Central Coast Council is one of 46 councils across NSW going to the polls, this Saturday 9 September, to decide who will represent their communities for the next three years.On Saturday, almost 100 polling booths will be open across the Coast from 8am til 6pm.

Central Coast Council representatives will today attend the funeral of former Councillor Bob Ward to pay tribute to his commitment to Council and the community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said he found Bob Ward’s local knowledge and passion for the Central Coast invaluable when the new Council was formed and he had left a lasting legacy to be proud of.“Bob was well liked and respected for the work he did in the community.  He was a real gentleman,” Mr Reynolds said.“He was keen to serve on the Local Representation Committee and his advice and commitment served the new Central Coast Council well.“As well as his role on the Local Representative Committee, Bob served as one of Council’s representatives on the Joint Regional Planning Panel where he brought his dedicated local experience to bear on important development proposals.“I would like to thank him for his dedication and service to the Coast community in a number of roles over a number of years.“Bob has left a long and lasting legacy as a passionate advocate for the Central Coast community and will be missed.”“On behalf of Central Coast Council, I extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends at this time.”Bob Ward was elected to Gosford City Council in September 2012 and was Deputy Mayor for 2 years.

Central Coast Council is hosting another Chemical Cleanout event on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 of September at Gosford Showground, following a successful event held at Charmhaven in August.Almost 1400 residents used the opportunity to dispose of over 63 tonnes of chemicals at Council’s Charmhaven Depot – representing a 40% increase on last year’s event.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said household Chemical Cleanout events are a free service for the safe disposal of a range of common household chemicals, many of which could cause harm if not disposed of correctly.“Keeping old chemicals can increase the risk of poisoning around the home.

Magpie breeding season is here and Central Coast Council is reminding the community to report any hot spots and take precautions around places where magpies nest.Native birds, such as Australian magpies, are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often swoop at unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.Council’s Manager Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said magpies are usually friendly but become very protective and even aggressive during the breeding season which runs from now until the end of September.“It is during this time that fast moving objects such as people and bikes and anyone really who moves directly towards their nests are perceived as threats and are likely to be swooped,” Mr Sherar said.“Dog walkers and prams are also a common target.“Swooping may seem frightening to us, however we need to appreciate it is a natural instinct for a magpie to protect their territory and offspring.“Other native birds that are also common culprits on the Coast include plover, butcher birds and kookaburras, but even invasive species like Indian Mynas can attack at this time of the year.“Don’t try to scare off the bird.  Wildlife is protected and there are serious penalties for taking, harassing or injuring native wildlife.  Taking this action can sometimes lead to a more serious and sustained attack as well.“Our advice is to try to avoid nesting areas where possible, even taking a detour from your normal path.  Most magpies only swoop within about 50 metres of their nest.”Tips for surviving the magpie swooping season include:Avoid the swoop area, try walking or riding in a different directionCyclists should wear a helmet.  It is better to dismount and walk your bike past a swoop areaTravel in a group.  Most birds only swoop individualsDo not panic and run.  It will only encourage a swooping bird to continue its attackWear a hat in an area where there are sweeping concernsHolding a stick or umbrella over your head will often cause the bird to keep its distance.“If you know of areas near you with a lot of swooping activity, please contact us so we post warning signs for other passing by,” Mr Sherar added.Council will be erecting warning signs of known swooping areas on public land.  If residents have a particular concern about a swooping bird they should contact Council on 4350 5555 or 4325 8222.

Central Coast Council is encouraging classic car owners to register their pride and joy for this year’s annual ChromeFest.In its 9th year, ChromeFest will see Memorial Park and the streets of The Entrance lined with hundreds of old classic cars from 27-29 October.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said ChromeFest is fast-becoming one of the  biggest events on the Coast’s and national tourism calendars.“ChromeFest attracts over 50,000 people every year from all over the state, and even has interest from inter-state as well,” Mr Reynolds said.“Memorial Park at The Entrance is the perfect venue for this event and continues to prove to be a great hub to host free events such as this one for the community and visitors alike.

