Last night Central Coast Council won the Innovation in Special Events Award at the Annual RH Dougherty Awards held as part of Local Government WeekThe Award recognises a special event produced and owned by a Council in the 2015 calendar year that delivered excellence in fulfilling its objective.The first Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash in November last year with a nine day program featuring sporting, family, cultural, educational and live music events on and surrounding the Tuggerah Lakes Catchment area.When presenting the award for Council’s Wyong Lakes Festival, the Judges said the campaign was an outstanding, innovative event that had a great partnership approach to activating places and spaces as well as and generating significant economic returns for the region.Council’s Manager Community Partnerships and Planning, Ms Julie Vaughan, was thrilled with the win and said it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the events staff to make the dream a reality.“We were committed to delivering a Festival that showcased the Lakes and we certainly delivered, attracting people from the Central Coast and beyond,” Julie said.“We had five event hubs set up that were identified as being key locations in activating, educating and celebrating the Tuggerah Lakes system.“Over the nine days we held 35 events that promoted our area and provided elements of participation that were free to spectators, with opportunities for others to participate.“Some of the events included an evening light show on the lake and concert, breakfast by the lake, stand-up paddle boarding competition, skate competition, painting by the lake, art exhibitions, markets stalls, a triathlon and much more.”Wyong Lakes Festival provided options for forging ground-breaking partnerships between many community groups, residents, business owners and sponsors across the Coast to activate and enliven the Tuggerah Lakes system.“It was great the judges noticed the strong sustainability focus the Festival had as well as the partnerships we created to make this event a success,” Julie added.“And it was a great success!

While Australia's elite athletes are preparing to compete for Olympic gold in Rio, closer to home Australia's elite firefighters are preparing to descend on the Central Coast for Fire and Rescue NSW's own version of the Olympics, the State Firefighter Championships.The State’s best firefighters will pit their wits and skills against each other during the three-day event to be held 27-29 October.

A three volume reference book detailing much of the previously unknown history of Mann Street’s buildings, businesses and people is now available at Gosford Library.After 16 years of research and with the help of grants from Central Coast Council, local historians Pamela Williams and John Lewis recently completed the first volumes of Mann Street Gosford in the Age of Steam 1881–1960.Council’s Local Studies Librarian Geoffrey Potter said the important story this publication tells about Gosford’s local history cannot be underestimated.“Through exhaustive research of land records, newspapers, directories, photographs and council records as well as interviews with residents, Pam and John have pieced together much of Gosford’s previously lost history,” Mr Potter said.“These two dedicated and patient local historians have documented in detail the when and where of Mann Street’s buildings, who owned them, the people who lived there, and the businesses that were the lifeblood of the town in its formative years.“It traces the story of Mann Street’s individual building lots from the approval of the Homebush to Waratah railway link in 1881 through to the arrival of the electric train in 1960.”The publication’s first three volumes cover Paul’s Corner to Georgiana Terrace and both sides of Mann Street between Erina Street and Faunce Street.“Both Pam and John have a close affinity with Mann Street, having started work there in local banks in 1955,” Mr Potter added.“They are already working on several further volumes that will eventually detail from Gosford Park through to Racecourse Road.”Reference copies of Mann Street Gosford in the Age of Steam 1881–1960 are available at Gosford Library.

More information regarding enquiries and enrolments can be found on our Child Care Centres page.It’s Local Government Week, which is a great chance to highlight some of the invaluable services Council provides to the community each and every day.This year’s theme is ‘Our Council, Our Community’ and reflects how Council is closely connected to the community as well as the vital support and services we deliver that enhances people’s lives.One such service is the provision of high quality early childhood care and education that supports the needs of local families.We have been a dedicated childcare provider on the Central Coast for more than 30 years – supporting in excess of 40,000 families during this time.We run eight centres across the Central Coast at Kanwal, Kariong, Niagara Park, Northlakes, Terrigal, Toukley, Wyong and Umina.The families who attend our childcare centres know we are passionate about providing a nurturing and inspiring environment in which children can play, learn and explore.There is a strong sustainability focus in each of the centres, which gives children the opportunity to learn about things like reducing waste through worm farms, compost bins, chicken-keeping and so much more.Some centres even have their own herb and vegetable gardens and children enjoy helping maintain them.

