WHATS ON BLOG PAGE PREVIEW

FIREFIGHTERS CALENDAR:
We all realise and appreciate the invaluable, often dangerous and heroic efforts of our firefighting outfits in Australia. They have saved many lives and property and sadly have lost team members along the way.
It is a loss to us all when we lose one of them; But the Firies actually give more if one would deem that possible.

The fire brigades also raise funds to assist the community too.

Desperately needed donations to Burn Units, education, prevention and much more are also supported by the Fire Brigades.

One of their major fundraisers is the annual Firefighters Calendar.

While we may be in to the new year what better gift for that special someone on Valentines day than a calendar featuring those wonderful men and ladies in uniform (well in this case mostly OUT of uniform) from the Fire Brigades!

It is also the perfect gift for birthdays and any special occasion you can think of! After all most of us need to know what day of the week it is don’t we?

To see the range of calendars from brigades nationwide and how to purchase them see the FIREFIGHTERS CALENDAR WEBSITE.

The calendars are only $10 and that money goes ultimately towards saving lives.

There is no better way to spend $10!

ARTSTART GRANT:
A note from a caring and sharing local, Mel Habjan, to let you all know that applications for round two of ArtStart grants is now open!
ArtStart is a cross artform grant for those who have completed a creative arts degree/diploma/certificate 4 in the last three years.

You can apply for up to $10,000 to help you set up a professional arts practice - to help you go from studying your artform to earning a sustainable income from it.

To read more see the ARTSTART GRANT WEBSITE or go straight to the ARTSTART - AUSTRALIA COUNCIL GRANT APPLICATIONS PAGE.

Thanks Mel!

THE HENRY KENDALL POETRY AWARD:
The Henry Kendall Poetry Award has been run biennially since 1989 by Central Coast Poets and is now established as an important nation-wide poetry event, attracting entries from many leading and less experienced Australian poets.
Poems entered in past years have shown great diversity of style and content.
Equally anticipated is the publication of the subsequent anthology which showcases the best entries from the Henry Kendall Award, as well as a representative sample of members’ poems. As judge of the 2004 competition, poet and editor, Margaret Bradstock, commented: “Well-known names mingle with other names destined to become well-known, providing a significant contribution to modern Australian poetry.”
from the CENTRAL COAST POETS WEBSITE

Central Coast Poets Inc announce the Henry Kendall Poetry Competition 2010!
First Prize $500
Second Prize $200
Third Prize $100
Entry fee $7.00 per poem
No email or electronic mail entries will be accepted; Maximum length of poem 32 lines; No set theme or poetry style - Entry form essential and only permanent residents of Australia and its territories may enter.
For an entry form, please visit The CENTRAL COAST POETS WEBSITE or send a stamped self addressed envelope to;-
Central Coast Poets Inc.
PO Box 780
Woy Woy NSW 2256
CLOSES 12 MARCH.

BUSKING COMPETITION:
Buskers will line the streets during the Busking Competition which will be held at the Greater Building Society Central Coast Country Music Festival.

Held annually at The Entrance on the second weekend in March the festival is arguably one of Australia’s biggest with over 45,000 visitors attending over the festival weekend in 2009.

The Entrance Town Centre Management would like to invite performers of all ages to enter the Busking Competition to win a cash prize of $200 for 1st place and $100 for the runner-up. On top of the cash prize the winner will get an amazing opportunity to perform on the Sails Stage at the festival wind-up party which is being held on Sunday 14th March from 5pm.

Entries are open now so please contact us to get an entry form as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out!

For a hint of what else is in store, artists performing over the weekend in alphabetical order include; Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence, Beccy Cole, Bella, Bill Chambers, Bruce McCumstie, Bryen Willems, Catherine Britt, Chicken Train Skifflers, Chris James, Dale Hooper, Daniel Thompson, Garry Lowe, Jonah’s Road, Lucky Starr, McAlister Kemp, Mike Carr, Nicki Gillis, Paul Costa, Pixie Jenkins, Racz ‘n Waters, Summerland Kings, The Rough Diamonds and Travis Collins.

And it isn’t just the music that makes the festival so great. There will also be a Youth Showcase, Poet’s Breakfast, Stalls and Amusement Rides.

Please download and read the LETTER TO BUSKERS which outlines much of the important information you will require then also download the APPLICATION FORM and the RELEASE AND INDEMNITY FORM. These items are in a word document format and will open in a new window.
Please contact The Entrance Town Centre Management if you require any further information or if you would like to be included on the festival mail out list.

WOY WOY LITTLE THEATRE - AUDITION CALL OUT:
Woy Woy Little Theatre presents 'Operator' by David Williamson directed by Christine Vale.
Audition Dates:
Tuesday 2nd March 7:30pm
Thursday 4th March 7:30pm
at Peninsula Theatre (tbc)

Please contact director Christine Vale for audition information and pieces by calling 0417 388 251 or BY EMAIL

Performance dates:
23, 24, 25 30, 31 July and 1, 6,7, 8 August 2010

The Operator is about a young power-hungry corporate executive who is on the rise. He’ll do anything he can to succeed regardless of the impact on the people around him and the company he works for. David Williamson has “cleverly woven together the characteristics of a Grade-A corporate bastard and placed him in a small office environment. In the process he has also touched on the wider issues of nepotism, sexual ambiguity, youth & age ... the importance of relationships over work. This play is a gem - small, perfect and multi-faceted. It goes right to the dark side of corporate behavior.” (Colleen Ryan, preface to script)
Characters
Alex - middle aged head of product development of a medium sized manufacturer of gym equipment (40-60ish). A workaholic!
Douglas - CEO of company. The “boss” whose Nepotism doesn’t help the company and is a control freak. (50-70ish)
Francine - Douglas’ PA. Efficient, very health conscious (small part)
Jake - the “operator”. Smooth-talking but ruthless young executive (20-40ish)
Melissa - hard working, lacking in self confidence. Young executive and Jake’s co-worker. (20- 40ish)
Irena - Douglas’ lesbian niece. Reluctantly given a ‘leg up’ by her uncle. (30+)

SOME EVENTS AND DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

THE LAST WALTZ TRIBUTE SHOW:
‘The Last Waltz’ was a Farewell Concert for ‘The Band’ that became one of the most legendary nights in rock history with an unparalleled lineup of rock superstars including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Dr John, Muddy Waters, The Staple Singers, Ronnie Hawkins and many more who shared the stage in celebration of the music of one of the most influential bands of all time. Martin Scorcese chronicled this most iconic night in rock history which has been hailed as one of the greatest concert films ever made.

The music from this movie resonated with this group of musicians in a big way and they have put together an 11 piece show band to perform all songs from ‘THE BAND’S farewell concert. ‘It is an absolute privilege to perform the music from this wonderful soundtrack of ‘The Band’ and their friends and idols who performed with them at ‘The Last Waltz’…..these artists influenced a whole generation with their music’.

THE LAST WALTZ TRIBUTE SHOW - BAND - MUSICIANS
* Mark Jelfs - Lead and Backup Vocals, Acoustic Guitar (Frontman for his band ‘Easy Street’)
* Narelle Dawson - Lead and Backup Vocals (‘Hip Sister’, Easy Street, Jenny Marie Lang, King Bros Bill Chambers)
* Dom Phillips - Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals (Musical Director)
* Wilson McNally - Drums and Vocals (60’s mania, Beatnix, supported Beach Boys, Steppenwolf, Spencer Davis)
* Geoff Martin Bass - (Bow Campbell, Mindi Sortini, Jimmy Little, Genevieve Maynard)
* Carolyn ‘Pine’ Packer - Piano, Organ, Piano Accordian, backup vocals (Lonesome Boogie, Jive Bombers, Foreday Riders, Hip Sister)
* Peter Thwaites - Lead Guitar and Vocals
* Russell Crosse - Bass and Mandolin
* Peter Morand Trumpet (The Jive Bombers)
* Robert Morten - Tenor and Soprano Sax, Flute, Keyboards (King Cobra, Drop Bears, Private Lives)
* Simon - Trombone (The Jive Bombers, Navy Band)
* Bruce Bongers - Harmonica, Vocals (Junior and The Goldtops, Foreday Riders, Lonesome Boogie, The Hippos) .

AUSSIE GREATS AT THE DAVO:
The Davistown RSL is bringing some of Australia's greatest old (and new) music legends to the Central Coast.

With some shows being dinner shows and others just the concert style these shows are a great chance to catch the greats, at a reasonable price at one of the friendliest clubs on the Central Coast.

