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A FORMER president of Erina Rugby League Football Club has been banned from holding office for 12 months and fined $1,100 after the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority found he failed to properly manage conflicts of interest involving companies he owned. The man Savage was also ordered to pay more than $31,000 in investigation costs after businesses linked to him received payments exceeding $80,000 without competitive quotes or board-approved tenders. Liquor & Gaming NSW said the case highlights the importance of strong governance, transparency and compliance within registered clubs, warning directors that ignorance of governance obligations is no defence and pledging continued enforcement action.

CENTRAL Coast residents have saved more than $16M on cheaper medicines as a suite of Federal Government cost-of-living measures takes effect. Since the $25 cap on most PBS prescriptions was introduced, around 3.16 million cheaper scripts have been filled across Dobell, saving locals an estimated $16.6M. Other measures include permanent Medicare Urgent Care Clinics at Lake Haven and Erina, tax cuts, expanded Paid Parental Leave to six months, a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses and higher minimum and award wages. Member for Dobell Emma McBride said the measures were providing practical support. “Whether you're a worker, a parent, an age pensioner or a small business owner, these measures are designed to put more money back into your pocket and help ease the pressure on household budgets,” she said.