The award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival will kick off its nine day program on Saturday and it is guaranteed to entertain, delight and educate.Once again, Tuggerah Lakes will take centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 November.The festival program is varied so it doesn’t matter whether your interest is sport or cultural experiences, family or educational activities or just getting out and enjoying the magnificent lakes and catchments, this festival is for you.Light up the Lake will launch the festival with a five hour lakeside event at Memorial Park, and will be jam-packed with great food, entertainment and lots of free activities.

Lead Instructor of The Hub Erina’s Rising Stars Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) program, Noah Magnus, will compete and captain the Australian team in the World Pankration Championships in Italy from 11-14 November.Pankration means ‘all powers’.

Central Coast Council will place the draft Norah Head Village Centre Masterplan on Public Exhibition from Wednesday 9 November to Friday 9 December 2016.“This plan has been developed with great input from over 60 residents and stakeholders at two community workshops held in May and June this year,” said Mr Scott Cox, Group Leader, Environment and Planning.“Now the plan is ready for Public Exhibition and we encourage anyone interested to view the plan and provide feedback by the due date,” Mr Cox said.“This Masterplan is all about Council investing in the Norah Head community over the next 20 years to retain its distinct character whilst improving public facilities and linkages.”Some of the key features of the plan are provision for public domain improvements within the Village Centre.The plan considers car parking, shared pathways and cycleways, street furniture, lighting, signage and landscaping, public amenities and recreational facilities.Following the Public Exhibition the draft masterplan will be refined to incorporate any changes required as a result of feedback received during the exhibition period.The draft Masterplan will then be reported to Council seeking its adoption and commencement of the first stage of implementation of the Masterplan, and to gain inclusion of short to medium term recommended actions within Council’s four year delivery plan.The draft masterplan can be viewed at Toukley Library or at Central Coast Council Chambers, 2 Hely Street, Wyong or online at www.haveyoursaycentralcoast.com.au/norah-head-master-planWe welcome public feedback via email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au, the Have Your Say webpage or PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259.

Resealing of 59 kilometres of Central Coast local roads has kicked off this week beginning at Chain Valley Bay.A number of streets will be resealed as part of Council’s Capital Works Program this year providing safer roads for motorists.Central Coast Council’s Construction Manager, Mr Stuart Baverstock said, this resealing program reflects part of Council’s commitment to maintain and improve local roads for the community.“Resealing roads will extend the life of the road and result in less long term road maintenance,” Mr Baverstock said.“The benefits the community can experience because of this resealing work is safer roads and money saved over the life of the road.“Council is responsible for over 2000 kilometres of sealed road pavement across our region and will continue to prioritise this work to meet the needs of our community and help reduce accidents.”Short term disruptions can take place while this work is being carried out and all updates for the program can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.A selection of the 59 kilometres of road to be resealed in the coming months include;Alan Avenue, CharmhavenAllambee Crescent, Blue HavenBlood Tree Road, Mangrove MountainBrandon Close, BudgewoiBridge Avenue, Chain Valley BayBuff Point Avenue, Buff PointCams Boulevard, Summerland PointCarpenter Street, Umina BeachCarters Road, Lake MunmorahCatalina Road, San RemoChisholm Avenue, Lake MunmorahCogra Road, Woy WoyDog Trap Road, SomersbyKurrawa Avenue, Point ClareMalkana Avenue, Forresters BeachMelba Road, Woy WoyThe Ridgeway, LisarowWards Hill Road, Empire BayWatkin Avenue, Woy Woy.For information on upcoming road work, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

Council is helping to improve the community’s health and wellbeing by bringing free talks and Buddhist mediation sessions to the local Library.Central Coast Libraries regularly host meditation sessions facilitated by a local Khedruje Kadampa Buddhist teacher.These sessions give the community an opportunity to experience mediation and learn about the Buddhist way of life firsthand.Council’s Library Services Manager, Ms Andrea Edwards said, the Buddhist sessions have proven to be extremely popular with local residents and shows there is a strong need for this type of event in the region.“Meditation has been proven to lessen worry, reduce stress and improve optimism and that is certainly what we want for our community,” said Ms Edwards.“If you are looking for ways to destress, improve your quality of life and develop inner peace meditation just might be what you need.“The next two sessions will talk about overcoming stress and solving life’s problems in this modern world we live in,” Ms Edwards added.“Meditation can be practiced by any member of the community, no matter what race, culture, gender or age so come and join us to experience a new way of life as everyone is welcome.“The next Khedruje Kadampa sessions are on 9 November at 2.30pm at Tuggerah Library and 6 December at 10.30am at Lake Haven Library.Booking for these sessions are essential and can be made by calling the library branches directly.

