A wild rabbit control program is set to take place across the Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 3 March 2025. Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council is participating in the program to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at six locations:•    Norah Head•    Wadalba•    Ourimbah•    North Avoca•    Avoca Beach•    Umina BeachAdditionally, private landholders and other public land managers will release the virus across the region.Wild rabbits are Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest, causing severe competition for resources and land degradation.

Central Coast Council is excited to welcome a new line-up of local artists to the Gallery Container in the Toukley Village Green, as part of its Creative Spaces Program for 2024-25.Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the Gallery Container provides a vibrant space where local artists can exhibit their work, host workshops, give artist talks and showcase unique exhibitions throughout the year.

Central Coast Council has restored the use of the lift at the Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club building, enabling locals and visitors to the Club to have easy access to the upstairs social amenities in the building.

Get ready to shine!

Central Coast Council’s Mangrove Creek Dam Visitor Centre has been awarded the 2024 Newcastle Excellence in Building Award in the Public Buildings category (under $5 million).

Central Coast Council is pleased to report that new testing results taken from Terrigal Reservoir system, have confirmed that there is no E.

Central Coast Council is excited to announce the renewal of 13 local playspaces across the region as part of the Central Coast Playspace Strategy.

Central Coast Council’s popular ‘Dogs Day Out’ returns on Saturday 22 February from 9am-3pm at Terilbah Reserve in The Entrance North.

MEDIA RELEASE The Lakes Festival is making its return from 7-16 November 2025 and Central Coast Council is calling on businesses, community groups and event organisers to help make the 10th anniversary program the most vibrant and memorable yet.The Lakes Festival is an annual celebration of one of the Coast’s most cherished assets - our waterways.

MEDIA RELEASE Central Coast Council has announced the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, with the overall Citizen of the Year Award going to non-for-profit organisation Happiness Habits Inc for their support of local disadvantaged women. Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said these annual awards are a way for Council and the wider community to acknowledge those who are going the extra mile and are making a real difference. “The nomination process always brings to the forefront many of the unsung heroes of the Central Coast that make an outstanding contribution to their local community and worthy of the spotlight and recognition,” Ms Smith said.“Happiness Habits Inc were awarded the Citizen of the Year Award for their support to women on the Central Coast that face social isolation, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.

Local artists shine in The Grumpy Princess at Laycock Street TheatreCentral Coast’s thriving arts scene comes to life at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Thursday 23 January with the premiere of Grumpy Princess, an original musical performance developed through Central Coast Council's arts and culture program, Performance Illuminated.•    The Grumpy Princess•    Where:

An exciting line up of free activities is on offer at Youth Day Out – Summer Session!

Love will fill the air in Wyong when Love Lanes Festival returns on Saturday 15 February, from 4-9pm.

Central Coast Council’s annual Australia Day activities are set to return on Sunday 26 January, offering an exciting program at two locations for our growing community and visitors to the region.This year’s events will take place at Gosford Leagues Club Park and The Entrance Memorial Park on Sunday 26 January from 4-9pm and will feature free entertainment, live music, family-friendly activities, food stalls and fireworks.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the alcohol-free events provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy a fun evening in a safe, inclusive environment.“Our events are designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to all residents and visitors,” Ms Smith said.“Gather your family and friends for an evening of entertainment, ending with spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Coast’s skyline at 9pm.”Gosford event details:Sunday 26 January 4-9pmLeagues Club Park, GosfordThe Entrance event details:Sunday 26 January 4-9pmMemorial Park, The EntranceCouncil Mayor, Lawrie McKinna noted that the annual Australia Day events are among the first on Council’s 2025 calendar, offering a chance for the community to come together while also providing support to the local economy.“Our Australia Day events are all about bringing the community together.

Central Coast Council has awarded funding to 42 local community groups, non-profit organisations and businesses through the annual Community Grants Program to support projects that positively impact the Central Coast community.The Community Grants Program provides eligible applicants from the Community Development and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Programs with up to $20,000 in funding to deliver quality programs, events and projects within 18 months.Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the grant programs build connections and celebrate our local community with programs, events and activities that align with the Community Strategic Plan and the theme of Belonging.“Council continues to work with local community organisations to connect people and create local solutions and initiatives that enrich our neighbourhoods and create a tapestry of shared experiences and social cohesion,” Ms Smith said.“On Tuesday 10 December an afternoon tea was held at Council’s function rooms to recognise successful grant applicants of the Community Development Grant Program and Community Events and Place Activation Grant Program and provide the opportunity for recipients to engage with each other.”Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the Community Grant Programs assist the community to implement exciting activities that activate town centres, foreshores, lakes and open spaces for families, visitors and the wider region.“Funding from the Community Grants Program is essential for sustainable community development, which will enhance the quality of life of our residents and benefit future generations,” Mr McKinna said.The Community Development Grant Program received 50 applications this year, with 23 recommended for funding totalling $261,077.

The Central Coast’s 2024 tourism industry winners will be celebrated at an event hosted by Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna this week at the Central Coast Visitor Centre at The Entrance.The celebration event recognises the significant contribution 20 award winning Central Coast businesses have made in raising the profile of the Central Coast through tourism and business excellence.Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the array of awards showcases the dynamic and diverse range of local businesses and their outstanding achievements.“I feel it is really important to recognise and publicly acknowledge what each of these businesses have achieved this year and hope that it will also build confidence for other businesses on the Coast, knowing that the Central Coast is winning awards nationally and internationally.”Business award winners to be celebrated at the morning tea event, include fine dining restaurants, a brewery, distillery and winery, as well as popular major attractions, business events venues, arts and cultural festivals as well as international recognition for the growing list of eco-certified operators.“The Central Coast visitor economy has without a doubt recovered post-pandemic with a renewed focus now on sustainable growth.“The latest Destination NSW Central Coast Visitor Profile for year ending June 2024 reveals the value of the Central Coast visitor economy is increasingly prominent.“Council applauds all the local businesses who are committed to the economic growth of the region through tourism and business excellence,” Mayor McKinna said.Central Coast had a total of 5.3 million visitors, 5.8 million overnight stays with $1.4 billion injected into the local economy.

Central Coast Council has successfully restored beach access at Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach, ensuring residents, visitors and beach patrol teams can enjoy the coastline this summer.With the final pieces of work to be completed this week, the completion of the concrete vehicle access ramp and northern stairs at Soldiers Beach, along with previously finished stairs at Jenny Dixon Beach and Soldiers Beach SLSC, marks the full restoration of access to these popular beaches following significant storm damage in recent years.The project was undertaken following $2,443,750 received from Australian and NSW Governments’ through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to repair the storm damage and restore essential beach access.

In mid-October migratory Little Terns returned to their nesting grounds at Karagi Point, The Entrance, and already the first baby chicks are starting to totter around the sand.Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both State and Federal threatened species legislation – and the Central Coast’s Karagi Point is their most important breeding ground in New South Wales.

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the exciting summer program showcases Council’s facilities and community services and offers fun and educational activities for kids of all ages.“There’s a great range of activities in our program to provide fun and excitement for kids across the Coast.

The highly anticipated Magenta Shared Pathway officially opened today, with Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna, together with fellow Councillors, cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion.