With the 2017 school year kicking off this week, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to slow down near schools and put the safety of children first.Friday 27 January is a gazetted school day which means 40km zones will be back in force, as will parking zones around schools.Parking zones around schools are in place for the safety of children, but also assist with traffic flow during busy drop off and pick up times – minimising possible sight obstructions.As the school term begins, Council Rangers and Parking Officers will carry out extra patrols to enforce parking restrictions around schools, ensuring a safe start to the new school year.Council is encouraging everyone to take care when driving through school zones, stick to the speed limit, follow directions from crossing supervisors and avoid any dangerous manoeuvres.Double Demerits will also be in force from Wednesday 25 until Sunday 29 January 2017 (inclusive) and will apply if a motorist is caught speeding in a designated school zone on Friday 27 January.For more information on how to park safely around schools, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Stephen Clarke named inaugural Central Coast Town CrierAustralia’s top town crier, Mr Stephen Clarke, has cemented his place as a regional identity, following a decision at last night’s Council meeting to crown him the inaugural Central Coast Town Crier.Working as the Gosford City town crier for the past 26 years, Mr Clarke took out the nation’s top town crying accolade last year, when he contested the 25th National Town Criers Championships in Redland, Queensland, and landed three awards for Best Dressed Crier, Best Cry and Champion of Champions.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the change in title officially recognises Mr Clarke’s contribution to the region and formalises his role at official Council ceremonies and events.“Stephen Clarke has been an amazing ambassador for Gosford City and his numerous accolades and national awards are testament to his talent and experience,” Mr Reynolds said.“As the Central Coast has become a region in its own right, it is only fitting that someone who has been such a tremendous asset to his local community can be recognised for his representation across the entirety of our new local government area.“Previously, Stephen formally commenced all citizenship ceremonies at Gosford and he will now appear at Central Coast citizenship ceremonies across all venues.”For Mr Clarke, being the official Central Coast Town Crier is an opportunity to showcase his passion for the wonderful place he calls home.“I have always had an incredible passion for our hometown and I believe we are all so lucky to be a part of this amazing community,” Mr Clarke said.“I am exceptionally proud of where we live and whenever I have the chance to tell people about the natural beauty, friendly atmosphere and marvellous advancements happening in our local area, I do.“It is an honour to officially represent the Central Coast and now I have the opportunity to sing the praises of our entire region wherever I go.”Having lived on the Central Coast since 1958, Mr Clarke is a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers and is passionate about promotion and advancement of the Central Coast region.Even Mr Clarke’s town crying robes are representative of our region’s local identity;

Wednesday 25 January 2017GosfordMortimer Lane, part of William Street and the Eliza Street Car Park in and around Gosford’s Kibble Park will be closed from 2pm until 11.30pm.Free parking will be available in the Gosford Town Centre (open until 10.30pm) and Imperial Shopping Centre (open until 10pm) car parks.Thursday 26 January 2017WagstaffeMulhall Street in Wagstaffe (between the Wagstaffe ferry wharf and Wagstaffe Avenue) will be closed from 7am until 12pm.Pearl BeachPearl Parade (between Tourmaline Avenue and Amethyst Avenue) will be closed from 5am until 12pm.The Entrance Marine Parade Car Park will be closed to the public all day.The Entrance Road north bound at Victoria Avenue and Ocean Parade will be closed from 5pm – 10pm along with Marine Parade, Beach Street and Coral Street (east of Duffys Lane).

Australia Day on the Central Coast is more than just celebrating the great country we live in - it’s also a chance to recognise the unsung heroes.For the first time on the Central Coast, the annual Australia Day Awards were open to entries from across the region, seeing residents nominated for their outstanding dedication to our community.This year’s inaugural Citizen of the Year went to Mr Lester Pearson of Fountaindale - a man who has given countless hours to those less fortunate.Lester has been volunteering for more than 30 years across a range of projects, with his latest passion focused on helping local youth.He is a great example of how volunteering can make a difference in a community and has been instrumental in setting up a number of foundations to support our youth in crisis as well as those overseas.Lester and his wife, Sue, established Coats for Kids through their dry cleaning business collecting and cleaning more than 5000 coats, jackets and jumpers for Youth off the Streets programs to help keep young ones warm in winter.His most recent achievement, the establishment of Save Our Kids (SOKS) has saved more than 190 young lives across the Central Coast since it started in 2013.Lester conceived the idea of SOKS to address the issue of youth suicide on the Coast, through raising funds for Lifeline.

