Coast Community Pelican Post 028

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 028

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Community loves home markets

Rotary Brisbane Water has been donating old mobile phones and laptops to Ettalong-based charity The Peninsula Lighthouse to assist those fleeing domestic violence.

See page 8

Out&About

Following the soaring success of their idea to bring a virtual market to Bouddi during lockdown, a Killcare duo has set their sights on expanding the initiative Coast-wide.

The CWA’s Umina Beach branch has put the call out for ‘urgent’ action on social and affordable housing options in NSW through a new ‘sleep out’ campaign.

See page 14

Health

See page 13

Solving restricted funds mystery a challenge for Inquiry The use – perhaps unlawful – of internal and external restricted funds is expected to be one of the issues examined by the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial affairs when Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch begins hearings next week.

One of the Public Inquiry’s tasks is to investigate whether councillors “kept under review the performance of the council, including that council spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses” which should include resolving how $175M or more of restricted funds were spent in contravention of the Local Government Act.

One the eve of the inquiry Administrator Rik Hart said internally restricted funds were still being spent to keep the Council afloat but that the expenditure was now lawful and fund balances, as shown in monthly investment reports, were improving.

Since the councillors were suspended 11 months ago $60 million of public assets have been put up for sale, rates are up 13 per cent, harmonisation means some rates are up more than 40 per cent, hundreds of Council employees have lost their jobs and services have been cut.

Council has warned more cuts may be needed unless IPART permits a permanent 3 per cent rate increase and

higher water and sewer rates.

The Council has borrowed $150M, on undisclosed commercial terms, in addition to its already substantial debt.

Despite all the measures listed above, the Council is still relying on internally restricted funds to pay costs, including payroll, almost a year after the suspension of Councillors.

According to Hart the NSW Office of Local Government gave Council permission to continue to use restricted funds up to a cap of $175M when Council was placed in administration last year.

Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, did not give the elected Councillors permission to use externally restricted funds when they

sought her assistance having learned that restricted funds had been spent without their knowledge or permission or that of the Minister.

Interim Administrator Dick Persson initially highlighted the alleged unlawful use of restricted funds as a major reason for the suspension of Councillors but later claimed it was the Council’s big budget deficits that were more of a problem.

CCN asked the Minister for Local Government and Office of Local Government for confirmation of the $175M cap arrangement and received the following statement: “The Minister has not received any application from Central Coast Council seeking approval to

borrow externally restricted funds.”

When asked on August 30 if Council could cover costs and pay staff without using restricted funds, Administrator Hart answered “No”.

“That is what you see in the investment report, we are still negative, but we are on an approved payment plan.”

Hart clarified this statement on September 22 when he said the balances of external restricted funds were “correct and proper” – repatriated using some of the $150M bank borrowings – so permission from the Minister was not required.

See page 4

A virtual trek will be held from October 16 to December 4 to support veterans facing financial hardship as well as encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active.

See page 27

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure in the region.

See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

PAGE 2

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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ABOUT US

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN Central Coast Newspapers would like to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a copy of SONATA: Melodies of Murder, a novel by Saratoga author, Amelia (Jenny Anderson).

Coast Community Pelican Post is published team of local journalists as well as external weekly on a Thursday by Central Coast sources, including media releases, websites and Newspapers Pty Ltd (CCN), a local, family- public notices. owned business.

All of our news content is subject to strict editorial standards – see www.

CCN publishes three local, independent coastcommunitynews.com.au/aboutus/ newspapers – Coast Community News, the Coast Community Pelican Post and the Coast Community editorialstandards Chronicle – distributed via more than 450 Wherever possible, our news includes source distribution points right across the Central Coast. lines that provide information about where Most of our stories, as well as our digital information was sourced so that readers can programs such as “Friday 5@5”, can be viewed judge for themselves the veracity of what they online at www.coastcommunitynews.com.au are reading. together with a flip book for every paper shown Each paper focuses specifically on an area bound by postcodes as follows: in full.

CCN aims to serve the interests of the Coast Community Pelican Post - Post Codes 2256 and 2257; Coast Community News - Post community in three important ways: 1. To serve the ultimate purpose of the free Codes 2250, 2251, 2260; and Coast Community press in a democracy, that is, to hold powerful Chronicle - Post Codes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 interests to account through high-quality, and 2263. independent journalism without fear or prejudice; Coast Community Pelican Post coverage takes 2. To provide an affordable medium for local in parts of both Gosford East and Gosford West businesses to advertise their products and Council Wards, a section of the State seats of services, including discounted rates for eligible Gosford and Terrigal, and a large section of the Federal seat of Robertson. not-for-profit organisations; and, 3. To keep the community informed about local For all other information, please visit our issues and ensure that important public notices website or call us on (02) 4325 7369 or call in are available to ALL members of the community and see us at Suite 1, Level 2, 86 Mann St, irrespective of their socio-economic Gosford. circumstances.

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Blurb for SONATA: Melodies of Murder There was something enchanting about Sergeant Kate Willings that drew you in like a magnet….her world changing forever after discovering severed head during her early morning rounds.

Joining forces with Inspector Lord Pinhorn more mysterious bodies were discovered with no apparent link, while romances blossomed.

Were these murders the clever planning of a serial killer or are the smiling corpses purely coincidental?

When the murderer plays one tune too many, a favourite Sonata, the ugly truth is exposed.

Ross Barry, Publisher

DO YOU WANT TO SEND US A STORY? CCN welcomes contributions from all members of the community, including citizen reports, media releases and letters to the Editor.

All contributions should be emailed to editorial@centralcoastnews.net CCN reserves the right to use, or not use, any material sent to us in our publications and to validate, amend, update, expand or reduce information at our sole discretion and in accordance with our editorial standards.

daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and mail it to Coast Community Pelican Post, Sonata Competition, PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250, before 5pm on Sep 27.

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Next Edition: Pelican Post 029

Author Amelia married and raised her family on the Central Coast of NSW. Her other passions include photography, dancing and power walking along beautiful beaches.

Now as a Senior, she enjoys the challenge of playing Bridge and is also a keen lawn bowler.

For your chance to win, write your full name, address, and

Deadline: 28 September

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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 - Editor: Jackie Pearson - Design & Production: Justin Stanley, Lucillia Eljuga Journalists: Maisy Rae, Terry Collins, Sue Murray, Harry Mulholland, Skaie Hull, Merilyn Vale, Hayley McMahon, Haakon Barry Head of Distribution: Anthony Wagstaff ISSN 1839-9045 - Print Post Approved - PP100001843 - Printed by Spotpress Marrickville

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISSUE 309

News

Forbidden

While AstraZeneka appointments are freely available, booking a Pfizer jab on the Central Coast is still almost impossible, despite assurances from Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, that more vaccines are headed to the region.

See page 8

Four students and one graduate from the NAISDA Dance college at Kariong featured in NT Dance Company’s production Forbidden at the Darwin Entertainment Centre on September 3 and 4.

While announcing easing of restrictions in much of regional NSW, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said on September 9 that with case numbers still high, stay at home orders would stay in effect on the Central Coast, along with various other regions in the state.

At September 9, there were 167 confirmed cases on the Coast.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said when the region’s lockdown was last reviewed in August there were 45 active COVID-19 cases, but that number had more than tripled since.

CCN

“I am calling for everyone on the Central Coast to remain vigilant and follow the stay-athome rules,” he said.

Crouch said the state was on track to reach the 70 per cent milestone in mid-October, but only fully vaccinated residents would be permitted to take advantage of easing restrictions.

“There are approximately 21,000 Central Coast residents getting vaccinated each week which is good progress, but we need to do better,” he said.

“Both brands of the vaccine are safe, effective and free and both brands also reduce the likelihood of death by over 90 per cent.”

Meanwhile, case numbers on the Coast have more than doubled in the past week.

On September 3, eight cases were confirmed; two linked to

previously notified cases, one linked to a worksite cluster in Sydney and five under investigation.

On September 4, 15 more residents tested positive; 14 linked to known cases and the source of infection for one under investigation.

Fourteen were infectious in the community.

Seven more cases were announced on September 5; five linked to known cases and theothertwounderinvestigation, with five cases in the community while infectious.

September 6 saw the announcement of eight more cases; seven linked to known cases and one under investigation.

Then, on September 7, 22 cases were confirmed; 19 linked to known cases and three

Terry Collins

Struggling to stay afloat

News

Out&About

Out&About

Out&About

When your Dad is the Director of the Australian Reptile Park, what better to occupy you during lockdown than helping care for an at-risk koala joey?

See page 18

Central Coast Council has partnered with Grow It Local to get Coasties excited about growing and sourcing produce locally to reduce food waste.

See page 14

As nominations for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards close this Friday, CCN has taken a look back on one of the finalists of the 2020 award – Umina’s Glitta Supernova.

See page 13

Business

Sport

Central Coast Mariners has announced its intention to enter the W-League competition in 2022/23 as the women’s league expands.

See page 40

Puzzles page 22

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au

Two fire stations at risk of service cuts The Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) is calling on community support to save Budgewoi and Wyong Fire and Rescue NSW stations being taken temporarily offline during periods when they are short of staff.

State Secretary of FBEU, Martin Dixon, said taking any fire station offline deprived a local community of a critical emergency response, leaving any response up to fire stations from further away and reducing the number of fire trucks at any incident.

He said the proposal by Fire

and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) was being fought by the Fire Brigade Employees Union in the Industrial Relations Commission.

“At the moment, fire stations without sufficient safe crewing levels are supplemented by other firefighters at overtime rates, which is necessary to keep our communities safe.

“Staffing shortages can be avoided by fixing the critical understaffing and underfunding of the service.

“The union for professional firefighters in NSW, the FBEU, is fighting hard to stop this

proposal through every way possible, including through the courts, but we need the help of local communities to fight it.

“We encourage people to write to their local State Member of Parliament, write to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, write to the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, and make your voices heard.

“We want people to let their family and friends know that this government wants to shut down their local fire station, depriving them and their community of a critical

emergency response if anything goes wrong.

“Most importantly, we need the community to support our local firefighters who are, of course, at the centre of this proposal.

“They are doing their best to maintain this vital service, and their employer wants to throw them aside and allow their local community to be exposed.

“We encourage people to apply for positions at their local Fire and Rescue NSW stations if they’re recruiting and be sure to thank your local firies for their exceptional work in the

community,” Dixon said.

Deputy Commissioner for FRNSW, Jeremy Fewtrell, said FRNSW was committed to keeping communities safe and used a risk-based approach to manage the readiness of its emergency service delivery.

“FRNSW has an established procedure of managing all of its on-call fire stations, and the practice of taking fire trucks temporarily offline is partly a result of changing demographics, improvements in technology, and a more modern understanding of fire safety and risks.

Continued page 6

News

With the announcement last week that the Central Coast will stay in lockdown for an unspecified time, the State and Federal Liberal Governments are playing the blame game.

See page 5

22 SEPTEMBER 2021

The High Court of Australia has made a landmark decision that will have a substantial impact on organisations that publish the news, including CCN.

Health

ISSUE 257

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

News

Anti-vax rally quashed by police

Home cooks can now get a taste of the top 10 dishes by executive chef, Craig Etches, as voted by his dining clientele at Glengara retirement community in Tumbi Umbi.

See page 17

Health

Health

Sport

Kyah Simon of Tacoma has been selected for a 25-player Matildas squad in a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland on September 22, a match that will herald in a three-year international cycle...

See page 32

Puzzles page 19

It all starts with spirit Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

Friction between the State and Federal Governments has come to a head over the Central Coast’s lack of Pfizer supply as the region records over 60 new cases so far this week.

With cases on the rise and dozens of new exposure sites listed across the region, increased vaccination coverage is something the NSW Government said could get the Coast out of lockdown sooner.

As of Monday, September 13, over 70 per cent of Peninsula residents had received their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine and over 40 per cent

were fully vaccinated.

Over 48,000 doses of vaccine have been administered on the Peninsula.

The state-wide lockdown is expected to end in mid-October after the State achieves over 70 per cent vaccination coverage.

The potential for the Coast to leave the lockdown earlier would be dependent on vaccine supply and community uptake.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said there had been a ‘very short’ supply of Pfizer on the Coast and said he hoped the Federal Government would supply more Pfizer doses.

“Gosford and Wyong Hospitals are currently administering 4,800 Pfizer doses per week,” Crouch said.

“This is very good but we can always do better.

“This is just 40 per cent of what Gosford and Wyong Hospitals could do if Pfizer vaccines were readily available.

“Gosford Hospital even has the staff and the space ready and waiting to operate as a mass vaccination hub, but only if the Federal Government supplies more Pfizer doses.”

It is reported that Gosford and Wyong Hospitals can administer up to 12,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines per week in addition

to its administering of AstraZeneca doses but this is entirely dependent on supply.

Federal Member fo Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has welcomed a review of how General Practitioners (GPs) are allocated to areas like the Central Coast.

“Central Coast residents are doing their bit to hit the 70 per cent and 80 per cent targets,” Wicks said.

“To date,the NSW Government has received almost three million doses of Pfizer, which is enough to vaccinate around 45 per cent of the state with a first dose.

“However, I am advised the

Central Coast Local Health District has not received an increase in Pfizer allocations since July 2021.

“From the NSW Government allocation of Pfizer, the Central Coast has been receiving about half (2.1 per cent) of the Pfizer we would expect based on our population size (4.8 per cent), which has left a shortfall of about 30,000 doses locally.

“I thank the NSW Premier for her determination to stamp out the Delta outbreak in Western and Southwest Sydney, but its time our region gets back the 30,000 Pfizer doses that were taken to fight the virus on the front-line.”

Continued page 4

Sport

Australia’s well decorated sports sailor and Gosford Sailing Club alumnus, Tom Slingsby, has successfully defended his 2019 title at the 2021 Moth World Championship.

See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

To be hosted by Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, the briefing comes as the number of cases announced on the Coast during this outbreak reached 312 on September 16, with more than 200 of those still active.

“The number of active COVID-19 cases on the Central Coast has nearly doubled in the

space of a week,” Crouch said.

“The briefing with Dr Chant will discuss this growth in case numbers, the increase in vaccination rates, and what more can be done to control the Delta strain.

In a letter to Labor MPs, Crouch said the region’s response to the pandemic should be managed in a bipartisan way.

“All MPs have a responsibility to ensure COVID-19 information is shared and promoted in a timely non-political way,” he said.

Announcement of the briefing came as Labor MPs ramped up calls for more support in the

region to stop the Coast becoming an area of concern.

“In the last two weeks, four schools in my electorate have reported positive cases of COVID-19,” Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said.

“This suggests to me that the virus is being picked up by workers who cannot work from home; there is little evidence of spread by outsiders.

“A large number of the new cases are linked to known cases which says to me that not enough is being done to support those who have been exposed to the virus.

“Inadequacy in the supply of the vaccine of people’s choice

is also a big factor, I think, in the spread of the virus locally.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) said Gosford Hospital is currently caring for a number of COVID patients, some of whom have been transferred from out of area as part of NSW Health’s networked hospital system.

“This system ensures patients can be transferred or redirected to other hospitals where necessary, including private hospitals,” the spokesperson said.

“Strict plans and protocols are in place for staff who care for patients with COVID-19,

Rotary Brisbane Water has been donating old mobile phones and laptops to Ettalong-based charity The Peninsula Lighthouse to assist those fleeing domestic violence.

See page 8

Out&About

Following the soaring success of their idea to bring a virtual market to Bouddi during lockdown, a Killcare duo has set their sights on expanding the initiative Coast-wide.

The CWA’s Umina Beach branch has put the call out for ‘urgent’ action on social and affordable housing options in NSW through a new ‘sleep out’ campaign.

See page 14

Health

Solving restricted funds mystery a challenge for Inquiry

State’s Chief Health Officer to brief MPs Central Coast MPs will attend a briefing on September 17 with Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant and Central Coast Health CEO Brad Astill as COVID-19 case numbers soar in the region.

News

See page 13

Local Delta cases soar The 11th annual Cancer Council’s ‘Girls Night In’ event at Ettalong Diggers next month has been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

See page 25

ISSUE 028

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Community loves home markets

Out&About

See page 16

Residents of Terrigal, Avoca and North Avoca should be on the lookout for six cyclists streaking past their homes on Sunday, September 26.

See page 17

See page 12

Buck passing doesn’t solve Pfizer shortage

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has completed more than 640ha of hazard reduction burning over the past week in the Central Coast Hunter region.

See page 5

About 150 anti-vaxxers scattered when police converged on Memorial Park at The Entrance last Saturday to break up their rally which was in breach of the Public Health Orders.

Out&About

Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP boards

Students from K-6 at selected schools have been encouraged to pick up a pencil or a paintbrush to design a sold sign sticker using a template.

See page 24

spiritsuper.com.au

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

Some local businesses are still struggling to stay afloat even though the NSW Government has extended financial support for those affected by lockdown restrictions.

Facebook ruling shuts down community discussion

See page 21

See page 13 Central Coast ARAFMI has outlined the need for action on removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in a submission to Central Coast Council on its Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2021-25.

See page 33

ISSUE 310

ISSUE 027

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Central Coast Council has commenced proactive patrols in natural reserves and continues to monitor open space areas for unauthorised bike jump and track builds.

See page 5

Central Coast volunteer surf lifesavers raised their iconic red and yellow flags at Toowoon Bay on Monday to signify the start of the season this Saturday, September 18. under investigation.

Eleven were in the community while infectious.

September 8 saw 15 more cases announced; nine linked to known cases and the source of six under investigation, with 13 in the community while infectious.

And finally, on September 9, another 22 cases were announced; 13 linked to known cases and nine under investigation.

Of these, 20 were in the community while infectious.

Multiple Central Coast exposure sites are being announced daily.

Residents are urged to continue checking the NSW Health website for esposure site locations, times and dates.

16 SEPTEMBER 2021

News

Tuggerah Rural Fire Brigade crews were called to the M1 freeway on Wednesday afternoon, September 8, after a large road crusher machine had come off the back of a truck.

See page 5

Coast lockdown to be extended following surge in COVID cases “For the first time, there are active COVID-19 cases in every single postcode across the Central Coast,” Crouch said.

“The only way we can beat the Delta strain is by getting everyone vaccinated.”

Crouch confirmed that the slight easing of restrictions for the region announced on August 26 will remain in force.

This allows for groups of up to five fully vaccinated people to gather outdoors within the LGA or within 5km of home outside the LGA from September 13.

