Laycock Street Community Theatre has launched their exciting line-up of performances to light up the stage in 2018.Audiences of all ages will have the opportunity to “see with emotion, feel in colour” with high quality professional touring shows throughout the year.

New starting blocks and an electronic timing system have been installed at Peninsula Leisure Centre making it the only aquatic centre on the Central Coast or Newcastle to have Olympic standard timing equipment available to our swimmers every day they are in the pool.The $135,000 funding for the purchase and installation of the equipment was made possible through Stronger Communities Funding, established by the NSW Government to provide merged Councils with funding to kick-start the delivery of projects that improve community infrastructure and services.Council Mayor Jane Smith, said she was delighted to see this investment in the Peninsula Leisure Centre, one of Council’s busiest leisure and recreation facilities.“The Centre attracts over 440,000 patrons per year and the new equipment will make it an even more attractive option to the competitive swimmers in our community,” Mayor Smith said.The funding has enabled the installation of new starting blocks including a starting ledge for backstroke, a new electronic timing system and boards for both swimming and water polo competitions.“Access to this Olympic standard timing equipment and new starting blocks means our swimmers will be doing their daily training under the same conditions as they will be competing at representative swim meets at venues like the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre,” Mayor Smith said.“This will allow them to be better prepared, comfortable and confident in how to use the equipment and could potentially lead to improved times and greater representation at State and National meets from Central Coast swimmers.”Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said $10 million has been provided to Central Coast Council under the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to help deliver key infrastructure for the rapidly growing region.“The State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund has enabled us to invest in projects that will benefit our growing community for many years to come,” Mr Crouch said.“The grassroots projects selected are the types of community improvements that will make a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.”Local MLC Taylor Martin said he was pleased the Council and Government were delivering a range of projects, which have been community priorities for some time.“The community has been very involved in identifying these important projects and working with Council to provide feedback and finalise the designs,” Mr Martin said.“We are really excited to fund these important projects for locals and visitors to enjoy.”Peninsula Leisure Centre offers a range of modern facilities and services including the Aquatic Centre featuring an indoor heated 50 metre pool and program pool, 24 hour Health and Fitness Centre, Learn to Swim Program, squad programs, indoor sports and children’s facilities and first aid and lifeguard training courses.The Centre also has a children’s party room, crèche, café, barbeque and picnic facilities, therapy pool, as well as spa, sauna and steam rooms.

Christmas is just around the corner and Central Coast Council has planned a number of celebrations to see in the popular holiday for residents and visitors alike.Celebrations will kick off on Friday 24 November at The Entrance with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree from 6.30-8.30pm.Headlining the entertainment will be the popular, historical Tuggerah Lakes Showband playing all your Christmas classics on the Waterfront Plaza.Friday will also start the 30 days of Christmas activations at The Entrance with Santa’s Magical Garden open daily from 9am-7pm.

Central Coast Council is supporting a 16 day global campaign to help raise awareness on domestic violence and stop violence against women.White Ribbon Day encourages the community to stand up and speak out against violence and the impact it has on the community.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council is supporting the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee who is leading the region in speaking out against this issue.“Violence against women is a significant issue on the Central Coast,” Ms Vaughan said.“It is a myth that domestic violence only occurs in marginalised communities;

Central Coast Council has set up fencing around a nesting site at The Entrance North for rare sea birds that have returned to the area.The endangered birds, Little Terns, have migrated from eastern Asia and are now calling the Karagi Reserve home.Council Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mike Dowling, is calling on the community to help Council protect the habitat while the birds raise their young.“It’s important to protect the shore while the Little Terns are breeding so they can increase their population,” Mr Dowling said.“The adult birds are known to abandon their chicks if they’re disturbed by people which leaves the babies vulnerable to predators such as dogs, cats and foxes.“Council is acting to protect the birds and is calling on the community’s help as the eggs are so small it’s easy to accidentally step on them or be eaten by other animals.”Council has set up temporary fencing and signs around the nesting site at Karagi Reserve to keep out pedestrian traffic and potential predators.Council Mayor, Jane Smith, said Council is committed to integrating the natural and urban environments to ensure wildlife can continue to call the Central Coast home.“It’s great to hear these birds are back on the Coast and using our shore to raise their young – it is a positive sign that the work Council is doing around our waterways is really beginning to pay off.