Laycock Street Community Theatre, in partnership with Bell Shakespeare, is hosting Central Coast auditions for the 2016 John Bell Scholarship on Wednesday 17 August from 1.30pm.The new scholarship is specifically for students in regional communities, in honour of Bell Shakespeare’s Founding Artistic Director John Bell.The program is designed to offer talented young Australians the opportunity to kick-start their arts careers with the support and guidance of Bell Shakespeare.Central Coast Council Arts and Culture Coordinator, Chis King said Laycock Street Theatre has enjoyed a strong relationship with Bell Shakespeare over the years and is always committed to supporting young people pursuing careers in the arts and creative industries.“This is an amazing opportunity for young Central Coast aspiring actors to fulfil their dreams of performing.”“With incredible touring productions and education programs, Bell Shakespeare is a leading example of how live theatre can engage audiences of all ages in arts and cultural activities.”“We are always privileged to bring Bell Shakespeare productions to Central Coast audiences.

Central Coast Council is calling on the community to help identify who caused over $20,000 in damage at Northlakes Oval in San Remo.Council has been forced to close the oval after one of the floodlights was unbolted and knocked down deliberately.The 20 metre high pole has caused damage to the oval’s surface as well as shattering the lights and leaving shards of glass everywhere.

This week Central Coast Council will close the playground at The Entrance Waterfront to undertake a major upgrade and expansion to the play area.A new larger play area will be installed over the coming months as part of the $3.5m upgrade of The Entrance Waterfront.As part of this project the nearby Sails Stage has already been removed, however the much loved Vera’s Garden will stay, as will the existing large pine trees in the area.Phillip Loone, Manager of Strategic and Environmental Planning, said that the upgrade is about Council investing in creating great outdoor spaces to enhance the area’s natural beauty.“The new play area will be a larger, more diverse, more colourful and interactive play space that will cater for children of all ages,” Mr Loone said.While the playground transition is underway, families can use the nearby playground on the other side of Memorial Park, next to the Visitor Information Centre.Weekly musical entertainment at The Entrance Waterfront will be temporarily suspended and resume once the demolition and related site works are finished.Upcoming festivals and events such as the Country Music Festival, the Ukulele Festival and Chromefest will continue as usual.Mr Loone said that Council’s contractors were working tirelessly to complete the overall upgrade of The Entrance Waterfront.

Central Coast residents will have a chance to meet their new Administrator and CEO when they pop up at Council’s engagement stalls from this week.Council has been rolling out the stalls in major shopping centres across the Coast as a one stop shop to answer resident questions about the newly merged Council.Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and CEO Mr Rob Noble are set to join in and will pop up at the following shopping centres:Thursday 4 August:

Registrations are still open for the SeaFM DISCOVERED series – the Central Coast’s premier vocalist competition for singers aged 7-24 years.The next heat will be held on Friday 5 August 2016 from 6.30pm, at The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, North South Road, Erina Fair, with a $5 entry fee at the door.This round will feature a selection of young people from across the region, performing two songs each as they contend for a place in the semi-finals in October and November.The series offers professional development opportunities for young people, and the chance for emerging vocalists and singer/songwriters to share in the spotlight.Contestants make their way through a series of heats, competing for the chance to perform in the Grand Final in December and be in the running for the first prize, $5000 in Macron Music money.The SeaFM Discovered series is presented by Central Coast Council Youth Services, and The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue.Professional development partners include:

The Woy Woy Road rail underpass for vehicles is set to re-open this Monday 1 August 2016 following the completion of emergency repair works by Sydney Trains over the last three months.Sydney Trains has now finished constructing protection columns around the rail bridge’s support structures and installing new, 2.5 metre height restriction bars on both sides of the underpass.Central Coast Council will be putting the finishing touches on Sydney Trains repair works over the weekend by installing median strips on the approaches to the underpass.Motorists especially need to be aware that the underpass’ height limit has now been reduced to 2.5 metres.