Central Coast Council wishes to advise that its meeting this month is scheduled for Tuesday 24 January 2017.Usually scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month, January’s meeting has been moved to avoid clashing with Australia Day Eve celebrations at Kibble Park, Gosford and Canton Beach Foreshore.Starting at 5pm, the first meeting for 2017 will be held in the Gosford Office at 49 Mann Street, Gosford.The meeting will also be available webcast on Council’s YouTube channel.

Central Coast Council has awarded the contract for the construction of stage one of the Tuggerah Regional Sport and Recreation Complex.The grand $23.71 million sporting complex will include a premier ground with another 9 playing fields, cricket pitches, public amenities including change rooms, canteen facilitates, store rooms and parking at Lakes Road, Tuggerah.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the awarding of this contact is a step towards positioning the Central Coast as a destination of choice for major sporting events.“We have previously had to turn away some state competitions due to a lack of appropriate facilities, but not anymore,” Mr Reynolds said.“The economic benefits that will flow to our community from hosting large sporting events is huge in dollar value, creating local jobs and boosting tourism.”Work on stage one is anticipated to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will create up to 70 new full time employment opportunities during construction.“A further 28 new full time jobs will be created in the region after five years of operation of this complex, boosting much needed employment opportunities on the Coast,” Mr Reynolds added.“This is a really exciting time as Council brings much needed infrastructure and facilities to the Central Coast to improve our community’s quality of life and delivering projects the community need, want and value.”This project was made possible with the support of the Australian Government’s $10 million National Stronger Regions Fund and Council’s $13.71 million.Council recognises the importance of this funding and is looking forward to collaborating with the Australian Government to deliver future projects for the Central Coast community.The final stage of this project will see construction of an indoor sporting centre incorporating six basketball courts, amenities, sporting officers, a kiosk and a 3000 seat grandstand to bring the total value of the complex to $53 million.The tender was awarded to Norths Construction who also built The Art House in Wyong for which they won a 2016 Master Builders Association Award.

As council libraries continue to provide online resources for the community, demand for Your Tutor, a free online tutoring service available through council libraries, has more than doubled in the past 12 months.The tutoring service provides help with English (including writing essays), Maths, and science, and is so popular with young students council libraries had to purchase extra minutes to meet demand in July, October and November.Some 1288 tutorials were used in 2016, up from 557 tutorials in 2015.Maths was the subject students asked for the most help with, with 474 tutorials recorded, followed by English, with 422 tutorials used and 178 requests for help with writing essays.Council’s Group Leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the increase in the use of the free online tutoring system was evidence that council was meeting the educational needs of the community, especially young people."We are seeing more and more young people, including senior high school students and TAFE students, using Your Tutor in order to get help with their studies, which improves their chances of finding employment and succeeding in the workplace,” Ms Vaughan said.“Students in Year 12 used the service the most, with 755 tutorials, and TAFE and university students were next, with 233 sessions used.”A student who used Your Tutor said the service saved her from ‘the walk of shame’ with her maths teacher and helped her managed questions she “thought I had no chance of doing.”Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was thrilled Coast students were utilising council’s libraries services.“Council is committed to providing educational resources for young people so they are well equipped to enter the workforce,” Mr Reynolds said.“Your Tutor is available for literacy and numeracy subjects as well as essay checking all through the school holidays, from 6pm to midnight from Sunday to Thursday.”Council reminds parents with children about to return to school that normal services covering all subjects will resume on 29 January and to make sure their children can access this free council library service.Your Tutor is also trialling a quiz module for students relating to NAPLAN for primary school students.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) decision to defer the next review and determination of water, sewerage and drainage prices for 12 months.The decision means current prices for residents and businesses will remain in place until 30 June 2019.Council’s Group Leader Assets and Infrastructure, Mr Mike Dowling, said the decision would allow Council to develop a comprehensive submission for the next review and determination.“We will be taking the extra time granted by IPART to develop robust and accurate cost forecasts for the 2018-19 price review,” said Mr Dowling.“This will ensure we can take into account the entire water, sewer and drainage business across the Central Coast and implement efficiencies gained during the amalgamation process.“Council will continue to engage with IPART to ensure we develop an effective and efficient price review, which delivers benefits to both our community and Council.”Residents and business concerned about the impact of this decision on their individual water and sewerage bills can contact Council on either 4350 5555 or 4325 8222.

