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
Local university students have a rare opportunity to gain practical work skills as part of Central Coast Council’s 2019 scholarship program.The annual program will provide four first or second-year university students with an outstanding opportunity to combine study with paid employment with one of the Coast’s largest organisations.Council’s Executive Manager People and Culture, Kellie Reeves, said Council is looking for bright, talented and enthusiastic students who want to gain local workforce experience.“This program is designed to encourage participation in undergraduate studies by offering scholarship opportunities exclusively to our local students who are looking for a step up into their career,” Ms Reeves said.“Currently, only 14% of Central Coast residents have a bachelor or higher university degree.
Central Coast Council is encouraging the community to learn more about the consequences of plastic pollution at the free screening of, ALBATROSS, next Friday 31 August.Screened in partnership with Seabird Rescue Central Coast, the film delivers on Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) by providing ongoing educational initiatives to help maintain the Coast’s natural assets.Council Mayor Jane Smith said the film has universal appeal and draws many parallels to the issues impacting our local waterways and coastal areas.“Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that needs to be addressed at local, national and international levels,” Mayor Smith said.“The impacts of littering and single use plastic waste are often unseen as it finds its ways into rivers, streams and eventually our oceans.”This film shows the catastrophic consequences of this plastic waste, which is literally suffocating our precious ecosystems.“If we want to preserve the incredible natural beauty of our lagoons, lakes and beaches we have to ensure we take the time and effort to refuse, reuse, reduce and recycle.”Council Learning and Education Unit Manager, Beth Burgess, said the film displayed a beautiful yet confronting look at the environmental tragedy caused by our complicit reliance on plastic.“This award winning and powerful film will draw you in and leave you contemplating the impact of our disposable society and what we can all do about it,” Mrs Burgess said.“The film is based on Midway Island, in the remote North Pacific Ocean, and with a population of only 50 you could be fooled into thinking it has escaped the devastation of plastic pollution, though nothing could be further from the truth.“ALBATROSS is an incredible film – its exquisite cinematography instantly captures the audience’s attention to promote one of the most important messages of our time.“It is a must see so reserve your seat today!”The free screening of ALBATROSS will be held at The Hub, Erina Fair, Friday 31 August at 7.30pm, followed by a short presentation from Seabird Rescue Central Coast.
Central Coast Council is inviting lovers of comedy and history to an open day to celebrate the recently unveiled Spike Milligan Exhibition Space at Woy Woy Library on Saturday 1 September, 9.30am-12.30pm.The first 100 attendees on the day will receive a limited edition commemorative Milligan tote bag.Benjamin Hartley, Section Manager Library Futures and Planning wanted to thank the community for their patience while this one-of-a-kind space in honour of the comedic legend was created.“This event is our way of showing our appreciation to the community for their understanding while we carried out works to provide a more active and flexible learning space,” Mr Hartley said.“The permanent Spike Milligan Exhibition provides a unique collection of memorabilia that pays tribute to the beloved entertainer, his family and their special connection to Woy Woy and the surrounding suburbs.“Come along and view the exhibition at your own leisure or join our incredibly passionate and knowledgeable Local History Librarian, Geoff Potter, who will be guiding visitors through the display and answering questions.“The brand new short film ‘The Milligans of Woy Woy’, which was created especially for the Exhibition, will be on loop in the small theatrette.“Art displays created by local schools, which will be incorporated into the Milligan collection, will also be revealed.”The morning will offer numerous 'Spike' themed activities for the children to enjoy including face painting, craft and a special Ning Nang Nong Storytime that will be held on the new deck at 10.30am.The morning will also celebrate the 70 year anniversary of Woy Woy Library, which was the first branch to open its doors to the Central Coast community on 13 August 1948 in the former Woy Woy Shire Council Chambers building, from where the library operates today.The Spike Milligan Exhibition and refurbishment was made possible thanks to an $188,429 Library Council of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant and Central Coast Council.Find out more about the Milligan's connection to the region at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/spikemilliganexhibition/ENDSPhotos of Spike Milligan and the Exhibition are available on request.
