349 4756

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NEWS

PAGE 5

25 FEBRUARY 2021

Crown Lands to assess contamination levels at Empire Bay boatshed With a decision still pending on whether or not the Empire Bay boatshed will be demolished, an assessment is to be conducted to examine the site’s contamination levels and to help inform future actions.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch said the detailed assessment was commissioned by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands.

“The NSW Government was forced to revoke the Empire Bay Marina licence in September 2020, due to ongoing safety and environmental concerns, and a failure by the licence holder to rectify issues despite repeated requests,” Crouch said.

“Crown Lands is issuing a factsheet to keep local residents informed every step of the way on what has occurred to date, and what is planned for the future.”

Minister for Water Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the detailed assessment would determine the type,

Cheers

extent and level of contamination on the site and advise on requirements for site remediation.

“This contamination assessment, together with building assessments, will help inform next steps,” Pavey said.

“The marina structures and building are in poor condition and unsafe and have been fenced off to the public.

“Residents are advised not to

ITH TO 2021 W * $

10,000

enter the site.”

Crown Lands has instructed boat owners to remove their vessels from the marina prior to the contamination assessment getting underway.

“Central Coast Ferries has committed to moving their vessel to an alternative mooring location,” Pavey said.

“There will be no disruption to the regular ferry service.

“If boat owners fail to vacate

the marina the Department will be required to take compliance action which would involve fines of up to $1,100 for individuals and $2,200 for corporations and the impounding of vessels.”

Crown Lands will maintain responsibility for the control and management of the marina site until a decision is made about its future.

Central Coast Ferries Senior Master, Daniel Rond, said the

service had been given seven days to remove the ferry moored at the site.

“We will not be at the marina by the end of next week,” Rond said.

“We have to work out where we can moor our regular vessel and organise access for our skippers.

“It’s a fluid situation but we are working with Crown Lands, Waterways and Adam Crouch

on an alternate mooring site.

“We need to find a location around the Empire Bay/ Davistown area, but services will run as normal from the public wharf in Kendall Rd.” A spokesperson for Crown Lands said a requirement of the former licence was to ensure the site was properly maintained.

“The Department repeatedly attempted to have the former licence holder remedy breaches, but either no or insufficient action occurred, and the licence holder failed to implement an agreed action plan,” the spokesperson said.

“The licence was revoked due to significant and ongoing breaches and the licence holder’s failure to rectify issues.”

The Save our Heritage listed Boat Shed Facebook group is continuing its campaign to have the 100-year old boatshed restored to preserve a slice of maritime history.

A petition organized by the group has so far attracted 660 signatures.

Cheers to more Happy Days How will you spend your 2021?

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Terry Collins

PAGE 6

25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Netflix to film new TV series

A new Netflix television series starring Toni Colette will begin filming on the Peninsula on February 27 with a six-day shoot at Ettalong Beach’s Lemongrove Netball Courts.

The popular streaming service will continue its production of Pieces of Her, an eight-part American thriller drama.

The production began filming scenes at Macmasters Beach on February 20, with the crew also setting up camp at

Kincumber’s Frost Reserve on February 21.

Both shoots are expected to end on Sunday, February 28.

The reserve at Lakeside Drive in MacMasters Beach will also be used for a one-day shoot on February 26.

On March 1, crews will move to Ocean Beach’s WL Lloyd Reserve for a three-day shoot set near Ocean Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Umina’s Margarita Daze has also been booked out for a three-day shoot starting from Monday, March 1 between 7am and 6pm.

Some residents were provided notice of the filming details this month with a letter from the production’s location manager.

With notable Australian star Toni Colette at the helm, the series is set to follow the story of Andrea (Colette) who is caught up in a mass shooting at a local diner with her mother Laura.

She witnesses Laura violently dispose of the shooter and soon after, video footage of the incident becomes a viral hit, exposing Laura’s identity to her past enemies.

Andrea is forced to escape and whilst on that journey, attempts to piece together the real truths her mother had fought so hard to conceal.

Local budding actors also had their chance to be in the show after a casting call was put out for paid extras earlier this month.

The series is based on the eponymous 2018 novel by Karin Slaughter and will also feature Lord of the Rings’ David Wenham and Moulin Rouge’s Richard Roxburgh.

Maisy Rae

Over 4,000 submissions received by IPART on rate rise Peninsula residents have been assured any submissions sent to IPART on Central Coast Council’s proposed 15 per cent rate rise will be taken into consideration before the regulator makes it decision in May. IPART Acting Chair, Deborah Cope, said every one of the thousands of submissions received on the issue would be thoroughly examined.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal had

received an unprecedented 4,100 private submissions, in addition to Council’s official request for a variation to allow for a 15 per cent rate increase from next year.

“We recognise this is a really tough time for ratepayers as well as for councils and we have to get the balance right,” Cope said.

“It is important that councils have the funds necessary to provide services but it also important that (rises) are not more than what is necessary.

“We welcome submissions from people on whether or not they think the application (for a rate rise variation) is reasonable or not.

“Submissions an integral part of what we do, and we will review them all; they will feed into our deliberations.”

Cope said the tribunal looked at four major areas when determining variation requests: Are people aware of what has been proposed? Is it affordable?

Is there a demonstrated need for the money? and Has Council

done the work to determine if there are other ways of saving money or possible revenue streams?

“We want to be sure people know what is proposed and we want to know if the proposal is affordable; submissions often provide important information here,” she said.

Cope said Council had reported its initial and amended surveys made available to residents.

“Based on that (amended) survey, 72 per cent of

respondents said they favoured no rise,” she said.

“And half of those gave as their reason the mismanagement of Council.”

On the subject of rates harmonisation, which some experts are saying could see former Gosford residents pay as much as 42 per cent more than at present, Cope said that was a matter for Council to resolve.

“We are aware of the (rate) differentiation and we are also aware that some former Wyong

ratepayers are upset at having paid higher rates for some time,” she said.

“But we set the percentage of how much the bucket can go up and then Council must go through the process with the community to find the right blend of rates across different areas and categories.”

IPART will accept submissions on the proposed rate rise until March 7 and will hand down its determination in May. Terry Collins

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PAGE 7

25 FEBRUARY 2021

Update on Ettalong’s mystery wall Central Coast Council has described the mystery wall constructed in the centre of the Rocks Arcade at Ettalong Beach as a “temporary construction site fence”.

Several tenants and shop owners arrived at the Memorial Ave arcade on January 20 to find an unexplained 3m wall had been built overnight.

Mars Property Group, developers of the Atlantis residential apartments at Ettalong Beach, lodged a Development Application to demolish half of the arcade and build a five-storey hotel—with construction costs estimated

at $18.58M. A Central Coast Council spokesperson said the DA was approved on May 11, 2020, and a temporary construction site fence was required before works could commence.

“The approved development consent for the hotel development states that prior to commencement of any works, the applicant must erect a temporary hoarding or temporary construction site fence between the worksite and adjoining lands before the works begin,”the spokesperson said. “(This site fence) must be kept in place until after the completion of the works, if the

works could cause a danger, obstruction or inconvenience to pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or could cause damage to adjoining lands by falling objects— or involve the enclosure of a public place or part of a public place.”

The spokesperson also said that a separate DA was not required to construct a fence between the worksite and adjoining land.

Helado café owner Chris Perkins said they assumed the wall had been constructed to impact their business and push them into moving out.

“The only motivation that we can see for its construction is to make it look like we are

closed or to make us invisible from passing trade,” Perkins said.

“We have over two years remaining on our lease and have full access to use that part of the arcade for our tables and chairs.

“We are not closing down, and we have no intention of moving.”

Mars Property Group reached out to Perkins and other tenants who were told the temporary wall was there to mark their boundary; Perkins has requested extra clarification on this and is waiting for a response.

Hayley McMahon

The wall at the Rocks Arcade

Pensioner hit by cyclist Calls have intensified for greater care to be exercised in shared pathways following reports of a 75-year-old pensioner being struck by cyclists on a shared pathway in Woy Woy recently.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said pedestrians and cyclists should follow road

rules.

“We should always keep to the left, look out for each other and give way if needed, just like we need to on the roads,” she said.

“I’m a passionate cyclist and I know all too well accidents do happen which is why we all need to be so conscious of our surroundings when we’re doing any activity on a shared

pathway.

“Here on the Peninsula, we are lucky to have access to shared pathways and we should be able to enjoy them, whether we are on a bike, using a pram or on our usual afternoon walk, in safe and respectful ways.

“All of us have a responsibility on pathways to give way, stop and make sure we are aware of

who is around us.”

Central Coast Bicycle User Group president, Alan Corven, says bike safety is important for both the users and the community.

“Cycling is a good healthy, low impact, exercise and is always being taken up by many people,” he said.

“We do need to be active, but

every activity comes with a risk, whether we are walking or cycling, especially when we’re on shared pathways.

“Cyclists generally are considerate and do ring their bells but sometimes others may not hear them, or sometimes there are unfortunately some inconsiderate riders.

“My advice to cyclists would

be to ride slower on shared pathways; be aware of every obstacle, whether it be people, children, bush turkeys, ducks and dogs and always be aware of your environment and most importantly prepared to stop.”

Source: Media release, Feb 15 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

Liesl Tesch MP Member for Gosford

Schools and education Community Recognition Awards

Anniversary & birthday messages Fair Trading Hospitals and health Main roads

Police and Emergency Services Public housing

Trains and public transport

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

How can I help?

20 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy NSW 2256

Gosford@parliament.nsw.gov.au (02) 4342 4122 Peninsula News - half page - Aug 20.indd 1

30/10/2020 10:20:13 AM

PAGE 8

25 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

Thousands of Peninsula residents, along with people all along the eastern seaboard, are anxiously awaiting a decision on the renewal of the PEP 11 permit for oil and gas drilling 5km off the coastline.

The permit came up for renewal on February 12, with a decision expected soon by the Joint Authority on whether to renew the licence or cancel it.

The final decision on the permit’s fate will be made by the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Federal Resources Minister, Keith Pitt, both of the National Party.

Barilaro announced on February 17 that he had written to Pitt, the Federal Member for Hinkler in Queensland, recommending that PEP-11 not be renewed.

“Mr Pitt formally wrote to me last week seeking my recommendation, and I want to acknowledge the representations made to me by my parliamentary colleagues,” he said.

“I have listened to their views, and those of the people they represent – it confirms my own

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Nationals’ Resources Minister to decide Central Coast’s gas future

position to recommend that PEP-11 is not renewed.”

Pitt will now make his decision after receiving Barilaro’s recommendation and considering “all relevant information”, including advice from the National Offshore Titles Administrator (NOPTA).

The decision looms against a backdrop of discord within the National Party over fossil fuels.

Two weeks ago, senior Nationals rebuked the former resources minister, Matt Canavan, and colleague Barnaby Joyce after they had threatened to cross the floor if the Morrison Government moved ahead with its “net zero by 2050” carbon policy.

Meanwhile, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has reaffirmed her opposition to renewal of the permit, which is set to continue under the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 until a decision is made.

After refusing to take a formal stance on the issue for months, Wicks announced on February 5 that she would not support renewal of the permit.

The Federal Labor Party has

The red outline shows the PEP11 permit area with pointer to the Baleen Prospect

also made its opposition to renewal of the lease well know, with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese visiting Terrigal on February 5 to reaffirm the party’s position, joined by Federal MPs from along the coastline, and State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch.

But with the licence holders of the PEP 11 permit already making plans for exploration, unease is widespread.

When asked why $9M had been raised by the company

even though the decision to extend the licence is still pending, BPH energy CEO, David Breeze, said he was “certainly committed to continue with the project”.

Surfrider Foundation Australia said it “holds grave concerns” that the permit will be renewed.

“The joint venture companies currently holding the exploration permit continue to move forward with their plans to drill off the coast, despite the PEP11 permit lapsing (on

February 12),” Surfrider Foundation Chair, Sean Doherty, said.

“What do these gas companies know that the community doesn’t?”

Doherty said the NSW State Government and every Federal MP with an electorate adjacent to PEP11 have formally opposed the development of offshore oil and gas rigs.

“No fossil fuel development in Australia has been so broadly opposed by all sides of politics,” he said.

Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 extends between Newcastle in the north and Manly in the south and covers 4,500 square kilometres.

Save our Coast (SOC) has been leading the campaign for a number of years to stop seismic testing and drilling off the most populated coastline in NSW, which is also a major whale migratory route.

“Tens of thousands of people from the Central Coast and beyond have joined actions, signed petitions and contacted their local MPs,” SOC representative Tim Heffernan said on February 5.

“We are opposed to the

project because the risk to our precious marine environment, tourism sector and coastal lifestyle far outweighs any benefits, especially in a time when the entire world is moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning toward renewables.”

Surfers For Climate is also opposing renewal.

“We do not want gas drilling in our backyard,” said spokesperson Belinda Baggs.

“Locals have drawn a line in the sand, and we hope that the state and federal decision makers are listening.”

Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch has opposed PEP11 since 2017 and welcomed the NSW Government’s formal opposition.

“I want to thank the Deputy Premier for listening to our community’s strong opposition and acting accordingly,” he said.

“I’m calling for the Federal Government to stop PEP11 and stop putting our beaches and marine life at risk.”

Terry Collins and Ross Barry

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Jane Smith

Jane Smith Independent Independent ...working for for our ...working ourcommunity community

Statepay government must pay fair share to Central Coast and residents and ratepayers State governmentThe must its fair share to its Central Coast residents ratepayers

Some of the NSW Government impact on Council budgets

The NSWamalgamated Government Gosford amalgamated Gosford and The NSW Government and Wyong Councils Wyong in May 2016. At noortime there y 2016. At no time hadCouncils there been a referendum poll had of our a referendum or pollto of merge. our community to ask if unity to ask if been we wanted our Councils The former we wanted our Councils tosupport merge. The former In Wyong g Council had voted in October 2015 to a merger.

Council had voted October 2015 to support a merger. were Best, Eaton, Taylor, Troy in and Webster—against were favour were Best, Eaton, Taylor, Troy and Webster— m, Greenwald,InMatthews and Vincent.

Gosford Council put up were more Graham, of a fight.Greenwald, A number ofMatthews Gosford and against illors claimed that they had been “bullied and coerced”, Vincent. vely told to “amalgamate or else”.

Gosford Council Gosford Council put up more of a fight.reluctantly A number of rted the merger in November 2015.

Voting favour Gosford Councillors claimed thatinthey had were been “bullied on, Doyle, Bowles, Burke, Ward, Bocking McKinna. Against and coerced”, effectively told and to “amalgamate or else”.

McFadyen, Scott and Morris.

Gosford Council reluctantly supported the merger in

By October 2020 the failures the Council were clear.

November 2015.ofVoting in favourmergers were Strickson, Doyle, ding to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 20 amalgamated councils Bowles, Burke, Ward, Bocking and McKinna. Against were d the State were losing $1.03 billion in three years and ratepayers McFadyen, Scott and Morris. hikes in rates and cuts in services.

By October 2020 the failures of the Council mergers The State government has taken a combative stance to Central were clear. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 20 Council since the September 2017 election rather than working councils the State were losing $1.03 oratively with amalgamated Council to deliver foraround the community. billion obvious in three years and ratepayers facing hikes in rates This has been most in planning.

The State government and cutsinin2018 services. uced a Gosford SEPP which removed planning powers The State government takenlimits a combative stance to Council and removed height and floorhas space from large sites Central Coastthe Council sinceofthe Septembercontributions 2017 election ford CBD. It also reduced amount developer

Cost of amalgamation

Council media release (8/10/2020) significant and ongoing impacts, estimate could be in excess of $100M

Gosford CBD SEPP

Reduction in developer contributions to Council from 4% to 1%. In Oct 2018, the NSW Department of Planning valued the 3% decrease at approx. $190M

Local Planning Panel

The LPP was established by NSW government to take decision making away from Council. In May 2020, in a staff report to Council, it was estimated that the cost burden to Council for the operation of the Panel is in the order to $400,000 per annum

$ 400,000 per annum

Emergency works – Wamberal Beach / North Entrance

July 2020 coastal erosion event - State government issued a direction requiring Council to construct emergency toe protection works. In Feb 2021, the total cost was estimated at $2.866M. The NSW government has reimbursed $992,501 thus far. (Ref Council report—3 Feb 2021)

$ 1.894 M

Biodiversity Offsetting

NSW government payments to offset environmental impacts at Kangy Angy and Lisarow wetland. The Development Application for Kangy Angy was approved in 2017, construction completed in 2020—still no payments for biodiversity offsets.

