Central Coast Council – in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW – is delighted to bring this touring exhibition to the region for the third time in the 98-year-history of this most illustrious painting prize.Inaugurated in 1921, the Archibald Prize is a window into Australian culture with sporting heroes, politicians, actors, and artists just some of the many people to have posed for portraits over the years.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said the often-controversial Archibald Prize is arguably the most renowned and anticipated annual exhibition in the nation.“This holiday season local and visitors of the Central Coast will have the opportunity to view the stunning collection of 51 finalists from the prestigious 2019 Archibald Prize,” Mr Braham said.“Visitors to the exhibition will also have their chance to play art critic for the day as they are encouraged to vote for their favourite portrait in the ANZ People’s Choice award.“As part of the regional tour we are also encouraging budding artists between the ages of five and 18 to submit a portrait for the Young Archie competition.“Just like the Archibald Prize, young artists are required to paint a portrait, from a live sitting;

The festive season is set to embrace the Central Coast with special Christmas events planned at Gosford, Toukley and The Entrance.Celebrations kick off with ‘Christmas in Kibble Park’ at Gosford, followed by ‘The Lighting of the Christmas Tree’ at Toukley, and then ‘A Luminous Christmas’ and ‘Carols in the Park’ at The Entrance.Acting Director Connected Communities, Glenn Cannard said there was nothing quite like watching one of the Coast’s flagship Christmas trees erupt with light for the first time.“Council’s Christmas events are all about getting together with family, friends and our community to sing carols, enjoy live entertainment, eat delicious food and soak up some Christmas joy in three of our beautiful town centres,” Mr Cannard said.“Make sure you’re there to see at least one of our two flagship Christmas trees ignite with light for the first time and keep an eye out for Santa because he’ll be making special appearances at all events. “Christmas in Kibble Park is sure to be popular with festive themed market stalls, carols and roving entertainment.

Central Coast Council is helping parents and supervisors with the challenging task of teaching learner drivers.Acting Director Connected Communities, Glenn Cannard said Council is offering free workshops designed to provide practical and hands-on advice and to help reduce the alarmingly high number of younger driver fatalities.“Younger drivers make-up almost one quarter of annual road fatalities despite representing only 15 percent of all licence holders – this is an alarming statistic that we all need to work towards bringing down,” Mr Cannard said.“Our workshops are designed to help with the tough task of teaching learner drivers which involves explaining a highly complex task and a lot of important information.“We know that learner drivers are not always the easiest students and we will offer some great tips to help create a more effective teacher-student dynamic.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the workshops to help teach learner drivers were an important part of Council’s commitment to road safety across the region.“If your teaching a young driver I’d encourage you to register for one of our free workshops to ensure you are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to create safe and effective drivers,” Mayor Matthews said. The ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ workshop is a two-hour program that provides practical advice to help supervise learner drivers and covers topics including: new licence conditions for learner and P plate drivershow to use the Learner Driver Logbookthe benefits of on-road driving sessionstips on supervising a learner driverthe importance of giving the learner constructive feedback.Register for one of the upcoming workshops by clicking on the links provided.

The $23.71million Central Coast Regional Sporting &

Central Coast Council is encouraging cutting-edge artists from the region and beyond to enter works into the influential EMERGING 2020 Competition, which closes 17 November.The competition provides progressive artists from across the State the chance to have their work publicly recognised and displayed with participants battling it out for the $5,000 prize.Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Tim Braham said this was an incredible opportunity for art school students and graduates to be able to make their mark and break into a competitive industry.“This competition offers a significant prospect for young, ambitious artists looking to become the important voices of the future,” Mr Braham said.“We revel in the fact we can help establish the influence of developing artists, while also exhibiting astonishing works that help build the reputation of our region as a destination for contemporary culture.“Unlike many other exhibitions we hold, this competition inspires artists to express themselves through a large body of work, series or major installation – not just one piece.”Mayor Lisa Matthews said the competition reinforces Council’s commitment to foster creative arts through galleries and integrate into public spaces.“Art is an important part of life on the Central Coast, helping to create a greater sense of belonging and shape our society and identity,” Mayor Matthews said.“This is a great opportunity for our local talented artists to be recognised in a major competition and I encourage them to submit their work.“Council’s support of this competition provides our community with a unique opportunity to see our nation’s emerging artists work right here in the Coast.