As Premier Gladys Berejiklian outlined a roadmap for coming out of lockdown once the state attained a 70 per cent rate of double vaccination, Crouch reminded Coasties that the regional percentage on the Coast to date is around 40 per cent.

ISSUE 256

REAL INDEPENDENT LOCAL WEEKLY NEWS

Back to the beach

Health

See page 17

The Central Coast will not come out of lockdown on September 11 amid continuing concern over escalating COVID-19 case numbers in the region.

17 SEPTEMBER 2021 15 SEPTEMBER 2021

including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the ICU. “COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system.

Continued page 8

The oncological clinical trial group Breast Cancer Trials will encourage food lovers all over the country to stay in this October and enter the 3 Course Challenge to support breast cancer research.

See page 33

Sport

The official start of beach season for the Coast’s 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs was marked with the raising of the iconic red and yellow flags at Toowoon Bay this week with the season officially set to start on September 18.

See page 39

Puzzles page 19

It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

District Health says hospitals ready for COVID surge Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) says it is well-prepared for the anticipated demand on hospitals because of increasing COVID-19 patients, expected to hit a peak in October.

CCLHD says there are no COVID-positive confirmed cases at Wyong Hospital at present, however, there are a number of COVID patients at Gosford Hospital, some who have transferred there from out of the area.

Last Thursday, September 16, a woman in her 20s died at Gosford Hospital after

contracting COVID-19.

She had an underlying medical condition and was not vaccinated.

NSW Health said she was a resident of a Life Without Barriers group home for the disabled in Wyong, where she acquired her infection.

“We are deeply saddened about the death of a young woman we provide support to and share our sincere condolences to her family and friends at their considerable loss,” said a spokesperson for Life Without Barriers.

“Our priority is offering our support and care to her family

and providing assistance they need at this difficult time.”

It was the second COVIDrelated death within a week as the coronavirus now appears to have a grip on the Central Coast and, other than hospital patients, there are about 200 people who are self-isolating at home and receiving care from the Health District.

Health authorities remain particularly concerned about the spread of the virus throughout the northern suburbs.

There are 73 positive cases still under investigation to determine the source.

In the past week, from Wednesday, September 15, there have been another 156 new cases with 83 linked to known cases and only 42 already in self-isolation.

The number of cases in the past week has jumped from 278 to 434 (as at September 21).

Health authorities are expecting that the spike in local COVID cases will also mean that the number of hospitalisations will increase over the next few weeks.

A spokesperson for Central Coast LHD said strict plans and protocols were in place for staff who cared for patients with

COVID-19, including treating them in separate areas with separate staff where possible to minimise the risk of transmission, including in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“COVID preparedness modelling released by NSW Health has indicated that the demand on hospitals will be at its highest in October.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system.

Continued page 4

Black Dog Institute is asking people to unite in a time of lockdown and separation to put One Foot Forward by walking 20, 40, 60 or 100km during October.

See page 31

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Central Coast Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable offroad cycling infrastructure in the region.

See page 39

Puzzles page 23

It all starts with spirit

E-mail: editorial@centralcoastnews.net - Website: www.coastcommunitynews.com.au

One of the Public Inquiry’s tasks is to investigate whether councillors “kept under review the performance of the council, including that council spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses” which should include resolving how $175M or more of restricted funds were spent in contravention of the Local Government Act.

One the eve of the inquiry Administrator Rik Hart said internally restricted funds were still being spent to keep the Council afloat but that the expenditure was now lawful and fund balances, as shown in monthly investment reports, were improving.

Since the councillors were suspended 11 months ago $60 million of public assets have been put up for sale, rates are up 13 per cent, harmonisation means some rates are up more than 40 per cent, hundreds of Council employees have lost their jobs and services have been cut.

Council has warned more cuts may be needed unless IPART permits a permanent 3 per cent rate increase and

higher water and sewer rates.

The Council has borrowed $150M, on undisclosed commercial terms, in addition to its already substantial debt.

Despite all the measures listed above, the Council is still relying on internally restricted funds to pay costs, including payroll, almost a year after the suspension of Councillors.

According to Hart the NSW Office of Local Government gave Council permission to continue to use restricted funds up to a cap of $175M when Council was placed in administration last year.

Local Government Minister, Shelley Hancock, did not give the elected Councillors permission to use externally restricted funds when they

sought her assistance having learned that restricted funds had been spent without their knowledge or permission or that of the Minister.

Interim Administrator Dick Persson initially highlighted the alleged unlawful use of restricted funds as a major reason for the suspension of Councillors but later claimed it was the Council’s big budget deficits that were more of a problem.

CCN asked the Minister for Local Government and Office of Local Government for confirmation of the $175M cap arrangement and received the following statement: “The Minister has not received any application from Central Coast Council seeking approval to

borrow externally restricted funds.”

When asked on August 30 if Council could cover costs and pay staff without using restricted funds, Administrator Hart answered “No”.

“That is what you see in the investment report, we are still negative, but we are on an approved payment plan.”

Hart clarified this statement on September 22 when he said the balances of external restricted funds were “correct and proper” – repatriated using some of the $150M bank borrowings – so permission from the Minister was not required.

See page 4

A virtual trek will be held from October 16 to December 4 to support veterans facing financial hardship as well as encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active.

See page 27

Sport

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure in the region.

See page 31

Puzzles page 18

It all starts with spirit

spiritsuper.com.au

spiritsuper.com.au

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

Office: Level 1.01/86-88 Mann Street Gosford Phone: 4325 7369 Mail: PO Box 1056, Gosford 2250

The use – perhaps unlawful – of internal and external restricted funds is expected to be one of the issues examined by the Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council’s financial affairs when Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch begins hearings next week.

Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.

/centralcoastnewspapers

/CoastNewspapers

2021 OFFICIAL

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NEWS

PAGE 3

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Fisheries investigate mangrove destruction at Hardys Bay The NSW Department of Industries Fisheries is investigating the recent destruction of mangroves at Hardys Bay. It is alleged that on the night of Sunday, September 21, a large number of mangroves were cut down along the foreshore adjacent to the Hardys Bay Marina.

Officers from NSW Fisheries said this was the second time in two years that environmental vandalism had occurred along the waterfront at Hardys Bay. The Department said a monetary reward may be provided for information leading

to the conviction of those people involved.

A DPI spokesperson said the Department would not hesitate to take action against persons who harm marine vegetation for views and other aesthetic purposes without a permit.

“Mangroves are essential habitat for fish stocks,” the spokesperson said.

“They stabilise riverbanks and estuary sediment, improve water quality and provide food and shelter for juvenile fish and other aquatic life.

“Letters have been distributed and signage has been installed in the local area as part of the

investigation and to seek further information and educate the community about the importance of mangroves for the aquatic

habitats and fish stocks and deter further vandalism.

“Mangroves are protected under the Fisheries Management

Act 1994 and a permit is required from NSW DPI to undertake works or activities that may harm them.

“The maximum penalty for harming marine vegetation is $110,000 for an individual and $220,000 for a corporation.

“There is also provision for the Court or the Minister (regardless of whether a formal prosecution has proceeded under the Act) to seek full remediation of the damaged habitat.

“Further assessment of the environmental harm that has occurred will be undertaken and a determination made of any rehabilitation that

may be required.

“It is important that no further disturbance or vandalism occurs to allow for natural recovery of the area.”

Fisheries Officers are expected to be conducting surveillance to inform possible compliance action to be taken against any person/s involved.

Members of the public can remain anonymous and are asked to contact the Fisherswatch hotline on 1800 043 536 with information or report online via the submission form at https://fal.cn/3gJWh Maisy Rae

Podcast to aid community recovery Central Coast Council has launched a new podcast series, Emergency Ready Now, to provide community members with the tools and knowledge to better cope when faced with adverse challenges, such as natural disasters and emergencies.

Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan, said the new podcast shared people’s stories about

disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing.

“In recent years, our community has been exposed to a range of emergencies and disasters, from devastating bushfires, floods and storms to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through these challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare

for next time?

“The new Emergency Ready Now podcast explores these important questions and looks at how we, as a community, can become more resilient and connected in the wake of disaster,” Vaughan said.

The engaging 12-episode series shares the stories of community members and industry experts to explore topics and themes including the positive impact of resilience, supporting children’s mental

health during and following emergencies, preparing for and recovering from trauma and loss, and financial and environmental impacts of disasters.

Administrator Rik Hart said the podcast provided a powerful platform to support community members impacted by natural disaster, while highlighting the importance of community connectedness.

“Community stories are one of the most powerful learning

tools we have.

“This new podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery and gives a fantastic overview of how communities can proactively ready themselves for the future.

“It brings these complex issues to the forefront with the aim of establishing and maintaining healthy and resilient communities,” Hart said.

The Emergency Ready Now

podcast is presented by Central Coast Council and jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the NSW State Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The first episode of the Emergency Ready Now podcast is now available on Whooshkaa, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Source: Media release, Sep 20 Central Coast Council

Coast Connect Central Coast Council’s weekly news and community information

From Council

Being prepared for emergencies can save lives, property and help the community recover quicker from disaster events when they do occur.

As we continue to be impacted by the Delta strain variant of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the weather warms up and we head into bushfire and storm season we must remain vigilant. Know your risks. Plan now for what you will do. Get your home ready. Be aware and most importantly, look out for each other.

One way to be prepared is through the Emergency Dashboard now rolled out to councils across the state, including Central Coast Council. Designed to be a ‘go to’ resource for our community providing one location to access emergency information from the NSW RFS, NSW SES, the BoM, Ausgrid, the RMS Live Traffic tool, and of course from Council.

As a community, we’ve displayed great strength in working through challenges together, but what do we do after they pass and how do we learn and prepare for next time? The new Emergency Ready Now podcast shares people’s stories about disaster recovery, community and mental wellbeing to explore these questions and help us become more resilient and connected in the wake of disaster.

It’s time to #GetReady.

Rik Hart - Administrator, Central Coast Council

Community must-haves continue for the Coast

We’ve had our heads down and our tails up, working every day for the community to deliver the essential services that keep our region running.

Water and Sewer delivery Over the past three months, we have: • produced 6,834 megalitres of drinking water for the coast (the equivalent of 2,733 Olympic swimming pools worth) • laid 1.2km of new water mains in the Gosford area • installed 415 new water services region-wide from customer applications • connected four water main sections, from newly constructed to existing water infrastructure at Berkley Vale • continued its Water Mains Flushing Program, servicing water mains in 24 suburbs and removing 2.2 megalitres of discoloured water from pipes • inspected 6.8km of sewer mains across the coast, relining 1.8km of mains and an additional 1km of large carrier mains to improve infrastructure • cleared 430 sewer main chokes to prevent breaks and overflows into the environment • removed 400 tonnes of grit and fatbergs from Kincumber Sewage Treatment Plant • continued to maintain the coast’s catchment areas to ensure the best raw water supply into treatment plants including removing a large

amount of sediment and Sagitaria weeds from the seepage weir at Mangrove Creek Dam.

We also have 32 separate water main renewal projects to be delivered this financial year including in Killcare, Erina, Chittaway Point, Berkeley Vale and Tuggerah ready and scheduled to start in the next month.

And we have identified 1,630 water meters across the coast due for replacement this financial year as part of Council’s annual Water Meter Replacement Program.

Roads and pathways delivery On our roads during April, May and June we: • completed 12.2km of road pavement renewal and resurfacing • made 12,055 potholes repairs • remarked 15.5km of road lines • graded 175.5km of unsealed roads • repaired or replaced 782 road signs • made 178 footpath repairs • cleaned 16.5km of stormwater table drains Find out more on our Road and Drainage or Water and Sewer projects at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au Seen something that needs attention?

If you see something in your area that needs attention, report it to us via our Online Customer Service Centre. Click the ‘Report an Issue’ link at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 463 954.

Council meeting

Find out when the next meeting is and watch it online centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/meetings

Council Offices 2 Hely St Wyong / 49 Mann St Gosford | 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday | P 1300 463 954 NEXT ISSUE Don’t miss the next issue. Sign up for our e-news at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/enews

PAGE 4

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Solving restricted funds mystery a challenge for Inquiry From page 1

Natalia Cowley, Dick Persson and Rik Hart

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“Now what we are doing is, from the start of this financial year, you will see in our investment report the reference to the fact we temporarily authorised the use of internally restricted funds to fund our business,” he said.

“Now what we are saying is we are just borrowing from them for another month and as soon as we have built up cash sufficiently our aim is to repay them and the $100M loan.”

Under NSW Local Government law if a council decides to put money aside for a specific purpose, that money is called ‘internally restricted’ and can’t be used for anything else without the permission of the elected councillors.

If the Act says money must be used for a specific purpose, it becomes ‘externally restricted’ and the Minister has to give permission for it to be used for anything else.

According to Rik Hart, when he and Interim Administrator, Dick Persson, arrived last year, they found a balance of -$175M in restricted funds in the draft financial reports for 2019-20.

“That is the $175M which is the artificial cap which was applied to us by the State Government,” he said.

“They said ‘it is clearly going to take you time to sort this out so we don’t want you going above that cap’.”

The restricted funds spent prior to administration belonged to the general, water and drainage reserves and included internallyand externally-restricted monies, Hart said.

“The situation we are in is very similar to someone who has got behind with their mortgage – we’ve fallen behind, so we have called the bank and asked for a repayment plan,” he said.

“We are doing it within the law but we still have to repay the totals back so, if you like, we have got that permission from the State Government of a cap of $175M while we are getting ourselves out of trouble.”

CCN has not been able to find a resolution in Council meeting minutes between October 2020 and May 2021 to allow the ongoing use of internally restricted funds.

Council was asked for clarification and provided the

following statement: “The previous Administrator inherited the overspent restricted funds when he commenced in his role on October 30, 2020.

“Once the Council had already unlawfully used the restricted funds during the first four months of the 2020-21 financial year (from July to October 2020), there was no action that could be taken to erase this occurrence for the remaining period of the financial year 2020-21.

“It was the former Council’s obligation to make a resolution for the use of restricted funds and they failed to do this.

“Mr Persson had no choice but to operate within the unrestricted fund deficit that had already been determined by the previous Council’s [alleged] unlawful actions.”

Administrator Hart said Council’s financial position was gradually improving thanks to access to grants from the Commonwealth and State Governments.

He said $20M in internally restricted funds had been “unwound” by Interim Administrator Persson.

“When we had the grand total of -$206M, money had already been spent, so we unwound the $20M to wipe off that part of the debt.

“Some of the ones we unwound were the infrastructure reserve, waste disposal and land development reserve,” he said.

Last month Administrator Hart passed a resolution to allow the ongoing use of internally restricted funds.

“We need to have a Council decision to allow us to dip into internally restricted funds – there must be a Council decision to use funds temporarily, we are not cancelling them completely out.”

As for how the original -$175M had been spent without the knowledge or permission of the elected Councillors between September 2017 and October 2020, Hart said: “We don’t have the power to ask questions of people previously around.

“There’s no evidence one way or the other until people are asked by the Public Inquiry Commissioner under oath.”

Jackie Pearson

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Hospital emergency staff stretched says Tesch Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, has called on the NSW Government to increase health staff numbers across the Coast following a significant new report which identified a series of patient outcomes at the Emergency Department at Gosford Hospital.

The latest Bureau of Health Information’s quarterly report, which details patient care between the period of April to June this year, indicated a rise of 395.5 per cent of people leaving the Emergency Department without or before treatment at Gosford Hospital.

1,706 people left without, or before completing, treatment in comparison to the same period last year which was 345.

The report states that out of 21,595 attendances to the emergency department in this period, only 51 per cent of patients started their treatment on time which is 25.9 percentage points down from the same quarter last year.

Out of 21,476 presentations to the department, 249 people needed resuscitation (up 33.9 per cent from last year), and 2796 patients were in an

‘emergency’ condition - 81.8 per cent of these patients started treatment on time.

Tesch said these results, coupled with attendance to the Emergency Department at Gosford Hospital rising by 37.1 per cent, was concerning.

“It is undeniably clear that our local Emergency Department is becoming busier, especially with the many new locals we are welcoming to the Coast,” Tesch said.

“Staff at Gosford Hospital are already working ‘over and above’, regularly working overtime and double shifts, not

taking holidays, and clearly need greater support.

“These results indicate that we need more staff pumped into our hospital to ensure that our locals are being given the attention they need.

“If this 400 per cent trend increases then I have grave fears that this will deter thousands of Coasties from seeking medical assistance when they need it.”

Although there was a drop in presentations to the Emergency Department in the same period last year, the report indicates that there has been a steady

increase in presentations to the hospital since 2016.

A source close to the Gosford Hospital Emergency Department said there was “so much more” to the data identified in the report.

“There are many reasons for people to leave before seeing a doctor – including having a nurse fix their problem,” they said.

“Gosford is definitely getting slammed … it’s a supply (staff) and demand (patients) problem but I feel both factors have changed.

“Since the lockdown, staff

have had to implement PPE precautions which makes work so much harder and slower – this means that even dealing with the same patient load takes longer.”

Kerrie Goslett, a 62-year-old Peninsula local and grandmother said she waited over five and a half hours at the Emergency Department.

“On Tuesday I was experiencing dots in my vision and feeling unwell, so I went to the doctors immediately and was informed my blood pressure was very high, with my doctor checking multiple

times to make sure the reading was correct,” Goslett said.

“My doctor wrote me a letter and referred me to go straight to Emergency.

“I followed the instructions and went, gave my letter and waited patiently for five and a half hours but that’s when I gave up.

“I went to ask how many more people were in front of me and was told 13.

“At that point it was almost 10pm and I went home.

“I am still experiencing the same symptoms, but I don’t care how sick I am, I am never going back to Gosford Hospital again.”

Tesch said that if staffing levels are not increased, the health of locals will be compromised.

“It is stories like this that I am hearing from our locals and something that I do not want to be repeated,” Tesch said.

“There is no denying our population has increased and our local hospitals are struggling to keep up, there is no more evidence we need.

“The results are clear – we need more staff.”

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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More residents vaccinated but vigilance still needed Health authorities are warning locals to remain vigilant with new exposure sites on the Peninsula and nearly 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Central Coast since the start of the current outbreak.

There was only one new unlinked case of COVID-19 detected in the 2256 postcode in the last week but nine new cases identified in the 2257 postcode (since September 15).

Locations across the Coast, including on the Peninsula, continue to be identified as exposure sites.

Anyone who attended the following venues on the dates and times listed is a casual contact.

