Grapevine News Online November 2023

NEWS ARCHIVES

29 November 2023

A masterplan that goes nowhere?

Central Coast Council is off and running on yet another ‘pie-in-the-sky’ project that would run into billions to implement and would more than likely not only impact financially on urban residents but those property owners in the rural districts too.

29 November 2023

Christmas shoppers warned about surging battery fires

Christmas shoppers are being been warned about the dangers of charging Lithium-ion products and to beware of sub-standard Lithium-ion battery-powered devices as fires surge across the state.

29 November 2023

Major funding boost for Dobell veterans

The Federal Government is further delivering on their commitment to improve access to services and supports for veterans and their families.

29 November 2023

Hook, line and sinker for country-of-origin labelling

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, has welcomed the decision by state consumer ministers to support changes to the Australian Consumer Law, which will see Seafood Country-Of-Origin Labelling (COOL) become mandatory in hospitality venues.

29 November 2023

Working together to raise awareness on domestic violence

Central Coast Council is once again working with community leaders to initiate important conversations around domestic and family violence.

29 November 2023

Tens of thousands more Fee-Free TAFE places for NSW

The Federal and State Governments have announced a further 147,400 Fee-Free TAFE places will be available in New South Wales over the next three years, giving more people the opportunity to study for future jobs in areas where the economy needs them most.

29 November 2023

2024 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary available now!

The wildly successful 2024 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary has now arrived and is available for seniors to secure. Packed full of useful information about a wide range of legal issues – including driving and fines, disputes between neighbours, wills and planning ahead – this diary provides vital information for seniors across our community.

29 November 2023

Growing community gardens

The Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project (SWAMP) – Central Coast, provides a space for people to visit and connect to grow a community of like minded people that may be isolated, new to the area, want to join a community garden, learn ways to grow and eat food.

29 November 2023

Dementia cafe and Christmas donations

Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre will host a dementia café (DCaf) Creative Arts Workshop starting from February 2024. The Centre is also calling on the community for food donations and support for its Christmas hampers program.

29 November 2023

The Lakes Festival a welcome boost for the local economy

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of attendees of the eighth Lakes Festival, which has again given the Central Coast region a timely economic boost as local businesses look towards peak tourist season.

29 November 2023

Xamina is just wild about native gardening

The first thing you will notice when you have a chat with CEN’s new Wildplant Nursery Manager, Xamina Mitchell, is her passion for native flora – it’s contagious.

29 November 2023

EPA to meet with Central Coast residents

Hot on the heels of the United Nations (UN) visit, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), CEO Tony Chappel, is meeting with Future Sooner and the Central Coast community on Friday 1st December 12.30pm-3pm at the Chain Valley Bay Community Hall..

22 November 2023

Killing the environment; killing humans

As the two intrepid doctors from Wollongong, who are sailing to Port Newcastle in their tiny kayak “No More Fossil Fuel”, in an effort to raise awareness of the continual human health and climate change problems from burning fossil fuel to generate electricity, the Federal Government is still approving new coal mines.

22 November 2023

Origin of seafood labelling vote O-FISH-ALLY on the table

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan today hosted a meeting with the Professional Fishers Association, Seafood Industry Australia, and the office of the Minister for Industry and Trade, to continue his support and advocacy for the introduction of mandatory Country-Of-Origin Labelling.

22 November 2023

Men the focus of summer skin cancer prevention campaign

The Federal Government has teamed up with Cancer Council Australia to get more Aussie men doing the Five S’s– Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide to prevent skin cancer.

22 November 2023

Medicare urgent clinic opens at Umina

The Federal Government is delivering on its commitment to people on the Central Coast, with the Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) in Umina Beach opening on 20 November at 297 West Street, Umina Beach.

22 November 2023

Christmas is coming to the Central Coast

The magic of Christmas on the Coast returns from 24 November, with Town Centre Carols, larger than life Christmas trees, lights and bauble displays, and visits from Santa to ensure the Coast sparkles with Christmas fun.