Central Coast Council is inviting residents of all ages to discover a new way of learning during International Games Week, 3-9 November 2019.Since the successful introduction of games programming in Libraries as an alternate education method, Council’s Library Service has become more than a quiet place for reading - evolving into community hubs that offer diverse ways for people to connect, relax and learn.Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said International Games Week is a great opportunity to promote the educational and social benefits of play.“There is a multitude of social, literacy and numeracy advantages for people who participate in games including reading, rule interpretation and mathematical probability,” Mr Hartley said. “Games encourage people to take a break from their device and engage with others in person developing key social skills.

Congratulations to Central Coast Council’s Terrigal Children’s Centre for winning the Family Involvement Program Excellence Award at the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards, which shine a light on best practices across the State.All eight of Council’s Centres were nominated as finalists within six categories at the awards, displaying their excellence in program development.Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, said walking away with an award was a real testament to the strength of the educators as well as the commitment of parents and carers.“We place a strong emphasis on developing strong connections in our community and a sense of belonging for the benefit of children and their families,” Mrs Burgess said.“Terrigal has been recognised as leaders in their ability to work collaboratively with families to respectfully share, use or display different beliefs and values to enhance the learning and inclusion of all children.“Terrigal’s program included celebration of Chinese New Year, Harmony Day, Mother’s Day Christmas and Easter, but also tackled learning and environmental principles with children participating in Simultaneous Storytime and the Take 3 for the Sea program, based on family’s involvement in caring for local water ways.“These awards are a great opportunity to showcase what we are doing well and also enable us to measure the success of our programs so we can continually improve on what we provide to families.”Centres were finalists in the following Program Excellence Awards Categories:Community Involvement Excellence - Northlakes, Toukley, Kanwal and UminaEnvironmental Program Excellence - Wyong, Toukley, Niagara Park, Umina & KariongFamily Involvement Program Excellence – Terrigal (winner)Multicultural Program - KariongChildren’s Wellbeing and Health Program Excellence - Wyong, Northlakes and UminaInclusivity Practises Program Excellence – Kariong“I’m really proud of our childcare team and this truly is a testament to the great work being undertaken in the early education and care services we provide to many local families,” Mayor Matthews said.“It reflects our quality learning programs, the environments available to the children, the partnerships we have with families, our inclusive practices and our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality.“Our talented Educators work incredibly hard, day in and day out.

Central Coast Council is set to commence important restoration works on the Winney Bay fire trail that runs between Cape Three Points Road, Avoca Beach and the base of Winney Bay.The trail will be resurfaced to ensure safe access for fire fighting, emergency and maintenance vehicles.Council Director Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said the work would repair damage to the trail caused by erosion.“The Winney Bay fire trail provides essential access to manage the bush fire risk on the headland and across the reserve, including any potential impacts on neighbouring properties,” Mr Cox said.“Despite ongoing maintenance, it’s now time to undertake more comprehensive restoration of the trail.“As with all fire trails, we need to ensure that our emergency services can safely access the site when required.“To do this we will be resurfacing the trail with crushed sandstone to repair erosion damage and trimming vegetation two metres either side of the trail to ensure the safe passage of emergency response vehicles.“Erosion controls will also be put in place to limit future damage caused by water movement down the trail.”Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews said residents living in areas prone to bush fires need to prepare ahead of the fire season.“We have over 128,500 hectares of bushland on the Central Coast, and it is important that all residents are bush fire ready, particularly those living in isolated locations,” Mayor Matthews said.“I encourage all community members to familiarise themselves with the five ‘Get Ready’ steps to prepare for an emergency which can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/emergencies.