Central Coast Council understands community concern over the use of herbicides in light of recent news coverage around the USA civil law suit connected to ‘RoundUp’ a commonly used herbicide.Council’s Unit Manager of Natural and Environmental Assets, Luke Sulkowski, said that the health and safety of Council workers and the community are taken very seriously and Council ensure responsible practices are in place for the safe use of herbicides whilst protecting the environment.“Council applies herbicides containing glyphosate for the purpose of weed control within the Central Coast Local Government Area.
Central Coast Council is urging all residents and businesses to use water wisely in the wake of the state-wide drought impacting NSW.Council Senior Manager for Water and Sewer, Bileen Nel said that whilst total water storage levels for the Central Coast are in a relatively healthy position, Council is closely monitoring water levels.“Our total water storage levels are currently at 59.8 percent,” Ms Nel said.“The infrastructure we have built over several years and the strategies we have implemented mean that our total water storage levels are currently in a good position.“This being said, the prolonged dry weather has had an impact on our total water storage levels.“If the current dry conditions continue it may be necessary to introduce water restrictions in the future.“In the meantime, we want our community to continue to use water when they need to, but to remember to use it efficiently.“It’s easy to forget the simple ways we can reduce our water usage – like turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers or using a trigger nozzle on your hose – but these actions can make a difference.“By simply taking a few steps to be more water wise, we can help conserve this precious resource for the future.”Water restrictions were last introduced on the Central Coast in 2002 when total water storage levels dropped to approximately 43 percent during the Millennium Drought.The point for introducing water restrictions is based on a range of factors including water demands, seasonal outlook, population growth and best practice water resource management.To help the community use water resources wisely, the Central Coast has permanent water wise rules including:
Central Coast Council is inviting young people aged 14-24 to be part of a Youth Action Team which will make youth-led initiatives happen in our community.Applications have opened for membership of Y4Y (Youth for Youth), a team of 10-12 young people who will advocate, advise and act on youth issues.Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said Council hoped the team would attract a mix of members who will represent the needs of young people from across the Coast.“During its 15-month term, Y4Y will help develop the Council’s youth strategy, run a youth forum and develop other events, resources or activities for young people,” Ms Vaughan said.“We are looking for young people who are keen to develop leadership skills and want to be actively involved in enhancing the Coast as a great place to live, work and play.As part of achieving the team’s purpose to ‘make it happen’, members will meet regularly, attend a leadership camp and participate in skills development.Mayor Jane Smith said Y4Y provides a way to engage and empower young people.“Young people aged between 12 and 24 represent 15.3% of the Coast population or more than 50,000 people,” Mayor Smith said.“They are an important part of our community, both now and in the future.“We are committed to providing our young people with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and to effectively contribute to the community.”Applications close 17 October.Detailscentralcoast.nsw.gov.au/Y4YFAQsWhat will Y4Y do?Provide opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills.Create youth-based initiatives and ideas for our community.Develop and deliver events such as an annual youth forum, activities and resources for young people.Recognise, celebrate and promote the efforts and achievements of young people.Who can be involved?Young people aged 14-24 who live, work or study on the Central Coast.Young people who want to make a difference and can commit for 15 months.Young people who want to grow their leadership skills.Key datesApplications close:
Central Coast Stadium is proudly continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting local football, as local rugby league, union and soccer teams take to the field this September for their junior division grand finals.Central Coast Council Acting Director Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Boris Bolgoff said that supporting the local teams with their junior grand finals is a long-standing tradition for the grounds of the stadium.“Local rugby league and union teams have played their junior grand finals on the grounds of Central Coast Stadium – formerly Grahame Park – for decades before it was even built,” said Mr Bolgoff.“Since its construction in 2000, the stadium has been proud to honour the legacy that came with the hallowed grounds of Grahame Park, and support our local rugby and union football clubs.“In 2014 the stadium took the next natural step in supporting our local teams and welcomed soccer teams from Central Coast Football to the grounds for their soccer junior grand finals for the first time – and they have been back to the stadium every year since.”Central Coast Stadium will play host to the following grand finals:2 September:
Central Coast Council, with the assistance of environmental specialist consultants, is digging test pits and undertaking air quality monitoring along Terrigal and Wamberal Beach this week as it implements parts of the recommendation in the risk management plan.