Cost shifting

Council media release (8/10/2020) estimate $45M or more per annum

rather than working collaboratively with Council to deliver for the community.

This has been most obvious in planning. The State government introduced a Gosford SEPP in 2018 which

removed planning with powers from Council and removed paid to Council 2 percent of the contributions height floorState spacegovernment limits from large sites. This in Gosford goingand to the instead CBD. It also reduced the amount of developer contributions increased the burden on Council’s budgets. paid to Council with percent ofintroduced the contributions going to In 2020, the2 Minister a Local the State government instead This increasedthat the again burden Planning Panel, with little .justification, onremoved Council’splanning budgets. powers from the community and its at introduced a cost to Council.

In Council, 2020, theagain Minister a Local Planning Panel, The Central Coast suffered a $163 million from with little justification, that again removed planning powers the 2019-20 summer but did not from the community andbushfires its Council, again at a received cost to a single cent of financial help from the NSW Council.

Government’s Bushfire Locala Economic Recovery The Central Coast suffered $163 million from the Fund. The Statebushfires government has 2019-20 summer but did notadmitted received that a single “pork barrelling” onethe ofNSW its tools.

This hasBushfire been to cent of financial help is from Government’s the detriment of the Central Coast.

Local Economic Recovery Fund. The State government has The State government has failed to properly admitted that “pork barrelling” is one of its tools. This has fund its Council amalgamations resulting in been to the detriment of the Central Coast. significant costs being imposed on the Central Coast The State government has failed to properly fund its community - the residents and ratepayers. These Council amalgamations in financial significantsituation. costs being have contributed to resulting Council’s imposedI support on the Central Coast - the residents the call forcommunity a public inquiry into and ratepayers.

These have contributed to cause.

Council’s Council’s financial situation and the root financialI support situation. the call for a referendum on the I support the call for a public inquiry into Council’s amalgamation. financialI support situation and thethe callroot forcause. the NSW Government to I support thethe callCouncil for a referendum on the amalgamation. reimburse for the full cost of amalgamation.

I support the call for the NSW Government to reimburse the Council for the full cost of amalgamation.

ommunity Cabinet meeting (Oct 2019) - Tumbi Umbi NSW Community Cabinet meeting (Oct 2019) - Tumbi Umbi

ral Coast New Independents

$ 100 M

Up to $ 190 M

TOTAL

UNDISCLOSED

$ 45 M > $337 M

Views in my these own and not represent Disclaimer - ViewsDisclaimer expressed- in theseexpressed articles are ownarticles and doare notmy represent thedo views of Council the views of Council For more information or to subscribe to my eNews – www.ccnewindependents.com

Central Coast New Independents

For more information or to subscribe to my eNews www.ccnewindependents.com

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PAGE 9

25 FEBRUARY 2021

PAGE 10 25 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

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New support service A new homelessness and support service will open at Woy Woy’s CWA Hall on Thursday, February 25 from 6pm.

The service’s Kibble Park activities have been so well attended it is now spreading to the Peninsula

Central Coast Disaster Relief (CCDR) is an organisation that aims to provide support across the community to those in need.

CCDR founder and spokesperson, Carly Pal, said the Gosford service had been seeing a large number of residents, which prompted the Woy Woy launch.

“Last week we had 76 people use our service, which was up from 65 the week prior,” Pal said.

“The growing need in our community has spurred us on to expand our service into Woy Woy. “There is much embarrassment attached to poverty, and CCDR is helping to remove the stigma sensitively through connection and conversation.”

The Care4Coast outreach program provides hot meals, clothing, food hampers and toiletries to residents who attend the service.

A team of registered nurses also attends each week to provide additional support.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, welcomed the organisation’s decision to

expand to Woy Woy as it is “crucial in filling service gaps”.

“Across our community too many people are struggling both financially and emotionally; the impact of COVID-19 has only exacerbated these struggles,” Tesch said.

Tesch encouraged community members to get behind the initiative and get in contact with CCDR via its Facebook page.

The program also operates out of Gosford’s Kibble Park from 6pm each Monday.

Source: Media release, Feb 18 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

PCYC celebrates 20 big years Umina Beach PCYC is celebrating 20 years on the Peninsula, and for the special milestone, will be hosting a free community open day on February 26.

Club manager Emma Tanner said the day would showcase the facilities and great youth programs on offer.

“The support we are able to

provide to the local youth and wider community would not have been possible without your help and support over the years - we would like to formally invite you to come along and tour our fantastic facilities and join us for the formal proceedings of the day,” Tanner said.

“We are going to be holding a barbecue and will have our

gymnastic coach there on the day so visitors can trial gymnastics; we will also have our archery set up in our multipurpose room, as well as boxing in our sheds out the back.”

For 20 years, the Umina Beach PCYC has aided the youth of the Peninsula by providing a safe haven of supportive programs and

people who help them stay on the right track.

“Over the years, our YCM (Youth Case Management) have run police programs to help the local youth at risk; they also case manage up to 10 youth over 12 months,” Tanner said.

“They also run a Rise Up program which sees kids from

the local high school come and do fitness sessions, and enjoy breakfast before school, on a Monday and Thursday.”

Along with the community, Tanner said Bendigo Bank had been a considerable supporter with its donations funding youth programs and 140 positions for the Safer Driver Program.

Umina Beach PCYC also plans to hold its state-wide fundraiser, the Star Jump Challenge for Youth Week, this April, promoting mental health awareness.

The open day will be held from 1.30pm-4.30 pm on Friday, February 26, at 101 Osborne Ave, Umina Beach.

Hayley McMahon

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Lucy Wicks is as bad as the Central Coast Council WHERE IS THE Performing Arts Centre?

New Commuter Parking Lot?

THAT SHE PROMISED. The Liberal Party even think the Central Coast is in Greater Sydney…

We need someone new who is going to put the Coast first.

Authorised by Senator Deborah O’Neill, Suite 312, 4 Illya Ave, Erina, NSW 2250

PAGE 11 25 FEBRUARY 2021

PAGE 12 25 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS

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Vale Keith Whitfield Woy Woy is mourning one of its favourite sons with the passing on February 21 of former Gosford City Council Deputy Mayor Keith Whitfield at the age of 83.

Mr Whitfield was an involved and much-loved member of the Peninsula community and worked at Woy Woy post office from 1965 until he retired, serving as a postman and postal clerk.

Daughter Louise Whitfield said he was affectionately known as “Speedy” and was well known by this name at his favourite watering hole, The Bayview Hotel.

He served as an alderman for the former Gosford Shire Council from 1977-1980 and then as a councillor on the

newly proclaimed Gosford City Council from 1980-1991.

Mr Whitfield was Deputy Mayor from 1984-1987 and in 1990.

He was an avid historian and environmentalist and counted some of his significant achievements on Council as saving Riley’s Island from development and saving the old Woy Woy Council Chambers from demolition.

The building is now home to Woy Woy Library.

Louise Whitfield said her father was well read on many topics and well as being an avid writer.

“He had a diverse knowledge and often spoke with humorous repartee,” she said.

“He wrote regularly to local and Sydney newspapers, using

these mediums to offer his opinion and wit on a vast range of topics.”

Mr Whitfield also worked voluntarily as an announcer on two local radio stations - Radio Five-O Plus and Lake Macquarie Community Radio.

He dabbled in amateur acting and performed for Woy Woy Little Theatre as well as other community acting groups.

He also acted in several commercial advertisements including as Santa Claus for an ad for the post office.

“He was a gregarious man with a fun nature,” Louise Whitfield said.

“These included dressing up in a gorilla suit to attend a Council meeting and to surprise his wife, who worked in a local jewellery shop.

“He will be well missed by his family and his community and the world will be a duller place without him.”

Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson, paid tribute to Mr Whitfield at the Council meeting on February 24.

“On behalf of Council, we send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends,” Persson said.

Mr Whitfield is survived by his wife of 62 years Joan, as well as three daughters, one niece, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren with a fifth on the way.

His funeral will be held at St Luke’s Anglican Church, Woy Woy, at 12.30pm on March 5.

Terry Collins

The late Keith Whitfield

Protesters gather as Centrelink doors close A small group of residents gathered outside the Ettalong Centrelink on February 12 as it prepared to close its doors for the last time.

Joining them in protesting the closure were Central Coastbased Senator Deborah O’Neill and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, along with Federal Member for the neighbouring electorate of Dobell, Emma McBride.

O’Neill described the closure as a “case of neglect” by the Federal Government and Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks.

“Last year we saw lines at Centrelinks snake around blocks and Prime Minister Scott Morrison said,‘Oh no, I (had) better do something’,”

O’Neill said.

“Many Australians were smashed by the overnight closures of businesses and came to Centrelink because they needed support.”

O’Neill said the closure of the Ettalong centre came just over a month before small businesses face a “cliff” when JobKeeper payments cease at the end of March, with Centrelink queues sure to escalate as a result.

With the announcement of the shutdown coming just two weeks before the closure, residents were given little warning, with many still unaware of the change.

Local Cathy Soder said the decision to leave Peninsula residents with no other option besides the Woy Woy Centre

was “disgusting”.

“You look at how many people use the Ettalong facility, the demographics of it ... these are the people who need an accessible service the most,” Soder said.

“Elderly people and people with disability will struggle to visit the Woy Woy centre – they don’t always have the ability to use technology; they might not be able to get to public transport services.

“The decision shows a lack of regard for the community [and] it’s not good enough.

“Alternate premises at Ettalong should have been organised and now be ready and fully operational.”

A social media post by Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch about the closure garnered a

significant response from outraged locals, with many calling on the Federal Government to reinstate the branch.

Other residents noted the lack of parking availability at the other service centres on the Coast, including Woy Woy, which users will now have to travel to.

Ettalong resident Kelly Jeans said she was very disappointed by the decision.

“My mum worked at this Centrelink office when it first opened many years ago and she now relies on it as well,” Jeans said.

“A lot of the older generation in Ettalong rely on that face-to face assistance [here], they don’t have the technology at home.

“To take away an office that they need and force them to go to Woy Woy means they will be standing in line longer ... it’s going to put more pressure on the Woy Woy staff.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the first stage to establish a Services Australia Agent in Ettalong is complete, with Expressions of Interest closing as of late last week.

“Services Australia will now undertake an independent process to assess submissions from local Ettalong businesses to continue government services and supports for residents,” Wicks said.

“In the meantime, residents in Ettalong can continue to access the new-era Services Australia service centre in Woy

Woy, which is completing its transformation, focusing on upgrading service offerings for residents.

“The Woy Woy Service Centre now offers appointment-based services and tailored assistance for older Australians.

“The development approval for the site where the Ettalong Service Centre was located is well understood by the local community.

“I have fought hard to ensure the Central Coast—in particular the Peninsula—will continue to have high level access to government services and I am extremely proud the Peninsula is one of the first regions in the country to enjoy Services Australia’s transformed government services delivering a new, greater offering.”

Maisy Rae

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NEWS

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Three more join the 100 Club An aged care provider at Umina Beach has welcomed a new trio of centenarians to its 100 club.

Peninsula Villages residents Doris Wills, Hazel Draper and Allen Badman joined the club ahead of the holiday season.

And with celebrations now winding down, Doris and Hazel have taken the time to reflect on their lives and how much the world has changed over the course of 100 years.

“Life was much simpler for us when William and I were raising our two children – technology

Peninsula residents might notice helicopters, planes and drones flying over the area between now and March 9 looking for bushfire hazards.

They are part of Ausgrid’s Bushfire Risk Management Strategy which will see the electricity provider working with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Central Coast Council and community groups to

was nowhere near as advanced, with just had the radio and the odd ‘talking picture’ as entertainment,” Hazel said.

“Time together was spent playing games and enjoying each other’s company.

“Some of my fondest memories are of our holidays on the Hawkesbury River, swimming and fishing with the family.”

Doris shared her experiences of growing up in Sydney.

“In the lead up to World War II, times were really difficult for many families and so I left school at 14 to help look after my younger sisters at home,”

Doris Wills

Hazel Draper

she said.

“I never returned to school as

supporting the family took precedence, so instead I went

to work at the GPO in Sydney as a typist and stenographer where I was crowned the Mail Branch Queen at a ball they held.”

The pair agreed that the secret to a long and happy life was not to sweat the small stuff.

“Ninety percent of the things you worry about won’t even happen – it’s a waste of time and energy,” they said.

“Just focus on the now and enjoy every moment with those you love.”

The trio joins six other centenarians at the Villages; Biddy (103), George (102),

Dorothy, Joy, Phyllis and Edna (101).

Peninsula Villages Chief Executive Officer, Shane Neaves, said it was wonderful to welcome the trio to the centenarians’ club.

“We are seeing many more residents reach this milestone than we did 15 to 20 years ago due to advances in medical technology, more personalised treatment options and a subsequent improvement in the practise of medicine itself,” Neaves said.

Source: Media release, Jan 14 Peninsula Villages

Planes, drones and helicopters inspect powerlines, poles and other equipment in bushfireprone areas.

The helicopter crews use radar imaging equipment and high-resolution photography to identify potential bushfire hazards.

The radar sends and records 300,000 pulses every second to create a three-dimensional representation of the network and is capable of identifying

branch heights with an accuracy of within two centimetres.

Aerial patrols will be flying in the area until June 7.

Crews will be in the air from about 8.30am to 4pm (weather permitting).

The helicopters fly between 18 and 55km/h, 500-1000 feet from the ground and the planes fly 1400-1700ft above ground level and reach speeds of 180-

210km/h.

Ausgrid says the helicopters and drones need to fly low at times, and this may startle livestock in rural areas.

The company suggests property owners may want to consider securing livestock during the patrols.

“Every endeavour will be made to stick to the flight schedule, however due to factors out of our control, such

as adverse weather conditions, it may change slightly,” Ausgrid’s website says.

“Drone cameras will be focused on pole tops, so no pictures of the general public will be taken.

“The drones travel no higher than 35m from ground level and travel at speeds between 5 and 20km/h.

Suburbs which will see air action between now and March

9 include: Blackwall, Booker Bay, Box Head, Daleys Point, Empire Bay, Ettalong Beach, Hardys Bay, Horsfield Bay, Killcare, Killcare Heights, Little Wobby, Patonga, Pearl Beach, Phegans Bay, Pretty Beach, St Huberts Island, Umina Beach, Wagstaffe, Woy Woy and Woy Woy Bay. Source: Ausgrid website, Feb 13

Rotary Ugandan project a success A project by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy has reached its next milestone after 17 of its students graduated in Uganda in December.

The Pure Joy Women Empowerment Uganda project aims to empower women

through vocational training to help them break the cycle of poverty.

It is hoped that with this training, women will have a better chance of gaining employment or starting a small business.

Project manager and President of the Woy Woy

branch, Joan Redmond, congratulated the “amazing, determined women who overcame extraordinary challenges to complete their courses”.

“Project managers and Rotarians organised a beautiful graduation ceremony that was attended by the graduates’

families and friends,” Redmond said. “[With] the pandemic lockdown, many of the women had no option but to return on foot to their families in rural areas for food and accommodation.

“The Club can be very proud to support these resilient,

determined women who let no hardship stand in the way of making a better life for themselves and their families.”

In September, the Pure Joy workshop had to relocate due to the end of a lease agreement but spacious premises with good ventilation were found.

Redmond said the program is

open and looking to enrol a new class of trainees, earning income through making uniforms and offering tailoring services to the community.

Source: Newsletter, Feb 16 Rotary Club of Woy Woy

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FORUM

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Gas rigs mean fish and jobs I notice that (Federal Opposition Leader) Anthony Albanese was here trying to restore the image of his party in the aftermath of the Labordominated Council spendathon.

He also took the opportunity to join the anti- PEP 11 campaigners, but it would help them all to be taken much more seriously if his and many of their concerns had more (or, in some cases, any) credibility.

A simple example ... every fisherman knows structure

FORUM means fish.

Platforms are islands of life in an often barren sea floor.

There are dozens of gas platforms, many there for over 50 years, located off seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth on the UK’s East Coast; impact on tourism negligible if at all.

