Central Coast Council offices will be closed on the National Day of Mourning public holiday on 22 September 2022.

Good news for beach-lovers!The 2022-23 beach season will commence early this year, with the red and yellow flags to be placed in the sand on Thursday 22 September at many Central Coast Beaches. From Thursday, 10 of the 15 Central Coast beaches will be patrolled including Grant McBride Baths, ensuring the safety of those who intend to visit our scenic coastlines during the recently declared National Day of Mourning to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. On Friday 23 September, all 15 patrol sites will be open, alongside Grant McBride Baths.To kick off the first week of the 2022-23 beach patrol season, Central Coast Surf Life Saving Club’s official raising of the flag ceremony will take place this Saturday 24 September from 9am at Terrigal Beach.How to stay safe at the beachWhile many of our beaches will be supervised, everyone needs to be surf smart.When you visit one of our patrolled beach locations, you will be in good hands.Be sure to swim between the red and yellow flags, and to stay informed with weather updates and any subsequent beach closures on our Facebook page.If you’re a board rider, we ask that you keep outside the black and white flags on each side of the red and yellow flags, as these indicate the surf craft exclusion zone.While you enjoy our stunning Central Coast beaches, please keep in mind some important safety tips: Swim at supervised beaches onlyIf you get into difficulty, stay calm, raise your arm and yell for assistanceNever run or dive into the water, as the depth can change quicklyChildren should always be supervised by an adult at all aquatic locationsIf you are unsure of the conditions, ask a lifeguard or lifesaverAlways obey the signs which indicate any hazards presentAlways listen to the lifeguards and lifesavers Avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution. Be aware of obvious signs of pollution such as litter, odours and surface scums following heavy rain.  If you’re going rock fishing, be sure to plan ahead - wear appropriate safety equipment, let others know where you are going and carry a phone.SCHEDULE OF BEACH OPENINGBeaches scheduled for early patrol from Thursday, 22 September (9am - 5pm) include:Umina Beach Ocean BeachMacmasters Beach Avoca BeachTerrigal BeachShelly BeachToowoon BayThe Entrance Beach Entrance Tower ChannelSoldiers BeachGrant McBride BathsAdditional beaches patrolled from Friday 23 September (9am – 5pm) include:Killcare BeachCopacabana BeachNorth Avoca BeachWamberal BeachNorth Entrance BeachLakes BeachAll 15 Central Coast beaches, and the Grant McBride Baths will be patrolled from Friday, 23 September 2022 from 9am to 5pm with the season finishing on 25 April 2023. During the busy Christmas holiday period, from 19 December 2022 to 29 January 2023, all locations, including Budgewoi Beach, are patrolled for an extra hour - from 9am to 6pm. For more information and patrolled beach locations, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/beaches

Central Coast Council offices will be closed on the Labour Day public holiday on Monday 3 October 2022.

With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting significant rainfall of up to 80mm into the weekend, Central Coast Council is urging residents to prepare their property and to be ready for potential flash flooding at low lying areas or roads that are typically impacted.Based on the forecasting we are not expecting water levels to reach the minor flood level at Tuggerah Lakes;

October is Mental Health Month and to raise awareness around this important issue, Central Coast Council is running a range of mental health training workshops to upskill community leaders who are the “accidental counsellors” in our community.These workshops will utilise technology to strengthen social networks and raise awareness around signs and symptoms of someone with a mental health issue.Over the past two years the Central Coast community has been hit with and continues to experience a number of disasters including floods, bushfires and Covid-19.According to the Blackdog Institute, severe psychological distress is common after these types of catastrophic natural disasters.

Today, Tuesday 10 October 2022, is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the theme for 2022 is 'early warning and early action for all'. This is a good reminder to ensure you are familiar with the Australian Warning System (AWS), which is a new national approach to information and warnings during emergencies (like bushfire, flood, storm, extreme heat and severe weather).

Spring has sprung;

After two long years of lockdowns, National Tree Day was officially back in July 2022 ….

The dedicated work of our wonderful volunteers not only has a positive impact on the Central Coast environment and it’s amazing ecosystems but being outdoors amongst like-minded people and working to make a difference can help improve our physical and mental health.

We all know the Central Coast has some beautiful natural areas.