With the joining together of the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils, we're now stronger together as one Central Coast Council.

The wait is over – Bato Yard opens at 3pm!Bato Yard is the biggest skate park in the region and its opening has been the hot topic of conversation for local riders of all abilities and disciplines.Council’s Landscape and Recreation Planner, Mr Boyd McMillan, said this skate park will be one of the biggest and the most diverse in Australia as it will have a few features no others can boast.“Bato Yard has been built to a competition standard and has a rare feature in that it has a competitive street area and two competitive bowls all in the one park,” Boyd said.“The quality of CONVIC’s work shows through all over the park but is on display in the deep bowl – one of the most innovative and exciting bowls in Australia.“The highlight is the 12ft deep (3.6 metres) circular bowl with 1.5ft vert that rises to central 7ft twin hip open bowl and waterfalls down to a 9ft deep square end.

Central Coast Council is continuing to deliver new facilities for the Central Coast, as well as improving existing ones to improve the quality of life for our community and visitors.Expanding Little Free LibrariesOur library service is continuing to inspire a love of learning and reading in the community with the installation of two all-weather Little Free Libraries on the shores of Tuggerah Lakes.The newly installed boxes at Saltwater Creek Reserve, Long Jetty and Canton Beach add to our growing list of these free, accessible libraries across the Coast.These libraries are set up so anyone can stop and pick up a book to read or drop in a book or two for the community to share.Little Free Libraries are available at the following locations:Farm Gate Café, North WyongKibble Park, GosfordYesterYear Hair Salon, TuggerawongGosford Smart Work HubGosford Hospital Emergency DepartmentPeruch Avocado Farm – Wisemans Ferry Road, SomersbyBurns Park, GosfordMingaletta, Umina Beach Community HallPeninsula Recreation PrecinctKariong and Kincumber Youth centresWyoming Community CentreRotary Park, Terrigal (anticipated to be available August 2016).We’re always looking for more interest from organisations or businesses who would like to host their own book exchange.

Long Jetty foreshore has been restored to its former glory as a popular swimming and boating paradise with a new sandy area open for community enjoyment.Central Coast Council recently completed the stormwater consolidation and foreshore enhancement works with $360,500 in funding from the Federal Government’s National Landcare Programme.Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project was another key step in improving our community’s quality of life.“Council has a responsibility to not only provide key services to the community but to provide places the community can get together and enjoy their local environment,” Mr Reynolds said.“The project not only provides benefits to our lakes through foreshore improvements and stormwater works, but some unique recreational opportunities as well.“Wooden lounge chairs and picnic benches were installed to complement the foreshore next to the iconic Long Jetty and are already proving popular with the locals and visitors alike.“It’s great to see so many people taking advantage of these community facilities.”Council’s Manager Waterways and Asset Management, Peter Ham said aside from the recreational opportunities, important physical works were completed.“The physical works on site included re-profiling a 60 metre section of foreshore, sand nourishment and construction of a sandstone rock wall which will result in a more natural shoreline profile and provide protection from future erosion,” Mr Ham said.“Also included in the works were infrastructure improvements which allow stormwater to be better collected and diverted away from the newly enhanced foreshore site - this will result in improved water quality along the lake foreshore.“Continuing with the unique nature of this project, our staff have also captured the development of the foreshore area with a time-lapse camera.“So if you have ever wondered what it takes to actually create a new space such as this one, visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel and check it out.”Council is reminding residents the Long Jetty is currently closed for maintenance until Friday 29 July (weather dependent) and requests the community enjoy the jetty from a safe distance until it is reopened.#loveourlivinglakes