Central Coast Council has set a solid foundation for the new Council to build on according to a report presented by the Administrator to the final Council meeting before the Local Government elections on September 9.The report details the good governance arrangements in place across Council, the fully funded record capital works program rolling out across the Coast and the enhanced service delivery and community infrastructure delivered by staff as key highlights of the Administration period of the new Central Coast Council.Administrator Ian Reynolds said the achievements were a credit to the over 2000 staff who have delivered high quality services to the community while the organisation was undergoing major internal transformation.“The priority of this Administration period has been to build a solid foundation for the newly elected Council in September 2017 and I believe that has been achieved,” Mr Reynolds said.“Both former Councils did almost everything differently and there are currently over 150 internal projects underway to bring processes and systems together.“New legislative and governance requirements are now in place so we can operate as a single Council, we have implemented a new brand, vision and values and aligned customer service processes so that residents and businesses can deal with Council more efficiently.“The community can have confidence that Council’s finances are sound and strong.“As a unified Council we have hugely increased buying power which is already paying off with a record $208 million capital works program rolling out across the Coast.”Progress has been made on key projects during the Administration period including a successful first year of operation of The Art House at Wyong and the award-winning regional skate place at Bato Yard.

Registrations for the 2017 Garage Sale Trail have opened, and Central Coast Council is setting its sights on being the number one sustainable region in Australia.The Trail is the biggest reuse, recycle and environmentally sustainable garage sale in Australia.  Over 150 Councils and five State and Territory Government Departments participated last year Australia-wide.Over 20 garage sales have already been registered across the Coast from Coasties getting rid of old stuff and raising money for great causes.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council is pleased to again participate in this annual event which encourages the community to reuse and recycle their unwanted goods instead of sending it to landfill.“For the first time, the Trail is extending over the entire weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October,” Mr Reynolds said.“Last year the Coast recorded 201 individual sales and 116 group sales, with approximately 8,000 Coastal shoppers out and about supporting the event – all across just one Saturday.“Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community groups to get together to sell off their unwanted goods and be part of the solution to creating a more sustainable Central Coast.”“We are aiming to go even bigger this year and take the number one spot as Australia’s most sustainable region, so we need as many registered sales as possible.”The Wyoming Girl Guides were amongst one of the first stalls to register, and they are raising funds for an upcoming camp.“The Garage Sale Trail is getting bigger, and the publicity of getting the community out and about and connecting is great for Girl Guides to raise money and also our profile locally,” Jenny Rees, Girl Guides Wyoming said.The first 1250 people across Australia to register in the second hand goods frenzy will receive a free seller pack, which gives sellers all that is needed for a successful weekend of sales.For more information on the 2017 Garage Sale Trail, and to register, visit garagesaletrail.com.au

Central Coast Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of $250,000 from the Public Reserves Management Fund Program to assist with works at Terrigal Rock Pool.Council Group Leader, Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling said the works will deliver a secure, long lasting rock pool for the community.“Council has long recognised the need for investment in Terrigal Rock Pool and we are very pleased that we can now undertake this renovation as a result of NSW State Government funding,” he said.“Terrigal Rock Pool is a very popular area for locals and tourists alike.

The Central Coast Council election is on Saturday 9 September.

