Local community organisations are invited to apply for Central Coast Council’s 2025-26 Community Grants Program, with applications open from 1-30 June 2025.With $900,000 in total funding available, the program supports initiatives that foster community connections, activate public spaces and enhance the quality of life for Central Coast residents. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the grants are an important way for Council to support and celebrate the Coast’s diverse community.“These programs bring people together through local events, projects and activities that align with our Community Strategic Plan,” Ms Smith said.“Last year, we funded a wide range of initiatives, from sporting programs, community outreach programs, writing festivals, mental health art exhibitions, equipment to enhance community organisations and family-friendly events – we look forward to seeing what this year brings.” The Community Grant Programs include:Community Development Grant Program – Supports projects that deliver strong community outcomes and improve the quality of life for Central Coast residents.Grants up to $20,000 per application.Annual funding pool of $300,000.Not open again until June 2026.Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program – Supports community events that activate local spaces and bring people together.•    Grants up to $20,000 per application.•    Annual funding pool of $300,000.•    Not open again until June 2026. Community Support Grant Program – Open year-round for small-scale activities, projects and events.•    Grants up to $5000 per application.•    Annual funding pool of $300,000. Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of grants in creating vibrant, inclusive communities.“These grants help activate our town centres, foreshore, lakes and open spaces, making them safe and welcoming for families, locals and visitors,” Mayor McKinna said.“If your organisation is working to deliver lasting benefits for our region, I strongly encourage you to apply.”Applications open 1 June 2025 and close 30 June 2025.Review the grant program guidelines and submit your application, search ‘grants’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council is serving up Taste of Wyong and Taste of Toukley – one day event celebrations of local food, culture and community this June.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, encourages locals and visitors to join the culinary adventure through Wyong and Toukley town centres.“With exclusive $5 tasting boxes from some of the area's best eateries, offering savoury bites to sweet treats, there’s something for every palate,” Ms Smith said.“Families can enjoy more than just great food – with live entertainment, roving performers, and free kids’ activities, including a petting zoo and craft activities.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that Taste of Wyong and Taste of Toukley are opportunities to celebrate the cultural richness of our region.“We’re proud to support initiatives that energise our town centres,” Mayor McKinna said.“These events bring our community together, support our hardworking local businesses and shine a light on the incredible food and culture that make Wyong and Toukley so welcoming.”Taste of Wyong10am–1pm, Saturday 7 JuneFrank Ballance Memorial Park, WyongTaste of Toukley12–3pm, Saturday 21 JuneThe Village Green, ToukleyTaste of Wyong is part of Council’s annual Harvest Festival, celebrating the Coast’s rich heritage, seasonal produce and creative talent.See what’s on offer and find out more, search ’Taste of Wyong’ and ‘Taste of Toukley’ at LoveCentralCoast.comENDS

The celebrations are far from over for the Central Coast Mariners, with Central Coast Council set to host a public Civic Reception for the A-League Women’s team at Mingara Event Centre from 5.45pm on Friday 23 May!This free event is open to the entire community and offers fans the chance to come together and re-live the Mariners’ incredible A-League Women’s Championship win on Sunday 18 May.Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said Council is thrilled to be recognising the Mariners’ remarkable achievement and expects a fantastic turnout."I watched the live stream at the stadium on Sunday, surrounded by proud Coasties, and the atmosphere was electric!

Central Coast Council is inviting community feedback on proposed upgrades at Woy Woy Waste Management Facility, designed to improve long-term waste storage capacity and deliver more than $5 million in future annual cost savings.The planned works involve creating a flat earthen platform near the facility’s entrance.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the final stage of the Tuggerawong Shared Pathway – a key project supporting active transport and connectivity in the region.The concept design for Stage 5 of the pathway is now open for public comment and Council is encouraging residents, community groups and stakeholders to share their views.Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said community feedback has played a vital role in shaping the project so far.“During previous consultation, 87% of stakeholders supported this foreshore route for Stage 5,” Mr Bolgoff said. “With full funding secured through Council developer contributions and an Australian Government funding commitment of $1.5 million, Council is pleased to be able to progress this $6.2 million project.”Stage 5 proposes a 1.45-kilometre shared path along the Tuggerah Lake foreshore, stretching from Palmer Street to Don Small Oval.Once completed, it will add to the scenic route around the lake, enhancing access to local schools, parks, shops and recreational areas.

The 2024-25 Central Coast beach patrol season officially concluded on Sunday 27 April, following a busy seven months that saw a significant rise in beach visitation and a strong safety response from Central Coast Council lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) volunteers.Throughout the season, Council lifeguards provided weekday patrols at 15 beaches and The Grant McBride Baths, while SLSCC volunteers covered weekends and public holidays.