There is a need for job creation in the area and with the decline of coal, there is a ready-made base for supply vessels at Newcastle.

Also, local engineering support worth millions (as no work or equipment is cheap in the offshore environment).

Following the strident objections to the sinking of the naval ship which proved to be groundless and having worked on many gas platforms, I am simply putting forward an alternative view and stating again that many of the objections would be dismissed out of hand by any serious review panel.

Email, Feb 20 Alan Coulson, Umina Beach

Please reconsider position on nuclear free zone An open letter to Central Coast Council Administrator, Dick Persson (on Council’s nuclear free zone policy): I am commenting on your proposal to rely solely on “other levels of government” to protect our local government area.

As you no doubt would be aware, different states and federal government policies depend on the political party in power at any given time.

FORUM Legislation is very often rewritten and nothing is “set in stone” as we see from time to time, depending on what passes both houses.

(If the community has its own) “insurance policy” against what could be re-written (and) which is detrimental to our specific local area, that would be another barrier to penetrate if the threat were to occur.

Is an exposed body part fashionable or obscene?

FORUM

I’m confused.

Seeing an exposed bum walking up and down on a main street is both confronting and confusing.

Okay. I understand the fashion of G-strings and Brazilian bikinis in the context of a beach setting, but could it be that indecency is measured by the distance from the beach or swimming area?

When miniscule attire is worn on a main road (or) in a shopping centre and one appears to be half naked, doesn’t it then become indecent exposure?

It was a sunny day and I was walking along Ocean View Rd in Ettalong.

In front of me were a group of

Having local councillors with common interests to protect our pristine coastal areas and national parks is our protection against this type of very concerning vulnerability.

I am asking you to reconsider your opinion, and act to protect our local community as a priority while you are our temporary guardian.

Congratulations to all involved in this year’s wonderful Australia Day Ceremony at Wagstaffe Square.

Source: Email, Feb 8 Evelyn Wicks, Wagstaffe

This has become one of the most outstanding and iconic events of the year and draws

See Page 2 for address and contribution conditions.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily of the newspaper four girls.

Three were fully dressed, but one was wearing a black singlet and had her bum exposed.

I could only assume she was wearing a G-string.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I walked in front of the group

and looked back.

I was none the wiser, as the singlet was pulled down and stopped JUST below her nether regions.

Section 5 of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (the Act) prescribes a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a fine of $1,100 for anyone who, “in or within view from a public place or school, wilfully and obscenely exposes his or her person”.

Should exposing your bum in a main shopping area be illegal?

Truthfully, I’m confused.

What about you?

Email, Feb 20 PL Scelzi, Gosford

Charges should be waived FORUM the community together in an inclusive celebration of what it means to be Australian.

This year’s occasion was particularly special; as with all previous Council funding withdrawn, it went ahead due to a mix of philanthropy and communal good will.

One great relief was the absence of the political whistlestop grandstanding that has marked it in the past.

In its place was a list of

charges for security, publicity, rubbish removal and rent of a space that is lovingly cared for and enhanced by the local community.

Really, Central Coast Council, is this example of wowserism what we can now expect as rate payers?

Surely if you are nor prepared to contribute to the event you could at least waive those charges.

Letter, Feb 10 Dr. Noelene Brasche, Killcare

From the editor Please note that when submitting a letter for our Forum pages, either in hard copy or via email, we require your full name and

suburb.

Letters which do not include this information will not be considered for publication.

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 17 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Traditional Graffiti at Troubador The Traditional Graffiti folk band

Woy Woy’s Troubadour Folk Club will host its grand opening for 2021 with a live music event on Saturday, February 27.

The Traditional Graffiti folk

band will help celebrate the launch with a return visit to the Everglades Club.

Formerly known as the Wheeze & Suck Band, the group is expected to give life to many British folk ballads

and other songs from the folk and contemporary space.

Club President, Michael Fine, said the band performs music reminiscent of the great Steeleye Span.

“Audiences can expect

fantastic vocal harmonies, exciting instrumentalists and a powerful foot thumping rhythm,” Fine said.

They will also be supported by other local performers with their set to start at 7pm.

With the recent relaxation of COVID-19 health regulations, a number of tickets have opened up to the public, but bookings are required.

Ticket prices range from $13 to $20 dependent on seating

requirements and can be found online at Trybooking. com.

Source: Media release, Feb 22 Troubadour Folk Club

Woy Woy photographer takes second prize in national comp Woy Woy resident, Brendan Abbott, has been awarded second prize in the Australia-wide aerial photography competition, SkyStock, for his image of a rare moment in nature near Avoca Beach.

Brendan Abbott’s award winning shot

The photograph, part of the Nature and Environment theme, is a bird-eye-view shot of a school of salmon circling a grey nurse shark near the shallows of the beach.

His photo was selected as one of five winners from 10,000 entries.

Abbott said he took the photo

at the end of last year when there seemed to be many large groups of salmon in the area.

“I was actually going out to surf that morning, but it was pretty flat, so I pulled my Mavic 2 Pro out of the car to do a beach run, Abbott said.

“I found this large bait ball of Australian salmon and followed it for a while.

“Then, from what appeared to be out of nowhere, this shark glided in from the deep, and I tracked it for about 20 minutes.

“I’ve always wanted to film a shark around a bait ball and

lucked onto this on this particular day.

“I didn’t end up surfing that day either.”

Abbott had lived on the Peninsula for three years now and said his love for drones stems from when he was young.

“I’ve been into remotecontrolled planes ever since I’ve been about 10, so pretty much my whole life,” he said.

“Before this, I was in Cronulla in a commercial drone business for five years.

“I was shooting high-end boats, real estate inspections,

and also live streaming events.

“Then I got into drones and cinematography.

“I do a bit of everything; I just shoot anything that catches my eye.

“I love doing it.”

Guest judges were from a range of leading drone and aerial businesses, which also donated to the prize pool.

Abbott received $200 cash and two copies of the Pippa and Dronie book; one he gave to his daughter and the other he donated to her school.

Jacinta Counihan

PAGE 18 25 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT & ABOUT

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Runners to tackle Bouddi trail

There will be tough terrains for competitors to manage

The trail run goes through Bouddi National Park

A popular trail run through Bouddi National Park is set to be held on February 27.

The Bouddi Coastal Run includes a 14km and 21km looped course which begins at Putty Beach.

Runners can take in the sights of Gerrin Point, Maitland Bay, Bouddi Point and Bombi Point as they race to complete the annual event.

Event director Mark Roberts said the field has been capped at 500 runners for the two

Photo: Outer Image Collective

events.

“The 21km race will begin at 8,30am, with the 14km race starting just thirty minutes later,” Roberts said.

“The quickest runners should complete the first race in about

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an hour and 45 minutes, with competitors in the 14km race coming in at about an hour and 10 minutes.

“Winners will receive prizes from our sponsors; Pure Running, Tailwind, Central Coast Council and our even

partner, Camp Quality.

“A number of runners will also be raising money for the Camp.”

The Bouddi Coastal Run’s fourth event was set to be held last November but due to

COVID-19 health directions, the race was rescheduled.

Organisers say that all going well, the Bouddi Coastal Run will launch its fifth event this November.

Maisy Rae

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 19 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Titanic themed dinner sets sail

A model of the Titanic will be at the dinner

A titanic-themed dinner is set to sail onto the Peninsula on April 10 in a bid to raise funds for community projects.

The Rotary Club of Brisbane Water will host the event in Pearl Beach’s community hall from 6pm.

Attendees will experience an event reminiscent of the famous ship’s voyage, donning outfits of the early 1900s, and will dine on a five-course meal that was originally served on the ship.

On arrival, they will receive a boarding pass in the name of one of the real passengers on the ship, later discovering if they were a survivor of the tragedy.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed couple, and best dressed man and woman.

Publicity office, Di Bartok, said the dinner will be hosted

by Titanic aficionado Michael Booth, who will be dressed as the ship’s famous Captain Smith.

“Booth will bring along the

Titanic knowledge and memorabilia he has been collecting for years,” Bartok said.

“His fascination with the Titanic began as a child, when he was told stories of his grandfather standing on the deck of the great ship.

“Booth tells of how his Belfast-born grandfather stood on the deck as it went down the slipway at its launch ... [and] with that family connection, he grew up devouring information about the Titanic.”

With Booth at the helm as host, funds raised from the event will go towards the Rotary’s support of the Coast Youth Cottage and women’s refuge.

The dinner was originally scheduled for last year but was postponed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The $100 tickets bought last year are still redeemable, but only a few places remain.

Source: Media release, Feb 19 Rotary Club of Brisbane Water

Michael ‘Captain Smith’ Booth visits the Titanic memorial in Dublin

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Saturday 27 February

Friday 26 February

Thursday 25 February

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:15 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:55 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:35 10:35 11:05 11:55 12:40 1:25 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:30 10:00 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:45 12:15 6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 2:40 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 7:00 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:25 11:20 12:20 5:00

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Australian Story [s] How Deadly World (PG) [s] Australia Remastered [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] The Weekly (PG) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] Sammy J [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Back Roads[s] Q&A [s] Aussie Inventions That Changed The World [s] ABC Late News [s] Royal Wives Of Windsor (PG) Wentworth(MA15+) [s] Killing Eve(M v) [s] Parliament Question Time [s] News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Q&A [s] The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Back Roads (PG) [s] Outback Ringer (PG) [s] Rake (M l) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] Gardening Australia [s] Vera: Dark Road (M v) [s] Mum: Wednesday (M) [s] State Of The Union (M l) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Vaccine (PG) [s] The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) [s] Aftertaste (M) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] rage (PG) [s] Weekend Breakfast [s] rage (PG) [s] rage Retro Month (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Sleeping Beauty [s] Royal Wives Of Windsor: A Royal Marriage [s] Dream Gardens: Alexandria, NSW [s] Ask The Doctor: Ageing Well (PG) [s] Landline [s] Football: A-League: Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United *Live* From Parramatta Stadium [s] ABC News [s] Death In Paradise (PG) [s] Call The Midwife (PG) [s] Harrow: Damnant Quod Non Intellegunt (M v) [s] Apple Tree Yard (MA15+) [s] Press: Pure (M l,s) [s] rage Retro Month (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) [s]

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

5:30 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 9:00 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 11:30 12:00 12:00 Movie: “Outlaw Prophet: Warren Jeffs” (M s,v) (’14) – 1:00 1:15 The FBI pursues Mormon polygamist Warren Jeffs for 3:00 arranging the marriages of 4:00 underage girls. Stars: Tony 5:00 Goldwyn 6:00 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] – 7:00 7:30 Miracle surgery saves the smallest patient, paramedics go 9:00 off road to control a confused 10:00 man, and Tracy bares all for plastic surgeon Raja Sawhney to work his magic.

3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 8:30 Wife Swap Australia (PG) [s] 11:00 11:30 9:45 Busted In Bangkok (M) [s] 10:45 The Latest Seven News [s] 12:30 1:30 11:15 Celebrity Obsessed (M) [s] 6:00 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “My Father Must Die” 12:00 1:00 (aka Killing Daddy) (M v) (’14) 1:30 Stars: Elizabeth Gillies 3:00 2:00 House Of Wellness [s] 4:00 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:00 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:00 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens [s] 7:30 8:30 Movie: “John Wick: Chapter 3” 8:30 (MA15+) (’19) – John Wick is on the run after killing a member of the international assassins’ guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head, he is the target of hit men and women everywhere. Stars: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry 11:30 Movie: “300: Rise Of An 11:00 Empire” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Hans Matheson, David 1:00 Wenham, Eva Green 1:30 1:00 Home Shopping 6:00 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 12:00 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco Supercars Championship: Mt Panorama 500 - Day 1 *Live* [s] 2:00 2:30 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s 3:30 Front Line (PG) [s] 4:30 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s 5:00 5:30 Front Line (PG) [s] 6:00 7:30 Movie: “Guardians Of The Galaxy” (PG) (’14) – A group of 7:00 intergalactic criminals are forced 7:30 to work together to stop a 8:30 fanatical warrior from taking control of the universe. Stars: James Gunn, Chris Pratt 10:00 Movie: “Clash Of The Titans” 10:50 (M v) (’01) Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Tim Rot 1:00 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco Supercars Championship: 2:00 Bathurst 500: Highlights [s] 5:30 1:00 Home Shopping

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 12:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 2:00 Explore [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:30 Tipping Point [s] 3:00 3:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 NINE News [s] 4:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] 5:00 The Equalizer: Glory (M) [s] Murder For Hire: An Ex-Wife’s 6:30 Revenge (M l) [s] – After a bitter 7:30 divorce, an addiction therapist 8:00 blackmails her patient into 8:30 helping her find a hitman to kill 9:30 her ex-husband; but what she doesn’t know is the patient 10:30 11:30 enlists the help of an undercover officer.

12:30 NINE News Late [s] 1:30 The Horn: The Storm (M) [s] 2:30 Tipping Point [s] 4:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Today [s] 8:30 Today Extra [s] 12:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 1:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 2:00 Driving Test: Hai (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:30 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 3:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 4:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:30 NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Escape To The Chateau (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Notting Hill” (M) (’99) – 6:00 6:30 William, a British bookseller, 7:30 meets and falls in love with 8:30 Anna, a high-profile American actress. However, their relationship goes through many 9:30 problems due to their different 10:30 social statuses. Stars: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant Movie: “In Good Company” (PG) (’04) Stars: Dennis Quaid, 11:00 Topher Grace 12:00 Surfing Australia TV [s] 12:30 Home Shopping 6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:30 Weekend Today [s] 7:00 Today Extra [s] Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman 7:30 & Ironwoman Series *Live* [s] 8:30 9:30 My Way [s] 12:00 Witness To Disaster: 12:30 California Mudslide (PG) [s] 1:00 Serengeti: Rebirth (PG) [s] 1:30 The Garden Gurus [s] 2:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] 2:30 Getaway (PG) [s] 3:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 3:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Space Invaders: Julie And 4:00 Peter (PG) [s] 4:30 Movie: “Yesterday” (M l) (’19) 5:00 Stars: Himesh Patel, Lily 6:00 James, Sophia Di Martino 6:30 Movie: “Taking Woodstock” 7:00 (MA15+) (’09) Stars: Henry 7:30 Goodman, Edward Hibbert 8:30 Witness To Disaster: 10:50 California Mudslide (PG) [s] Home Shopping 11:30 Wesley Impact [s] 12:30

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] Territory Cops (PG) [s] Gogglebox (M) [s] Law & Order: SVU: The Long Arm Of The Witness (M) [s] This Is Us (M) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s] Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] The Graham Norton Show (M l,s) [s] Program To Be Advised Just For Laughs (M) [s] – Just For Laughs featuring stand-up comedy from the most famous comedians from Australia and beyond.