First region-wide Youth Strategy adoptedCouncil has adopted the Central Coast Youth Strategy following a review of public submissions received during the Strategy exhibition period. Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Strategy is a first for the region and provides the strategic direction for the delivery of contemporary youth services and programs over the next five years.“The Strategy features six themes – Including Us, Happy and Healthy, Feeling Safe, Somewhere to Live, Living Green, and Skilled and Ready – developed following extensive research and consultation,” Mayor Matthews said. “The Strategy outlines Council’s plans to implement the actions and partner with the local youth sector, young people, schools and the community.”Over 7,500 suggestions and ideas were received during the development of the Strategy, following consultation with over 1,600 young people and 67 organisations across the Coast. The Strategy will be available on Council’s website. Council calls on State Government to ‘Save our Recycling’  Council will be once again be supporting the ‘Save Our Recycling’ campaign, which calls on the State Government to work in partnership with local governments to improve waste and recycling processes, while moving towards a circular economy.Less than a fifth of the $772million Waste Levy revenue collected last financial year has been invested back into waste minimisation, recycling and resource recovery.

Central Coast Council has launched ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’, an opportunity for residents, stakeholders and visitors to have their say on exciting projects, plans and strategies for the town centre.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said community input was vital to shape a number of major projects in the pipeline for Woy Woy.“We are committed to developing and enhancing our unique town centres across the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“Woy Woy is one of our principal town centres and we have a number of projects and initiatives scheduled for this financial year that are designed to increase the vibrancy, safety and accessibility of this beautiful location.“Woy Woy locals, regular visitors to the town centre and commuters who access key services are best placed to inform plans and projects that will make a real difference and that will boost economic activity and tourism. “Some of the big ticket items that will feature as part of ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ are the redevelopment of the Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf, the Woy Woy Town Centre Strategy and activation initiatives.”Projects, plans and strategies featured in ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ include:Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf RedevelopmentWoy Woy Town Centre Strategy Woy Woy Place ActivationCentral Coast Heritage StudyNew art installationNew Public Toilet Facility at Woy Woy Fishermen’s WharfUpgrade of Woy Woy Tidal BathNew Correa Bay Boat rampUpgrade of James Brown OvalNew amenities building at Roger’s ParkClimate Change Action Planning WorkshopsRoad and drainage projectsWater and sewer projectsMayor Lisa Matthews said community feedback from this consultation process will play a vital role in shaping the future of Woy Woy.“It’s time to talk all things Woy Woy – I encourage as many community members as possible to have their say on how we can make this great town centre even better,” Mayor Matthews said.“Woy Woy is an exceptionally beautiful hub for our region and we have a range of projects and plans under development that are designed to further enhance and activate the area.”Community members can have their say through ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ from Monday 28 October to Monday 2 December 2019. Feedback can be provided by attending one of two Drop-In Information Sessions on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 10am-2pm or 4-7.30pm at the Country Women’s Association, The Boulevarde, Woy Woy or by clicking ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com 

Central Coast Council is encouraging community members to have their say on the $5.32million redevelopment of Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf. The largest wharf project undertaken by Council will feature a floating pontoon to ensure locals and visitors can use the amenity in most tide and weather conditions. Council Director Roads, Transport, Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said the new wharf will deliver substantial benefits for Woy Woy and the Central Coast. “The wharf design we have developed will deliver a significantly improved amenity for our community, particularly commuters who regularly use ferry services, and will also boost tourism,” Mr Bolgoff said. “We’ve designed a floating pontoon that will lift and rise with the varying tides and ensure access to ferry services and facilities in most conditions. “Accessibility for community members who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices has been a priority throughout the design process, with one of the added key features of the project being infrastructure to accommodate a wheelchair lifting facility on the pontoon for recreational boat users.”  Design features of the new wharf include: floating pontoon to ensure community members and visitors can access ferry services and facilities in most tide and weather conditionsinfrastructure to accommodate wheelchair lifting facility on the pontooncovered gangway and passenger shelterdedicated fishing wharfwidened pathway (including cantilevered section) along part of The Boulevarde and Brisbane Water Drivewalkway surface constructed with decking made from recycled plastic solar lighting along the pontoon and covered gangway and in the covered passenger shelter smart benches with mobile phone charging capabilitystandard benchesbanner poleslandscaping including established salt water tolerant trees. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the project will receive a $3.99million investment through the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund and $1.33million from Council. “The rejuvenation of the rundown Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will help make the Woy Woy waterfront precinct accessible for all, while taking car pressure off local streets and ensuring local residents can keep enjoying a tranquil beach lifestyle. “It supports the vision of Central Coast Regional Plan 2036, to create well-connected communities that are great places to live, work and play including for first-home buyers, young families and retirees looking to make a sea change to beautiful Woy Woy.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said the project was a great example of Council and the NSW Government working together to deliver for the Central Coast.  “The new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf will deliver far reaching benefits for the Woy Woy community, residents who use ferry services to commute and the broader Central Coast community,” Mayor Matthews said. “Thanks to a significant funding injection form the NSW Government, Council will deliver a wharf that will become a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. “It shows how great things can and do happen when different levels of government work together and hand-in-hand with the community.”  Ferry services will use the adjacent Commercial Wharf during the construction period and will continue as scheduled. Council is working closely with ferry services and nearby businesses and stakeholders to minimise impact during this important project.  Community members can have their say on the new Woy Woy Town Centre Wharf and other exciting projects and plans through ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ from Monday 28 October to Monday 2 December 2019.  Feedback can be provided by attending one of two Drop-In Information Sessions on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 10am-2pm or 4-7.30pm at the Country Women’s Association, The Boulevarde, Woy Woy or by clicking ‘Let’s Talk Woy Woy’ at yourvoiceourcoast.com 

Central Coast Council presented Surf Life Saving Central Coast (SLSCC) with a $213,250 cheque yesterday at Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club.

Central Coast Council is seeking tenders from qualified and experienced artists for an exciting new public art project in Woy Woy town centre.A single, sculptural freestanding installation will be commissioned by Council and installed in Anderson Memorial Park, located on the corner of Brisbane Water Drive and The Boulevarde in Woy Woy.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the project was a key part of plans to revitalise the iconic coastal town centre.“Once completed, the sculpture will be visible from road, pedestrian, rail and waterway entrances to Woy Woy,” Ms Vaughan said.“This project is a chance for an artist to really make their mark with an original artwork that incorporates both past and future elements of Woy Woy’s saltwater and inland water ecology.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said the Woy Woy Public Art Project is just one of a number of place-based creative initiatives Council has planned to activate and upgrade town centres in the region.“The community have told us that they want to see more activity around town centres, foreshores and lakes for locals and visitors alike,” Mayor Matthews said.“This project will contribute to the identity of Woy Woy and help create a usable, sustainable and vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.”Artists must demonstrate their previous experience as public artists and provide a methodology of how they would develop an artwork for Woy Woy as part of the tender.Tenders for the Woy Woy Public Art Project close on Monday 11 November 2019 at 4pm.For further details on the Woy Woy Public Art Project, visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/eoi

As part of the 2019 Lakes Festival at The Entrance, Central Coast Council will hold the inaugural Colour Our Coast fun run/walk on Sunday 10 November.The 5km circuit will feature five separate colour stations setup at 1km intervals to ensure entrants cross the finish line splashed in colour.