22 November 2023

New COVID-19 vaccines to target current variants

The Australian Government has accepted the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of new COVID-19 XBB 1.5 vaccine as part of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program.

22 November 2023

North Avoca Paths project completed

Central Coast Council has completed the North Avoca Paths project, which delivers an improved and safer network of footpaths for pedestrians between three streets in North Avoca.

22 November 2023

Unlocking the immune system's power to kill prostrate cancer

The Federal Government is providing $5 million to Professor Gail Risbridger and a team from Monash University, as a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to develop CAR T cell therapy for prostate cancer.

22 November 2023

Summertime’s right for dancing in the streets

The Central Coast community, council and event organisers will have a much easier and cost-effective path to hosting festivals, parties and events on local streets and outdoor areas under landmark changes to the application process.

15 November 2023

The Entrance North 'terns' into a little nesting site

As the Little Terns start to arrive at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, to begin nesting, Central Coast Council wants to remind everyone how they can help protect the endangered species during this critical time.

15 November 2023

Local doctors talk dirty with kayakers

Future Sooner and supporters prepare to welcome intrepid kayak-sailors Tom Hunt and Dr Simon Leslie on the Norah Head leg of their 400k ocean paddle to end fossil fuels, as two local doctors get ready to talk dirty.

15 November 2023

Helping small businesses stay cybersecure

A new digital resource, called ID Support, aimed at helping protect NSW small businesses against identity theft and data breaches, has been launched by the NSW Government.

15 November 2023

Walk it off

Walk It Off, a mental health and fitness support group for people who need a place to connect with others and share in an accessible, casual, non-judgemental setting, has begun at The Haven, in Terrigal.

15 November 2023

Spreading Christmas joy

Local residents Jodie and daughter Summerlilly Welch organised through the Member for Wyong David Harris’s office a generous donation to We Care Connect organisation.

15 November 2023

Connecting regional women to services and support

A dedicated digital hub aimed at connecting women in regional, rural and remote areas with relevant and up to date services and support, the Rural Women’s Resource (RWR), has been launched.

15 November 2023

Landmark National Skills Agreement

New South Wales is set to benefit from over $3.81 billion of investment following the signing of a landmark agreement by the Albanese and Minns Governments, embedding national cooperation and strategic investment in the New South Wales vocational education and training sector.

15 November 2023

Free pet microchipping day

Central Coast Council, in partnership with its contractor SoCares, is once again making it easier for locals to microchip their cat or dog by hosting a free microchipping day at its Erina and Charmhaven Animal Care Facilities this Saturday 18 November.

15 November 2023

Text alerts to help train commuters

Central Coast commuters will benefit from the the NSW Government's new initiative and technology to help give passengers a more user-friendly experience at train stations.

15 November 2023

Get tested this COPD Day

This World COPD Day (15 November 2023), Central Coast Local Health District is raising awareness of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

15 November 2023

The next generation of Coastie leaders

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch has celebrated the fantastic success of the 2023 Youth Leadership Forum, which brought together school leaders from across the Central Coast to share ideas on how to shape a brighter future for our community.

8 November 2023

Is Australia doing enough to meet its climate targets?

There’s still "an appropriate level of cynicism" towards Australia and its climate efforts, experts say. Its new 2030 target is not enough to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C. And surprisingly, Treasurer Jim Chalmers last week conceded Australia is behind in efforts to meet climate targets, signalling a need for more public and private investment to catch up.

8 November 2023

World-best waterskiers set to wow Brisbane Water

A stunning strip of Brisbane Water, near Drifters’ Wharf will be abuzz with activity from November 9-19 when competitors from around the world put their waterskiing prowess to the test at the IWWF 2023 World Waterski Racing Championships.

8 November 2023

Spotlight on water safety for seniors this summer

The NSW Government is partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW in its Active Adults campaign to highlight the importance of water safety for seniors this summer.