Casual contacts must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received, even if they’ve had a test in recent days: Woolworths Umina Beach, Sep 10, 6:20pm-6:30pm; King of the Pack Umina, 286 West St, Sep 11, 2:25pm2:40pm; Bunnings Umina, Sep 11, 2:05pm-2:15pm;

One of the pharmacies on the Peninsula offering COVID-19 vaccines

IGA Ettalong Beach, Sep 13, 6:30pm-6:40pm; Empire Bay Cellars, 3 Sorrento Rd, Sep 14, 5:05pm5:15pm; BWS, Umina, Sep 17, 1:15pm-1:30pm; Coles Umina, Sep 6, 4:40pm-5pm; Sep 7, 3:50pm5:10pm; Sep 8, 6:20pm6:40pm; Sep 11, 5:35pm-5:55pm; Sep 13, 3pm-3:20pm; and Sep 14, 6:10pm-6:30pm.

A full list of exposure sites is available at: https://www.nsw. gov.au/covid-19/nsw-covid19-case-locations/caselocations

The Central Coast has recorded new vaccination rates of 81.9 per cent for first dose and 51.5 per cent for second dose coverage (as of September 20).

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said these figures were a brilliant result.

“Central Coast residents are well on their way to achieving the 70 per cent and 80 per cent targets which will get us back to doing the things we love,” Wicks said.

“Compared to last week’s figures, we have now had an average increase of over five

per cent for first and second dose vaccinations.

“We will only see these figures increase with Moderna becoming available at the end of this week, and an additional 31 GPs now administering Pfizer across our region.”

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) recently announced that those aged 1259 years old will have access to the Moderna vaccine.

However, NSW Health’s supply of the Pfizer vaccine is anticipated to remain static until October at the earliest.

It is expected there will be only a marginal increase in

Pfizer doses until the end of September and this will be targeted at areas of disadvantage, helping to ‘ring fence’ these groups of people and help boost general community protection.

Reports also suggest that at least 60 per cent of all Pfizer doses will be provided to the GP network, not NSW Health.

There are a number of pharmacies on the Peninsula that are able to administer the vaccine: • Kuoch Chemist Woy Woy on Blackwall Rd (Moderna and AstraZeneca); • Clarke’s Pharmacy on Blackwall Rd (Moderna and AstraZeneca); • Priceline Pharmacy on George St (AstraZeneca); • Blooms the Chemist Umina on West St (AstraZeneca); and • Umina Beach Yousave Chemist on West St (AstraZeneca).

A full list of locations to book a vaccine can be found at: https://www.findapharmacy. com.au/ or at https://covidvaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ eligibility?lang=en.

The increase in some vaccine supply has come at the right

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time after CCLHD confirmed that the demand on local hospitals will reach its peak next month.

“Hospitals and staff in NSW are among the best placed in the world to manage the ongoing challenges of this pandemic, but we acknowledge the Delta variant is placing a strain on the system,” a CCLHD spokesperson said.

“There is currently sufficient ICU capacity in NSW public hospitals but to reduce hospital and ICU admissions and deaths among adults, vaccination on a national scale is essential.

“Central Coast Local Health District has [a] well developed workforce surge and demand management plans in place to ensure we have capacity to care for COVID-19 patients who need to be hospitalised.

“We also have teams in the community who can support people with COVID-19 who do not require hospital care.”

In additions to the patients in Gosford Hospital, CCLHD is providing care support to approximately 200 COVID-19 patients who are self-isolating at home.

Maisy Rae

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PAGE 7

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Recently, ProMatura conducted a UK survey of retirement community residents and made a discovery: two-thirds of residents said their health had either improved or remained about the same since they moved in. In fact, the residents surveyed were twice as likely as nonresidents to strongly agree that they felt safe and secure, and 93% of residents felt there was a safety net in place if things went wrong.

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Ingenia Lifestyle conducted a survey of residents from its retirement communities shortly after the fi rst covid lockdown in 2020 and found that 90% of respondents had a positive, or very positive outlook on life and 91% said they felt a sense of connection to community.

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PAGE 8

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Safe phones help domestic violence victims Rotary Brisbane Water has been donating old mobile phones and laptops to Ettalong-based charity The Peninsula Lighthouse to assist those fleeing domestic violence.

From L to R: Rotary Brisbane Water Club President, Cherie Simpson, Peninsula Lighthouse CEO Natasha McDowell, and Rotary Vice President Jayne Mote

“Being able to communicate with family, friends and social services safely is something many of us take for granted,” said Rotary Brisbane Water Club President, Cherie Simpson.

“For those fleeing domestic violence, with perpetrators able to track victims through their phones and laptops, that freedom is curtailed, putting them in danger even after they have fled their homes.”

Simpson and Vice President, Jayne Mote, handed over seven

Evening bridge work underway Work being conducted by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) on Maitland Bay Drive at Blackwall is expected to take another week to complete, weather permitting.

Motorists were advised of changed overnight traffic conditions from Monday,

September 20 on Maitland Bay Drive at Blackwall to carry out maintenance work on the Rip Bridge.

TfNSW said the work would include drain clearing and minor maintenance.

To minimise impacts to motorists, work would be carried out from 7:30pm to 5am from Monday to Thursday

and was expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit are in place, which may affect travel times.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Transport for NSW thanked motorists for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: Media release, Sep 16 Transport for NSW

phones and one laptop to the Lighthouse CEO, Natasha McDowell.

“And there will be more to come,” Simpson said.

“We are appealing to anyone who has an outdated and unwanted phone or laptop to donate to us so we can pass them on to the Lighthouse.”

McDowell said the phones and laptops would be cleaned and set up for use for domestic violence victims who could no longer use their existing devices as they faced cyberbullying from their perpetrators, as well as their whereabouts being easy to track.

“There has been an increase in domestic violence cases during COVID lockdown so more help is needed for people

to stay safe,” McDowell said.

McDowell asked those who wanted to donate their old devices to check if it has video teleconferencing capabilities such as a working microphone and camera, and an uncracked screen.

The Lighthouse “guides people through the storm” of trauma and abuse with counselling, practical help and referral to appropriate agencies.

For further information call 0417472374 or visit peninsulalighthouse.org Contact Jayne Mote on 0405714289 to donate old phones or laptops.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Rotary Brisbane Water

Oops!

In the Pelican of September 16, an article appeared on page 25 under the heading ‘Girls Night In date and venue move’.

The article should have read: “The sold-out event … will now be held at the RSL Club” – not “The sold-out event …

will now be held at the West Gosford RSL Club”, as quoted.

The event will be held at the Ettalong Diggers club on March 26.

We apologise to Cancer Council and Liesl Tesch for the misprint.

CCN

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

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021

CENTRAL COAST VACCINE ROLLOUT There are currently 110 vaccination providers in the Central Coast LGA, including: Over 70 general practices and 44 pharmacies.

A Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic and one Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

All Australians aged 12 and over are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

To make your booking today, please scan this QR code or visit australia.gov.au

LUCY WICKS MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR ROBERTSON

Level 3, 69 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford NSW 2250 lucy.wicks.mp@aph.gov.au

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PAGE 10

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Local voluntary assisted dying advocate asks for community support Peninsula resident and Chair of the Central Coast Group of Dying With Dignity NSW, Stephanie Short, believes NSW is at risk of being left behind as every other state now has Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws (VAD).

Short is calling on local residents to write to members of the NSW Legislative Council (upper house) where the last VAD Bill was lost by one vote.

“As Queensland’s Parliament passed Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation last week every MP from the major parties voted according to their consciences and refrained from having to adhere to party policy,” Short said.

“On Thursday evening, September 16, after 55 separate amendments had been debated and rejected, the legislation passed 61 votes to 30.”

Premier Anastasia

Palaszczuk, said: “This is about choice.

“This is not about me or anyone in this House telling someone else what to do.

“This is about the choice of an individual to say how they wish to end their life with dignity.

“Dignity is a word that I hold dear to me.

“There is dignity in work.

“There is dignity in the family and the friends that surround you.”

According to Dr Stephanie Short, “On the Central Coast we are fortunate that all our Members of Parliament support the proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill: Liesl Tesch (Gosford), Adam Crouch (Terrigal), David Mehan (The Entrance) and David Harris (Wyong).

“In New South Wales it is wonderful to see the National Party, through their leader John Barilaro, giving their support.

“They are listening to

Dr Stephanie Short, Peninsula resident and VAD advocate

their communities.

“As John Barilaro says, both the state and the church should keep out of individual lives.

“VAD was brought in to provide patients control over their end of life.

“Evidence locally and internationally tells us that

the desire to pursue VAD is rarely about uncontrolled symptoms.

“In the Victorian Community of Practice audit, only one case of over 340 cases reported uncontrolled symptoms as the sole reason for applying for VAD. “VAD is about choice, exerting control over one’s own circumstances.

“This is why it was brought in in all the other states, this is why terminally ill people apply for it and this is what we must strive for when the VAD Bill is tabled in the New South Wales Parliament later this year by Alex Greenwich, Independent MP for Sydney.”

Short’s own interest in and commitment to VAD originated from a “formative experience” in her own life.

“It really started when my grandmother died in the family home, my father had built a granny flat on the back for my grandparents and fortunately we had a really good GP and my father

was a GP as well.

“She had adequate pain relief and I always feel we were relatively privileged to be able to allow her to die at home peacefully at home.

“Our GP was very supportive of pain relief and my grandmother had a peaceful death at home and I thought everyone should have that right if they choose.

“It is people who are more connected who are able to get the care they need and that is why it is an equity issue,” she said.

She said garnering the support of Members of the NSW Legislative Council was going to be crucial.

MLC contact details can be found here https://www. parliament.nsw.gov.au/ members/downloadables/ Pages/members-of-thelegislative-council.aspx Source: Media release, Sep 20 Central Coast Group Dying With Dignity New South Wales

Central Coast Friends of Democracy Climate change - a snapshot “Australia received the lowest score awarded to any of the 193 members of the United Nations for the level of climate action.”

(RenewEconomy, 1/7/21) “Australia’s environment minister, Sussan Ley, has argued ...that she does not have a duty of care to protect Australian children from climate harm caused by the potential expansion of a coal mine. A partially successful class action was brought by 8 Australian teenagers ….to challenge a proposal by Whitehaven Coal to extend its Vickery coal mine. The teenagers argued the .. expansion would endanger their future because climate hazards would cause them injury, ill health and economic losses, and in his judgement, Justice Bromberg agreed.” (SMH, 22/7/21) “The IPCC Working Group 1 report is a code red for humanity.

The alarm bells are deafening…. greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk.” (IPCC Media, 9/8/21) “Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has dismissed calls for stronger targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions ….saying a UN report on catastrophic climate change has not shifted his view” (SMH 11/8/21) “National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US has declared July 2021 the world’s hottest month in 142 years of records.” (SMH, 14/8/21) “In a landmark ruling, a NSW court has ordered the EPA to take action to address climate change. ….. the case was on behalf of the Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action following the 20192020 bushfires that scorched more than 5 million hectares in NSW.” (SMH, 27/8/21)

“One-in-100 year extreme sea-level events along the world’s coastal regions will become annual occurrences by the end of the century even if the most ambitious climate change action is taken ….” Nature Climate Change journal (SMH, 31/8/2021) “Australia must shift to zero emissions as fast as possible to avoid worsening climate-change-induced conflict and war, says a group of top former defence and security leaders including former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie….

Australia has suffered a lack of leadership and inaction...that has left the nation ill-prepared for the security implications of devastating climate impacts at home and in the Asia-Pacific, the highest-risk region in the world”. (AFR, 2/9/21) “In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the AMA [Australian Medical Association]..... and many of the country’s medical colleges say: “Medical leaders across the country are calling on your government to urgently take much greater action to avert a further deterioration of the current climate crisis”. (The Conversation, 14/9/21) “The federal environment minister, Sussan Ley, has approved Whitehaven Coal’s Vickery mine extension .... The approval..is the second coalmining project Ley has green-lit in the past two weeks”. (Guardian, 16/9/21). This follows a federal court ruling that she has a duty of care to protect young people from the climate crisis.

“Climate change could cut property prices across a swath of Sydney’s northern suburbs ...with Reserve Bank analysis showing many homeowners face declining equity in their houses and rising insurance costs….. suggested there would be 254 ‘climate-sensitive suburbs’ [by 2050] ..rising to 1438 suburbs by 2100” (SMH, 21/9/21) * italics, bold, underline added by CCFoD

What are our Federal MPs, Lucy Wicks and Emma McBride, doing about climate change?

www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

Make your voice count!

Sign the petition to demerge www.ccfriendsofdemocracy.com The Central Coast Friends of Democracy (CCFoD) initiative was launched on 12 May 2021 with the aim of strengthening our democracy. Our focus areas include: • restoring local democracy and reclaiming our Council • a stronger NSW ICAC and a Federal Integrity Commission with teeth • urgent action on climate change • active and resilient local communities and neighbourhoods.

If you also care about these things – then register on our website to receive updates.

PO Box 106, Terrigal 2260 email: admin@ccfriendsofdemocracy.com

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PAGE 11

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Time to level application playing field Central Coast is notorious for its slowness in dealing with development applications (“Developer lobby critical of council delays”, PP 027).

This slowness can’t have anything to do with aiming at a high quality of decisions, because the widespread dissatisfaction with development approvals, as evidenced in weekly letters to this paper, suggests that the delays don’t result in any greater acceptance of the result by the community.

We need more and/or bettertrained staff to maintain a sensible rate of turnover in the system.

This might mean that application fees will have to go up to cover the cost.

Given how important the construction industry is to the regional economy, this can obviously be justified on a cost/benefit basis.

One of the probable reasons

In the Pelican of September 16, an article appeared on page 14 under the heading ‘Village challenge raises $16,500’.

We

apologise

to

Taras

HYLAND BYTES for slow processing of applications is that there is no negative impact on the Council if examination is delayed for months.

The applicant has no recourse which is a very unsatisfactory feature of the law.

There are some possible, simple remedies for this problem.

One might be to penalise the Council, if an application takes over a fixed period of time for consideration, by, for instance, requiring a percentage of the application fee to be returned, for each week of delay.

This kind of penalty arrangement often works well in contracts and would be easy to apply.

Another option would be to change the law so that, for certain classes of application at least, the development is

Correction Mencinsky for a misprint that changed the context surrounding the story.

The article should have read: “Taras said it was his love of running that inspired him to

deemed to be approved, if Council does not render a timely decision.

Obviously, the present system is not working satisfactorily.

No doubt, the Urban Development Institute is lobbying the Minister for changes to benefit developers, but it is not only developers who are affected.

Every small renovation or addition requires Council approval, and it is highly frustrating for a property owner to be kept waiting for agreement to what are usually very straightforward requests for small projects.

Some streamlining is called for to help ordinary ratepayers: obviously, developers already have insider benefits with preapplication conferences etc., so it’s time to level the application playing field.

Email, Sep 19 Bruce Hyland, Woy Woy

complete the course 20 time over” – not “Taras said it was her love of running that inspired her …”, as quoted.

ADVERTISEMENT

CCN

Take the weekender challenge

A lot of us have done well - now donate your weekender to a frontline worker!

For any of us that are so lucky to have a weekender in this beautiful part of the world, take the frontline challenge when the craziness is over or under management, hopefully February 2022.

FORUM

Donate your weekender [to] a nurse, ambulance [worker], doctor, orderly, or hospital cleaner for a week.

We all know someone in the medical world.

One phone call to a nursing friend and I found an RPA COVID ward nurse and have

promised our place for a week in the new year – with a bottle of bubbles in the fridge!

Don’t say you can’t find someone – we live in a hyper connected world, six degrees of separation is now only two, maximum three.

Take the Challenge.

Email, Sep 21 Tony Kenney, Pretty Beach

The Ballad of the NBN (sung to the tune of the Beverley Hillbillies) We have been trying for nearly a month to get NBN to attend.

place they ought to be: So we took a deep breath and waited to see.

The problem is obvious and it has been like this since the March storms.

Telstra was advised at the time-in writing.

They didn’t turn up, or ring us on the phone, Coz they knew we really wanted to be alone.

We read some more books and made some more pies; And had a chuckle bout the cancellation lies.

Let me tell you the story bout the NBN Which missed an appointment with us again.

The excuses they make are pretty weak: Like not knowing there was water in the Creek (Patonga that is, a creek full of water) So first thing you know another appointment is made With many details, a good plan was laid.

With Meroo Avenue as the

More weeks passed and we tried and we tried, Telling them again: the internet has died.

Sitting at home the feeling finally took Them NBN folks, couldn’t raffle a chook.

So the weeks passed and it just wasn’t fair, Reading books, watching free to air.

But we thought things would improve with appointment 9: Internet back on: everything fine!

Imagine our surprise then: when.

We had to turn around and make appointment 10!

So now it’s a new day and we don’t know what to do.

They say they will be here just around 2.

We thought the man they’d talk to would be Uncle Jed; Granny got her shotgun, said she’d go instead; Jethro was too busy forking up some hay, So we dressed her up real pretty, and sent Elly May. Email, Sep 20 Graham Cochrane, Patonga Creek

CONGRATULATIONS! Lucy Wicks MP Federal Member for Robertson On Australia being awarded 193rd place out of 193 United Nations member countries for action on greenhouse emissions1.

What an extraordinary achievement for a small country like Australia to beat pollution powerhouses like Russia and China to the bottom of the global rankings!

But this award has not been an overnight success. It has involved decades of support of dirty, expensive, and increasingly unreliable fossil fuel energy at the expense of cleaner, cheaper and more reliable renewables.

Special mention also should be made of our government’s ongoing contribution to extreme weather events and their economic and social costs in the other 192 member countries. No doubt they will be looking to return the favour when the opportunity arises.

This award ensures that we will be given our due recognition when the history of the 21st century is written, and future generations will be able to look back and see what this government has achieved in our name.

1. www.dashboards.sdgindex.org Written and authorised by:

Geoff Cameron Narara Scientist Company director Former member and supporter of the NSW Liberal Party Grandfather

Planning our water future Check out our water plan!

To ensure that the Central Coast has a resilient and sustainable water supply, now and for future generations, we have developed the draft Central Coast Water Security Plan.

You can get involved by viewing the draft plan, FAQs, factsheets and video – before completing our online feedback form by 12 October 2021.