The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping Which Car? [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Escape Fishing With ET [s] 4X4 Adventures [s] The Offroad Adventure Show Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Destination Dessert [s] 10 Minute Kitchen [s] Places We Go [s] Three Blue Ducks [s] Australia By Design [s] What’s Up Down Under [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Farm To Fork [s] 10 News First [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised Three Blue Ducks [s] Program To Be Advised Ambulance UK (M) [s] Inside The Children’s Hospital (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Home Shopping

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, [s] Subtitles Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

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SBS (C30)

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:05 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam (PG) 2:35 King Solomon’s Mines (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: John Newcombe (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys(PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:35 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Greatest Palaces (PG) 8:30 Michael Mosley: Trust Me, I’m A Doctor (M) 9:25 Cornwall With Simon Reeve (PG) 10:25 SBS World News Late 11:00 24 Hours In Police Custody (M) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:05 Beasts And The Pharaohs (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Noni Hazlehurst (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:35 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are UK? (PG) 9:35 My Grandparents War (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Whitney (M l) 1:10 The Looming Tower (M l,s,v) (In English/ Arabic) 3:05 Stopping Male Suicide (MA15+) 5:00 CGTN English News 5:15 NHK World English News 5:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Figure Skating: ISU European Figure Skating Austria 3:30 Black Hole: Universe’s Greatest Mystery Black Hole Hunters 4:40 Lost Viking Army (PG) 5:35 Hitler Youth (PG) (In English/ German) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:00 King Arthur’s Britain: Truth Unearthed King Arthur’s Lost Kingdom (M) 9:10 Movie: “Monty Python And The Holy Grail” (PG) (’75) Stars: John Cleese, Eric Idle 10:45 Movie: “The Broken Circle Breakdown” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Johan Heldenbergh, Veerle Baetens, Nell Cattrysse (In Flemish/ Danish/ English)

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

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PAGE 21 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Monday 1 March

Sunday 28 February

ABC (C20/21)

6:00 7:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:30 3:30 4:00 6:00 7:00 7:40 8:30 9:25 10:25 11:10 12:10 1:00 4:10 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:15 9:35 10:25

Wednesday 3 March

Tuesday 2 March

10:55 11:30 12:25 1:15 6:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:30 10:25 10:55 11:30 12:35 1:20 3:40 4:30 5:30 6:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30 1:35 1:55 3:00 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:40 11:05

PRIME (C61/60)

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

rage (PG) [s] Weekend Breakfast [s] Insiders [s] Offsiders [s] The World This Week [s] Compass (PG) [s] Songs Of Praise (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Landline [s] Gardening Australia [s] Australia Remastered (PG) [s] The Mix [s] Football: W-League: Round 10: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United *Live* From Epping Stadium [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News Sunday [s] Grand Designs NZ [s] Harrow (M v) [s] Silent Witness (M l,s,v) [s] Killing Eve (MA15+) [s] Line Of Duty (M v) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) Wentworth (MA15+) [s]

6:00 Easy Eats [s] 6:00 6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Today [s] 7:30 7:00 Weekend Sunrise [s] 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend 10:00 The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] 8:00 11:00 AFL: Women’s Footy (PG) [s] 8:30 (PG) [s] 12:00 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman 9:00 12:00 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco & Ironwoman Series (PG) [s] 9:30 Supercars Championship: Mt 12:00 Panorama 500 - Day 2 *Live* [s] 2:00 Movie: “Zeus And Roxanne” (G) (’97) Stars: Steve 1:00 5:00 Seven News At 5 [s] 2:00 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) [s] Guttenberg, Kathleen Quinlan 2:30 4:00 David Attenborough’s 6:00 Seven News [s] Dynasties (PG) [s] 7:00 Holey Moley Australia: 3:00 5:00 NINE News: First At Five [s] Celebrity Special (PG) [s] 3:30 5:30 Territory Cops (PG) [s] 8:30 Movie: “Venom” (M) (’18) – 4:00 6:00 NINE News Sunday [s] While trying to take down 7:00 Married At First Sight (M) [s] – 5:00 Carlton, the CEO of Life The final weddings deliver one 6:00 Foundation, Eddie, a journalist, 6:30 of the experiment’s most investigates experiments of 7:30 anticipated matches and a human trials. Stars: Tom Hardy historic MAFS first.

11:00 World’s Deadliest: Days Out 9:00 8:40 60 Minutes (PG) [s] (PG) [s] 11:45 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam 9:40 NINE News Late [s] 10:10 The Piketon Family Murders 10:00 (PG) [s] (M) [s] 12:15 Motor Racing: 2021 Repco 12:00 Young, Dumb And Banged Up 11:00 Supercars Championship: In The Sun (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Bathurst 500: Day 2 Highlights 1:00 My Way (PG) [s] 4:30 1:30 Home Shopping

Religious Programs [s] Fishing Australia [s] Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Places We Go [s] Luca’s Key Ingredient [s] Studio 10 Sunday [s] All 4 Adventure [s] The Offroad Adventure Show Three Blue Ducks [s] Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey [s] Farm To Fork [s] Roads Less Travelled (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] FBI: Most Wanted: Caesar (M) FBI: Most Wanted: Invisible (M) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Landline [s] Grand Designs NZ [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Death In Paradise (M v) [s] Rake (M l,v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Australian Story [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch [s] The Pacific: In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill (PG) [s] You Can’t Ask That: HIV Positive (M l) [s] ABC Late News [s] Catalyst (PG) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) [s]

5:30 Today [s] 6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 Today Extra [s] 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Romeo Killer: The Chris 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Getaway [s] Porco Story” (M v) (’13) Stars: 1:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] Eric McCormack, Matt Barr 3:00 Tipping Point [s] 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 6:00 NINE News [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 9:00 Under Investigation: High 7:30 Holey Moley Australia: Kids Country Mystery (PG) [s] – Special (PG) [s] Under Investigation features an 9:00 9-1-1: Buck Begins (M) [s] – elite and renowned team of The 118 race to save the lives story insiders seeking to solve of workers trapped in a fivecrimes and uncover new alarm factory fire. evidence surrounding an 10:00 The Rookie: Control (M) [s] – unsolved mystery.

Officer Nolan’s relationship with his first confidential informant is 10:00 Australian Crime Stories: The Dark Side (M) [s] tested when he discovers her 11:00 NINE News Late [s] dealing drugs.

11:30 The First 48: (M) [s] 11:00 The Latest Seven News [s] 12:15 Tipping Point [s] 11:30 Station 19 (M) [s] 1:05 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

6:00 8:30 12:00 1:00 2:30 3:00 3:30

1:30 4:30

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] Hughesy, We Have A Problem (M) [s] The Graham Norton Show (M s) [s] The Project (PG) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

News Breakfast [s] ABC News Mornings [s] Four Corners [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Call The Midwife (M) [s] Poldark (M v) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Heights (PG) [s] Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] The Drum [s] ABC News [s] 7.30 (PG) [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Catalyst: Mission To Mars: Human [s] Australia Remastered (PG) [s] QI: Parts (M) [s] ABC Late News [s] Q&A (M l,s) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] rage (MA15+) [s] Wentworth (MA15+) [s] The Drum [s] 7.30 (PG) [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “The Preacher’s Sin” (M v) (’15) Stars: JR Bourn 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 Program To Be Advised 8:30 The Good Doctor: Fault (M) [s] – Shaun questions his decision to give the new residents autonomy when one of his intern’s misdiagnosis of a patient has dire consequences.

9:30 The Resident: Home Before Dark (M) [s] 10:30 The Latest Seven News [s] 11:00 Station 19: Weather The Storm (M l) [s] 12:00 Splitting Up Together: Star Of Milo (PG) [s] 12:30 Home Shopping

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00 10:30 11:30

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra [s] 8:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 The Garden Gurus [s] 2:00 Married At First Sight (M) [s] 2:30 Tipping Point [s] 3:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] 4:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:30 Married At First Sight (M) [s] Framing Britney Spears (M) 5:00 NINE News Late [s] 6:00 Labour Of Love: Crazy, Stupid, 6:30 Bear (M) [s] – The men’s 7:30 protective instincts are put to the test during a camping trip in 8:30 the woods.

9:30 12:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Cold Comfort (PG) [s] – When a 10:30 woman is slashed to death, 11:30 detectives learn that she 12:30 wanted her late father to be cryogenically frozen.

1:30 12:50 Explore [s] 4:30

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Amazing Race Australia (M) [s] NCIS: Fragments (M v) [s] NCIS: Los Angeles: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (M) [s] The Project (PG) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

6:00 Sunrise [s] News Breakfast [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] Stan Grant’s One Plus One [s] 12:00 Movie: “A Daughter’s Revenge” (M v) (’18) Stars: Jessica Sipos Aussie Inventions That 2:00 Gold Coast Medical (PG) [s] Changed The World 3:00 The Chase UK [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia [s] Media Watch [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] Poldark (M v) [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] Great Expectations: Karta The 7:30 Ambulance - Code Red (PG) Orang-Utan’s Story (PG) [s] [s] – A motorcyclist is thrown Silvia’s Italian Table (PG) [s] head first from his bike and Restoration Australia [s] critical care paramedic Pete The Drum [s] Edwards and Midlands Air ABC News [s] Ambulance Trauma Team are 7.30 (PG) [s] despatched to give lifesaving Hard Quiz (PG) [s] treatment.

The Weekly (PG) [s] 8:30 The Pembrokeshire Murders Aftertaste [s] (M v,l) [s] Why Are You Like This 10:30 The Latest Seven News [s] (MA15+) [s] 11:00 Criminal Confessions: She Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) Never Came Home (MA15+) [s] Staged (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Robbie Coltrane’s Critical ABC Late News [s] Evidence (M) [s]

5:30 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 9:00

Headline News [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] Farm To Fork [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] WIN News [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Cube (PG) [s] Bull: The Ground Beneath Their Feet (M) [s] Bull: Jury Duty (M) [s] The Project (PG) [s] WIN’s All Australian News [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

Also see: ABC COMEDY (Channel 22) ABC ME (Channel 23) ABC NEWS (Channel 24)

Also see: 7TWO (Channel 62) 7MATE (Channel 63) 7FLIX (Channel 66)

10:00 11:00 11:30 12:15 1:05 1:30

Today [s] Today Extra [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] Ellen (PG) [s] Destination WA (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Tipping Point [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NBN News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Married At First Sight (M) [s] Amazing Grace: Midwife (M) [s] – Grace Creswell’s world is turned upside down when the daughter she gave up for adoption seventeen years ago arrives at her hospital.

New Amsterdam: The New Normal (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med: Just A River In Egypt (MA15+) [s] Tipping Point [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

Also see: GEM (Channel 82) GO! (Channel 83/88) LIFE (Channel 84)

4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30

6:00 8:30 12:00 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 6:30 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 1:30 4:30

Also see: 10 PEACH (Channel 11) 10 BOLD (Channel 12)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

SBS (C30)

5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 3:00 4:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch Speedweek Bushfire Animal Rescue (PG) Great British Railway Journeys: Faversham To Dorking (PG) 4:35 Sportswoman: Ash Barty/ Serena Williams 4:35 Hitler Youth (PG) (In English/ German) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Searching For Cleopatra (PG) 9:10 The Queen And The Coup (PG) 10:05 Country Town Pride: Untold Australia (M l) 11:05 24 Hours In Police Custody: Code Of Silence (M l,v) 12:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of Surgery: Into The Brain (PG) 1:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of Surgery: Bleeding Hearts (PG) 2:00 Michael Mosley: A History Of Surgery: Spare Parts (PG) 5:00 5:15 5:30 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch Meghan Markle Escaping The Crown (M l) 2:50 Great British Railway Journeys: Brighton To Chichester (PG) 3:25 Who Do You Think You Are?: Charlie Teo (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys: Letchworth Garden City To Herne Hill (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Architecture The Railways Built: Swindon (PG) 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency: Circle Of Life (M) 9:25 The Story Of The Songs: Eric Clapton (M) 10:20 SBS World News Late 10:50 Outlander (MA15+) 11:50 Berlin Station (M l,v) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:00

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Destination Flavour China (In English/ Mandarin) 2:15 Charles And Diana: The Truth Behind Their Wedding (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: Natalie Imbruglia (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Australian Railway Journeys 8:40 24 Hours In Emergency: Great Expectations (M) 9:35 Michael Portillo’s Abandoned Britain: Plastic Surgery Pioneers - Cambridge Military Hospital (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 The Pier (MA15+) (In Spanish) 5:00 5:15 5:30 1:00 2:40

CGTN English News NHK World English News Worldwatch PBS Newshour Royal Family: Scandals And Shame (PG) 3:30 Who Do You Think You Are?: John Jarratt (PG) 4:30 Great British Railway Journeys 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Britain’s Most Historic Towns: Stuart Stirling (PG) 8:30 Michael Palin: Travels Of A Lifetime (PG) 9:20 Vikings: The Last Act (MA15+) 10:20 Romulus (MA15+) (In Old Latin) 11:15 SBS World News Late 11:45 The Night Manager (M s) 12:45 Movie: “White God” (MA15+) (’14) Stars: Kornél Mundruczó (In Hungarian)

Also see: SBS VICELAND (Channel 31) SBS MOVIES (Channel 32) SBS FOOD (Channel 33) SBS NITV (Channel 34)

PAGE 22 25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Down 1 Sterile (7) 2 Largest desert (6) 3 On an upper floor (8) 4 Depression from lack of company (10) 5 Make beer or ale (4) 6 Spain and Portugal (6) 7 Last (8) 8 Walked like a duck (7) 14 Put out (10) 16 Practise (8) 17 Wrist band (8) 18 Indefinite person (7) 19 Fishermen (7) 21 Yet to arrive (6) 23 Squalid (6) 25 Supporting ropes (4)

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 23 25 FEBRUARY 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: Big Garden or Little Farm

CHERALYN DARCEY

With over 60,000 small hobby farms now operating in Australia, occupying over 20% of farming land and numbers steadily increasing, the only people having problems with the surge in a desire for the semi-rural life are the agents who cannot find enough of this type of property to sell.

WHAT IS ‘LIFESTYLE ACREAGE’?

A handy rule of thumb that I have heard time and time again and it is close to true: If you can mow your property with a standard hand operated mower, it’s a residential block.

If you need to use a ride on mower then you are on lifestyle acreage.

If you require a tractor to mow your land, then you have a rural property.

A legal and generally accepted definition is that if you are not creating your primary income from the land itself, you are on lifestyle acreage.

Most of us of a certain age would probably be more familiar with the term, ‘Hobby Farm’ and my family were inspired enough by the 1970’s ‘Grass Roots’ movement to tree-change us out of the city to what would today be called Lifestyle Acreage.

IS IT FOR YOU? You may have seen ‘Big Little Farm’, a beautifully poetic film about a couple and their move from the big city to a small farm and been inspired to take the leap, or perhaps you just need more plant space, but you are not alone if you are one of countless people around the world who dream of a much larger patch of earth to call home.

Maybe lifestyle acreage is tempting you with dreams of collecting fresh eggs for breakfast while you pass by your recreation of Monet’s Garden, and pumpkins just about ready to take to the local Farmers Market, so let’s look at the reality of moving you, your family and plans onto a Lifestyle Acreage Property.

Whether you grow anything on your property or not, more land means more work.

No land is ‘set and forget’, you will need to control growth, weeds, pests and disease on a grand scale.

That means not only work, but also money.

Speaking of pests, most people cite being closer to nature as one of the top reasons for a tree-change.

Nature is not all singing lorikeets and cute wallabies bounding by at dawn, it means snakes, ticks, leeches and other facets of the Australian bush that you may find challenging.

The possibility of bushfires and storms and how you plan to manage for these are a high

priority and should factor into your decision making when looking at properties.

Water supply, power, sewage and waste management are all equally vital elements that need careful consideration as well.

Along with countless books on the subject, these two local webpages are brilliant resources to give you grass roots advice: farmstyle.com.au and nswfarmers.org.au GARDENING ON A GRAND SCALE My favourite piece of advice for gardeners facing a new patch of earth of any size, is to start small and build as your skills increase and your understanding of the environment you find yourself in deepens.

With acreage, it may be tempting to grow hundreds of every single thing straight away because you now have the space, but you will probably not be able to attend to the upkeep.

Things to consider include what you are going to do with all the produce, larger scale peat and disease control, fertilisation and watering.

Starting small means not only area but also the amount you are planting and the types of plants that you are growing.

Research is always the key to successful gardening, so find out what is growing well in your area already and what is possible.

Soil testing for contaminates would be strongly advised before you begin, and you can obtain a deep analysis with advice of what to do should a problem be indicated from Macquarie University research.science.mq.adu.au/vegsafe for a $20 donation.

The good news is that the demand for market garden produce from local small farms is booming, so this is easily an area that can bring in additional income for your family.

Again, research is the key, so find out what is selling well in your area, what is missing and what is in demand.

Your customers will not only be those visiting the local farmers market where you could set up a stall, but local cafes, restaurants and specialty local food stores, so go and talk with them.

Find out what they might like to have a supply of and how you could fill that need.

Selling from your front gate is as old as farming, so a sign and local advertising could bring in the customers you need, but another increasingly popular way of selling produce is via the internet.

Setting up an online shop where local people can purchase and then pick up from your farm, a central meeting place on a set day, or have it delivered, are all ways to encourage and keep regular customers.

Down on the ground, succession planting will give you a steady stream of produce over a harvest season to sell.

This means putting in crops over their advised planting season every week.

Although the dedicated market garden customer is used to variations in supply, consistent and longer availability of your produce will build your reputation.

A CENTRAL COAST LIFESTYLE ACREAGE HAVEN Clare Thornley and her husband Paul made the move from Sydney to a lifestyle acreage property of 2.5 acres in Jilliby on the NSW Central Coast nearly 7 years ago, looking for a better lifestyle.

