The Hardys Bay Residents Group's executive committee extends heartiest greetings to all in our community for a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

May it be peaceful and joyous.

The Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade is to install two Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units in prominent locations for access by members of the public in the local area. According to experts in the field, these units can save the life of a heart attack victim.

An AED is a portable electronic device used in the first aid treatment of cardiac arrest which, when activated, can automatically diagnose potentially life-threatening cardiac arrythmia and, where appropriate, automatically treat that through "defibrillation", which allows the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

The AED units are fully self-contained and are designed to be operated by lay persons without medical training. The units have clear visual instructions and, once activated, automatically move through the process to determine whether defibrillation is necessary and, if so, do that process automatically.

The AEDs will be installed at the Killcare Cellars and General Store (on the corner of Araluen Drive and Killcare Road) and the Wagstaffe Store (on the corner of Mulhall Street and Wagstaffe Avenue - opposite the Community Hall). The respective owners of these businesses have generously allowed the Brigade to install these units on their premises to provide the best possible access. The units will be close at hand to the busiest areas in the community throughout the trading hours of each of these stores.

KWRFB captain, Steve Farrell, has expressed his appreciation to the owners of the businesses for making this facility available to the public. But he wishes to make it clear that, while the store owners are making the facility available, neither they, nor their staff, have any obligation to assist the public in operating the AED units. Also the units are accessible during the shops' business hours, and neither store has any obligation also, to attend outside such hours to assist in accessing the units.

Anyone using the AED units will do so at their own risk and neither of the store owners, nor the KWRFB, can assume or accept any liability in respect of the operation or the use of an AED unit. KWRFB will retain ownership of the units and ensure they are regularly serviced and maintained. Similar AED units are now being installed by businesses and respective authorities in many public areas including airports, entertainment and sporting venues, etc.

Anybody in the community who feels that they or someone in their family is at risk of a heart attack is encouraged to use the Internet to employ their search engine to look up "AED" for numerous articles on the use of this equipment. The KWRFB plans to run "familiarisation" sessions to allow members to see what the units look like and how they are activated. When the sessions are to be conducted, the Brigade will advise of the details in the community newsletters.

The New Team at Hardy's Bay RSL Club Welcomes You : Standing ... Jeremy Linton-Mann (Director),
Kirsty Huntington (Staff Member), Chad Hartney (Club Manager), Lance Stephenson (Director)
Seated ... Leon Tisdell (Director), Marg Berry (Director), Terry O'Flaherty (President)

The Hardy's Bay RSL Club has announced its intentions to make a concerted return to its old glories by electing a new President and Board, in addition to providing more amenities for members and visitors.

Terry O'Flaherty, who has taken on the role of president, brings with him 30 years of distinguished service in the club industry, and will lead a new team committed to the task ahead.

Already, work has commenced on raising the level of clubhouse comfort. The deck bistro has been removed, providing more daylight to the club's interior and plans are underway to repaint the exterior.

The Board's aim is to strengthen the community spirit of all groups in the area by making the club's entertainment facilities more attractive and inviting to patrons.

Regular entertainment throughout the week is provided, with a Wednesday Trivia Night being regularly conducted to 'house-packing' proportions.

The bistro, the Naked Chili, has assembled an excellent variety of Thai and Australian dishes for eating in - or takeaway purposes.

Terry O'Flaherty is confident of his new team, with its positive outlook and fresh ideas, creating the impact necessary to lift the ëstablishment, tucked away in its unique log-cabin valley setting amongst the trees, to its envied heights of yesteryear which, justifiably, labelled it as the " friendliest club on the Central Coast."

"We are genuinely excited about our club's future," said Terry. "We have all the ingredients here to make it something special once more.

"We want people in our community to be proud of their club again."

For restaurant, function bookings or general information, the club can be contacted on 02 - 4360 1072

We heartily congratulate the Killcare Surf Club whose Men's Beach Relay team was recently inducted into the Surf Life Saving Association's Hall of Fame in an official SLSA announcement.

From 2000 until 2006 the team won 5 consecutive titles at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, 5 successive victories at the NSW titles and 4 in a row at the World Championships.

Club coach, John Bourne, said that the team was thrilled to be recognised by SLSA for its achievements.

"Our team was formed in 1999, mainly to boost patrol members for the Killcare club," he recalled.

"At the time, we only had 20 patrolling members so the new relay team combined with the local winter swimming clubs in adding much needed numbers."

"In our first season together, we won the State, Aussies and World titles which was an amazing feat for our boys. Over the years, our team lost a few members due to injury, work commitments and for geographical reasons but the team camaraderie and enthusiasm has remained the same."

"This Hall of Fame induction is an acknowledgment of the wonderful spirit that exists at our club."

Highly respected local veterinary surgeon, Dr. Rainer Mettal, has confirmed his intention to again sponsor the 'Operation Doggy Bag' campaign. This will be the third consecutive year he has lent his financial support to this vital service which enables HBRG volunteers to maintain and monitor the bio-degradable dispensers and bags for the collection of dog waste in our community and preserve the cleanliness of our area. We currently have seven bag dispensers placed around the bay and two at Killcare beach, including the car park.

