Central Coast News

Dogs and cats may be pets of choice for most people, but did you know, the popularity of guinea pigs is on the rise? The so-called ‘pocket pets’ featured in today’s Inaugural Mega Pet Show – the first of its kind on the Central Coast.      

One of the largest community events on the Central Coast is changing locations after conflict with the local branch of the Vietnam Veterans association. The popular Oyster Festival will now move from near the Ettalong foreshore to the Markets site.  

A visit to court can be stressful. Gosford Courthouse is trialling a new program and unleashing a group of Labradors, to be ‘canine court companions’ for those in need.  

While ferry operators on the Central Coast are reaping the benefits of the dredging of the Ettalong Channel, they’re concerned the job is only half-done. Business owners are pushing for further dredging around Lobster Beach.

Central Coast Council has responded to public pressure, putting controversial plans for the Winney Bay Cliff Top Walk back up for discussion. Residents can again have their say on stage two of the multi-million dollar project.    

Investigations are continuing after an overnight crash on the Central Coast, which has left two women in hospital with serious injuries. The crash at Wyongah happened at around 6:30 last night, with early reports suggesting the Holden Commodore left Cooranga Road and hit a tree. The driver, a 23-year-old woman, was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital suffering head injuries. Her passenger, a 35-year-old woman, was airlifted to Westmead Hospital with critical head injuries.

Namesakes for local landmarks, the first Australian to enlist for the Great War – all these and more can be found during a tour of a small Central Coast cemetery. But it’s the fate of one of the graveyard’s founders that that will leave visitors with goosebumps.  

A Central Coast ‘herb guru’ is doing his part to fight world poverty and hunger. Ian Hemphill is encouraging people to sit down and enjoy a curry with friends – to help raise funds for poverty-stricken families in Asia.  

Two men have been charged after almost 200 MDMA capsules were seized in a vehicle stop on the Central Coast. It’s alleged the two men, aged 19 and 26, were heading to a music festival in Sydney when they were stopped by police at Wyong just after 11 o’clock on Saturday morning. A search of the car uncovered the capsules, as well as a small quantity of cannabis, metal knuckle dusters, cash and mobile phones. They were both charged with indictable drug supply, and will face court again later today.

It’s that time of year again – the flags go up, and the beach goers flock to the surf. This summer’s patrol season was marked with a special milestone in Newcastle, but it also came with a clear message from life savers.