Central Coast Council is recognising the community members who shared their stories as part of a year-long campaign that highlighted the Coast as a great place to live, work and play.Tagged Wyong Alive, the campaign was run as part of the 2015-16 Year of the Community and has been collated into a book to showcase the vibrant and diverse characters in our community.Council’s Community Partnerships and Planning Manager, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the past 12 months has showcased everyday people doing what they love best on the Coast.“Through Wyong Alive, we brought to life the stories of everyday people and have captured the overall journey in a book,” Julie said.“The book, Wyong Alive – The Story so Far, gives a special insight into our unique community and highlights the vast array of activities, places, traditions and personalities that make up our community.“Each month community members appeared in a number of different features such as history, sport, volunteers, entrepreneurs, creative arts, positive ageing, future leaders, Indigenous and more all shared through the Wyong Alive website, various mainstream and social media.“The book celebrates the stories of our community and everyone who told their story will receive a copy of the book to share with their family and friends.“We will be expanding the concept this year with Coast Alive giving monthly snapshots of the lives of people in our wider Central Coast community.“Wyong Alive has proved to be a successful campaign and has been recognised as a great way to build pride within a local community.”See the story so far by visiting www.wyongalive.com.au 

Budding artists over 50 years of age are being asked to pick up their paint brushes, as entries for the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Exhibition are now open.In its 34th year, this long-standing fixture on the cultural calendar takes inspiration from the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, who became widely famous for her evocative paintings depicting American rural life, after taking up painting in her seventies.Central Coast Council Group Leader Customer and Community Relationships Judy Jaeger, said the essence of the competition is that it’s never too late to learn new skills.“The fact that this competition has been running for more than three decades is a testament to its popularity, both for artists and viewers,” said Ms.

Live streaming of fuller Council meetings on the agenda   In a move to improve efficiency, transparency and public engagement, council resolved to undertake a six month trial of live webcasting of its meetings.At the first meeting of the new council on 25 May, the Administrator called for a report on the potential to webcast meetings to provide the community with an additional and convenient means of seeing the decision-making processes of council first-hand.  That report was presented to council tonight.The trial will include the installation of fixed cameras in both the Gosford and Wyong Civic Centres, with images and audio live streamed via the internet.Council will continue to alternate meetings between Gosford and Wyong Civic Centres.A further public exhibition will get underway shortly to gauge community views on webcasting and also a proposal to hold monthly instead of fortnightly meetings.Councils are required to hold at least ten meetings a year.

Central Coast Council concerns about the effect on the drinking water catchment, environment and residential areas will be central to its review of modified plans for the Wallarah 2 Coal Project released to the public last Friday.Wallarah 2 have modified the plans related to the rail loop, rail spur line and train load out facility.

Central Coast Council Administrator Ian Reynolds and CEO Rob Noble have the answers to your queries about our new organisation, and are keen to speak with you.

Peninsula residents are being encouraged to get on their bikes, with the completion of three new sections of pedestrian and cyclist shared paths in the area, adding to the almost 160 kilometres of shared off-road path currently in operation across the Central Coast.The three new shared paths add half a kilometre to the existing network and are located along parts of Memorial Avenue, Barrenjoey Road and Uligandi Street in Ettalong and Blackwall.Central Coast Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business Mike Dowling said the creation of connective transport corridors is one of the key priorities on The Peninsula.“Council is dedicated to improving the cycleway network on The Peninsula to encourage greater connectivity and improve accessibility within the local community,” said Mr Dowling.“The establishment of an integrated cycle network in this area offers alternate transport options and improves recreational facilities and social engagement opportunities for both visitors and residents."Council recognises the many benefits of cycling and supports initiatives that encourage more people to cycle across the Central Coast.“Our integrated network forms the basis of Council’s objective to encourage cycling as a convenient, sustainable and healthy mode of transport, as well as an ideal way to experience and enjoy our magnificent region,” Mr Dowling added.At this stage, more than 90 kilometres of further off-road shared path is proposed for the region.