Grapevine News Online April 2024

NEWS ARCHIVES

24 April 2024

A gathering storm

Just like menacing plumes of gathering storm clouds, a supercell thunderstorm of PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination in the waters of Lake Munmorah is setting the stage for an Erin Brockovich-style battle between the Central Coast’s northern suburb residents and the Minns Government and the NSW EPA.

24 April 2024

Wyong's lip service to planning laws

The Community Environment Network (CEN), after completing a $27,000 historical air photo analysis into Central Coast Airport, has alleged that the former Wyong Shire Council breached the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (The Act) on no less than twelve (12) occasions – and that behaviour is being continued by the current Central Coast Council.

24 April 2024

Iconic building needs to be saved

Although the need for a regional library at Gosford had been touted for a long time, finally. after years of planning and several location changes, work finally began on the regional library in Donnison St, Gosford, with a sod turning ceremony on Tuesday, January 16. But what about the iconic Gosford Library building located directly opposite in Kibble Park?

24 April 2024

Boost for pharmacists during 'flu season

The Federal government is protecting Australians in aged care and disability homes by funding pharmacists for the first time to provide free 'flu and other National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines at the homes.

24 April 2024

Disaster support extended across the Central Coast

The Commonwealth and NSW Governments are extending critical disaster support across the Central Coast, with the announcement of disaster relief funding and the extension of the waste levy waiver across the Central Coast Local Government Area.

24 April 2024

Solutions to support community’s wellbeing

Central Coast Council is inviting residents of all ages and backgrounds to fill in a Community Wellbeing survey, to help understand the community’s perception of their own wellbeing and quality of life here on the Central Coast.

24 April 2024

Decarbonising healthcare

On Earth Day 2024, the Federal Government signed a public statement of collaboration with the United States and United Kingdom to decarbonise healthcare supply chains.

24 April 2024

Stop and reflect this ANZAC Day

Anzac Day is our day of national commemoration and on Thursday 25 April, the Australian War Memorial will mark the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served and died in military operations.

24 April 2024

Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade

Central Coast Council Water and Sewer is gearing up to commence the $82.5 million major upgrade of Mardi Water Treatment Plant. Council is upgrading the Plant to ensure the security of our water supply, now and into the future.

24 April 2024

More cost of living forums planned

Following an informative cost-of-living forum at Narara Community Centre, a series of cost-of-living forums are now being planned across the region.

24 April 2024

Commitment to coastal management project

The NSW Government is supporting Central Coast Council to manage its coastal and estuarine areas with a grant of $107,750 for coastal works at Pearl Beach Lagoon.

24 April 2024

Campaign to remove ’nets of death’

Friends of Kurrawyba, a new Terrigal-based community group, has launched a petition calling for the NSW Government to permanently remove “shark meshing” from NSW beaches from the end of April in this year (2024)

17 April 2024

Bottom-feeders who prey on human gullibility

Scams are rampant, with new ones popping up all the time as scammers adapt to new technologies, the latest trends and current events. They are the low-life, bottom-feeders of humanity, who do not care whose life they destroy, as long as they fill their pockets with gold.

17 April 2024

Go4Fun program now open

A free after-school program to help kids be more active and eat healthier is now open to all children aged seven to 13 on the Central Coast, along with their families.

17 April 2024

Reforming emergency services funding

The public is invited to have their say on the best path forward to reform the way emergency services are funded via a consultation paper, which is now online.

17 April 2024

Consultation open on veterans' legislation reform

The Federal Labor Government has released exposure draft legislation which will simplify and harmonise the century old veterans’ entitlements, compensation, and rehabilitation system.

17 April 2024

$5.4 million in local TAFE Campus

TAFE NSW Wyong will receive a funding boost, with the NSW Government investing $5.4 million to upgrade campus infrastructure and improve digital connectivity to support the skills needs of the local community.

17 April 2024

Young achievers recognised

Central Coast Youth Week Awards have returned to celebrate the pursuits of young people on the Central Coast.