A small section of Showground Road, Gosford, will be reduced to single-lane traffic from 8:30pm tonight while Council undertakes essential repairs to a water main.The northbound lane of Showground Road adjacent to Gosford High School, at the intersection with Racecourse Road, will be closed from the roundabout.Traffic controllers will be on site and traffic diversions will be in place.Council urges motorists to take an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion expected at this intersection.The road is expected to reopen by 6pm Saturday 18 November 2017.Council apologises for any inconvenience.

Central Coast residents and visitors are set to spend less time stuck in traffic with an Australian Government technology grant for 450 ‘smart parking’ sensors.

Central Coast Council is calling for community groups and interested parties to register their interest in the long-term hire of Kariong Community Hall, located on the corner of Woy Woy Road and Dandaloo Street Kariong.Council is completing renovation works, and will manage all bookings for Kariong Community Hall, which will reopen in December this year.   Council Director of Assets, Infrastructure and Business said there would be a great deal of community interest in the Hall’s reopening and Council was looking forward to seeing the Hall active and open once again.

This weekend a number of road closures will be in place so Council can safely deliver community events as part of The Lakes Festival.Saturday 18 November - TriWyong, Budgewoi6.45am-3.30pmWeemala Street - Closed between Bato Street and Ocean Street Limited resident accessLake Street - Closed between Bato Street and Ocean Street Limited resident accessElizabeth Bay Street - Closed between Mimosa Road and Leslie AvenueBato Street - Closed between Mimosa Road and Weemala StreetElizabeth Bay Drive - A detour via Pacific Highway will be in place for the Elizabeth Bay Drive road closureSunday 19 November - Long Jetty Street Festival, Long Jetty10am-10pmThompson Street - Closed from Central Coast Highway to Tuggerah ParadeTuggerah Parade - Closed from Pacific Street to Toowoon Bay RoadToowoon Bay Road - Closed from Central Coast Highway to Tuggerah ParadeResidents and visitors to the Coast may also experience an increase of traffic in these areas as well as The Entrance and Norah Head while the final weekend of events for The Lakes Festival comes to an end.Keep up to date with The Lakes Festival and follow us on facebook. 

Central Coast Council Libraries are assisting students get through the gruelling last weeks of 2017 exams and assessments with the fantastic homework help service, Studiosity.Previously known as YourTutor, the free online service has a new name and look, but is still providing the same high-quality online support for students.Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said thanks to Studiosity students are able to obtain quick and beneficial feedback to maximise their results and keep anxiety at bay.“Students can gain study tips to use their time efficiently and effectively as well as ask questions they may not feel comfortable directing to teachers, parents or friends,” Ms Vaughan said.“The moment students need help with a homework question, essay or study tips there is a real-life, expert local tutor just a click away.“What makes Studiosity unique is it employs a strict ‘no answers’ policy using online chat tools and interactive whiteboards to provide guidance so students gain the skills necessary to solve similar problems in the future.“Essay and report writing feedback is also available, allowing students to upload files and receive professional advice within 24 hours – perfect for end-of-year essays and written exam practice.”Studiosity is available for students in years 3-12 from 3pm to late, Sunday to Friday and employs a mix of teachers, university academics and other professional experts.Students can obtain assistance with all core curriculum subjects and for any subjects not listed, students simply select ‘Research’ or ‘Writing feedback’ to ask their question.Council Mayor Jane Smith said as a teacher herself she understands the importance of accessible study help for all students.

Local and international skateboarders will converge at the Central Coast’s largest riding facility, BATO Yard, to contest the 2018 ‘King of Concrete’ championship event being held on 10 February 2018.The event – now in its second year – is anticipated to attract more international participants and spectators following the highly successful inaugural event in 2017.

Central Coast Council is undertaking a floodplain risk management study within the urban areas of Killarney Vale, Bateau Bay, Long Jetty and The Entrance to reduce the impact of ‘flash’ flooding on the local community.The study, supported by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program, will identify flash flooding ‘trouble spots’ and assess what measures are required to reduce the risk of flooding during significant storm events.Mayor Jane Smith said Council was seeking the community’s help to collect information on past flooding experiences and local flood knowledge to help with the selection of flood reduction measures.“These suburbs have been identified as priority areas and this study will focus on stormwater that overwhelms the drainage network causing flash flooding, as opposed to flooding from elevated lake levels,” Mayor Smith said.

Central Coast Council and the community are cleaning up after the severe storm that hit the Coast, particularly Toukley and Noraville on Monday afternoon.A number of trees and powerlines came down leaving the area looking like a mini tornado had ripped through these two suburbs.Council crews are currently focusing on the affected roads, drains and footpaths and removing all the debris.

The recent storm has caused major damage across the Central Coast, particularly in Noraville.  Please take extra care on our roads as our crews, Ausgrid continue the recovery.