Although their home is now in a rural area, it is still rather close to all the amenities that the family uses.

Schools, shops and even a major shopping centre are all close by.

A benefit of having all that extra land, Paul’s parents reside in a separate cottage upon the

land with their own gardens and privacy, yet with the family close by.

This is an arrangement that many tree-change acreage seekers are looking for.

The Thornley family have made a successful transition after leaving their Sydney Upper North Shore life behind and now say that apart from occasional loss of water and electricity in storms, they are very happy.

Their sons have lots of room to explore and grow, they have been able to run a successful home business, their extended family is close, and they are thriving in a natural, peaceful pocket of the NSW Central Coast amongst the gumtrees, wildlife and their own lovely gardens.

ON THE GARDEN GRAPEVINE Gwandalan & Summerland Point Community Garden Market 7.30am - 12pm. Sat. 20th February. 32 Dulkara St. Gwandalan. There will be the usual jams and pickles. Choko Pickles are back again and also strawberry jam and Lilly Pilli Jelly. Also, some craft and odds and ends, and a little from the garden.

COASTFM963 Gardening Gang On the Road 11am - 1pm Sat. 27th Feb. East Gosford Community Garden, Newman Memorial Park, 10 Wells St, East Gosford. Local Radio hosts Pete Little & Cheralyn Darcey, will be visiting this gorgeous community garden. Cheralyn will be talking ‘Small Space Gardening’ and giving you lots of advice, answering your questions and Pete will be there to keep her on her toes!

THIS WEEK YOU COULD PLANT Asian greens, dwarf beans, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, cress, endive, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, parsnips, climbing peas, potato tubers, radish, rhubarb, salsify, shallots, spring onions, silverbeet, spinach, swede, turnip, alyssum, calendula, candytuft, Canterbury bells, cineraria, cornflower, everlasting daisy, foxglove, grevillea, hollyhock, larkspur, lobelia, nemesia, polyanthus, statice,

chives, coriander, garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rocket, winter tarragon DOWN IN THE GARDEN MAIL: WONGA WONGA VINE Lovely readers, thank you so much for your emails with suggestions, kind words and of course your gardening questions. This week I have a query about cuttings.

Louise writes: “Following on from your column of 27 January, would you please give me some guidance on the best way to strike a Wonga Wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana). I took 6 cuttings around 6 weeks ago and they are in water but look the same to me as they did when I started! Thank you” Dear Louise, I’m sure some people might have had luck with Wonga water propagation, but this Australian Native does a lot better with soil propagation methods. Take cuttings from Wonga Wonga Vine any time of the year each in winter.

They need to be about 6 to 8am in length and taken from semi-hardwood (young growth that is beginning to harden) when the plant is not flowering. Roots will grow from nodes so cut the ends just below a node and cut on an angle for maximum bark layer revel and remove all the lower leaves. Dip the bottom up and over the bottom nod in either honey or a hormone rooting mix. Plant them into a seed/cutting raising mix or cutting sand and keep moist. They do take a while but should grow roots in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Good luck Louise!

Cheralyn Darcey is a gardening author, community garden coordinator and along with Pete Little, hosts ‘At Home with The Gardening Gang’ 8 - 10am every Saturday on CoastFM96.3 a live home and gardening lifestyle radio show: www.coastfmgardeninggang.com Send your gardening questions, events and news to: gardeningcentralcoast@gmail.com Cheralyn continues the gardening conversation at facebook.com/coastfmgardeninggang

PAGE 24 25 FEBRUARY 2021 OUT & ABOUT

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Music videos showcase Peninsula beaches The Peninsula area is being showcased to the world with two new music videos featuring Umina, Patonga, and Ettalong’s beaches, streets, and landscapes.

Local band eXpiral has launched its debut album Evolution Zero which was written, produced and filmed on the Central Coast.

Lead singer and Umina local, D Hughes said the band’s debut video, Faster Than You, was filmed at Umina and Patonga, and had had more than 18,000 views on Facebook.

“We wanted to capture the essence of summer on the

Coast,” Hughes said.

“Our second video, Just Keep Flying, is super-cool, it was filmed at the iconic Mt Ettalong water tower.

“It’s really just a bit of fun with an alien conspiracy theory.”

Hughes and seasoned musician Simon Slee wanted to create a raw, melodic sound with a nod to the grunge era of the ’90s.

“It’s about re-interpreting what made the ‘90s alternative sound cut through,” Hughes said.

“That starts with not only mimicking analogue recording processes in a digital world but

also balancing the excitement of imperfect performance against the often-sterile, perfect digital precision of today’s music.”

Both artists have a history of songwriting in other bands, but this is the first time the two primary songwriters have teamed up to make the ultimate Central Coast collaboration.

The debut album is available on all major streaming platforms with limited edition CDs available in late February.

Source: Media release, Feb 15 eXpiral Band

Band members D Hughes and Simon Slee

Brekkie gathering at The Bays The Bays Community Group will once again host its famous and tasty breakfast gathering at the community hall on Sunday, February 28.

Join the breakfast gathering at the community hall

Bacon and egg rolls will be available between 8am and 10am, including coffee by the Coast Break Coffee Van. President, Gwynneth Weir, said this month’s breakfast event had some new additions, including home delivery.

“The hall will be open for you

to mingle and socialise while you are enjoying your food and coffee,” Weir said.

“The Bays Bushcare Group will be running a stall selling native plants at $3 to $5.

“And very exciting, we are offering home delivery— if you would like a home delivery, send an email to thebaysemail@ gmail.com by 8pm on Saturday, February 27, with your order.”

Weir said those interested in home delivery needed to provide their name, address, phone number, and food order,

including their preference of white or brown roll and tomato or barbecue sauce.

Home delivery payment will be cash only, and delivery times are varied depending on the location.

Woy Woy Bay delivery will be between 8am and 8:30 am, Phegans Bay from 8.30-9am, and Horsfield Bay from 9-9.30am.

Source: Newsletter, Feb 21 The Bays Community Group

Sun 7th March - Central Coast Greenway Chapel, Green Point - 2.30pm

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 25 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Business & Property

Businesses should register now for Dine & Discover Ettalong Beach’s The Box on the Water is just one of the Peninsula businesses to have signed up for the Dine & Discover program ahead of its launch in March.

The State Government’s dining scheme will provide every NSW resident aged 18 and over with four $25 vouchers to spend with local businesses.

Two vouchers will be used for eating in at restaurants from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.

The two remaining vouchers will be used for entertainment and recreation activities, excluding public holidays.

Restaurant manager, Melanie Deren, said The Box was looking forward to the start of the vouchers next month.

“We are very excited to be a part of the program as it will help people get out and about and visit local businesses after the busy summer period,” Deren said. “[It’ll also] support jobs in our

The Box at Ettalong

local community going into the quieter months.”

Deren said the restaurant will continue to offer its regular a-la-carte menu to patrons.

Businesses must register through Service NSW to be

included in the program, and must have an active ABN, be registered for GST, operate in NSW, and have a registered COVID-19 safety plan.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is encouraging every

eligible business to register.

“This program is the perfect opportunity to get more people through your doors and spending at your business,” Tesch said.

“I want every business on the

Central Coast to reap the rewards from this initiative and that starts with registration.

“I can imagine many businesses will be rushing to register a few days before the vouchers are made available

and I want Central Coast businesses to be ahead of the approval wait list.”

Tesch also said businesses should get in early to ensure they are approved in time.

“The impact the pandemic has had on our local businesses is still being felt today with many struggling to stay afloat,” Tesch said.

“I hope we’ll support our local restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues with these vouchers, so our economy and locals get the boost they desperately need.”

Locals who are aged over 18 can redeem their vouchers by applying online.

For those who are not able to access the digital forms, Service NSW Centres will also offer support to complete the application.

More information can be found at: www.nsw.gov.au/ covid-19/dine-and-discovernsw.

Maisy Rae

Have your say on strata laws Peninsula residents are being asked to have their say on how laws can be changed to better support people living or working in strata schemes.

Strata schemes, or the process of owning a portion of a building with some shared common areas, currently maintain that the Owners Corporation is responsible for the upkeep of all common spaces in the scheme.

These areas could include lobbies, lifts, shared laundry facilities, hallways and swimming pools.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the changes to legislation must help support the Coast’s growing population.

“There are now 4,388 strata schemes on the Central Coast and many thousands of local residents live in these apartments and townhouses,” Crouch said.

“Our region is expected to grow by 95,250 people between 2016 and 2041, which means the number of strata schemes across the Coast will also grow very quickly.

“In particular, we know more

needs to be done to ensure that apartment buildings are well maintained and free of building defects over their lifetime, so that owners aren’t out-ofpocket by tens of thousands of dollars.

“The current review seeks to address this.”

The NSW Government is reviewing the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 in order to ensure the laws are relevant and up to date.

Feedback is also being sought on a new digital Strata Portal that will hold mandatory

Newspapers

information for each strata building in NSW and make it available to the regulator to ensure compliance with fire and other important safety requirements.

Submissions are being accepted until Sunday, March 7, at www.haveyoursay.nsw. gov.au/strata-statutoryreview-2020.

Consultation on pets in strata will continue until April 7.

Source: Media release, Feb 11 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch Strata schemes abound on the Peninsula

Central Coast

CCN

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PAGE 26 25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Sacked CEO sets Murphy calls for full enquiry In an exclusive interview with Central Coast Newspapers, former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, while accepting responsibility for his actions, says he has been denied “natural justice” and has added his voice to calls for a full inquiry into Council’s financial collapse.

Murphy, who has been partially blamed by Administrator, Dick Persson, for presiding over the Council’s financial losses, says that he blew the whistle as soon as the problem was uncovered.

He says it was thanks to COVID-19 that consultants found the cash flow problem that highlighted the fact that restricted funds were being used for operational purposes.

He says that because the impact has been so far reaching, it is important to understand in detail the why and how it could happen.

He said that he had been denied natural justice to correct the record before the administrator published his 30day report, and now tells his side of the story about claims that he refused to meet the administrator.

Murphy arrived at Central Coast Council on July 2, 2018, to find that the organisation had been without a chief financial officer for almost 12 months.

Within six months, Murphy, the fourth CEO in two years,

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Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy

organised a review of the books to check that Council was financially stable.

He hired PWC, one of Australia’s “big four” consultancies, which gave the Council the green light when the report was delivered in July, 2019.

“Apart from some improvements to asset management planning and better strategic alignment, there were no real surprises,” Murphy said.

The report stated that in the short term (0-3 years) there was “low financial risk”.

The new Chief Financial Officer was given the report and two key tasks, to improve the budget process and develop a robust long term financial strategy.

In May 2019, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) issued its determination into Council’s water, sewer and stormwater prices and charges.

The impact of this determination was that Council would receive about $39M less

revenue each year for the period 2019 to 2022.

Murphy said that hit to income came on top of a population that was growing faster than the rate base.

He advised councillors in February 2020, that Council would be carrying out a service review which is a process that looks at all of Council’s services to better understand the cost of delivery, the standard or level of the service and the quality of the service.

This had not been done since the formation of the amalgamated Council in 2016.

“We were required to harmonise rating systems by July 2021, and we knew that this would generate anxiety amongst ratepayers about inequity and value for money,” Murphy said.

“We also knew that our population was growing at about 0.9 per cent per annum, however our rating base (increase in the number of rateable properties) was only

growing at about 0.5 per cent per annum.

“This gap would not be sustainable in the long term.”

In March 2020, COVID-19 made another impact on income and services.

This was off the back of a major flood in February and a series of major bushfires from November 2019 to January 2020.

A Crisis Management Team was established and about 50 per cent of Council staff began to work remotely.

The new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) left in April 2020, taking up another role in the public service.

Another permanent CFO would not arrive until after the eruption of the crisis that was silently working its way to the surface.

Murphy engaged consultants Grant Thornton on April 17, 2020, to review the budget process.

This included an operational review, and potential cost

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savings and revenue sources.

“We chose Grant Thornton because they had not been engaged previously to provide any financial services and could provide a fresh perspective,” Murphy said.

“We asked Grant Thornton to model the impact of COVID-19 on Council’s finances.”

Grant Thornton developed a range of scenarios with one suggesting that the impact to Council could be as much as $100M. Some budget principles were developed: Continue to deliver essential services; Minimize job losses; Live within our means; and, Stimulate the local economy.

“We also identified a number of budget levers that we could pull such as: freezing recruitment; maximizing the opportunity of pooling developer contributions to reduce the drain on the general fund; increasing revenue; deferring capital works; and, asset sales,” Murphy said.

“We presented this approach to our Audit Risk and Improvement Committee which commended management for a prudent approach.”

On July 16, 2020, a severe storm struck the Central Coast, causing extensive coastal erosion at North Entrance and Wamberal.

It too would mean another hit to Council’s finances as the State Government directed it to take emergency action at the beaches.

Once again, a Crisis Management Team was established to manage this situation on top of the COVID-19

pandemic.

On July 27, Council passed the budget on the Mayor’s casting vote.

Meanwhile, Grant Thornton was surprised to learn during its scenario modelling that Council did not more actively manage and monitor its cash flow.

So, Grant Thornton developed a model.

This was the moment that led to the discovery that would prove so catastrophic.

Grant Thornton identified that Council was “potentially” using internally restricted funds for purposes other than for what they were collected.

“It wasn’t entirely clear, and we needed to do further and deeper investigations,” Murphy said.

“I asked one of the independent Audit Risk and Improvement Committee members for advice on a local government expert who could review the use of restricted funds.

“That led to me engaging DMB Consulting to carry out this review.”

The review took one month and DMB finally found what everybody else had missed for years, the use of restricted funds for operational purposes which is unlawful, and it appeared that nobody recognised that they were restricted funds.

“This review uncovered the extent of the use of not just internally restricted funds but externally restricted funds as well,” Murphy said.

Mistatements in three consecutive years of audited financial statements show consecutive errors of $38M, $89M and $129M.

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25 FEBRUARY 2021

the record straight Two of the years were before Murphy was CEO. “It was shocking and alarming,” Murphy said.

“We then reported this to the Councillors, Ministers, the Office of Local Government, the NSW Ombudsman, ICAC and other key stakeholders.”

What happened next is public knowledge.

The Council publicly explained that it had uncovered immediate and serious cash flow problems and the State Government stepped in with an advance so that Council could pay its staff.

Council immediately began work on a recovery plan and also commissioned a forensic audit in order to understand how this had happened, how far back it went and why it happened.

Behind the scenes, Murphy was asked to attend a meeting with the Mayor, Lisa Matthews, on October 9, where he was given an opportunity to resign with full entitlements.

Central Coast Council former CEO, Gary Murphy said that there were a number of omissions from the Administrator’s 30-day report into the Council’s financial crisis and outlined three of them.

The first omission, he said, was historical findings.

“Given that the Administrator states that there was a ‘catastrophic error’ made at the time of the merger where the Council failed to recognise

Three days later he submitted his offer of resignation to the Mayor and went on leave.

The offer was discussed confidentially at the Council meeting on October 12 with no resolution, and again on October 19 and again on October 26, with still no resolution.

Between those (last) two meetings, on October 21, Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock, ordered Council to explain why it shouldn’t be suspended.

The Councillors had a week to defend themselves and handed in a report on October 28.

It cut no ice with Hancock.

On October 30, a Friday, the Minister suspended the Councillors and appointed Dick Persson as Administrator.

By Monday, November 2, he was holding a press conference at Wyong Chambers.

Murphy said that he met with Persson that day, keen to work with him in implementing the

recovery plan.

“I was advised that it was ‘not appropriate’ that I remain in the workplace and was advised initially to take personal leave, and then I was advised that I was suspended, but I was not advised of the reasons for my suspension or how long the suspension would last,” Murphy said.

“On November 20, I received an email requesting my attendance at the Council for a meeting with the Administrator.

“It was suggested that I bring my lawyer to this meeting.

“I requested an agenda for the meeting and I received no response to this request.”

He was then advised by email a week later that his employment had been terminated in accordance with the terms of his

contract with no reasons given.

The Administrator has only ever publicly said that Murphy twice refused to meet with him.

MurphysaidtheAdministrator’s 30-day report placed the blame for the situation at his feet, despite noting that there was a “catastrophic error” made at the time of amalgamation in 2016, with the Council not recognising that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash.