Central Coast Council Mayor and CEO met with NSW Government Ministers, officials and local MPs this morning and are pleased with the discussions. Council welcome’s the NSW Government’s announcement that immediate options around coastal erosion impact, will be explored in the coming days between government agencies and Council, that may include utilising the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s powers.NSW Government Statement:NSW Government Ministers, officials and local MPs met with the Mayor and CEO of Central Coast Council this morning to discuss coastal erosion in the area.It was agreed immediate options under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act would be explored further in the coming days between agencies and the Council.The NSW Government will continue to work with Council and the Federal Government to consider options for longer term solutions for coastal erosion. 

Central Coast Council is continuing its long-term investment in the creative future of local young people with the launch of the 2025 Creative Engineers Program.

The Central Coast community is invited to cheer on our Mariners Women’s team this Sunday via a FREE live screening at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, as they compete for honours in The Ninja A-League Women’s Grand Final, against Melbourne Victory.The Grand Final, being hosted by Melbourne Victory, will be played in Melbourne at AAMI Park, with kick-off at 3.15pm this Sunday, 18 May 2025.

Central Coast Council is inviting the Central Coast community to provide feedback on the future of the existing Gosford Library building in Kibble Park, Gosford.

Central Coast Council resolved to adopt the motion put to Council at tonight’s (13 May 2025) Extraordinary Council Meeting relating to coastal erosion impact.The motion in part directs the CEO to immediately commence engagement with professionals to undertake assessments of the identified impacted properties at Central Coast beaches.It also includes that for properties, identified by the relevant experts, and subject to legal advice, the CEO consider giving appropriate orders under Section 124 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) for emergency coastal protection works recommended by such experts to mitigate the risk to life, property and the environment from further erosion.These orders would require the landowners to do works on their properties, at their own cost to make their land or premises safe in the face of the coastal erosion threat currently being faced.However.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking and cycling in Avoca Beach by providing feedback on the proposed design for a new shared pathway along Avoca Drive.The project aims to deliver a 3-metre wide concrete shared pathway between the Scenic Highway and Heazlett Park, Avoca Beach, enhancing safety, accessibility and active transport options for pedestrians and cyclists.It will also include kerb and gutter upgrades, drainage improvements to help manage stormwater and pavement restoration works.Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the project represents a long-awaited community priority and a major step forward in active transport planning.“This is a long-awaited project that responds to strong community demand for safer and more connected walking and cycling infrastructure,” Mr Bolgoff said.“We’ve developed the concept design based on earlier feedback and we’re now asking the community to take a look and help refine it before we move ahead.”The project will be delivered in three stages, with Stage 1 (Scenic Highway to Hillside Road) scheduled to commence construction in early 2026.Stage 2 (Hillside Road to The Round Drive) is planned to commence in late 2027.Stages 1 and 2 are funded through developer contributions, while Council continues to advocate for funding to deliver Stage 3 (The Round Drive to Heazlett Park).Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the infrastructure project delivers on Council’s commitment to building a more liveable and connected region.“This recreational infrastructure project is a great example of how Council is committed to helping the community achieve a healthy, active and sustainable lifestyle,” Mayor McKinna said.“The Avoca Drive shared pathway will make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and stay active, while reducing pressure on our busy road network.“I encourage everyone to review the proposed design for a new shared pathway along Avoca Drive and have your say on the Your Voice Our Coast website.”The shared pathway aligns with Council’s Bike Plan, Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and the Community Strategic Plan, which prioritise the creation of a regional network of accessible active transport options.Have your sayView the concept design and FAQs:

Drivers across the Central Coast are being reminded to slow down this May, as Central Coast Council and NSW Police step up efforts to tackle speeding on local roads and increase safety in residential areas.The focus is on improving safety in 50km/h and 60km/h zones – areas where children, older adults, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are often present.Unfortunately, speeding continues to be the primary contributing factor in fatal crashes across the Central Coast.Our goal is to reduce the risk and severity of speed-related crashes and protect the most vulnerable members of the community. NSW Police Acting Inspector, Brendan Gregory said that while local streets may feel safer and familiar, they are no place for complacency behind the wheel."We want to remind the Central Coast community and visitors to slow down and take care on local roads,” Inspector Gregory said.“Even a few kilometres over the limit can be the difference between a near miss and a serious crash.“Police will be out in full force across the Central Coast throughout May, targeting speeding motorists and encouraging safer driving behaviour – especially in areas where people walk, ride and live.”‘Every K Counts’ and ‘Stop it… or cop it!’ – that’s the clear message from Police and Council, reminding drivers that slowing down can save lives. Council is working in partnership with NSW Police and Transport for NSW, under the Local Government Road Safety Program, to improve safety on Central Coast roads.Every kilometre over the limit increases both your stopping distance and your risk of a crash.