The upcoming Gigs are;-

FEBRUARY 2010
John Paul Young Friday 12th February 2010 8:00 PM Take your loved one to see JPY on Valentines Day Weekend.
DINNER & SHOW - Members $63.00, Non Members $69.00
SHOW ONLY - Members $28, Non Members $35.

SAINTLY IDEAS FOR SAINTLY SINNERS:
Do you get stuck for something different for that special someone on Valentines Day or even worse - get into strife for being unimaginative - well let me show you a place to go to fix that!

Visit the DIRTY WEEKEND WEBSITE's additional website THE DIRTY WEEK END SHOP and you'll find there is a list of the Top 10 Most Popular Valentines Gifts (and there is something to fit any budget) for your significant other/s.
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For the Ultimate romance and romantics The Dirty Week End Website also has a list, description and contact information on some of Australia's wonderful Getaway destinations.

There are also tips for that perfect Valentine's Day and the different 'stages' of Romance.

If you want it to happen, then these are the tools and tips and info you may need to help.

JAYWALKER THE LIGHT AND SHADE:
Jaywalker - The Light and Shade album Australia Wide Sanity Promotion.
"The Light and Shade" has been selected to be a part of the Breaking New Artists promotion run by Sanity. You can pre order your copy of the album NOW by either going into any Sanity, HMV or Virgin store Australia wide or online via the Jaywalker page and each copy is signed by the band.

Jason says "Here we go! The recording of the debut album "The Light and Shade" is all done and we hope you enjoy it. We had yet another amazing time in Brisbane recording over the past three weeks, living and breathing these songs and dining mainly on noodles and Mother energy drink! Cant wait for you to hear the album".

The official release date for the album is the 19th February and we would be forever grateful if you get a chance to pre order the album.

East Coast Tour 2010
The tour starts in just over a week at Lizottes on the Central Coast February 11th, up north to The Northern Star Hotel in Newcastle February 12th and then the release night at The Vanguard, Newtown Sydney February 13th. The show will include performing the album back to back as well as material released in the past.
Tickets for Lizottes Central Coast February 11th 2010 with our good friends Racz and Waters performing with us can be purchased for $15 direct by phone on 02 4368 2017 or online at LIZOTTES.

You can have a listen to (and feel free to comment on) 'Your Finest Hour' from the new release 'The Light and Shade' on Jaywalker's Myspace Page

ARTPLAY THEATRE CO:
Regional Youth Support Services forthcoming theatre class program, led by Virginia Walshaw. These classes are available to all young people of age 10 and above – regardless of health, wealth, culture or circumstance. Run through a youth service provider of over 20 years standing in the Coast community, all classes are held in a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment.

If you have a student or client who might benefit from ArtPlay but is unable to fund the classes, please call the number below. All fees are negotiable.

ArtPlay Theatre. is committed to delivering an exciting and empowering drama program; with a view to building confidence, physical & vocal language skills, honing expert stagecraft, self assurance and revelatory results!

The Youth Arts Warehouse, Parkside, 123 Donnison Street, Gosford.
Theatre classes include: impro, Artaud, melodrama, mime, devising, design, script, stage, gameplay, gaits and giggles!

Every MONDAY.
Term 1 from February 1st 2010 – March 29th
Ages 10 -13 KidsPlay 3.30pm to 4.30pm - $10 a class, $75 a term (9 sessions)
Ages 14 – 17 TeenPlay 4.30pm to 5.30pm $10 a class, $75 a term (9 sessions)
Ages 18 and up BIGPlay 5.30pm to 7.00pm $15 a class, $120 a term (9 sessions)
Tutor: Virginia Walshaw.
Places are limited, so book your spot now on 43232374 .

SUMMER IN THE CITY:
It's time to celebrate Summer In the City! Michael Peter launches Council's cultural festival.

Families, friends, colleagues and community members will be treated to a cultural feast this summer season when Gosford City Council launches its cultural festival Summer in the City.

Just a little note to pass on some big happenings in cultural areas for kids this School Holidays. Please feel free to forward on to all of your little friends (or their parents).

* The AMAZING program/workshops from Gosford Regional Gallery
* Summer in the City - The January program celebrates youth of all ages
* Kids in Paradise - a theatrical production from Pearl Beach Youth Theatre

Gosford City Council will also be conducting Lantern Making workshops from January 11 at various locations in the lead up to Australia Day. These workshops are open to everyone - with the first one confirmed to take place in the Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Stay tuned!