The Council had also inherited $317M worth of debt from the former councils.

“I have since reviewed the report and written to the Administrator pointing out a number of omissions and miss statements,” Murphy said.

He said the Administrator eventually responded on January 29 saying that he would

that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash available at the time, I believe that an enquiry into the actions of the two former councils leading up to the merger should be conducted,” Murphy said.

“We now also know that there were also several misstatements in three audited financial statements.”

Murphy said these were: Audited financial statements in 16/17 had a $38M error; Audited financial statements in

not be responding and that he stood by his statements.

“As the CEO of Central Coast Council, I accept responsibility for my actions and I accept that mistakes were made and things could have been handled differently,” Murphy said.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t

17/18 had a $89M error; and The third omission, Murphy why and how this happened.

Tel:statements 1300 in36 said, 0867 Fax: 1300 81 8962 Audited financial was a root cause analysis.

“Like any crisis, it is important 18/19 had a $129M error.

“I’m not aware that a root to email: artwork@localdirectories.com.au understand what went Murphy said the report cause analysis has been done,” wrong, how this happened, reflected a lack of procedural he said. what are the lessons to be www.localdirectories.com.au fairness and natural justice.

“No fault tree, no process learned from this and how do “I was not afforded the mapping, and the forensic we prevent this from happening opportunity to give any audit has not been completed again? submissions before the draft to my knowledge.

“I believe that the report was finalised and to “I think we need to go back to Administrator’s report is a share the insights from the the financial statements of the missed opportunity to do this work that I instituted to identify two former councils and and I have written to the the issues and to present the critically analyse them through Minister for Local Government plan developed for corrective the lens of what we now know. requesting that a actions,” he said. comprehensive independent “What we still don’t know is

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• PWC gave council a short term (0-3 years) low financial risk rating in 2019 • The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee endorsed a COVID budget approach as “prudent” • The COVID modelling uncovered possible unlawful use of funds • Murphy ordered a deep dive audit which then found the evidence of unlawful use of restricted funds • Murphy revealed the problem as per his lawful duty

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think about how I could have done things better.

“I am truly sorry that good people will lose their jobs because of what has happened.

“I am truly sorry that ratepayers will lose some valued services.”

Merilyn Vale

PROOF inquiry be carried out from the time of the merger to the time the Administrator was appointed.

“There are a number of parties in this story: the councils before merger; the Administrator and senior staff at the time of merger; the councillors and senior staff that followed; Council’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee; and, Council’s Auditors.”

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CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Ditch those bad old habits that cost you money WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Editor-at-large • Money magazine When it comes to personal finance, there is usually a cost. In some cases it’s the cost of doing nothing.

For example, a 2020 survey showed people continue to buy brands they distrust as long as they personally gain from the relationship – whether that’s because of loyalty, status or inertia.

People know they can get cheaper loans or better returns elsewhere, but they stay with their provider through inertia or a perception that it’s too difficult to change. And they are not totally wrong, particularly with mortgages.

While brokers can help you find a better mortgage, there are forms to complete and information to provide. You may need to change direct debits and or credit card limits – it can be hard work.

Start by checking how much you’re paying. That will help you decide whether it’s time to look elsewhere.

According to Mortgage Choice, apathy is increasing, with fewer Australians knowing their rate in 2020 compared with previous research (61.5% in 2018 and 71% in 2016). In fact, only 46.5% of respondents knew their interest rate.

AMP research from late 2020 found almost half of all Australians are feeling financial stress, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Mortgage Choice chief executive Susan Mitchell says research shows Australians are more focused than ever on their finances, yet many are complacent about their biggest expense and potentially biggest saving.

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As for reviewing their home loan, 13.7% said they never did, while 44.4% said they reviewed

it every couple of years. Only 41.9% checked it annually.

This is a good time to think about your financial habits, and checking your mortgage could be a good habit to pick up. M

Consolidate your ‘lost’ superannuation – it’s easy and free Australians have around $20 billion stashed away in lost superannuation accounts and billions more sitting in inactive accounts that they are no longer contributing money to.

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What is lost super?

Your super fund will report you as a lost member if either: • It has lost contact with you; or • You have more than $6000 in your account and it has not received any contributions from you in the past five years.

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much they estimate is held in accounts held by lost members and they must transfer the unclaimed super money to the tax office.

This money remains in the ATO’s superannuation holding account until the fund member reclaims it. Money in this account receives interest equivalent to the inflation rate.

Are you inactive?

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If you have less than $6000 in your account and you haven’t made a contribution in 16 months or you are not signed up for your super fund’s insurance offer, your fund considers you to be inactive.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 29 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Suggested questions to be covered by the Inquiry Former Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, has joined the chorus of people calling for a fuller inquiry into how the financial crisis occurred.

In interview, Murphy set out a long list of questions that any such inquiry should cover at a minimum.

1. Given that the stated purpose of the initial Administrator in 2016 was to “undertake the appropriate preparatory work and allocate

sufficient resources to ensure that the newly elected Council can meet its statutory planning and reporting responsibilities under the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework and successfully complete the transition process”, was this considered to be adequately done?

2. What was the true position of the amount of restricted and unrestricted funds of the former Gosford and former Wyong Councils immediately prior to

Definitive answers on progress not forthcoming The cost of implementing an IT system for the proposed new Central Coast Council was $70M in 2015.

The former Wyong and Gosford Councils prior to merger identified that to bring their IT systems up to an acceptable standard would cost in the order of $70M, according to former CEO, Gary Murphy.

He joined Central Coast Council in July 2018, two years after the amalgamation of Gosford and Wyong Councils.

He says that he was surprised during his incoming briefings that he could not get a definitive answer on the progress of the merger process and how much it had cost.

“The reporting systems were inadequate and it was not possible to get an accurate indication of basic data like the number of staff employed and the basis of the employment, let alone cash management and financial reports,” he said.

“In November 2018, it was identified that there were more than 800,000 known spreadsheets in the organisation,” he said.

“This was but one indicator of how staff were creating workarounds as a result of inadequate systems.”

A Project Management Office had been established for the merger process, but it was disbanded in late 2017 before he arrived, and he was told that uncompleted projects were to be carried out as part of business-as-usual activities.

“I set up a project office within the Office of the CEO to resume this work and we

reported progress to Council in July 2020,” he said.

“At that stage we estimated that the net cost of amalgamation was in the order of $40M with significant more costs to come, potentially another $60M, taking the cost to around $100M. “To provide some context, an independent report commissioned by the former Wyong and Gosford Councils prior to merger identified that to bring their IT systems up to an acceptable standard would cost in the order of $70M (in 2015 dollars),” he said.

Murphy said Council had spent in the order of $50M, some $20M less than forecast, on the IT system by the time he was sacked in November 2020.

“This investment stood us in good stead to allow us to deploy 1,100 staff remotely within about 48 hours in March 2020, when COVID-19 hit,” he said.

“The majority of the policy and process harmonisation has been completed, with the main outstanding issues being the rating system harmonisation (due July 2021) and the comprehensive Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plans,” he said.

The Administrator, Dick Persson, who took over from the suspended councillors in November 2020, said that in his 30-day Interim Report, the expenditure on new IT and financial systems and infrastructure had cost $50M once-off and $8M recurrent, and that the Government had provided $10M. Merilyn Vale

merger?

3. Why did the newly merged Central Coast Council not recognise that it only had $5M of unrestricted cash at the time of merger?

4. What were the delegations, controls and processes in place for the control, usage and reporting of restricted funds in the former councils prior to merger?

5. What were the delegations, controls and processes in place for the control, usage and reporting of restricted funds upon the formation of Central Coast Council?

6. Did any of these change from May 16, 2016, to the time of the suspension of the Council?

7. What internal audits were conducted since May 2016, into restricted funds?

8. Was the timeliness and quality of the financial reporting to the elected body since May 12, 2016, considered to be adequate and in line with industry standards?

9. Was the annual budget

development and approval process since May 12, 2016, considered to be adequate and in line with industry standards?

10. What was the extent of the debate on the monthly and quarterly budget review statements reported to the elected body since May 12, 2016?

11. Why did the unqualified audited financial statements of 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 contain material misstatements about restricted funds?

12. What degree of oversight and assurance did the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee provide to the elected body since May 12, 2016?

13. PWC was commissioned in 2019 to provide a review of the Council's financial outlook.

One of the conclusions of the report was that in the short to medium term (0-3 years) there was a “low risk” from a financial performance perspective. How and why did they reach that conclusion?

14. What impact did the amalgamation have on the ability of the Council to operate effectively and efficiently?

15. What impact did the political decision making of the elected body have on the financial performance of the Council?

16. What impact did the lack of continuity of executive leadership, especially at CEO and CFO level, have on the financial performance of the Council?

17. What impact did external factors such as natural disasters and the IPART determination on Council’s water and sewer fees and charges have on the financial performance of Council?

18. What other factors could have contributed to this crisis?

19. How could this crisis have been avoided?

20. What steps should be put in place to prevent this happening again?

21. What are the lessons learned that will be of benefit to the local government sector?

“It is accepted that an inquiry will be time-consuming and costly,” Murphy said.

“However I do believe that in the same way that the inquiry into the Glasshouse Project at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council provided some valuable lessons, learnings and recommendations in terms of project management and governance, such an inquiry into Central Coast Council will provide recommendations for improvement into financial management.

“Dismissing me and suspending the councillors are consequences of what has happened, they will not help in understanding what happened and preventing this from happening again .

“I accept responsibility for my actions.

“This is not about me, this is about systems, processes, procedures, controls, checks and balances and oversight that failed.”

Merilyn Vale

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The untold benefits of seasonal eating

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

A

s we move into Autumn, I thought it might be nice to take this, my second favourite seasonal transition of the year (nothing beats Winter to Spring!), as an opportunity to explore the untold benefits of seasonal eating.

Once upon a time, I had no idea where my food came from, other than knowing the location of the supermarket and the shelf I found it on. The concept of seasonal eating was merely a romantic notion that conjured up visions of pumpkin or apple pie in Autumn.

When I started on my journey to get closer to the source of where my food came from, I had no way to fathom the transformation that lay ahead. It’s been life-changing, let me tell you!

Seasonal and local eating has become one of the most important pieces of health advice that I can offer people. It’s central to everything I teach about food and nutrition. If you were to focus solely on this one idea, striving to eat seasonally, sourcing from local producers, it has the power to transform not only your health, but your lifestyle and mindset as well.

If you’re new to the idea, all this probably seems exaggerated or farfetched, however if you talk to anyone who has mastered seasonal eating (and in the interest of full transparency, it can take years of baby steps to get there), I assure you they’ll speak the same language.

There’s a beautiful metamorphosis that invariably takes place.

So, what’s all the fuss about? And why would you want to spend years expanding your awareness and honing your skills in this area?

The benefits of seasonal eating Let’s talk about some of the more immediate and tangible benefits of eating seasonally and locally. And remember, this process is more a rekindling of forgotten wisdom than a new trend.

Prior to the development of such efficient global transportation systems, eating this way was the norm!

1. Cost: There are huge savings to be had by

focusing on foods that are in season, right where you are. Think about it, there’s less transportation and storage in the equation because when food is in season, suppliers will generally be purchasing locally to save on their own costs.

There’s a huge mark-up on foods purchased out of season, often because they’re hauled in from a different state or country. With seasonal produce, the opposite is true and very there’s often a glut of certain fruit and vegetables that are marked down even further to move the produce. When you master the art of buying seasonal foods in bulk and transforming them in to jams and pickles to be eaten later, you can drastically reduce your food bill!

2. Nutrition: Seasonal produce is far, far superior from a nutritional standpoint for several key reasons. First, it naturally ripens in the sun rather than being picked prematurely. This alone results in a radically different nutritional profile. Secondly, freshness dictates the level of phytonutrients and antioxidant activity.

Vegetables like broccoli and kale, which I assume many of us are striving to consume solely for health reasons, have often lost around half of their antioxidants within two to three days of harvest, making the supermarket vegetables pretty worthless in terms of phytonutrients (most have been stored for three to six weeks and some are in cold storage for up to twelve months)!

3. Flavour: When you go to the store and pick up a nice orange out of season in the warmer months or a tomato in Winter, you often can’t see the difference, but you can certainly taste it. And flavour is one of the key indicators of freshness and therefore, nutrition. Your taste buds are genetically engineered to detect nutritional complexity.

4. Nutritional requirements: Trouble always abounds when we underestimate the sophisticated genius that is Mother Nature.

Eating seasonally is a great way to provide our bodies with optimal nutrition all year round – by design. Citrus, with its ample vitamin C, is the perfect fruit to be eating throughout flu season and Summer fruits like berries are packed with phytonutrients that specifically protect against sun damage.

5. Diversity and creativity: Another great perk of eating seasonally is that you often find yourself exposed to a wider selection of foods.

This tends to have you cooking out of your comfort zone and exposes you to dishes you may not have discovered otherwise. Long term, you learn so much about regional cuisines and have a much greater repertoire of recipes.

There are also significant health benefits to eating a diverse range of fresh produce, especially for those wanting to improve gut health.

6. Food miles: The average Australian food basket travels over 70,000 kilometres to reach us. Opting for seasonal, local produce is by far the most environmentally friendly way to eat. It’s not only less transport, but less storage and refrigeration, as well.

7. Community: Nothing beats the satisfaction of dealing directly with the people responsible for nourishing you – to know by name the people who grow your food. And it works both ways. By supporting local farmers, you also give them the opportunity to relate to the people they’re growing for. Having spoken to many small-scale farmers, this is without doubt the most rewarding part of their job!

Building community is extremely beneficial for mental health and general wellbeing – a missing link for many people, as loneliness is now a modern epidemic in our seemingly hyperconnected world. Truly connecting with other like-minded folk is one of the highlights of shopping directly at markets, co-ops and the farmgate.

8. Food system: There’s a huge social and economic impact on small-scale farmers when we opt for out of season produce shipped from afar. By choosing to buy predominantly from local farmers either directly, or via a market or co-op, we’re supporting local families and our local economy.

The industrial food system is riddled with flaws and idiosyncracies that negatively affect virtually every link in the chain. Many large-scale farmers who supply the big supermarkets are forced to take shortcuts at the expense of food quality and consumer health. Shopping locally is a way to create a more robust local food system which benefits the soil, the animals, the farmers and of course the consumers.

Having a thriving local food system requires a bit of a commitment to seasonal eating and most people have no idea where to start. Next week I’ll be expanding on some simple ideas to help get you started.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 31 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Self-advocacy service seeks more participants Woy Woy resident Yvonne Berry-Porter is one of two peer support workers at a new Central Coast advocacy service which is looking for people with intellectual disability to join its programs.

Berry-Porter said the office, based in Gosford, is looking for participants from the Peninsula and all over the Central Coast.

The not-for-profit organisation Self Advocacy has been helping people with disability speak up for themselves and support one another in Sydney since 1986.

It has spread its services to the Blue Mountains, and now the Central Coast, with two programs on offer; Peer Support and New Leaders.

With a Cert IV in training and assessment, along with teaching and tutoring experience and previous work in the social sector, BerryPorter said her skills complemented those of fellow peer support worker Ben Brown, who suffers from cerebral palsy and associated disabilities, has worked at Self Advocacy for three months and has been a part of both the Peer Support and New Leaders

Ben Brown and Yvonne Berry-Porter at Self Advocacy Central Coast

programs for five months.

“The services are completely free and are aimed at helping people realise that disability does not disqualify them for living the best life they can live,” Berry-Porter said.

“We can also work with other disability services to provide self advocacy skills training to the people they support.

“The Peer Support program provides topical discussion sessions led by the participants

themselves.

“If they want to discuss a particular issue they can put that up as a topic.”

Brown said the sessions provided a safe space where people can feel free to speak in an environment where they feel supported by others with similar issues.

“We can offer support from Gosford or at other locations across the Central Coast,” he said.

Video conferencing will also play a big part in the programs, for the benefit of people who have trouble travelling or are isolating because of COVID-19.

“As a Coastie with a disability myself, these programs have been of tremendous personal benefit; they have improved my confidence and independence,” Brown said.

“We like to think that we offer more than just training; our programs are ongoing and the

focus is on long-term support for our participants with disability.

