Council is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Entrance Community Centre by hosting an open day on Tuesday 10 September.The community is invited to attend the special event which will include market and food stalls, an art exhibition, Men’s Shed BBQ, Aboriginal smoking ceremony, performances by The Entrance Public School and music.

Central Coast Council is helping undergraduates build their careers and work alongside professionals in a range of fields, from Engineering to Social Sciences.

NSW’s largest indigenous sporting event is coming to the Central Coast over the October long weekend - bringing an abundance of sports entertainment and tourists to our region.

Central Coast Council is calling on residents to be water-wise by “living to 150L” and has launched new online tools to help them do just that.“Love water:

SportsFest returns once again in September, providing Central Coast residents with an opportunity to find a new way to get active through a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.This family-friendly free event will be held over the weekend of 21-22 September, from 9am-5pm, at Bateau Bay’s EDSACC sporting precinct on the Central Coast Highway. Central Coast Council Director of Environment and Planning Scott Cox said the event was a great opportunity for people of all ages to find new ways to get active across the Coast.“SportsFest showcases the vast array of sport and recreational opportunities available across our community through come and try activities, professional demonstrations, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a dedicated Kidz Zone,” said Mr Cox.“Over 40 sporting codes and organisations have already secured their place as exhibitors with options catering for all abilities, ages and interests.”Mayor Jane Smith says Council is proud to be running SportsFest once again and providing a fun and free community event which promotes healthy and active lifestyles.“There are many ways to connect and be active in our sports community – whether it be through active participation, volunteering or spectator support and Sportsfest provides an opportunity for residents of all ages and abilities to see what we have on offer,” Mayor Smith said.“We are pleased to invest in an event that not only appeals to all ages, but also supports local businesses, groups and organisations that encourage active lifestyles.”SportsFest’s proud partnerships include NSW Office of Sport, Sport NSW, Central Coast Academy of Sport and official media sponsor, Star 104.5 FM.For more information on SportsFest 2019 go to Centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/SportsFestTo stay up to date with event news and updates, follow the SportsFest Facebook page

Central Coast Council is calling for feedback on the draft Landcare Program strategy which is now on exhibition. Central Coast Mayor Jane Smith said the strategy aimed to bring together Council’s environmental volunteers under one program.“We are investing in the work of volunteers because they are on the front line in protecting the Coast’s environment,” Mayor Smith said. “From restoring their local patch and collecting and propagating seeds to park maintenance and rubbish removal, our volunteers are making a big difference at the grass roots level. “The natural environment is important to our community who want to see it protected and enhanced in the future.“This draft strategy proposes a new identity for the program and identifies ways to expand that enables greater participation in the future. “Our staff have worked with the volunteers to develop the Strategy, now it is time for the community, along with the existing volunteers to have their say.” The draft Landcare Program Strategy is on exhibition until 12 September 2019 and is available from Council’s engagement website.

Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to be a good sport by donating pre-loved sporting equipment in the lead up to this year’s SportsFest – with not-for-profit organisation Fair Game Australia appointed to manage the distribution of all donations back into our local community where they are needed most.Mayor Jane Smith said the donation drive would help our community overcome some of the barriers to participation in sport and recreation. “Living a healthy and active life is important to all of us, but for some families there are limited finances available to invest in suitable equipment, clothing and accessories,” Mayor Smith said. “Council is proud to partner with Fair Game Australia to ensure under-serviced local communities have the equipment to participate in sport and lead active lifestyles.   “We are committed to providing opportunities to improve the physical and social wellbeing of our community and this charity drive, alongside our annual SportsFest event is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve this. “I encourage you to collect and donate pre-loved, good condition or nearly-new sports equipment for this important cause.” Fair Game Australia aims to create an equitable, healthier and sustainable Australia by distributing the recycled sports equipment for use in disadvantaged communities. Nathan Stone, NSW Chair of Fair Game said that through the provision of recycled sports equipment they can run fitness and health education programs that reduce the risk of lifestyle related disease, build social cohesion and improve mental well-being."Fair Game is excited to partner with SportsFest to donate as much recycled sports equipment as possible to charities working in under-serviced communities across the Central Coast and surrounds.