17 April 2024

Staging a comeback

Venues on the Central Coast including Link & Pin, Drifters Wharf, the Fun Haus Factory, Pocket Bar and the Beachcomber Hotel are among over 108 across the state that have signed up for extended trading hours to host live music since the 2023 election.

17 April 2024

Revised consultation dates

for reclassification of Council properties

Revised dates and venue changes have been announced for the two public hearings into the reclassification of 10 Council owned properties from community to operational.

10 April 2024

The wolf at the door

Climate change is affecting the health and wellbeing of many Australians, and is impacting on people’s health in a myriad of ways - death and illness from increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and floods, the disruption of food systems, and increases in zoonoses, vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues.

10 April 2024

A not so clever approach

The federal government has now released its a, claiming they want a fair go for families and a fair go for farmers. But Labor’s supermarket code of conduct will likely inflate grocery prices, something consumers are already suffering in some areas

10 April 2024

Climbing community joins forces for Bouddi cleanup

Members of the Central Coast rock climbing community joined forces with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to conduct a successful cleanup operation in Bouddi National Park.

10 April 2024

Fee-Free TAFE

The Federal and Stare Governments’ Fee-Free TAFE initiative is continuing to exceed targets, removing financial barriers so more people in New South Wales can learn new skills in areas where the economy needs them most.

10 April 2024

Reclaim the game

The NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative continues to score goals, with NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball the latest teams, and first for netball in NSW, to let their extensive fan base enjoy the sport free from sports betting advertising.

10 April 2024

Celebrate the Coast’s hinterlands at Harvest Festival

Central Coast’s foodie wonderland in the hinterlands is celebrating its award-winning produce and spectacular scenery at Harvest Festival on 8 and 9 June 2024.

10 April 2024

Rip current safety lessons at Umina and Pearl Beach

People with a keen interest in learning rip current safety skills are encouraged to get along to free safety lessons led by local volunteer lifesavers at Umina Beach and Pearl Beach from April 12-18.

10 April 2024

Kariong playspace needs safety improvements

A community petition calling on Central Coast Council to provide a safety fence and shade at the new Kariong Playspace, on Curringa Road, has been launched.

10 April 2024

Connections Expo for Human Experience Week

Central Coast Local Health District is hosting the Central Coast Connections Expo, a special local event to celebrate Human Experience Week, in partnership with NSW Health.

10 April 2024

Jenny Dixon Beach stair repair is underway

The construction for the repair of Jenny Dixon Beach stairs started last Monday 8 April. The eight weeks of works are expected to be completed by June 2024 subject to weather.

10 April 2024

Narara cost-of-living forum

As the Central Coast manages cost-of-living pressures, a forum has been organised to assist people experiencing financial difficulties.

3 April 2024

Delivering a solar future

The federal government is investing $1 billion in the Solar Sunshot program to supercharge Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy super power at home and abroad. But it was an opportunity previously handed to the Howard Liberal Government, who dismissed solar as being a viable option to move away from carbon-based power generation.

3 April 2024

Architectural legacy earns State Heritage listing

Bouddi Farm’ on the Central Coast, a sprawling residence, artist studio and private garden, has been listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, and will continue to be celebrated for its architectural legacy.

3 April 2024

Visitor growth boosts local economy

The NSW Central Coast visitor economy is gaining momentum, with visitors spending, and exploring, more in region.

3 April 2024

Raising awareness of Endometriosis

March was Endometriosis Awareness Month and Federal Members of Parliament joined with Endometriosis Australia at Parliament House to help bring much-needed attention to Australians living with the condition.

3 April 2024

Get active to improve your strength and balance this April Falls

Older adults on the Central Coast are being encouraged to get physically active this April as part of April Falls Month.

3 April 2024

Talent and imagination flies in the school holidays

In a spectacular showcase of imagination and talent, Australia’s best young performers collide this school holidays at the Wyong Art House in the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.

3 April 2024

Easter came early in Gosford

Easter came early to Gosford Hospital today when the NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates (the Nashos) made a special delivery of Easter treats to patients on the Children’s Ward.