Kibble Park, Gosford City: January 12.30 - 1.30pm

FEBRUARY
Friday 12th MMAD presents Poetry in the Park.
Friday 19th Jazz in the City with Red Hot Papa!
Friday 26th Swing in the City with Brisbane Water Brass Band then
Join us at Rimini Café/Trattoria for Meze Happy Hour 4pm-6pm then…
Gosford City Council presents: Romance in the City; A twilight performance dedicated to seniors; Watch, learn or join in with Helen Donald's Ballroom Dance-In

For more information contact Elio Gatti via phone: 4304 7411 or email: or Darlene Cole via phone: 4325 8896 or email.

SEATTLE SOUND AT THE BEACHIE:
Seattle Sound – Playing at The Beachcomber Hotel on Sunday 28th February 2010 at 3pm. “15th Anniversary show”....

It all started in the 90’s, when Independent -"Grunge" music took the world by storm and leading the way were Bands from Seattle - USA... Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Soundgarden who sold millions of albums worldwide!.....Thus the creation of Seattle Sound!!

Seattle Sound are a NSW Covers Band who formed in 1996 after realising that they could deliver the music of the abovementioned Bands to perfection!

Unlike the many other Cover Bands that were around at the same time, Seattle Sound strived for authenticity and are the only surviving show from that period.

They have proven themselves by their "repeatedly breaking" Attendance and Bartaking records, which they STILL, 15 years on, continue to do at venues like the Blacktown Soccer Club, Castle Hill Tavern, Commercial Hotel Parramatta, not forgetting the smashing of their OWN record at The Collector Tavern- Parramatta and The Royal Hotel at Windsor, where they constantly provide audiences with full on live performances that keep punter's coming back!!
Seattle Sound consists of 5 very talented muso’s who not only play music from Seattle, but music that has been influenced by that period.

The guys are continually updating their Set List as to add in the much requested Bands of today, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Incubus, Live, Nirvana, Puddle of Mud, Linkin Park, The Offspring, Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul, Red Hot Chile Peppers, Fuel, Stone Temple Pilots plus plenty of other stuff with an ever-changing stylist of songs from bands that were from or have been influenced by the Original Seattle Sound Era.

PARTY TIME ON THE COAST, LETS ROCK THIS JOINT!:
Well we are back by popular demand. Wideload will be hitting the coast in a huge way our band is traveling south to come home once again.

The venue is The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau bay. It is home for half our members and it is always a treat for us to come back to our birth place.

Last time we were on the coast we had a ball it was a great night we had heaps of family and friends, We would love to see all you guys again plus all you other true centralcoastians(if that's a word).
This night will be open to all so if your over 18+ come along for a drink a laugh and a dance.

Our band consists of 6 members, we will be belting out all that good classic rock hits and bringing the big rock band back. Our sound and lighting technician will have the sound bouncing of the walls.
Wideload has been around performing on the footy show and hey hey its saturday and entertaining is in our blood..so bring it on!!!!!! Tell a friend tell a neighbour..ahhh tell the world...
event: WIDELOAD IS COMING HOME TOUR!!!!!!!!
date : March 6th saturday night
Time: doors open around 7pm
band : starts around 8/8.30pm
costs :$10 at door
music : Classic rock (AC/DC The Beatles ABBA The Angels Robbie Williams And Plenty More)
guests must be over 18+
For any further enquires contact Sol via email

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY FORUM:
Sydney Towards Tomorrow : Central Coast Community Forum

Sydney Towards Tomorrow, published by the ACEA, was developed to spark a debate on the plan for Sydney’s future. The ACEA is hosting a community consultation event that will draw together Central Coast community leaders, business groups and policy makers to discuss the issues that are identified in the paper. This is an opportunity for you to contribute to how the Central Coast is going to prepare for population growth.

Date: 15th March 2010
Time: Commencing 7:30am and concluding at 10:00am
Venue: Mingara Recreation Club, Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi NSW 2261
Tickets: $50 + GST
The Master of Ceremonies will be George Negus (host of SBS Dateline).

Central Coast Forum
This event will draw together Central Coast community leaders and residents, business groups and policy makers - a representative from Queensland local government will also be participating to provide insights into how Queensland councils have begun to prepare.