There’s still time for festival-goers to secure tickets when The Lakes Festival makes a splash across the Central Coast from 10-19 November.Over the 10 days, there are seven events hubs with more than 20 events across the Coast – most of them FREE!Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said while most events are free festival-goers still need to reserve their spot at some of the tours and activities.“We have events such as kayak tours, yoga on stand up paddle boards, floating landcare, and bus tours that are all free, we just need you to reserve your place so you don’t miss out,” Ms Vaughan said.“Mov’In Bed, our outdoor cinema experience at Budgewoi, is not your usual movie night.“You can reserve a bed to lie under the stars and watch Beauty and the Beast or La La Land – or simply turn up with your picnic rug and pull up a bit of reserve.“We also have our big ticketed events such as the popular Lighthouse Folk Festival and Tri-Wyong.“Something new to the table is Perfect Strangers, a unique dining experience at Wyong Creek with a three-course meal crafted by a celebrated local chef.“A great meal, amazing location and live music all shared in the company of perfect strangers.“There’s so much to do over the 10 days there’s bound to be something for everyone.Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/thelakesfestival for a full program and how to secure a place at one of the Festival’s popular events.-ENDS-

November is National Asbestos Awareness Month and Central Coast Council is urging homeowners, renovators and tradies to take the warnings about asbestos seriously when renovating or maintaining homes and learn what they need to know to manage it safely.Central Coast Council, Director, Environment and Planning, Scott Cox said Australia was among the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the world with asbestos used in the manufacture of a broad range of building and decorator products that can still be found in 1 in 3 brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad Australian homes.“It can be in any home built or renovated before 1987 - under floor coverings, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels,” Mr Cox said.“If you’re a homeowner, renovator or tradie, and you don’t know the risks, the products to look for or how to manage asbestos safely, you could be risking your life and the lives of others if you disturb asbestos-containing materials and release fibres into the air that can be inhaled,” Mr Cox said.If well maintained and left undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to pose a health risk.

Over 33,000 ideas and opinions from residents have been distilled into seven key themes Central Coast Council will use to shape the future of the coast in the region’s first ever Community Strategic Plan.The Community Strategic Plan is designed to capture the community’s vision for the Coast and identify key social, economic, environmental priorities as well as long-term strategies for the Coast for the next 10 years.Council Mayor Jane Smith said the plan is the overarching guide Council will use to determine how, where and what it spends its funds on to meet the wants and needs of our growing community.“Council spent three months earlier this year talking with the community about what they love about the Central Coast and what could be done to make it even better,” Mayor Smith said.“We went directly to the community and captured a record 33,000 separate ideas and opinions about what would make the Central Coast an even better place to live from face to face conversations, online surveys, commuter surveys and meetings with hard to reach communities.”These ideas have been distilled into seven key themes -Natural environmentLifestyle and communityBuilt environmentServices and facilitiesActivities and entertainmentTransport and movement around the local government areaEconomyConnected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan said the initial phase of developing the coast’s first Community Strategic Plan had been a great success.“The community responded enthusiastically to the first phase of data collection and we would now like to invite individuals, community groups, business groups, State agencies and non-government agencies to join us at a Community Workshop to explore the themes in detail as part of the next phase of the project,” Ms Vaughan said.“This next phase is crucial as we start to drill into the detail of how we, along with our stakeholders and other partners will deliver our community’s aspirations for the Coast over the next ten years.”To register for a community workshop, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com and select the venue you wish to attend.Community workshops dates and venues are below:Saturday 18 November – 1pm to 4pm at The Erina CentreTuesday 21 November – 10am to 1pm at Smartwork Hub GosfordTuesday 21 November –  6pm to 9pm at Umina Beach Surf ClubSaturday 25 November –  9:30am to 12:30pm at The Entrance Community CentreTuesday 28 November  – 10am to 1pm at Wyong Civic CentreTuesday 28 November  -   6pm-9pm at Blue Haven Community CentreRegistration is required to attend a workshop.

Local high school students will get a taste what it’s like to be a Councillor next week when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council.Future Council is a partnership program between Central Coast Council and Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre for Years 9 and 10 students on civics and citizenship and local government decision making.  Students will debate real local issues they are passionate about and will cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like a real Councillor, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the Chair.

With the swimming season upon us, Central Coast Council is reminding residents to ensure their pool fences are up to standard to keep young children safe.

Expressions of interest have been invited to fill community stakeholder positions on the Mangrove Mountain and Spencer Advisory Committee.