110 new parking spaces are being created close to the heart of Terrigal, with work commencing on the $2.7 million upgrade to the Wilson Road parking station.

Central Coast Council is celebrating National Recycling Week, from Monday 7 November until Sunday 13 November 2016, by holding a series of free Green Living Workshops and tours around the Coast.Now in its 21st year, National Recycling Week aims to give people the tools to minimise waste and responsibly manage resources at home, work and school.Residents of all ages are invited to participate in the events, which go beyond the yellow recycling bin by looking at ways to reduce waste, reuse resources and recycle more.Learn how to make a kitchen garden without spending a cent, discover water wise ways to grow plants, set up backyard chickens, find out how to compost and set up a worm farm,  learn how to love your leftovers, save money by op-shopping, and learn about the recycling process.Central Coast Council’s Green Living Workshops during National Recycling Week:Monday 7 November, Love Food Hate Waste, 11am – 12.30pm, Wyoming Community CentreTuesday 8 November, Waste and Recycling Tour, 9am – 1pm, Woy Woy LandfillWednesday 9 November, Upcycle Kitchen Garden, 10am – 1pm, Kincumber LibraryThursday 10 November, Waste and Recycling Tour, 9am – 1pm, Buttonderry Waste Management FacilitySaturday 12 November, Wicking Bed Construction, 9am – 11am, Woy Woy Peninsula Community GardenSaturday 12 November, Remondis Open Day, 9.30am – 11am, Remondis Somersby DepotSaturday 12 November, Op Shop Hop, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Woy Woy Op Shops, meeting at Woy Woy Train StationSunday 13 November, Keeping Backyard Chickens, 9am – 12pm, Meeting Space 3, The Erina CentreSunday 13 November, Compost and Worm Farming, 1pm – 4pm, Meeting Space 3, The Erina CentreFor more information, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or phone 4325 8222.

It’s less than two weeks before the award-winning Wyong Lakes Festival kicks off its nine day program to entertain, delight and educate.Once again, Tuggerah Lakes will take centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from 12-20 November.Council’s Event Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said the first weekend is set to light up The Entrance and will kick start the festival with a five hour lakeside event.“The festival kicks off with the Light up the Lake event on Saturday 12 November at Memorial Park and will be jam packed with great food, entertainment and activities,” Ms Linsley said.“We have a silent disco, photo booth, glow forest, roving entertainment that will light up, facepainting and much, much more.“But the highlight would be the main stage that will feature a line-up of artists including our headline act, Thirsty Merc.“The night will finish at 9pm with a firework spectacular over the lake and the best news of all, it’s free!”A brunch by the lake will be held the next morning, Sunday 13 November, where festival goers can indulge in a free breakfast.There will also be more free activities, a bubble pond and roving entertainment including a special appearance from the stilt lifesavers to enjoy.All eyes will be on the main stage in Memorial Park for the free music and entertainment including celebrity chef, Courtney Roulston, who we all know from MasterChef.Other events on the opening weekend include Painting by the Lake, Storytelling, Remondis Open Day, Colour Ya World, Saltwater Festival, Pedal to Paddle and the popular TriWyong.“The festival program is varied so it doesn’t matter whether your interest is sport or cultural experiences, family or educational activities or just getting out and enjoying the magnificent lakes and catchments, this festival is for you,” Ms Linsley addedCouncil’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said while the festival is fantastic for locals, it is expected to attract lots of visitors to the region as well.“With a full program of more than 30 free events, it’s no wonder our Festival is winning awards!” Mr Reynolds said.“The Festival is a great way for locals and visitors alike to take part in a wide range of interesting events and explore our beautiful lakes at the same time.”For a full program of events, visit wyong.nsw.gov.au/wyonglakesfestival

The popular Bato Yard will be closed off in sections next week as maintenance works are carried out across the freestyle riding facility.Central Coast Council and Convic will be working on the Yard from Monday 7 to Friday 11 November.Works are being done to improve the Yard and users can expect temporary closures in certain areas during this time.Council apologises for any inconvenience during these works.Since opening in July, Bato Yard is used by hundreds of riders each day from when the lights come on at 5am until they switch off at 10pm.The facility is growing in popularity and has already secured three major events for the 2017 calendar.