Got a question about the plan? Use our online Q&A board or book a 20-minute meeting with one of our technical experts.

yourvoiceourcoast.com use it wisely

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 13

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Community loves home markets

Following the soaring success of their idea to bring a virtual market to Bouddi during lockdown, a Killcare duo has set their sights on expanding the initiative Coast-wide.

The Bouddi Home Markets, which first launched in July, is a community initiative that involves a series of homebased shop fronts advertised in a local facebook group.

Residents can post products or services they’d like to offer and then set up a small stall, table or shelving at their residence to begin selling at any time.

The markets were originally accessible to residents of the Bouddi Peninsula only but, after seeing the significant appeal, plans are being drawn up to set up the mini markets right across the Coast.

Event founder and organiser, Lisa Mount, said the plans to expand show just how much the community is loving the initiative.

“It’s been really fulfilling to witness this initiative blossom the way it has, and so

organically,” she said.

“It’s really a testament both to the families in our area and their love for their community, as well as what can be achieved when two or more people with a common vision put their heads together, open their hearts and just go for it.

“The initiative has now been operating for almost two months – there are the more obvious changes such as a growth in our facebook group audience number (now 569 members strong), more shopfronts (over 35 for the last trail) covering six suburbs in the Bouddi region and a greater number and diversity of products and services on offer to locals.

“There are also many lessobvious changes that really provide the foundation needed to ensure this initiative is sustainable in the long-term.

“These are things like oneon-one conversations behind the scenes between shop fronts establishing trade exchanges for their goods and services, new friendships being formed between neighbours, improvement in

general mental and emotional wellbeing all-round due to individuals and families working toward a positive common goal.

“This creates a real experience of connection, belonging and empowerment.

“This sense of empowerment … not only makes for a healthy, happy weekend, but sets a positive tone in the home and community for the rest of the week.

“It’s these smaller ripples effects at a local level that really create the change people are asking for on larger scale.”

The initiative has seen community members step up to take on more of a coordination role within their own ‘bio-region’ (facebook group).

One member, Kirsty IrelandHopkins, created an online virtual map to help depict all the current home shopfronts by using Google Maps.

“This level of involvement by individual members is not just really inspiring, but an essential element of the

initiative as we really want people investing on a heart level into this, because that’s where the sustainability piece falls right into place, and from the right place,” Mount said.

Killcare resident, Hannah Sitkowski, said she loves to host her ‘The Bower’ stall every Saturday.

“I make herbal teas from things that come from the garden, flowers, fruit, herbs, eggs, fresh brioche …”

Sitkowski said.

“I love the community feel – I love seeing my neighbours come by and I’ve learned they have a lot of secrets in the kitchen.

“It’s really inspiring and see people coming out and supporting each other in different ways.”

Another resident, Debbie Van Borssum, holds her ‘PreLoved on the Lawn’ stall each week and said it’s a great way to recycle her old clothes and bring the community together.

“I loved the idea from the beginning, and I do like shopping, so it was a good excuse for me to clean out my

cupboard and then my ideas grew from there,” Borssum said.

The kids help me set up and get involved … my son is a good artist so he’s going to start doing some drawings to sell.

“The treasure map idea – that was a great week – everyone had their maps and they had to collect tokens and I think that got everyone out and that’s what has made it grow.

“And now its expanding!”

The markets first expanded last month with the launch of the Macmsaters Beach group.

“It really unfolded organically, and as we anticipated,” Mount said.

“Killy & Macs are ‘sister’ bioregions so to speak, so it was only natural that Macs came to the party not soon after the Killcare-Wagstaffe trail was established.

“On a practical level, it was simply a matter of me drawing up a map, and inviting residents of Macmasters to then be part of the upcoming weekend Saturday ‘trail’ (a

four-hour block from 10am to 2pm).

“Since then we’ve had interest from people living at Empire Bay, Bensville and even as far as Avoca and Terrigal to list.

“And whilst the focus, at the moment, is on the geographical area of Bouddi, I am now working rapidly behind the scenes with another person who is also aligned with the Home Markets vision to develop the means to accommodate a much larger area.

“The name may undergo a slight change but the purity and integrity of the initiative – that being a social enterprise which supports not only local economy but mental and emotional wellbeing – will not only be maintained but strengthened as it grows.”

Mount said locals who are interested can sign up to the Bouddi Home Markets Facebook page and/or send her a message via the group to help set up a Home Markets in your area.

Maisy Rae

PAGE 14

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

OUT & ABOUT

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Women taking action against homelessness The Country Women’s Association’s Umina Beach branch has put the call out for ‘urgent’ action on social and affordable housing options in rural and regional NSW through a new ‘sleep out’ campaign.

The scheme aims to raise awareness about housing affordability across NSW, but the local branch is also planning to raise funds for homeless women.

This week, President of the CWA Umina Beach branch, Rikki McIntosh, will be holding a sleep out at her home with funds to go towards buying swags for Mary Macs to donate to those in need.

McIntosh said the awareness campaign will also focus on the needs of women over 55 who are the fastest growing cohort of homeless people in Australia.

President Rikki McIntosh trying out her swag

“We acknowledge governments at all levels are committing resources towards social and affordable housing but it is not keeping pace with the current demand, and the demand expected in the future,” McIntosh said.

“COVID-19 restrictions have actually prompted many people in our large cities to look to the regions for a change of lifestyle, which has had the effect of pushing up housing prices in these areas and impacting locals who are either looking to get into the housing market or looking for somewhere to rent.

“For those on the waiting list for social housing this is all bad news, as individuals and families struggle to keep a roof over their heads in the face of rising private market rents or have to rely on the generosity of family and friends.

“Worse still, some of these

people will run out of options and be forced onto the streets, contributing to the already unacceptable rates of homelessness in our state.”

With community housing providers reporting the COVID-19 pandemic will only serve to worsen the current situation, the CWA said they will be supporting recommendations from providers around a dedicated fund for the provision of social housing properties, and greater investment in a comprehensive maintenance program across existing social housing properties.

New strategies and reforms that could improve overall housing affordability across the state and superannuation reforms to the rental assistance scheme that would assist lowincome earners, particularly financially vulnerable older

women, will also be promoted.

“Everybody deserves to have a safe, secure and affordable place to live, and we support community housing providers who are pleading for more to be done to help the state’s most vulnerable citizens,” McIntosh said.

“We must act now if we are to start turning around the massive shortfall that already exists in social housing stocks, and we must start taking seriously the need to make housing in general more affordable for all individuals and families.”

To find out more information on the campaign including how to donate, please contact cwaofnswuminabeach@ gmail.com Source: Media release, Sep 15 CWA Umina Beach

Awakening the desire to be adventurous After the success of his first novel, an Ettalong Beach local has put pen to paper again, sharing stories about sailing, fishing and travel ... lots of travel.

John Burgess’ second book ‘What’s the Story?’ takes readers on a journey through his sailing and travel adventures – through Australia and abroad.

CCN

Still Life

Author: Sarah Winman Publisher: 4th Estate

Italy 1944.

The Allied forces are waiting to enter Florence.

Ulysses, a Private with the British Army is driving a jeep to pick up Captain Darnley.

In a wine cellar of a Tuscan villa, as bombs fall around them, Ulysses meets Evelyn Skinner. Evelyn is a middleaged art historian, who has travelled to Italy to offer her services with identifying art that has been located after taken from churches and museums.

Or is she a spy?

Their encounter is brief but will bloom into an everlasting friendship.

Peg, the wife of Ulysses is

The book, which was published by Xlibris AU, begins with a story about Burgess’ journey from New Zealand to New South Wales and Queensland, Australia, when he was 18.

It then details his move to London in the 1960s where he was again able to indulge his passion for yachting, cruising and racing in the English Channel and take part in a

Fastnet Race and Cowes Week.

He returned to Australia in 1971 and, having set up his own export business in Sydney, Burgess said the novel then follows business trips abroad and these often provided the inspiration for holidays overseas.

He tells of visits to the Caribbean and the Maldives for sailing holidays and shares stories of his time spent in

Mexico, Cuba and Africa.

Burgess said that he hopes his travel stories help awaken the “reader’s sense of curiosity and desire to be adventurous”.

‘What’s the Story?’ is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Source: Media release, Sep 8 John Burgess

BOOK REVIEW in London.

Peg and Ulysses don’t write to each other, and pretty much only got married because he was going off to war.

But he adores her and sends her money.

She is working in a pub owned by Col – a curmudgeon if there ever was one.

Peg could be trouble, but she brought in the soldiers … she was gorgeous.

Everyone had a soft spot for Peg. Especially Cress, who looked out for her and made sure she got home when the drinking got out of hand and Pete that played the piano when she sang. “She had class, she may have stolen I, but she had it.”

But Peg has her sights set for bigger things - like Eddie, a soldier with the US Army.

The war is over and Ulysses

heads back to London to find Peg pregnant.

Eddie is nowhere to be found.

She asks Ulysses for a divorce, but they remain close.

Life goes on for a while until Ulysses finds out he is the beneficiary of an apartment in Florence.

He decides to move there, Peg asks him to take Alys, her

daughter.

Peg isn’t fit to be a mother.

Cress decides to come along for the ride and smuggles in Claude “a large blue Amazonian parrot.”

Peg stays in London hoping and praying the Eddie will resurface.

But she eventually gives up hope and marries Ted – it will

not be a good union.

Meanwhile Ulysses and Cress will stay in Italy and raise Alys and open a little hotel and meet some colourful characters.

But Claude, the blue parrot, will remain one of the story’s most colourful characters.

The story stretches four decades, 1940’s through the 70’s and will cover a lot of the events that happen in those years.

In particular the 1966 flooding of the Arno, which I (ignorantly) knew nothing about.

There is art, philosophy, food.

The tale alternates between Ulysses and Evelyn and the few times their lives almost intersect.

Until they finally do of course.

The characters are full and rich and generous and loving.

There are friendships that will grip you and lose that will break

your heart.

All are seemingly disparate individuals except for the fact they are connected to Ulysses, a gentle compassionate man who has fought for his country, stopped a man from suicide and take on looking after Peg’s daughter.

Near the end, the story diverts into Evelyn’s past.

I found that a little distracting … maybe it needed more of a lead-in earlier, or maybe there is another book in Evelyn’s story alone.

Too many EM Forster references? Then, to fool me with Constance Everly.

It was a bit long, but the writing was so beautiful and, throw in images of an idyllic Florence setting, and I almost didn’t mind.

Kim Reardon The Reluctant Book Critic

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PAGE 15

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

PAGE 16

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Saturday 25 September

Friday 24 September

Thursday 23 September

ABC (C20/21)

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

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

8:20 9:20 10:15 11:15

PRIME (C61/60)

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 9:00 Australian Story [s] 11:30 Back To Nature [s] 12:00 How To Live Younger [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] 2:00 Victoria (PG) [s] 2:30 ABC News Afternoons [s] The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 4:00 The Drum [s] 5:00 Sammy J (PG) [s] 6:00 ABC News [s] 7:00 7.30 [s] 8:30 Foreign Correspondent [s] Q&A [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] 10:00 Midsomer Murders (M v) [s] 10:30 Victoria (PG) [s] 12:00 rage (MA15+) [s] The Drum [s] 12:30 6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Q&A [s] 12:00 Grand Designs (PG) [s] ABC News At Noon [s] Foreign Correspondent [s] That Pacific Sports Show [s] 2:00 The Capture (M l,v) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 8:30 Gardening Australia [s] – Jerry Coleby-Williams visits a city garden; Jane looks at succulents; Costa Georgiadis learns about bushfire recovery.

Des (M l) [s] Capital (M s) [s] The Capture (M l,v) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Vaccine [s] Question Everything [s] 10:50 Rosehaven (PG) [s] 12:30 rage (MA15+) [s] 6:00 rage (PG) [s] 7:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] rage (PG) [s] rage Guest Programmer (PG) ABC News At Noon [s] Grand Designs (M l) [s] Restoration Australia (PG) [s] 10:00 The School That Tried To 12:00 End Racism (PG) [s] Further Back In Time For Dinner: The 1930s (PG) [s] Landline [s] Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico (PG) [s] 2:00 The Repair Shop [s] 5:45 ABC News [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] – With storm clouds gathering, the 6:15 islanders realise they can no longer ignore the rumblings of war.

The Trial Of Christine Keeler 10:30 (M l,s) [s] The Newsreader (M l) [s] 11:30 Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s] rage Guest Programmer (M) 1:00

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

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Heart Of Down Under” (AKA ‘Follow Me To Daisy Hills’) (PG) (’20) Stars: Cindy Busby, Marshall Williams Kochie’s Business Builders (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: 100kg Bust (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] The Front Bar: Grand Final Edition (M) [s] – Join Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher as they share a laugh about the AFL world.

The Latest Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Black-ish: Election Special (Part 1) (PG) [s] Home Shopping Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Kissin’ Cousins” (G) (’64) Stars: Elvis Presley, Yvonne Craig, Glenda Farrell, Pamela Austin, Jack Albertson House Of Wellness (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Better Homes And Gardens Movie: “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (M v) (’06) – Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult Program To Be Advised Home Shopping Home Shopping [s] Weekend Sunrise [s] – Wake up to a better breakfast with Matt Doran and Monique Wright, for all the latest entertainment, news, sport and weather.

Program To Be Advised AFL: Road To The Grand Final [s] – A look at how Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs persevered through the year and made it into the AFL grand final.

AFL: Pre Game [s] Seven News [s] – Brings you the latest developments in today’s top stories.

AFL: Grand Final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs *Live* From Optus Stadium [s] AFL: Post Game [s] – A full review and analysis of the AFL Grand Final.

Program To Be Advised Home Shopping

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

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

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

8:30 9:30 11:15 11:45 12:35 1:30 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 12:15 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 9:45 10:30

1:00 2:00 6:00 7:00 10:00 12:00 12:30 1:00 2:00 2:30 3:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

10:00 10:30 12:40 1:30 2:00

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:30 The Block: Kitchen Week (PG) The Hundred With Andy Lee 8:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 12:00 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 1:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 2:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:00 NINE News [s] 3:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 4:00 RBT: Yes Sir/ Interstate Regret (PG) [s] – Follow the police 4:30 units for a unique behind-thescenes look at RBT patrols 5:00 testing for alcohol and drug 6:30 affected drivers.

7:30 Epstein’s Shadow - Ghislaine 8:40 Maxwell (MA15+) [s] 9:40 Reported Missing (M l) [s] 10:40 NINE News Late [s] Chicago Med: Forever Hold 11:30 Your Peace (M) [s] 12:30 World’s Worst Flights: Passengers (M l) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping 4:30 6:00 Today [s] 7:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:30 NINE’s Morning News [s] Garden Gurus Moments [s] Movie: “Moonstruck” (PG) (’87) 8:00 12:00 Stars: Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello 1:00 2:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:30 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 3:00 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:30 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 4:00 NINE News [s] NRL: 1st Preliminary Final: Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles *Live* 4:30 From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane [s] 5:00 NRL: Post Match (M) [s] 6:30 Movie: “Shooter” (M l,v) (’07) – 7:30 A marksman living in exile is 8:30 coaxed back into action after 9:30 learning of a plot to kill the President. Stars: Danny Glover, 11:10 Mark Wahlberg, Kate Maravan, Michael Pena, Ned Beatty 12:10 Rivals [s] 1:10 Home Shopping 2:00 Animal Tales (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Today [s] 6:30 Today Extra - Saturday (PG) 7:00 Rivals [s] 7:30 Destination WA [s] 8:00 Travel Guides: Canberra (PG) The Garden Gurus [s] 9:00 Getaway (PG) [s] 9:30 NRL: 2nd Preliminary Final: 12:00 Melbourne Storm v Panthers 1:00 *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 2:00 NINE News Saturday [s] 2:30 A Current Affair (PG) [s] Rugby Union: The Rugby 3:00 Championship: Australia v 3:30 Argentina *Live* From 4:00 Queensland Country Bank 4:30 Stadium, Townsville [s] 5:00 Rugby Union: The Rugby 6:00 Championship: Post Match [s] Movie: “Triple 9” (MA15+) (’16) 6:30 Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor 7:00 Australia’s Top Ten Of 8:00 Everything (PG) [s] 10:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 12:00 Home Shopping 2:00

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

The Talk [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] Making It Australia (PG) [s] Gogglebox (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Blue Bloods: Behind The Smile (M v) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s] The Talk [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] Program To Be Advised The Graham Norton Show (PG) [s] Nick Cody: Live At The Enmore (MA15+) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping Reel Action [s] Religious Programs [s] Healthy Homes [s] Escape Fishing With ET [s] Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures [s] Taste Of Australia [s] Studio 10 Saturday (PG) [s] The Living Room [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] What’s Up Down Under [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Farm To Fork (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia [s] 10 News First [s] Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day [s] Bondi Rescue (PG) [s] The Dog House UK (PG) [s] Ambulance UK (M d) [s] FBI: Most Wanted (PG) [s] NCIS (M v) [s] 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

SBS (C30)

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 2:05 Native America (PG) 3:10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Walking Britain’s Lost Railways: York (PG) 8:30 The Battle Of Alcatraz (M) 9:20 The Victim (MA15+) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 Criminal Planet (MA15+) 11:55 Mr Mercedes (MA15+) 1:00 Taken Down (MA15+) 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Native America (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Death Of The Pyramids (PG) 8:30 World’s Most Extraordinary Homes: Norway (PG) 9:35 The Queen’s Mother-In-Law (In English/ German/ Greek) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:55 The Eagle (M l,v) (In Danish/ Icelandic/ English) 4:10 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Gymnastics: Artistic Mersin Turkey 4:45 QE2: The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel (PG) 5:35 Cheating Hitler: Surviving The Holocaust (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Battle Of Britain: 3 Days To Save The UK (PG) 8:30 Celebrity Mastermind (PG) – The four winners from the first rounds battle it out for the coveted Celebrity Mastermind winning title.

9:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 11:20 Feast To Save The Planet (PG) 12:20 Deep Water (M l,v) 4:25 Vice Guide To Film (MA15+) 4:50 Destination Flavour

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

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Sunday 26 September

ABC (C20/21)

Home Shopping Weekend Sunrise [s] The Morning Show Weekend House Of Wellness (PG) [s] AFL: Grand Final: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs *Replay* [s] Better Homes And Gardens Seven News At 5 [s] Sydney Weekender [s] Seven News [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised Movie: “The Real Des” (MA15+) (’20) – Dennis Nilsen is one of the most notorious serial killers in British criminal history. This documentary features exclusive interviews with those involved in his case.