A man who has given countless hours to those less fortunate has been named the inaugural Central Coast Citizen of the Year.Mr Lester Pearson of Fountaindale received the honour tonight at Central Coast Council’s 2017 Australia Day Awards ceremony.Lester has been volunteering for more than 30 years with his latest passion focused on helping local youth.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Lester was a great example of how volunteering can make a difference in a community.“Lester is a deserving recipient for the first Central Coast Citizen of the Year award, showing that his work in the community isn’t going unnoticed and it is truly appreciated,” Mr Reynolds said.“He’s been instrumental in setting up a number of foundations to support our youth in crisis as well as those overseas.”Lester and his wife, Sue, established ‘Coats for Kids’ through their dry cleaning business, collecting and cleaning more than 5000 coats, jackets and jumpers for Youth off the Streets programs to help keep young ones warm in winter.His most recent achievement, the establishment of Save Our Kids (SOKS) has saved more than 190 young lives across the Coast since it started in 2013.Lester conceived the idea of SOKS to address the issue of youth suicide on the Coast, through raising funds for Lifeline.

Temporary traffic control measures will be in place along a section of Patonga Drive, near Warrah Trig Road, Patonga on Monday 23 January and Tuesday 24 January 2017, while Central Coast Council undertakes essential road pavement works.Warning signs will be in place for the duration of the works to notify motorists of the changed traffic conditions and traffic controllers will be on site from 7.30am – 3.30pm to ensure the safety of the community.Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their patience while these important works are carried out and apologises for any inconvenience.

Australia Day celebrations will be kicking off early this year with major events at Canton Beach Foreshore and Kibble Park, Gosford on Wednesday 25 January.The festivities will be in full swing at both locations on the eve of our official national day, featuring food and market stalls, activities for the kids, and a fireworks spectacular.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said that these events were the perfect way to begin celebrating Australia Day.“Canton Beach Foreshore and Kibble Park will be abuzz with activity and both events will offer fun for the whole family.“These events offer a great opportunity for everyone in our community to come together and celebrate the many things we love about being Australian,” said Mr Reynolds.Those attending Kibble Park on Australia Day Eve can expect face painting, an interactive performance by Little Puppet World and performances by the Voice’s Ellie Drennan and The Rhythm Hunters.At Canton Beach Foreshore, there will be beach games, an animal farm, lamington making and the Ozi Maid Bush Band.Mr Reynolds said a traditional fireworks spectacular will close both events.“The fireworks display is always extremely popular and will be a fitting finale to close these fantastic community celebrations.“I’d encourage everyone to get to their local event and revel in some true-blue Aussie spirit!” said Mr Reynolds.Australia Day Eve at Canton Beach will run from 4pm – 9pm and is proudly brought to you by Greater Toukley Vision and Central Coast Council and sponsored by 101.3 SeaFM.Australia Day Eve at Kibble Park will run from 5pm – 9.30pm and is proudly brought to you by Central Coast Council and sponsored by 104.5 STAR FM.For a full list of Australia Day events including details, times and locations from around the Central Coast head to www.facebook.com/centralcoastcouncil

Throw a snag on the barbie, grab yourself a cold drink and throw in a lamington for good measure – Australia Day is here!The festivities will be kicking off early this year with events at Canton Beach Foreshore and Kibble Park, Gosford on the eve of our official national day – Wednesday 25 January.Those attending the Kibble Park event can expect face painting, an interactive performance by Little Puppet World and performances by the Voice’s Ellie Drennan and The Rhythm Hunters.While at Canton Beach, there will be beach games, an animal farm, lamington making and the Ozi Maid Bush Band.In a fitting finale, a traditional fireworks spectacular is planned to close both these fantastic community celebrations.To celebrate Australia Day on Thursday 26 January, there will be a range of events across the Central Coast to get everyone into the spirit.Celebrations will start early in Wagstaffe with an official ceremony and a free breakfast.The Entrance will be a hive of activity, featuring amusement rides, an ice cream eating competition, a performance from Mental as Anything and finish with a fireworks display.While in Woy Woy, there will be market stalls, live music, the traditional lantern parade and of course, a fireworks spectacular.Taking part in this year’s official celebrations will be the Central Coast’s Australia Day Ambassador, John Dooley.An Ambassador for White Ribbon since 2011, John has presented at countless events, conferences and functions;