For further information please contact Benjamin Jung on 02 9922 4711.

OPERA IN THE ARBORETUM 2010:
Australia's leading opera stars to perform at Pearl Beach on Saturday, 20th March and Tickets are now on sale.

Soprano, Amelia Farrugia, Mezzo, Jacqueline Dark, Tenor,David Kidd, Baritone, David Thelander and Pianist, Tamara Anna Cislowska will feature at this years Opera in the Aboretum.

Don't miss this exciting line-up of artists at the beautiful Crommelin Arboretum in Pearl Beach.

'Opera in the Arboretum', a project of the Rotary Club of Woy Woy, is an annual event, now in its fifth year.

The 'Opera' last year had in excess of eight hundred attendees and this year it's expected to be around the one thousand figure.

• TICKETS: $49 adults, $45 seniors, $15 students (Pre-school and Primary School: Free) and $40 Group - each ticket purchased in a block of Ten(10) tickets or more
• TIME: 3.00 - 5.30pm
• BOOKINGS: (02) 4342 8183 or (02) 4369 8834

For more information or purchase tickets please visit the OPERA IN THE ARBORETUM WEBSITE

PSYCHIC & ALTERNATIVE HEALTH FAIR:
The Realm Of Faerie Finn - Come along and enjoy a day of wonderment! A Day of Mind, Body and Spirit on the 2nd May, 2010 at DAVISTOWN RSL CLUB, Murna Road, Davistown from 10.00am to 5.00pm; Admittance to the Fair through the main doors of the Club.
Entry $8.00 per adult and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.
Guest Speaker is Numerologist/Astrologer, Mr Thomas Muldoon

Australian Bush Flower Remedies, Bowen Therapy, Reiki, Natural Therapies, Psychics, Hand-made Jewellery, Wax Art Drawings, Aura Photography, Books, Mini Lectures by local personalities, exhibitions of Tai Chi, Feng Shui, Irish and Polynesian Dancing (also conduct workshops for children, making leis, tapa cloth, etc, so they should enjoy that while the adults are busy elsewhere), String Orchestra with students of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Crystals, Spiritual Healers, Clairvoyants, Tarot and Mediums.
Lucky Door Prizes, Raffles and wonderful stalls including locally made fragrances, soy candles, CD’s by local artist Faith McLeod, handcrafted cards, fairy dresses … and more!

We are also seeking donations as raffle prizes, the proceeds to be donated to the RSPCA at Somersby.

For all information, please contact Robyn Finneran on 4322 0800 or 0407 1943 21; Sharon Silvestro on 9654 2163 or Email:

Supporting the RSPCA Somersby - Authority No: CSN1174o

2010 CENTRAL COAST BUSINESS EXPO:
Join us for the biggest local Business Expo We are pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Central Coast Business Expo, Wednesday 23rd June, Mingara Recreation Club.

The 2010 Central Coast Business Expo will provide over 100 exhibition tables with many Business Development Workshops and an outstanding networking cocktail function. The event will be designed as a focus and celebration for the local community to engage with exhibitors and enjoy the opportunity of viewing, purchasing and researching products, services, technologies and lifestyle products for their business and home. On display will include local products and services from every industry.

Our Sponsors for the event include Westpac, Telstra, SEA FM, BEC and Mingara.

Exhibitors will benefit from a full scale marketing campaign of the Expo in various media in and around the Central Coast Region.

Together we will utilise the invaluable experience gained over the last year while staging the annual and highly successful Sydney Business Expos. They attracted 400+ attendees with 50+ exhibitors at each Expo over a 4 hour period.

This style of expo event is the perfect model on which to base the NEW event on the Central Coast. The concept is to;-
• Increase your local network
• Increase your local leads
• Increase your local sales
Continuing the successful formula for a cost effective method to showcase your business, the expos are headquarters for workshops, activities, entertainment and networking.

It’s FREE to attend.

If you want to grow your business - be part of the action!

We wish to extend an invitation for your involvement in this exciting NEW event.
We know from our pre-launch research, interest in this event is strong. We have a limited number of Exhibitor tables, so we suggest you BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment.

For all the info on Exhibitors tables etc download the Brouchre in PDF format (1MB)

For more info or to book email Cindy Steele or call on 0414 392 004