Star: David Tennant The Real Manhunter: The Murder Of Krystal Hart (M d,v) [s] The Blacklist: Nicholas Obenrader (M v) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 7:00 10:00 11:00 1:00 1:30 2:00

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Landline [s] 12:00 Restoration Australia [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Durrells (PG) [s] 2:00 Des (M l) [s] 2:30 ABC News Afternoons [s] The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:00 4:00 The Drum [s] 5:00 ABC News [s] 6:00 7.30 [s] 7:00 Australian Story [s] 7:30 Four Corners [s] 8:45 Media Watch (PG) [s] 11:25 China Tonight [s] 12:00 Road To Now (M v) [s] ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] The School That Tried To End Racism (PG) [s] We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] Roadkill (M d,l,v) [s] Victoria (M v) [s] 1:00 rage (MA15+) [s]

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Marrying Mr. Darcy” (PG) (’18) Stars: Cindy Busby, Ryan Paevey, Frances Fisher Harbour Cops (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: Caught With Ketamine (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Program To Be Advised The Latest Seven News [s] The Passage: You Are Not That Girl Anymore (M v) [s] – As Amy experiences symptoms of the virus that indicate she is close to turning, Brad brings everyone together. Lila and Sykes race to perfect an anti-viral medicine.

Home Shopping

6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00

9:30 10:30 10:45 11:00 12:05 12:35 1:35 2:25 4:25

6:00 News Breakfast [s] 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] 11:30 Four Corners [s] 12:00 Antiques Roadshow [s] ABC News At Noon [s] The Trial Of Christine Keeler (M l,s) [s] Victoria (M) [s] ABC News Afternoons [s] The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 2:00 The Drum [s] 2:30 ABC News [s] 7.30 [s] .

3:00 Back To Nature [s] 4:00 The School That Tried To 5:00 End Racism (PG) [s] 6:00 How To Live Younger [s] 7:00 ABC Late News [s] 7:30 The Business [s] 8:45 Q&A [s] China Tonight [s] 9:45 The Cult Of The Family (M) [s] 10:45 Victoria (PG) [s] 11:15 rage (MA15+) [s] The Drum [s] 12:30

Sunrise [s] The Morning Show [s] Seven Morning News [s] Movie: “Lethal Vows” (PG) (’99) Stars: John Ritter, Marg Helgenberger, Madeline Zima, Megan Gallagher, Jessica Bowman, Miko Hughes, Lawrence Dane, Sandra Caldwell Harbour Cops (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: Crab Catcher (PG) [s] The Chase UK (PG) [s] Seven News At 4 [s] The Chase Australia (PG) [s] Seven News [s] Home And Away (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Australia: Now And Then: Toughest (M l) [s] S.W.A.T.: Ekitai Rashku (M) [s] The Latest Seven News [s] Station 19: Get Up, Stand Up (M v) [s] Home Shopping

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

News Breakfast [s] 6:00 9:00 ABC News Mornings [s] The Recording Studio (PG) 11:30 12:00 The Repair Shop [s] ABC News At Noon [s] National Press Club Address 2:00 2:30 Media Watch (PG) [s] Victoria (PG) [s] 3:00 ABC News Afternoons [s] 4:00 The Repair Shop [s] Grand Designs Australia (PG) 5:00 6:00 The Drum [s] 7:00 ABC News [s] 7:30 7.30 [s] 9:30 Hard Quiz (PG) [s] Question Everything [s] 10:30 Frayed (MA15+) [s] Would I Lie To You? (PG) [s] Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) ABC Late News [s] The Business [s] Four Corners [s] Media Watch (PG) [s] Silent Witness (MA15+) 11:30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) rage (MA15+) [s] 12:30

6:00 Sunrise [s] 9:00 The Morning Show [s] 11:30 Seven Morning News [s] 12:00 Movie: “Love’s Last Resort” (PG) (’17) Stars: Alix Angelis 1:00 Harbour Cops (PG) [s] Coastwatch Oz: 2:00 Paul’s Haul (PG) [s] 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) [s] 4:00 Seven News At 4 [s] 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) [s] 6:00 Seven News [s] 7:00 Home And Away (PG) [s] 7:30 Program To Be Advised The Rookie: Triple Duty (M d,v) [s] The Rookie: Threshold (M d,v) [s] – Officer Nolan mildly injures himself while chasing down a 8:40 shoplifter and the local district 9:40 attorney wants to charge the 10:40 suspect with assault, despite 11:10 Nolan’s wishes.

Chicago Fire: Escape Route 12:05 1:00 (M) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

3:30 4:00 5:00 5:30 6:30 7:00 7:40 8:40 9:30 10:20

Monday 27 September Tuesday 28 September

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

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)

TEN (C13)

NINE (C81/80)

rage (PG) [s] 6:00 Weekend Breakfast [s] 7:00 Insiders [s] 10:00 Offsiders [s] 12:00 The World This Week [s] 1:00 Compass [s] Songs Of Praise [s] 4:00 ABC News At Noon [s] 5:00 Landline [s] 5:30 Gardening Australia [s] 6:00 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 7:00 (PG) [s] 8:30 Todd Sampson’s Life On The 9:30 Line: Resistance (PG) [s] Secrets Of The Museum [s] Art Works [s] Antiques Roadshow [s] Back Roads [s] ABC News Sunday [s] Restoration Australia [s] Fires (M) [s] 10:30 We Hunt Together (MA15+) [s] Les Norton: The Real Thing 11:30 (MA15+) [s] Silent Witness (MA15+) [s] 12:30 Dark Place (MA15+) [s]

6:00 7:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 1:30 2:30

11:10 12:15

Wednesday 29 September

PRIME (C61/60)

4:00 5:00 5:30 6:00 7:00 8:30 9:30 10:00 11:00 11:50 12:40 1:05 1:30

1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30 8:50 9:50 10:50 11:20

12:10 1:00 1:30 6:00 9:00 11:30 12:00 1:20 1:50 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 7:30

8:40 9:40 10:40 11:10 12:05 1:00 1:30

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6:00 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 12:00 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30

SBS (C30)

Animal Tales (PG) [s] Weekend Today [s] Sports Sunday (PG) [s] Sunday Footy Show (PG) [s] The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] Ultimate Rush (PG) [s] Movie: “Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (PG) (’16) Stars: Griffin Gluck The Block: Kitchen Week (PG) NINE News: First At Five [s] RBT: Meat Tray (PG) [s] NINE News Sunday [s] The Block: Kitchen Reveal (PG) [s] 60 Minutes [s] NINE News Late [s] The First 48 (M) [s] Prison Girls: Life Inside (MA15+) [s] Dr Christian Jessen Will See You Now: Sexual Health (MA15+) [s] The Garden Gurus [s] The Xtreme CollXtion (PG) [s] Home Shopping

9:40 10:40 11:30 12:30 4:30

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Kitchen Reveal (PG) [s] Getaway (PG) [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] Under Investigation: Girl In The Chute (M) [s] 100% Footy (M) [s] NINE News Late [s] The Arrangement: Paso Robles (M l,s,v) [s] – Days before the wedding, Kyle has a chance run-in with someone from his past.

Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:10 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off My Map [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:45 Have You Been Paying Attention? (MA15+) [s] 9:45 Just For Laughs Uncut (MA15+) [s] 10:15 Just For Laughs Australia (MA15+) [s] 10:45 Becky Lucas - Live At Enmore Cafe (MA15+) [s]

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 2:00 Inside Central Station: Lidcombe Self Harm (M) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 The Supervet (PG) 5:00 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 10 Mistakes: The Assassination Of JFK (M) 8:30 Secret Scotland: Argyll And Bute (PG) 9:25 24 Hours In Emergency (M) 10:20 SBS World News 10:50 Outlier (MA15+) (In Norwegian/ Saami) 11:40 An Ordinary Woman (M l) (In Russian) 2:15 Free Solo (M l)

Today [s] Today Extra (PG) [s] NINE’s Morning News [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] Driving Test (PG) [s] Garden Gurus Moments [s] Pointless (PG) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] NINE’s Afternoon News [s] Millionaire Hot Seat [s] NINE News [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] – The teams must present their videos to see who wins the real estate listing challenge.

The Hundred With Andy Lee Travel Guides: Italy (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] Reverie: The Black Mandala (M v) [s] Tipping Point (PG) [s] A Current Affair (PG) [s] Home Shopping

6:00 The Talk [s] 7:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 7:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 8:00 Studio 10 (PG) [s] 12:00 Dr Phil (M) [s] 1:00 Program To Be Advised 2:15 Entertainment Tonight [s] 2:30 Farm To Fork [s] 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) [s] 3:30 Left Off My Map [s] 4:00 Everyday Gourmet [s] 4:30 The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 5:00 10 News First [s] 6:30 The Project (PG) [s] 7:30 The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] 8:40 The Cheap Seats (M l) [s] 9:35 NCIS: Everything Starts Somewhere (M v) [s] 10:35 NCIS: Los Angeles: War Crimes (M) [s] 11:35 The Project (PG) [s] 12:35 The Late Show (PG) [s] 1:30 Home Shopping

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Native America: New World Rising (PG) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys: Ninilchik To Wasilla (M) 8:30 Insight: Celibacy 9:30 The Feed 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 The Point 11:30 Cacciatore: The Hunter (MA15+)

5:00 6:30 7:30 8:40

Today [s] 6:00 Today Extra (PG) [s] 7:00 NINE’s Morning News [s] 7:30 The Block: Living Room And Dining Room Week (PG) [s] 8:00 The Hundred With Andy Lee 12:00 1:00 Pointless (PG) [s] 2:10 Tipping Point (PG) [s] 2:30 NINE’s Afternoon News [s] 3:00 Millionaire Hot Seat [s] 3:30 NINE News [s] 4:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] The Block: Living Room And 4:30 Dining Room Week (PG) [s] – Some teams are struggling with 5:00 budgets, but they are putting 6:30 their all in to finish their huge 7:30 living and dining rooms.

9:00 Paramedics (M) [s] 10:00 Kings Cross ER (PG) [s] NINE News Late [s] 11:00 Manson - The Lost Tapes (Part 2) (MA15+) [s] 12:00 Pearson: The Alderman (M) [s] 1:00 A Current Affair (PG) [s] 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30

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

Religious Programs [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Destination Dessert (PG) [s] Studio 10 Sunday (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Three Veg And Meat [s] Healthy Homes Australia [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] My Market Kitchen [s] Good Chef Bad Chef [s] Roads Less Travelled [s] Waltzing Jimeoin (PG) [s] Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn [s] 10 News First [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] The Masked Singer Australia (PG) [s] Young Talent Time Unmasked [s] FBI: Most Wanted (PG) [s] FBI (PG) [s] The Sunday Project (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

PAGE 17

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

The Talk [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] Studio 10 (PG) [s] Dr Phil (PG) [s] Program To Be Advised Entertainment Tonight [s] Farm To Fork [s] Judge Judy (PG) [s] Left Off My Map [s] Everyday Gourmet [s] The Bold And The Beautiful (PG) [s] 10 News First [s] The Project (PG) [s] Making It Australia (PG) [s] Bull: The Bad Client (PG) [s] Bull: The Boy Who Cried Murder (M) [s] Bull: A Girl Without Feelings (M) [s] The Project (PG) [s] The Late Show (PG) [s] Home Shopping CBS This Morning [s]

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

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Cycling: The Power Of The Pedal 4:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:35 Mission Galapagos 5:35 Cheating Hitler: Surviving The Holocaust (PG) (In English/ Polish) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Inside Central Station: Lidcombe Self Harm (M) 8:30 Australia Uncovered: Bowraville Murders (M) 10:15 Russia: 1000 Years Of History (PG) 12:00 24 Hours In Emergency: From This Day Forward (M l) 12:55 John Pilger - The Dirty War On The NHS: Deadly Spin (M l) 2:55 Sinkholes - Deadly Drops (PG)

5:30 Worldwatch 11:00 NSW Coronavirus Update (Arabic) 11:30 Worldwatch 1:00 PBS Newshour 2:00 Dateline 2:30 Insight: Celibacy 3:30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Greek Island Odyssey With Bettany Hughes (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar (PG) 8:30 Lost For Words (PG) 9:35 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 10:30 SBS World News 11:00 Hunters (M) 11:50 The Killing (M l) (In Danish) 2:00 Vice Guide To Film (M l,v)

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

PAGE 18

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

PUZZLES

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ACROSS 1. Plays (with) 4. Leaves stranded 8. Dull thump 11. Eyrie dweller 13. Jewelled headdress 15. Avoid (capture) 17. Tissue layer 18. Recurrent series of events 20. Certainly 21. Get by begging 24. Doomed person 27. Repair set, tool ...

28. Financial interest 30. Actor, Woody ...

31. Sublet 33. Human trunks 34. Kindest 35. Peace prize city 36. Lion’s neck hair 39. Nastier 42. Rest on knees 44. Invoice 45. Enthuses 46. Catches (thief) 48. Promote 49. Large violin 50. Shop light, ... sign 52. Striped cat 54. Fair 55. Not once 56. Most secure 57. Beauty queen’s ribbon

60. Frosted (biscuits) 62. Ousts 65. Blood-filtering organ 67. Reveals 69. Urgency 70. Long tales 72. Laid up 73. Hard alloy 75. Rewrites (text) 77. Wow! 79. Brute 81. In the manner of (1,2) 82. Too soon 84. Speaks hoarsely 85. Cabin 86. Oil well 87. In need of a drink 88. Slippery fish DOWN 1. It is, ... are 2. Dough ingredient 3. Tearful 4. Fix 5. Drives off 6. Life gas 7. Astonish 8. Strive 9. Chops wildly 10. Food intake 12. House lizard 14. Land units 16. Waistcoats 19. Sleep late (3,2) 22. Antenna

23.

25.

26.

29.

Prison warder Pungent bulbs Cricket side Reduce

to fine particles 32. Automatic teller (1,1,1) 35. Offers more than 37. Aircraft gangway 38. Nudged 40. Singer, ... John 41. Police speed detector 42. Road edges 43. Shoestrings 44. Extra treat 47. Gambling 51. Freshest 52. Cut molars 53. Barked 54. Smallest amount 58. Leisurely walk 59. That woman’s 61. Painter’s tripod 63. Makes joke 64. Italian sausage 65. T-bones or sirloins 66. Alleviated 68. Sudden fear 71. Consent 72. Tropical wading bird 74. Compass point 76. Offhandedly 78. Needle holes 80. Drain 83. Mature

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MISSING LINK Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

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C B D O O L B U E A O T A L A R E S T O O G O OM I N L R E N N G O O R U A T D T

A B E S K A L A RE EA O U U I S A A O T M E R A L I I F I DO L U F K N E E L E U E R E L E E O E Y A F A R S U I C Y C B P S E K U D O S O O Z E S K

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© Lovatts Puzzles

Missing Link Solution:

L B J U E F E A R O T A K U L A R G E S T MCCN O O G O V E N OM I N A L D R EW N B L O I N G O U F O Y E R Q U A C T D T H

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I T E E S R R U S T T B S S N S E T U U T AERM K E I HO O I W OO O EL A R E A A N T B A S M A LA E O O D D N E S N L O DE B S E E A OW SP S E K T CTL E MS S E S N P AL SU S L EH G RA S Fill in each letter of the alphabet once only.

U I Y T K

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© Lovatts Puzzles

© Lovatts Puzzles

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS Missing Link Solution: Missing Link Solution:

K

Missing Link Solution:

Y A B KOA L A R A Z U I J S B R AG O T A I I N F I D E L P U S N L E L E C T UR E D R EW L E Y

F OR A ME X E A M E S

G FU Q K F Q U GI ANRS K S I S U N E A R MI HE O S L A J Y U RS ET A X W T O S S U OT DEDMN PE E S OW L D S M O O O T E C L I P S E B S A SA HB YN S M UA S B E G P O N T O E B J U I C Y Z E B U T S H T K R P L U C K L H

V E S D R T B S A T I E X OE WN LS E E A L EW R A K L D O Z E N R S V T A I N A

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OUT & ABOUT PAGE 19

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

DOWN IN THE GARDEN: How to Feed Your Plants in the Garden

Autumn, as well in the same manner as lime and it is used to reduce the pH level of soil.

MAKE YOUR OWN HOMEMADE LIQUID FERTILISER

CHERALYN DARCEY

Plants don’t just need water; you must also feed them!

Out there in the wild, in their places of origin, they will settle themselves into positions that naturally have the nutrients within the soil that will feed them.

You, however, are probably growing a lot of your plants in environments that are not exactly perfect for them.

Think of it this way, you are already watering your plants in addition to the water available to them via rain and what is retained in the soil.

To feed your plants, you will also need to top up your soil with nutrients, so your garden won’t go hungry.

This additional food for plants is known as fertiliser. It is added to your soil so that the roots can absorb it.

Along with these are calcium, magnesium, and sulphur as secondary elements and then iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, and molybdenum.

These are all available in commercial preparations in liquid, granule and powder form and are tailored to suit different types of plants as each will require varying amounts of these elements for optimal growth.

While these are fast short-term fixes, they do nothing to improve the structure and micro-balance of your soil.

The use of manures, mulches and composts, topped up with fish emulsion, seaweed extract, worm castings and targeted elements such as lime or sulphur will ensure a healthy soil with loads of micronutrients and will present less danger of soil problems that inorganic fertilisers can present.

All I will say about these commercial inorganics is that they will have directions on the label to follow.

How do I Know What to Feed my Plants Just ask!

Any good gardening book will list the ways to feed each plant.

When purchasing plants ask the grower or garden centre and go for an internet exploration as well because people will share a wealth of tips in feeding that have resulted in great plant growth for them.

You may find a gem there like this one.

I learned to plant a fish under a frangipani tree to help it establish and I can tell you, this works.

Having soil that suits your plants is

the way to begin and ensuring it is rich in compost and well-rotted manures will also set you on your way.

Continued feeding equals continued success.

So, let’s break down, in words, the different good foods for plants and what they do.

A very important note: a few of these are manures and I state ‘well-rotted’ as this will lower the nitrogen levels so they do not cause burning of your plants and most importantly, certain pathogens that could cause danger to humans.

Commercially obtained manures are already in this state but if you are collecting these manures yourself, you will need to ‘rot’ them via composting for at least three months.

Leave in a heap or vented bin, turning occasionally.

They are ready when smell reduces, and texture becomes crumbly.

Cow Manure It is rich in nitrogen and plants just love it.