Explore the hidden gems and discover forgotten laneways when the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival showcases Wyong in a new light.Festival-goers to the inaugural event will be able to immerse themselves in the abundance of colour, sounds and smells of this unique outdoor festival on Saturday 11 February.Central Coast Council’s Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said this festival is one not to be missed.“Three laneways in the town centre of Wyong will be transformed for one afternoon – nothing like you’ve ever seen before,” Ms Vaughan said.“There will be live entertainment, aerial circus performances, live art, free kids activities, great food, markets stalls and much more – including strange creatures set to excite the crowd as interactive street performers make their way through the Festival.”The Festival is set to transform Wyong CBD and bring it to life with something for everyone.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the local businesses of Wyong were looking for ways to activate the area, and the Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival will help deliver that.“The aim of the Festival is to drive economic development and revitalise the town centre of Wyong while showing visitors the unique character it has to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.“By developing broad community partnerships as part of a place-based approach, where everyone involved is committed to make Wyong a better place, we have designed a Festival that truly reflects the identity of the area.“We want the Wyong CBD to grow and thrive.“New businesses are opening up all the time particularly in food offerings – and this festival will give everyone a chance to see how much Wyong is changing.“We hope it becomes an annual event and one that people look forward to every year!”Located in Wyong, festival-goers are encouraged to take advantage of public transport with one of the Coast’s largest bus and rail interchange situated in the town centre.See Wyong come to life on Saturday 11 February from 4-10pm.Grand Hotel Lane (Robley’s Lane) will feature aerial circus performances, ‘La Toosh’ Tunes on the stage, a licensed bar area as well as an outdoor cinema from 8.15pm on the Chapman Building Lawn.Coastwide First National Lane (Alison Road) will offer tastings from Wyong’s local favourites, delicious street food and retail stalls all under the twinkling lights of the piazza.

Central Coast Council libraries are using innovative technology platforms to upskill the community and help create the workforce of the future.As skills needed for work become more technology-based, council libraries have been at the forefront of offering courses and platforms aimed directly at young people, including workshops on 3D printing, coding and gaming.Council’s Group leader of Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the jobs landscape was changing dramatically and young people today will forge careers not seen before.

It’s definitely summertime across the Central Coast, as thousands flock to our beaches, waterways and pools to cool off from the heat.The Coast is a popular spot for holiday-makers which sees more people at our beaches, in our parks and on the roads.

Speak to any successful adult and they will name a teacher who inspired them to become a better version of themselves.Robin Balcomb of Mannering Park Public School on the Central Coast is one such teacher.Also the school librarian, Robin is a proud participant in the This is the life marketing campaign to promote all things good about the Central Coast.Robin’s inclusive environmental learning programs have so engaged her students that the school received Best Small School Environmental Awards overall in the recent 2016 Primary School Environment Awards.Robin believes in an integrated approach so that kids can totally immerse in a topic and relate all the key learning areas to raise their motivation and eagerness to learn.Robin’s passion about the environment is infectious and she has spent her time developing a number of teaching initiatives to inspire children about how to look after it.“Success is in enjoyment for the kids and starting the conversation with their families”, she says.Her most loved achievement is developing an award winning ‘indigenous bush tucker garden’ and associated program, which showcases the wonders of native Australian plants.The full list of Robin’s initiatives is expansive, with each one aimed at engaging the community through the family unit.Robin says she knows many fantastic teachers on the Central Coast and believes education on the Central Coast rivals the best in Sydney.“Most classrooms are embracing new technologies and twenty-first century learning spaces are being set up across the Central Coast,” Robin said.“We’re leaving the traditional rows of desks behind, and using modern furnishings to create comfy learning centres and a more futuristic learning environment.”“Data is showing that reading rates are improving using this method and this can only benefit students on the Central Coast.“The other thing we have here on the Central Coast is plenty of space for sports and other activities.“I know a lot of very enthusiastic teachers who are very proud of their schools and are putting energy into gardens and artwork around the schools - and they have the space to make this happen.“These are real benefits to education here on the Central Coast,” she says.Read more of Robin’s story at www.thisisthecentralcoast.com.au/our-stories.

