THURSDAY, 27 MARCH 2025
ISSUE #480
YOUR WEEKLY INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER
+ DAILY IN DIGITAL CoastCommunityNews.com.au
Rhinos all set for ice hockey season E
SEE PAGE 16
News
P9-11 The highly anticipated season opener for the Central Coast Rhinos Ice Hockey team will take place at Erina Ice Arena on Saturday, March 29, when they take on the Newcastle NorthStars. See page 31
A YEAR E S A L E
Latest news on the election trail
Out&About
P13
U BLINDS PRICE PROMISE WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN PRICE BY
Get Rhythm – The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show
Health
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*for any comparable The Rhinos are looking forward to a good season Photo: @mbphotomediaevents product
Some relief in budget – but is it enough? Plantation Shutters
Central Coast residents can look forward to more tax cuts, cheaper medicines, increased access to bulk-billed GP visits and extended energy bill relief following the release of the Federal budget on Tuesday, March 25. It was dubbed an “election budget” by the Opposition, but Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said it would provide continued cost of living relief for the region’s cash-strapped citizenry. “Every taxpayer will receive two new tax cuts, every household and small business will receive a $150 energy rebate, and we’re investing a record $8.5N into Medicare so more people in our region can see a GP bulk billed,” Reid said.
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BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher
“The Central Coast will receive a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, complementing existing clinics.” Reid said infrastructure was also addressed in the budget, with $115M allocated for an upgrade of Terrigal Dr, $15M for intersections at Empire Bay and increased funding for the Central Coast Roads Package. “Under Labor, inflation is down, incomes are growing, unemployment is very low, interest rates are coming down, but we know Australians are still doing it tough,” he said. Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the budget delivered a focus on strengthening Medicare and delivering better healthcare for Coasties.
P29 Raising awareness of epilepsy
Sport
P30 Graham takes bronze at World Championships
PUZZLES PAGE 18
Continued page 7
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