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YOUR WEEKLY INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Fuel price hike hits Coast
EDITION #530 THURSDAY, 2 APRIL 2026
SEE PAGE 16
News
P10 Urgent callout for newborn prams
Out&About
P4 Fuel prices as of March 31, 2026 at Ampol Blackwall (Photo: CCN)
Families furious with 10% rise in childcare fees Families who use childcare and early education centres run by Central Coast Council are furious with the plan to raise fees by 10% and worried about what it means for their working future.
Childcare fees are set to rise
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HOUR
One called it a cash grab, another said it was a rip off. “This is a disgusting cash grab from Council who are trying to change the very premise upon which they provide these services in that the services are subsidised by the ratepayer base,” one said. None of them wanted to be named,
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time Ends 5 Apr 2026 at 3am (fall back an hour)
Drone Patrols Livestock Warning
for fear of repercussions at their workplaces. “As a single full-time working mother who is trying to make an economic contribution to society, it’s extremely disappointing when they put forward a proposal like this that punishes everyday working families who are already dealing with cost-ofliving pressures on so many fronts,” the woman said. Another said it appeared that Council wanted to bring its centres onto a level playing field with the private sector and yet provide half the service. Continued page 4
P17 Origami festival returns even bigger
Business
P21 Cubby house project an intro to the trades PUZZLES PAGE 18
Kindly be advised that, due to the Easter public holidays, there will be no publication on 9 April 2026. Our next edition will be 16 April 2026. For daily news, please visit coastcommunitynews.com.au
Ausgrid will be conducting drone patrols to carry out routine, annual inspections of the electricity network for potential bushfire hazards. Drone patrols will occur during daylight hours (weather permitting) with the drone often flying at low altitude, which can startle livestock. Property owners may want to secure cattle and livestock during the patrols. Flights are scheduled for the Central Coast Region from beginning to mid April. For more information including a flight schedule scan the QR code or visit ausgrid.com.au/bushfirepatrols