A Go Fund Me page for Millie, the dog who was savagely beaten and shot with a speargun at Woy Woy earlier this week is just shy of its target. More than $12,000 has been raised to cover Millie’s surgery bill, after she suffered a fractured skull, a collapsed lung and other serious injuries in the attack. A 45-year-old man has been refused bail, charged with animal cruelty. (no audio)

Commuter chaos was also felt at Central Coast stations today. The revised timetable saw local commuters face significant delays and overcrowded carriages.

There’s fresh hope a certain spotted marsupial could make its return to mainland Australia, after a 50 year absence. Not-for-profit organisation Aussie Ark has started a crowdfunding campaign to bring back the endangered Eastern Quoll.

Fresh out of university, two local radiation therapy students have received the opportunity of a lifetime. Jack Bowman and Katie Sadler have been awarded scholarships to continue their research into lifesaving cancer treatment alongside field experts.

A man has been refused bail… charged following an eight hour stand-off with police in Glenning Valley overnight. Officers were called to a home on Bottlebrush Drive just before 5-o’clock last night… following reports the man, armed with a knife, had locked himself inside. The 52-year-old was eventually tasered by police and taken into custody in the early hours of this morning. He’ll front Wyong Court again on February 28. (no audio)

In the lead-up to Australia Day, the debate over changing the date is causing a stir on the Central Coast. Liberal politicians have taken to the streets, fighting to keep January 26 as the official date, while Aboriginal leader Sean Gordon maintains it’s a day of mourning.

A man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a Woy Woy home on Monday, and shooting a dog with a spear gun. Police say the 45 year old man forced his way into the home, hitting the dog over the head leaving it with lacerations. He then allegedly fired a spear gun into the dogs head. The animal is recovering after undergoing surgery. The man was charged with a number of offences including committing an aggravated act of animal cruelty. He was refused bail and will appear before Gosford Local Court today.

The skyline of Gosford is set to change, with a new eight-level high-rise development in the works. When it’s finished, the Showground Road building will include 34 apartments, three shops and a childcare centre – all right across the road from Gosford Train Station. Construction could take up to 16 months, but apartments are already on the market. (no audio)

Information is being sought from the public after a number of vehicles were damaged on the Central Coast over the weekend. Police say there were 16 seperate incidents of malicious damage to vehicles in Bateau Bay, Long Jetty, Shelly Beach, and Toowoon Bay, between about 3am and 5.30am on Sunday. Most of the incidents involve damage to motor vehicle windows and windscreens. Tyres were also punctured in two incidents. Anyone who may have been a victim of these offences, who may have witnessed the offences happening, or have any other information, is urged to contact police.

Central Coast lifeguards say beachgoers will be better protected this summer following a new, high-powered arrival. The donation of a $15,000 jetski will now help volunteers access even the most secluded swimming spots.

Today the 75th anniversary of the HMAS Patricia Cam was commemorated on the Central Coast. Locals embracing the history of the 1940 Brisbane Water vessel with a model replica.  

The state government’s Return and Earn scheme has proven to be hugely popular on the Central Coast in less than a month of operation. Already, more than 1.5 million drink containers and bottles have been returned in exchange for 10 cent receipts which can be redeemed for cash or donated to selected charities. In the first two weeks of operation, the Erina Fair reverse vending machine received 125,591 deposits. Since December, the Bateau Bay machine clocked up 653,527 returns, while Lisarow has so far recorded 701,610. Cans, glass bottles and juice boxes are allowed to be cashed in, however milk and wine bottles are not permitted. (VISION ONLY)