8 November 2023

Veteran and defence community comes together on Kokoda Day

State and Federal Government representatives and veteran support organisations came together last Friday on the Central Coast, 3 November, with local veterans and the defence community on Kokoda Day to focus on veteran wellbeing, mental health and support to transition to civilian life.

8 November 2023

Community battery roll-out rolls on

The Federal Government has switched on another community battery under its national Community Batteries for Household Solar program, helping with cost-of-living by providing access to cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy.

8 November 2023

PBS list expanded

As from 1 November 2023, Australians with treatment-resistant high frequency episodic migraine have access to fremanezumab (Ajovy®) through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

8 November 2023

Making Medicare stronger for the Central Coast

The Federal Government is making Medicare stronger for the Central Coast. On 1 November, the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare takes effect, with the tripling of the bulk billing incentive for local GPs.

8 November 2023

New upgrade funding grants for government schools

Central Coast government schools can now apply for funding of at least $250,000 to build or upgrade vital infrastructure.

8 November 2023

Driving EV charging into regional tourism hot spots

Residents in regional NSW, which includes the Central Coast, and tourists can now drive their electric vehicles with greater confidence as the Minns Government delivers more EV chargers through the Destination Charging Program.

8 November 2023

$5.25 million available for Surf Club upgrades

With summer only a few weeks away, NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs can apply for up to $5.25 million for new and improved facilities following the opening of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

8 November 2023

Shoot for the stairs

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan has congratulated the Bateau Bay community for its concerted efforts to save the stairs which provide access to Blue Lagoon Reserve.

8 November 2023

New Safe Haven offers mental health support in Gosford

The NSW Government is bolstering access to free mental health support on the Central Coast with the official opening of a Safe Haven at Gosford Hospital today.

1 November 2023

Does the NSW Climate Change Bill stack up?

A clean, healthy and sustainable environment is generally understood to include the right to clean air; a safe and stable climate; access to safe water and adequate sanitation; healthy and sustainably produced food; non-toxic environments in which to live, work, study and play; and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems.

1 November 2023

Milestone on commitment to improve mobile coverage

The Federal Government has reached an important milestone on its commitment to improve mobile coverage in Matcham-Holgate and Wyoming, with new funding delivered as part of the Improving Mobile Coverage Round.

1 November 2023

Ice sheet tipping point has passed

For more than 30 years we have been told that we are pushing our climate system towards our own destruction. Evidence has been piling up that it is true. We can see the very tip of it in the extremes now occurring in heat waves, fires and flooding all over the world.

1 November 2023

Funding now open for community sport

Community sports clubs in the Wyong electorate can now apply for funding to purchase new equipment, upgrade facilities, and deliver programs as part of the Local Sport Grant Program.

1 November 2023

Next steps to beat plastic pollution in NSW

The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to tackle plastic pollution by inviting the public to have its say on helping to prevent 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste produced each year from causing harm to the environment and human health.

1 November 2023

Nominate a young person for 2024 Youth Week Awards

Born from a unique idea in 2022, the Central Coast Youth Week Awards will be held 11 April 2024 at The Hub Erina, Youth Entertainment Venue. The event will be the culmination of community nominations recognising young people on the Central Coast.

1 November 2023

Boost for general practices on the Central Coast

38 general practices in Robertson have received grant funding of between $25,000 and $35,000 from the Federal Labor Government’s Strengthening Medicare – General Practice Grants Program.

1 November 2023

Mental health matters

As Mental Health Month has now come to a close, now is an important time to consider the everyday ways that we can focus on our mental health.

1 November 2023

Future Sooner takes out top Environmental Award

Recognition is always important but most people work to protect the environment in which we live because they care - they don't expect the accolades they sometimes receive for their unselfish dedication for the benefit of others.

1 November 2023

Access to democracy

Improving accessibility and increasing the voice of people with disability in parliaments across the Commonwealth were among topics presented by Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (66th CPC) in Accra, Ghana this month.