“The topics we cover are flexible and Peer Support groups are led by people with disability.

“We encourage people who are part of our programs to reach out and help each other, strengthening connection in their local community and giving them a voice of their own.”

Topics which are covered in the Peer Support sessions include how to give and receive support from their peers with intellectual disability.

Berry-Porter said the New Leaders sessions were more structured, but again topics are chosen by participants with disability themselves.

“These sessions aim to enable people with intellectual disability to become advocates not just for themselves, but for others in the community,” she said.

“They will help participants develop an action plan and give them guidance on such subjects as good leadership, public speaking, planning, team-leading and people skills.

The Peer Support and New

Leaders sessions are held on alternate weeks through a mix of in-house and video conference participation with flexible options and complete accessibility for all, regardless of disability and any physical limitations.

“We like to think of people with intellectual disability as differently abled, not disabled,” Berry-Porter said.

Self Advocacy Sydney (SAS) was established in 1986 by and for people with intellectual disability with the vision that “people with intellectual disability will be valued members of the community, have their voices heard and rights supported”.

Founder Robert Strike has presented at the United Nations (New York) on the rights of people with intellectual disability.

Self Advocacy is completely free to people with disability and funded through the Department of Social Services (DSS).

For more information call 0401 150 048.

including paediatrics, surgery, medicine, aged care, mental health, critical care and rehabilitation,” she said.

Six new midwives will also join maternity services at Gosford Hospital.

More than 2,500 graduate nurses and midwives will start work at about 130 public hospitals and health services in

NSW this week.

More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011.

Terry Collins

99 new nurses Health care at Woy Woy Hospital is set to receive a boost as more than 99 new nursing graduates join Central Coast Local Health District.

The new nurses are set to work across all three public hospitals in the region, including Woy Woy. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said 99 registered nurses and six

midwives would join the ranks at Central Coast Local Health District.

Crouch said obtaining qualifications in nursing and midwifery provides many opportunities.

“Around the clock, 365 days a year, our nurses and midwives are on the front line of the NSW public health system,” he said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us that nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals and

other health staff play a critical role in keeping our community safe and well.

“Being the very proud husband of a nurse has given me a unique insight into the dedication of these staff.

Working as a health care professional is more than a job, it’s a vocation.”

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and Midwifery at the Central Coast Local Health District, Lynne Bickerstaff, said the new graduates will take part in 12-month programs which provide support during their transition from student to practitioner.

“New nurses will work across Wyong, Gosford and Woy Woy Hospitals in clinical areas

Source: Media release, Feb 23 Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch

PAGE 32 25 FEBRUARY 2021

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 33 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Forget Me Not Café a success The first Forget Me Not Café session on February 8 was a success with members at the Rotary Club of Brisbane Water looking forward to continuing the Peninsula community initiative.

The café, held at the Umina Beach CWA, hall focuses on providing a safe place for people living with dementia and their carers to visit, socialise and interact with others.

Rotary President, Peter Mote, said the café provided opportunities for people to connect with others who

understood what they were going through.

“I am overjoyed to report that the Forget Me Not Café’s first meeting was a success,” Mote said. “(At) the first session we had four customers, and the whole team—two other customers had a logistical problem and so missed this meeting but will attend the second meeting on February 22.

“We are greatly encouraged by the success of the first café.”

Source: Newsletter, February 18 Rotary Club of Brisbane Water

Time to get your hearing checked Over 4,000 Woy Woy residents are living with hearing loss and using the wrong aids, according to new data released by Specsavers Audiology.

The research revealed that 4,037 people in the area aged 40 and over are “making do” with incorrect hearing solutions.

The data suggests 41 per cent of hearing aid users are worried the cost will be too high to correct it, with a further 25 per cent noting that the process would be too confusing.

Ahead of Hearing Awareness

Week on March 1, Woy Woy Specsavers Audiology Professional, Supriya Gopal, said she wanted to urge locals to get their hearing checked.

“Two things are incredibly important when looking after your hearing, firstly to make sure you are getting your hearing checked regularly to ensure that any changes are noticed by your audiology professional,” Gopal said.

“Secondly, make sure you ask all the right questions at your appointment to ensure you’re getting the right hearing solution for your lifestyle,

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Gopal also suggested locals demand to know the costs upfront and be comfortable they have an understanding of the product before purchasing the hearing aid.

Specsavers’ data also indicated that of 56 per cent of residents aged 40 and over have not had their hearing checked in the last three years.

Source: Media release, Feb 15 Health Haus

PAGE 34 25 FEBRUARY 2021

EDUCATION & SCIENCE

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Schools program challenges stereotypes

Woy Woy Public School has successfully gained the funds needed for an upgraded oval with the Regional Renewal program’s help.

The $120M stimulus program is a part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, which aims to co-contribute 50-80 per cent of funds for regional school improvement projects.

Principal Ona Buckley said they had applied for various government grants for years prior but had never been successful.

“To be able to be part of this initiative, the school must put forward an amount of funds from their own school budget as well,” Buckley said.

“The upkeep of the oval has

been an annual expense for the school budget over many years — it is extremely exciting to now be able to improve the quality.

“The school oval will not be a proper sporting field but a green playing space for all our children.”

Buckley said it had been challenging to grow and maintain the oval’s grass due to it being on a sand base and with constant student use.

The Regional Asset management team will be working with the school to determine the designs, planning, and contractors used.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the program aimed to target local contractors to ensure the stimulus program benefited others in the

community.

“Our students in the bush deserve access to the best quality facilities, and I know school communities across regional NSW have been working hard to raise funds for these additional projects,” Barilaro said “The Regional Renewal Program will see the NSW Government top-up the funds for these projects to be delivered.”

Buckley said initial meetings were soon to take place.

“The school is jumping for joy, and we know our community will be too,” Buckley said.

“We have waited a long, long time.”

Hayley McMahon

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New program offered to Coast Schools

A new program in primary schools challenging stereotypes about disability will be facilitated on the Coast by Social Futures Local Area Coordinator for the NDIS, Peninsula resident Maree Jenner.

The free program, Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside, is aimed at breaking down misconceptions and social barriers as well as encouraging awareness and inclusion for people with a disability.

Following resounding success in the NSW Central West, Social Futures is now looking to roll out the program throughout schools on the Central Coast and calling for expressions of interest.

It is funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and delivered with local area co-ordination services by the community service organisation, Social Futures, which promotes inclusion, fairness and social justice.

As a person of short stature, Jenner engages young people and speaks to her own experience of difference and the challenges she faced “growing up little” in a world

built for average height people.

“I am so passionate about this program because I have a physical disability; I am different,” Jenner said.

“It is such a good opportunity to go in and talk to children because they notice things, they are learning, and the earlier you talk to young people, the better.

“Young people have questions about disability, they are curious about difference.

“They want to know why that is, and to understand.

“Having contact with me and becoming familiar with disability helps to remove awkwardness.

“Through this program we support young people to feel comfortable with difference and open avenues towards understanding and respect.”

Jenner said children with disability, whether physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional or sensory, were at increased risk of being bullied, which could result in poor mental health, anxiety, depression and even suicide.

“Sadly, bullying happens frequently in our country but often it occurs as a result of ignorance and misunderstanding, and this

program wants to rectify that,” she said.

President of Central Coast Council of P&Cs, Sharryn Brownlee, said it was wonderful to see the Different on the Outside, Same on the Inside program being offered to Coast schools.

“Sadly, bullying happens and often it is a result of ignorance and misunderstanding,” she said.

“This program is aimed at breaking down prejudices and will educate, inform and help rectify the misconceptions that are out there around disability.

“Through this much needed program, all children will become familiar with disability and that will help them to be more comfortable with difference.

“The program helps fill the gap in schools that has needed NDIS investment and it is very pleasing to see NDIS ensuring Central Coast children now have access.

“We warmly welcome Maree Jenner, the NDIS Social Futures local co-ordinator and hope all Coast primary schools will participate to help reduce the levels of anxiety, depression and bullying.”

Sue Murray

Woy Woy PS eco-fundraiser Woy Woy Public School is about to launch its first eco-fundraiser of the year with a student-led project to make beeswax wraps.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen and Gardens program aims to raise funds for a beehive and other small projects on the school grounds.

The wraps are made up of beeswax and cotton or hemp fabric and can be used to

replace plastic wraps and seal containers.

Teacher Stephanie Bartlett said the students are really enjoying learning about the product.

“The students will make the wraps themselves from production and fabric cutting, to advertising and manufacturing,” Bartlett said.

“We are currently at the production stage with wraps

expected to be finalised by March 10.

“We have just handed out notes to our students as the wraps will be just for our little community at first.

“The project ties in really well with a unit we are doing on indigenous sustainability, learning about the ways the people used to incorporate natural resources.”

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Simon Dorrell completed the Certificate IV in Marine Operations (Master up to 35 meters) with the training provider and has now secured a job as an engineer at Transdev Sydney Ferries at the famous harbour.

Dorrell worked in the hospitality industry for 10 years and now helps service marine internal combustion engines and operate deck machinery.

He said with many people switching careers due to COVID-19, a career in the maritime industry is a great choice for those who love the

outdoors.

“Living on the Central Coast and enjoying being around water, I couldn’t picture myself in an office job,” Dorrell said.

“The TAFE NSW marine equipment is the same as you would expect on any large ship.

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and use the incredible electronic equipment and marine stimulator.”

Newly released data from the National Skills Commission says monthly recruitment activity for engineers and machinery operators increasing in December 2020 by 10.7 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 35 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Preschoolers settle in

New career a real sea change A Woy Woy local has swapped hospitality hubs for the harbour after securing qualifications from TAFE NSW and is now encouraging others to do the same.

WWW.COASTCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM.AU

Children at Guliyali Preschool in Woy Woy have settled into their new schooling environment ready to start learning and building lifelong friendships.

Preschool teacher Whitney

Williams said the staff looked forward to creating relationships and supporting the pre-schoolers on their new journey.

“The children have enjoyed climbing the natural adventure park, visiting the WWPS library, greeting familiar faces through

the fence and have already started forming positive relationships with peers in their group,” she said.

“We look forward to building trusting relationships with our 2021 pre-schoolers over the coming weeks, getting to know their passions and providing a

safe and nurturing play-based learning environment for them to explore and discover each day.”

Source: Newsletter, Feb 5 Woy Woy Public School

Source: Media release, Jan 25 TAFE NSW

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See www.coastcommunitynews.com.au Central Coast Newspapers’ classified advertising rates are relatively much lower than in other newspapers and at the same time much larger than in other newspapers, with the minimum size being 50mm X 42mm.

Approximately 15,000 copies of this newspaper are printed and distributed every week.

Personal and Not For Profit Organisations As Central Coast Newspapers are community newspapers, the cost of advertising not for profit organisations’ events is subsidised. This makes them the same rate as non business advertisements.

A mono 5cm advertisement only costs $33. Each additional cm costs $6.60 as does colour, and/or a photograph or a logo. Private advertisements need to be paid for at the time of booking.

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CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 37 25 FEBRUARY 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

TENDER Tenders are called for the license of the Uniform Logo (production & sell), for the school year commencing 1 May 2021 and for a term of FIVE (5) years.

Annual school enrolments will be approximately 1023 General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Linda Dowling School Administrative Manager Kincumber-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 02 4369 1555 Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential - School Uniform Tender” and sent to: The Principal Kincumber High School 24 Bungoona Road KINCUMBER NSW 2251 Tenders close at 3pm on 26 February 2021 All applicants must make themselves familiar with the proposed Uniform Logo (production & sell) Licence agreement.

COASTAL DIARY EVENTS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

THURSDAY, FEB 25 Public Exhibition: Davistown-Empire Bay Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, Empire Bay Progress Association Hall, 2 - 5pm yourvoiceourcoast.com/ DEBFloodplain

FRIDAY, FEB 26

The Rise Twilight: Open day, Wood Glen Retirement Village, 4:30pm - 6:30pm RSVP - rsvp.therise.com.au

or call 02 4365 6800 SATURDAY, FEB 27

Bouddi Coastal Run, Killcare Beach, Register online, 6am - 6pm

Chemical clean out, Council’s Long Jetty Depot Morris Place, Bateau Bay,27 - 28/02, 9am - 3:30pm

Community Women’s Perth Glory, Exhibition runs till the 17th About Women” event from Public exhibition: the Sydney Opera House, Health Centre / The Red Central Coast Stadium, Northern Lakes FloodRed Tree Theatre Tuggerah Tree Theatre Tuggerah, 4pm Sydney Symphony plain Risk Management Free Booking required, free/booking required, Orchestra: Andrew Haveron Study and Plan, 10:45am - 4:30pm 10am - 2pm Performs Bach, SATURDAY, MAR 20 Halekulani Community The Art House Wyong, Peninsula Lions Club: Hall, 4 - 7pm Clean Up Australia Day, WEDNESDAY, MAR 10 Ticketed, 7pm Flavours by The Sea, Car Boot Sale, yourvoiceourcoast.com/ Register online Terrigal Memorial Dunban Road Car Park northern-lakes-floodplain cleanup.org.au Multi Sports Festival, Creating Collaborative Foreshore, on the cnr of Ocean Point Wolstoncroft Sport Housing Solutions- Focus 10am - 10pm Beach Road, FRIDAY, MAR 5 and Recreation Centre, MONDAY, MAR 8 on Older Women: Forum, 7am - 1pm Kanangra Dr, Gwandalan, The Red Tree Theatre SATURDAY, MAR 27 Avoca Beachside Markets, Heazlett Park Foreshore, 9am - 2pm

Troubadour Folk Club Grand opening, Everglades Club Woy Woy, Ticketed event TUESDAY, MAR 2 Coal Ash Public Meeting, Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre Recreation Hall, RSVP to attend, 1pm - 4pm

SUNDAY, FEB 28

CBWN: International 9am - 3pm, Women’s Registrations essential Day Breakfast, Ticketed, Mercure Waters, SUNDAY, MAR 7 7 - 9am, International Women’s Day Luncheon, Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, Magenta, 12 - 2pm

Public exhibition: Northern Lakes Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan, SATURDAY, MAR 6 Blue Haven Community Hall, 4 - 7pm International Women’s yourvoiceourcoast.com/ northern-lakes-floodplain

WEDNESDAY, MAR 3

Day Expo: Women in Art Exhibition & Artisan Markets, The Entrance Gallery, Free, 10am - 4pm

Central Coast Mariners V Macarthur FC, Central Coast Stadium, 7pm

Ocean Beach Meditation, Ocean Beach Umina OBSLC if raining, 6:20am - 7:30am

Tuggerah, Ticketed, 9am - 2pm

Central Coast Mariners V Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Stadium, 7pm

Tribute: Olivia Newton-John, Laycock Street Community Theatre, Ticketed, SUNDAY, MAR 28 11am

Have you serviced your inflatable lifejacket?

Knife in the Boot: International Women’s Day Register for a TransCelebration Breakfast, Rayon Riot III - International Phoenix Collective port for NSW inflatable The Entertainment Grounds Women’s Day Cabaret, Tango Quartet, lifejacket self-service Gosford, Ticketed, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, Greenway Chapel, clinic, 7am Ticketed, 8pm Green Point, Deerubbin Reserve Ticketed, 2:30pm Boat Ramp, Mooney CCCWHC celebrates SUNDAY, MAR 14 www.trybooking.com Women #Choose to Mooney, Challenge, 10am, 11am & 12pm Central Coast Mariners V Live streaming of the “All SATURDAY, MAR 13

Basic entries in the Coastal Diary are FREE. Send information to coastaldiary@centralcoastnews.net

ENHANCED entries using bold typeface with an address, phone number and a live link are available for a small fee.

Photographs can also be added for a small fee. All display advertisers are entitled to a free enhanced entry.

PAGE 38 25 FEBRUARY 2021

INFO

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NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS 4353 4988

Art & Culture

contact@centralcoastclc.org.au

Central Coast Art Society Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday.

Phone: 0428 439 180 Workshops: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, at Gosford Regional Gallery & Art Centre.

Phone: 0409 666 709 Social Meetings 1.30 pm on 4th Wednesday for demonstration 4325 1420 publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au

Ettalong Beach Art & Crafts Centre Adult classes in Pottery Watercolours, Oils, Acrylics, Pastels, Silvercraft, Patchwork & Quilting 0412 155 391 www.ebacc.com.au ebacc.email@gmail.com

Community Centres

Peninsula men’s shed Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm 117 Memorial ave, Ettalong Cnr koolabah.

