Talented artists from all across Australia have competed for $24,000 in prizemoney, with Sydney artist Stephanie Monteith announced the winner of the 2018 Gosford Art Prize.Local artist Keiko Matsui took out first place in the Gosford Ceramics Prize, which saw more entries than ever before, showing the resurgence in contemporary ceramics throughout Australia.Central Coast Council Team Leader Art Galleries, Arts and Culture, Tim Braham said there were 525 entries with 146 artworks chosen as finalists for the exhibition.“The Gosford Art Prize has strong recognition within the arts community and by holding this prestigious annual competition here on the Coast, local artists have the opportunity to be judged and appreciated on a national stage in friendly competition with Australia’s most talented artists,” Mr Braham said.“Approximately 53% of the finalists come from the Central Coast, which shows the depth of our local talent.“We were impressed by the high standard and huge diversity of the artworks received.

An action-packed, adrenaline-pumping line up of exhibitors has been secured for this year’s SportsFest, with the program showcasing a variety of Central Coast sport and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly event, being held 22-23 September from 10am-5pm at EDSACC Bateau Bay, will provide information about something for everyone’s sporting taste – from the water to the court, from traditional to the more obscure and everything in between.Central Coast Council Unit Manager, Open Space and Recreation, Brett Sherar said the aim of the SportsFest’s program is to encourage attendees to learn about and experience a range of sports.“This year, SportsFest participants will be able to watch demonstrations on an exciting range of sports, from scooters and skating, through to gridiron and wheelchair sports,” Mr Sherar said.“For those who like to get some hands-on experience, they can try out a myriad of sports, including dragon boating, circus skills, archery, croquet and table tennis – there’s even high rock climbing for all ages.“Festival-goers can also listen and hear from sporting groups, and buy some great sport-related products from exhibitor and retail stalls.”Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in casual clothes and runners so they can get involved in the free ‘Come ‘n Try’ sessions.SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media partners, Star 104.5 FM.Download the events program at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFest and stay up to date with SportsFest announcements at facebook.com/SportsFestCentralCoast

Central Coast Council is playing their part to help residents wage their own war on waste with more of the popular Green Living Workshops on offer to reduce, reuse and recycle around the home.The workshops provide participants with practical and hands-on advice for sustainable living by helping to repurpose food waste, live chemical free and move towards a no waste household.Mayor Jane Smith said these workshops were a key outcome of the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Green theme to provide ongoing education opportunities for the community.“Education is a crucial component of our focus area to protect our environmental resources for the future,” Mayor Smith said.“Many of the ways residents can help care for our natural environment starts at home, and these Green Living Workshops provide an excellent first step in the right direction.“With food waste still accounting for over forty percent of general household waste and adding substantially to our carbon emissions, we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of household food waste sent to landfill.”Each household that attends a composting and worm farming workshops will receive a free worm farm or compost bin so they can get started straight away.Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess, said with the impacts of single use plastic becoming more prevalent, increasing numbers of residents were looking to reduce the amount of waste they are generating.“With the abundance of information at our fingertips, challenging yourself to lead a more sustainable lifestyle can at times be confusing,” Mrs Burgess said.“If you have ever wondered about the suitability and benefits of attending a workshop, the results speak for themselves, with the average attendee’s knowledge on the subject more than doubling, and satisfaction of the workshops at over 90 percent.“There are only a handful of events scheduled for the remainder of the year, so I would encourage anyone interested to reserve their seats as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.“Our special events for children aged five to 15 will be on offer as part of the Spring school holidays program, providing a fun and accessible way to educate children on the importance of sustainability around the home.“The information helps instil habits from an early age to reduce and recycle food waste by turning it into a great resource for the garden as well as educating those around them.”As spaces are limited bookings are essential and can be made online via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events or call 4350 8175 to reserve your spot.Workshop scheduleTuesday 25 September at Green Point Community CentreNo Dig Garden, 9.30am-12pmBeeswax Wrap Making and Sustainable Food Workshop, 12.30-3pmWednesday 26 September at Tuggerah LibraryComposting and Worm Farming, 9.30am-12pmNo Waste Household, 12.30-3pmSaturday 20 October at Point Clare Community SchoolComposting and Worm Farming, 9.30am-12pmOrganic Gardening Workshop, 12-2.30pmTuesday 23 October at Erina LibraryKeeping Backyard Chickens, 9-11.30amBeeswax Wrap Making and Sustainable Food Workshop, 12-2.30pmWednesday 24 October at Buttonderry Waste Management FacilityComposting and Worm Farming, 9-11.30amNo Waste Household, 12-2.30pmInformation on school holiday events can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/schoolholidays