There are also good microbes in it that will support your soil and I find that using it a few weeks prior to planting out a bed gives particularly vegetable seedlings a really good start in life.

Horse Manure I’m not a fan unless you have a horse and then it’s a good way to dispose of it.

The problem is you may find high levels of worming medicine still within the manure and this will then kill worms in your soil.

It also is not as high in nitrogen as some other manures and needs to be well dug into the soil to at least 50cm to avoid burning of plants.

Fresh Chicken Manure If you need a big boost of nitrogen for your plants, then fresh chook poo is for you!

It also has phosphorus and potassium and will increase he acidity in your soil.

Needs to be well dug into your garden soil at least two weeks before planting and the addition of a mulch dug in the mixture such as lucerne will help break it down and reduce the risk of burning your plants.

Chicken Manure Pellets All the goodness of fresh chicken manure without the risk of burning your plants … and it is has slowrelease properties as the pellets dissolve.

Dig in at planting and top up by

sprinkling on the surface and watering in.

Fish Emulsion A fortnightly booster when diluted in water for your plants that contains high levels nitrogen and is a bacteria booster for your soil.

It is created from fish and is probably as easier way for you to add this form of fertiliser than burying a dead fish under a frangipani.

Vegetables love this stuff.

Seaweed Extract People often get the brand names of this, and fish emulsion mixed up.

Read the contents label to be sure you are getting what you intend.

Use fortnightly, diluted in water as a booster for your plants as per the directions.

The great thing about seaweed extract is that it also protects plants from diseases in the soil.

Blood and Bone This needs to go into the soil a few weeks before planting.

High in nitrogen and phosphorous, dig well in to a depth of between 20 and 30cm.

Your neighbours won’t like you for a few days, but your plants will!

Worm Castings and Worm Tea Got a worm farm?

You have got a great way to condition your soil and this in turns helps plants absorb the nutrients. Sprinkle either or both over the soil at any time.

Other Soil Additions Dig wood ash through your garden bed prior to planting to lower the acidy in soil and add potassium.

Liquid potash added before plants flower will give them a brilliant boost.

Dug through the garden in it’s original form will add potassium to you garden beds.

Lime (garden or dolomite) raises the pH level along with the addition of calcium and magnesium.

Best introduced in autumn and dug through to a depth of 30 to 60com.

Sulphate (aluminium sulphate/ sulphur) is dug through the soil in

Fertiliser teas can be used more regularly in your garden for a diluted yet nutrient dense boost regularly, once a month or more during growth seasons.

Options are compost, well-rotted manure or seaweed and even beneficial herbs can be used.

Grab a big bucket and to 4 parts water add one part of the above.

Place on a lid (loosely) and stir well every few days and then strain.

To use, dilute 250ml of this fullstrength tea to 4 litres of water.

For those not wishing to swish manure around, you can place it in a hessian or cloth bag and place it in the water and dunk like a teabag every few days.

This method will take a few weeks.

TASKS & TIPS FOR YOU THIS WEEK Lots of rain the past week so be on the lookout for fungal disease and treat early.

Hands up if you love roast pumpkin with your Christmas feast.

Well now is the time to plant them!

This week, you could also plant artichokes, asparagus crowns, cape gooseberry, capsicum, beetroot, climbing and dwarf beans, cabbage, carrot, celery, chicory, choko, cress, cucumbers, eggplants, endive, melons, squashes, pumpkin, lettuce, spring onions, parsnip, peas, potatoes, radish, rhubarb crowns, salsify, silverbeet, sweet corn, zucchinis, alyssum, calendula, California poppy, carnation, celosia, chrysanthemum, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisies, gazania, gerbera, marigold, petunia, salvia, zinnia, kangaroo paw, nasturtium, snapdragon, salvia, sunflower, aster MOON GARDENING GUIDE: 17th 23rd SEPTEMBER On Friday the waxing moon enters Aquarius, and this will mean a day of rest and perhaps your flowering plant plans.

Saturday is action day for flowering plants so planting and general care could be undertaken.

The moon enters Pisces on Sunday morning and stays there until Monday night, and you will find this is an advantageous time for your flowering plant work as well as the planting of all above ground crops.

Tuesday the full moon warns that no planting should occur, but pest control will be more effective.

With the waning moon in Aries until Thursday night, seed and nut producing crops are best worked on.

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 CoastFM963.

She is also co-host of @MostlyAboutPlants a weekly gardening podcast with Gardening Reporter Vicki White.

PAGE 20 OUT & ABOUT

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Waggies have been talking turkey for 20 years

Fay Gunther with her constant companion Pippa at the Killcare Surf Club Kiosk

Gathering at Wagstaffe Hall to celebrate Talking Turkey’s 10th anniversary

The Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association has celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its popular newsletter and associated organisations with a special edition dedicated to its former members.

The first edition, which was published in August 2001, led with the formation of the Pretty

Beach Bushcare Group and discussed issues such as development applications, signage on Wards Hill Rd, and the introduction of a recycling program.

Primary editor, Robyn Warburton, said these were just some of the issues the Association had been lobbying Council about.

“Bill Gregor was the first

editor, and it was he who designed the layout and it hasn’t changed very much,” Warbuton said.

“Gwen Perrie and Fay Gunther (both now deceased) were dedicated members of the Association, and it was they who initiated and saw through the renovation of Wagstaffe Hall – which has become a wonderful asset – and many

other projects.

“Fay died recently, and we intend to hold a memorial when we can.

“It was Gwen who decided we needed a newsletter, and it was Fay who named it Talking Turkey.

“She had already established that the Association’s logo was the brush turkey and she

certainly ‘talked turkey’.

“People look forward to reading the news and we have no trouble obtaining material each month.

“It is delivered to every letterbox on the peninsula and into the PO boxes and has been a great success.

We cannot celebrate its 20th birthday with a gathering so

let’s fill and raise our glasses and toast Talking Turkey at home.”

A garden party to remember Fay Gunther has been postponed until Sunday, November 7.

Source: Newsletter, Sep 15 Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association

NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANISATIONS Art & Culture

Open 7 days 9am – 3pm.

Terrigal.

4385 5027

Central Coast ccmdc@bigpond.com Art Society www.ccmdc.org.au Weekly paint-outs enquiries Tuesday.

Central Coast Phone: 0428 439 180 Community Workshops: 1st and 3rd Legal Centre Wednesdays 9.30 am Not for profit service providing to 12.30 pm, at Gosford free legal advice.

Regional Gallery & Art Centre.

Monday to Friday Phone: 0409 666 709 9am to 5pm Social Meetings 1.30 pm 4353 4988 on 4th Wednesday for contact@centralcoastclc.org.au demonstration 4325 1420 Peninsula men’s shed publicity@artcentralcoast.asn.au Open Monday - Thursday 8am - 4pm Ettalong Beach Art 117 Memorial ave, & Crafts Centre Ettalong Cnr koolabah.

Adult classes in Pottery Come along and join us for Watercolours, Oils, Acrylics, coffee and biscuits Pastels, Silvercraft, 0411 242 242 Patchwork & Quilting Community Groups 0412 155 391

exercises, quizzes, games, social activities, guest speakers, entertainment and bus trips - 4344 3277 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

1800 558 268 or www.grow.org.au

hydrotherapy, bus trips 1300 650 594

Meals on Wheels Delicious meals delivered free - Join us for a midday meal - Help with shopping and cooking classes 4341 6699

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

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 Peninsula Village Wellness Centre Offering holistic and complementary therapies including aromatherapy, massage and music therapy 4344 9199

newcastlesagroup@gmail.com

Schizophrenia & Bipolar Fellowship For Schizophrenia Bipolar & Mental Health sufferers.

Family carers & friends.are welcome.

Meetings 1st Thursday Inquires re-venue please ring 4344-7989 or 4368-2214

troubadourfolkclub@gmail.com

Soundwaves chorus Male singers wanted No experience required, rehearsals 7pm Mondays at Parkview room Central Coast Leagues Club 0431 225 489

Political Groups

Central Coast Greens Active regarding ecological sustainability, social & economic justice, peace & non-violence, grassroots democracy & getting Greens elected 3rd Thur centralcoast.nsw.greens.org.au centralcoastgreens@gmail.com

Australian Labor Party Political discussions, national, www.ebacc.com.au state and local government Central Coast Asbestos Central Coast ebacc.email@gmail.com issues Diseases Support Caravanners Inc Entertainment Central Coast 3rd Sun - Jan to Nov Group Peninsula Day Branch LEARN TO DANCE Watercolour Society Visitors - New Members Support for those suffering 1pm 2nd Mon Art society for artists welcome, Trips Away, Social Social ballroom dancing for all with asbestos diseases and CWA Hall Woy Woy ages, all you need is a desire Peninsula Village Meals others interested in asbestos painting in watercolour Outings, friendship with like 4341 9946 Delivered daily to your door to learn and dance, Workshops, beginners minded folk issues. You are not alone, Nutritious, great for the elderly no partner required. classes and paint outs Details from Geoff meet with others who can Service Groups 4344 9199 meet every Wed at Tuggerah Details on our website 0447 882 150 share their experiences. Bring ccwsinc@gmail.com community hall, 2:00pm a family member or friend.

Lions Club of Woy Woy www.centralcoastwatercolour.com.au Anne - 0409 938 345 Peninsula Village 1pm at Ourimbah RSL on Everglades Country Club Peninsula Village Community Centres anneglazier@y7mail.com fourth Wed of each month.

3rd Monday of each month Carer’s Support Group Playgroup Make new friends and For carers of loved ones with Maree 0419 418 190 Carers, Grandparents, Empire Bay Probus Club Health Groups have fun while serving your dementia - 1st Wed - 10 to parents & children Friendship, fellowship, Music community.

11.30am ‘Intergenerational Playgroup’ Alcoholics Anonymous and fun in retirement.

0478 959 895 - Someone cares.

Coastal a Cappella Paula 4344 9199 Tues 10-11.30am Very active club, outings, Wed-Thurs-Fri - 12.30pm, Award winning women’s a excursions, dining - 3 4344 9199 Progress Hall Henry Parry & cappella chorus. times a month Rotary Clubs Prostate Cancer Wells Street East Gosford Music education provided.

1st Thur 1.30pm International service club Support Group Peninsula School Rehearsals Tuesday 7pm @ improves lives of communities Club Umina, Melbourne (Gosford) for Seniors Red Tree Theatre Tuggerah.

Ave, Umina Beach in Aust. & o/seas. Fun-filled Grow Mental Last Fri, Terrigal Uniting Community Centre, Performance opportunities.

Visitors Welcome. activities, fellowship and Health Support Church, 380 Terrigal Drive, McMasters Road, Woy Woy Hire us for your next event. friendship.

0414 280 375 Small friendly groups formed Terrigal Discussions, rumikin, craft, 0412 948 450 Rotary Club of Woy Woy 9.30am to 12 noon to learn how to overcome history, walks, & coach trips coastalacappella@gmail.com Tues 6pm Everglades Central Coast Marine 4367 9600 Tues, Wed, Thur anxiety, depression and Country Club. www.pcfa.org.au 4341 5984 or 4341 0800 Discovery Centre loneliness and improve Troubadour Central Don Tee 0428 438 535 The revamped CCMDC is mental health and well being.

Coast Folk, Woy Woy Stroke open. Schools and Group The Krait Club Weekly meetings at Woy Traditional & Acoustic Recovery Club Special Interest bookings welcome by Community Centre - Cooinda Woy and Wyong. Grow is Music and Spoken Word Everglades Country Club appointment.

Peninsula Village, Neptune St, Umina Concerts, Ukulele meets, anonymous, free and open 2nd Tues 11am Building has special needs Environment Group and Sessions 10.30am For seniors. Gentle to all.

Company, up-to-date info, access and toilets Environmental projects, 4342 6716 info@wagstaffetokillcare.org.au

(incl. Woytopia), Woy Woy community garden, social events, workshops, organic food buying group www.peg.org.au

Sport Umina Beach Bowling Club Learn to play lawn bowls Male, Female and Mixed.

All ages and abilities.

Free coaching. Social or competition bowls. Make new friends and have fun Phone 02 4343 9940 mens_bowls@clubumina.com.au

Veterans Veterans’ Help Centre’ Assist all veterans & families with pension & welfare issues.

Mon & Wed 9am-1pm 4344 4760 Cnr Broken Bay Rd & Beach St Ettalong. centralcoastveterans@bigpond.com.

Women’s Groups Blackwall Girl Guides Girl Guides meets near you!

Blackwall Girl Guides Unit For girls 7-13 years old Mondays 5:30 – 7:30pm Blackwall Guide Hall, 120 Memorial Ave, Ettalong Beach (Cnr Lurline) 0414 863 183 blackwallgirlguides@gmail.com

Country Women’s Association Woy Woy 30 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy Craft & Friendship: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Wed 9AM Meetings: 4th Wed 9.30 Ph: 0411 434785 woywoycwa@gmail.com

Peninsula Women’s Health Centre Counselling, therapeutic and social groups, workshops, domestic violence and abuse issues. All services by women for women 4342 5905 www.cccwhc.com.au

If you would like your Community Organisation listed here call us on 4325 7369 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.

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 21

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Business & Property Cookies sent to frontline health workers

A Umina Beach local and small business owner is helping send a slice of hope to COVID-impacted hospitals as a way of saying thanks to front-line health workers doing it tough in Sydney’s most affected areas.

Founder of the Stay Tooned group of companies and Australian Businesswoman of the Year, Kate Toon, said she had designed and sent batches of ‘You Are Awesome’ cookies to nurses in Sydney.

“I know it’s not an earthshattering contribution, but like all small business owners right now, I’m doing it tough,” Toon said.

“I wanted to do something that would show the frontline workers they’re appreciated and bring a little smile to their day.

“I thought about a COVID-19 message, but in the end, I decided what we all need right now is a ray of sunshine and positivity – a break from the doom and gloom.”

“We spoke to some nurses, and they said that often the night shift workers missed out, so we’re sending different boxes for different shifts, in the hope that everyone will get to share in this little sweet moment.

Initially, hundreds of the cookies were sent to four hospitals that have been heavily affected by the COVID crisis: Westmead, Nepean, St George and Liverpool hospitals.

Toon said the cookies had been created with the help of Adriana Parncutt from Lisarowbased business, Adri’s Gingerbread.

“Life is pretty hard for so many at the moment, a little

treat might just help a little,” Parncutt said.

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help raise funds to send out more cookies to frontline workers, with donations expected to help cover the cost of the cookies and postage charges.

As of Tuesday, September 21, over $600 had been raised of the $2000 goal.

“I’m hopeful that with the support of other businesses we can send even more cookies and bring some warm and fuzzies to the frontline workers who need it most,” Toon said.

More information about the fundraiser can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ covid-cookies-for-medicalstaff?

Source: Media release, Sept 21 Chuckle Communications

Sanctuary renovation in character with area An application has been lodged with Central Coast Council for renovations to an existing home and construction of a new garage at The Sanctuary, Umina Beach.

Aerial view of the renovation site

Architectural plans and a Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) describe a proposal to convert an existing garage into a new kitchen and living area and build a new garage at the front of the existing single-storey brick home.

The proposal requires an exception to the Gosford Development Control Plan (DCP) by positioning the new

garage 500mm from the front boundary.

“This represents the most ideal location due to the setback of the existing residence,” the SEE said.

“The one metre setback [required in the DCP] cannot be achieved due to the constraints of the property.”

All other aspects of the proposal comply with local planning instruments.

“The resultant development is compatible with and will complement the established character of the area.

“The site is constrained by very steep land and

consequently, development must be confined to the front portion of the site.

“This development has resulted in no loss of trees which helps support the biodiversity values of the land.

“The new garage on site and the conversion of the existing garage into a new kitchen/ living room addition has not resulted in development of unreasonable bulk or scale and is sympathetic to the existing streetscape in Umina Beach.”

Source: Council DA Tracker, Sep 22 DA63096/2021

PAGE 22

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Brought to you by moneymag.com.au

CREATING FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Your 4-step guide to investing in ETFs for the first time WITH

Julia NEWBOULD Managing Editor • Money magazine How to invest in ETFs for the first time is simple - and can be done in these four steps.

1. Choose your broker As the name suggests, exchange traded funds (ETFs) are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), and the only way to buy listed investments is through a registered stock broker.

The good news is that there are plenty of low-cost online brokers to choose from. Just Google online brokers.

Don’t just focus on brokerage. Take a tour of the platform to make sure you’re comfortable with the layout, and check features like the availability of quality research.

2. Open a broking account Once you’ve selected an online broker, you’ll need to set up a cash account linked to your broker’s online trading account.

This account holds money to buy ETFs and collects the proceeds if you sell any ETFs. Some brokers specify which bank your linked account needs to be held with. Others are more flexible. Either way, setting up a cash account is pretty straightforward though it’s quicker and easier if you’re already a customer of the bank specified by your broker.

If that’s not the case, you’ll need to open a new account by providing 100 points of ID such as your driver’s licence and passport plus your tax file number.

Once your application is submitted you can usually begin trading in as little as 24 hours.

3. Decide how much to invest The minimum marketable parcel on the ASX is $500, so you’ll need at least this amount plus brokerage for your first trade.

While it can be tempting to

start small, trading with small sums will increase the cost of brokerage as a percentage of your trade. As a guide, brokerage of $15 works out to 3% off a $500 trade, but falls to 1.5% on a $1,000 trade.

If you’re strapped for cash, it’s possible to invest with just $50 and pay brokerage of only $2 by signing up to the CommSec Pocket app. It can be a money saver but you’ll only

get a choice of seven ETFs and they may not be the ones you’re interested in.

4. Buy your first ETF Placing a buy order is where things start to get real. Log in to your online trading account, select the ‘trading’ option, and fill in the details of the ETF you want to buy. Each ETF has its own three- or four-digit ASX code - you can use this to

identify your preferred ETF, but be sure to get it right. The codes can be similar for entirely different ETFs. Your first trade will be a ‘buy’, so select this option from the online menu. Enter the quantity of fund units you’d like to purchase, or set a dollar limit for your trade.

You’ll likely be asked to choose between a ‘market’ order, which means you’re

happy to pay the current market value that the ETF units are trading for. Or, you can select a ‘limit’ order, which lets you nominate the maximum price you’re willing to pay per unit.

Next, you’ll be asked to review your order. Check that everything is correct, and click the button to complete your trade. You’ve just become an investor in exchange traded funds! NICOLA FIELD

always really difficult and personally taxing. Those conversations need to be had with eyes wide open on that,” Barry said.

