Local sporting groups, players and community members have been enjoying upgraded amenities at Buff Point and Halekulani Ovals, with new facilities in use since the start of the 2025 winter sports season.Proudly funded by $2.8 million from the NSW Government, the projects were delivered by Central Coast Council and have created modern, functional and accessible spaces to support local sport and community connection.Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is pleased to support projects which encourage community members to enjoy the outdoors.“Outdoor facilities like the ones at Buff Point and Halekulani Oval encourage sports lovers, their families and friends to get outdoors for exercise and connection,” Minister Moriarty said. “It’s great to see the community embracing them for the winter sports season and I look forward to seeing that extend into the warmer months too.”Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the upgrades replaced ageing amenities buildings with facilities that meet current standards and better serve community needs.“The new buildings were designed in consultation with local sporting groups to ensure they reflect how our community uses these spaces – whether that’s for training, game day or simply gathering to enjoy local sport,” Ms Smith said.“Each facility prioritises functionality and inclusion, with features such as accessible toilets, accessible changerooms with showers, canteens, referee rooms and dedicated storage.”Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the new facilities are already making a positive difference for local sport.“It’s great to see the new buildings at Buff Point and Halekulani Ovals in use this season,” Mayor McKinna said.“Having spent most of my life involved in sport, I know how important good facilities are for players, clubs and the wider community.“With clubs like the Budgewoi Bulldogs, Budgewoi Netball, Central Coast Cricket and Central Coast Gridiron based in the region, these upgrades give teams facilities they can be proud of, helping to keep players engaged in sport and attract bigger crowds to games.”Project detailsAt Buff Point Oval, a $1.58 million upgrade saw the demolition of a 44-year-old amenities building and construction of a new facility with two change rooms with individually partitioned showers, unisex and accessible toilets, a canteen, a canteen store, a referee room, a club room, two storage areas and improved walkways.

Central Coast Council together with the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.Located on the top floor of the new Library, the ‘MakerSpace’ will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim to foster social connection, develop technical skills, encourage experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the MakerSpace will be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offers a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.“The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole,” Ms Smith said.“It is much more than a traditional library, and this collaboration with the University of Newcastle is indicative of what it can offer to other organisations and community groups, who want to utilise this extraordinary facility.”Under this agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.

Central Coast Council together with the University of Newcastle have announced an exciting collaboration in the soon-to-be completed Gosford Regional Library.Located on the top floor of the new Library, the ‘MakerSpace’ will provide an inclusive space for students, community members and local businesses to learn, create and innovate using low and high-tech equipment, with the aim to foster social connection, develop technical skills, encourage experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.The MakerSpace will be run by both Council and the University – ensuring it offers a service and opportunity for students and the broader community alike.The new Gosford Regional Library is a modern and iconic building in the heart of the Gosford central business district, which will add to the growing capabilities and offerings of the city and the region as a whole.Under the agreement, the University of Newcastle will provide modern equipment as well as the expertise of its staff to work alongside Council staff to deliver creative opportunities for the community and university students.

I’m excited that Council is partnering with the University of Newcastle to develop a new ‘maker space’ at the Gosford Regional Library.A maker space is a supportive community hub designed to inspire exploration, creativity, ideas sharing and self-directed learning. University experts will collaborate with Council to create a state-of-the-art space within the library, equipped with 3D printing machines, virtual reality goggles, sewing and Cricut machines, that will encourage skills development, critical thinking and experimentation.