Central Coast residents can celebrate taking out second place in Australia for the most registered sales in this year’s Garage Sale Trail.On 22 October, residents took on the challenge of increasing the sustainability of our community by buying, selling, haggling, bartering and recycling unwanted goods at garage sales all over the Coast.Central Coast Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds said, coming second in Australia is a great achievement for our region, as we were up against at least 150 other regions across the country.“This year it was recorded that 201 individual sales and 116 group sales were held by our Central Coast residents and approximately 8,000 coastal shoppers were out and about supporting this event,” Mr Reynolds said.“The Central Coast’s success in this event is due to the overwhelming community support and commitment to making the Coast a more sustainable region.“Council would like to thank the Central Coast community for their support for this environmentally friendly initiative.

Throughout November, Central Coast Council is reminding residents about the risks associated with the removal and handling of asbestos, as part of Asbestos Awareness Month.Asbestos Awareness Month aims to educate homeowners, renovators, handymen and tradespeople about the dangers of working with asbestos and how to manage those dangers safely.Australia was one of the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world, with asbestos found in one in every three homes built or renovated before 1987.While considered safe if left undisturbed, when products containing asbestos are disturbed, handled incorrectly or not disposed of properly, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled;

Funding to maintain or restore heritage items in the area covered by the former Wyong Shire Council is now available.As a result of funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage, Council is offering grants of up to $2000 per project for heritage items and properties.Owners or managers of heritage buildings and items, and owners of properties within the former Wyong Shire Council heritage conservation areas are now invited to apply.Applications can be made through Central Coast Council’s Local Heritage Assistance Fund.Council’s Group Leader Scott Cox said the level of funding for individual projects will be determined on a case by case basis however greater funding may be considered in some instances.“Projects that involve the repair or reinstatement of items on heritage buildings, such as the reinstatement of fences, verandas and decorative items, are encouraged,” Mr Cox said.“Projects can also include structural work through to final painting.”Council will also consider projects outside this scope that lead to good heritage outcomes.Council recognises the environmental, social and economic value contained in local heritage assets and the contribution these assets have made to our identity.The fund aims to help residents and business owners protect and manage important heritage items and heritage conservation areas into the future.“Well known heritage assets attract tourism and owners of heritage-listed private property can significantly increase their value of land and property over time,” Mr Cox said.Heritage listings can be found in the Wyong Shire Local Environmental Plan which also outlines how these items are protected by legislation.Heritage building owners are encouraged to contact Council’s Heritage Advisor to ensure their project is eligible.Applications close 2 December 2016 and projects must be completed by 31 March 2017.For more information go to wyong.nsw.gov.au/environment/heritage. 

Fourteen not-for-profit groups will share in $250,000 in Stronger Communities Fund grants for projects that will encourage a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.Newly merged councils, like the Central Coast, received $10 million under the State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to kick start the delivery of projects to improve infrastructure and services - with $1 million earmarked for grants for local community groups.

Council is calling for final feedback on the concept design plan for the $1.4 million Koolewong boat ramp upgrade.This design is the product of two stages of stakeholder and community consultation commencing in May this year.Final comment is being invited via the Have Your Say Central Coast Website, by Friday 4 November.Council is upgrading this important aquatic infrastructure to provide a more user-friendly facility and accommodate increased usage capacity now and into the future.The upgrade will include construction of a dual-lane boat ramp, an on-ramp pontoon and a sailing pontoon.This upgrade has been made possible thanks to a $750,000 grant from the NSW Government’s NSW Boating Now program.Construction is planned for mid-2017.

A whale calf found caught in a shark net at Shelly Beach this morning has now freed itself.Council Lifeguard’s spotted the whale on their daily patrol this morning and called in ORRCA.A jet ski inspection by Lifeguards and ORRCA have confirmed the whale calf is no longer trapped in the nets and has been reunited with its mother.National Parks and Wildlife were notified and had launched a rescue boat from Sydney which has since turned back.A Channel Nine helicopter also confirmed to Council lifeguards the whale was definitely free.Hundreds of whales have been spotted along the Central Coast coastline over the last few days as they make their way south after their winter solstice.