It’s a dog’s life for our furry, four-legged friends in the Budgewoi area, as Central Coast Council constructs a fenced Off-leash Dog Area at Buff Point Oval.Dogs across the Coast will ‘dig’ the new project, which will see a 50m x 50m fenced area constructed at the southern end of the oval – an already existing and popular off-leash location with many local dog owners.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the project had been in response to a number of community requests for a fenced area.“We have received a number of requests from residents for a fenced Off-leash Dog Area in Buff Point, which is already widely used by the surrounding community,” said Mr Reynolds.“After extensive community consultation, the feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of installing this new facility for the community.“The design will incorporate existing trees on the western side of the site to provide shade during the summer months and we’re investigating the installation of bench seating and a water connection nearby.”The soon-to-be constructed area at Buff Point will complement existing fenced locations at Tuggerah Oval and Sensory Park, Narara.Manager of Open Space and Recreation, Mr Brett Sherar, said the northern end of Buff Point Oval will still be zoned off-leash and be available for a wide range of community uses.“The new fenced Off-leash Dog Area will help to effectively separate users at this popular location, which is also used for pre-season training, children’s activities and Landcare initiatives,” said Mr Sherar.“Many of the requests we received for a fenced area came from elderly members of our community, meaning they can now safely take their dog off-leash – avoiding a trip to Tuggerah Oval.“The entirety of Buff Point Oval remains zoned as an off-leash area, with owners of larger dogs able to make use of the ample space available at the northern end.”For more information on the Off-leash Dog Area at Buff Point Oval, or any other off-leash locations around the Central Coast visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Central Coast Council has taken out one of the top honours at the 2017 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) Australasia Excellence Awards, held in Perth last night.Following on from its win in the 2016 NSW State Awards, the Wyong CBD Drainage Upgrade won Best Public Works Project ($2.0M – $5.0M), beating leading contenders from across Australia and New Zealand.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this award is a major achievement and recognises council’s exceptionally high standards of service delivery.“This prestigious award offers global recognition and acknowledges council’s outstanding work in delivering essential services to our community” said Mr Reynolds.“Being recognised for delivery of a premier public works project in Australasia is a testament to the ability of our staff to deliver world-class infrastructure at a local level.“This extensive upgrade has been a crucial element in supporting the transformation of the Wyong CBD into a thriving commercial centre, and sets a firm foundation for urban renewal for our region.”Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rob Noble, said this achievement is particularly exceptional, as the project was completed entirely by council staff.“This award realises the hard work, skills and commitment of council staff, particularly as all of the works, including planning, design and construction, were completed in-house,” said Mr Noble.“This is an exceptional achievement and showcases the depth of talent that exists within Central Coast Council.”The multi-million dollar project was split into five stages and saw drainage systems with three times the capacity of previous infrastructure installed throughout the Wyong Central Business District (CBD).

Entries are now open for the 35th annual Grandma Moses Art Competition and Exhibition, showcasing the best of the Central Coast’s artistic seniors.Central Coast Council is offering a prize pool this year – with over $3000 on offer and the chance for residents, fifty years and over, to have their artistic talent recognised.Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the competition proves age is no barrier to success.“This annual competition provides an opportunity for our local seniors to let their artistic talent shine,” Ms Vaughan said.“There are five different categories, including novices, for those who are new to painting.“The prestigious competition has been running for 35 years and continues to attract more entries each year and we are looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”The competition takes inspiration from the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, who took up painting as a career at the age of 78.

Central Coast Council is encouraging local producers to register to be part of the 2018 Harvest Festival following a fruitful first event this year.More than 10,000 people attended the two day Festival in June, despite the unfavourable weather, with visitors hailing it a success and keen to come back next year.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, is calling on local farmers, businesses and event organisers to be a part of the popular Festival promoting the hidden gems of our valleys and mountains to be held in June 2018.“We will be reproducing the Harvest Festival next year that celebrates the fantastic local produce and the producers in our region, showcasing their diversity through a range of events and activities,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are looking to support a range of unique events and activities that will add to our diverse Festival calendar for the Coast.“It’s a great time to make your next big idea happen for the valleys and mountains, as we also have just opened our new-look grants and sponsorship funding program so the timing is perfect to look for funding for your event.”Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open to participate in the Festival – which could be as simple as farm gate sales, markets, ticketed and dining experiences, music events, art installations or community events.Events will be held across six hubs at Peats Ridge, Calga, Somersby, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong.

Woy Woy Library has received more than $188,000 under the Public Library Infrastructure Grants 2016/17 program, to create an exhibition space within the library which will showcase a unique collection of original Spike Milligan family memorabilia.The proposed museum-quality Spike Milligan Exhibition Space (SMES) is set to attract visitors from around the globe, due to the culturally significant collection of photographs, recordings, video, realia and diaries.Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said the exhibition space is an opportunity to honour the legacy of the world-famous comedian who took Woy Woy to the world stage.

Central Coast Council is calling on local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and individuals with great ideas to improve the community, to apply for funding under the new Community Grants and Sponsorship Program.The program amounts to over $1.4 million.Council’s revamped funding program aims to simplify applications and better support and build capacity across the entire Central Coast community.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said Council’s Community Grants and Sponsorship Program is all about giving the community more opportunities to apply for funding to support their community projects, events, programs and initiatives.“This is a chance to think outside the square to deliver unique and innovative projects or events to the Coast that really make a difference,” Mr Reynolds said.“No matter how big or small, we want to hear all your ideas as we want to see programs come to life that will highlight the Central Coast.”There are a number of new categories in Council’s community grants program:Community Partnership GrantCommunity Development GrantPlace Activation GrantCommunity Support GrantHeritage GrantAwarding Sponsorship ProgramChan Valley Colliery Community Funding.Applications are now open and will close on Friday 15 September.To help applicants get a better understanding of each category and how to apply to make their project happen, Council is hosting a number of information sessions across the Coast.

