Central Coast News

A much loved member of the Lake Macquarie community was laid to rest today by friends and family. Bert Reay taught hundreds of people with disabilities to sail, and will be sorely missed.

Youngsters with a passion for music or a talent for sport, could be in line for a major financial boost. The state government has allocated $200,000 to the Central Coast for sporting and musical services.

Postie bikes aren’t built for distance, but they’re about to be put to the test in a charity ride. A group will travel from Brisbane to Melbourne, the trip made even more challenging by the fact all of the bikes are on their last legs.

Gosford City Council has signalled its support for a proposal to abolish rate capping. There are two options being put forward, but the council is saying that major rises won’t take place without public consultation.

The Coalition has unofficially started its campaign to win back the seats of Dobell and Robertson. It’s opened an office at Erina to give the party a presence on the Central Coast.

Politicians are getting their hands dirty, working at small businesses. It’s hoped the experience will help shape parliamentary debate on the laws and regulations that impact small business.

For 20 years, it was a nightclub reeking of cigarettes and stale beer, and now the first floor of the Central Coast Leagues Club has become the largest single-story gymnasium in the southern hemisphere. Gosford Mayor Chris Holstein hopes the health of the community will now undergo a similar transformation.

People with flu symptoms, who are otherwise healthy, are being asked to stay away from doctors surgeries, as GPs struggle to deal with the numbers of swine flu cases. Doctors are also asking employers to suspend their sick leave policies, saying workers seeking doctors certificates are only adding to the problem.

They say bad things come in threes, and that’s certainly been the case for a Cessnock man. In less than a year, Paul Marshall has lost a child, suffered a relationship break-up and now, due to state housing regulations, faces losing his family’s new home.

A Central Coast financial planning company has been named Socially Responsible Business of the Year at a state awards night. Financial Management Solutions at The Entrance was praised for its charity work.