Elsewhere, LGIAsuper chief executive Kate Farrar said Your Future, Your Super (YFYS) can be a tool for super funds to use to select potential merger partners.

“I do think that YFYS and the business criticality of the longterm relative performance

history, which is not necessarily correlated with either outright return or volatility, does mean that performance relative to YFYS is likely to be a driver of merger partner selection going forwards,” she said.

“In this sense, the policy will no doubt be achieving part of its policy intention and there is an important area of crossover and nexus between mergers and investments.”

Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits Super mergers don’t always lead to scale benefits There is a misunderstanding that superannuation fund mergers will automatically lead to scale benefits for members, according to Spirit Super’s chief investment officer.

Speaking at the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) ASI 2021 conference Ross Barry cautioned that scale benefits

do not deliver themselves.

“The danger is that you go into a merger and sit back and think that all of a sudden scale benefits are going to full out of the sky and you’re going to operate at a lower cost base.

That doesn’t happen unless you make it happen,” Barry said.

“It involves some very hard negotiations and tough conversations with fund managers and asset managers.”

Barry noted that these negotiations have to happen in good faith as a super fund may approach a fund manager that has created value for members over a long time.

“You are going to ask them for some kind of fee discount or scale benefit, and I think that requires a bit of commitment.

The danger in this is if you find yourself back in that room two years later asking for the same thing again,” he said.

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“One observation I’ve made is that some managers are pushing back now. Some managers are actually sacking their super funds as clients as they can get a better margin elsewhere.”

Instead, Barry said if a fund is going to deliver scale benefits there has to be some rationalisation that can be of internal resources or of manager line-up.

“Those conversations are

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BUSINESS & PROPERTY PAGE 23

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Minister to decide future of caravan park A flood-prone short-stay caravan park at Wards Hill Road, Empire Bay, will be given legitimacy by Central Coast Council for longterm residents and ongoing land use having operated on the site since 1980.

Following advice from the Local Planning Panel, Central Coast Council has moved to ‘formalise’ the existing caravan park by resolving to move forward with a planning proposal.

“This Planning Proposal seeks to enable the regularisation of the long-term caravan park use on the site,” a staff report to the September 14 Council meeting said.

“This will avoid the need for the displacement and relocation of existing long-term residents.

“The Land and Environment Court has determined that the existing caravan park development … has existing use rights for short-term accommodation only.

“The Court of Appeal confirmed this decision.

“Consequently, long-term or permanent accommodation is currently prohibited on the site.

“However, the site has development consent for this use … the validity of which is now in question.

“The site is an existing Deferred Matter (DM) site and will not be rezoned when the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (CCLEP) comes into effect.

“To deliver the intended outcome, it is recommended to zone the land to E3 Environmental Management and include an Additional Permitted Use (APU) for a “caravan park”, where it can be demonstrated that land proposed for long term accommodation is located outside the areas identified as high hazard flood level,” the staff report said.

The Planning Proposal was considered by the Local Planning Panel on August 19 and was supported in principle.

Administrator Rik Hart resolved that Council prepare a planning proposal to amend the Central Coast Local Environmental Plan (when it comes into effect) to: zone the subject land to E3 Environmental Management; apply the minimum lot size of 20 Ha; and apply the Additional Permitted Use of “caravan park” to the land.

Council will now submit the Planning Proposal to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces requesting a Gateway Determination under the NSW EP&A Act.

An aerial view of the caravan park

Responsibility for drafting the change to the LEP was delegated to Council staff along with preparation of Development Control Plan (DCP) provisions to support the development of the land subject to the planning proposal.

Community and public authority consultation will be undertaken in accordance with the Gateway Determination requirements, including the exhibition of the draft DCP. The caravan park has existed on the site since 1980 when development consent was issued for 26 caravan sites which were not to be used for

permanent accommodation.

In 1983 another development consent was issued for an additional 33 caravan sites to be used on a short-term basis.

When these consents were issued, caravan parks were a permitted use in the zone at the time.

In 1983, Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 6 – Gosford Coastal Areas zoned the land so that “caravan parks” became a prohibited use.

The use of the site approved under the consents of 1980 and 1983 accordingly became an “existing use” under the Environmental Planning and

Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act).

In 2006 Council issued Development Consent to change the use of all existing sites from short-term to longterm accommodation.

In 2017 Council refused a development application for a further 48 long term sites on the basis that: “The site for the purpose of additional caravan sites for long-term accommodation is not consistent with the existing use rights applicable to the land, which exist only for short-term caravan park accommodation”.

The owner took the matter to the Land and Environment Court where the Court found that the site does not benefit from existing use rights for long-term accommodation.

However, the decision and consequential appeal to the Court of Appeal did not expressly offer an opinion as to the validity of the 2006 consent.

The site currently comprises 68 long-term accommodation sites which may not have valid consent, and which are located on land subject to flooding.

The planning proposal would specify that existing and future dwellings are not to be located within High Hazard flood levels.

Most of the existing dwellings on the site are affected by

flooding.

Under the exhibited draft Central Coast Development Control Plan (CCDCP) Chapter relating to floodplain management it is proposed that caravan parks could be considered where supported by appropriate studies and other required information on flood liable land where the Hazard Levels in the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) are considered low hazard (i.e. H1, H2, H3).

“The APU within the Planning Proposal will not seek to regularise existing development which is located in high hazard flood levels but will enable the relocation of these buildings, and any new development, to areas outside the high hazard flood levels,” Council’s assessment report said.

“The Planning Proposal will permit long-term affordable accommodation on the land, thus assisting with meeting the needs of the local community in this locality.

“Even though the land is currently affected by flooding, the Planning Proposal and accompanying DCP, will ensure no new dwellings would be adversely affected by floodwaters.”

Jackie Pearson

Second residence to go ahead without tree removal Plans to construct a secondary dwelling on a Woy Woy property have been approved despite a number of public submissions received concerning a tree that neighbours adjoining properties.

The site at 34 Robin Crescent currently contains a two-storey dwelling house and a garage.

The existing garage will be demolished to construct a single-storey secondary residence which will include

two bedrooms.

Each bedroom will include built-in-robes, a combined bathroom/laundry, an open plan dining/lounge/kitchen and a covered front patio.

The proposed secondary residence will be constructed on a reinforced concrete waffle pod slab with the external walls to be clad with hardiplank weatherboards.

As part of the proposed works, the secondary residence will have a 2000 litre rainwater tank installed and a new letter box provided.

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Two public submissions were received in relation to the application in a three-week period.

There were some concerns raised over a tree that is located at the rear of the property and hangs over three adjoining properties.

One submission proposed the removal of the tree as they believed the construction of the secondary dwelling would ‘greatly restrict’ any future access to the tree.

“The tree sheds three times a year, fills gutters with leaves

and creates a mess in the back yard and porch; it is a constant headache,” one submission said.

“The tree canopy is also over my clothesline I cannot use it due to the bird droppings.

“If it is not removed now, the cost for the owner to remove it will escalate as it will involve removal and replacement of fences possible use of a mechanical devise and increased labour costs, not to mention disruption to neighbours.

“If not removed now, when

access is available, the owner will always use the excuse that it is too difficult and costly.

“When the existing garage is demolished, it will provide clear access to the tree and greatly reduced cost.

“The tree must be removed, before the new building is commenced.”

In response to the public submission, Council said the planned dwelling will not impact on the tree.

“The tree in question is located in the north-western

corner of the rear yard and the secondary dwelling is to be located approximately 12 metres from the trunk of the tree,” Council said when assessing the application.

“The applicant is not seeking to remove the tree.

“Removal of the tree can remain a private matter negotiated between the property owners.”

Source: DA Tracker, Sep 15 DA 62259/2021

WORKING WITH YOU At Brazel Moore Lawyers, we are still here to help through the lockdown.

We are offering zoom or telephone appointments and lockdown is a great time to get on top of any legal issues.

We have a friendly and experienced team of lawyers, paralegals and support staff to care for all of your legal needs. We pride ourselves on taking the time to listen carefully to you so we can properly assess your legal problem or business opportunity.

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• Conveyancing: • Buying & Selling Domestic Property • Buying and Selling Investment Property • Buying and Selling Businesses • Leasing • Criminal Law

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PAGE 24

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

BUSINESS & PROPERTY

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Fun Haus a finalist for business innovation award

The Ettalong Beach-based arts and culture organisation, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, has been recognised for their role in social innovation after being named as a finalist in the 2021 Central Coast Regional Business Awards.

The Haus was nominated for the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award which aims to recognise a business ‘that has made significant contributions to

their industry and/or community, or implemented innovative solutions for new and existing business needs’.

Organisation director, Juan Iocco, said the Haus helps foster creativity and exploration to bring people together – audiences and artists, the community and grass-roots organisations, local businesses and global corporates.

“As social innovators we are intentionally utilising contemporary arts and culture

as our tool of mass construction, challenging what the Central Coast is capable of delivering through the development of a unique… sector,” Iocco said.

“We are an innovative NFP social enterprise that has adapted and thrived through not only COVID-19, but [through] political challenges and economic constraints.

“We are presenting a pathway that is mobilised by cooperation and it’s further fostering a

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resilient culture of sharing, relationships and collective action – there is so much to gain from contemporary global socially-conscious entertainment that’s promoting the visibility and voices of women, LGBTIQ, Aboriginal and Torres Strait and [disabled] folks.

“For us as an organisation, it’s about intentionally building collaborative networks with talented people, leading local and global businesses and

innovative organisations for new thinking and measurable positive outcomes for the Coast.

“This is where the fun happens.”

The Haus is up against Wyong-based business service, Jazoodle, and cleaning product business SpotGo for the top prize.

Each category is judged by a panel of up to three judges that are selected from subject matter experts, Business

Photos: Lisa Haymes

Award program partners or Business NSW and Business Australia executive management.

The winner of each category will be announced at the 2021 Central Coast Business Awards Gala event on Friday, October 8 and will then go on to compete against the best from across NSW at the 2021 State Business Awards on November 26.

Source: Media release, Sep 21 Naughty Noodle Fun Haus

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 25

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Private hospital to add second storey The Brisbane Waters Private Hospital in Vidler St, Woy Woy, has applied to Centrall Coast Council to add a new storey to its northern ward and expand at ground level at the southern corner of the hospital.

The proposal will result in a 1,731m2 increase in floor area, 15 extra car parking spaces, 35 extra patient beds, and an increase in staff numbers by 12.

The application is to be determined by the Regional Planning Panel due to the value of the development being about $9M. The work would involve: the demolition of two existing single dwellings located on hospital grounds and replacing them with 23 parking spaces and the removal of five car

parks adjoining dwellings proposed to be demolished; partial demolition works of the existing hospital to facilitate alterations and additions; demolition of existing car park area in southern corner of hospital building fronting Vidler Avenue.

It would include the internal reconfiguration resulting in the removal of a kiosk and two rejuvenation rooms and the establishment of five new patient rooms; the construction of new addition at the southern corner of the existing hospital building facilitating two new patient rooms; and a new floor to the northern hospital ward resulting in an additional 28 patient rooms, six group rooms, four consulting rooms, gym, art room, breakout space, and staff rooms.

The height of the proposed new floor is 10.057m which is

compliant with the 11.5m height limitation for the site.

The application says the proposed development aims to enhance the existing hospital’s capacity and availability of onsite parking.

“The proposal represents an opportunity to enhance the existing health services on the site utilising space atop the existing hospital building,” the application states.

“The development will contribute further economic investment in the Woy Woy area providing enhanced health services and employment opportunities,” the application says.

The proposal is on public exhibition for comment until October 18.

Source: Council DA tracker, Sep 21 DA 63014/2021

Action week about debunking stereotypes The theme of Dementia Action Week (September 20 to 27) this year is ‘a little support makes a big difference.’

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australians and there are currently an estimated 427,000 Australians living with Dementia – a number expected to increase to almost 1.1 million by 2058.

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, said Dementia Action Week was an opportunity to open up conversations about dementia and spread awareness.

“So many Coasties live with or know someone with dementia, and it is vital that we understand the unique

challenges they face, particularly in how we treat dementia sufferers,” Tesch said.

“This week is the perfect time to open up a conversation about dementia with your family and friends.

“With the frightening statistics indicating dementia diagnoses will increase by over 600,000 in the next 37 years, it is important we address the very real threat.”

Bobby Redman was diagnosed in her 60s with dementia a few years ago, and said that often she faced barriers in access to care because she did not fit the ‘description’ of someone living with dementia.

“There is this stereotype surrounding people with

dementia and I felt like I had to defend myself so many times to people and was constantly told by others that I don’t look like I have it,” Redman said.

“Dementia is not strictly associated with aging, it can occur at any stage in life, and I know personally a few people who were diagnosed in their 40s.”

When asked about how the recent lockdowns impacted those she knows with dementia, she said social isolation was not a new experience for many.

“As we deteriorate, we can lose our confidence and many lose those important social skills which the ongoing lockdowns will only worsen unfortunately.

“Many are withdrawing and

without outreach will continue to do so after lockdown.”

This is why local resident, Di Bartok, decided to open the ‘Forget Me Not Café’ held at Country Women’s Association, Umina every fortnight.

“We are hoping to resume this space for carers and those with dementia once lockdown ends because it is something that many look forward to as well as being an inviting place for people to socialise.

“Often carers talk about how animated people living with dementia are afterwards and it is also great for carers too who attend to share notes and feel supported as often they don’t realise just how much support is available to them.”

Tesch attended one of the events earlier this year and

said it was great to see those not often comfortable in social settings coming out of their shells and interacting with others.

“People can still lead fulfilling and active lives after diagnosis, and spaces like this, as well as Dementia Action Week, serve as a reminder that sharing support truly does make a big difference.”

Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe, said information and advice would be shared during the week on ways that a little support can make a big difference to many who live with dementia and their carers.

“Once a person is diagnosed there is a common perception that they have a complete loss of function and independence

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when there is a wealth of evidence that shows people living with dementia, with good support, can live active and fulfilling lives for many years,” McCabe said.

“People living with dementia report that social invitations and inclusion start to dwindle.

“Carers report feeling they no longer have the support of family or friends when the reality is often people close to them withdraw not knowing how to help or not wanting to intrude.”

For further support or information contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Media release, Sep 21 Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch

PAGE 26

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE PAGE 27

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

Every dollar raised from trek helps veterans A virtual trek will be held from October 16 to December 4 to support veterans facing financial hardship as well as encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active.

Held by national military charity Bravery Trust, Bravery Trek will commemorate the service and sacrifice of members of the Royal Australian Air Force in its centenary year with 2021’s theme being 100km for 100 years of Air Force.

Bravery Trust CEO, Belinda Wilson, said fundraising was important and they relied on donations to meet the growing needs of their services.

“Bravery Trek achieves so much more than that, it helps us spread the word about our services, to reach out to veterans needing help, and to raise awareness amongst those who may be in a position to refer us to someone in need.

One recipient of aid from Bravery Trust is local resident Henry (name changed for privacy), who served in the Navy for six years working on missions such as Operation Resolute in 2012.

He was medically discharged

Bravery Trust has been able to assist with reducing the backlog of debt and through financial counselling.

They have helped set up a monthly payment plan that will keep Henry in a sustainable financial situation until his assessment for support is completed.

Henry said that the assistance he received from Bravery Trust meant the world to his family.

“We thought we would end up having our utilities cut off.

“I didn’t see any other solution until I reached out to Bravery Trust.

“The staff were so helpful and once we had a plan to move forward, our problems seemed so much more manageable,” Henry said.

The Bravery Trek fundraiser is an opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a veteran and every dollar raised from the trek goes directly to veterans in need.

Registrations open on October 1 at braverytrek.com. au

in 2016 after sustaining both physical and mental injuries.

His wife was receiving Job Seeker, but this ceased

following the birth of their twins late last year and the loss of income made it hard to meet their regular outgoing costs so

they have been borrowing money from family and friends to cover essential bills.

The precarious financial

situation is due in part to Henry waiting for an assessment to receive additional government funding.

Source: Media release, Sep 9 Bravery Trust

Team building for Black Dog Black Dog Institute is asking people to unite in a time of lockdown and separation to put One Foot Forward by walking 20, 40, 60 or 100km during October to raise money for mental research.

One Foot Forward Manager at The Black Dog Institute, Tasman Cassim, said even though people couldn’t get together with friends, family or colleagues right now, by agreeing to the same challenge

they can spur each other on, check in on progress and continue a sense of camaraderie.

“What better cause to do it for than mental health research?”

Last year, over $5M was raised by 30,000 Australians who joined in the fun and this year the team is hoping to top that amount.

One in five people in Australia experience symptoms of mental illness each year, which equates to more than five

million people.

Less than half of those people seek professional help.

Research from the Black Dog Institute aims to develop support services available for everyone, everywhere around the country.

Participants are asked to take photos of their walks through the month and share them on their favourite social media platforms with the hashtag #onefootforward.

“This year the Black Dog

Institute is focusing on the workforce and what we can do to check in on colleagues.

“Well, there is no better team building exercise than this challenge in 2021,” Cassim said.

Anyone interested in participating can sign up at https://www.onefootforward. org.au/

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Fine dining at home: Chef Nicola Coccia and Osteria

GEORGIA LIENEMANN

This is the next instalment of our lockdown special.

In lieu of being able to head out for dinner, we’re embarking on a virtual tour of the coast’s best eating establishments.

We’ve asked chefs to inspire us with recipes that we can make at home, bringing the fine dining experience into our own kitchens. This week we’re talking to Alexandra Coccia from Osteria Il Coccia in Ettalong.

Nicola’s passion for cooking stems from his fond memories of his grandmother in her kitchen. This is where he learnt to handle every ingredient with passion, respect and love.

I pay homage to my two favourite regions, Beaujolais in The Rhone Valley where I grew up and the South West of France where my mother lives.

I invest my time looking at new

restaurant and my ethos is to showcase regions I love, share my knowledge and encourage guests to drink something totally different. The wine list boasts drops from Nico’s home of Naples & Puglia, wines from my parent’s region where I grew up & Beaujolais where I spent many years harvesting with friends. generation winemakers, focusing on smaller production, organic, biodynamic & respecting the earth.

Nicola grew up in Naples and found a love for cooking with his hands as he watched his grandmother roll sheets of pasta in her kitchen.

Nico’s respect for each ingredient and the way it’s prepared shines at Osteria il

Coccia where every ingredient is fresh, sustainable, and organic (where possible).