Residents are encouraged to make their homes and gardens more sustainable by learning about permaculture, composting, worm farming and keeping chickens at a new eco education garden at Buttonderry Waste Management Facility.The garden is being used for eight free community workshops during Wyong Lakes Festival, and bookings are essential.It contains raised garden beds, tepee display posts, gardening table, brick area for functions, foot bridge, children’s garden and play area, training amphitheatre and edible and native gardens.Council’s Senior Project Officer, Ms Narelle Peterson, said the garden had been specifically designed to facilitate community workshops where residents could learn to reduce waste and their use of household chemicals.“The garden was developed as part of Council’s Waste Less Recycle More program and the workshops are designed to teach the community how they can reuse and recycle,” Ms Peterson said.“Permaculture workshops will teach people how to harvest and maximise water, sun and other natural resources such as leaves, bird droppings and dust.”“Simple things such as planting seedlings in newspaper pots that can then be planted straight into the soil help minimise the amount of work needed in the garden and it’s environmentally friendly.”Some workshops include free starter packs which are limited to one per household.

Central Coast Council has announced the first round of funding as part of the Stronger Communities Fund Community Grants Program.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Central Coast Council annual Short Story Competition, who were announced at a well-attended awards ceremony on the weekend.This is the fifth consecutive year the competition has been held, but the first time the competition has been held across the whole Central Coast region.This year entries were invited from four categories and the theme was open, with a 1500 word limit.The competition aims to boost the profile of creative writing on the Coast while providing a platform for hopeful authors to be discovered and celebrated.Council’s Section Manager of Library Services, Ms Andrea Edwards, said she was delighted with the response from the community.“We received a record number of 224 entries.

Three of Central Coast Council’s projects have been recognised as the best in New South Wales for their engineering excellence.The winners were announced at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) state conference last night in the Hunter Valley.The Wyong CBD drainage upgrade received top honours taking out the award for Design and/or Construction of a Local Government/Public Works Project.The multi-million dollar project was split into six stages and saw drainage three times bigger than previous installed through the Wyong Central Business District (CBD) to reduce the impact of flooding in the area and support future growth and development.In the same category, Council received a Highly Commended for the upgrade of high voltage assets at Mooney Mooney Water Pump Station.Council also took out the Excellence in Road Safety Engineering for its proactive work in making our local roads safer.Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said the awards highlighted the quality of essential services Council provides to the community.“They are a testament to the hard work of our staff,” Mr Noble said.“These awards recognise our outstanding performance while carrying out some of our core services – water supply, planning and drainage.”

Central Coast Council’s innovative approach to tackle graffiti will see the local legends of Toukley immortalised as part of a community mural.Council is working with a group of visual artists to create a mural at the Toukley Neighbourhood Centre Precinct and is calling on the community to nominate local legends.Council’s Community Development Coordinator, Ms Shari Young, said the mural is more than artwork, it’s about bringing the community together and creating a sense of pride in the area.“The mural is part of our Graffiti Management Strategy to reduce the amount of blank canvas across the Coast and create murals the local community can identify with,” Ms Young said.“Toukley has been shaped by the people, landmarks and stories that are legendary in the community and we want this to be reflected in our mural.“A local legend can be a person, landmark, event or local story that is significant in the Toukley area.“We have our rich Indigenous history, the Hargraves family and Norah Head Lighthouse, dedicated community members, Canton Beach, Toukley bridge, local sports stars – past and present, great events, our lakes and beaches and the list goes on.“These are only examples and we know there are many, many legends and landmarks out there as well as stories to tell that truly represent the Toukley area.“Make sure you come along and see us at one of our pop up stalls or fun day to nominate your local legend.”A community fun day will be held on Saturday 26 November from 10am-2pm in Heador Street, where residents can go along and nominate their local legend for the mural.The day also includes a free BBQ, petting zoo, games, activities, art workshops with the mural artists and much more.Council staff and the artists will also have a stall at the Toukley Markets on Sunday 6 November and Sunday 27 November taking nominations for the community mural as well as running free art workshops.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this project is a great way to show off the rich history of Toukley.“We want to uncover the legends of Toukley and display them in a community mural for all to see and be proud of,” Mr Reynolds said.“If you know a community member who has contributed to the Toukley area, a local landmark or story, make sure you nominate them.”Nominations close Friday 16 December.