In response to increased reports of the scavenging for containers to return under the NSW Return and Earn scheme, Central Coast Council is reminding the community the contents of household and public litter bins are not public property.The NSW container deposit scheme was introduced in NSW on 1 December 2017 with a number of collection points across the Coast where recyclable containers can earn ten cents an item.Council Acting Senior Manager Business and Economic Development, Andrew Pearce, said there were concerns about the mess being left behind and invasion of privacy by people raiding residential and public waste recycling bins.

Planning where to park in Terrigal is now easier with the launch of ParkSpot (Central Coast), a parking app providing real time information on parking availability for one of the coast’s busiest areas.

Central Coast Council is welcoming the confirmation of State Government funding to extend the dredging of the Ettalong Channel from the Rescuing Our Waterways Program.Council applied for $2.4 million in funding under this Program in June this year and today’s announcement has confirmed the success of this application for matching funding from the State Government.Mayor Jane Smith said Council has responded to community concerns about navigation in the Channel by applying for the matching funding and was pleased the application had been processed so quickly.“Our community want a solution to the issue of Ettalong Channel and today’s announcement will see that happen through collaboration with the State Government,” Mayor Smith said.“The devil is in the detail of how best to undertake this dredging exercise in cooperation with the State Government and how we will now use the sand to renourish nearby beaches.“We are willing to work through a long-term solution for our community.“As we have said all along there is currently no funding allocated in this year’s budget so savings of $1.225 million will now need to be found in other areas to pay for our share.”

From the North to the South, Central Coast Council’s popular School Holiday Program is back with new activities for all ages, including the older kids!Out now, the September/October program lists a combination of free and paid events, live entertainment, art and sporting activities.

Central Coast Council’s motions seeking to be joined as a party to current proceedings in the Land and Environment Court of NSW between Verde Terra Pty and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have been adjourned for hearing to 9 October 2018.Those proceedings concern applications made by Verde Terra to the EPA to modify an existing environment protection licence issued for the Mangrove Mountain landfill site.Council will not make further comment about those proceedings until those motions are determined by the Court.

Central Coast Council has recommended average residential water bills be reduced across the Central Coast from 1 July 2019, in its submission on the review of water, sewerage and stormwater drainage prices.Council lodged the submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) on Friday 7 September 2018.Council Senior Manager, Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said Council was proposing to align prices across the two former local government areas, improve a number of key service levels and reduce the typical residential water bill.“Price consistency across the Central Coast was a top priority for our community and we have listened to this feedback,” Ms Nel said.“Our submission is also built around the top three values for these services identified by our community – reliability, value for money and efficiency.“A number of capital works programs have been identified to improve water supply security for our region including an upgrade to the Mangrove Creek Dam spillway, which was highlighted by our community as a key consideration.”The final submission to IPART demonstrates Council’s commitment to openness and transparency by detailing a four-year capital works program and agreed service levels to ensure the Central Coast community understands where and how their money is spent.Council has recommended an alignment of prices for non-residential customers, which will result in a decrease in charges for some customers and an increase for others due to the way charges are applied.IPART will now consider Council’s submission as part of the review and determination process, which provides opportunities for the community to provide feedback direct to IPART by 12 October 2018 or by attending IPART’s Public Hearing on 27 November 2018.Ms Nel said Council would also conduct a number of community information sessions in September to provide further insight into how Council’s submission would affect the Central Coast community.“I encourage all members of our community to take part in this process, read the documents available, attend our community information sessions and provide feedback direct to IPART.”Council’s submission, details about the IPART consultation process and further details on Council’s community information sessions are available at yourvoiceourcoast.com/WaterPricing

Recognising the achievements of individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to the local community, Central Coast Council will soon open nominations for the 2019 Central Coast Australia Day Awards.The Coast-wide Australia Day Awards last year saw close to 70 nominations, with Kate Broadhurst being named the 2018 Central Coast Citizen of the Year for her work developing a surf program for children with additional needs.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the prestigious Australia Day Awards honour locals who are leaders in the community, or who work quietly behind the scenes, to make the Central Coast a great place to live.“Australia Day is a celebration of our diversity, our values, our national achievements and our hopes for the future.