Parking on all four levels of the Wilson Road Carpark is now available following completion of construction works, creating 110 extra parking spaces for the Terrigal CBD.Finishing touches are continuing on the $2.3 million project that include a lift within the carpark and CCTV cameras.The official completion of works – as of Wednesday 16 August – follows the re-opening of Levels 1 and 2 of the carpark on Thursday 27 July.Council will now focus on the investment of almost $2.2 million for improvements to the Terrigal CBD’s pedestrian and traffic flow – thanks to the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.Works will also be undertaken on revitalising the Terrigal Lagoon Foreshore, with $825,000 invested into the redevelopment of the play space in the Rotary Park as well as the proposed construction of a skate park.Council will continue to work with local residents and the business community to keep them informed on the progress of these upcoming infrastructure upgrades.Council would like to thank the Terrigal community for their patience and understanding during these important upgrade works.

Central Coast Council has today welcomed the NSW Minister for Transport, the Hon Andrew Constance MP’s, announcement of an on-demand commuter shuttle bus service trial on the Peninsula.The announcement comes as a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking across NSW is currently underway.

Central Coast Council celebrated Early Childhood Education Week across its eight education and care centres that involved, educated and inspired the entire industry.Early Childhood Education Week is a chance to showcase Council’s invaluable service to the community with the provision of high quality early childhood education and care that supports the needs of local families.Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council’s eight centres have planned a massive week of events for their children, families and the community.“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,” Ms Vaughan said.“This week’s special program of events will highlight the services we provide to the children’s families and wider community.“We have a great program for our children that not only encourage their imagination and build on their interests, but also promote a healthy and active lifestyle through fresh cooked meals and daily fun exercises.“Some of our centres also have their own herb and vegetable gardens, where the children get great enjoyment from seeing the food they grow end up in their daily cooked meals – a popular feature with parents and carers.“We are also currently expanding our bush kindy program that takes the children ‘beyond the gate’ to explore the natural environment around them.”These programs, and more, will be on show this week as the Council centres highlight the quality care, teaching and learning programs available across the centres at Kanwal, Kariong, Niagara Park, Northlakes, Terrigal, Toukley, Wyong and Umina.Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said it’s great to see each of the centres so actively involved in the local community.“Council’s education and care centres are all not-for-profit – which means you’re getting your value for money,” Mr Reynolds said.“Being a Council-run childcare centre, the centres work closely with other departments to give children in their care important tips on surf safety, recycling, road safety, and so much more.“If you’re looking for quality care for your child, I encourage you to call us today and make an appointment to pop in and see for yourself the great programs and quality care we can provide to help your child grow.”Find out more on Council’s education and care centres by calling 4350 5181 or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/childcare

Artists from around the nation are invited to enter the 2017 Gosford Art Prize and Gosford Ceramic Prize, for a chance to share in over $20,000 in prizes.Now in its 18th year, the annual program offers artists the opportunity to showcase their talents in a competition recognised across Australia.Central Coast Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan, said that local and national artists are encouraged to enter this prestigious competition.“Last year we received over 560 entries from over 420 artists across Australia, so we are very excited to see the creativity and variety or works in this year’s competition,” said Ms Vaughan.“The exhibition is a fantastic platform for artists, as it’s an opportunity for locals to compete with artists from around Australia.“We are also excited about the increase in the number of contemporary ceramics entries after the addition of the Gosford Ceramic Prize in 2014.

Central Coast Council is holding an Open Day aimed at showing the community a number of creative possibilities across the Coast to help them manage stress and anxiety.Experience, Explore, Be More will be held on Thursday 24 August and will see 22 different creative classes, activities or workshops held at 16 venues across the Coast – and it’s all FREE!Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said this is a great way to bring the community together and improve the quality of life on the Coast.“Our centres offer a diverse range of possibilities to help our community, but many of our residents may not know they exist,” Mr Reynolds said.“This Open Day will help the community to explore the Coast and experience new ways of managing their anxiety and stress and connecting with each other.”One of the highlights will be an author talk by Belinda Ingels on her book: