Your BusinessBigger Backyard boosts local economyMore than 500 Central Coast businesses have signed up to boost the local economy by committing to buying and sourcing equipment and supplies within the region.Since its launch in May, the Bigger Backyard program has attracted a total commitment from businesses to spend more than $25million with other local businesses this year.

Your HYGIENESoap dispensers in toilet blocksSoap dispensers will be installed in all Council-run public toilet blocks across the Coast, where possible and within available funding.Vandal guards will also be installed on 20 dispensers in blocks considered to be at high risk of vandalism.Council has not installed soap dispensers in the past because there are often high rates of vandalism in public toilets.

Magpie breeding season has begun and we remind the community to take precaution around places where magpies and other swooping birds nest.

Your HealthReach out for helpThe constantly changing news and restrictions about COVID-19 can affect your mental health, leading to anxiety and even depression.Restrictions on visiting friends, elderly family members and celebrating milestones and events such as birthdays, school graduations and weddings are also creating distress for many people.Others may be concerned about going out and risking contracting the virus when they are using public transport or in busy shopping centres.Whatever your concern, it’s important to acknowledge it and to seek help if it is affecting your wellbeing.We’ve provided a comprehensive list of support services and resources on our website – as well as general mental health support, we’ve also included links for specific issues such as domestic violence, homelessness or practical help.

Your childrenStories tap into kids' concernsYoung children often don’t have the language or emotional capacity to voice their anxiety or express fears about the natural disasters which may be happening around them.We have recorded a special online storytime series to help parents and carers tap into youngsters’ fears and concerns about COVID and the other environmental crises we’ve experienced in the past year.Following the adventures of “Birdie” and her friends, the Growing Together Through Natural Disasters series has been filmed for Council’s popular Coast Connect YouTube channel.

Amazing young locals named in new Y4Y Action Team Council has named five new Y4Y (Youth For Youth) action team members, to represent young people on the Central Coast over the next 15 months.The newly appointed team members range from 14 to 24 years and include young people who live, work or study on the Central Coast.

Your CouncilCheck in with a QR code!Dropping in to ask our customer service team a question?

Your OutdoorsSafe Summer funWith school holidays on and summer just around the corner, everyone’s keen to head outdoors to enjoy the weather.  With an expected influx of visitors over the school holidays we have put in place plans to keep the Coast COVID-safe.Please remember, Public Health Orders requiring social distancing and restricting public gatherings to under 20 people still apply outdoors.New signs are in place at all Town Centres reminding visitors about public health warnings around no large gatherings, social distancing, encouraging mask use and hand sanitation.Our beaches are among our most popular spots but all beachgoers must follow COVID-safe behaviour. A good way to remember to socially distance there is to keep a towel’s length between you and anyone who doesn’t live with you.

Your CommunityFind our outdoor ‘gems’!With warm weather arriving, our outdoor areas are getting busy as locals and visitors flock to our beaches and well-known tourist attractions.In a bid to avoid over-crowding at popular locations, why not take the opportunity to discover some of the Coast’s ‘hidden outdoor gems’?We’re blessed with plenty of outdoor spots.

Council is pleased to welcome the new members of its Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG) for the 2020-2021 financial year. The Reference Group will provide guidance on the implementation of the final year of the current Disability Inclusion Action Plan and advise Council on the development of a new four-year Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2021-2025.