Local high school students will get the opportunity to discover the roles and responsibilities of Councillors when Central Coast Council hosts its annual Future Council program.Hosted in partnership with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, the program provides a practical learning experience on civics, citizenship and local government decision making for Years 9 and 10 students. Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said during the mock debate students will deliberate on real issues they are passionate about and cast a vote on behalf of their community, just like our elected Councillors do.“This innovative program provides students with a rare chance to sit in the chairs of our elected Councillors and obtain insight into the skills and knowledge required to make decisions that affect residents of their community,” Ms Vaughan said.“This forum sees students explore environmental, social and economic issues in a format that is engaging and interactive.“What makes the day special for students is that the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will be in the Chair providing guidance and feedback so it gives them an authentic experience of an Ordinary Council Meeting.“We work closely with our local schools, making sure the topics relate to the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to experience decision making on topics that could occur in our local government area.”Students participating in the forums will use mock business papers to debate issues including Urban Forests Greening the Central Coast, Light Rail between Gosford and The Entrance, development application for a green waste facility in a residential area, securing water supply during drought, climate change mitigation, the proposed development of a Tip Shop at Council’s Waste Facilities, community energy programs and more.Mayor Jane Smith said Future Council was a highlight on her annual calendar and was enthusiastic about debating local issues with the region’s future leaders.“I am really proud to be able to take an active role in this this program that provides a forum where young people can express views on issues they are passionate about, build self-confidence and encourage community connectedness,” Mayor Smith said.“With young people making up 25 percent of our population we want more of this demographic to participate in civic life and their community as the decisions we make now impact their future.“I hope we can inspire some of our local students to one day run for public office themselves and represent their community.”Local schools taking part in Future Council include Lakes Grammar, Wyong High School, St Peters Catholic College, Northlakes High School, St Brigid's Catholic College, Central Coast Steiner School, Wadalba Community School, Narara Valley High School, Erina High School, St Joseph's Catholic College, Gosford High School, Brisbane Water Secondary College - Umina Campus, St Edwards College, Kincumber High School, Kariong Mountains High School and Brisbane Water Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus.Mayor Jane Smith will chair the session on Tuesday 27 August in Gosford with Deputy Mayor Chris Holstein chairing the session in Wyong on Thursday 29 August, with debates getting underway at 9.40am.ENDS

Due to the need to carry out urgent maintenance works the bridge on the Pacific Highway at Kangy Angy, between Old Tuggerah Road and Dalgety Road, will be reduced to one lane from 27 August 2019.Traffic will still be able to pass through the area under traffic control signals but may experience delays.Community members are reminded to follow the directions of traffic control carefully to ensure their safety and the safety of others.Works will take place between 6am and 7pm and will take approximately six months to complete.

Central Coast Council is inviting the community to have their say on the draft Community Participation Plan (CPP) now on exhibition.The draft CPP will work alongside the Central Coast Engagement Framework, adopted by Council in January 2017, to ensure the community continues to be informed about planning matters and development proposals that affect them, as well as have meaningful and considered opportunities to participate in strategic planning.Council Director Scott Cox said the draft Plan had been designed to make participation in planning clearer for the Central Coast community by identifying opportunities and timeframes available for community input on strategy development, plan making and proposed development decisions.“It also details our community participation objectives including utilising the knowledge, ideas and expertise of our community, improving the processes that generate two-way engagement and creating a shared sense of purpose, direction and understanding to manage growth and change, while preserving local character,” Mr Cox said.Mayor Jane Smith said by participating in the planning process, the community can be a part of helping manage growth and change in the region, while also ensuring the character of local neighbourhoods and values that are important are protected.“As a large and growing region we need to ensure that the decisions we make and the development we deliver is sustainable now and in the future,” Mayor Smith said. “That is why it is important the community is part of the planning process and have a say on how their neighbourhoods and how our region will develop.“We are listening to you and your opinions.