A NSW regional riders comp and festival will kick off the first of many major competitions at Bato Yard next week.Central Coast Council is supporting one leg of the YMCA’s Skate Park Leagues local round competition on Tuesday 17 January.The YMCA competition is open to riders aged 12-25 years old and will have four categories in street and bowl – skate, scooter, BMX and wheelies (for amputees and wheelchairs).The competition provides residents with an opportunity to cheer on the best riders on the Coast as they compete for their chance to gain a spot in the national final and be named champion of the region.The day also includes free food, activities and entertainment for all ages.Bato Yard is located in the EDSACC sporting precinct, opposite Bateau Bay Square shopping centre, and is gaining a reputation in skating circles as one of the premier facilities to ride.The pre-eminent national skate competition, King of Concrete, is also bringing two rounds to Bato Yard which is expected to attract some of the best riders from the Coast, state and country.The bowl competition will be held on Saturday 11 February and the street competition will be held on Saturday 22 April – both will give the best riders a chance to use it as a stepping stone to international competitions at Bondi and in the USA.For more details on what’s happening at Bato Yard, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/batoyard

Central Coast Council’s Waste Wise Workshops are back for 2017, providing practical and hands-on advice to help the whole family reduce, reuse and recycle food waste.Food waste accounts for over forty percent of general household waste which ends up in landfill and adds to the Coast’s carbon emissions.Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said everyone has a role to play in reducing the amount of household food waste sent to landfill and attending a workshop is a great way to start.“Around ninety percent of greenhouse gas emissions from landfill are a result of decomposing organic material which can easily be reduced by composting garden organic materials and food scraps,” Mr Dowling said.“Up to fifty percent of the waste in the red lid bin could be diverted from landfill by composting and warm farming alone.”Most organic matter, excluding meat, is suitable for home composting.  The combined materials break down into a cheap, non-polluting, natural and effective garden fertiliser.Workshops will be held on composting and worm farming with participants taking home a free worm farm or compost bin so they can get started straight away.There will also be workshops on no dig gardening – how to create a productive garden that does not take up space by using a box or even something as small as a jar.“These enjoyable workshops will give residents practical tips and tools to reduce and recycle food waste and turn it into a great resource for the garden,” Mr Dowling said.“Worm farms can be kept outside, inside, on the balcony or in the garage so you don’t need a lot of space – they are ideal for units.”Worms turn leftovers into a rich soil-like substance called 'castings'.

A lake foreshore recreation area at the end of Archbold Road, Long Jetty is now able to be used by the public over the summer.Central Coast Council has completed the first stage of works of a $150,000 project designed to stop pollutants from entering the lake from the stormwater that runs off the local catchment.Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the area was previously a low-lying boggy area, making it inaccessible to the public.“These water quality improvement works included filling in this boggy area, which is now an 80 metre grassed area that the public can use over the summer,” Mr Dowling said.“It’s perfect for picnics with some lovely trees to sit under, amenities and new showers.”The project involves the establishment of a planted swale to filter the stormwater and draw out nutrients and other deplorables, together with a Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) that collects rubbish and dirt before the water enters the swale.The area is next to a constructed beach immediately south of Long Jetty.Saltmarsh, and a range of native Australian plants including succulents with flowers, will be planted in the swale in February 2017.The plants absorb excess nutrients and trap the dirt in water before it enters the lakes, in a process called polishing.The result is cleaner water in the lakes.The project is supported by Council from funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and is due for completion in March 2017.

Central Coast Council has welcomed the decision by Remondis drivers to reverse their planned stop work meeting for today.Council understands the dispute between the drivers, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Council’s waste contractor, Remondis, relates to their current enterprise agreement.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he was pleased the parties involved had agreed to come to the negotiating table as it is important to ensure essential waste services to Central Coast residents are maintained.“Council is not a party to these proceedings.  We contract Remondis to deliver waste services to our residents and we expect that service to be delivered,” Mr Reynolds said.“Remondis have acted quickly to stave off this potential action which could have affected bin services for a number of residents, and I am pleased the drivers are willing to return to the negotiating table.“This is where the TWU’s focus needs to be, on these negotiations and not on Council’s waste tender process.“We have met with them on several occasions and made it clear our role is to ensure our 331,000 residents get the most reliable and best waste services in the next waste contract that we sign.”The current contract with Remondis runs until end of January 2018.  Council is currently finalising tender documents to deliver services beyond January 2018.