Central Coast Council has commissioned engineering consultants BMT to undertake an overland flood study for each of the contributing catchments within the Central Coast Council Local Government Area (LGA) that flow into Lake Macquarie.The flood study forms an initial stage towards the development of a comprehensive Floodplain Risk Management Plan, in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual (2005).Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff, said Council has taken the initiative to carry out the flood study to assist with managing the risk the community faces from flooding.“We are eager to receive any comments and information from our community who live in the catchment areas about their experiences of local flooding,” Mr Bolgoff said.“The participation and feedback from the community is essential to the success of the study, and will be instrumental in helping to develop a detailed plan to manage ongoing flood risk.“The flood study is in its inception phase where the consultants are collecting and collating data on flooding and the catchment.

Pearl Beach artist Annie Reid has taken out the major prize in the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Competition, which attracted a record number of entries this year.The painting of the Californian beachside suburb San Clemente is on display at the Grandma Moses Exhibition in Gosford.

Council calls for report to ensure Coast’s water supply is secure for the futureCouncil is calling for a report to ensure there is a considered plan in place to secure the Coast’s water supply in light of the current drought conditions, possible approval of Wallarah 2 and effects of climate change.With NSW now in drought, the report will consider all water security options to increase efficiencies and seek alternate options to source water.

Whether you are sleeping rough or struggling to purchase your first home, an innovative new strategy will address housing insecurity on the Central Coast.Central Coast Council has placed the region’s first Draft Affordable and Alternative Housing Strategy (the Strategy) on public exhibition and is inviting Coast residents to have their say before the strategy is finalised.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said the Strategy had been developed after extensive consultation with key stakeholders in the housing sector.“We know there are no affordable housing options for people on very low incomes.

Pearl Beach artist Annie Reid has taken out the major prize in the prestigious Grandma Moses Art Competition, which attracted a record number of entries this year.The painting of the Californian beachside suburb San Clemente is on display at the Grandma Moses Exhibition in Gosford.

Central Coast Council is about to change the way we think about art with its new, free interactive chalk art event for the community.On 4-7 October the first ever ‘Chalk the Walk’ will turn the Waterfront Plaza at The Entrance into one giant canvas, creating a number of new ways for the community to get involved.Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ event is a free event for the community uniquely designed to showcase the talents of the Coast in a fun and interactive way.“Council is delighted to launch this exciting new event which truly brings something unique to the Central Coast.” Mr Cannard said.“The inaugural ‘Chalk the Walk’ will feature two large 3D artworks by renowned street artist, Anton Pulvirenti, with another 20 chalk masterpieces being produced by local artists to make an interactive pavement gallery.“On Sunday, 7 October we also have a special opportunity for 10 young artists to register and take part in a major collaborative piece.

A group of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults who live on the Coast are now much safer in the water, thanks to funding from Central Coast Council.Council’s Community Grants Program provided $11,850 to Royal Life Saving NSW to run a 10-week swimming and water safety program for 50 adults.Royal Life Saving NSW Hunter/Central Coast Regional Manager Tanya Brunckhorst said the number of new migrants unable to swim is extremely high in comparison to other Australians, and members of the CALD community were often unaware of the importance of water safety.“In 2016-17, 93 people drowned in NSW, which is more than any other state or territory,” Ms Brunckhorst said.“A number of these drownings were people from CALD backgrounds.“The CALD swimming and water safety program has been a great success.