Central Coast Council’s draft Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan and resourcing strategies are now on exhibition for community feedback until 2 June 2025.The plans respond to the community’s vision to “strengthen and support our community, protect our environment and create an inclusive, prosperous and accessible place to live, work and thrive, for today and for future generations".The draft Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035, ‘This is Our Future, Our Central Coast’, is a 10-year road map representing over two years of consultation and engagement and outlines community priorities under the themes of ‘Our People, Our Environment, Our Place, Our Economy and Our Leadership’.The accompanying draft four-year Delivery Program, one-year Operational Plan and resourcing strategies have been developed to enable the delivery of the community vision.

Central Coast Council are providing the opportunity for local makers and creators to submit their interest in hosting exhibitions, workshop and installations at the Gallery container in Toukley over the coming financial year.Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith, is encouraging artists of all mediums to apply to be part of the Creative Spaces program for 2025-26.“Selected artists will be able to set up residence over a number of weeks and connect with the community through creative workshops, talks, and collaborations with other artists and installations throughout the year,” Ms Smith said.“Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the gallery container at Toukley Village Green provides an exciting space for selected artists to exhibit and connect with the community.“We’ve had some great artists and activations to date, and I look forward to seeing the creative ways the next group will use the space and engage with each other through art.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that he is pleased to see local artists, community members, visitors and local businesses benefit from this creative initiative.“Our Creative Spaces Program enables local creatives to develop their art practice, collaborate, meet peers, and share skills and resources in a dedicated space.“I encourage local artists to host an exhibition, workshop or installation at the Gallery container in the Toukley Town Centre.

Central Coast Council is inviting residential and business customers to have your say on future water and sewer service improvement options, and what you would be willing to pay for those services.

The annual Little Tern breeding season at Karagi Point, The Entrance North concluded in February, with Central Coast Council delighted to report another record-breaking outcome!Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year to breed and have historically chosen to nest at The Entrance on the Central Coast.Protected under both State and federal threatened species legislation, Little Terns are sensitive to a wide range of threats, including native and introduced predators, crushing and disturbance from vehicles, humans and domestic dogs, inundation of nesting sites and adverse weather conditions.Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader said that with support from the community, Council worked hard to create the right environment for nesting and ongoing breeding success and put in place a range of measures to protect the colony.“Over the last five years, Council has carried out best practice management to protect the Little Tern breeding colony, which has included fencing and signage installation, mitigating the threat of human disturbance and nest site inundation, nest monitoring, fox and avian predator control, environmental education / community engagement and site closures during large events.“It is so satisfying to see that these actions have once again resulted in record-breaking breeding success with an incredible 228 fledglings recorded – the most ever recorded along the NSW coast and nearly half of the total NSW fledgling count last season,” Mr Loader said.Monitoring over the last five years, has now shown Karagi Point to be the most important nest site in the state and is significantly contributing to the long-term survival of the species.In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Council staff were well prepared ahead of the breeding season – a key to the success achieved.Mr Loader said despite the success seen, a range of unauthorised activities were still observed at the nest site.“This included large amounts of rubbish being left on site, discarded fishing line, people entering the fenced nesting area, unnecessary noise, flying of drones over the area and the presence of dogs – which are actually prohibited at Karagi Point.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to step back into the shoes of Wyong locals from the 19th Century by joining one of four Wyong Heritage guided Walks available to choose from this April and May.

Central Coast Council’s newly adopted Engagement Strategy reinforces its commitment to strengthening communication and collaboration with the community.Adopted at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 25 March 2025, the strategy sets out clear principles and guidelines for engaging with residents, ensuring they understand their rights and have meaningful opportunities to shape plans and projects for the Central Coast.Council Executive Officer Performance and Communications, Nicole Jenkins emphasised the importance of open and genuine dialogue between Council and residents to ensure decisions truly reflect community needs. “It’s essential that the community has an opportunity to have their say on the strategies, plans and decisions that affect them,” Ms Jenkins said. “Through this process, our community told us they wanted greater transparency, more inclusive spaces for youth, stronger accessibility for people with disabilities, diverse representation in decision making and a greater focus on place-based engagement – ensuring local voices shape local decisions. “After gathering community feedback in 2024, we worked with Councillors to refine the strategy even further, making sure the voices of the communities they represent were heard.“Over the next four years, we are committed to making our communication clearer and easier to understand, increasing face-to-face engagement, developing a First Nations Engagement Strategy and where possible, adopting a place-based engagement approach.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna highlighted the importance of enabling everyone in the community to have a fair opportunity to genuinely participate in Council’s engagement activities and help influence the decisions that affect our region now and in the future.“Our community wants to be actively involved in helping to shape local decision-making and the Engagement Strategy provides the framework to make that happen,” Mayor McKinna said.

Central Coast’s new district-level playspace at Picnic Point The Entrance, is already proving popular with locals and visitors!While officially opened on 15 April 2025, the playspace was ready for the community on Friday 11 April – ensuring it was open for the first weekend of the school holidays.The playspace features swing sets, slides, a multi-level climbing structure, an obstacle course, a flying fox, a junior climbing unit, shade and is fully fenced.