Central Coast Council’s stage one water mains cleaning program saw 11 suburbs on the Central Coast benefit from improved water quality, with stage two underway for residents in Springfield, East Gosford, Long Jetty and The Entrance.Acting Director Water and Sewer, Daniel Kemp said stage one of the program was hugely successful with works being completed on time, with minimal disruption and minimal water wastage.“Stage one of our water mains cleaning program saw 90km worth of mains cleaned in 18 days, with Council scooping up sediment and saving the equivalent of 8 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of water for the Coast,” Mr Kemp said.“Approximately 200 homes per day benefited from this first round of cleaning with many residents stopping to chat with our crews on site and learn more about the program and our water saving methods.“Council actively monitors and tests the water supply across the Coast and these results indicate areas due for cleaning.

The Land and Environment Court has today 15 October 2019, in accordance with section 34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979, upheld an appeal brought by A Denny after Central Coast Council refused to approve a development application for a Colourbond fence on Wards Hill Road, Killcare Heights.

Central Coast Council is inviting aspiring youth leaders to become members for the Youth For Youth (Y4Y) action team and make a difference to the lives of young people across the coast.Applications are now open for membership of Y4Y, a team of 12 young people who will make youth-led initiatives and ideas happen in our community.Director of Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said the program engaged and empowered young people through action, advocacy and advice.“Council is committed to working with the young people of the Central Coast to ensure they feel respected and a valued part of the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This group represents a fantastic opportunity for young people to have their voice heard and make a difference.

An impressive line-up, plus new events and event hubs are set to make The Lakes Festival even bigger and better this November.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the annual celebration of the Central Coast’s spectacular lakes and waterways would feature 20 separate events across 10 days. “The Lakes Festival is our largest and most popular event and shines a light on our region’s lakes and waterways, which are among the largest and most magnificent in Australia,” Mr Cannard said.“November on the Coast has become synonymous with The Lakes Festival, with attendees entertained, educated and filled to the brim with community, culture, art, music and of course delicious food.“The headliners for ‘Light Up The Lake’ – Kingswood, Caravana Sun and Hot Potato Band – are not to be missed and don’t forget we’ll literally ‘Light Up The Lake’ with a fireworks display to conclude this special event. “Park Feast at Gosford Waterfront will satisfy all your culinary desires and this year we are launching the new Lighthouse Picnic, which is all about music, food and wine at Norah Head Lighthouse.“If you love to get active – we have stand-up paddle board yoga, kayak tours, Paddle to Pedal, Colour Our Coast (Colour Run), Terrigal Beach Netball Competition, the Bouddi Coastal Run at Killcare and much more.” Mayor Lisa Matthews said The Lakes Festival attracts more than 60,000 locals and visitors and delivers a significant economic boost to the Central Coast.“The Lakes Festival shows the importance of our waterways and injects millions into our  economy,” Mayor Matthews said. “There is something for everyone at the Festival so make sure you check it out.” Events will be held at 10 key hubs across the Coast including Budgewoi, Long Jetty, Gosford, Toukley, Norah Head, The Entrance, Terrigal, Killcare, Ettalong and Picnic Point.

Central Coast Council’s delivery of new inclusive, safe and engaging playspaces and a skate park upgrade has entered an exciting phase with community consultation for multiple projects running from October.Council’s Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox believes the new playspaces at Green Point, Empire Bay, Gorokan, Toowoon Bay and Mangrove Mountain, as well as the redeveloped skate park at Narara will become significant assets to their local communities and is encouraging the public to have their say on what they would like to see included. “Council are committed to maintaining and building safe and quality playspaces for the benefit of our community and visitors to our region, and we proudly manage over 260 playspaces across the Central Coast as well as 25 skateparks.“We are investing in our community by providing facilities that encourage active and connected lifestyles for improved wellbeing and quality of life,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Lisa Matthews said Council’s investment in these projects underscores a commitment to listen to the community and deliver what they want.“Our strategic plan, One Central Coast, is not just a written document.

As part of Mental Health Awareness month in October, Central Coast Council has implemented the Lost Bird Found Project, which is a creative initiative to encourage conversations around mental health.  Over 400 handcrafted birds, which were recently created by the local community, have been tagged with mental health information and placed around town centres and in libraries across the Central Coast for the community to find.