Central Coast Council has put a rare collection of photographs on display depicting the history of death customs on the Central Coast, as part of History Week this week.The fascinating collection ‘In the Midst of Life’, with pieces rarely seen by the public, documents the ways in which death has been part of Central Coast life and reflects on the many ways that the deceased can be remembered.Council Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter said the unusual collection uses resources from the Library’s extensive Local History Collection and offers a unique perspective on our region’s historically significant cemeteries, lonely bush graves and funeral customs.“Death is an unusual topic for a display and can still be regarded as taboo by many people, but it is still an important part of our history and relics such as treasured family photographs, mourning cards and condolence cards may be kept as reminders.” Mr Potter said.“As funerals are rarely recorded, this collection is quite unique and reflects a side of Central Coast heritage and the funeral industry which is rarely seen.

Central Coast Library Service is encouraging the community to rediscover their local library during National Literacy and Numeracy Week, 4-10 September.Now in its twentieth year, National Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrates learning and raises awareness of the importance of developing reading, writing and mathematical skills.Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Mrs Beth Burgess, said even though the week is a focus for schools, Council libraries offer a myriad of services for the whole community to inspire lifelong learning.“We are here to create dynamic learning environments that meet our community’s needs and help strengthen educational opportunities, regardless of age,” Mrs Burgess said.“With more than half of residents aged over 15 having not gone on to complete Year 12, we take on a crucial role in supporting literacy and numeracy skills, which have been shown to have a strong correlation with employment outcomes.“We try to instil a love of learning and reading in the early years and with this in mind we have specialised weekly programs for children from six months to five years.“Tomorrow we will be holding a special Literacy Skills event for pre-schoolers, where reading and dyslexia specialist, Rosemary Ruthven, will provide practical tips to help parents and carers develop childrens’ phonemic awareness.”Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries or call 4304 7650.Library branches also run a number of bookclubs to encourage or continue an appreciation for reading at any age.“We run primary, teen, after hours and many daytime monthly bookclubs across our branches,” Mrs Burgess said.“I would encourage anyone interested in joining a bookclub to contact our Library Service for more information as these meet-ups are very popular and spaces are limited.“With around five per cent of residents from a non-English speaking background we also provide support to develop English skills with free access to NSW Adult Migrant English Service books, online courses and ESL Meet and Greet sessions at Gosford Library every Tuesday, 10am-12pm.“We also offer free access to Studiosity – an online service for students in years 3 to 12 as well as TAFE and first year undergraduate university students studying statistics, economics or accounting – that provides real time advice from professionals and 24 hour feedback on essays and assignments.“In fact, Maths is by far the most common subject that students seek help with, accounting for around 75 per cent of tutorials delivered so far this year.“There is also free access to the online program, 10 Monkeys, aimed at providing a fun and engaging way for primary school students to improve maths skills.“All this is just the tip of the iceberg – if you or your children need any assistance I urge you to come into one of our branches or browse our resources online.”To take advantage of the fantastic range of educational services and resources available, join online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary

Central Coast residents and community groups can now apply for a share in more than $1.7million to create community events, activities and initiatives.Applications open today for funding through the first round of Central Coast Council’s 2018-19 Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.Council Director Connected Communities Julie Vaughan said this year’s program had been streamlined to ensure an even greater number of community projects will be eligible for funding.“Last year, Council introduced the coast-wide grants and sponsorship program, which was well received by the community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This year, we have refined the program so applicants will have greater clarity about the best funding category for their project.”Mayor Jane Smith said the Community Grants and Sponsorship Program offers fantastic opportunities to not only improve the lifestyle of Coast residents but to promote the region as a great place to visit.“We want to hear all ideas no matter how big or small, as we want to see programs that are dynamic, responsive and targeted to support and grow local community development, sporting, environmental, tourism and economic development initiatives,” Mayor Smith said.“With more than $1.7million up for grabs, this is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique, big picture project or events to the Coast that really do make a difference,”“Together we can make the Central Coast the very best place it can be.”Applicants can apply for funds in the following categories:Community Support GrantsCommunity Events and Place Activation GrantsCommunity Infrastructure GrantsCommunity Development GrantsSocial and Creative Enterprises GrantsHeritage GrantsSponsorshipApplications in most categories close on Friday, 5 October 2018.