Coastal Connections: Heartwarming Stories from the Locals Who Call Our Shoreline Home

by blake gray, principal at apex estate agents

In the last issue I interviewed 4 ‘Coasties’ about their origins, how it was that they came to live on the Central Coast and why it is they that so enjoy it. We continue in this issue.

1. Where were you born and what kind of home did you grow up in?
2. What is something that you remember about your home growing up; sounds, smells, features, interesting facts?
3. When and why did you move to the Central Coast?
4. One sentence to describe the suburb in which you live.
5. What is your favourite summer activity on the Central Coast?
6. Favourite room in your home and why?
7. Advice for anyone thinking of moving to the Central Coast; should they do it?
8. A favourite memory from family holidays (as a child or as an adult)?
9. Name 2–3 things to do/places to visit/experiences for people to try on the Central Coast during the summer.

Val from Berkeley Vale – age 87

1. I was born in Summer Hill (West of Sydney) in a duplex which had been the house of the manager of a nearby horse property in the early 1900s. We lived there during WW2.
2. To go anywhere – we walked long distances or caught the train, carrying our sandwiches and a billycan to buy hot water for cups of tea. My brother and I had freedom to be out all day as long as we were home for ‘tea’ by 5pm.
3. My husband obtained a position here with the local council, so we moved here from Sydney which seemed like quite a long move at that time. The draw card for me was that I had holidayed here with friends and fell in love with a house at Long Jetty.
4. Very peaceful and friendly.
5. The access to the beach. I like that you can go down there in the morning, have a swim, and then easily return in the afternoon after work etc. Shelly Beach is my favourite.
6. My lounge room. It has full views of Tuggerah Lake, a lovely garden, total privacy and it’s surrounded by beautiful, big trees.
7. It’s still very close to Sydney, whether you need to get there by train or car. I think too, it’s a lifestyle of a different pace to Sydney and it’s a very friendly lifestyle here.
8. One of my favourite days of the year was Christmas day. We’d have an ‘open house’. Family of course would come, friends, neighbours. Everyone was welcome. It was lovely because everyone was, in effect, living in and celebrating as one community. My husband was also a Health Inspector back then and a couple of times each year he would conduct research using a drag net at the opening of The Entrance Channel in order to calculate the health of the prawn population and so on. Naturally he would return with the kids late in the evening with 10–12kg of prawns. There were so many. I used to drop the scraps on the floor and the cat would take them.
9. Walking to Crackneck Lookout is beautiful. The views of Tuggerah Lake at sunset are lovely.

Rod from Tumbi Umbi – age 63

1. I’m a ‘Westie’. A Sydney suburb called Berala, near Lidcombe. We lived in an old weatherboard cottage which my father refurbished. Huge block of land.
2. Dad using a kerosene lamp to strip old paint off the house; bird aviary; above ground pool; laying chickens; mulberry tree; dogs; mini bike; go kart; bouncing balls off the incinerator to practice passing a soccer ball and cricket batting. Real 60s and 70s working class suburbia. Two–bedrooms, and a sunroom which became my bedroom. Early on, our family comprised my maternal grandparents, my parents and I. I was an only child and my grandmother lived with us for decades. She accompanied us in our move to Tuggerawong in the late 70s. I finished my schooling at Wyong High, then commuted to Sydney for university and work.
3. First time was in my teens. A long, long time ago. Creeping development along with a job opportunity for my father were the catalysts. A quieter life. I came back in 2000 for family. My wife came from here, and our parents and her brothers were here. And we wanted a nice place for the kids to grow up.
4. Convenient location, a sense of community and a variety of lifestyle options.
5. A basic cafe meal overlooking the ocean. There are so many options for this simple pleasure on the Coast.
6. Family room. We are lucky to have a large combined kitchen, dining and family room which is the hub of activity. Light and airy, but also houses a big screen tv.
7. Not everyone has the same needs and wants, but it worked for us. And we have no intention of leaving the Coast.
8. Staying in an uncle’s converted garage at Umina and spending almost all the time at the local beach. Simple times, but opened my eyes to other lifestyles.
9. Beaches. Absolutely. Many great beaches, a variety of characteristics, and free. My wife’s a lifesaver and loves the ocean so I must say that. Go to some of our great cafe’s. Consider a drive to the western parts of the region. The Coast has great diversity and while the beaches are great, they are not the only attraction.

0448 822 123 | bg@apexestateagents.com | apexestateagents.com

APEX Estate Agents are a team of avant–garde real estate specialists, marketing experts, and consummate professionals absolutely obsessed with challenging the status quo. We exist to be the ultimate custodians for our clients, thus improving their quality of life through property – that’s our raison d’être.