Nico’s philosophy is that food needs little intervention, just a little love and a little heat (fire).

Nico is one of the only chefs in Australia to have a kitchen built around the fire. Nico trained in Italy before working in El Bulli, New Zealand, and Sydney – and now luckily for the Central Coast –has chosen to reside on

Ettalong Beach. He has previously worked at Otto, Quay, Fratelli & Ormeggio before moving to Bowral where he worked at Biota. We received 1 hat at our previous restaurant Bistro Officina in Bowral.

I am French Italian and am responsible for the eclectic wine list at Osteria il Coccia.

I am strict when selecting the wines available at the

away menu. We offer pick up or delivery for our customers. We also offer promotional boxes for the weekend like the picnic box or the special spring box.

They are ready made boxes with a bottle of wine

Lockdown offerings

Until restrictions lift, we are open Wednesday night to Saturday night (5-7:30pm) and Sunday lunch (10am-1:30pm) for pick up.

At the moment we have paused our fine dining for a take-away version. Guests can choose from our weekly boxes also available for vegetarians.

A ready-made box with 4 courses $90 for Osteria Boxes and $80 for Vegetarian Boxes for 2 people.

Alternatively, you can also order from our weekly take

People can reach us by phone or through our website osteriailcoccia.com.au where they can order online.

Alternatively they can call us 02 4327 8952, customers can find the latest news, menus, boxes and events through social media with Facebook and Instagram and our newsletters

Beetroot risotto and Pecora blue cheese sauce For this dish we use sheep milk blue cheese from Pecora Dairy in Robertson. If you cannot find sheep milk blue, you can use gorgonzola.

To cook perfect risotto you may not have to use all the stock in the recipe, or you may need to add extra. Perfect risotto should have an al dente bite and a loose and creamy consistency we call ‘all’onda’ which translates to ‘flowing in waves’.

Ingredients 400g arborio rice 3 medium beetroots 100g parmesan cheese, grated

70g butter 1 medium onion, finely chopped 100ml white wine 1.5L vegetable stock 100ml extra virgin olive oil Sea salt Blue cheese sauce: 150g Pecora Dairy Jamberoo Mountain Blue Cheese 100ml milk To prepare the beetroot – cut the stems off about 3cm from the base, rinse and place into a pot of cold water. Simmer over a medium-high heat until the beetroot flesh can be easily

penetrated with a fork. Drain, reserving some liquid, and cool, then peel off the outer skins and discard. Roughly chop the beetroots, then place them into a blender. Adding a little reserved cooking liquid, blitz to a puree and set aside.

For the blue cheese sauce – place the milk into a small pot over medium heat, cut the cheese into chunks and add to the milk. Cook over a low heat, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted into the milk and you have a thick, creamy sauce. Set aside.

For the risotto – place the vegetable stock into a small pot over a low heat to warm up. On a separate burner, place the olive oil into a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Increase the heat to

high and stir in the rice, coating it with the oil.

Add the wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add 3 ladles of hot vegetable stock to the rice and stir. As the liquid evaporates, add another ladle of stock while stirring continuously. Keep adding stock to the rice, allowing it to absorb and then adding more until the rice is cooked al dente. Add 260g of beetroot puree to the rice and cook, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until you have a loose risotto.

Leave the risotto to rest for 2 minutes, then add the cold butter and parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, then season to taste with sea salt.

To serve – reheat the blue cheese sauce.

Divide the risotto into serving bowls, finish with a generous drizzle of sauce and a pinch of salt.

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Dom to get ‘hands on’ at national science forum

A local student will gain a new insight into science after recently being nominated to attend a national science forum next year.

Brisbane Water Secondary College student and Rotary Club of Umina Beach member, Dominic ‘Dom’ Hall, will attend Rotary’s 2022 National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in January.

The 12-day forum aims to attract ‘outstanding’ STEM students from throughout Australia.

Publicity officer for the Rotary Club of Umina Beach, Pat Lewis, said the opportunity will be a ‘great step’ for Dom towards his career goal of becoming an engineer.

“We all join in congratulating Dom,” Lewis said.

Local student Dominic Hall will attend Rotary’s 2022 National Youth Science Forum in January

debates, expos and enriching social activities.

“In-person STEM visit days and events will be held over a week of the program at major city hubs across the country, enabling students to meet each other and network with likeminded peers.”

Students will be able to participate in tours of science and technology facilities, learn about cutting-edge research, engage with industry partners, learn about STEM career pathways, and network with former NYSF participants.

The forum will run from January 10 to January 25 via a combination of in-person and digital STEM experiences.

“Participants will experience everything the NYSF is famous for, including keynote speakers, lectures, hands-on workshops,

Source: Media release, Sep 19 Rotary Club of Umina Beach

Buddy bubble brings welcome relief As students approaching their second week of the school holidays, a new ‘Friends Bubble’ has been announced by the NSW Government as part of easing restrictions as the state races towards its 70 per cent vaccination target.

Children and teenagers aged 18 years and under will be able to create a ‘bubble’ to allow home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated.

Young people will be able to create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity.

Each child is allowed to have two designated friends come to their house.

These two friends must always be the same, creating a three-person ‘friends bubble’.

All people older than 18 years in all the households must be fully vaccinated.

The friends must reside within five kilometres of each other or in the same LGA; and if parents/carers are dropping

children off, they must not stay to interact with other parents or carers.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW’s ‘strong’ vaccination rate allowed the change to support the wellbeing of young people.

“Parents and children have had a difficult few months trying to balance both work, often from home, as well as home schooling,” Berejiklian said.

“This change will hopefully make a big difference for families during the school holidays and allow young children and teenagers to catch up and reconnect with their friends.”

Minister for Education and Early Childhood, Sarah Mitchell, said the change would also benefit older students, allowing them to create a study bubble ahead of the HSC. “Year 12 students have had a stressful few months and with the HSC approaching, a study bubble is a great idea to help students maintain motivation,

receive support from a classmate and continue their preparation for the upcoming exams,” Mitchell said.

More information about COVID-19 regulations can be found at nsw.gov.au/covid-19 Source: Media release, Sep 21 NSW Government

EDUCATION & SCIENCE PAGE 29

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

A chance to Raise Your Voice in parliament Young people aged under 21 living on the Peninsula have until September 24 to write a speech which may end up being read in Federal Parliament by Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks.

Wicks is one of 40 Federal politicians who will read out a 90 second speech by a young person in Parliament this October as part of the inaugural Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign.

The MPs, from all major parties and independents, will each read out a speech written by a young person aged under 21 in their electorate.

Central Coast youth who live in the electorate of Robertson are invited to submit a speech on the topic ‘What is your vision for Australia in 20 years?’

Participating MPs will give up one of their speaking slots in October to deliver the chosen speech.

After submissions close, a selection of speeches will be provided to Wicks, who will choose which one to read out in Parliament.

“It’s so important that young people on the Central Coast have their voices heard at the highest levels of government,” Wicks said.

“Your voice matters and can play a role in shaping the future of our region and our nation.”

The campaign is an initiative of

Raise Our Voice Australia, which has partnered with UNICEF, Generation Politics, YWCA, and Run For It to deliver the campaign, which is being co-led by Raise Our Voice Australia founder Ashleigh Streeter-Jones and Ruby Bisson.

Streeter-Jones has been recognised by Forbes and the Australian Financial Review for her work in getting more young women into politics.

Bisson is a consent advocate, writer, and the director of Incredible Communications.

She ran the Youth Voice in Parliament campaign in 2018 with Parramatta MP, Julie Owens.

“Most young Australians don’t possess a working knowledge of the Australian political system,” Bisson said.

“Many don’t feel valued and heard by our policy makers either.

“Where is our future-focused government?

“Why is there such little recognition of the strength and influence of young people?

“At 18 I was passionate about social issues and hungry to learn more about politics but I couldn’t tell you the difference between the major parties.

“This campaign endeavours to increase the political literacy of young people and connect them with resources to help develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence in Australian

politics.”

Streeter-Jones said young people are already leaders, particularly in the community and innon-governmentorganisations.

“We’ve made it our mission to support Australia’s young people, especially young women and those from marginalised backgrounds, and provide them with skills, opportunities, and an understanding of how Australia’s public policies are made so they can create meaningful change for the future they want” she said.

Speeches which are chosen will be delivered to MP’s offices on October 1, with successful speech writers to be notified on October 10.

The speeches will be presented to Parliament during Youth Voice in Parliament week, which runs from October 18-21.

Speeches should be around 200 words and can be submitted at raiseourvoiceaustralia.com/ youthvoice.

Source: Media release, Sep 17 Raise Our Voice Australia

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TIDE CHART

FORT DENISON

Times are in local standard time (UTC +10:00) or daylight savings time (UTC +11:00) when in effect.

LAT 33° 51’ S - LONG 151° 14’ E - TIME ZONE - 1000 Times and Heights(m) of high and low waters

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

0352 0.41 0421 0.48 0140 1.08 0323 0.35 0451 0.55 0527 0.62 0034 1.14 1045 1.56 0936 1.57 1010 1.57 1121 1.53 0611 0.69 0711 0.75 1202 1.49 THU 1541 0.42 FRI 1620 0.46 SAT 1702 0.51 SUN 1748 0.56 MON 1843 0.61 TUE 1253 1.45 WED 1354 1.41 2147 1.51 2223 1.41 2301 1.31 2344 1.22 1948 0.65 2104 0.64 0301 1.08 0419 1.12 0514 1.20 0657 1.30 0130 0.34 0206 0.27 0243 0.22 0826 0.77 0942 0.74 1044 0.66 1235 0.57 0735 1.40 0813 1.52 0852 1.63 THU 1506 1.42 FRI 1614 1.47 SAT 1709 1.55 SUN 1856 1.64 MON 1322 0.46 TUE 1407 0.37 WED 1453 0.29 2309 0.52 2352 0.43 2021 1.77 2105 1.77 2214 0.60 1938 1.72

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

PAGE 30 CLASSIFIEDS

23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021

More patrols to detect unlawful bike tracks MOUNTAIN BIKING The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance is calling on Central Coast Council to take positive steps to provide sustainable offroad cycling infrastructure in the region in the wake of an announcement the Council is set to crack down on unauthorised trails.

Council said it had commenced proactive patrols in natural reserves and continues to monitor open space areas for unauthorised bike jump and track builds, with every report assessed by staff for its risk to the surrounding environment, threatened species, heritage values and risk to the public before determining the next steps.

Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox, said Council had received an increased number of reports from the community about unauthorised mountain bike

and BMX tracks and structures being built right across the region.

“Unauthorised bike tracks and jumps are constructed without any approval or assessment of impacts to environment, heritage or other reserve users,” Cox said.

“They have the potential to negatively impact trees, native vegetation and the habitat of our local native animals, provide greater access for foxes, cats and dogs into bushland which makes native fauna more vulnerable to predation, alter natural drainage patterns and cause soil erosion or water pollution, damage sites of Aboriginal or European heritage value and attract littering and illegal dumping.

“As the risks are higher in our natural reserves, we have increased proactive patrols by our community safety officers to monitor community compliance with the Local Government Act – the act of knowingly causing these

Illegal construction in a Coast reserve

impacts is an offence and penalties could apply to those people found to be responsible.”

Council Unit Manager Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar, said Council was also monitoring unauthorised builds in open space areas including parks and playgrounds.

“We are taking a pragmatic approach to the informal BMX jump tracks being built in open

Get prepared for Touch season TOUCH FOOTBALL The Peninsula Touch Association has put the call out to its members to get ready for the season ahead despite there being no set date as to when community sport will return.

Under the NSW Government’s current roadmap out of lockdown, there is no clear date as to when community sport will be permitted for either fully vaccinated or unvaccinated people.

The Association has

confirmed the original start date of October 27 is ‘extremely unlikely’ to occur.

They said the extension of ‘normal dates’ of a summer competition in 2022 is a likely option, so that the season is as close to normal length as possible.

Teams who have already registered are not expected to be disadvantaged financially, and if a shortened season is confirmed, registration fees will be adjusted accordingly.

The Association said that whilst registrations remain open, it is best that no more

local teams register as this point until there is more certainty around the season launch.

But in the meantime, it is now time for players to get organised … ‘the more prepared you are, the easier a restart will be!’

The Association advised players and families to follow the NSW Government’s messaging surrounding vaccinations whilst the season details are finalised.

Source: Social media, Sep 16 Peninsula Touch Association

space areas,” he said.

“This is a very difficult time for many in our community and the current lockdown restrictions in place mean many children are unable to attend school and all formal sport and recreation has ceased.

“If the informal BMX tracks are not causing environmental harm and the risk to the greater public is minimal then we are currently not removing them from open space areas.

“At this moment there is a greater mental health benefit for our children in leaving them as is.

“We will continue to monitor reported sites and if the level of risk increases, we will take appropriate action at that time,” Sherar said.

The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance says Council destroying jumps and structures without offering an alternative would have negative impacts.

A spokesperson said lockdown had accelerated already rapidly growing participation rates in mountain biking, with a rise in the building of informal infrastructure to meet that demand.

“Recently this has most commonly been seen in many cases of kids in various neighbourhoods creating jumps in public reserves, using initiative and working together to create their own entertainment at this difficult time.

“In response, (Council has announced an) increase in monitoring and removal of trails and jumps without providing any suitable alternatives.

“Do we not want our kids to play outside, challenge themselves and build relationships with others and the bush?

“Why is our Council cracking down on this fundamental aspect of being a child?

“Why has Council decided that it is time to expend money and manpower by sending out the excavators to flatten jumps and structures built by kids and local cyclists?

“When they offer no alternatives, they simply ignore community need.

“It is time for a paradigm shift from Council regarding how it values kids and adults interacting in natural spaces.”

The spokesperson said destroying dirt jumps would foster negative relationships between young people and authority; remove people from the bush, limiting the possibility to educate about ecological and cultural significance; and limit access to recreation with subsequent ill-effects on the health and wellbeing of residents.

“With COVID lockdown and no community sports allowed, riding has become a physical and mental outlet for all ages.

“Every time Council finds a trail or set of jumps, it has found unmet community demand.

“When you destroy this

infrastructure you do not destroy the need for that infrastructure; the community does not go away.

“Rather, research shows that these sorts of measures only guarantee … an increase in community friction (and embolden) opponents of mountain biking that can lead to dangerous acts of trail sabotage intended to seriously injure and maim riders.”

The spokesperson peerreviewed research and cases from around Australia and other parts of the world have shown that what determines the environmental impact of a trail is its planning, construction and management, not the activity that take place on it.

“As such, mountain biking has been conclusively shown to have a comparable environmental footprint to that of bushwalking.

“After 30 years of advocacy by local riders, Central Coast Council is yet to provide a single metre of mountain bike trails or dirt jump facilities.

“It is no wonder that local residents and kids are quite simply providing their own facilities.”

The Alliance has called on Council to extend its engagement and increase commitments to local riders by making positive steps to provide sustainable off-road cycling infrastructure.

“The Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance remains optimistic about working with Council, other land managers and stakeholders to break this negative policy cycle and move towards outcomes that benefit riders, the wider community and the environment,” the spokesperson said.

Source: Media release, Sep 10 Central Coast Council Media statement, Sep 15 Central Coast MTB Trail Alliance

Humpback Highway Watch Ronny Ling and his Central Coast Dolphin Project and Central Coast Newspapers have combined to bring you a regular Humpback Highway report in each edition of this newspaper.

A few whales have been spotted over the last week, but the majority have been out wide.

Dolphins have been regularly sighted at Ettalong, Umina, Pretty Beach, Box Head and

CCN

Killcare Beach.

Some even ventured to the Rip Bridge the other day.

We’ve had two seals cruising in Brisbane Water, and others turning up at Box Head.

The Barrenjoey seal colony has 16 members still at the moment.

The main species of marine mammals around at the moment are Inshore Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Humpback Whales and Longnosed Fur Seals.

However, keep your eyes out for some exceptions to that.

Orcas, Leopard Seals, Southern Right Whales, False Killer Whales, Australian Fur Seals, Sub-Antarctic Fur Seals, Rissos Dolphins and even Blue Whales have been sighted off the Central Coast at this time in previous years.

If you’re planning to go whale watching, remember to comply with Health Regulations and police/government directions.

If you are lucky enough to spot a whale, seal or dolphin, please text or call the Project on 0490 401 969 or email centralcoastdolphins@gmail.com

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23 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Drones enhance surf safety on Peninsula

SURFING A new shark surveillance program has launched at Ocean Beach following a decision to expand the coverage across the NSW coastline.

Surf Life Saving NSW, with the support of the Department of Primary Industries, is providing the drone coverage with flights starting last weekend to coincide with the start of surf patrols by lifesavers and lifeguards.

This year’s Shark Drone

Program has expanded to 50 beaches along the NSW coastline, mostly in regional areas, with 200 drone pilots expected to put in more than 9,500 hours and 25,000 flights.

The cost-effective, noninvasive drone patrols minimise the impact on marine life and have earned positive public response with people reporting greater confidence swimming at locations where drones operate.

Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales, said that alongside their primary

use for shark patrols, the drones were an additional tool to assist volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards to identify other hazards such as rip currents, patrol outside flagged swimming areas and they were an integral part of search and rescue operations.

New to the program this year will be the trialling of technology designed to extend the reach of the “eyes in the sky” with longrange endurance flight trials which could offer the possibility of exponentially increasing the coastal area covered.

“We’ve shown this technology is here to stay and hope with greater coverage we save even more lives,” Shales said.

The NSW Government has nearly tripled its funding to $21.4M to expand what it claims is the world’s largest suite of shark management tools and technologies.

“We have done the research and invested in new technologies to bring added protection to our beaches including SMART drumlines, VR4G listening stations and the shark-spotting drones,” said

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro.

“There is no other jurisdiction in Australia or across the globe which has done as much testing and trialling of technology and approaches to mitigate shark interactions.

“In partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW, we will be deploying the world’s largest domestic fleet of drones, thanks to an extra $3M to scale-up operations.

“We will be deploying over 100 SMART drumlines in nearly

every coastal council area and the shark netting will continue in the Greater Sydney region while we measure the success of the expanded technologyled solutions.

“Finally, we will be blanketing our coast with 37 VR4G shark listening stations to make sure that when a tagged shark comes close to the coast, everyone using our SharkSmart app will know about it instantaneously, including the lifesavers,” Barilaro said.

Sue Murray