In a dedicated all-lady team, the dispensers are regularly serviced by Janet Egan and Treveen Brown in the bay area, Di Lewis at the car park, and Helena - of Steve and Helena's 'Kiosk on the Beach' - maintaining tidiness around the kiosk precinct, with Elizabeth Williams as a regular back-up.

The HBRG is indebted to Rainer Mettal for his display of community spirit and generosity with this wonderful support. For all veterinary matters, Rainer can be contacted at the Woy Woy Veterinary Hospital during Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am to midday and 3.30pm to 4.30pm, (4341 8146), while further services are available at the Empire Bay Hospital on weekdays between 10.30am to midday and from 5pm to 6pm where he may be reached at 4363 2222. Saturday appointments are also available.

At your service .... Steve Farrell, brigade captain, Kellie Robinson, deputy captain, and members Callum Woulfe and Jannah Farnan.

To be a member of the NSW Rural Fire Service is to be part of a rich tradition to which men and women have contributed throughout the organization's long history.

For over fifty years, the RFS volunteers of Killcare/Wagstaffe have been protecting lives and homes in our area. Without a diverse membership that reflects the community's makeup, a volunteer-based emergency service such as ours risks becoming less relevant over time, less attractive to new members and, eventually, less able to fulfill its role in protecting the community.

Steve Farrell, the Killcare/Wagstaffe RFB captain, in tandem with his enthusiastic team, professes to deriving "sheer pleasure" in the progress of our local brigade.

"Amongst a wonderful, dedicated group of members, we have several juniors who have worked most successfully over the last nine months in developing into active firefighters - which is our investment for the future - and, additionally, three young females, including two who hold Deputy Captain positions", he advises.

"It is in the interests of the whole community to foster an inclusive and welcoming culture, and embrace the benefits of a diverse and vibrant membership.

"Even during the winter months we continue to encourage any member of the community to consider membership with the NSWRFS and the opportunities it brings with it.

"Protecting our communities", Steve emphasises, "is not just about firefighting. There are plenty of other areas where one can contribute - a person just needs to decide what is most suitable to him or her. There are roles in brigade administration, training, community engagement, communications, logistics, catering and many others just as important as being out on the Fireground!

"As we move into the cooler months, now is the time when we ask ... IS YOUR HOME WINTER FIRE SAFE? And have you changed your batteries in your fire alarms?

"We are also looking for new ways to engage with our community ... would you like us to attend your next community group or school meeting? We're open to discussing any relevant requests or concerns.

"Bush fire management is a cooperative effort by the whole community and the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan can direct us to areas at most risk from bush fire but it is specifically designed to direct us to individuals at risk. Therefore, if there is someone in your street or a friend or relative that we haven't been able to reach, the RFS has develop a new program called Assist Infirm Disabled and Elderly Residents (AIDER).

"The NSWRFS AIDER program is a one-off free service supporting vulnerable residents in living more safely and confidently in their home on bush fire-prone land. AIDER services can be provided to vulnerable people who have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services.

Steve further advises that all of the above information is detailed on the NSWRFS website - http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ Information can also be sourced by phoning 1800 679 737. The Bush Fire Information Line provides up to date information about bush fire preparation and safety. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And in any emergency situation, Triple Zero (000) should be called.

"Community support has continued throughout the year and all donations and goodwill contributes to the safety and welfare of our members", says Steve.

"Our cake and produce at the bottle shop is at the same place and time each month and members are always available to provide information.

"So please call past, buy a cake or, perhaps, a pie, and enjoy a chat."

As a consequence of the public concern which has existed for some period over traffic congestion and pedestrian safety, the Hardys Bay Residents Group has submitted recommendations to Gosford City Council in order to implement an appropriate road management strategy.

These relevant points are highlighted by:

1. The area between the marina and Blythe Street .... marker posts (flexible type) are required to delineate the edge of the bay. The removal and/or trimming of vegetation in this section is necessary to improve visibility and road edge definition and the reinforcement of the edges of the bay.


2. The area from the intersection of Killcare Road and Araluen Drive to the intersection of Araluen Dive and Heath Road ...some widening of Araluen Drive on the reserve side to comply with the 3 metre rule, up to the existing indent to improve traffic flow and allow parallel parking. A double white line from the intersection to the indent area, providing the indent area complies with the 3 metre rule. You advise this would then mean a 'no parking' along the residences side.


3. With regard to the traffic committee report and plan as discussed, we would comment as follows:
   
   1. Reinstate the parking along the shoreline side of Araluen from the bus zone to the marina. (This is very important as the objective is to provide more safe parking, not less).
   
   
   2. Pedestrian crossing (possibly raised) between the bus shelter and the Yum Yum Eatery or thereabouts (this could be between L'anxaneta and the toilets), in conjunction with moving the bus stop to Araluen Drive on the south side of the road from the existing position on Killcare Road. (A general raised area at the intersection may be acceptable, but unlikely due to costs).
   
   
   3. Pedestrian crossing (possibly raised) on Killcare Road, utilising the existing traffic ( splitter ) island on Killcare Road.
   
   
4. In respect of the traffic committee plan, we would also request minimal signage. The plan calls for an additional 15 new signs (the new plan is 10) which is unacceptable in such a small area.


5. The traffic conditions created will slow traffic in the area and, as such, we would suggest minimal speed changes.


6. The whole point is to slow traffic at the intersection, not speed it up, a point that appears to have been missed.