Come along and join us for coffee and biscuits Community Groups

ABC “The Friends” Support group for Public

Broadcaster.

Aims: Safeguard ABC’s independence, adequate funding, high standards.

Meetings through the year + social mornings Well-known guest speakers 0400 213 514 www.fabcnsw.org.au

Central Coast Caravanners Inc 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Visitors - New Members welcome, Trips Away, Social Outings, friendship with like minded folk Details from Geoff 0447 882 150

Volunteering Central Coast Refers potential volunteers to community orgs. Supports both volunteers and community orgs. Training for volunteers & their managers.

4329 7122

recruit@volcc.org.au

Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Protect and preserve the environment & residential nature of the Bouddi Peninsula and to strengthen community bonds 2nd Mon, 7.30pm Wagstaffe Hall 4360 2945 info@wagstaffetokillcare.org.au

Entertainment Frantastics Choir Inc High quality variety entertainment available for matinee bookings at your venue.

New members welcome.

1pm Mondays during school terms Walter Baker Hall, Woy Woy 4343 1995

Street East Gosford Central Coast Parkinson’s Support Group We aim to help individuals and their families better manage living with Parkinson’s Disease Guest speakers are a regular feature of our meetings.

2nd Tue - 1.30pm 1800 644 189 Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free - Join us for a midday meal - Help with shopping and cooking classes 4341 6699 Overeaters Anonymous (OA) 12-step fellowship for those with eating disorders. No dues, fees, or weigh-ins.

Peninsula Com. Cntr, cnr. Mc Masters Rd & Ocean Beach Rd. Woy Woy, Fri 8pm 0412 756 446 www.oa.org

9.30am to 12 noon 4367 9600 www.pcfa.org.au

Woy Woy Stroke Recovery Club Everglades Country Club 2nd Tues 11am Company, up-to-date info, hydrotherapy, bus trips 1300 650 594 S.A Is Internet porn destroying your life.

We may be able to help.

We are a 12 step fellowship like AA. Meets every Sat at 7pm on the Central Coast Contact for further details 0473 631 439 newcastlesagroup@gmail.com

Music education provided.

Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah.

Performance opportunities.

Hire us for your next event.

0412 948 450 coastalacappella@gmail.com

Troubadour Central Coast Folk, Traditional & Acoustic Music and Spoken Word Concerts, Ukulele meets, and Sessions 4342 6716 mail.info@troubadour.org.au

Political Groups Central Coast Greens Active regarding ecological sustainability, social & economic justice, peace & non-violence, grassroots democracy & getting Greens elected 3rd Thur

Schizophrenia & Bipolar Fellowship centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com For Schizophrenia Bipolar & Mental Health sufferers.

Family carers & friends.are Australian Labor Party welcome.

Political discussions, national, Meetings 1st Thursday state and local government Inquires re-venue please ring issues 4344-7989 or 4368-2214

Bridge Duplicate Bridge Mon Tue Thur Fri Sat-12.15pm & Wed 9.15am Brisbane Water Bridge Club, Peninsula Community Centre 93 McMasters Rd. Woy Woy www.brisbane-water.bridge-club.org

Central Coast Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service Help with issues with landlords & real estate agents? Free telephone advice and advocacy for all tenants and residents in residential parks.

4353 5515 cctaas@hotmail.com

Peninsula Environment Group Environmental projects, (incl. Woytopia), Woy Woy community garden, social events, workshops, organic food buying group

Empire Bay Probus Club www.peg.org.au Friendship, fellowship, and fun in retirement.

Veterans Very active club, outings, excursions, dining - 3 Veterans’ Help Centre’ times a month Peninsula Village Peninsula Village Peninsula Day Branch www.frantastics.org Assist all veterans & Central Coast Asbestos 1st Thur 1.30pm 1pm 2nd Mon Wellness Centre Playgroup families with pension & Empire Bay Progress Hall Diseases Support CWA Hall Woy Woy LEARN TO DANCE Offering holistic and Carers, Grandparents, welfare issues.

Visitors Welcome.

4341 9946 Social ballroom dancing for all Group complementary therapies parents & children Mon & Wed 9am-1pm 0414 280 375 Support for those suffering including aromatherapy, ‘Intergenerational Playgroup’ ages, all you need is a desire 4344 4760 Cnr Broken Bay to learn and dance, Service Groups massage and music therapy with asbestos diseases and Tues 10-11.30am Rd & Beach St Ettalong. no partner required. others interested in asbestos centralcoastveterans@bigpond.com.

Central Coast Marine 4344 9199 4344 9199 Lions Club of Woy Woy meet every Wed at 15 issues. You are not alone, Women’s Groups Discovery Centre Everglades Country Club Lorraine Ave Berkeley Vale, meet with others who can Peninsula Village Meals Peninsula School The revamped CCMDC is 3rd Monday of each month 2:00pm Country Women’s Delivered daily to your door share their experiences. Bring open. Schools and Group Make new friends and for Seniors Anne - 0409 938 345 a family member or friend.

Association Woy Woy Nutritious, great for the elderly bookings welcome by have fun while serving your Community Centre, anneglazier@y7mail.com 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy appointment. community.

4344 9199 McMasters Road, Woy Woy forth Wed of each month.

Craft & Friendship: 1st, 2nd, & Health Groups Building has special needs 0478 959 895 Discussions, rumikin, craft, Maree 0419 418 190 3rd Wed 9AM access and toilets history, walks, & coach trips Peninsula Village Al-Anon Meetings: 4th Wed 9.30 Open 7 days 9am – 3pm.

Music Tues, Wed, Thur Rotary Clubs If someone’s drinking is Carer’s Support Group Ph: 0411 434785 Terrigal.

4341 5984 or 4341 0800 International service club causing you problems...

For carers of loved ones with Brisbane Water Brass woywoycwa@gmail.com 4385 5027 Al-Anon can help dementia - 1st Wed - 10 to Brass Band entertainment improves lives of communities ccmdc@bigpond.com in Aust. & o/seas. Fun-filled 1300 252 666 11.30am www.ccmdc.org.au The Krait Club for the community playing all Peninsula Women’s activities, fellowship and Meetings Sat 2pm Paula 4344 9199 types of popular music.

Community Centre - Cooinda Health Centre friendship.

Woy Woy Hospital Rehearsal every Wed Central Coast Village, Neptune St, Umina Counselling, therapeutic and Ocean Beach Road Rotary Club of Woy Woy 8pm -10pm Prostate Cancer Community 10.30am For seniors. Gentle social groups, workshops, Tues 6pm Everglades 0419 274 012 Support Group domestic violence and abuse Legal Centre exercises, quizzes, games, Country Club.

Alcoholics Anonymous issues. All services by women Not for profit service providing (Gosford) social activities, guest Don Tee 0428 438 535 - Someone cares.

Coastal a Cappella for women free legal advice.

Last Fri, Terrigal Uniting speakers, entertainment and Thurs - 12.30pm, Progress Award winning women’s a 4342 5905 Monday to Friday Church, 380 Terrigal Drive, bus trips - 4344 3277 Hall Henry Parry & Wells www.cccwhc.com.au Special Interest cappella chorus.

9am to 5pm Terrigal

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369

Newspapers Central Coast

CCN

Entries in the Not For Profit Community Organisations Directory are free. However, we require each organisation to subscribe to each newspaper to ensure that someone from that organisation keeps their entry up to date. Subscription rates $75 for 25 editions.

TIDE CHART

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

0.58 0202 0.50 0247 0.42 0332 0.36 25 0117 26 27 28 0745 1.74 0829 1.83 0912 1.90 0955 1.92 1

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

2

3

9

10

0420 0.33 0511 0.34 0604 0.37 1040 1.89 1126 1.81 1215 1.68 THU 1429 0.39 FRI 1507 0.30 SAT 1545 0.25 SUN 1623 0.22 MON 1703 0.23 TUE 1744 0.28 WED 1826 0.36 2025 1.37 2105 1.45 2145 1.53 2228 1.60 2311 1.65 2357 1.68 0045 1.68 0139 1.67 0239 1.64 0348 1.63 0503 1.64 0611 1.68 0038 0.62 0702 0.43 0808 0.50 0924 0.55 1047 0.55 1203 0.51 1305 0.45 0709 1.73 THU 1307 1.53 FRI 1406 1.37 SAT 1519 1.25 SUN 1645 1.20 MON 1805 1.23 TUE 1906 1.30 WED 1354 0.40 1911 0.46 2001 0.57 2104 0.65 2219 0.70 2333 0.68 1954 1.38

4

5

6

7

8

APPROX. TIME LAG AFTER FORT DENISON Ettalong 40 min, Rip Bridge 2hrs Wisemans Ferry 2 hrs 30 min, Koolewong 2 hrs 10 min In view of the variations caused by local conditions and meteorological effects, these times are approximate and must be considered as a guide only. They are not to be relied on for critical depth calculations for safe navigation. Actual times of High and Low Water may occur before or after the times indicated

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SPORT PAGE 39 25 FEBRUARY 2021

Ettalong to host outrigger regatta CANOEING An Ettalong canoe club is set to host one of the biggest outrigger regattas of the year on February 27, expecting to attract some of Australia’s best crews.

The Te Ika Nui club will organise the 50km race, which involves a series of divisions for experienced paddlers.

The mixed crews will travel from Patonga to Terrigal and once they hit the beach, they must run up to the tent and hand over the baton to their counterparts, before they travel back to Patonga for the last leg.

Race organiser, Louise Vangestel, said everybody at the club is very excited for the

event.

“Teams from all over the state are coming to support ... it’s going to be quite a spectacle,” Vangestel said.

“We have received support from The Boathouse Group, McGrath Terrigal, Jeep, Audi and Tooheys.

“There will be a number of support crafts out on the water but novice and junior paddlers aren’t allowed.

“But it’ll be exciting for them to watch and a way for them to develop their skills in time for their turn.”

The event will start at 6.30am and is expected to last until 5pm.

Maisy Rae

Killcare SLSC stresses surf safety SURF LIFE SAVING Killcare Surf Life Saving Club is reminding community members of the importance of surf safety, respecting ocean conditions, and swimming in between the flags.

The 2020 Surf Life Saving NSW Coastal Safety Report was recently released with some significant statistics around drowning and general knowledge of rips and currents.

President of Killcare Surf Life Saving Club, Craig Sheppard, said the club’s performance compared to the statistics was very positive, with their focus being on preventative measures.

“So, our lifesavers are normally watching for people who look like they could be heading into strife; we intervene and have a chat with them about why they shouldn’t be swimming in a certain spot or why they shouldn’t continue to do what they are doing,” Sheppard said.

“As a result, we have had a

really low rescue count this summer, and we haven’t lost anybody at Killcare Beach or any Central Coast beach for a number of years.

“That’s always our goal, we have a ton of KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) that we use to measure our performance, but the most important thing is, of course, that everyone who comes to Killcare Beach goes home again, and, on that front, we are nailing it.”

Sheppard said the statistics reflected the great work and education that surf lifesavers implement when spreading awareness on beach safety.

“When it comes to rips, the message seems to be getting through; 94 per cent of respondents say that raising your arm to attract attention is a good thing, along with 89 per cent saying relax and stay calm, and 55 per cent saying swim parallel to the shore,” Sheppard said.

“This is pleasing, and it indicates all the work both the

surf club and Surf Life Saving Central Coast have been implementing through educational programs.

“On the other hand, there is clearly still some work to do; there was a significant 13 per cent of people who said they would try and swim against the rip, which is just a recipe for disaster— you will never outpace a rip.”

The report detailed that 62 per cent of respondents were

not confident in spotting a rip, and 38 per cent were somewhat or very confident; Sheppard said from his experience a fair amount of these people would be unfortunately incorrect.

Drownings compared to last year had a 49 person increase with 88 per cent being male and 12 per cent female.

Sheppard said males were more likely to take risks and participate in hazardous ocean activities like rock fishing.

Rock fishing can become dangerous in rough high tides and unpredictable conditions, with 22 per cent of drownings occurring due to rock fishing accidents.

“Something as basic as wearing a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) when they are on the rocks is so essential; it’s precautions like that which can save your life, it just gives you that extra time to be rescued,” he said.

Another significant statistic was 35 per cent of drownings occurred at least 5km away from any surf life-saving service.

Sheppard said it was critical to swim on patrolled beaches and between flags, especially if the swimmer wasn’t an experienced beachgoer.

“There’s a significant percentage of people, especially over the holiday periods, who are unfamiliar with the beach; even if you came to Killcare last summer, everything is completely different, as it will be again next

year,” Sheppard said.

“The beach is ever-changing, so it’s imperative to stay on patrolled beaches and swim between the flags.

“If you’re unfamiliar with the environment, talk to the lifeguards; they are happy to tell you what’s going on and how to stay safe on the day.”

Sheppard reminds community members that the most important thing to remember is not to panic if they ever find themselves caught in a rip.

“Rips and currents generally stop where the waves are breaking, so you won’t get carried to New Zealand,” Sheppard said.

“Stay calm, put your arm up for assistance, float as best as you can, and do not fight the rip.

“If you have some energy, swim parallel to the shore, and you will soon be out of the rip’s clutches, but otherwise, just put your arm up, stay calm, and wait for assistance.”

Hayley McMahon

Training and Volunteer Day

February 27th at 10am - noon All are invited…

We will be back in the saddle in March and are looking for new volunteers to help with the horses and general work around the facility at Kangoo Rd, Somersby.

Training provided, no expertise required, but a love of the outdoors, horses and helping with disabled riders would be a good plus.

Also morning tea and a tour of the wonderful centre Call 0412 393 452 for more info

PAGE 40 25 FEBRUARY 2021

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Teams flock to Peninsula for Pre-Season Cup

FOOTBALL Central Coast School of Soccer will host its inaugural Peninsula PreSeason Cup at Woy Woy Oval on March 7.

Over 25 teams from across the Coast are expected to attend the event, ranging from the Under 6 to the Under 12 divisions.

The teams will play three games each before qualifying

for play offs and the grand final.

Head of Technical Operations, Ricky Gallagher, said the school will team up with local food vendors, including Woy Woy’s Say When Café, at the event.

“We also have sponsorship opportunities for local businesses that can help bring something to the event whilst gaining exposure for their business,” Gallagher said.

“Locals can come and watch

Ettalong bowlo powering along LAWN BOWLS Ettalong Bowling Club’s charity days and bowling events have been running successfully, with everyone from beginner to professional bowlers encouraged to attend and join the club’s activities.

The Central Coast Kids in Need Charity Day was held on February 21, with $1000 raised and 48 bowlers in attendance.

Vice President, Ken Dixon, said the club had raised a total of $2000 so far, with each monthly event just as successful as the last.

“We would again like to thank all of our supporters for donating raffle prizes for our Central Coast Kids in Need Charity Day, you are a great group of people who continue to assist those in need, and we thank

you for your ongoing support,” Dixon said.

“There were plenty of prizes shared around the room, and we had great support for our raffles from our supporters, including the Rebels and the Social Club.

“John Orme and Bob Willis were again the chief organizers, and they did a great job as usual with the food and other requirements.

“There were some great bowls played on the day and many close matches— all up, it was another successful day on our excellent greens at Ettalong.”

As well as charity days, the club hosts morning bowls with over 100 bowlers each week starting at 8.30am every Wednesday.

“For the cost of $10, our bowlers have a game of bowls and a meal

which varies each and every week,” Dixon said.

“We also run a jackpot most weeks which results in $300 going to the winning rink.

“We also donate funds to charities on the Peninsula—we run a raffle which contributes to the cost of food which can vary from pizzas, Chinese, fish and chips, hamburgers, steak sandwiches, Hawaiian ham cheese and pineapple, or cold meat and salad.”

The club also hosted the State Championships between February 15 and 19, where helpers from Coast Shelter Van catered all day.

“Come down to Ettalong Bowlo, and you will not be disappointed by anything you see on the green or in the club,” Dixon said.

Hayley McMahon

the games too.

“We are big on respect, teamwork, listening skills ... we’re not only trying to develop good footballers, but also develop good children in our society and hopefully they will

transfer listening skills into the classroom.”

The tournament at Oval Ave will begin at 9am.

Maisy Rae