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Collapse Issue 421 - 12 Jun 2017Issue 421 - 12 Jun 2017
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Tenants selected for affordable housing project
Kathy Smith dies
Ferry wharf closed for upgrade
Proposal to landscape Hardys Bay foreshore
Environment group objects to aged care proposal
Mingaletta holds Naidoc Day events
Cable fencing installed around bushland reserve
Coastal zone management 'in chaos', says candidate
Consolidated planning is urgently needed, says Wales
Greens start council pre-selection
Safety bollards for Melbourne Ave
Renovations at Leisure Centre
Night work on bridge
Wicks visits oval amenities project
Gosford Council financial statements presented
Bouddi history project now on the internet
Opportunity to encourage flying foxes, says rescuer
Red Cross presentation at library
Mother's Day success at Mary Mac's
Highly-commended at Easter show
Pursuing a career as a florist
Store has 10th birthday
Italian restaurant opens in Ettalong
Collapse  FORUM FORUM
Woy Woy will stagnate as Wyong booms
Cardboard to landfill?
Shaken after attempted break-in
Time for tree policy is now
Open air public areas are a valuable commodity
Consistent with what?
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
Donation to shuttle service
Hospital redevelopment to be finished by December
Improving the future for muscular dystrophy sufferers
New welfare team co-ordinator
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
Foundation announces arts grants program
Village choir performs at Somersby school
Documentary about boxer re-broadcast
Two invited to folk club
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
College wins Landcare award
Counting chickens as they hatch
Arguing against watching the news
More fun than most schools, says principal
Students encouraged to write about Anzac centenary
Soccer selection
Search for new principal starts
Environment day at Ettalong
Visits to Men's Shed
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Woy Woy causes minor upset
Local bowling clubs raise funds for cancer services
Bridge club elects new committee
Ocean Beach hosts rescue boat champs
Surf club holds fundraiser
Grade wins for Ettalong and Woy Woy
Triathlon club meets Peace Run
Women's bowling club celebrates 60 years
Annual prostate cancer charity day
Collapse  HISTORY HISTORY
Booker Bay burial site may be considered by council

Kathy Smith dies

Former Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith has died on May 31 after a long illness with cancer.

Tributes have flowed from local, State and Federal dignatories.

Current Member for Gosford, Ms Liesl Tesch described Ms Smith as "a tireless campaigner for the Central Coast community".

"Kathy was a remarkable woman whose long career in small business and the community sector led to her representing the people of Gosford," she said.

"After being diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Kathy became a cancer advocate and then chair of Cancer Voices NSW.

"Kathy spent years working with Federal and State Governments to establish a regional cancer centre at Gosford Hospital.

"The Central Coast Cancer Centre will stand as Kathy's greatest legacy to the Central Coast community and will never be forgotten.

"During her time as our local member, Kathy worked tirelessly for our community.

"Kathy revealed and fought for the repair of dangerous problems with the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge, supported the community in the fight to prevent the closure of our local Roads and Maritime Services office, and worked to stop the increase in train fares.

"I commit to continuing Kathy's great work in my role as the Member for Gosford."

Ms Tesch extended her condolences to Ms Smith's family.

Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, also paid tribute to former Member for Gosford, Ms Kathy Smith.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Member for Gosford Kathy Smith," Ms Wicks said.

"My thoughts are with Kathy's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time."

Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds paid tribute to Ms Smith.

He said Ms Smith was renowned for her commitment to the local community, particularly her campaigning for the Central Coast Cancer Centre which includes public radiotherapy services.

"Kathy was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to serving her community," Mr Reynolds said.

"From her passion and commitment to improving the lives of local cancer survivors as the chairwoman of NSW Cancer Voices to her service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula as an elected representative, her drive and tenacity were beyond question.

"On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Kathy's family and friends at this time."

The flag at Central Coast Council was flown at half-mast on June 1 in acknowledgement of Ms Smith's passing.

NSW Opposition Leader Mr Luke Foley said Ms Smith had passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

"Kathy bravely battled a recurrence of cancer for more than a year," Mr Foley said.

"Her condition deteriorated sharply last weekend," he said.

"Kathy was first diagnosed with cancer in 1996.

"She fought for the provision of public radiotherapy treatment on the Central Coast.

"Her campaign culminated in joint Federal and State government funding in 2010 for the construction of the Central Coast Cancer Centre, which included the public radiotherapy facilities for which she battled so hard.

"I spoke to her husband Peter O'Hanlon and conveyed to him the great affection that so many members of Parliament, from all sides, feel towards Kathy.

"My thoughts are with Peter, Kathy's children Richard and Janet and her grandchildren Georgia, Jimmy, Ali and Joshua."

Senator Deborah O'Neill issued a statement that said she had been "deeply saddened by the news that, despite a long and determined fight against cancer, my friend and former Labor colleague Kathy Smith has passed away.

"Kathy Smith was a generous and determined woman who never shied away from standing up for our community; both as the Member for Gosford and as a strong advocate for cancer treatment.

"She was deeply committed to her family and like so many in our community; Kathy's family will feel a great emptiness in their lives.

"As the NSW Cancer Voices chairwoman, Kathy's unrelenting determination was a critical factor in the delivery of our very own Cancer Centre at Gosford Hospital.

"She was rightly proud of her vital role in that significant achievement which stands as a testament to her endeavors.

"As the key leader of the community voice on this issue, Kathy leaves a lasting legacy so that cancer sufferers now have a local facility to undertake cancer treatment closer to their family and friends.

"Many locals fighting cancer are now able to balance the challenges of their treatment and still maintain their work and family commitments.

"That simply wouldn't have happened without Kathy's efforts.

"As the Member for Gosford, Kathy's unrelenting drive kept the Baird government to account and provided crucial electoral support for her local constituents.

"In particular, Kathy's campaigns to keep local state services in our community revealed her character - she wouldn't give up in the fight for fairness.

"Kathy's tireless work for our community is a noble legacy and I thank her for her dedicated service to the people of Gosford and the Peninsula she called home."

Senator O'Neill said her thoughts and prayers were with Ms Smith's family..

A private funeral was held for Ms Smith on Tuesday, June 6.





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